1.Mechanism study of SIRT3 alleviating oxidative-stress injury in renal tubular cells by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis via regulating mitochondrial redox balance
Yaojun LIU ; Jun ZHOU ; Jing LIU ; Yunfei SHAN ; Huhai ZHANG ; Pan XIE ; Liying ZOU ; Lingyu RAN ; Huanping LONG ; Lunli XIANG ; Hong HUANG ; Hongwen ZHAO
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):86-94
Objective To elucidate the molecular mechanism of sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) in regulating mitochondrial biogenesis in human renal tubular epithelial cells. Methods Cells were stimulated with different concentrations of H2O2 and divided into four groups: control (NC), 50 μmol/L H2O2, 110 μmol/L H2O2 and 150 μmol/L H2O2. SIRT3 protein expression was then measured. SIRT3 was knocked down with siRNA, and cells were further assigned to five groups: control (NC), negative-control siRNA (NCsi), SIRT3-siRNA (siSIRT3), NCsi+H2O2, and siSIRT3+H2O2. After 24 h, cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and mitochondrial superoxide anion (O2•−) levels were determined, together with mitochondrial expression of SIRT3, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), acetylated-SOD2 and adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase α1 (AMPKα1). Results The 110 and 150 μmol/L H2O2 decreased SIRT3 protein (both P<0.05). ATP and mitochondrial O2•− did not differ between NC and NCsi groups (both P>0.05). Compared to the NCsi group, the siSIRT3 group exhibited elevated O2•− level, decreased SIRT3 protein and increased expression levels of SOD2 and acetylated SOD2 protein (all P<0.05). Compared to the NCsi group, the NCsi+H2O2 group exhibited decreased cellular ATP levels, elevated mitochondrial O2•− levels, and reduced protein expression levels of SIRT3, SOD2, TFAM, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1 (all P<0.05). Compared with the siSIRT3 group, the siSIRT3+H2O2 group showed a decrease in cellular ATP levels, an increase in mitochondrial O2•− levels, a decrease in SIRT3, SOD2, TFAM, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1 protein expression levels and a decrease in acetylated SOD2 protein expression levels (all P<0.05). Compared with the NCsi+H2O2 group, the siSIRT3+H2O2 group showed a decrease in cellular ATP levels, an increase in mitochondrial O2•− levels, a decrease in SIRT3, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1, TFAM protein expression levels, and an increase in SOD2 and acetylated SOD2 protein expression levels (all P<0.05). Conclusions SIRT3 promotes mitochondrial biogenesis in tubular epithelial cells via the AMPK/PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM axis, representing a key mechanism through which SIRT3 ameliorates oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.
2.The Mechanisms of Neurotransmitters and Their Receptors in Exercise Central Fatigue
Lu-Lu GUAN ; Bo-Te QI ; Du-Shuo FENG ; Jing-Wang TAN ; Meng CAO ; Yu ZOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1321-1336
Exercise fatigue is a complex physiological and psychological phenomenon that includes peripheral fatigue in the muscles and central fatigue in the brain. Peripheral fatigue refers to the loss of force caused at the distal end of the neuromuscular junction, whereas central fatigue involves decreased motor output from the primary motor cortex, which is associated with modulations at anatomical sites proximal to nerves that innervate skeletal muscle. The central regulatory failure reflects a progressive decline in the central nervous system’s capacity to recruit motor units during sustained physical activity. Emerging evidence highlights the critical involvement of central neurochemical regulation in fatigue development, particularly through neurotransmitter-mediated modulation. Alterations in neurotransmitter release and receptor activity could influence excitatory and inhibitory signal pathways, thus modulating the perception of fatigue and exercise performance. Increased serotonin (5-HT) could increase perception of effort and lethargy, reduce motor drive to continue exercising, and contribute to exercise fatigue. Decreased dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline (NE) neurotransmission can negatively impact arousal, mood, motivation, and reward mechanisms and impair exercise performance. Furthermore, the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems interact with each other; a low 5-HT/DA ratio enhances motor motivation and improves performance, and a high 5-HT/DA ratio heightens fatigue perception and leads to decreased performance. The expression