Obesity usually exacerbates the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (ITME), hindering CD8⁺ T cell infiltration and function, which further represents a significant barrier to the efficacy of immunotherapy. Herein, a multifunctional liposomal system (CR-Lip) for encapsulating celastrol (CEL) was utilized to remodel obesity-related ITME and improve cancer immunotherapy, wherein Ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) was detected interspersed in the phospholipid bilayer and its glycosyl exposed on the surface of the liposome. CR-Lip had a relatively uniform size (116.5 nm), facilitating favorable tumor tissue accumulation through the interaction between Rg3 and glucose transporter 1 overexpressed in obese tumor cells. Upon reaching the tumor region, CR-Lip was found to induce the immunogenic cell death (ICD) of HFD tumor cells. Notably, the level of PHD3 in HFD tumor cells was effectively boosted by CR-Lip to effectively block metabolic reprogramming and increase the availability of major free fatty acids fuel sources. In vivo, experiments studies revealed that the easy-obtained nano platform stimulated enhanced the production of various cytokines in tumor tissues, DC maturation, CD8⁺ T-cell infiltration, and synergistic anticancer therapeutic potency with aPD-1 (tumor inhibition rate = 82.1%) towards obesity-related melanoma. Consequently, this study presented an efficacious approach to tumor immunotherapy in obese mice by encompassing tumor eradication, inducing ICD, and reprogramming metabolism. Furthermore, it offered a unique insight into a valuable attempt at the immunotherapy of obesity-associated related tumors.

Given the increasing concern regarding antibacterial resistance, the antimicrobial properties of naphthoquinones have recently attracted significant attention. While 1,4-naphthoquinone and its derivatives have been extensively studied, the antibacterial properties of 5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives remain relatively unexplored. This study presents a comprehensive in vitro and in vivo analysis of the antibacterial activity of 35 naturally sourced and chemically synthesized derivatives of 5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone. Kirby-Bauer antibiotic testing identified three compounds with activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with one compound (PNP-02) demonstrating activity comparable to vancomycin in minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and time-kill assays. Microscopic and biochemical analyses revealed that PNP-02 adversely affects the cell wall and cell membrane of MRSA. Mechanistic investigations, including proteomic sequencing analyses, Western blotting, and RT-qPCR assays, indicated that PNP-02 compromises cell membrane integrity by inhibiting arginine biosynthesis and pyrimidine metabolism pathways, thereby increasing membrane permeability and inducing bacterial death. In an in vivo mouse model of skin wound healing, PNP-02 exhibited antibacterial efficacy similar to vancomycin. The compound demonstrated low toxicity to cultured human cells and in hemolysis assays and remained stable during serum incubation. These findings suggest that PNP-02 possesses promising bioactivity against MRSA and represents a potential novel antibacterial agent.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/genetics* ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry* ; Naphthoquinones/administration & dosage* ; Animals ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Mice ; Humans ; Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology* ; Molecular Structure

Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is an irreversible sensorineural hearing loss that severely endangers workers’ health, making early screening crucial. This article reviewed the research progress on early screening methods for occupational NIHL, introduced the testing mechanisms of three core screening methods—tympanometry, otoacoustic emissions, and extended high-frequency audiometry —and summarized their clinical application advantages and limitations. It is proposed that multimodal combined detection (e.g., the combination of tympanometry, otoacoustic emissions, and extended high-frequency audiometry) can significantly improve the accuracy and comprehensiveness of early screening. Meanwhile, future studies with prospective cohort design are encouraged to verify the long-term monitoring value of each method and to strengthen the joint development of screening technologies with cutting-edge approaches such as machine learning, in order to further improve screening efficiency and provide stronger protection for workers’ hearing health.

