Objective To identify long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) associated with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) and investigate their mechanisms. Methods Peripheral blood samples were collected from RA-ILD patients (n＝3), RA patients without lung involvement (n＝3), and healthy controls (n＝3). Next-generation sequencing was performed to screen differentially expressed lncRNA. A human fibrotic lung cell model was established by inducing the MRC-5 cell line with transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Following siRNA-mediated knockdown of target genes, changes in inflammatory and oxidative stress-related genes were analyzed via real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Western blotting and dual-luciferase reporter (DLR) assays were used to validate protein expression, ubiquitination levels, and nuclear translocation of oxidative stress regulators, and antioxidant response element (ARE) transcriptional activity. Rescue experiments were conducted to confirm the role of target lncRNA in oxidative stress and inflammation in fibrotic lung cells. Results High-throughput sequencing revealed significant downregulation of LINC00638 in RA-ILD patients. Knockdown of LINC00638 markedly reduced transcriptional levels of interleukin (IL)-4, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), while increasing IL-6, IL-1β, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Furthermore, LINC00638 knockdown decreased Nrf2 protein expression, increased its ubiquitination, reduced nuclear translocation, and suppressed ARE transcriptional activity. In MRC-5 cells, LINC00638 knockdown combined with N-acetylcysteine treatment restored Nrf2 and HO-1 levels while reducing IL-6 expression. Conclusions LINC00638 suppresses inflammatory responses in RA-ILD by activating the Nrf2/ARE antioxidant signaling pathway, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for diagnosis and treatment.

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis(C.pseudotuberculosis)is a group of intracellular Gram-positive bacteria that can cause zoonotic diseases.This study investigated the mechanisms of inflammatory mediator secretion and the phagocytic and bactericidal functions of mouse peritoneal macrophages following C.pseudotuberculosis infection.Initially,transcriptomic sequencing was em-ployed to identify genes critical for C.pseudotuberculosis infection in macrophages.Subsequently,gene knockout mice were utilized to assess the impact of these key genes on inflammatory media-tor secretion,activation of inflammatory signaling pathways,and the phagocytic and bactericidal functions of macrophages infected with C.pseudotuberculosis.Techniques such as ELISA,Western blot,and immunofluorescence were employed in this analysis.Further,transcriptomic sequencing was conducted to identify key downstream genes.Following C.pseudotuberculosis infection,GO enrichment analysis was performed,and TLR2 was identified as the focal point of the study.Perito-neal macrophages from C57BL/6J and TLR2 knockout(TLR2-/-)mice were infected with C.pseudotuberculosis.ELISA results revealed that the levels of TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-10 were signifi-cantly downregulated in TLR2-/-macrophages compared to C57BL/6J macrophages post-infec-tion.Western blot demonstrated that the absence of TLR2 led to a marked decrease in M APK(p38 and ERK)signaling pathway phosphorylation following C.pseudotuberculosis infection.Immuno-fluorescence results indicated that the phagocytic rate of TLR2-/-macrophages was significantly higher than that of C57BL/6J macrophages after infection.Subsequently,transcriptomic analysis of C57BL/6J and TLR2-/-macrophages infected with C.pseudotuberculosis was performed,followed by GO enrichment analysis of differential genes.IL-36a,Cx3cr1,TLR1,and TLR2 were identified as key differential genes.TLR2 plays a crucial role in the inflammatory response induced by C.pseudotuberculosis infection in mice,influencing the progression of the inflammatory response and host outcomes through the secretion of inflammatory mediators,activation of signaling pathways,and modulation of phagocytic and bactericidal functions.IL-36a and Cx3cr1 were identified as key downstream factors in this process.

