ObjectiveGastrodia elata has evolved ecological types with shortened rhizome internodes and diversified flower and fruit coloration in response to different altitudes. Studying the genetic mechanisms of different ecotype germplasm is significant for guiding variety breeding in different cultivation areas. MethodsThe bHLH gene family was identified based on the whole-genome datasets of G. elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Subsequently， the gene family members were subject to analysis， including gene structure， chromosomal localization， cis-acting elements， gene synteny， and phylogeny. Combined with transcriptome data and quantitative Real-time PCR， the expression patterns of bHLH genes in the stems of the different G. elata ecotype germplasm were analyzed. Finally， correlation analysis was conducted between gene expression patterns and color to obtain the key bHLH genes regulating the color formation of stem. ResultsA total of 63 bHLH genes were identified in both G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca， unevenly distributed across 17 chromosomes and clustered into 16 subfamilies， with significant expansion in some family members. Obvious inversions of bHLH genes on the same chromosome and interchromosomal translocations were detected in the two ecotype germplasm. Among these genes， 12 bHLH genes （such as bHLH62-3 and bHLH74） were associated with the bright yellow color of G elata f. elata stem， while 9 bHLH genes （such as PIL13， UNE12， and bHLH130） were correlated with the red color of G. elata f. glauca stem. Compared to G. elata f. glauca， the bHLH48 expression level was significantly higher in flowers and scale leaves of G elata f. elata， and the bHLH62-3 expression level was significantly higher in all organs of G elata f. elata. ConclusionsFunctional pathway divergence of the bHLH family members has occurred across different chromosomes in G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Through synergism or antagonism with other genes， 21 bHLH genes participate in the coloration metabolic pathway regulation of stems， flowers， and fruits. Specifically， bHLH62-3 is involved in regulating stem color differentiation in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway of G. elata， thus relevant to the color formation of stem. Additionally， GebHLH48 positively regulates flowering-related pathways to promote the early-flowering phenotype of G. elata f. elata. These findings have laid the foundation for analyzing the genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying the color formation of the G. elata stem.

ObjectiveGastrodia elata has evolved ecological types with shortened rhizome internodes and diversified flower and fruit coloration in response to different altitudes. Studying the genetic mechanisms of different ecotype germplasm is significant for guiding variety breeding in different cultivation areas. MethodsThe bHLH gene family was identified based on the whole-genome datasets of G. elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Subsequently， the gene family members were subject to analysis， including gene structure， chromosomal localization， cis-acting elements， gene synteny， and phylogeny. Combined with transcriptome data and quantitative Real-time PCR， the expression patterns of bHLH genes in the stems of the different G. elata ecotype germplasm were analyzed. Finally， correlation analysis was conducted between gene expression patterns and color to obtain the key bHLH genes regulating the color formation of stem. ResultsA total of 63 bHLH genes were identified in both G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca， unevenly distributed across 17 chromosomes and clustered into 16 subfamilies， with significant expansion in some family members. Obvious inversions of bHLH genes on the same chromosome and interchromosomal translocations were detected in the two ecotype germplasm. Among these genes， 12 bHLH genes （such as bHLH62-3 and bHLH74） were associated with the bright yellow color of G elata f. elata stem， while 9 bHLH genes （such as PIL13， UNE12， and bHLH130） were correlated with the red color of G. elata f. glauca stem. Compared to G. elata f. glauca， the bHLH48 expression level was significantly higher in flowers and scale leaves of G elata f. elata， and the bHLH62-3 expression level was significantly higher in all organs of G elata f. elata. ConclusionsFunctional pathway divergence of the bHLH family members has occurred across different chromosomes in G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Through synergism or antagonism with other genes， 21 bHLH genes participate in the coloration metabolic pathway regulation of stems， flowers， and fruits. Specifically， bHLH62-3 is involved in regulating stem color differentiation in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway of G. elata， thus relevant to the color formation of stem. Additionally， GebHLH48 positively regulates flowering-related pathways to promote the early-flowering phenotype of G. elata f. elata. These findings have laid the foundation for analyzing the genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying the color formation of the G. elata stem.

