Objective To investigate the effects of LBL-007, a novel fully human lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3) monoclonal antibody, in combination with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) antibody, on the invasion, migration and proliferation of tumor cells, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods Human lymphocyte cells Jurkat were co-cultured with A549 and MGC803 tumor cell lines and treated with the isotype control antibody human IgG, LBL-007, anti-PD-1 antibody BE0188, or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α, the NF-κB signaling pathway agonist). Tumor cell proliferation was assessed using a colony formation assay; invasion was measured by Transwell^TM assay; migration was evaluated using a wound healing assay. Western blotting was employed to determine the expression levels of NF-κB pathway-related proteins: IκB inhibitor kinase alpha (Ikkα), phosphorylated Ikkα (p-IKKα), NF-κB subunit p65, phosphorylated p65 (p-p65), NF-κB Inhibitor Alpha (IκBα), phosphorylated IκBα (p-IκBα), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), and MMP2. Results Compared with the control and IgG isotype groups, LBL-007 and BE0188 significantly reduced tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. They also decreased the phosphorylation of p-IKKα, p-p65 and p-IκBα, and the expression of MMP9 and MMP2 of tumor cells in the co-culture system. The combined treatment of LBL-007 and BE0188 enhanced inhibitory effects. Treatment with the NF-κB signaling pathway agonist TNF-α reversed the suppressive effects of LBL-007 and BE0188 on tumor cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and NF-κB signaling. Conclusion LBL-007 and anti-PD-1 antibody synergistically inhibit the invasion, migration, and proliferation of A549 and MGC803 tumor cells by blocking the NF-κB signaling pathway.
Humans ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Cell Movement/drug effects* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology* ; Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Antigens, CD/immunology* ; Lymphocyte Activation Gene 3 Protein ; A549 Cells ; I-kappa B Kinase/metabolism* ; Jurkat Cells ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism*

Magnetic stimulation has made significant strides in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Nonetheless, current magnetic stimulation techniques lack the precision to accurately modulate specific nuclei and cannot realize deep brain magnetic stimulation. To address this, we utilized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as mediators to achieve precise targeting and penetration. We investigated the effects of magnetic fields with varying frequencies on neuronal activity and compared the activation effects on neurons using a 10-Hz precise magneto-stimulation system (pMSS) with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in mice. Oxytocin levels, dendritic morphology and density, and mouse behavior were measured before and after pMSS intervention. Our findings suggest that pMSS can activate oxytocinergic neurons, leading to upregulation of oxytocin secretion and neurite outgrowth. As a result, sociability was rapidly improved after a one-week pMSS treatment regimen. These results demonstrate a promising magneto-stimulation method for regulating neuronal activity in deep brain nuclei and provide a promising therapeutic approach for autism spectrum disorder.
Animals ; Autism Spectrum Disorder/physiopathology* ; Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus/physiology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation/methods* ; Male ; Social Behavior ; Mice ; Oxytocin/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Neurons/physiology*

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) that causes oral mucosal tissue sclerosis, and even cancer transformation, is a chronic, progressive fibrosis disease. However, despite some advancements in recent years, no targeted antifibrotic strategies for OSF have been approved; likely because the complicated mechanisms that initiate and drive fibrosis remain to be determined. In this review, we briefly introduce the epidemiology and etiology of OSF. Then, we highlight how cell-intrinsic changes in significant structural cells can drive fibrotic response by regulating biological behaviors, secretion function, and activation of ECM-producing myofibroblasts. In addition, we also discuss the role of innate and adaptive immune cells and how they contribute to the pathogenesis of OSF. Finally, we summarize strategies to interrupt key mechanisms that cause OSF, including modulation of the ECM, inhibition of inflammation, improvement of vascular disturbance. This review will provide potential routes for developing novel anti-OSF therapeutics.
Humans ; Oral Submucous Fibrosis/immunology* ; Extracellular Matrix/metabolism* ; Myofibroblasts

