BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with common pathophysiological processes, such as inflammation and fibrosis, in both the heart and the kidney. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms that drive these processes are not yet fully understood. Therefore, this study focused on the molecular mechanism of heart and kidney injury in CKD. METHODS: We generated an microRNA (miR)-26a knockout (KO) mouse model to investigate the role of miR-26a in angiotensin (Ang)-II-induced cardiac and renal injury. We performed Ang-II modeling in wild type (WT) mice and miR-26a KO mice, with six mice in each group. In addition, Ang-II-treated AC16 cells and HK2 cells were used as in vitro models of cardiac and renal injury in the context of CKD. Histological staining, immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and Western blotting were applied to study the regulation of miR-26a on Ang-II-induced cardiac and renal injury. Immunofluorescence reporter assays were used to detect downstream genes of miR-26a, and immunoprecipitation was employed to identify the interacting protein of LIM and senescent cell antigen-like domain 1 (LIMS1). We also used an adeno-associated virus (AAV) to supplement LIMS1 and explored the specific regulatory mechanism of miR-26a on Ang-II-induced cardiac and renal injury. Dunnett's multiple comparison and t -test were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Compared with the control mice, miR-26a expression was significantly downregulated in both the kidney and the heart after Ang-II infusion. Our study identified LIMS1 as a novel target gene of miR-26a in both heart and kidney tissues. Downregulation of miR-26a activated the LIMS1/integrin-linked kinase (ILK) signaling pathway in the heart and kidney, which represents a common molecular mechanism underlying inflammation and fibrosis in heart and kidney tissues during CKD. Furthermore, knockout of miR-26a worsened inflammation and fibrosis in the heart and kidney by inhibiting the LIMS1/ILK signaling pathway; on the contrary, supplementation with exogenous miR-26a reversed all these changes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that miR-26a could be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiorenal injury in CKD. This is attributed to its ability to regulate the LIMS1/ILK signaling pathway, which represents a common molecular mechanism in both heart and kidney tissues.
Animals ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Angiotensin II/toxicity* ; Mice ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/chemically induced* ; Mice, Knockout ; Disease Models, Animal ; Male ; Signal Transduction/genetics* ; LIM Domain Proteins/genetics* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Cell Line ; Humans

OBJECTIVE: Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizoma (Hongjingtian in Chinese, RCRR), the roots and rhizomes of Rhodiola crenulata and its application in the medicinal market is very chaotic. In this study, DNA barcoding database and identification engine of Rhodiola species were established, decoction pieces from the medicinal market were identified, and the application and challenges of DNA barcoding in the rapid radiation of Rhodiola species were analyzed. This study provides reference for the protection, rational development, and utilization of endangered resources within Rhodiola species. METHODS: A total of 50 original plant samples from 20 species of the genus Rhodiola from Hebei, Xinjiang, Tibet, Jilin, and other major production areas were collected. Theses samples cover the typical distribution area (Qinghai-Tibetan Platea) of Rhodiola species and other scattered alpine regions (Changbai Mountain, Taibai Mountain, Lushan Mountain, etc.), it encompasses all Rhodiola species with thick rhizomes in China. ITS2 and psbA-trnH barcode of Rhodiola database (BORD) were established and an identification engine named Rhodiola-IDE was developed. The stability and accuracy of the standard DNA barcoding database were evaluated using two datasets. Rhodiola-IDE identified 31 decoction pieces of RCRR from the medicinal material market. RESULTS: The BORD containing 1 532 sequences of 88 Rhodiola species has been established, and the identification efficiency results showed good accuracy and stability. According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition), 23 samples (74.2%) were identified as authentic R. crenulata, while the rest of the marketed varieties were R. kirilowii, R. dumulosa, and R. fastigiata. The product label "Larger flower, Hongjingtian" was identified as R. crenulata. Samples labeled as "Smaller flower, Hongjingtian" were identified as R. crenulata, R. kirilowii, and R. fastigiata. CONCLUSION ITS2 and psbA-trnH barcodes can identify monophyletic groups represented by R. crenulata. However, for non-monophyletic species, it is necessary to collect as many samples as possible and combine them with multiple markers for joint identification. This study discussed the application and challenges of DNA barcodes in Rhodiola under rapid radiation conditions, providing a scientific basis for the rational development and utilization of Rhodiola varieties.

