BACKGROUND: Bile acids (BAs) facilitate the progression of gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM). Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) dysregulation was observed along with the initiation of gastric cancer. However, how lncRNAs function in GIM remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of lncRNA PVT1 in GIM, and provide a potential therapeutic target for GIM treatment. METHODS: We employed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to screen dysregulated lncRNAs in gastric epithelial cells after BA treatment. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to reveal the regulatory mechanism. PVT1 expression was detected in 21 paired biopsies obtained under endoscopy. Overexpressed and knockdown cell models were established to explore gene functions in GIM. Molecular interactions were validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and chromatin immunoprecipitation (Ch-IP). The levels of relative molecular expression were detected in GIM tissues. RESULTS: We confirmed that lncRNA PVT1 was upregulated in BA-induced GIM model. PVT1 promoted the expression of intestinal markers such as CDX2 , KLF4 , and HNF4α . Bioinformatics analysis revealed that miR-34b-5p was a putative target of PVT1 . miR-34b-5p mimics increased CDX2 , KLF4 , and HNF4α levels. Restoration of miR-34b-5p decreased the pro-metaplastic effect of PVT1 . The interactions between PVT1 , miR-34b-5p, and the downstream target HNF4α were validated. Moreover, HNF4α could transcriptionally activated PVT1 , sustaining the GIM phenotype. Finally, the activation of the PVT1 /miR-34b-5p/ HNF4α loop was detected in GIM tissues. CONCLUSIONS BAs facilitate GIM partially via a PVT1/miR-34b-5p/HNF4α positive feedback loop. PVT1 may become a novel target for blocking the continuous development of GIM and preventing the initiation of gastric cancer in patients with bile reflux.
Humans ; RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism* ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4/genetics* ; Bile Acids and Salts ; Kruppel-Like Factor 4 ; Metaplasia/metabolism*

This study explored the potential therapeutic targets and mechanisms of Danggui Shaoyao San(DSS) in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease(AD) through transcriptomics and metabolomics, combined with animal experiments. Fifty male C57BL/6J mice, aged seven weeks, were randomly divided into the following five groups: control, model, positive drug, low-dose DSS, and high-dose DSS groups. After the intervention, the Morris water maze was used to assess learning and memory abilities of mice, and Nissl staining and hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining were performed to observe pathological changes in the hippocampal tissue. Transcriptomics and metabolomics were employed to sequence brain tissue and identify differential metabolites, analyzing key genes and metabolites related to disease progression. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) was employed to validate the expression of key genes. The Morris water maze results indicated that DSS significantly improved learning and cognitive function in scopolamine(SCOP)-induced model mice, with the high-dose DSS group showing the best results. Pathological staining showed that DSS effectively reduced hippocampal neuronal damage, increased Nissl body numbers, and reduced nuclear pyknosis and neuronal loss. Transcriptomics identified seven key genes, including neurexin 1(Nrxn1) and sodium voltage-gated channel α subunit 1(Scn1a), and metabolomics revealed 113 differential metabolites, all of which were closely associated with synaptic function, oxidative stress, and metabolic regulation. RT-qPCR experiments confirmed that the expression of these seven key genes was consistent with the transcriptomics results. This study suggests that DSS significantly improves learning and memory in SCOP model mice and alleviates hippocampal neuronal pathological damage. The mechanisms likely involve the modulation of synaptic function, reduction of oxidative stress, and metabolic balance, with these seven key genes serving as important targets for DSS in the treatment of AD.
Animals ; Alzheimer Disease/genetics* ; Male ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Metabolomics ; Transcriptome/drug effects* ; Maze Learning/drug effects* ; Hippocampus/metabolism* ; Humans ; Disease Models, Animal ; Memory/drug effects*

Emodin is a hydroxyanthraquinone compound that is widely distributed and has multiple pharmacological activities, including anti-diarrheal, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protective effects. Research indicates that emodin may be one of the main components responsible for inducing hepatotoxicity. However, studies on the mechanisms of liver injury are relatively limited, particularly those related to bile acids(BAs) metabolism. This study aims to systematically investigate the effects of different dosages of emodin on BAs metabolism, providing a basis for the safe clinical use of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)containing emodin. First, this study evaluated the safety of repeated administration of different dosages of emodin over a 5-week period, with a particular focus on its impact on the liver. Next, the composition and content of BAs in serum and liver were analyzed. Subsequently, qRT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of nuclear receptors and transporters related to BAs metabolism. The results showed that 1 g·kg~(-1) emodin induced hepatic damage, with bile duct hyperplasia as the primary pathological manifestation. It significantly increased the levels of various BAs in the serum and primary BAs(including taurine-conjugated and free BAs) in the liver. Additionally, it downregulated the mRNA expression of farnesoid X receptor(FXR), retinoid X receptor(RXR), and sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide(NTCP), and upregulated the mRNA expression of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase(CYP7A1) in the liver. Although 0.01 g·kg~(-1) and 0.03 g·kg~(-1) emodin did not induce obvious liver injury, they significantly increased the level of taurine-conjugated BAs in the liver, suggesting a potential interference with BAs homeostasis. In conclusion, 1 g·kg~(-1) emodin may promote the production of primary BAs in the liver by affecting the FXR-RXR-CYP7A1 pathway, inhibit NTCP expression, and reduce BA reabsorption in the liver, resulting in BA accumulation in the peripheral blood. This disruption of BA homeostasis leads to liver injury. Even doses of emodin close to the clinical dose can also have a certain effect on the homeostasis of BAs. Therefore, when using traditional Chinese medicine or formulas containing emodin in clinical practice, it is necessary to regularly monitor liver function indicators and closely monitor the risk of drug-induced liver injury.
Emodin/administration & dosage* ; Bile Acids and Salts/metabolism* ; Animals ; Male ; Liver/injuries* ; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Humans ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Mice ; Rats