As a kind of immunosuppressive cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are an important component of the immune microenvironment. MDSCs play a significant role in promoting tumor immune escape. In addition, non-immunological functions such as promoting angiogenesis can also promote tumor development with the deepening of research. MDSCs can promote tumor angiogenesis directly through vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway, or promote tumor growth and angiogenesis by secreting cytokines such as matrix metalloprotein-9, basic fibroblast growth factor, angiogenic peptide Bv8, platelet derived growth factor, exosomes, or interacting with other cells. Exploring the expansion, activation, recruitment and angiogenesis mechanism of MDSCs will provide new ideas for regulating the individualized diagnosis and treatment based on targeted MDSCs.

ObjectiveTo explore new targets and herbal medicines of total ginsenosides in ameliorating alcoholic hepatitis （AH） by data mining and experimental validation and to provide new directions for the clinical treatment of AH. MethodGSE28619 was selected as the test set from the GEO database and GSE83148 and GSE103580 were selected as the validation sets. The limma package and weighted gene co-expression network analysis （WGCNA） were employed to identify the AH-related differentially expressed genes and modular genes， and Venny was used to extract the common genes. The protein-protein interaction （PPI） network was constructed and the enrichment analysis was carried out. The hub genes were further screened and evaluated for their diagnostic value. After validation with the datasets， new potential targets of AH and traditional Chinese medicine were predicted. Molecular docking between the targets and active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine was performed， and the results were validated by experiments. Eight out of 48 SD rats were randomly selected into a blank group and received an equal amount of normal saline. The rest rats were subjected to modeling with ethanol by gavage and then randomized into low- （10 mg·kg^-1）， medium- （20 mg·kg^-1）， and high-dose （40 mg·kg^-1） total ginsenosides， model， and positive control （metadoxine， 117 mg·kg^-1） groups. After 3 weeks of gavage， serum samples were collected for the measurement of aspartate aminotransferase （AST） and alanine aminotransferase （ALT） levels， and liver samples were collected for hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Western blot and Real-time PCR were employed to determine the protein and mRNA levels， respectively， of potential targets in the liver tissue. ResultData mining predicted the potential genes： Proto-oncogene FOS and collagen type Ⅰ alpha 2 （COL1A2）. Experimental validation showed that the liver injury was alleviated after drug administration compared with that after modeling. The serum AST and ALT levels were reduced after drug administration. The protein and mRNA levels of FOS were significantly up-regulated， while those of COL1A2 were down-regulated after drug administration. ConclusionTotal ginsenosides ameliorate HA via FOS and COL1A2.

Objective: To investigate the effect of activation of the stimulator of interferon genes(STING) pathway on macrophage polarization function and its role in T-cell response. Methods: Mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells were used.STING signaling related proteins in RAW264.7 macrophage treated with STING agonist diABZI were analyzed by Western blot,including TANK-binding kinase-1(TBK1),interferon regulatory factor-3(IRF3),STING,p-TBK1,p-IRF3,p-STING.The polarization of macrophage RAW264.7 cells treated with diABZI was analyzed by flow cytometry.Co-culture of diABZI-treated RAW264.7 macrophage and T cells was applied to evaluate the change of T cell response. Results: STING signaling related proteins were upregulated in macrophage RAW264.7 cells treated with diABZI for 3 hours.The expression of CD86 was upregulated on the surface of macrophages after 12 hours of diABZI treatment,and the CD86/CD206 ratio was elevated,which presented the M1 polarization phenotype.When coculturing diABZI-treated macrophage RAW264.7 cells with T cells,the cytokine secretion ability of T cells including CD4+T and CD8+T cells was enhanced and the expression of CD107a in CD8+T cells was upregulated. Conclusion STING signaling induces M1 polarization of macrophages which enhance the function of T cells,especially CD8+T cell immune response.