Objective To explore the therapeutic mechanism of compound Yuye Decoction against diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM).Methods Drugbank,Gene Cards,OMIM and PharmGKb databases were used to obtain DCM-related targets,and the core targets were identified and functionally annotated by protein-protein interaction network analysis followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis.The"Traditional Chinese Medicine-Key Component-Key Target-Key Pathway"network was constructed using Cytoscape 3.9.1,and molecular docking was carried out for the key components and the core targets.In the animal experiment,Wistar rat models of DCM were treated with normal saline or Yuye Decoction by gavage at low(0.29 g/kg)and high(1.15 g/kg)doses for 8 weeks,and the changes in cardiac electrophysiology and histopathology were evaluated.The changes in serum levels of LDH,CK,and CK-MB were examined,and myocardial expressions of PI3K,P-PI3K,Akt,P-AKT,BAX,IL-6,and TNF-α were detected using Western blotting.Results We identified 61 active compounds in Yuye Decoction with 1057 targets,3682 DCM-related disease targets,and 551 common targets between them.Enrichment of the core targets suggested that apoptosis,inflammation and the PI3K/Akt pathways were the key signaling pathways for DCM treatment.Molecular docking studies showed that the active components in Yuye Decoction including gold amidohydroxyethyl ester and kaempferol had strong binding activities with AKT1 and PIK3R1.In DCM rat models,treatment with Yuye Decoction significantly alleviated myocardial pathologies,reduced serum levels of LDH,CK and CK-MB,lowered myocardial expressions of BAX,IL-6 and TNF-α,and increased the expressions of P-PI3K and P-AKT.Conclusion The therapeutic effect of compound Yuye Decoction against DCM is mediated by its multiple active components that act on multiple targets and pathways to inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inflammatory response by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate whether activation of mitochondrial acetal dehydrogenase 2(ALDH2)alleviates hypoxic pulmonary hypertension by regulating the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway.Methods Thirty 8-week-old C57 BL/6 mice were randomized into control,hypoxia,and hypoxia+Alda-1(an ALDH2 activator)group(n=10),and the mice in the latter two groups,along with 10 ALDH2 knockout(ALDH2-/-)mice,were exposed to hypoxia(10%O2,90%N2)with or without daily intraperitoneal injection of Alda-1 for 4 weeks.The changes in right ventricular function and pressure(RVSP)of the mice were evaluated by echocardiography and right ventricular catheter test,and pulmonary artery pressure was estimated based on RVSP.Pulmonary vascular remodeling,right ventricular injury,myocardial α-SMA expression,distal pulmonary arteriole muscle normalization,right ventricular cross-sectional area,myocardial cell hypertrophy,and right cardiac hypertrophy index were assessed with HE staining,immunofluorescence staining and WGA staining,and the expressions of ALDH2,SIRT1,PGC-1α,P16INK4A and P21CIP1 were detected.In pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells with hypoxic exposure,the effect of Alda-1 and EX527 on cell senescence and protein expressions was evaluated using β-galactose staining and Western blotting.Results The wild-type mice with hypoxic exposure showed significantly increased RVSP,right ventricular free wall thickness and myocardial expressions of P16INK4A and P21CIP1,which were effectively lowered by treatment with Alda-1 but further increased in ALDH2-/-mice.In cultured pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells,hypoxic exposure significantly increased senescent cell percentage and cellular expressions of P16INK4A and P21CIP1,which were all lowered by treatment with Alda-1,but its effect was obviously attenuated by EX527 treatment.Conclusion ALDH2 alleviates hypoxia-induced senescence of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells by upregulating the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway to alleviate pulmonary hypertension in mice.