Objective To explore the efficacy of Yishen Yangyin Gujing Prescription[derived from Zuogui Wan(Bolus for Replenishing Kidney-Yin)]for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)with qi and yin deficiency syndrome,and to observe its effects on inflammatory responses,pancreatic β-cell function and renal function.Methods A total of 162 T2DM patients with diabetic nephropathy of qi and yin deficiency syndrome who admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine from May 2020 to July 2023 were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group according to the random number table method,with 81 cases in each group.The control group was given conventional western medicine treatment for lowering blood pressure and renal protection,while the observation group was treated with Yishen Yangyin Gujing Prescription on the basis of treatment for the control group.The course of treatment for the two groups covered 12 weeks.Before and after the treatment,the changes in the outcomes of the two groups were observed,and the outcomes included the total scores of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome,insulin sensitivity index,insulin secretion index,24-h urine total protein quantification(24hUTP),and serum levels of glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c),fasting insulin(FINS),fasting blood glucose(FBG),serum creatinine(SCr),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1),NLRP3 inflammasome,interleukin 6(IL-6),superoxide dismutase(SOD)and sphingosine-1-phosphate(S1P).After treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups of patients was compared.Results(1)After 12-week treatment,the total effective rate of the observation group was 93.83%(76/81),and that of the control group was 83.95%(68/81).The intergroup comparison showed that the efficacy of the observation group was significantly superior to that of the control group(χ2=9.163,P<0.05).(2)After treatment,the insulin sensitivity index and insulin secretion index in the two groups of patients were increased(P<0.05)and the total scores of TCM syndromes were decreased(P<0.05)when compared with those before treatment,and the increase of insulin sensitivity index and insulin secretion index as well as the decrease of the total scores of TCM syndrome in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.05).(3)After treatment,the serum levels of HbA1c,FINS,FBG,SCr,BUN and 24hUTP in the two groups of patients were decreased when compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease of the above indicators in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.05).(4)After treatment,the serum TGF-β1,IL-6,and NLRP3 inflammasome levels in the two groups of patients were decreased(P<0.05)and the serum S1P and SOD levels were increased(P<0.05)when compared with those before treatment,and the decrease of serum TGF-β1,IL-6,and NLRP3 inflammasome levels as well as the increase of serum S1P and SOD levels in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion For T2DM patients with diabetic nephropathy of qi and yin deficiency syndrome,the combined use of western medicine and Yishen Yangyin Gujing Prescription treatment is helpful to alleviate inflammatory response,improve the function of pancreatic β-cells,regulate the blood glucose level,improve renal function,and enhance the clinical efficacy.

