Noise-induced hearing loss is a worldwide public health issue that is characterized by temporary or permanent changes in hearing sensitivity. This condition is closely linked to inflammatory responses, and interventions targeting the inflammatory gene tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) are known to mitigate cochlear noise damage. TNFα-induced proteins (TNFAIPs) are a family of translucent acidic proteins, and TNFAIP6 has a notable association with inflammatory responses. To date, there have been few reports on TNFAIP6 levels in the inner ear. To elucidate the precise mechanism, we generated transgenic mouse models with conditional knockout of Tnfaip6 (Tnfaip6 cKO). Evaluation of hair cell morphology and function revealed no significant differences in hair cell numbers or ribbon synapses between Tnfaip6 cKO and wild-type mice. Moreover, there were no notable variations in hair cell numbers or hearing function in noisy environments. Our results indicate that Tnfaip6 does not have a substantial impact on the auditory system.
Animals ; Mice, Knockout ; Hair Cells, Auditory, Inner/pathology* ; Mice ; Mice, Transgenic ; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced ; Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem/physiology*

Objective To explore the predictive efficiency of serum Dickkopf-1 protein(DKK-1)and C1q tumor necrosis factor-related protein 3(CTRP3)levels for thoracolumbar fractures in patients with osteoporosis(OP).Methods Between January 2020 and August 2024,124 OP patients treated at the hospital were recruited into the OP group.Based on the occurrence of thoracolumbar fractures,these OP patients were divided into a non-fracture group(n=70)and a fracture group(n=54).Additionally,124 healthy individuals who underwent physical examinations served as the control group.The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was employed to measure the levels of serum DKK-1 and CTRP3.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to analyze the influencing factors of thoracolumbar fractures in OP patients.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were used to evaluate the predictive value of serum DKK-1 and CTRP3 for thoracolumbar fractures in OP patients.Results In comparison with the control group,the serum level of DKK-1 was significantly higher,while the serum level of CTRP3 was significantly lower in the OP group(P<0.05).When compared with the non-fracture group,the fracture group exhibited prominently higher serum DKK-1 levels,age,duration of OP,and proportion of OP grade Ⅲ,whereas the serum CTRP3 level was significantly lower(P<0.05).High expression of DKK-1 was iden-tified as an independent risk factor for thoracolumbar fractures in patients with osteoporosis,while high expression of CTRP3 was found to be an independent protective factor for thoracolumbar fractures in such patients(P<0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)values of serum DKK-1 and CTRP3 levels for predicting thoracolumbar fractures in OP patients were 0.790 and 0.753,respectively.The AUC of the combined prediction of the two was 0.888,which was superior to the individual predictions of either one(ZDKK-1-combined=3.351,ZCTRP3-combined=3.172,both P<0.05).Conclusions In the serum of OP patients,the expression of DKK-1 is upregulated,while the expression of CTRP3 is downregulated.Both are factors influencing the occurrence of thoracolumbar fractures in OP patients.The combination of the two has a high predictive value for the occurrence of thoracolumbar fractures in OP patients.

Adenosine, a critical molecule regulating cellular function both inside and outside cells, is controlled by two human adenosine deaminases: ADA1 and ADA2. While ADA1 primarily resides in the cytoplasm, ADA2 can be transported to lysosomes within cells or secreted outside the cell. Patients with ADA2 deficiency (DADA2) often suffer from systemic vasculitis due to elevated levels of TNF-α in their blood. Monocytes from DADA2 patients exhibit excessive TNF-α secretion and differentiate into pro-inflammatory M1-type macrophages. Our findings demonstrate that ADA2 localizes to endolysosomes within macrophages, and its intracellular concentration decreases in cells secreting TNF-α. This suggests that ADA2 may function as a lysosomal adenosine deaminase, regulating TNF-α expression by the cells. Interestingly, pneumonia patients exhibit higher ADA2 concentrations in their bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), correlating with elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Conversely, cord blood has low ADA2 levels, creating a more immunosuppressive environment. Additionally, secreted ADA2 can bind to apoptotic cells, activating immune cells by reducing extracellular adenosine levels. These findings imply that ADA2 release from monocytes during inflammation, triggered by growth factors, may be crucial for cell activation. Targeting intracellular and extracellular ADA2 activities could pave the way for novel therapies in inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.
Humans ; Adenosine Deaminase/deficiency* ; Monocytes/cytology* ; Cell Differentiation ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Biomarkers/metabolism* ; Macrophages/metabolism* ; Pneumonia/metabolism*