Objective To explore the therapeutic mechanism of compound Yuye Decoction against diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM).Methods Drugbank,Gene Cards,OMIM and PharmGKb databases were used to obtain DCM-related targets,and the core targets were identified and functionally annotated by protein-protein interaction network analysis followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis.The"Traditional Chinese Medicine-Key Component-Key Target-Key Pathway"network was constructed using Cytoscape 3.9.1,and molecular docking was carried out for the key components and the core targets.In the animal experiment,Wistar rat models of DCM were treated with normal saline or Yuye Decoction by gavage at low(0.29 g/kg)and high(1.15 g/kg)doses for 8 weeks,and the changes in cardiac electrophysiology and histopathology were evaluated.The changes in serum levels of LDH,CK,and CK-MB were examined,and myocardial expressions of PI3K,P-PI3K,Akt,P-AKT,BAX,IL-6,and TNF-α were detected using Western blotting.Results We identified 61 active compounds in Yuye Decoction with 1057 targets,3682 DCM-related disease targets,and 551 common targets between them.Enrichment of the core targets suggested that apoptosis,inflammation and the PI3K/Akt pathways were the key signaling pathways for DCM treatment.Molecular docking studies showed that the active components in Yuye Decoction including gold amidohydroxyethyl ester and kaempferol had strong binding activities with AKT1 and PIK3R1.In DCM rat models,treatment with Yuye Decoction significantly alleviated myocardial pathologies,reduced serum levels of LDH,CK and CK-MB,lowered myocardial expressions of BAX,IL-6 and TNF-α,and increased the expressions of P-PI3K and P-AKT.Conclusion The therapeutic effect of compound Yuye Decoction against DCM is mediated by its multiple active components that act on multiple targets and pathways to inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inflammatory response by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate whether activation of mitochondrial acetal dehydrogenase 2(ALDH2)alleviates hypoxic pulmonary hypertension by regulating the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway.Methods Thirty 8-week-old C57 BL/6 mice were randomized into control,hypoxia,and hypoxia+Alda-1(an ALDH2 activator)group(n=10),and the mice in the latter two groups,along with 10 ALDH2 knockout(ALDH2-/-)mice,were exposed to hypoxia(10%O2,90%N2)with or without daily intraperitoneal injection of Alda-1 for 4 weeks.The changes in right ventricular function and pressure(RVSP)of the mice were evaluated by echocardiography and right ventricular catheter test,and pulmonary artery pressure was estimated based on RVSP.Pulmonary vascular remodeling,right ventricular injury,myocardial α-SMA expression,distal pulmonary arteriole muscle normalization,right ventricular cross-sectional area,myocardial cell hypertrophy,and right cardiac hypertrophy index were assessed with HE staining,immunofluorescence staining and WGA staining,and the expressions of ALDH2,SIRT1,PGC-1α,P16INK4A and P21CIP1 were detected.In pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells with hypoxic exposure,the effect of Alda-1 and EX527 on cell senescence and protein expressions was evaluated using β-galactose staining and Western blotting.Results The wild-type mice with hypoxic exposure showed significantly increased RVSP,right ventricular free wall thickness and myocardial expressions of P16INK4A and P21CIP1,which were effectively lowered by treatment with Alda-1 but further increased in ALDH2-/-mice.In cultured pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells,hypoxic exposure significantly increased senescent cell percentage and cellular expressions of P16INK4A and P21CIP1,which were all lowered by treatment with Alda-1,but its effect was obviously attenuated by EX527 treatment.Conclusion ALDH2 alleviates hypoxia-induced senescence of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells by upregulating the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway to alleviate pulmonary hypertension in mice.

Objective To investigate the effects of amylin,also known as islet amyloid polypeptide(IAPP),on learning and memory abilities and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt)signaling pathway in APP/PS1 mice.Methods A total of 20 APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into Alzheimer's disease(AD)group and IAPP group,with 10 mice in each group.The mice in the latter group were given an intraperitoneal injection of 0.5 μmol/L IAPP,and those of the former group received same dose of PBS.Both interventions were given once per day,for 10 weeks.Morris water maze test was used to measure the learning and memory abilities;HE staining was employed to observe the pathological changes in the hippocampus;Transmission electron microscopy was utilized to observe the ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons;Biochemical assay were conducted to detect the contents of glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),malondialdehyde(MDA)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)in hippocampal tissues;ELISA was applied to measure the levels of inflammatory factors such as IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α as well as content of Aβ42 in hippocampal tissues;And Western blotting was conducted to detect the expression of PI3K/Akt proteins.Results