and activity of neurotransmitter receptors would be changed during prolonged exercise to fatigue, affecting the transmission of nerve signals. Prolonged high-intensity exercise causes excess 5-HT to overflow from the synaptic cleft to the axonal initial segment and activates the 5-HT1A receptor, thereby inhibiting the action potential of motor neurons and affecting the recruitment of motor units. During exercise to fatigue, the DA secretion is decreased, which blocks the binding of DA to D1 receptor in the caudate putamen and inhibits the activation of the direct pathway of the basal ganglia to suppress movement, meanwhile the binding of DA to D2 receptor is restrained in the caudate putamen, which activates the indirect pathway of the basal ganglia to influence motivation. Furthermore, other neurotransmitters and their receptors, such as adenosine (ADO), glutamic acid (Glu), and γ‑aminobutyric acid (GABA) also play important roles in regulating neurotransmitter balance and fatigue. The occurrence of central fatigue is not the result of the action of a single neurotransmitter system, but a comprehensive manifestation of the interaction between multiple neurotransmitters. This review explores the important role of neurotransmitters and their receptors in central motor fatigue, reveals the dynamic changes of different neurotransmitters such as 5-HT, DA, NE, and ADO during exercise, and summarizes the mechanisms by which these neurotransmitters and their receptors regulate fatigue perception and exercise performance through complex interactions. Besides, this study presents pharmacological evidence that drugs such as agonists, antagonists, and reuptake inhibitors could affect exercise performance by regulating the metabolic changes of neurotransmitters. Recently, emerging interventions such as dietary bioactive components intake and transcranial electrical stimulation may provide new ideas and strategies for the prevention and alleviation of exercise fatigue by regulating neurotransmitter levels and receptor activity. Overall, this work offers new theoretical insights into the understanding of exercise central fatigue, and future research should further investigate the relationship between neurotransmitters and their receptors and exercise fatigue.
3.Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of Supervision Evaluation and Supervisory Competence Scale
Hongrong ZOU ; Jun XU ; Jing WANG ; Ya ZHANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(3):279-284
BackgroundClinical supervision is a critical component in the training and professional development of psychological counselors. Scientifically evaluating the effectiveness of clinical supervision is essential, yet reliable and effective tools for such assessments are lacing in China. ObjectiveTo translate Supervision Evaluation and Supervision Competence (SE-SC) Scale into Chinese version and evaluate its reliability and validity in clinical supervision in China, so as to provide a tool for the evaluation of supervisory effectiveness. MethodsThe SE-SC scale was translated, back-translated and culturally adapted, followed by a pilot survey to develop the Chinese version of SE-SC scale. A total of 42 counselors engaged in clinical counseling and receiving supervision at a counseling center in Shanghai from July 2021 to February 2022 were selected as the study participants. Item analysis was conducted to assess item discrimination, with critical ratio method applied to determine which items retention. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to compare the structure of Chinese version with the original scale. Criterion-related validity and convergent validity were used to evaluate the validity of the scale, while Cronbach's α coefficient was used to assess its reliability. ResultsChinese version of SE-SC scale consisted of a total of 28 item, including six clusters. Registered supervisors scored significantly higher than internship supervisors on the total score and on clusters three, four, five and six (t=2.536, 2.747, 5.881, 3.718, 6.090, P<0.05). The total and cluster scores of the Chinese version of the SE-SC scale were positively correlated with self-rated supervision helpfulness and overall satisfaction (r=0.492~0.758, 0.412~0.815, P<0.01). The Cronbach's α coefficient for the overall scale was 0.975,with values for the six clusters were 0.938, 0.821, 0.962, 0.871, 0.884 and 0.823, respectively. ConclusionChinese version of SE-SC scale demonstrates good reliability and validity, and it can be considered as a promising assessment tool for evaluating the effectiveness of clinical supervision.