Osteoporosis is a prevalent skeletal condition characterized by reduced bone mass and strength, leading to increased fragility. Buqi-Tongluo (BQTL) decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, has yet to be fully evaluated for its potential in treating bone diseases such as osteoporosis. To investigate the mechanism by which BQTL decoction inhibits osteoclast differentiation in vitro and validate these findings through in vivo experiments. We employed MTS assays to assess the potential proliferative or toxic effects of BQTL on bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) at various concentrations. TRAcP experiments were conducted to examine BQTL's impact on osteoclast differentiation. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses were utilized to evaluate the relative expression levels of osteoclast-specific genes and proteins under BQTL stimulation. Finally, in vivo experiments were performed using an osteoporosis model to further validate the in vitro findings. This study revealed that BQTL suppressed receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast resorption activity in vitro in a dose-dependent manner without observable cytotoxicity. The inhibitory effects of BQTL on osteoclast formation and function were attributed to the downregulation of NFATc1 and c-fos activity, primarily through attenuation of the MAPK, NF-κB, and Calcineurin signaling pathways. BQTL's inhibitory capacity was further examined in vivo using an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model, demonstrating a strong protective effect against bone loss. BQTL may serve as an effective therapeutic TCM for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and the alleviation of bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency and related conditions.
Animals ; NFATC Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Ovariectomy ; Osteoclasts/metabolism* ; Female ; Osteogenesis/drug effects* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; NF-kappa B/genetics* ; Osteoporosis/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Bone Resorption/genetics* ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Humans ; RANK Ligand/metabolism* ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics* ; Transcription Factors

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis(C.pseudotuberculosis)is a group of intracellular Gram-positive bacteria that can cause zoonotic diseases.This study investigated the mechanisms of inflammatory mediator secretion and the phagocytic and bactericidal functions of mouse peritoneal macrophages following C.pseudotuberculosis infection.Initially,transcriptomic sequencing was em-ployed to identify genes critical for C.pseudotuberculosis infection in macrophages.Subsequently,gene knockout mice were utilized to assess the impact of these key genes on inflammatory media-tor secretion,activation of inflammatory signaling pathways,and the phagocytic and bactericidal functions of macrophages infected with C.pseudotuberculosis.Techniques such as ELISA,Western blot,and immunofluorescence were employed in this analysis.Further,transcriptomic sequencing was conducted to identify key downstream genes.Following C.pseudotuberculosis infection,GO enrichment analysis was performed,and TLR2 was identified as the focal point of the study.Perito-neal macrophages from C57BL/6J and TLR2 knockout(TLR2-/-)mice were infected with C.pseudotuberculosis.ELISA results revealed that the levels of TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-10 were signifi-cantly downregulated in TLR2-/-macrophages compared to C57BL/6J macrophages post-infec-tion.Western blot demonstrated that the absence of TLR2 led to a marked decrease in M APK(p38 and ERK)signaling pathway phosphorylation following C.pseudotuberculosis infection.Immuno-fluorescence results indicated that the phagocytic rate of TLR2-/-macrophages was significantly higher than that of C57BL/6J macrophages after infection.Subsequently,transcriptomic analysis of C57BL/6J and TLR2-/-macrophages infected with C.pseudotuberculosis was performed,followed by GO enrichment analysis of differential genes.IL-36a,Cx3cr1,TLR1,and TLR2 were identified as key differential genes.TLR2 plays a crucial role in the inflammatory response induced by C.pseudotuberculosis infection in mice,influencing the progression of the inflammatory response and host outcomes through the secretion of inflammatory mediators,activation of signaling pathways,and modulation of phagocytic and bactericidal functions.IL-36a and Cx3cr1 were identified as key downstream factors in this process.

Ulcerative colitis(UC)is an inflammatory disease characterized by a continuous diffuse lesion in the colorectal mucosa.Macrophages,as key players in the inflammatory microenvironment,are significantly correlated with the development of UC.Based on the TCM pathogenesis of UC,this article reviewed the current research status of targeted regulation of macrophages in the treatment of UC using TCM,summarized the biological processes related to macrophages and their role in the progression of UC,and concluded the molecular mechanism of TCM treatment of UC targeting macrophages.It found that the active components of Chinese materia medica,TCM compounds,and TCM non-pharmacological therapies mainly regulate macrophage activity by regulating macrophage polarization,autophagy,pyroptosis,metabolic reprogramming,oxidative stress,and other processes,thereby delaying the progression of UC.This article aimed to provide references for in-depth exploration of the pathogenesis of UC and the TCM prevention and treatment of UC.

Ulcerative colitis(UC)is an inflammatory disease characterized by a continuous diffuse lesion in the colorectal mucosa.Macrophages,as key players in the inflammatory microenvironment,are significantly correlated with the development of UC.Based on the TCM pathogenesis of UC,this article reviewed the current research status of targeted regulation of macrophages in the treatment of UC using TCM,summarized the biological processes related to macrophages and their role in the progression of UC,and concluded the molecular mechanism of TCM treatment of UC targeting macrophages.It found that the active components of Chinese materia medica,TCM compounds,and TCM non-pharmacological therapies mainly regulate macrophage activity by regulating macrophage polarization,autophagy,pyroptosis,metabolic reprogramming,oxidative stress,and other processes,thereby delaying the progression of UC.This article aimed to provide references for in-depth exploration of the pathogenesis of UC and the TCM prevention and treatment of UC.

Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of total pelvic exenteration (TPE) for treating late complications of radiation-induced pelvic injury.Methods:This was a descriptive case series study. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) confirmed radiation-induced pelvic injury after radiotherapy for pelvic malignancies; (2) late complications of radiation-induced pelvic injury, such as bleeding, perforation, fistula, and obstruction, involving multiple pelvic organs; (3) TPE recommended by a multidisciplinary team; (4) patient in good preoperative condition and considered fit enough to tolerate TPE; and (5) patient extremely willing to undergo the procedure and accept the associated risks. The exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) preoperative or intraoperative diagnosis of tumor recurrence or metastasis; (2) had only undergone diversion or bypass surgery after laparoscopic exploration; and (3) incomplete medical records. Clinical and follow-up data of patients who had undergone TPE for late complications of radiation-induced pelvic injury between March 2020 and September 2022 at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were analyzed. Perioperative recovery, postoperative complications, perioperative deaths, and quality of life 1 year postoperatively were recorded.Results:The study cohort comprised 14 women, nine of whom had recto-vagino-vesical fistulas, two vesicovaginal fistulas, one ileo-vesical fistula and rectal necrosis, one ileo-vesical and rectovaginal fistulas, and one rectal ulcer and bilateral ureteral stenosis. The mean duration of surgery was 592.1±167.6 minutes and the median blood loss 550 (100–6000) mL. Ten patients underwent intestinal reconstruction, and four the Hartmann procedure. Ten patients underwent urinary reconstruction using Bricker's procedure and 7 underwent pelvic floor reconstruction. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 23.6±14.9 days. Seven patients (7/14) had serious postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo IIIa to IVb), including surgical site infections in eight, abdominopelvic abscesses in five, pulmonary infections in five, intestinal obstruction in four, and urinary leakage in two. Empty pelvis syndrome (EPS) was diagnosed in five patients, none of whom had undergone pelvic floor reconstruction. Five of the seven patients who had not undergone pelvic floor reconstruction developed EPS, compared with none of those who had undergone pelvic floor reconstruction. One patient with EPS underwent reoperation because of a pelvic abscess, pelvic hemorrhage, and intestinal obstruction. There were no perioperative deaths. During 18.9±10.1 months of follow-up, three patients died, two of renal failure, which was a preoperative comorbidity, and one of COVID-19. The remaining patients had gradual and significant relief of symptoms during follow-up. QLQ-C30 assessment of postoperative quality of life showed gradual improvement in all functional domains and general health at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively (all P<0.05). Conclusions:TPE is a feasible procedure for treating late complications of radiation-induced pelvic injury combined with complex pelvic fistulas. TPE is effective in alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life. However, the indications for this procedure should be strictly controlled and the surgery carried out only by experienced surgeons.

Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of total pelvic exenteration (TPE) for treating late complications of radiation-induced pelvic injury.Methods:This was a descriptive case series study. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) confirmed radiation-induced pelvic injury after radiotherapy for pelvic malignancies; (2) late complications of radiation-induced pelvic injury, such as bleeding, perforation, fistula, and obstruction, involving multiple pelvic organs; (3) TPE recommended by a multidisciplinary team; (4) patient in good preoperative condition and considered fit enough to tolerate TPE; and (5) patient extremely willing to undergo the procedure and accept the associated risks. The exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) preoperative or intraoperative diagnosis of tumor recurrence or metastasis; (2) had only undergone diversion or bypass surgery after laparoscopic exploration; and (3) incomplete medical records. Clinical and follow-up data of patients who had undergone TPE for late complications of radiation-induced pelvic injury between March 2020 and September 2022 at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were analyzed. Perioperative recovery, postoperative complications, perioperative deaths, and quality of life 1 year postoperatively were recorded.Results:The study cohort comprised 14 women, nine of whom had recto-vagino-vesical fistulas, two vesicovaginal fistulas, one ileo-vesical fistula and rectal necrosis, one ileo-vesical and rectovaginal fistulas, and one rectal ulcer and bilateral ureteral stenosis. The mean duration of surgery was 592.1±167.6 minutes and the median blood loss 550 (100–6000) mL. Ten patients underwent intestinal reconstruction, and four the Hartmann procedure. Ten patients underwent urinary reconstruction using Bricker's procedure and 7 underwent pelvic floor reconstruction. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 23.6±14.9 days. Seven patients (7/14) had serious postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo IIIa to IVb), including surgical site infections in eight, abdominopelvic abscesses in five, pulmonary infections in five, intestinal obstruction in four, and urinary leakage in two. Empty pelvis syndrome (EPS) was diagnosed in five patients, none of whom had undergone pelvic floor reconstruction. Five of the seven patients who had not undergone pelvic floor reconstruction developed EPS, compared with none of those who had undergone pelvic floor reconstruction. One patient with EPS underwent reoperation because of a pelvic abscess, pelvic hemorrhage, and intestinal obstruction. There were no perioperative deaths. During 18.9±10.1 months of follow-up, three patients died, two of renal failure, which was a preoperative comorbidity, and one of COVID-19. The remaining patients had gradual and significant relief of symptoms during follow-up. QLQ-C30 assessment of postoperative quality of life showed gradual improvement in all functional domains and general health at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively (all P<0.05). Conclusions:TPE is a feasible procedure for treating late complications of radiation-induced pelvic injury combined with complex pelvic fistulas. TPE is effective in alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life. However, the indications for this procedure should be strictly controlled and the surgery carried out only by experienced surgeons.

【Objective】 To analyze the influence of β-lactam antibiotics on RBC aging and clearance by detecting various indicators of aging and clearance on RBCs, as well as the differences in phagocytosis for erythrocytes before and after drugs treated in vitro. 【Methods】 RBCs were treated by β-lactam antibiotics, including Penicillin, Cefepime, Cefoperazone and Ceftazidime, and the changing of phosphatidylserine (PS) and clearance related CD markers, including CD35, CD47, CD55 and CD59 on the surface of the RBCs, were detected by flow cytometry at 0h and 24h after drugs treatment. The proportion of acanthocytes by microscope also at 0h and 24h after drugs treatment was calculated. The phagocytosis of drug-treated RBC was detected by monocyte monolayer assay (MMA). Untreated RBCs were incubated in PBS by the same condition as a negative control.The influence of β-lactam antibiotics on RBC aging and clearance by all the results above was studied. 【Results】 Compare to the untreated RBCs, the drug treated RBCs showed a higher PS level on the cell surface. The results showed by percentage as following(0 h vs 24 h): Penicillin 9.42% vs 93.30%, Cefepime 3.88% vs 57.27%, Cefoperazone 4.71% vs 75.75% and Ceftazidime 3.05% vs 43.19%. The acanthocytes ratio was as following(0 h vs 24 h): Penicillin 7.33% vs 86%, Cefepime 2.67% vs 52.67%, Cefoperazone 3.33% vs 67.67% and Ceftazidime 3.33% vs 90.67%. On the opposite, the clearance related CD markers, showed an obviously lower level after drugs treated(0 h vs 24 h): CD35: Penicillin 7.36% vs 11.87%, Cefepime 0.14% vs 28.51%, Cefoperazone 11.85% vs 21.55% and Ceftazidime 7.63% vs 8.73%; CD47: Penicillin 1.22% vs 9.13%, Cefepime 1.80% vs 0.86%, Cefoperazone 0.08% vs 6.85% and Ceftazidime 1.54% vs 5.50%; CD55: Penicillin 14.46% vs 44.31%, Cefepime 17.27% vs 38.41%, Cefoperazone 19.28% vs 33.28% and Ceftazidime 14.62% vs 34.13%; CD59: Penicillin 4.71% vs 20.56%, Cefepime 4.03% vs 7.60%, Cefoperazone 5.91% vs 22.38% and Ceftazidime 5.93% vs 30.89%. Drug-treated RBCs attached more to monocytes than untreated RBCs. 【Conclusion】 The β-lactam antibiotics could induce the changing of PS and the clearance of related CD markers on surface of RBCs. They also could lead acanthocytes and make the RBCs more susceptible to phagocytosis by monocytes. The β-lactam antibiotics could promote the RBCs aging and clearance, which might deteriorate the DIIHA.