Objective To explore the predictive efficiency of serum Dickkopf-1 protein(DKK-1)and C1q tumor necrosis factor-related protein 3(CTRP3)levels for thoracolumbar fractures in patients with osteoporosis(OP).Methods Between January 2020 and August 2024,124 OP patients treated at the hospital were recruited into the OP group.Based on the occurrence of thoracolumbar fractures,these OP patients were divided into a non-fracture group(n=70)and a fracture group(n=54).Additionally,124 healthy individuals who underwent physical examinations served as the control group.The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was employed to measure the levels of serum DKK-1 and CTRP3.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to analyze the influencing factors of thoracolumbar fractures in OP patients.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were used to evaluate the predictive value of serum DKK-1 and CTRP3 for thoracolumbar fractures in OP patients.Results In comparison with the control group,the serum level of DKK-1 was significantly higher,while the serum level of CTRP3 was significantly lower in the OP group(P<0.05).When compared with the non-fracture group,the fracture group exhibited prominently higher serum DKK-1 levels,age,duration of OP,and proportion of OP grade Ⅲ,whereas the serum CTRP3 level was significantly lower(P<0.05).High expression of DKK-1 was iden-tified as an independent risk factor for thoracolumbar fractures in patients with osteoporosis,while high expression of CTRP3 was found to be an independent protective factor for thoracolumbar fractures in such patients(P<0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)values of serum DKK-1 and CTRP3 levels for predicting thoracolumbar fractures in OP patients were 0.790 and 0.753,respectively.The AUC of the combined prediction of the two was 0.888,which was superior to the individual predictions of either one(ZDKK-1-combined=3.351,ZCTRP3-combined=3.172,both P<0.05).Conclusions In the serum of OP patients,the expression of DKK-1 is upregulated,while the expression of CTRP3 is downregulated.Both are factors influencing the occurrence of thoracolumbar fractures in OP patients.The combination of the two has a high predictive value for the occurrence of thoracolumbar fractures in OP patients.

Objective To investigate the variation characteristics of peripheral platelet parameters in children with dengue fever and to assess their use and value in diagnosis,prognosis and treatment for dengue fever.Methods Platelet parameters of 69 pediatric patients with dengue fever in acute febrile phase and remission period and 103 healthy controls were compared.The difference of platelet parameters between the liver function injury group and the normal liver function group,the coagulation dysfunction group and the coagulation function normal group,the severe group and the mild group with dengue fever was compared,the causes of thrombocytopenia in children with dengue was investigated so as to better understand the situation of bone marrow producing platelets.Results P-LCR,PDW,MPV were significantly higher in patients in acute febrile phase of dengue fever,compared with the healthy subjects(P＜0.01),while PCT,PLT were significantly lower in patients in acute febrile phase of dengue fever,compared with the healthy subjects(P＜0.01).MPV was significantly lower in patients with abnormal hepatic function when compared with patients with normal hepatic function(P＜0.05),while other platelet parameters did not show significant differences(P＞0.05).PLT and PCT were significantly lower in the severe patients than those in the mild patients(P＜0.05),while other platelet parameters did not show significant differences(P＞0.05).Peripheral platelet parameters did not show significant differences between patients with or without abnormal coagulation function (P＞0.05).Conclusion Peripheral platelet parameters may play a role in the diagnosis,treatment and prognosis of dengue fever in children.

Objective:To optimize the water extraction and alcohol precipitation technology of Xuanfei Zhike granule .Methods:Orthogonal test was used to investigate the effects of adding water , decocting time and boiling time on the water extraction , and the effects of relative density , alcohol precipitation concentration and alcohol precipitation time on the alcohol precipitation technology by taking comprehensive score including the amount of hesperidin , the amount of tectoridin and the yield of dry cream as the indices .Re-sults:The preferred water extraction technology was as follows: added 10 times water and extracted 1.5 h firstly, and then added 8 times water and extracted twice with 0.5 h for each.The preferred alcohol precipitation technology was as follows:concentrated the wa-ter extraction to a relative density of 1.05 (measured at 60℃), slowly added 95％ethanol to 80％alcohol solution and stored 18 h at low temperature .Conclusion:The optimal water extraction and alcohol precipitation technology is stable and feasible , which can pro-vide reference for the standardized production of Xuanfei Zhike granule .