4.Prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in wild rodents in key areas during the elimination phase
Chao LÜ ; Xiaojuan XU ; Jiajia LI ; Ting FENG ; Hai ZHU ; Yifeng LI ; Ling XU ; Zhihong FENG ; Huiwen JIANG ; Xiaoqing ZOU ; Wenjun WEI ; Zhiqiang QIN ; Yang HONG ; Shiqing ZHANG ; Jing XU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(5):475-481
Objective To investigate the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in wild rodents in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of China, so as to provide insights into formulation of technical guidelines for monitoring of and the precise control strategy for S. japonicum infections in wild rodents during the elimination phase. Methods Two administrative villages where schistosomiasis was historically highly prevalent were selected each from Dongzhi County, Anhui Province, and Duchang County, Jiangxi Province as study villages. Wild rodents were captured from study villages with baited traps or cages at night in June and September, 2021. The number of rodents captured was recorded, and the rodent species was characterized based on morphologi-cal characteristics. Liver tissues were sampled from captured rodents for macroscopical observation of the presence of egg granu- lomas, and S. japonicum infection was detected simultaneously using liver tissue homogenate microscopy, examinations of mesenteric tissues for parasites, and modified Kato-Katz thick smear technique (Kato-Katz technique). A positive S. japonicum infection was defined as detection of S. japonicum eggs or adult worms by any of these methods. The rate of wild rodent capture and prevalence of S. japonicum infections in wild rodents were compared in different study villages and at different time periods, and the detection of S. japonicum infections in wild rodents was compared by different assays. Results The overall rate of wild ro- dent capture was 8.28% (237/2 861) in Dongzhi County, and the wild rodent capture rates were 9.24% (133/1 439) and 7.31% (104/1 422) in two study villages (χ2 = 3.503, P = 0.061), and were 8.59% (121/1 409) and 7.99% (116/1 452) in June and September, 2021, respectively (χ2 = 0.337, P = 0.561). The overall rate of wild rodent capture was 3.72% (77/2 072) in Duchang County, and the wild rodent capture rates were 6.91% (67/970) and 0.91% (10/1 102) in two study villages (χ2 = 51.901, P < 0.001), and were 4.13% (39/945) and 3.37% (38/1 127) in June and September, 2021, respectively (χ2 = 0.815, P = 0.365). Rattus norvegicus was the predominant rodent species captured in both counties, accounting for 70.04% (166/237) of all captured wild rodents in Dongzhi County and 88.31% (68/77) in Duchang County. No S. japonicum infection was detected in wild rodents captured in Duchang County. Nevertheless, the overall prevalence of S. japonicum infections was 51.05% (121/237) in wild rodents captured in Dongzhi County, with prevalence rates of 50.38% (67/133) and 51.92% (54/104) in two study villages (χ2 = 0.098, P = 0.755), and 54.31% (63/116) and 47.93% (58/121) in September and June, 2021, respectively (χ2 = 0.964, P = 0.326). Of 237 wild rodents captured in Dongzhi County, there were 140 (59.07%) rodents with visible hepatic egg granulomas, 117 (49.47%) tested positive for S. japonicum eggs by liver tissue homogenate microscopy, 34 (14.35%) tested positive for S. japonicum eggs with Kato-Katz technique; however, no adult S. japonicum worms were detected in mesenteric tissues. In addition, hepatic egg granulomas were found in all wild rodents tested positive for S. japonicum eggs with liver tissue homogenate microscopy. Conclusions The rate of wild rodent capture and prevalence of S. japonicum infection in wild rodents vary greatly in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of China, and the prevalence of S. japonicum infection is slightly higher in wild rodents captured in autumn than in summer. Liver tissue is recommended as the preferred sample for surveillance of S. japonicum infection in wild rodents, and a combination of macroscopical observation of hepatic egg granulomas and liver tissue homogenate microscopy may be a standard method for surveillance of S. japonicum infection in wild rodents.
5.Heat-sensitive moxibustion robot for improving depressive state in methamphetamine addicts during withdrawal period: a randomized controlled trial.
Yuexia JIANG ; Haiyan LI ; Wei HE ; Jing ZHOU ; Chunliang ZOU ; Dingyi XIE ; Rixin CHEN
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(8):1061-1067
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the clinical efficacy of heat-sensitive moxibustion robot for improving the depressive state of methamphetamine addicts during withdrawal period.
METHODS:
A total of 60 patients with methamphetamine addiction accompanied with depressive state were randomly divided into an observation group (40 cases, 4 cases dropped out) and a control group (20 cases, 2 cases dropped out). The control group received routine health education and addiction treatment in compulsory isolation drug rehabilitation center. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, in the observation group, the heat-sensitive moxibustion robot was used to locate sensitive points at the Shenque (CV8) and Danzhong (CV17), and dual-point sparrow-pecking moxibustion was delivered for 60 min per session. The moxibustion therapy was performed 4 times in the 1st week, 3 times in the 2nd and 3rd weeks respectively, and 2 times in the 4th week, for 12 times totally. The scores of Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), self-rating depression scale (SDS), visual analogue scale (VAS) for drug craving, Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) were observed before treatment, at the end of the 2nd and 4th weeks of treatment, and 4 weeks after the treatment completion (follow-up) in the two groups.
