Objective To explore the mechanism of ubiquitin specific peptidase 21 (USP21) increasing the stability of forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) and promoting M2 polarization of macrophages in endometriosis (EM). Methods Eutopic endometrial stromal cells (EESC) collected from patients and normal endometrial stromal cells (NESC) from routine health examiners were cultured in vitro, and the expression levels of USP21 and FOXM1 were detected using RT-qPCR and Western blot. EESCs were co-cultured with macrophages. M1 polarization markers of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and CXC chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) and M2 polarization markers of CD206 and fibronectin 1 (FN1) were tested using RT-qPCR. M2 marker CD206 was further detected by flow cytometry. IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-10, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) levels in cell supernatant were detected by ELISA. Co-immunoprecipitation was used to assess the interaction between USP21 and FOXM1, and the ubiquitination level of FOXM1. FOXM1 protein stability was detected through cycloheximide (CHX) assay. Results USP21 and FOXM1 expression levels in the EESC group were significantly increased compared with those in the NESC group; compared with the NESC + M0 group, the EESC + M0 group showed no significant difference in the expression of M1 polarization markers (IL-6 and CXCL10), but increased expression of M2 polarization markers (CD206 and FN1), along with notably increased number of M2 macrophages; there was no significant difference in IL-6 and TNF-α levels, but increased levels of IL-10 and TGF-β in the cell supernatant. The above findings indicated that the deubiquitinase USP21 was highly expressed in EM, promoting M2 polarization of macrophages. Knocking down USP21 or FOXM1 can inhibit M2 polarization of EM macrophages. USP21 interacted with FOXM1 in EESC, leading to a decrease in FOXM1 ubiquitination level and an increase in FOXM1 protein stability. Overexpression of FOXM1 reversed the inhibitory effect of knocking down USP21 on M2 polarization of EM macrophages. Conclusion The deubiquitinase USP21 interacts with FOXM1 to increase the stability of FOXM1 and promote M2 polarization of EM macrophages.
Humans ; Forkhead Box Protein M1/genetics* ; Female ; Macrophages/cytology* ; Endometriosis/genetics* ; Ubiquitin Thiolesterase/genetics* ; Cells, Cultured ; Endometrium/metabolism* ; Ubiquitination ; Adult ; Interleukin-10/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Protein Stability ; Stromal Cells/metabolism*

Objective:To explore the effects of transcription factor adenovirus E4 promoter-binding protein(E4BP4)in regulating pathological myocardial fibrosis through the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)-transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1/Smad homolog 3(SMAD3)pathway.Methods:A mouse model of myocardial fibrosis was established,and the expression of E4BP4 was determined in the model group and the sham-operation group.Primary cardiac fibroblasts were isolated,cultured,activated by angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ),and divided into the following groups:Ang Ⅱ+E4BP4 group(transfected with E4BP4 overexpression plasmids),Ang Ⅱ+siE4BP4 group(transfected with E4BP4 interfering plasmids),Ang Ⅱ group,and control group(without Ang Ⅱtreatment).The fluorescence intensity of ɑ-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)was determined by the immunofluorescence assay,the cell viability by the cell counting kit,the expression of E4BP4,α-SMA,collagen type Ⅰ(collagen Ⅰ),and collagen type Ⅲ(collagen Ⅲ)by polymerase chain reaction,and the protein expression of TGF-β1,AMPK,and SMAD3 by Western blot.Results:Compared with the sham-operation group,the model group showed significantly in-creased myocardial fibrosis degree(38.46±1.21 vs.3.39±0.39,t=-78.564,P=0.000)and E4BP4 protein expression(0.96±0.03 vs.0.75±0.03,t=-11.480,P=0.000).In vitro experiments found that the mean fluorescence intensity(0.05±0.01 vs.0.42±0.03,F=677.591,P=0.000),cell viability(91.30±2.39 vs.123.74±2.60,F=132.696,P=0.000),and the levels of α-SMA(1.26±0.09 vs.3.59±0.86,F=52.274,P=0.000),collagen Ⅰ(1.16±0.11 vs.3.79±0.89,F=55.336,P=0.000),collagen Ⅲ(1.23±0.13 vs.2.92±0.36,F=119.929,P=0.000),TGF-β1(0.66±0.04 vs.0.96±0.02,F=142.954,P=0.000),and p-SMAD3/SMAD3(0.81±0.03 vs.1.37±0.02,F=739.609,P=0.000)in the Ang Ⅱ+siE4BP4 group were significantly lower than those in the Ang Ⅱ+E4BP4 group.The expression of p-AMPK/AMPK in the Ang Ⅱ+siE4BP4 group was significantly higher than that in the Ang Ⅱ+E4BP4 group(0.89±0.01 vs.0.58±0.02,F=284.541,P=0.000).Conclusion:E4BP4 plays a crucial role in the regulation of fibrosis.Inhibition of E4BP4 expression exerts an anti-fibrotic effect by activating AMPK and inhibiting TGF-β1/SMAD3 pathway.

