Objective: To assess the causal association between specific oral microbiota and the risk of oral leukoplakia (OLK) using a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, and to elucidate the potential mediating role of immune cells. Methods: Summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of the oral microbiome, GWAS data for immune cell phenotypes, and GWAS summary statistics for OLK from FinnGen were used. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was adopted as the primary approach, and it was supplemented by MR Egger regression, simple mode, weighted median, and weighted mode methods for additional analyses, to investigate the causal relationship between 3 117 types of tongue coating and salivary microbiota, as well as 731 immune cell traits, and OLK. Furthermore, a two-step MR approach was applied to explore the potential mediating role of immune cells in the association between oral microbiota and OLK. Results: IVW analysis revealed causal associations between 15 oral microbial genera and OLK. Among these, Streptococcus, Neisseria, and Catonella were associated with a reduced risk of OLK, with Fusobacterium showing the most significant protective effect (OR = 0.41, P = 0.023). In contrast, genera, including Microbacterium, Campylobacter, and Haemophilus_A, were linked to an increased risk of OLK, with Lancefieldella exhibiting the strongest risk effect (OR = 2.66, P = 0.006). Eleven immune cell phenotypes with potential causal associations with OLK were identified, including four protective and seven risk-increasing factors. Mediation analysis further identified four key mediating pathways: pathogenic genera, particularly Campylobacter_A and Lancefieldella, may promote the development and progression of OLK by upregulating highly activated pro-inflammatory immune subsets such as activated monocytes, B cells, and myeloid cells. Conversely, the potentially protective genus Catonella appeared to exert inhibitory effects on OLK by significantly downregulating dendritic cell subsets. Conclusion This study is the first to reveal, at the genetic level, causal pathways through which specific oral microbial genera influence the risk of OLK by mediating immune cell responses. These findings provide novel insights into the immunopathological mechanisms underlying OLK and offer potential targets for intervention strategies aimed at modulating specific microbial genera or immune cell subsets.

: To analyze the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency among primary and secondary school students in Rural Nutrition Improvement Program areas of Guizhou Province in 2023, and to explore the related factors, so as to provide evidence for Rural Nutrition Improvement Program optimization. Methods: In September 2023, a stratified random cluster sampling strategy was used to select 40 rural compulsory education schools with rural nutrition improvement program in five counties of Guizhou Province. School level questionnaire was employed to collect information of basic characteristics and school meal implementation. A total of 7 826 primary and secondary school students aged 6-16 underwent anthropometry and hemoglobin (Hb) determination; serum ferritin (SF) was additionally measured in a random subsample of 1 795 pupils. Students in Grade 3 and above also completed a questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, dietary behaviours and nutrition knowledge. Group comparisons were conducted by Chi square test or Fisher s exact test, and multivariable Logistic regression models were constructed to identify factors associated with anemia and iron deficiency. Results: The overall Hb level was (133.21±12.95)g/L, with an anemia prevalence of 7.17%. The overall SF level was (69.58±59.01)μg/L, with an iron deficiency prevalence of 2.73%. Multivariable analysis showed that stunting ( OR =1.88), school menus without nutrient calculation ( OR =1.61) and absence of menu planning software in the current semester ( OR =2.34) independently increased anemia risk, whereas obesity reduced it ( OR =0.54) (all P <0.05). Girls ( OR =4.16) and Grades 7-9 ( OR =5.93) increased iron deficiency risk (both P <0.05). Compared with rarely eating fresh vegetables, students with consuming <3 kinds per day ( OR =0.08) or exactly 3 kinds per day ( OR =0.06) had lower iron deficiency risks (both P <0.05). Conclusions Anemia and iron deficiency are prevalent among primary and secondary school students in Guizhou. Targeted intervention measures should be implemented for key populations to enhance the effectiveness of nutrition improvement program.

To explore the effects of different exercise prescriptions on glycemic metabolism in East Asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to compare the differences in the impact of population characteristics and exercise components on glycemic metabolism.

