Objective: To investigate the effect of targeted silencing of DNA methyltransferase 3A(DNMT3A) on collagen deposition, proliferation and migration activity of mouse lung fibroblasts(PFs). Methods: In order to ensure the proliferation and migration activity of primary fibroblasts, the lung tissues of neonatal C57 suckling mice were taken, PFs were extracted after being sheared, and the morphology was observed and identified under the microscope. PFs cells were activated by 5 ng/ml TGF-β1for 24 h after cell attachment, and DNMT3A silencing model was constructed by small interfering RNA; The experiment was divided into control group, TGF-β1group, TGF-β1+ siRNA-NC group and TGF-β1+ siRNA-DNMT3A group. The protein expressions of DNMT3A, α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) and Collagen Ⅰ were detected by Western blot; Real time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression changes ofDNMT3A,α-SMAandCollagenⅠ. The proliferation ability of PFs was detected by CCK-8 and EdU staining; the migration ability of PFs was detected by scratch test and Transwell migration test. Results: Compared with the control group, TGF-β1induced the increase of DNMT3A in the activated PFs cell group(P<0.01), the protein and mRNA levels of fibrosis and proliferation related indicators α-SMA and Collagen Ⅰ also increased(allP<0.05), and the proliferation and migration ability of PFs increased(allP<0.000 1). Compared with the siRNA-NC group, the protein expression levels of DNMT3A(P<0.000 1) and related indicators α-SMA(P<0.01) and Collagen Ⅰ(P<0.01) significantly decreased in the DNMT3A silencing group by Western blot, and the mRNA levels ofDNMT3A,α-SMAandCollagenⅠby RT-qPCR also decreased(allP<0.001), and the proliferation(P<0.01) and migration ability(P<0.05) of PFs cells decreased compared with the control group. Conclusion Silencing DNMT3A can inhibit the deposition of collagen and the proliferation of PFs. DNMT3A can promote the proliferation and migration of PFs, and then promote the activation of PFs and the development of pulmonary fibrosis. This process may be regulated by DNA methylation modification.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 2 (PTPN2) is a promising target for sensitizing solid tumors to immune checkpoint blockades. However, the highly polar active sites of PTPN2 hinder drug discovery efforts. Leveraging small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology, we developed a novel glutathione-responsive nano-platform HPssPT (HA/PEIss@siPtpn2) to silence PTPN2 and enhance immunotherapy efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HPssPT showed potent transfection and favorable safety profiles. PTPN2 deficiency induced by HPssPT amplified the interferon γ signaling in HCC cells by increasing the phosphorylation of Janus-activated kinase 1 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1, resulting in enhanced antigen presentation and T cell activation. The nano-platform was also able to promote the M1-like polarization of macrophages in vitro. The unique tropism of HPssPT towards tumor-associated macrophages, facilitated by hyaluronic acid coating and CD44 receptor targeting, allowed for simultaneous reprogramming of both tumor cells and tumor-associated macrophages, thereby synergistically reshaping tumor microenvironment to an immunostimulatory state. In HCC, colorectal cancer, and melanoma animal models, HPssPT monotherapy provoked robust antitumor immunity, thereby sensitizing tumors to PD-1 blockade, which provided new inspiration for siRNA-based drug discovery and tumor immunotherapy.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive primary brain tumor characterized by poor prognosis. Conventional chemo-radiotherapy demonstrates limited therapeutic efficacy and is often accompanied by significant side effects, largely due to factors such as drug resistance, radiation resistance, the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and the activation of DNA damage repair mechanisms. There is a pressing need to enhance treatment efficacy, with BRD4 identified as a promising target for increasing GBM sensitivity to therapy. Lacking small molecule inhibitors, BRD4 can be degraded using PROteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC), thereby inhibiting DNA damage repair. To deliver PROTAC, SIAIS171142 (SIS) effectively, we designed a responsive nanocapsule, MPL_(SS)P@SIS, featuring GBM-targeting and GSH-responsive drug release. Modified with 1-methyl-l-tryptophan (MLT), nanocapsules facilitate targeted delivery of SIS, downregulating BRD4 and sensitizing GBM cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. After intravenous administration, MPL_(SS)P@SIS selectively accumulates in tumor tissue, enhancing the effects of radiotherapy and temozolomide (TMZ) by increasing DNA damage and oxidative stress. GSH activates the nanocapsules, triggering BRD4 degradation and hindering DNA repair. In mouse models, the nanosensitizer, combined with TMZ and X-ray irradiation, efficiently inhibited the growth of GBM. These findings demonstrate a novel PROTAC-based sensitization strategy targeting BRD4, offering a promising approach for effective GBM therapy.