Objective To compare the prevalence and disease burden of thyroid cancer and their trends between China and the globe from 1990 to 2019.Methods With the global disease burden data in 2019,Joinpoint was used to predict the trends of the disease burden of thyroid cancer in China and the globe from 1990 to 2019,and logarithmic linear model was used to test the predicted trends.The R language was used for predictive analysis and graphic plotting of the disease burden from 2020 to 2035.Results From 1990 to 2019,the standardized incidence rate and the standardized mortality rate of thyroid cancer in China were lower than those in the globe.The standardized incidence rate in China and the globe showed an increasing trend(with the increases of 102.65% and 40.65%,respectively),while the standardized mortality rate showed a decreasing trend(with the decreases of 7.63% and 4.91%,respectively).Compared with those of the female population,the standardized incidence and mortality rates of the Chinese male population increased significantly from 1990 to 2019(the rates of change in the male population were 48.65% and 214.60%,respectively;and the rates of change in the female population were -39.01% and 60.44%,respectively).China's overall standardized years of life lost(YLL),years lived with disability(YLD),and disability-adjusted life years(DALY)rates during the 30-year period were lower than the global average.The Chinese and global populations showed the standardized YLL rate decreasing by 16.61% and 6.88% and the standardized DALY rate decreasing by 10.77% and 3.65%,respectively,while the rates of standardized YLD increased by 128.91% and 46.89%,respectively.The magnitude of DALY in China and the world was mainly influenced by YLL.The standardized incidence,mortality,and DALY rates of the Chinese male population were gradually approaching the global levels.From 1990 and 2019,thyroid cancer showed a higher mortality rate in the population with the age ≥ 75 years and a higher incidence rate in the population with the age <75 years.It is projected that from 2020 to 2035,the standardized incidence rates in China and the world will increase by 36.66% and 21.15%,respectively;the standardized mortality rates will decrease by 20.19% and 3.46%,respectively;and the standardized DALY rate is expected to decrease by 7.08% in China and increase by 4.35% in the world.Conclusions From 1990 to 2019,China's standardized incidence rate of thyroid cancer increased and had a higher increase than the global level,and the standardized mortality rate decreased,with a slightly higher decrease than the global level.However,the increases in the standardized incidence rate and mortality rate of this disease in China's ≥75 years male population were severe.Although China's disease burden of thyroid cancer showed a decreasing trend in line with the global trend as a whole,the disease burden in the Chinese males was higher than that in the females.Specifically,the disease burden due to premature death was predominant,and the burden in specific populations requires policy attention.
Male ; Humans ; Female ; Aged ; Quality-Adjusted Life Years ; Reference Standards ; Cost of Illness ; China/epidemiology* ; Thyroid Neoplasms/epidemiology* ; Incidence

With high selectivity and potency, target protein degradation technology has recently emerged as a strategy for drug discovery and design. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTAC) function as inducers for the degradation of target proteins and are a research focus in drug development. Current research on PROTAC mainly revolves around the rational design of PROTAC molecules, the discovery of new E3 ubiquitin ligase ligands and improvement in drug targeting. In this review, we focus on the PROTAC linker and its effects on the generation of the E3 enzyme-PROTAC-target protein ternary complex from three standpoints: length, binding site and chemical properties. We discuss the influences of the linker on the efficacy and the selectivity of PROTAC molecules.