Human naïve pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) hold great promise for embryonic development studies. Existing induction and culture strategies for these cells, heavily dependent on MEK inhibitors, lead to widespread DNA hypomethylation, aberrant imprinting loss, and genomic instability during extended culture. Here, employing high-content analysis alongside a bifluorescence reporter system indicative of human naïve pluripotency, we screened over 1,600 chemicals and identified seven promising candidates. From these, we developed four optimized media-LAY, LADY, LUDY, and LKPY-that effectively induce and sustain PSCs in the naïve state. Notably, cells reset or cultured in these media, especially in the LAY system, demonstrate improved genome-wide DNA methylation status closely resembling that of pre-implantation counterparts, with partially restored imprinting and significantly enhanced genomic stability. Overall, our study contributes advancements to naïve pluripotency induction and long-term maintenance, providing insights for further applications of naïve PSCs.
Humans ; DNA Methylation/drug effects* ; Genomic Instability ; Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Cell Culture Techniques/methods* ; Cells, Cultured

ObjectiveNeuroinflammation plays a crucial role in both the onset and progression of ischemic stroke, exerting a significant impact on the recovery of the central nervous system. Excessive neuroinflammation can lead to secondary neuronal damage, further exacerbating brain injury and impairing functional recovery. As a result, effectively modulating and reducing neuroinflammation in the brain has become a key therapeutic strategy for improving outcomes in ischemic stroke patients. Among various approaches, targeting immune regulation to control inflammation has gained increasing attention. This study aims to investigate the role of in vitro induced regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in suppressing neuroinflammation after ischemic stroke, as well as their potential therapeutic effects. By exploring the mechanisms through which Tregs exert their immunomodulatory functions, this research is expected to provide new insights into stroke treatment strategies. MethodsNaive CD4⁺ T cells were isolated from mouse spleens using a negative selection method to ensure high purity, and then they were induced in vitro to differentiate into Treg cells by adding specific cytokines. The anti-inflammatory effects and therapeutic potential of Treg cells transplantation in a mouse model of ischemic stroke was evaluated. In the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model, after Treg cells transplantation, their ability to successfully migrate to the infarcted brain region and their impact on neuroinflammation levels were examined. To further investigate the role of Treg cells in stroke recovery, the changes in cytokine expression and their effects on immune cell interactions was analyzed. Additionally, infarct size and behavioral scores were measured to assess the neuroprotective effects of Treg cells. By integrating multiple indicators, the comprehensive evaluation of potential benefits of Treg cells in the treatment of ischemic stroke was performed. ResultsTreg cells significantly regulated the expression levels of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in vitro and in vivo, effectively balancing the immune response and suppressing excessive inflammation. Additionally, Treg cells inhibited the activation and activity of inflammatory cells, thereby reducing neuroinflammation. In the MCAO mouse model, Treg cells were observed to accumulate in the infarcted brain region, where they significantly reduced the infarct size, demonstrating their neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, Treg cell therapy notably improved behavioral scores, suggesting its role in promoting functional recovery, and increased the survival rate of ischemic stroke mice, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic strategy for stroke treatment. ConclusionIn vitro induced Treg cells can effectively suppress neuroinflammation caused by ischemic stroke, demonstrating promising clinical application potential. By regulating the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, Treg cells can inhibit immune responses in the nervous system, thereby reducing neuronal damage. Additionally, they can modulate the immune microenvironment, suppress the activation of inflammatory cells, and promote tissue repair. The therapeutic effects of Treg cells also include enhancing post-stroke recovery, improving behavioral outcomes, and increasing the survival rate of ischemic stroke mice. With their ability to suppress neuroinflammation, Treg cell therapy provides a novel and effective strategy for the treatment of ischemic stroke, offering broad application prospects in clinical immunotherapy and regenerative medicine.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the characteristics and influencing factors of COVID-19 infection in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). METHODS: The clinical data of MM patients who underwent AHSCT in Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from May 26, 2021 to December 26, 2022 were collected. The onset of COVID-19 infection, corresponding symptoms and laboratory tests were followed up in outpatient or by the means of telephone contact and online questionnaires. Related analysis was then performed. RESULTS: This study included 96 patients, and 72 cases among them were infected with COVID-19 while 24 cases were uninfected. Logistic regression analysis showed that vaccination did not significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection, but patients who received two doses of the vaccine had a lower risk of developing moderate and severe disease than those who did not receive or received one dose (OR =0.06, P =0.029). Patients who received daratumumab before had a higher risk of COVID-19 infection (OR =5.78, P =0.039), while those with a history of immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) had the opposite effect (OR =0.31, P =0.028). The use of both drugs did not affect the severity of COVID-19 infection. CONCLUSION For MM patients undergoing AHSCT as first-line chemotherapy, COVID-19 vaccination does not significantly reduce the infection rate, but it plays a role in preventing moderate and severe cases. The application of antineoplastic drugs with different mechanisms has a certain impact on the susceptibility to the COVID-19, which should be considered comprehensively when creating treatment plans.