Objective To analyze the burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease(ASCVD)attributable to lifestyle and metabolic factors in China from 1990 to 2021 and predict its future trends,providing evidence for public health prevention and control.Methods Based on the Global Burden of Disease(GBD)2021 database,we extracted disability-adjusted life years(DALYs)of ASCVD attributable to 7 key risk factors:dietary,low physical activity,smoking,high body mass index(BMI),high fasting blood glucose,high low-density lipid cholesterol(LDL-C),and hypertension.Age-standardized DALY rates(ASDR)were also calculated to account for variations in age structure,and an ARIMA model was applied to predict future trends.Results ① Overall trend analysis showed the leading risk factor for ischemic heart disease(IHD)shifted from dietary risks in 1990 to hypertension in 2021,while hypertension and smoking remained the primary risk factors for ischemic stroke(IS)and peripheral artery disease(PAD),respectively.② In BRICS nations,hypertension was the dominant risk factor for both IHD and IS,whereas in China,smoking and high fasting blood glucose continued to be the major drivers of PAD burden.③ Sex-specific analysis revealed that hypertension was the leading risk factor for IHD and IS in both males and females.For PAD,smoking was the main risk factor in males,while high fasting blood glucose was for females.Age-stratified analysis revealed that in the 15-49 age group,dietary,high LDL-C and smoking were the primary factor for IHD,IS and PAD,respectively;in the 50-69 group,dietary predominated IHD risk,hypertension IS,and smoking PAD;and among those aged≥70 years,hypertension was the leading risk factor for both IHD and IS,and high fasting blood glucose was for PAD.④ ARIMA model forecasted that by 2035,DALYs for IHD,IS,and PAD will increase to 82.816 million,46.808 million,and 0.192 million person-years,respectively.Conclusion The ASCVD burden attributable to lifestyle and metabolic factors continues to rise in China from 1990 to 2021,and is projected to further increase by 2035.Countermeasures We suggest that current prevention and control priorities are enhanced management of metabolic factors,tailored interventions by sex and age,promotion of healthy lifestyles and tobacco control,and establishment of an integrated system of prevention-treatment-rehabilitation-research.

To analyze the disease burden and trends of motor neuron disease(MND) in China and globally from 1990 to 2021, providing evidence for the formulation of relevant health strategies inChina.

AIM: To study the protective effect of fenofibrate on diabetic retinal neurodegeneration and observe its effect on miR-26a-5p and its target gene PTEN in the retinal of diabetic mice.METHODS: Diabetic mice models were established and they were gavaged by fenofibrate. H& E staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the impairments of retinal neurons. Real-time PCR was used to examine the expression of miR-26a-5p, and Western blotting was employed to measure the expression of phosphatase and tensin homologue(PTEN)in the retina of diabetic mice. The expression level of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB), interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and the morphology of neural tissues were observed.RESULTS: When compared with the diabetic mice, fenofibrate significantly attenuated the damage to retinal ganglion cells and the atrophy of retinal nerve fiber layer. While the level of miR-26a-5p was increased and the levels of PTEN and inflammatory mediators were significantly decreased in the retina of fenofibrate treated diabetic mice, with significant statistical significance(P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Fenofibrate protects against diabetic retinal neurodegeneration by upregulating miR-26a-5p and inhibiting PTEN, attenuating the inflammatory response and alleviating retinal cell injury.