RESULTS:
At each time point after treatment, in the observation group, the HAMD, VAS, HAMA and PSQI scores were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.01, P<0.001); at the end of the 4th week of treatment and in follow-up, the SDS and SAS scores were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.001, P<0.01). Compared before treatment, there were no significant differences in the above scores at each time point after treatment in the control group (P>0.05). In the observation group, at each time point after treatment, the HAMD and VAS scores were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.001, P<0.05); at the end of the 4th week of treatment and in follow-up, the SDS and HAMA scores were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05, P<0.001); at the end of the 4th week of treatment, the PSQI score was lower than that in the control group (P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
Heat-sensitive moxibustion robot effectively improves depression, anxiety and sleep quality, and reduces drug craving in methamphetamine addicts during withdrawal period.
Humans
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Moxibustion/methods*
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Male
;
Adult
;
Female
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Methamphetamine/adverse effects*
;
Depression/therapy*
;
Middle Aged
;
Robotics
;
Young Adult
;
Amphetamine-Related Disorders/psychology*
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Acupuncture Points
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Substance Withdrawal Syndrome/psychology*
6.Correlation between triglyceride-glucose index and hypertension in patients with cerebral hemorrhage
Jiawen DONG ; Xin ZOU ; Hui TANG ; Ting LIU ; Shiwen ZHANG ; Ye WANG ; Shaojing SHI ; Jinsheng ZHANG ; Jing LI
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(3):303-307
Objective To explore the relationship between triglyceride-glucose(TyG)index and hypertension in patients with cerebral hemorrhage.Methods A total of 1718 patients with cere-bral hemorrhage admitted to our hospital from January,2013 to May,2023 were enrolled in this study.According to the TyG index quartile,437 cases were assigned into Q1 group(≤8.375),424 cases into Q2 group(TyG index 8.376~8.737),429 cases into Q3 group(TyG index 8.738~9.087),and 428 cases into Q4 group(≥9.088).The general clinical data were compared in the four groups.Logistic regression analysis was used to study the correlation between TyG index and hy-pertension.Results There were significant differences among the four groups in terms of age,hy-pertension,diabetes,SBP,DBP,TC,TG,HDL-C,LDL-C,FBG,glycated hemoglobin and TyG in-dex(P<0.05,P<0.01).Logistic regression analysis showed that when the TyG index was a con-tinuous variable,it was significantly correlated with the risk of hypertension(OR=1.999,95%CI:1.393-2.869,P=0.001).When the index was used as a categorical variable,with Q1as a ref-erence,TyG index in Q3 and Q4 was associated with an increase in OR of hypertension(OR=1.869,95%CI:1.220-2.865,P=0.004;OR=1.844,95%CI:1.125-3.020,P=0.015).After ad-justing cofounders,the association of TyG index and risk of hypertension was stronger in the fe-males(OR=2.618,95%CI:1.312-5.221,P=0.006)than the males(OR=1.783,95%CI:1.151-2.761,P=0.010),and in the patients ≥65 years old(OR=3.277,95%CI:1.600-6.741,P=0.001)than those<65 years old(OR=1.782,95%CI:1.076-2.949,P=0.025).Conclusion TyG index is closely associated with hypertension in patients with cerebral hemorrhage,especially in women and elderly.