Objective To explore the mechanisms of circadian rhythm disorder(CRD)on behavior and testicular spermatogenic capacity in adolescent mice.Methods Thirty SPF grade C57 mice were selected and randomly di-vided into the control and CRD groups with 15 mice in each group.The control group kept 12 h dark/12 h bright circulating light,and the CRD group kept 24 h light.The trial lasted for 61 days.The growth curves of mice in each group were counted;the elevated plus maze test and open field test were performed to detect mice behavior;neuronal morphology was visualized by Nissl staining.The distribution of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(Iba1)and neuron-specific nuclear protein(NeuN)in the hypothalamus were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot.Expression of testosterone synthesis-related genes steroidogenic acute regulatory protein(StAR)and hydroxy-delta-5-steroid dehydrogenase,3 beta-and steroid delta-isomerase 1(HSD3B1)and spermatogenesis-related genes gametogenetin binding protein 2(GGNBP2)and deleted in azoospermia-like(DAZL)were deter-mined by RT-qPCR.Results The weight of the CRD group was significantly higher than that of control group at 61 days;in the elevated plus maze test,the time,frequency,and percentage of time in the open arm of the CRD group were significantly less than those of the control group;in the open field test,there was no significant differ-ence in movement distance between the two groups;however,the residence time of the central area in the CRD group was significantly less than that in the control group;the frequency of entering the central area in the CRD group was significantly less than that in the control group.Nissl staining results showed that the positive cells in the CRD group were significantly lower than the control group.Immunofluorescence and Western blot results showed that Iba1 protein expression was up-regulated and NeuN protein expression was down-regulated in the hypothalamus of the CRD group.In the RT-qPCR experiment,the expression of HSD3B1 in the CRD group was significantly low-er than that of the control group;the expression of GGNBP2 and DAZL in the CRD group was significantly lower than that in the control group.Conclusion The CRD treatment can not only lead to depressive behavior in adoles-cent mice but also reduce the development of reproductive system in male adolescent mice.

Objective To observe the drainage pathways of interstitial fluid(ISF)and substance clearance pattern in rat brain with fluorescence tracing imaging and treacer-based MRI.Methods Thirty-three male SD rats were randomly divided into fluorescence tracing group(F group,n=18)and treacer-based MRI group(MRI group,n=15),then further divided into thalamic,hippocampal and caudate nucleus subgroups,respectively.Evans blue was injected to rats in F group,and cardiac perfusion was performed after injection,then brain tissue was harvested,and frozen sections were made to observe the drainage pathways of IFS in different subgroups.MRI was performed on rats in MRI group before and after injection of gadolinium-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid(Gd-DTPA)to observe signal intensity in ROI of brain regions in different subgroups,the signal unit ratio was calculated,and the changing trend was explored.Results ISF in thalamus,hippocampus and caudate nucleus had different dominant drainage pathways,and the time of tracer reached to adjacent brain regions and whole brain in F group were different.In MRI group,within 4 h after injection of Gd-DTPA,there were differences in direction and clearance rate among tracer in thalamus,hippocampus and caudate nucleus,mainly manifesting as the tracer in thalamus and hippocampus drained to the ipsilateral cortex and lateral ventricle,while the tracer in the caudate nucleus diffused to the cortex and midbrain,and there were differences of the peak time of tracer signal among adjacent drainage brain regions.Conclusion Fluorescence and MR dual-mode imaging showed that there were differences in the dominant drainage pathways of IFS and clearance rates of small molecule substances among hypothalamus,hippocampus and caudate nucleus of rats.