Humans ; Multiple Myeloma/complications* ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Transplantation, Autologous ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Assessment ; Risk Factors ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Adult ; Antibodies, Monoclonal

OBJECTIVE: To observe the neuroprotective effect of 6-shogaol (6-SH) in global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI) following cardiac arrest (CA) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in rats. METHODS: Computer-aided molecular docking was used to determine whether 6-SH could spontaneously bind to death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1). SPF-grade male SD rats were randomly divided into a sham group (n = 5), a CPR group (n = 7), and a CPR+6-SH group (n = 7). The CPR group and CPR+6-SH group were further divided into 12-, 24-, and 48-hour subgroups based on observation time points. A rat model of global CIRI after CA-CPR was established by asphyxiation. In the sham group, only tracheal and vascular intubation was performed without asphyxia and CPR induction. The CPR group was intraperitoneally injected with 1 mL of normal saline immediately after successful modeling. The CPR+6-SH group received an intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg 6-SH (1 mL) immediately after successful modeling, followed by administration every 12 hours until the endpoint. Neurological Deficit Score (NDS) was recorded at each time point after modeling. After completion of observation at each time point, rats were anesthetized and sacrificed, and brain tissue specimens were collected. Histopathological changes of neurons were observed under light microscopy after hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Ultrastructural changes of hippocampal neurons and autophagy were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect mRNA expression levels of DAPK1, vacuolar protein sorting 34 (VPS34), Beclin1, and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) in brain tissues. Western blotting was used to detect protein expression levels of DAPK1, phosphorylated DAPK1 at serine 308 (p-DAPK1 ser308), VPS34, Beclin1, and LC3. Immunofluorescence was used to observe Beclin1 and LC3 expression in brain tissues under a fluorescence microscope. RESULTS: Molecular docking results indicated that 6-SH could spontaneously bind to DAPK1. Compared with the sham group, the NDS scores of the CPR group rats were significantly increased at all modeling time points; under light microscopy, disordered cell arrangement, widened intercellular spaces, and edema were observed in brain tissues, with pyknotic and necrotic nuclei in some areas; under TEM, mitochondria were markedly swollen with intact membranes, dissolved matrix, reduced or disappeared cristae, vacuolization, and increased autophagosomes. Compared with the CPR group, the NDS scores of the CPR+6-SH group rats were significantly decreased at all modeling time points; under light microscopy, local neuronal edema and widened perinuclear space were observed; under TEM, mitochondria were mostly mildly swollen with intact membranes, fewer autophagosomes, and alleviated injury. RT-qPCR results showed that compared with the sham group, mRNA expression levels of DAPK1, VPS34, Beclin1, and LC3 in brain tissues were significantly upregulated in all CPR subgroups, with the most pronounced changes at 24 hours. Compared with the CPR group, the CPR+6-SH group showed significantly lower mRNA expression of the above indicators at each time point [24 hours post-modeling (relative expression): DAPK1 mRNA: 3.41±0.68 vs. 4.48±0.62; VPS34 mRNA: 3.63±0.49 vs. 4.66±1.18; Beclin1 mRNA: 3.08±0.49 vs. 4.04±0.22; LC3 mRNA: 2.60±0.36 vs. 3.67±0.62; all P < 0.05]. Western blotting results showed that compared with the sham group, the protein expression levels of DAPK1, VPS34, Beclin1, and LC3 in all CPR subgroups were significantly increased, while the expression of p-DAPK1 ser308 was significantly decreased, with the most pronounced changes observed in the CPR 24-hour subgroup. Compared with the CPR group, the CPR+6-SH subgroups exhibited significantly reduced protein expression of DAPK1, VPS34, Beclin1, and LC3 [24-hour post-modeling: DAPK1/β-actin: 1.88±0.22 vs. 2.47±0.22; VPS34/β-actin: 2.55±0.06 vs. 3.46±0.05; Beclin1/β-actin: 2.12±0.03 vs. 2.87±0.03; LC3/β-actin: 2.03±0.24 vs. 3.17±0.23; all P < 0.05]. Conversely, the expression of p-DAPK1 ser308 was significantly upregulated in the CPR+6-SH group compared to the CPR group [24-hour post-modeling: p-DAPK1 ser308/β-actin: 0.40±0.02 vs. 0.20±0.07, P < 0.05]. Under the fluorescence microscope, fluorescence intensities of Beclin1 and LC3 in the CPR 24-hour group were significantly higher than those in the sham 24-hour group; compared with the CPR 24-hour group, the CPR+6-SH 24-hour group showed significantly reduced fluorescence intensities of Beclin1 and LC3. CONCLUSION 6-SH inhibited the expression of DAPK1, alleviated excessive autophagy after global CIRI following CA-CPR in rats, and exerted neuroprotective effects. The mechanism may be related to phosphorylation at the DAPK1 ser308 site.