Compared with the AD group,significantly shorter platform latency(P＜0.01),increased number of traversing the platform and longer time to explore the hidden platform(P＜0.01)were observed in the IAPP group,but no such difference was seen in the swimming speed of the mice.HE staining displayed that the IAPP group had more and well-arranged nerve cells in the hippocampal tissue when compared with the AD group(P＜0.05).Lower Aβ protein expression(P＜0.01),reduced oxidative stress and decreased contents of inflammatory factors(P＜0.01)in hippocampal tissue were observed in the IAPP group than the AD group.The IAPP group showed clearer structure of neuronal mitochondria,reduced vacuolization,and better arranged microtubules and microfilaments,and elevated expression of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt proteins when compared with the AD group(P＜0.01).Conclusion Amylin can reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory responses,improve learning and memory abilities in AD mice,and promote the activity of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Objective To construct a database comprising the reflectance spectra,data,and corresponding color and mode parameters using 110 skin color cards from the Pantone Skin Tone Guide(PSTG).Methods The meas-urement of reflectance spectrum was conducted on 110 internationally recognized skin color cards from the PSTG and the dorsal hand skin of five healthy individuals.Comparative analysis of the reflectance spectra between the col-or cards and the normal skin was performed.The collected data,images,and parameters of five color models were summarized into a database.Results Significant absorption features were observed in the ultraviolet range of 350-400 nm.In the visible light range of 400-780 nm,the reflectance curves varied with value and chroma,but all ex-hibited characteristic peaks were around 590 nm.When saturation was constant,a decrease in brightness resulted in reduced reflectance,indicating that lower brightness tends towards black.When brightness was constant,changes in saturation led to increased differences in reflectance,making colors more vivid.The in vivo experiments showed consistent results with the aforementioned observations.Conclusions The reflectance spectra of the color cards are related to the composition and surface structure of the skin.This database can provide valuable data support for medical research,clinical practice,and other related fields.

BACKGROUND:Clinical treatment for colon cancer mainly includes fluorouracil,irinotecan and oxaliplatin-based therapy.Studies have shown that membrane transport proteins such as ATP-binding cassette transport protein of G2(ABCG2)mediate the transport of these drugs.However,when patients develop resistance to these chemotherapeutic drugs,the high expression of ABCG2 leads to a significant decrease in the therapeutic effect and raises the problem of drug resistance in colon cancer.New drugs and treatments are urgently needed to improve the efficacy.Lycium barbarum polysaccharide has a wide range of biological activities.It can be used as anti-tumor drug to overcome the damage to normal cells in the process of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in tumor patients. OBJECTIVE:To explore the reversal effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide in combination with oxaliplatin on colon cancer drug-resistant cells through in vitro experiments to investigate the possible molecular mechanism of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide reversal on colon cancer drug-resistant cells. METHODS:Colon cancer cell line HCT116 and oxaliplatin-resistant cell line HCT116-OXR were selected for in vitro experiments.The optimal intervention concentration and intervention time of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide and oxaliplatin were determined by CCK8 assay of cell proliferation.Samples were further divided into the HCT116 control group,HCT116-OXR blank treatment group,Lycium barbarum polysaccharide group(2.5 mg/mL Lycium barbarum polysaccharide),and oxaliplatin group(10 μmol/L oxaliplatin),and Lycium barbarum polysaccharide + oxaliplatin group(2.5 mg/mL Lycium barbarum polysaccharide +10 μmol/L oxaliplatin).Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry.The protein expression levels of phosphomannose isomerase(PMI)and ABCG2 were detected by immunofluorescence and western blot assay.Phosphatidylinositol3-kinase(PI3K),protein kinase B(AKT),B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2)and BCL2-Associated X(Bax)were detected by western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)HCT116-OXR was more sensitive to Lycium barbarum polysaccharide compared to HCT116(P<0.05).(2)Compared with the HCT116-OXR blank group,Lycium barbarum polysaccharide + oxaliplatin could promote apoptosis of HCT116-OXR cells(P<0.05).The protein expression of Bcl-2 was significantly down-regulated(P<0.05);the protein expression of Bax was significantly up-regulated(P<0.05);the protein expression of ABCG2,PMI,PI3K and AKT was significantly down-regulated(P<0.05).(3)These results indicate that Lycium barbarum polysaccharide reverses drug resistance in colon cancer by inhibiting PMI/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway,which lays the foundation for studying the molecular mechanism of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide's sensitizing chemotherapeutic effects.