To investigate the correlation between vitamin D nutritional status and insulin resistance in pubertal adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the inhibitory effect of pirfenidone (PFD) on growth of bladder cancer xenograft and its regulatory effect on Treg cells in tumor-bearing mice. METHODS: Thirty-two C57BL/6 mice bearing ectopic bladder tumors were randomized into control and PFD groups (n=16). In PFD group, PFD was administered orally at the daily dose of 500 mg/kg, and tumor growth and survival of the mice were monitored. After treatment for 21 days, the tumors and vital organs were harvested for analysis. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess CD3, CD4, CD8, and FOXP3 expressions in the tumors. Flow cytometry and RT-qPCR were used to analyze the percentage of CD4⁺CD25⁺FOXP3⁺ Treg cells and IL-2, IL-10, and IL-35 expressions in the tumors and spleens; organ damage of the mice was examined with HE staining. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the PFD-treated mice exhibited significantly lower tumor growth rate with smaller tumor volumes at day 21, along with improved survival at day 28. Immunohistochemistry revealed no significant differences in the infiltration of CD3⁺ and CD8⁺ cells between the two groups, but the percentages of CD4⁺ and FOXP3⁺ cells were significantly lower in the tumors of PFD-treated mice. Flow cytometric analysis confirmed a decrease in CD4⁺CD25⁺FOXP3⁺ Treg cells in the tumors from PFD-treated mice, which also had reduced expression levels of IL-2, IL-10 and IL-35 mRNAs in the tumors. No significant differences were found in Treg cell populations or cytokine expressions in the spleen tissues between the two groups. HE staining showed obvious organ damage in neither of the groups. CONCLUSIONS PFD inhibits bladder cancer growth and enhances survival of tumor-bearing mice possibly by suppressing Treg cells in the tumor microenvironment.
Animals ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/drug therapy* ; Mice ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Interleukins/metabolism* ; Interleukin-10/metabolism* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Interleukin-2/metabolism* ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays ; Female

Objective To investigate the expression levels and clinical significance of type Ⅰ innate lymphoid cells(ILC1s),T-box transcription factor(T-bet),interleukin(IL)-12,IL-18 and interferon-gamma(IFN-γ)in peripheral blood of patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia(ITP).Methods Thirty-five ITP patients with their first episode were selected as the initial treatment group.Thirteen of these patients were followed up after receiving treatment.Additionally,20 healthy individuals underwent routine physical examinations during the same period were recruited as the control group.Peripheral blood samples were collected for analysis.The proportion of ILC1s was determined by flow cytometry.T-bet mRNA expression was measured using quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR).Serum levels of IL-18,IL-12 and IFN-γ were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The differences in ILC1s proportion,T-bet mRNA expression and cytokine levels were compared between groups.Correlations between ILC1s proportion,T-bet mRNA,cytokine levels and platelet(PLT)counts were also analyzed.Results Compared with the control group,the initial treatment group exhibited significantly elevated levels of peripheral ILC1s,T-bet mRNA and serum IL-18,IL-12 and IFN-γ(P＜0.05).Among the 13 patients who were followed up,all these indices decreased significantly after treatment(P＜0.05).Correlation analysis revealed that the proportion of ILC1s in the initial treatment group was positively correlated with IL-12,IL-18,IFN-γ and T-bet mRNA levels(rs=0.666,0.647,0.677,and 0.750,respectively,P＜0.01),and negatively correlated with PLT count(rs=-0.637,P＜0.01).Conclusion Innate immunity may play a role in the pathogenesis and progression of ITP by regulating the expression levels of ILC1s,T-bet,IL-12,IL-18 and IFN-γ.

Microglia are specialized immune cells in the brain, primarily responsible for clearing debris and responding to inflammation. One of the pathological features of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the extensive activation of immune system in the brain, and the dynamic changes and dysfunction of microglia could become key factors for AD progression. This article reviews the research progress of regulated effect of microglial on AD pathology, and summarizes its potential value in AD treatment, in order to provide theoretical basis for exploring new therapeutic strategies and intervention targets for AD.

