Vascular damage plays a significant role in the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the induction of neuronal injury by vascular damage remain unclear. The present study aimed to examine the impact of fibrinogen (Fg) on tau pathology. The results showed that Fg deposits in the brains of tau P301S transgenic mice interact with tau, enhancing the cytotoxicity of pathological tau aggregates and promoting tau phosphorylation and aggregation. Notably, Fg-modified tau fibrils caused enhanced neuronal apoptosis and synaptic damage compared to unmodified fibrils. Furthermore, intrahippocampal injection of Fg-modified tau fibrils worsened the tau pathology, neuroinflammation, synaptic damage, neuronal apoptosis, and cognitive dysfunction in tau P301S mice compared to controls. The present study provides compelling evidence linking Fg and tau, thereby connecting cerebrovascular damage to tau pathology in AD. Consequently, inhibiting Fg-mediated tau pathology could potentially impede the progression of AD.
Animals ; tau Proteins/metabolism* ; Alzheimer Disease/metabolism* ; Fibrinogen/metabolism* ; Mice, Transgenic ; Mice ; Disease Models, Animal ; Memory Disorders/metabolism* ; Male ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Brain/metabolism* ; Hippocampus/metabolism* ; Protein Aggregation, Pathological/metabolism* ; Apoptosis ; Phosphorylation

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of methylation sensitive-high resolution melting curve (MS-HRM) detection of IFN-induced protein 44-like (IFI44L) gene methylation in the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as well as the relationship between IFI44L gene markers and the early onset of SLE.Methods:From February 2020 to September 2022, the MS-HRM was used to detect the methylation level of the IFI44L gene in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 602 SLE patients and 524 other autoimmune disease patients (excluding SLE) from Beijing Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Guangdong Provincial People′s Hospital, and Shenzhen People′s Hospital, totaling 1 126 patients. Compared with the 2012 SLICC criteria, the suspected cases were followed up for 6 months until the onset and clinical diagnosis of SLE were confirmed. The measurement data of normal distribution were expressed as mean±SD, and the consistency analysis was performed using the Kappa consistency test. The clinical diagnostic efficacy indicators were calculated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results:RR (95% CI) of early suspected cases was 17.06 (9.43, 30.82). The results of IFI44L gene methylation level were in good agreement with the 2012 SLICC criteria, and the sensitivity, specificity and total coincidence rate were 90.53%, 92.56% and 91.47%, respectively. The Kappa value (95% CI) was 0.829(0.796, 0.862) ( P<0.001). The diagnostic efficiency of IFI44L gene methylation level ( Kappa value 0.817) was superior to anti-nuclear antibody, anti-SM antibody and anti-dsDNA antibody ( Kappa value 0.418, 0.216 and 0.440, respectively). The Kappa values (95% CI) of methylation between MS-HRM and pyrosequencing was 0.861(0.806, 0.916), P<0.001. Conclusion:The hypomethylation of IFI44L gene methylation level detected by MS-HRM is closely related to the occurrence and development of SLE, and its diagnostic performance is better than that of three autoantibodies in SLE diagnosis, which can be used for the early diagnosis of SLE.

Objective To explore the relationship between serum chitosinase 3-like protein 1(CHI3L1)and Syndecan-1(SDC1)levels and bone metabolism in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and their predictive efficacy on osteoporosis.Methods A total of 412 elderly patients with type 2 diabetes admitted to this hospital from May 2019 to May 2023 were included in this study,and were divided into normal bone mass group(n=151),reduced bone mass group(n=138)and osteoporosis group(n=123)according to the iffer-ences in bone mineral density.Serum CHI3L1 and SDC1 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosor-bent assay,and serum levels of type 1 collagen cross-linked carboxyl terminal peptide(CTX),25-hydroxyvita-min D[25-(OH)D],osteocalcin(OC),and type 1 procollagen N-terminal propeptide(P1NP)were deter-mined by automatic chemiluminescence immunoassay.Pearson correlation analysis was used to investigate the relationship between serum CHI3L1,SDC1 and bone metabolism in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.Re-ceiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn to evaluate the predictive value of serum CHI3L1 and SDC1 on osteoporosis in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors of osteoporosis in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.Results There were significant differences in diabetes course,fasting blood glucose,HbA1c and HDL-C a-mong normal bone mass group,decreased bone mass group and osteoporosis group(P＜0.05).The levels of serum CHI3L1,25-(OH)D,P1NP and osteocalcin in osteoporosis group were lower than those in osteopenia group,and those in osteopenia group were lower than those in normal bone mass group,the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).Serum SDC1 and CTX levels in osteoporosis group were higher than those in osteopenia group,and those in osteopenia group were higher than those in normal bone mass group,the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).Serum CHI3L1 was positively correlated with 25-(OH)D,P1NP and OC(P＜0.05),and negatively correlated with CTX(P＜0.05).Serum SDC1 was negatively correlated with 25-(OH)D,P1NP,OC(P＜0.05),and positively correlated with CTX(P＜0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of serum CHI3L1,SDC1 and their combination predicted osteoporosis in elderly pa-tients with type 2 diabetes were 0.851,0.772 and 0.904,respectively.