Objective·To explore the role of advanced platelet-rich fibrin(A-PRF)in osteochondral regeneration.Methods·Bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)and knee joint chondrocytes were obtained from New Zealand rabbits.A-PRF was obtained by low-speed centrifugation of the heart blood of rabbits.The histological structure of A-PRF was observed by an optical microscope.The release of growth factors in A-PRF was detected by ELISA,including platelet-derived growth factor,transforming growth factor-β,insulin-like growth factor,vascular endothelial growth factor,epidermal growth factor and fibroblast growth factor.A-PRF's cytotoxicity and capability for promoting the proliferation of rabbit BMSCs were detected by live/dead double staining and MTT methods.The effect of A-PRF on the gene expression of type Ⅱ collagen,aggrecan,alkaline phosphatase(ALP)and osteocalcin(OCN)in rabbit BMSCs was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR).Transwell chambers were used to determine the effect of A-PRF on the migration ability of rabbit BMSCs and the chondrocytes.Rabbit knee osteochondral defect models were established,and 18 rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups.The A-PRF group(n=6)was implanted with A-PRF in the defect,the A-PRF+BMSCs group(n=6)was implanted with rabbit BMSCs on A-PRF,and the control group(n=6)did not undergo implantation.The rabbits were sacrificed 12 weeks after surgery and the knee joint specimens were stained with hematoxylin-eosin(H-E),toluidine blue and safranin O/fast green.Based on the surface morphology and histology of the knee joints,the International Cartilage Repair Society(ICRS)scoring system was used for macroscopic and histological scoring.Results·A-PRF had a loose network structure and can slowly release growth factors.No cytotoxicity to rabbit BMSCs was observed after adding A-PRF,and the the capability for promoting the proliferation of rabbit BMSCs was significantly increased at 24,48 and 72 h after adding A-PRF(all P<0.05).Chondrogenesis-related gene Ⅱ collagen and aggrecan,as well as osteogenesis-related genes ALP and OCN were significantly up-regulated(all P<0.05).After adding A-PRF,the migration abilities of rabbit BMSCs and chondrocytes were significantly enhanced(both P<0.05),and the migration ability of rabbit BMSCs was significantly higher than that of chondrocytes(P=0.025).The joint surface morphology in the rabbit knee joint defect models was observed.It can be seen that the defects in the A-PRF group and the A-PRF+BMSCs group were basically restored,while the the defects in the control group were only covered by soft tissue.In the ICRS macroscopic score,there was no statistical difference between the A-PRF group and the A-PRF+BMSCs group,but the scores of the two groups were all significantly higher than those of the control group(all P<0.05).According to the histological results,both the A-PRF group and the A-PRF+BMSCs group formed osteochondral repair,but the cartilage in the A-PRF group was more mature,while the control group formed fibrous repair.In the ICRS histological score,there was no statistical difference between the A-PRF group and the A-PRF+BMSCs group,but the scores of both the groups were significantly higher than those of the control group(both P<0.05).Conclusion·Autologous A-PRF has good biocompatibility and the capability for promoting the proliferation of BMSCs.It can promote the repair of cartilage and subchondral bone both in vitro and in vivo.

Objective To compare the superiority of total arterial revascularization in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) complicated with left ventricular dysfunction. Methods This retrospective study included the patients who were diagnosed with CAD and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≤40% and underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) at our hospital from January 2016 to July 2019. The patients were divided into two groups according to the different types of bypass vessels: a total arterial revascularization group (TAR group) and a conventional group (a CON group). The clinical data were compared between the two groups to explore the incidence of important complications and evaluate the safety of total arterial revascularization and its protective effect on cardiac function. Results Finally 75 patients were enrolled including 52 males and 23 females with a mean age of (61.58±7.93) years. There were 35 patients in the TAR group and 40 patients in the CON group. The operation time and the drainage volume at 24 hours after operation in the TAR group were longer or more than those in the CON group (P<0.001), but there was no statistical difference in hospital stay, postoperative complications (such as respiratory failure, mediastinal infection, renal failure), intra-aortic balloon pump or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use rate (P>0.05). After 2 years of follow-up, compared with the CON group, the cardiac function of the TAR group was significantly improved, the LVEF was higher, the left ventricular end diastolic diameter was reduced, and the graft stenosis rate was lower (all P<0.05). Conclusion Total arterial revascularization is a safe and feasible surgical method, which is helpful to improve the cardiac function and improve the quality of life.