7.Levels of peripheral blood inflammatory factors in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia and construction and evaluation of a prognostic prediction model
Na PENG ; Hongmei MA ; Chunhui DENG ; Jing TAN ; Hong ZOU
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(11):1674-1678
OBJECTIVE To explore the relationship between levels of peripheral blood interleukin(IL)-6,IL-18,IL-1β,tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α),procalcitonin(PCT),C-reactive protein(CRP)and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1)and disease condition and prognosis in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP),and to construct a prediction model.METHODS A total of 196 children with MPP admitted to Dazhou Central Hospital in Sichuan Province from Jan.2022 to Jan.2024 were selected as the MPP group and were divided into the mild group(n=124)and the severe group(n=72)according to the clinical pulmonary infection score(CPIS),and 200 healthy children who participated in physical examination in the hospital during the same period were selected as the healthy group.All 196 children with MPP received relevant treatments and were divided into a poor prognosis group(n=40)and a good prognosis group(n=156)according to their prognosis.The levels of peripheral blood IL-6,IL-18,IL-1β,TNF-α,PCT,CRP and VCAM-1 were measured in all the subjects,the risk factors affecting the disease condition and prognosis of children with MPP were analyzed,the prediction model was constructed,and the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn and the area under the curve(AUC)was calculated to evaluate the predictive effect of the constructed prediction model.RESULTS Peripheral blood IL-6,IL-18,IL-1β,TNF-α,PCT,CRP and VCAM-1 levels in the MPP group were higher than those in the healthy group(P<0.05).The levels of IL-6,IL-18,IL-1β,TNF-α,PCT,CRP and VCAM-1 in peripheral blood were significantly higher in the severe group than those in the mild group(P<0.05).IL-6(OR=1.203),IL-18(OR=1.072),IL-1β(OR=4.060),TNF-α(OR=1.264),PCT(OR=3.132),CRP(OR=1.546)and VCAM-1(OR=1.009)were risk factors for severe condition in MPP children(P<0.05).The prediction model constructed for the devel-opment of severe illness in MPP children was as follows:Logit(P)=-67.522+0.185×IL-6+0.069×IL-18+1.401×IL-1β+0.234×TNF-α+1.142×PCT+0.436×CRP+0.009 ×VCAM-1.The AUC of the prediction model for predicting severe conditions in MPP children was 0.985.The levels of IL-6,IL-18,IL-1β,TNF-α,PCT,CRP and VCAM-1 in peripheral blood in the poor prognosis group were higher than those in the good prognosis group(P<0.05).IL-6(OR=1.083,95%CI:1.024-1.145,P=0.005),TNF-α(OR=1.083,95%CI:1.002-1.172,P=0.046)and VCAM-1(OR=1.029,95%CI:1.015-1.044,P<0.001)were risk factors for poor prognosis in MPP children.The prediction model established for poor prognosis in children with MPP was as follows:logit(P)=-31.557+0.080×IL-6+0.080×TNF-α+0.029×VCAM-1.The AUC of the prediction model for predicting poor prognosis in MPP children was 0.979.CONCLUSIONS The levels of IL-6,IL-18,IL-1β,TNF-α,PCT,CRP and VCAM-1 in pe-ripheral blood are closely related to the severity of illness in children with MPP.The prediction model constructed on the basis of the above indicators predicts the risk of severe disease in children with MPP,and the prediction model constructed on the basis of IL-6,TNF-α and VCAM-1 predicts the risk of poor prognosis in children with MPP.
8.An excerpt of global consensus recommendations for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and steatohepatitis(2025)
Aifang LIU ; Bo ZOU ; Lei LUO ; Jing ZHANG ; Wenlong YANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(8):1521-1524
In April 2025,Global consensus recommendations for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and steatohepatitis was published online in Gastroenterology.These recommendations address the areas with significant divergence,such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)screening steps,the use of noninvasive tests for risk stratification,management of comorbidities,and the recent advances in resmetirom for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis(MASH),covering the most debated topics in current MASLD management.This article makes an excerpt of the main contents in these consensus recommendations.
9.Gene expression in pulmonary metastatic papillary thyroid cancer and its association with lung metastasis
Qiuqin QIAN ; Jing PENG ; Haiqing ZHU ; Wenjie PAN ; Zhenyu ZOU ; Feng SHI
Chinese Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2025;45(6):352-357
Objective:To investigate the gene expression of pulmonary metastatic papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and its association with lung metastasis, facilitating risk assessment and personalized therapeutic strategies.