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that long duration of diabetes,increased HbA1c,high expression of OC,CHI3L1＞4.16 ng/mL,SDC1≥50.94 ng/mL were all influential factors for osteoporosis in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes(P＜0.05).Conclusion Low expression of CHI3L1 and high expression of SDC1 in serum are associated with ab-normal bone metabolism in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.These two indexes are expected to be used as biological markers to predict osteoporosis in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a major public health concern, particularly among middle-aged and elderly populations, who are disproportionately affected by rising cancer incidence. Environmental pollution has been identified as a significant risk factor for cancer development. China's Carbon Emission Trading Policy (CETP), implemented in pilot regions since 2013, aims to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. This study evaluates the impact of CETP on pan-cancer incidence, with a focus on its effects on specific cancer types and vulnerable populations. METHODS: This quasi-natural experiment utilized data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and environmental data from the China National Environmental Monitoring Center (2011-2018). A staggered difference-in-differences (DID) model was employed to estimate the impact of CETP on cancer incidence. Robustness tests, including parallel trend tests, placebo analysis, and entropy balancing, validated the findings. Subgroup analyses were performed to assess the policy's heterogeneous effects based on gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), and smoking status. RESULTS: CETP implementation significantly reduced the incidence of six cancer types: endometrial, cervical, gastric, esophageal, breast, and lung cancers. Overall, pan-cancer incidence significantly declined post-policy implementation (CETP × POST: -47.200, 95% CI: [-61.103, -33.296], p < 0.001). The policy demonstrated stronger effects in highly polluted areas and among individuals with poorer mental health. Subgroup analysis revealed that females, individuals with lower BMI, and non-smokers experienced more substantial benefits. CONCLUSIONS CETP significantly reduces cancer incidence by improving environmental quality and influencing mental health, with particularly strong effects observed among high-risk populations. This study highlights the important role of environmental economic policies in mitigating cancer burden and promoting public health. Future research should further explore the long-term impacts of this policy and its applicability across different national and regional contexts.
Humans ; Incidence ; Neoplasms/epidemiology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Male ; Aged ; Air Pollution/legislation & jurisprudence* ; Carbon/analysis* ; Longitudinal Studies ; Air Pollutants/analysis* ; Environmental Exposure

Objective:To analyze the correlation between 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and early renal function impairment in patients with primary hypertension.Methods:This cross-sectional study included patients with primary hypertension who were admitted to the Department of Cardiology of the Chinese People′s Liberation Army General Hospital between January 2021 and October 2024. Patients were divided into low-sodium, medium-sodium, and high-sodium groups based on their 24-hour urinary sodium excretion. General clinical data were collected using the electronic medical record system. Urinary sodium, protein, and microalbumin excretion were analyzed from 24-hour urine samples. Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and urinary microalbumin excretion. A multiple linear regression model was used to further assess the independent association between these variables. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on age were performed to determine whether age influenced the relationship between urinary sodium excretion and renal function impairment.Results:A total of 1 065 patients with primary hypertension were included, with a mean age of (55.26±14.06) years, including 568(53.33%) males. The low-sodium, medium-sodium, and high-sodium groups included 223, 579, and 263 patients, respectively. The 24-hour urinary microalbumin excretion in the high-sodium group was significantly higher than in the medium-sodium and low-sodium groups, and this trend remained consistent across different age groups (all P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and urinary microalbumin excretion ( r=0.220, P<0.001), and this relationship was observed in all age groups (all P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis confirmed an independent association between 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and urinary microalbumin excretion (all P<0.001), which persisted across different age groups (all P<0.05). Conclusion:In patients with primary hypertension, 24-hour urinary sodium excretion is closely associated with microalbumin excretion, suggesting a potential link to early renal function impairment.