Objective:To compare the patient-reported outcomes and short-term clinical outcomes between robotic-assisted and laparoscopic-assisted radical gastrectomy for locally advanced gastric cancer.Methods:This single-center prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted in the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from October 2020 to August 2022. Patients with locally advanced gastric cancer who were to undergo radical gastrectomy were selected and randomly divided into two groups according to 1∶1, and received robotic surgery and laparoscopic surgery, respectively. Patient-reported outcomes and short-term clinical outcomes (including postoperative complications, surgical quality and postoperative short-term recovery) were compared between the two groups by independent sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test, repeated ANOVA, generalized estimating equation, χ2 test and Fisher′s exact test. Results:A total of 237 patients were enrolled for modified intention-to-treat analysis (120 patients in the robotic group, 117 patients in the laparoscopic group). There were 180 males and 59 females, aged (63.0±10.2) years (range: 30 to 85 years). The incidence of postoperative complications was similar between the robotic group and laparoscopic group (16.7% (20/120) vs. 15.4% (18/117), χ2=0.072, P=0.788). The robotic group had higher patient-reported outcomes scores in general health status, emotional, and social domains compared to the laparoscopic group, differences in time effect, intervention effect, and interaction effect were statistically significant (general health status: χ2 value were 275.68, 3.91, 6.38, P value were <0.01, 0.048, 0.041; emotional: χ2 value were 77.79, 6.04, 6.15, P value were <0.01, 0.014, 0.046; social: χ2 value were 148.00, 7.57, 5.98, P value were <0.01, 0.006, 0.048). However, the financial burden of the robotic group was higher, the differences in time effect, intervention effect and interaction effect were statistically significant ( χ2 value were 156.24, 4.08, 36.56, P value were <0.01, 0.043,<0.01). Conclusion:Compared to the laparoscopic group, the robotic group could more effectively relieve postoperative negative emotions and improve recovery of social function in patients.

Objective:To summarize the clinical characteristics of patients with renal angiomyolipoma(RAML)combined with inferior vena cava(IVC)tumor thrombus,and to explore the feasibility of par-tial nephrectomy and thrombectomy in this series of patients.Methods:The clinical data of patients diagnosed with RAML combined with IVC tumor thrombus in the Department of Urology of the Peking University Third Hospital from April 2014 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed,and demographic and perioperative data of RAML patients with IVC tumor thrombus were recorded and collected from Elec-tronic Medical Record System,including age,gender,surgical methods,and follow-up time,etc.The clinical characteristics between classic angiomyolipoma(CAML)patients with IVC tumor thrombus and epithelioid angiomyolipoma(EAML)patients with IVC tumor thrombus were compared to determine the clinical characteristics of these patients.Results:A total of 11 patients were included in this study,in-cluding 7 patients with CAML with IVC tumor thrombus and 4 patients with EAML with IVC tumor thrombus.There were 9 females(9/11,81.8％)and 2 males(2/11,18.2％),with an average age of(44.0±17.1)years.9 patients(9/11,81.8％)experienced clinical symptoms,including local symp-toms including abdominal pain,hematuria,abdominal masses,and systemic symptoms including weight loss and fever;2 patients(2/11,18.2％)with RAML and IVC tumor thrombus did not show clinical symptoms,which were discovered by physical examination.Among the 11 patients,10 underwent radical nephrectomy with thrombectomy,of whom,3 underwent open surgery(3/10,30.0％),2 underwent laparoscopic surgery(2/10,20.0％),and 5 underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery(5/10,50.0％).In addition,1 patient underwent open partial nephrectomy and thrombectomy.The patients with EAML combined with I VC tumor thrombus had a higher proportion of systemic clinical symptoms(100％vs.0％,P=0.003),more intraoperative bleeding[400(240,3 050)mL vs.50(50,300)mL,P=0.036],and a higher proportion of tumor necrosis(75％vs.0％,P=0.024)compared to the patients with CAML combined with I VC tumor thrombus.However,there was no statistically significant difference in operation time[(415.8±201.2)min vs.(226.0±87.3)min,P=0.053]between the two groups.Conclusion:Compared with the patients with CAML and IVC tumor thrombus,the patients with EAML and IVC tumor thrombus had a higher rate of systemic symptoms and tumor necrosis.In addi-tion,in the selected patients with CAML with IVC tumor thrombus,partial nephrectomy and tumor thrombectomy could be performed to better preserve renal function.