Animals ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Male ; Rats ; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ; Autophagy/drug effects* ; Heart Arrest/therapy* ; Death-Associated Protein Kinases/metabolism* ; Reperfusion Injury/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology* ; Brain Ischemia/metabolism*

Objective To investigate the protective effect of mitochondrial fission inhibitor 1(Mdivi-1),on organ function in rats with explosive blast injury combined with hemorrhagic shock.Methods A total of 192 SD rats(half male and half female,12 weeks old,weighing about 220 g)were randomly divided into 6 groups:Sham group(only surgical incision along the midline of the abdomen),model group(ESH group,thermal radiation and shock wave injury followed by femoral artery hemorrhage),lactated Ringer's solution resuscitation group(ESH+LR group,LR solution infusion in the femoral vein for resuscitation),and low-,middle-and high-dose Mdivi-1 groups(0.1,0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg Mdivi-1 intervention after infusion of LR solution).Fluorescent protein tracing was used to determine the leakage amount of fluorescent protein in the lung and kidney tissues to evaluate the vascular permeability.Evans blue dye staining was employed to observe the intestinal permeability and pulmonary vascular permeability.Laser Doppler flowmetry was applied to monitor the tissue blood perfusion in the liver,kidneys,and intestine.Serum levels of cardiac injury marker troponin I(TNI),liver function markers aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and alanine aminotransferase(ALT),and renal function markers serum creatinine(Scr)and blood urea nitrogen(BUN)were detected to evaluate the functions of corresponding organs.The water contents of the lungs and brain were calculated by measuring wet weight and dry weight of the lung and brain tissues.Blood pressure,heart rate,and respiratory rate were monitored.The survival time and 72-hour survival rate were recorded and calculated.Results Compared with the Sham group,the ESH group exhibited significantly increased vascular permeability in the lungs and kidneys as well as intestinal tissue(P<0.05),along with obviously elevated water contents in the lungs and brain(P<0.05),and decreased blood perfusion in the liver,kidneys,and intestine by 57.1%,39.2%,and 43.2%of the Sham group,respectively(P<0.05),elevated levels of TNI,AST,ALT,Scr and BUN(P<0.05),mean survival time of 3.8±1.1 h,and a 72-hour survival rate of 0(P<0.05).Although LR solution resuscitation reduced vascular permeability and alleviated organ injury in rats with explosive injury combined with hemorrhagic shock,there were no significant differences compared to the ESH group(P>0.05).Mdivi-1 treatment notably decreased vascular permeability in the lungs and kidneys and intestine,and water contents in the lungs and brain when compared with the LR group(P<0.05),with the dose of 0.5 mg/kg demonstrating the most significant effect.Additionally,Mdivi-1 treatment also significantly enhanced organ perfusion,improved organ functions,prolonged survival time,and increased survival rate.The 0.5 mg/kg treatment resulted in a 72-hour average survival time 55.64 h and a survival rate of 62.5%.Conclusion Mitochondrial fission inhibitor Mdivi-1 can reduce the permeabilities in the lungs,kidneys and intestine,improve tissue blood perfusion,protect the organ functions of the heart,liver and kidneys,and finally prolong survival time and increase survival rate in rats with concomitant explosive blast injury and hemorrhagic shock.