Objective:To analyze the correlation between 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and early renal function impairment in patients with primary hypertension.Methods:This cross-sectional study included patients with primary hypertension who were admitted to the Department of Cardiology of the Chinese People′s Liberation Army General Hospital between January 2021 and October 2024. Patients were divided into low-sodium, medium-sodium, and high-sodium groups based on their 24-hour urinary sodium excretion. General clinical data were collected using the electronic medical record system. Urinary sodium, protein, and microalbumin excretion were analyzed from 24-hour urine samples. Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and urinary microalbumin excretion. A multiple linear regression model was used to further assess the independent association between these variables. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on age were performed to determine whether age influenced the relationship between urinary sodium excretion and renal function impairment.Results:A total of 1 065 patients with primary hypertension were included, with a mean age of (55.26±14.06) years, including 568(53.33%) males. The low-sodium, medium-sodium, and high-sodium groups included 223, 579, and 263 patients, respectively. The 24-hour urinary microalbumin excretion in the high-sodium group was significantly higher than in the medium-sodium and low-sodium groups, and this trend remained consistent across different age groups (all P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and urinary microalbumin excretion ( r=0.220, P<0.001), and this relationship was observed in all age groups (all P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis confirmed an independent association between 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and urinary microalbumin excretion (all P<0.001), which persisted across different age groups (all P<0.05). Conclusion:In patients with primary hypertension, 24-hour urinary sodium excretion is closely associated with microalbumin excretion, suggesting a potential link to early renal function impairment.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of methylation sensitive-high resolution melting curve (MS-HRM) detection of IFN-induced protein 44-like (IFI44L) gene methylation in the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as well as the relationship between IFI44L gene markers and the early onset of SLE.Methods:From February 2020 to September 2022, the MS-HRM was used to detect the methylation level of the IFI44L gene in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 602 SLE patients and 524 other autoimmune disease patients (excluding SLE) from Beijing Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Guangdong Provincial People′s Hospital, and Shenzhen People′s Hospital, totaling 1 126 patients. Compared with the 2012 SLICC criteria, the suspected cases were followed up for 6 months until the onset and clinical diagnosis of SLE were confirmed. The measurement data of normal distribution were expressed as mean±SD, and the consistency analysis was performed using the Kappa consistency test. The clinical diagnostic efficacy indicators were calculated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results:RR (95% CI) of early suspected cases was 17.06 (9.43, 30.82). The results of IFI44L gene methylation level were in good agreement with the 2012 SLICC criteria, and the sensitivity, specificity and total coincidence rate were 90.53%, 92.56% and 91.47%, respectively. The Kappa value (95% CI) was 0.829(0.796, 0.862) ( P<0.001). The diagnostic efficiency of IFI44L gene methylation level ( Kappa value 0.817) was superior to anti-nuclear antibody, anti-SM antibody and anti-dsDNA antibody ( Kappa value 0.418, 0.216 and 0.440, respectively). The Kappa values (95% CI) of methylation between MS-HRM and pyrosequencing was 0.861(0.806, 0.916), P<0.001. Conclusion:The hypomethylation of IFI44L gene methylation level detected by MS-HRM is closely related to the occurrence and development of SLE, and its diagnostic performance is better than that of three autoantibodies in SLE diagnosis, which can be used for the early diagnosis of SLE.

Abstract Background and aims Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) is a major contributor to liver dysfunction and failure, particularly in the context of liver transplantation. Its pathogenesis is primarily driven by ferroptosis, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Given the interplay among these mechanisms through redox imbalance and disrupted energy metabolism, nicotinic acid (NA)—recognized for its antioxidative and metabolic regulatory properties—emerges as a promising therapeutic candidate. This study aims to investigate the protective effects of NA on HIRI and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. Methods An HIRI model in mice and a hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model in primary hepatocytes were established to evaluate the effects of NA treatment on oxidative stress. NA was administered prior to model induction. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was used as a comparator. Comprehensive assessments of ferroptosis, oxidative stress, mitophagy, and mitochondrial biogenesis markers were conducted using Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and biochemical assays. Results NA pretreatment reduced serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, suppressed inflammation by decreasing neutrophil infiltration and macrophage activation, and mitigated oxidative stress by lowering reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. It enhanced antioxidant defenses, inhibited ferroptosis, and improved mitochondrial health through increased mitophagy, mitochondrial biogenesis, and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) stabilization, leading to enhanced ATP production and mitochondrial function in HIRI. Conclusions NA improves mitochondrial function by promoting mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis, which reduces ferroptosis and oxidative stress, thereby alleviating HIRI.