Objective To investigate the effect of different strand lengths of 125I seeds with the same activity on the dose of different reference points around the seeds.Methods The scanned images were transferred to the three-dimensional treatment planning system(3D-TPS)according to DICOM format.The target volume was delineated at 5 mm and 10 mm above and below the center of the phantom,and a 0.8 mCi seeds strand was simulated.The 1-20 seeds were arranged with an equal spacing of 5 mm(5 mm-100 mm).The 5 mm points above and below the center of the seeds strand were defined as point A and point A',and the 10 mm points above and below the center were defined as point B and point B'.5 mm above and below the edge of the seeds strand on the left side were defined as AL points and AL'points,and 5 mm above and below the edge of the seeds strand on the right side were defined as AR points and AR'points.Similarly,points 10 mm above the above mentioned positions were defined as BL points,BL'points,BR points,BR'points.The average dose symmetry points were measured at AL,AL',AR,and 5 mm,10 mm,15 mm and 20 mm inside AR' of the 45 mm-100 mm seeds strand.The dose at the center was compared with the dose at the end points.The dose at the center point A was compared with the average dose at the symmetry points of 5 mm,10 mm,15 mm and 20 mm inside of the end points AL,AL',AR and AR',and the dose at each point was curve fitting.The correlation between each point and seeds strands of different lengths was analyzed.Results There was a positive correlation between the dose and the length of each point.There was no statistically significant difference between the center point and the end point.There was a statistically significant difference in dosage at points 5 mm and 10 mm inside from point A,while there was no statistically significant difference in dosage at points 15 mm and 20 mm inside from point A.The dose of A,A',B and B' point increased steadily with the increase of seed chain length,and the fitting curves were obtained respectively:y=e(-0.620/x+5.28)(R2=0.992),y=e(-0.640/x+5.34)(R2=0.987),y=e(-0.82/x+4.80)(R2=0.984),y=e(-0.82/x+4.83)(R2=0.9g1).Conclusion The doses at points A,A',B,and B'are positively correlated with seeds strand length and have a high degree of stability.Point A can be used as a reference point for the target area dose of the seeds strand,and point B can be used as a reference point for the dose to critical organs.The dose at other positions is more variable and thus has a certain degree of uncertainty as a reference point for the seeds strand dose.

Objective To investigate the relationship between the absorbed dose and implantation duration at the target area and at the critical organ dose reference points in the application of radioactive 125I seed strands for the treatment of intraluminal tumors.Methods A self-developed 125I seed strand arc template with a 30-degree angle was used to place 10 seeds(each with activity of 1.0mCi)into the template.CT-based DICOM images were transferred to a treatment planning system(TPS)for dose calculation.Absorbed doses at multiple time points(from day 5 to day 90 with a 5-day interval)were measured at following four specific locations:point A'(5 mm inside the arc center),point A(5 mm outside the arc center),point B(10 mm outside the arc center),and point B'(10 mm inside the arc center).The TPS was first used to calculate the expected absorbed doses,followed by actual absorbed dose measurements over the 90-day period.The expected absorbed doses were calculated,and then the actual absorbed doses were calculated.The time-dose relationship of the above points was analyzed,and the curves and equations were obtained.Results The expected absorbed doses at points A',A,B,and B'were 221.36,196.39,115.78,and 136.32 Gy,respectively.The time(x)-dose(y)relationships of all the above points followed a quadratic function relationship in the form of y=c+bx-ax2.Within the time range of 5-90 days,the actual absorbed dose increased with the prolongation of time,and the increase speed showed a pattern of first fast and then slow.The increase in speed was fast within 20 days,than became stable between 20-75 days,and after 75 days the increase in speed became to slow down.Conclusion When using 125I seed strands to treat intraluminal tumors,the actual absorbed dose of the tumor needs to be accurately calculated based on the implantation duration.The actual absorbed dose initially accumulates rapidly and decreases significantly after 75 days.It is recommended to replace the 125I seed strand with a new one after implanting it for approximately 75 days.