Objective To explore the protective effect of L-carnitine on myocardial systolic dysfunction in sepsis and its underlying mechanism.Methods A mouse sepsis model was established by cecal ligation and puncture(CLP).Ten-week-old male SPF-grade C57BL/6 mice(body weight 20～30 g)were randomly divided into 5 groups via random number table:Sham group,Sepsis group,L-carnitine group,L-carnitine+Etomoxir(Eto)group,and Eto group.Echocardiography assessed cardiac function,ELISA measured serum creatine kinase isoenzyme MB(CK-MB)levels,and 72-hour survival rates were recorded to evaluate L-carnitine's effects on cardiac function.Cardiomyocytes were isolated,and a cell microtensiometer was used to detect cardiomyocyte contractile function and calcium transients.Myocardial tissues were collected from each group,and ELISA was used to determine the contents of triglyceride(TG),free fatty acid(FFA),and adenosine triphosphate(ATP).An in vitro sepsis model was constructed by stimulating HL-1 cardiomyocytes with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)for 12 hours,which was divided into 5 groups:control(CTRL)group,LPS group,L-carnitine group,L-carnitine+Eto group,and Eto group.ELISA was used to detect the contents of TG,FFA,and ATP as well as the activity of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A(CPT1A)in cardiomyocytes.A cellular energy metabolism analysis system was employed to measure fatty acid oxidation capacity,and Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of CPT1A in cardiomyocytes.BODIPY-FL-C16(green fluorescently labeled palmitic acid)was utilized to detect the distribution of fatty acids in the cytoplasm and mitochondria via immunofluorescence technology,thereby observing the ability of cells to transport fatty acids into mitochondria.Results Compared with the Sham group,cardiac function was significantly impaired in the Sepsis group,as evidenced by decreased ejection fraction and mean arterial pressure(P<0.05),along with elevated levels of the cardiac injury marker CK-MB(P<0.05).Treatment with L-carnitine significantly improved myocardial function,restored blood pressure in septic mice,and increased their survival rate from 12.50%to 81.25%(P<0.05).Compared with the Sham group,the contractile function and calcium transients of acutely isolated single cardiomyocytes were significantly reduced in the Sepsis group(P<0.05),while L-carnitine treatment remarkably restored the contractile function and calcium release capacity of septic cardiomyocytes(P<0.05).Both in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that TG and FFA levels were significantly increased(P<0.05),and ATP levels was significantly decreased(P<0.05)in the Sepsis and LPS groups—effects significantly reversed by L-carnitine treatment.Compared with the CTRL group,the basal oxidation rate and maximum oxidation capacity of fatty acids in cardiomyocytes of the LPS group were significantly reduced(P<0.05),and L-carnitine treatment notably improved these indicators.Compared with the CTRL group,the expression and activity of CPT1A in cardiomyocytes of the LPS group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),while L-carnitine treatment significantly increased the expression and activity of CPT1A(P<0.05).In LPS group cardiomyocytes,green fluorescently labeled palmitic acid primarily formed numerous granular/clumpy aggregates in the cytoplasm with minimal mitochondrial colocalization.In the L-carnitine group,the green fluorescent granules in the cytoplasm of cardiomyocytes were smaller,and colocalization with mitochondria was increased.However,the L-carnitine+Eto group exhibited similar phenomena to the LPS group.In addition,both in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that treatment with the CPT1A inhibitor Eto reversed the effect of L-carnitine.Compared with the L-carnitine group,the ATP content in the L-carnitine+Eto group was significantly decreased(P<0.05),while the FFA content was significantly increased(P<0.05).Conclusion L-carnitine facilitates fatty acid entry into mitochondria for β-oxidation via a CPT1A-dependent mechanism,thereby ameliorating fatty acid oxidation dysfunction in septic cardiomyocytes and improving myocardial contractile function.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide. More and more studies have suggested that glaucoma is a complicated retinal neurovascular disease. The homeostasis imbalance of retinal neurovascular unit(RNVU)composed of neurons, glial cells and microvascular cells not only induces changes in microvascular structure and glial cells, but also affects the nerve tissue of the retina, resulting in vision loss, which there is no effective treatment to reverse, currently. Exploring the cellular composition and molecular structure of RNVU and investigating the destruction mechanism of normal cellular environment and intercellular connections in glaucoma are of great significance in exploring the pathogenesis and the treatment of glaucoma. The research progress on structural changes and dysfunction of RNVU in glaucoma are reviewed, hoping to provide new ideas for the treatment of glaucoma.