Objective:To develop an ex vivo normothermic mechanical perfusion(NMP)and compare the effect of different portal perfusion pressures on attenuating hepatic injury from donor after cardiac death(DCD).Methods:All rat livers were subjected to in situ warm ischemia for 30 min after cardiac attest and thereafter stored for 8 h under cold preservation. Six livers were harvested and regarded as static cold storage(group CS, n=6). In experimental group, liver received an ex vivo dual NMP with oxygenated perfusion via hepatic artery for 2 h after cold storage. Hepatic injury was assessed and compared from perfused livers with full portal vein pressure(group M1, n=6)and low portal vein pressure(group M2, n=6). The evaluation parameters included perfusion flow, liver enzymes of perfusate, pathological changes by hematoxylin-eosin staining, Suzuki histological criteria, expression of activation markers of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and macrophages, myeloperoxidase (MPO)and CD68 by immunohistochemistry, level of malondialdehyde(MDA)and activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD). Results:In experimental group during NMP, perfusion flows tended to increase when portal pressures were stabilized in groups M1 and M2.Perfusion flow during NMP 60~120 min was significantly higher than during NMP 0~20 min.After NMP with full portal pressure, hepatic sinusoidal congestion, hepatocyte necrosis, steatosis and Suzuki criteria were lower in group M1 than those in group CS( P<0.05). Compared with group M1, lower hepatic injury was characterized with a lower change of liver enzymes in perfusate( P<0.05), a better histological evaluation( P<0.05), a lower level of MDA and a higher activity of SOD( P<0.05), lower expressions of CD68 and MPO ( P<0.05)and lower levels of TNF-α and IL-6( P<0.05)in perfused liver. Conclusions:The ex vivo dual NMP with oxygenated perfusion via hepatic artery mimics liver perfusion under the physiological conditions.NMP with a lower portal pressure can attenuate hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury and confer a better protection against liver damage from DCD.

The aim of this study was to investigate the renal toxicity of rhubarb and its mechanism. The SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal group and two rhubarb extract groups (16, 2 g·kg⁻¹). According to the dose conversion method between human and animal, rhubarb 16 g·kg⁻¹ and 2 g·kg⁻¹ were equivalent to 10 times and 1.25 times of human clinical dose respectively. Rhubarb extract was administered by a gastric gavage to rats once daily for 30 days. Serum urea nitrogen （BUN）, creatinine （CRE） and urine KIM-1, NGAL and renal morphology were analyzed. The expressions of OAT1, OAT3 and clusterin mRNA in kidney were measured. The results showed that the low dose of rhubarb had no obvious renal toxicity. The high dose group showed mild and moderate renal injury and a down-regulation of clusterin mRNA expression in the kidney tissue. The renal toxicity in male animals was heavier than that in female animals. There was no significant change in blood BUN and CRE in the high dose group. But urine NGAL level of the high dose group increased by 51.53% compared with normal group, of which male animals increased more significantly (<0.05, compared with the normal group). The expressions of renal OAT1 and OAT3 mRNA in the low dose group were obviously higher than that in the normal group. The results indicated that the high dose of rhubarb could cause the renal toxicity. The dosage should be controlled reasonably in the clinical use. OAT1 and OAT3 mRNA related to anionic transport in kidney tissue played a compensatory protective role in rhubarb-induced renal injury. But the compensatory effect is relatively weak at the high dose level. In addition, routine renal function indicators BUN and CRE had limitation for monitoring the kidney toxicity of rhubarb. It is suggested that urine NGAL detection might be helpful for monitoring the renal toxicity of rhubarb.

We represented a 22-year-old male patient who developed rhabdomyolysis,acute kidney failure and acute hepatic failure and was finally diagnosed as multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency.The patient appeared temporary stable status after high dose vitamine-B2 supplement whereas deterioration was still fatal with pulmonary infection,acute respiratory failure and acute heart failure.

Objective To study the effect of potassium chloride (KCl) before CPR on successful resuscitation of rats with ventricular fibrillation (VF).Methods Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with VF induced by alternating electricity current were randomly (ramdam runmber) divided into KCl group and normal saline (NS) group.Rats of two groups were prepared with 0.8 mL/kg of 2.5％ KCl in KCI group and equivalent volume of NS in NS group instead before CPR.The resuscitation was considered to be failure if ROSC was absent for 10 min.The comparisons of time required for ROSC,the average attempt of defibrillation,the average joule used for defibrillation,ROSC rate and 72 h survival rate were carried out between the two groups.Results The length of time required for ROSC in the KCl group (n =10) was shorter than that in NS group (n=10) [(283.89±152.44) svs.(404.38±164.27) s] (t=1.369,P =0.196).The average attempt of defibrillation in KCl group were fewer compared to the NS group [(1.50 ± 0.75) times vs.(2.66 ± 0.57) times,(t =2.701,P =0.022)],the average joule used for defibrillation in KCl group were less compared to NS group [(3.75 ± 2.86) J vs.(8.33 ± 2.88) J,(t =2.78,P =0.019)].The ROSC rate in the KCl group was higher than that in NS group (P =0.011).The 72 h survival rate in KCl group was higher than that in NS group (P =0.001).Conclusions Increasing plasma potassium level before CPR could increase the ROSC rate and survival rate in rats with VF.