Thalidomide (THA) is renowned for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to elucidate its underlying mechanisms in the context of Crohn's disease (CD) development. Mouse colitis models were established by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) treatment. Fecal microbiota and metabolites were analyzed by metagenomic sequencing and mass spectrometry, respectively. Antibiotic-treated mice served as models for microbiota depletion and transplantation. The expression of forkhead box P3⁺ (FOXP3⁺) regulatory T cells (Tregs) was measured by flow cytometry and immunohistochemical assay in colitis model and patient cohort. THA inhibited colitis in DSS-treated mice by altering the gut microbiota profile, with an increased abundance of probiotics Bacteroides fragilis, while pathogenic bacteria were depleted. In addition, THA increased beneficial metabolites bile acids and significantly restored gut barrier function. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that THA inhibited interleukin-17 (IL-17), IL-1β and cell cycle signaling. Fecal microbiota transplantation from THA-treated mice to microbiota-depleted mice partly recapitulated the effects of THA. Specifically, increased level of gut commensal B. fragilis was observed, correlated with elevated levels of the microbial metabolite 3alpha-hydroxy-7-oxo-5beta-cholanic acid (7-ketolithocholic acid, 7-KA) following THA treatment. This microbial metabolite may stable FOXP3 expression by targeting the receptor FMR1 autosomal homolog 1 (FXR1) to inhibit autophagy. An interaction between FOXP3 and FXR1 was identified, with binding regions localized to the FOXP3 domain (aa238-335) and the FXR1 domain (aa82-222), respectively. Conclusively, THA modulates the gut microbiota and metabolite profiles towards a more beneficial composition, enhances gut barrier function, promotes the differentiation of FOXP3⁺ Tregs and curbs pro-inflammatory pathways.

Objective : To clarify the intrinsic link between a high-fat diet(HFD) and the pathological progression and prognosis of spinal cord injury(SCI) while preliminarily exploring the potential underlying mechanisms. Methods: SCI models were established in mice that were fed either a regular diet(RD) or HFD, with injury inflicted specifically on the T9-T12segments. Hematoxylin-Eosin(HE) staining, Masson staining, and Nissl staining were used to observe the local histological changes in SCI tissues. The basso, beattie, and bresnahan(BBB) score and footprint analysis were used to evaluate and compare hindlimb functional recovery after SCI in both RD and HFD mice.In vitroexperiments were conducted to identify key fatty acids in the HFD that exacerbate neuronal damage, whilein vivoexperiments assessed the effects of 2-bromopalmitate(2-BP), a palmitic acid inhibitor, on HFD-fed mice with SCI. Results : Compared to RD-fed mice, HFD-fed mice exhibited significantly larger lesion areas, more severe neuronal damage, and poorer hindlimb functional recovery after SCI. Palmitic acid was identified as the key fatty acid aggravating neuronal damage. Further more, inhibition of palmitoylation, mediated by palmitic acid, enhanced neuronal survival, promoted tissue repair, and improved hindlimb functional recovery in HFD-fed mice post-SCI. Conclusion HFD exacerbates pathological damage following SCI in mice through palmitic acid, impairing recovery. Palmitic acid-mediated palmitoylation is likely the main mechanism underlying this effect.

Objective:Based on the health ecological model, this paper systematically explores the influencing factors of mild cognitive impairment among the elderly herders in Nanshan pastoral area of Xinjiang, and provides the basis for local medical institutions to formulate prevention and control strategies for mild cognitive impairment among the elderly herders.Methods:A total of 1 145 valid questionnaires were collected, all of them were permanent herdsmen aged over 60 years in Nanshan pastoral area of Xinjiang were selected from June 2022 to February 2023 by stratified cluster random sampling method in a cross-sectional survey. Under the guidance of health ecological model, the research variables were included from five dimensions: physiology, psychology, behavioral lifestyle, social network and medical and health environment, and questionnaires were conducted. SPSS 23.0 was used for chi-square test and binary Logistic regression to analyze the influencing factors of mild cognitive impairment in elderly herders.Results:There were 564 males and 581 females with age of (70.84 ± 5.69) years old in the study. The prevalence rate of mild cognitive impairment among elderly herdsmen in Nanshan pastoral area of Xinjiang was 36.1%(413/1 145). Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that: personal monthly income (1 000-2 999 yuan)( OR = 0.583, 95% CI 0.366 - 0.926, P<0.05), education level (junior high school and above)( OR = 0.479, 95% CI 0.315 - 0.728, P<0.01) were the protective factors for mild cognitive impairment among the elderly herdsmen in Nanshan pastoral area. Hypertension ( OR = 1.842, 95% CI 1.256 - 2.702, P<0.01), dyslipidemia ( OR = 1.449, 95% CI 1.069 - 1.964, P<0.05) and chronic pain ( OR = 1.549, 95% CI 1.082 - 2.216, P<0.05) were the risk factors of mild cognitive impairment in elderly herders in Nanshan pastoral area. Conclusions:The prevalence rate of mild cognitive impairment among elderly herders in Nanshan pastoral area of Xinjiang is high, so it is necessary to carry out mild cognitive impairment screening as soon as possible, especially focusing on people suffering from hypertension, dyslipidemia and chronic pain, and making intervention plans to delay the occurrence and development of mild cognitive impairment and improve the quality of life of elderly herders.