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 269 PTC patients (61 males, 208 females, age (38.9±11.9) years) treated at the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University from January 2017 to June 2020, including 60 cases with lung metastasis and 209 without. Primary tumor tissues underwent targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for lung metastasis, and χ2 test was used to evaluate the differences between the effective and ineffective groups of radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy. Results:In 60 PTC patients with lung metastasis, the mutation rates of B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine protein kinase (BRAF) V600E, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter, and rearranged in transformation (RET) fusion mutations were 28.3%(17/60), 25.0%(15/60), and 26.7%(16/60), respectively. Univariate analysis demonstrated that age≥55 years, multifocality, lateral cervical lymph node metastasis, extrathyroidal extension, BRAF V600E mutation, RET fusion, and TERT promoter mutation were significantly associated with lung metastasis in PTC ( Wald χ2 values: 4.13-31.28, all P<0.05). However, no significant statistical associations were observed between lung metastasis and gender, rat sarcoma type GTPase family (RAS) mutation, tumor protein p53 (TP53) mutation, phosphatidylinositol-4, 5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) mutation, neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase 1 (NTRK1) fusion, or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion ( Wald χ2 values: 0.01-3.50, all P>0.05). Multivariate analysis identified TERT promoter mutation (odds ratio ( OR)=11.86, 95% CI: 3.68-38.29, P<0.001), multifocality ( OR=5.30, 95% CI: 2.41-11.69, P<0.001), extrathyroidal extension ( OR=3.98, 95% CI: 1.77-8.98, P=0.001), and lateral cervical lymph node metastasis ( OR=3.13, 95% CI: 1.28-7.68, P=0.013) as independent risk factors for lung metastasis in PTC. Conversely, BRAF V600E mutation emerged as a potential protective factor ( OR=0.09, 95% CI: 0.04-0.21, P<0.001). The proportions of BRAF V600E mutation ( χ2=20.49, P<0.001) and TERT promoter mutation ( χ2=4.91, P=0.027) were higher in the RAI ineffective group. Conclusions:BRAF V600E mutation, TERT promoter mutation and RET fusion are related gene expression in lung metastasis of PTC. Multifocality, extrathyroidal extension, lateral cervical lymph node metastasis and TERT promoter mutation are risk factors for lung metastasis of PTC (TERT is an independent molecular risk marker), while BRAF V600E mutation may be a protective factor. RAI treatment efficacy of PTC patients with lung metastasis and BRAF V600E mutation/TERT promoter mutation is worse.
10.Electroacupuncture Affects Microglial Activation and Subsequently Improves Postherpetic Neuralgia via HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Acta Medicinae Universitatis Scientiae et Technologiae Huazhong 2025;54(2):159-165
Objective To explore the mechanism by which electroacupuncture(EA)improves postherpetic neuralgia(PHN)by affecting the activation of microglia through the high mobility group box 1(HMGB1)/Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)signaling pathway.Methods Fifty SPF-grade SD rats were divided into the following groups:control(Vehicle)group,model(RTX)group,sham electroacupuncture(Sham-EA)group,electroacupuncture(EA)group,and electroacu-puncture+pathway inhibitor(EA+Gly)group.Behavioral tests in rats were conducted using mechanical withdrawal threshold testing,hot foot reflex latency testing,and tilt board testing.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to detect pathological morphological changes in the spinal dorsal horn tissue.TUNEL assay was used to detect cell apoptosis in the spinal dorsal horn tissue.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect the levels of pain-sensitive substances:prostaglandin E2(PGE2),substance P(SP),neurokinin 1(NK-1),and inflammatory factors:interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α).Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of Iba1.Western blot was used to detect the expression of proteins involved in the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway.Results Compared with Vehicle group,RTX group showed decreased mechanical withdrawal threshold,shortened hot foot reflex latency,reduced angle of balance on the tilt board,structural damage,disordered arrangement of nerve fibers,inflammatory cell infiltration,increased cell apoptosis rate,increased activation of microglia,and increased levels of PGE2,SP,NK-1,IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α in the spinal dorsal horn tissue,with upregu-lated expression of HMGB1,TLR4,NF-κB p65 proteins(all P<0.01).Compared with RTX group,no significant difference was observed in Sham-EA group(P>0.05),while EA group showed increased mechanical withdrawal threshold,prolonged hot foot reflex latency,increased angle of balance on the tilt board,relieved morphological damage of nerve cells,more orderly arrangement,reduced in-flammatory cell infiltration,reduced cell apoptosis rate,reduced activation of microglia,and decreased levels of PGE2,SP,NK-1,IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α in the spinal dorsal horn tissue,with downregulated expression of HMGB1,TLR4,NF-κB p65 proteins(all P<0.01).Com-pared with EA group,EA+Gly group showed increased mechanical withdrawal threshold,prolonged hot foot reflex latency,increased angle of balance on the tilt board,reduced degree of morphological damage and disorder of nerve cells,reduced cell apoptosis rate,re-duced activation of microglia,and decreased levels of PGE2,SP,NK-1,IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α in the spinal dorsal horn tissue,with down-regulated expression of HMGB1,TLR4,NF-κB p65 proteins(all P<0.05).Conclusion EA exerts its therapeutic effect on PHN by in-hibition of HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and activation of microglia.

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