Objective To investigate the effects of microRNA-26a-5p(miR-26a-5p)on high glucose-induced retina Müller activation and apoptosis by regulating PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,and the potential mechanism of diabetic retinal neurodegeneration.Methods Various concentrations of high glucose were added into rMC-1 culture.CCK-8 and flow cytometry was used to examine cell proliferation and apoptosis respectively.The regulatory effects of miR-26a-5p on the expressions of PTEN,PI3K and Akt were observed by real-time PCR;the expression levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in Müller cells were examined by ELISA.The data were processed by Graphpad 8.0 software.Results Müller cells grew actively in high-glucose stimulation culture.Compared with the control group,the activity of Müller cells stimulated by 50 mmol/L glucose increased gradually at 12 h and 24 h,but decreased at 48 h after stimulation,when Müller cells apoptosis increased.The difference between the groups was statistically significant(P＜0.05).The expression of miRNA-26a-5p decreased,that of PTEN increased,and those of PI3K and Akt decreased.Meanwhile,IL-1β and IL-6 levels were significantly increased in Müller cells.miR-26a-5p over-expression alleviated injuries to high glucose stimulated retinal Müller cells by inhibiting PTEN,which upregulated the expression of PI3K/Akt and downregulation of IL-1β and IL-6(P＜0.01).Conclusion Upregulating miR-26a-5p protects Müller cells against apoptosis,probably through regulation of PTEN/PI3K/Akt and affecting the production of inflammatory factors.

[Objective] To analyze the characteristics of HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-DRB1, HLA-C, HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DPB1 allele polymorphisms among cord blood donors in Guangdong population. [Methods] According to HLA high resolution genotyping data of 32 717 samples of cord blood donors from Guangdong Cord Blood Bank from January 2009 to December 2023, the allele frequencies were calculated by direct counting and the haplotype frequencies were calculated by using Arlequin software 3.5.2.2. [Results] A total of 102 HLA-A alleles, 160 HLA-B alleles and 96 HLA-DRB1 alleles were detected in 32 717 samples. Among them, 46 HLA-DPB1 alleles were detected in 5 377 samples, and 66 HLA-C alleles and 35 HLA-DQB1 alleles were detected in 13 310 samples. The most common alleles were HLA-A^*11∶01 (28.96%), HLA-B^*40∶01 (15.23%), HLA-DRB1^*09∶01 (15.72%), HLA-C^*01∶02 (19.40%), HLA-DQB1^*03∶01 (20.85%) and HLA-DPB1^*05∶01 (40.79%). The most common 3 loci haplotype and 6 loci haplotype were HLA-A^*02∶07-B^*46∶01-DRB1^*09∶01 (1.55%), HLA-C^*07∶02-DQB1^*03∶01-DPB1^*05∶01 (1.77%), HLA-DRB1^*09∶01-DQB1^*03∶03-DPB1^*05∶01 (3.31%) and HLA-A^*02∶07-B^*46∶01-C^*01∶02-DRB1^*09∶01-DQB1^*03∶03-DPB1^*05∶01 (0.30%). [Conclusion] In this study, the allele and haplotype frequencies of HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-DRB1, HLA-C, HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DPB1 were obtained in the cord blood donors in Guangdong, which can provide important reference data for HLA gene related research and the selection of donors for clinical application.

In recent years,with the development of the bio-psycho-social medical model,more and more attention has been paid to the relationship between psycho-emotional factors and liver.According to traditional Chinese medicine theory,the liver is mainly responsible for catharsis and regulating emotion,which is closely related to emotion.Epidemiological studies have shown that all kinds of liver diseases are accompanied by different degrees of mental disorders,and mental and emotional abnormalities may promote the occurrence of liver diseases and affect the prognosis.Liver and emotion have a common pathogenesis in pathology,involving the dysfunction of nervous,endocrine and immune systems.Based on the basic theory of traditional Chinese medicine and modern medical research,this review analyzes the correlation between emotions and liver.At the same time,neurotransmitters,inflammatory cytokines,brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF),soluble epoxide hydrolase(sEH),intestinal microecology,hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis and hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid(HPT)axis,which summarizes the potential mechanisms of liver disease complicated with emotional disorders,and provides certain reference value for future theoretical research and clinical treatment.