Objective To investigate the impact of different 125I seeds strand radian on the dose of different reference points around the seeds.Methods CT scan of self-developed radioactive particle radiation dose measurement phantom was performed,the scanned images were transferred to the three-dimensional treatment planning system(TPS).The target area at the middle level of the model was drawn.The target volume was delineated at 5 mm and 10 mm above and below the center of the phantom.125I seeds strand plans were designed with different radians,with a total length of 8 cm,seed spacing of 0 cm,activity of 0.8 mCi,and a total of 16 particles,with radians ranging from 30°to 170°,increasing by 10° increment.The point 5 mm vertically away from the center of the seeds strand towards the center was named A',and the point away from the center was named A.The point 10 mm vertically away from the center of the seeds strand towards the center was named B',and the point away from the center was named B.The doses at different radians were recorded,and the actual absorbed dose at 1-2 months after operation was calculated based on the particle activity decay formula.Results The doses at points A'and A were(218.3±23.1)and(201.5±16.0)Gy respectively(P=0.001).The actual absorbed doses at 1 month after operation were(65.5±6.9)and(60.5±4.8)Gy respectively(P=0.001),and the actual absorbed doses at 2 months after operation were(109.2±11.5)Gy and(100±7.9)Gy respectively(P=0.001).The doses at points B'and B were(95.9±11.0)Gy and(81.7±4.9)Gy respectively(P＜0.001),and the actual absorbed doses at 1 month after operation were(28.8±3.3)Gy and(24.5±1.5)Gy respectively(P＜0.001).The actual absorbed doses at 2 month after operation were(48.0±5.5)Gy and(41.0±2.4)Gy respectively(P＜0.001).The doses at points A'and A gradually decreased with the increase of the radians,reaching the minimum value at 100 degrees,and then increased gradually,showing a cubic function change.The actual absorbed dose showed the same trend.The doses at points B'and B increased gradually with the increase of the radians,showing a cubic function change.Conclusion At different radians,the point doses and absorbed doses on the centrifugal side of the seeds strand are both less than those on the centripetal side.There is a cubic function relationship between the dose at the reference points and the radian of the seeds strand.

Objective As a signaling molecule,NO regulates key physiological processes and is closely related to periodontitis.To investigate the effect of flavonoid NO donor composite nanoparticles(G10@HAP/MSN@ZnO@COS)on osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells(PDLSCs)by regulating macrophage polarization.Methods The novel NO donor drug G10 was loaded on hydroxyapatite/mesoporous silicanant particles(HAP/MSN),filled with zinc oxide(ZnO),and then coated with chitosan(COS)to prepare composite nanoparticles(G10@HAP/MSN@ZnO@COS).The best concentration of G10@HAP/MSN@ZnO@COS was screened to promote cell proliferation by CCK-8 cell experiment.After the mouse mononuclear macrophages were stimulated by lipopo-lysaccharide,the mice were divided into four groups:Control group,G10 group,HAP/MSN@ZnO@COS group and G10@HAP/MSN@ZnO@COS group.Each group was cultured with fresh medium,5 μg/mL G10,5 μg/mL HAP/MSN@ZnO@COS and 5 μg/mL G10@HAP/MSN@ZnO@COS for 72 h respectively.ELISA and RT-qPCR were used to detect the expression of cytokines(TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,iNOS,IL-10)and mRNA expression in each group,and the phenotypic changes of M1/M2 were evaluated.The supernatant of each culture medium was used as conditioned medium to culture PDLSCs,and the osteogenic ability and cell miner-alization were evaluated by alkaline phosphatase activity test and alizarin red staining.Results CCK-8 experiment showed that G10@HAP/MSN@ZnO@COS of 5 μg/mL could significantly promote the proliferation of PDLSCs.The results of ELISA showed that compared with Control group,the expression of M1 type marker IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α and iNOS in G10@HAP/MSN@ZnO@COS group was significantly decreased(P＜0.000 1),while the expression of M2 type marker IL-10 was significantly increased(P＜0.000 1).The results of RT-qPCR were consistent with those of ELISA,which showed that the expression of M1-related genes in G10@HAP/MSN@ZnO@COS group decreased significantly(P＜0.01).The results of alizarin red staining and alkaline phosphatase activity test showed that the number of mineralized nodules and alkaline phosphatase activity in G10@HAP/MSN@ZnO@COS-CM group were significantly higher than those in other groups(P＜0.000 1).Conclusion Composite nanoparticles(G10@HAP/MSN@ZnO@COS)can effectively inhibit the polarization of macrophages to M1 phenotype and promote it to M2 phenotypic polarization.The anti-inflammatory microenvironment regulated by G10@HAP/MSN@ZnO@COS can en-hance the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs.