Objective:To explore the feasibility of using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography for measuring right ventricular strain and function in healthy adults, and to analyze the impact of age and gender.Methods:This study is a cross-sectional study. Healthy adults who underwent physical examination in the Physical Examination Center of Beijing Hospital from January 1, 2020 to January 1, 2021 were included. Two researchers independently measured various right ventricular longitudinal strain indices using the Echopac software, including (global longitudinal strain (GLS), apical longitudinal strain (ALS), midventricle longitudinal strain (MLS), basal longitudinal strain (BLS), free wall GLS (FWGLS), free wall ALS (FWALS), free wall MLS (FWMLS) and free wall BLS (FWBLS)) as well as tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and right ventricle-fraction of area change (RVFAC). The above indicators were taken as the average of two physicians. The consistency of the measurements by two physicians was evaluated by the within-group correlation coefficient ( ICC). Results:A total of 233 subjects were included, including 137 males, aged (58.5±14.2) years. ICC values was all above 0.8 with excellent agreement. The values of FWGLS and GLS in healthy adults were -26.63% and -21.89%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in TAPSE ((2.06±0.41)cm vs. (2.10±0.39)cm, P=0.510) and RVFAC ((51.17±9.91)% vs. (50.89±8.65)%, P=0.826) between males and females. The values of various right ventricular long axis strain indicators (GLS, ALS, MLS, BLS, FWGLS, FWMLS, FWMLS, FWBLS) in females aged 18 to 40 and 41 to 65 years were higher than those in males of the same age (all P<0.05), while there was no statistically significant difference in the values of various right ventricular long axis strain indicators between the sexes in subjects aged 65 years and above (all P>0.05). In females, the right ventricular GLS, ALS, MLS, FWGLS, FWALS, FWMLS, and FWBLS values in the groups aged 18 to 40 and 41 to 65 years were significantly higher than those in the group aged 65 years and above (all P<0.05). In contrast, no significant differences were found in these indices among different age groups in males (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Using two-dimensional speckle tracking technology in echocardiography to measure right ventricular strain indicators is feasible and highly reproducible. Gender and age have an impact on right ventricular strain indicators.

Objective To explore the feasibility of automatic segmentation of clinical target volume(CTV)and organs at risk(OARs)for cervical cancer using AccuLearning(AL)based on geometric and dosimetric indices.Methods Seventy-five CT localization images with manual contouring data of postoperative cervical cancer were enrolled in this study.Sixty cases were randomly selected to trained to generate automatic segmentation model by AL,and the CTV and OARs of the remaining 15 cases were automatically contoured.Radiotherapy plans on the automatic segmentation contours were imported on the CT images of manual contours.The efficiency,Dice similarity coefficient(DSC),Hausdorff distance(HD)and dosimetric parameters were compared between the two methods.Results The time of automatic segmentation was significantly shorter than that of the manual contour(P<0.05).The DSC of all structures were≥0.87.The HD of bowel bag and rectum were about 10 mm,and that of the rest of OARs were less than 5 mm.CTV(D98,V90% ,V95% ,Dmean,HI),bowel bag(V50)and bladder(V50)had significant differences in dosimetric comparison(P<0.05).Conclusion The automatic segmentation model based on AL can improve the efficiency of radiotherapy.Automatic segmentation of OARs has the potential of clinical application,while that of CTV still needs to be further modified.

Objective To explore the correlation between intestinal dose and acute radiation enteritis(ARE)in patients with cervical cancer received concurrent chemoradiotherapy,and optimize the dose limit of intestinal tissue.Methods 158 cervical cancer patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy from 2014 to 2019 were selected in this study.According to CTCAE 5.0,patients with ARE≥grade 2 were classified as ARE≥grade 2 group,otherwise classified as ARE0.7,P<0.05).Conclusions For patients with cervical cancer received concurrent chemoradiotherapy,the dose of bowelbag V5 and V40 should be considered to rationally optimize the dose of bowelbag in the radiotherapy plan,so as to reduce the incidence of ARE≥grade 2.