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of betulin (BE) on the replication of rotavirus (RV) in vitro.METHODS ①MA104 cells were intervened with BE between 0.03125 and 64μmol·L-1 for 72 h,and MTT assay was used to detect the cell survival.② MA104 cells were infected with RV including Wa strains and SA-11 strains to establish a viral model.MA104 cells were divided into the cell control group,RV group and RV+BE groups.The cytopathic effect (CPE) method combined with MTT assay was used to detect the effect of BE on anti-RV adsorption,anti-RV biosynthesis and direct inhibition of RV.③The grouping was the same as in②,and RT-qPCR,Western blot and IF methods were used to detect the expression of RV structural protein VP6 after 24 h of BE incubation.④The grouping was the same as in②,and the ELISA kit was used to detect the concentrations of pro-inflammatory factors IL-6,IL-1β and TNF-α,anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 and type Ⅱ interferon IFN-γ in the cell supernatant after 24 h of BE incubation.⑤The grouping was the same as in②,and qPCR assay was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4),myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MYD88) and TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) after 24 h of BE incubation,Western blot assay was used to detect the expression levels of MYD88,IκBα,NF-κB p65,and p-NF-κB p65 after 24 h of BE incubation.RESULTS ① The maximum non-toxic concentration of BE towards MA104 cells was 1 μmol·L-1,and TC50 was 5.795 μmol·L-1.The concentrations of BE in the anti-RV experiments ranged from 0.03125μmol·L-1 to 1μmol·L-1.② In the anti-RV biosynthesis experiment,the inhibition rates of BE for RV-Wa between 0.0625 and 1 μmol·L-1 exceeded 50％,EC50 was 0.0485 μmol·L-1,and the value of TI was 119.48.The inhibition rates of BE for RV-SA-11 between 0.25 and 1 μmol·L-1 were above 50％,EC50 was 0.1226 μmol·L-1,and the value of TI was 47.27.In contrast,the effects of BE on anti-RV adsorption and direct inhibition of RV were not obvious.③ Compared with the RV group,BE inhibited the expression of VP6 (P＜0.01).④ Compared with the RV group,BE reduced the concentrations of IL-6,IL-1β and TNF-α(P＜0.01),but increased the concentrations of IL-10 and IFN-γ(P＜0.01).⑤Compared with the RV group,BE reduced the mRNA levels of TLR4,MYD88 and TRAF6 (P＜0.01),decreased the protein expression levels of MYD88 and p-NF-κB p65,and increased those of IκBα and NF-κB p65 (P＜0.01).CONCLUSION BE has anti-RV biosynthesis effect,and it may reduce inflammatory response caused by RV infection via TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of betulin (BE) on the replication of rotavirus (RV) in vitro.METHODS ①MA104 cells were intervened with BE between 0.03125 and 64μmol·L-1 for 72 h,and MTT assay was used to detect the cell survival.② MA104 cells were infected with RV including Wa strains and SA-11 strains to establish a viral model.MA104 cells were divided into the cell control group,RV group and RV+BE groups.The cytopathic effect (CPE) method combined with MTT assay was used to detect the effect of BE on anti-RV adsorption,anti-RV biosynthesis and direct inhibition of RV.③The grouping was the same as in②,and RT-qPCR,Western blot and IF methods were used to detect the expression of RV structural protein VP6 after 24 h of BE incubation.④The grouping was the same as in②,and the ELISA kit was used to detect the concentrations of pro-inflammatory factors IL-6,IL-1β and TNF-α,anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 and type Ⅱ interferon IFN-γ in the cell supernatant after 24 h of BE incubation.⑤The grouping was the same as in②,and qPCR assay was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4),myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MYD88) and TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) after 24 h of BE incubation,Western blot assay was used to detect the expression levels of MYD88,IκBα,NF-κB p65,and p-NF-κB p65 after 24 h of BE incubation.RESULTS ① The maximum non-toxic concentration of BE towards MA104 cells was 1 μmol·L-1,and TC50 was 5.795 μmol·L-1.The concentrations of BE in the anti-RV experiments ranged from 0.03125μmol·L-1 to 1μmol·L-1.② In the anti-RV biosynthesis experiment,the inhibition rates of BE for RV-Wa between 0.0625 and 1 μmol·L-1 exceeded 50％,EC50 was 0.0485 μmol·L-1,and the value of TI was 119.48.The inhibition rates of BE for RV-SA-11 between 0.25 and 1 μmol·L-1 were above 50％,EC50 was 0.1226 μmol·L-1,and the value of TI was 47.27.In contrast,the effects of BE on anti-RV adsorption and direct inhibition of RV were not obvious.③ Compared with the RV group,BE inhibited the expression of VP6 (P＜0.01).④ Compared with the RV group,BE reduced the concentrations of IL-6,IL-1β and TNF-α(P＜0.01),but increased the concentrations of IL-10 and IFN-γ(P＜0.01).⑤Compared with the RV group,BE reduced the mRNA levels of TLR4,MYD88 and TRAF6 (P＜0.01),decreased the protein expression levels of MYD88 and p-NF-κB p65,and increased those of IκBα and NF-κB p65 (P＜0.01).CONCLUSION BE has anti-RV biosynthesis effect,and it may reduce inflammatory response caused by RV infection via TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.