Objective:To analyze the clinicopathological features of solitary papillary thyroid isthmus carcinoma (SPTIC) and the therapeutic effect and prognosis of different surgical methods.Methods:A total of 161 patients with SPTIC who underwent surgical treatment in the Department of Thyroid Surgery of the First Hospital of Jilin University from Dec. 2012 to Oct. 2021 were selected. Gender, age, body mass index and pathology of the patients were collected and the clinicopathological characteristics of SPTIC were analyzed. They were divided into three groups according to different surgical methods: group A underwent isthmic excision, group B underwent extended isthmic excision, and group C underwent total thyroidectomy. There were 47 patients in group A (8 males and 39 females with an average age of 42.6±9.1 years), 50 patients in group B (11 males and 39 females with an average age of 45.3±11.3 years), and 64 patients in group C (10 males and 54 females with an average age of 46.9±11.4 years). The clinicopathological features and therapeutic effect of the three groups were compared by ANOVA, multiple local rank sum test, χ2 test or Fisher's exact probability method, and the recurrence rate and recurrence free survival (RFS) of the three groups were compared after a follow-up of 6 to 126 months. Results:Among the 161 patients with SPTIC, 132 (82.0%) were female, 130 (80.7%) were younger than 55 years old, BMI (25.1±3.6) kg/m 2, 124 (77.0%) were combined with capsule invasion. There were 53 cases (32.9%) with central lymph node metastasis (CLNM). Subgroup analysis showed that the proportion of males in patients with tumor diameter > 1 cm, the proportion of patients with BMI≥26.0 kg/m 2, the rate of capsular invasion, the rate of extrandular invasion and the rate of CLNM were higher (30.0% vs. 14.0%, P=0.023; 60.0% vs. 33.9%, P=0.004; 97.5% vs. 70.2%, P< 0.001; 42.5% vs. 9.9%, P<0.001; 50.0% vs. 27.3%, P=0.008) ; The CLNM rate was higher in male patients with BMI≥26.0 kg/m 2 and tumor diameter > 1 cm (28.3% vs. 13.0%, P=0.017; 52.8% vs. 34.3%, P=0.024; 37.7% vs. 18.5%, P=0.008). Compared with groups A and B, group C had longer hospitalization days, higher hospitalization costs, longer operation time, more postoperative drainage flow and higher incidence of postoperative hypoparathyroidism, and the differences were statistically significant (all P< 0.05). Groups A and B were similar in all aspects, with no statistical significance ( P> 0.05 for all). During the follow-up, 3 patients in both group A and B relapsed, while no patients in group C relapsed, and there were no statistically significant differences in the recurrence rate ( P=0.059) or RFS ( P=0.082) among the three groups. Conclusions:The majority of SPTIC were microcarcinomas, but the incidence of tumor combined with capsule invasion was higher, and the tumor size of more than 1 cm was more invasive (capsule invasion rate and extrathyroid invasion rate were higher). SPTIC should be treated as conservatively as possible (isthmic excision or enlarged isthmic excision) .