Objective:To discuss the effects of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)transplantation on mitophagy in the vascular dementia(VaD)rats through reactive oxygen species(ROS)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)signaling,and to clarify its mechanism.Methods:Forty-five male adult SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,unloaded group,BMSCs group,and MSCs+ML385(Nrf2 inhibitor)group(combination group),and there were 9 rats in each group.After intraperitoneal anesthesia,the VaD models were established in all groups except sham operation group.Morris water maze test was used to detect the learning and memory abilities of the rats in various groups;HE staining was used to observe the histopathological morphology of brain tissue of the rats in various groups;Nissl staining was used to observe the changes of Nissl bodies in hippocampus region of brain tissue of the rats in various groups;transmission electron microscope was used to observe the ultrastructure of hippocampus region of the rats in various groups;fluorescence probe method was used to detect the ROS levels in hippocampus neurons in various groups;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of Nrf2,heme oxygenase-1(HO-1),PTEN-induced putative kinase 1(PINK1),parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligase(Parkin),Beclin-1,ubiquitin-binding protein p62(P62),and microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3(LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ)ratio in brain tissue of the rats in various groups.Results:The Morris water maze results showed that compared with sham operation group,the escape latency of the rats in model group was significantly increased(P<0.01),while the number of crossing time and residence time were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with model group,the escape latency of the rats in BMSCs group was significantly decreased(P<0.01),while the number of crossing time and residence time were significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with BMSCs group,the escape latency of the rats in combination group was significantly increased(P<0.01),while the number of crossing time and residence time were significantly decreased(P<0.01).The HE staining results showed that hippocampus neurons of the rats in sham operation group were normal in quantity and morphology,with uniform staining and clear structure.Compared with sham operation group,the hippocampus tissue of the rats in model group showed sparse arrangement,disordered structure,reduced neuronal quantity,varied morphology,uneven staining,nuclear pyknosis,and partial neuronal necrosis.Compared with model group,the neuronal damage of the rats in hippocampus regio in BMSCs group was alleviated,with restored morphology and improved neuronal loss.Compared with BMSCs group,the neurons of the rats in hippocampus region in combination group showed irregular morphology,disordered structure,unclear cell boundaries,uneven staining,and nuclear pyknosis.The Nissl staining results showed that the hippocampal neurons in sham operation group were tightly arranged with intact morphology,obvious nucleoli,and abundant darkly stained Nissl bodies.Compared with sham operation group,the neurons in hippocampus region of the rats in model group showed pyknosis,vacuolization,and sparse Nissl bodies.Compared with model group,the BMSCs group showed reduced neuronal pyknosis,relatively intact morphology,and increased Nissl bodies.Compared with BMSCs group,the combination group showed neuronal pyknosis,loss of morphological integrity,and fragmented Nissl bodies.The transmission electron microscope results showed that mitochondria in sham operation group exhibited oval shape with intact double-membrane structure and cristae.Compared with sham operation group,the mitochondria in model group showed swelling,disrupted membranes,broken cristae,and numerous autophagosomes.Compared with model group,the BMSCs group showed improved mitochondrial structure and reduced autophagosomes.Compared with BMSCs group,the combination group showed swollen mitochondria,disrupted membranes,broken cristae,and visible autophagosomes.The fluorescence probe results showed that compared with sham operation group,the ROS levels in the hippocampus neurons in brain tissue of the rats in model group were significantly increased(P<0.01);compared with model group,the ROS levels in hippocampus neurons in brain tissue of the rats in BMSCs group were significantly decreased(P<0.01);compared with BMSCs group,the ROS levels in hippocampus neurons in brain tissue of the rats in combination group were significantly increased(P<0.01).The Western blotting results showed that compared with sham operation group,the expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins in brain tissue of the rats in model group were significantly decreased(P<0.01);compared with model group,the expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins in brain tissue of the rats in BMSCs group were significantly increased(P<0.01);compared with BMSCs group,the expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins in brain tissue of the rats in combination group were significantly decreased(P<0.01);compared with sham operation group,the expression levels of Parkin,PINK1,and Beclin-1 proteins,and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ ratio of the rats in model group were significantly increased(P<0.01),while the expression level of P62 protein was significantly decreased(P<0.01);compared with model group,the expression levels of Parkin,PINK1,and Beclin-1 proteins,as well as the LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ ratio,of the rats in BMSCs group were significantly decreased(P<0.01),while the expression level of P62 protein was significantly increased(P<0.01);compared with BMSCs group,the expression levels of Parkin,PINK1,and Beclin-1 proteins,as well as the LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ ratio,of the rats in combination group were significantly increased(P<0.01),while the expression level of P62 protein was significantly decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion:BMSCs can alleviate the hippocampal neuronal pathological changes and improve cognitive function in the VaD rats,and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of ROS/Nrf2 signaling pathway to inhibit mitophagy.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a kind of progressive neurodegenerative disease, which has become the leading cause of dementia in the elderly. In recent years, non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), including transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial electrical stimulation, focused ultrasound stimulation and transcranial photobiomodulation, has been widely used in AD treatment. Although NIBS can improve the clinical symptoms of AD patients, its efficacy is still controversial. This article reviews the latest research progress in role of NIBS in AD so as to provide reference for clinical workers.

Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of 0.02％atropine eye drops for the treatment of nearwork-induced transient myopia(NITM)in adolescents.Methods A total of 131 adolescents with NITM were randomly divided into experimental(receiving 0.02％atropine eye drops)and control(receiving placebo)groups.Changes in the initial NITM values before medication and at 14 and 30 days after medication were observed.Alterations in intraocular pressure and accommodation amplitude were monitored,and the occurrence of complications,such as photophobia and near vision impairment,were recorded.Results The baseline NITM did not differ significantly between the two groups.On day 14 and day 30,the NITM values in the experimental group were significantly reduced compared to the baseline,with differences of 0.31 D±0.20 D and 0.30 D±0.16 D,which were significantly greater than those in the control group(0.21 D±0.98 D and 0.20 D±0.18 D,P＜0.001).The efficacy rate of NITM treatment in the experimental group was 84.4％,which was sig-nificantly higher than that in the control group(29.9％).After 30 days of treatment,no severe systemic or ocular adverse reactions were observed in the experimental group.Mild photophobia was the main adverse reaction.Conclusion 0.02％atropine eye drops can effec-tively reduce the initial NITM value in adolescents within a month of its use,with no severe complications and good tolerance.A clinical trial of atropine eye drops at different concentrations to reduce NITM over a longer period is warranted.