Objective We systematically analyze the changes in the count and function of platelet at the early sepsis based on clinical study and single cell sequencing.Methods Clinical data of sepsis patients at the early stage were collected and had been compared between different prognostic groups in the prospective case-control study.The independent risk factors of death were analyzed by logistic regression,and the predictive efficacy of clini-cal indicators was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.The healthy volunteers and sepsis patients were recruited.Clinical researchers collected peripheral venous blood samples for sorting cell samples to carry out single-cell RNA sequencing(sc-RNA seq).Through bioinformatics techniques,we analyzed the changes in platelet count,the significantly differential-expressed genes and its enriched functional signaling pathways in the early stages of sepsis.Results(1)A total of 224 patients were enrolled,with a 90 day survival rate of 70.5%.Compared with the survival group,the count of platelet and MAP in the death group at the early stage of sepsis were significantly lower,but the plasma lactate content and SOFA score were significantly higher.(2)Based on single cell sequencing technology,cells are annotated as six groups.The proportion of innate immune cells(neutrophils,monocytes,and dendritic cells)was significantly increased in the early stage of sepsis compared to the healthy volun-teers(2.15∶1),while platelets significantly decreased(0.31∶1).(3)Through bioinformatics technology,CD41/CD42a/CD61 was identified as platelet specific molecules,with significantly increased expression levels in sepsis.Three molecules can distinguish platelets together.(4)771 genes were significantly upregulated and 1101 genes were significantly downregulated in platelets of patients with sepsis,including core molecules involved in physiological functions such as cell adhesion,chemotaxis,and immune response.Functional analysis suggests that differentially expressed genes are enriched in coagulation,immune functions and cell death,participating in oxidative phosphory-lation,leukocyte chemotaxis,iron death,and NOD like receptor signaling pathways.Conclusion Reduced platelet count is associated with poor prognosis in the early stage of sepsis.The specific high expression molecules CD41/CD42a/CD61 that are significantly upregulated in platelets can serve as biomarkers for platelets.Platelets not only mediate cell adhesion and coagulation cascade,but also participate in functional changes such as immune cell chemotaxis,inflammatory response,and the pathological death of inflammatory cells.

ObjectiveTo establish a mouse model of basilar artery dolichoectasia （BAD） and explore the mechanism of modified Tongqiao Huoxuetang （JTQHX） in regulating BAD via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt） pathway. MethodSixty C57/BL6 female mice were randomized into sham operation （injected with 10 U·mL^-1 inactivate elastase）， model， atorvastatin calcium tablets （2.6 mg·kg·d^-1）， and low- and high-dose （crude drug 3.4， 17 g·kg^-1·d^-1， respectively） JTQHX groups. The mouse model of BAD was established by injection with 10 U·mL^-1 elastase. After 14 days of modeling， the sham operation group and model group were administrated with equal volumes of pure water by gavage， and other groups with corresponding drugs for 2 months. The levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6） and calpain （LpA） in the serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Verhoeff 's Van Gieson （EVG） staining was employed to observe the pathological changes of blood vessels. Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling （TUNEL） was employed to examine the apoptosis rate of vascular smooth muscle cells （VSMCs）. Image Pro Plus was used to observe and calculate the curvature index， elongation length， percentage increase in vessel diameter， and curvature angle of the basilar artery vessels in mice. Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of PI3K and Akt in the vascular tissue. ResultCompared with the sham operation group， the model group showed lowered IL-6 level （P<0.01）， no significant change in LpA level， increased apoptosis of VSMCs （P<0.01）， and increased curvature index， elongation length， percentage increase in vessel diameter， and curvature angle （P<0.01）. Furthermore， the modeling up-regulated the protein levels of PI3K and Akt in blood vessels （P<0.01） and aggravated the destruction of the inner elastic layer， atrophy of the muscular layer， and hyaline changes in the connective tissue of the medial membrane of the basilar artery wall. Compared with the model group， 2 months of treatment with JTQHX elevated the IL-6 level （P<0.01）， reduced the apoptosis of VSMCs （P<0.01）， decreased the curvature index， elongation length， percentage increase in vessel diameter， and curvature angle （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and down-regulated the protein levels of PI3K and Akt in blood vessels （P<0.01）. In addition， the treatment alleviated the destruction of the inner elastic layer， atrophy of the muscular layer， and hyaline changes in the connective tissue of the medial membrane of the basilar artery wall. ConclusionJTQHX inhibits the elongation， expansion， and curvature of basilar artery vessels and alleviates the pathological changes by reducing the apoptosis of VSMCs and down-regulating the expression of PI3K/Akt pathway.