Objective To investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)in the ABCC4(rs7320375,rs7329490,rs7986087),FCGR2A(rs1801274)and BLK(rs2254546)region could be susceptibility locus for Kawasaki disease(KD)in children from southern China.Methods This study was performed as a case-control study.The samples,92 individuals with KD and 194 healthy controls from southern China,were collected at Guangzhou Women and Childrens′Medical Center from October,2013 to November,2015,and the SNPs were genotyped by using the Sequenom MassArray system.The genotype distribution and allele frequency of the SNPs were analyzed using chi-square test and Fisher′s exact test.Results The genotype distribution of FCGR2A(rs1801274)in patients with KD were as follows: GG 4.3％(4/92),AG 33.7％(31/92),AA 62％(57/92),correspondingly in healthy controls were GG 48.5％(94/194),AG 41.2％(80/194),AA 10.3％(20/194)respectively,and a significant difference was found between KD patients and controls(x2=98.17,P=0.000).A allele frequency of FCGR2A(rs1801274)in KD patients(78.8％,145/184)was higher than that in controls(30.9％,x2=0.120,P=0.000).The genotype distribution of BLK(rs2254546)in patients with KD were as follows: GG 67.4％(62/92),AG 28.3％(26/92),AA 4.3％(4/92),correspondingly in healthy controls were GG 52.1％(101/194),AG 43.8％(85/194),AA 4.1％(8/194)respectively,significant differences were found between KD patients and controls(x2=6.47,P=0.039).G allele frequency of BLK(rs2254546)in KD patients(81.5％,150/184)was higher than that in controls(74.0％,287/388,x2=1.553,P=0.047).Conclusions For the children in southern China,FCGR2A SNPs(rs1801274)may be associated with the susceptibility to KD,and the A allele may increase the risk of KD.BLK SNPs(rs2254546)is also found to be associated with the susceptibility to KD,and the G allele may increase the risk of KD.

Objective To observe the inhibition of piperlongumine in vitro on platelet aggregation and blood coagulation tests for children,to provide the experimental basis for clinical medication.Methods Venous blood samples from 30 children were randomly devided into 5 groups,and was centrifuge to separate platelet-rich plasma (PRP).After storing in 37 ℃ thermostat water bath for 5 minutes,the PRP which have been added DMSO as blank group,and added Aspirin (10 μmol/L)as control group,and added PL (20 μmol/L),PL(100 μmol/L),PL(200 μmol/L) as different concentrations of PL groups respectively,were induced by the addition of adenosine diphosphate (10 μmol/L),collagen(2.5 μg/mL) and the arachidonic acid(500 μg/mL).Then the platelet aggregation rate of the PRP from 5 groups could be measured by turbidimetry.Blood plasma isolated from venous blood was divided into 5 groups.In the PL groups,blood plasma were mixed up with PRP concentrations of which were 5,10,20 μmol/L.In the bland group,blood plasma were mixed up with DMSO (1％).In the control group,blood plasma were mixed up with heparin sodium(35 U/mL).After storing in 37 ℃ thermostat water bath for 5 minutes,fibrinogen(FIB),prothrombin time(PT),thrombin time(TT) and activated partial thromboplastin time of different groups were detected.Results Compared to the control group,the groups which were add PL with different concentrations (20,100,200 μmol/L) showed significant inhibition on platelet aggregation induced by AA and collagen(P<0.05).PL with concentrations of 100 μmol/L and 200 μmol/L showed significant inhibition on platelet aggregation induced by ADP(P<0.05).The PT,APTT,TT of blood plasma from children had been significantly prolonged by the intervention of PL 10 μmol/L and PL 20 μmol/L(P<0.05),however,no significant change of FIB was observed.Conclusion There are inhibitory effects of PL on platelet aggregation of blood plasma from children and anticoagulant activity in this study.

Objective To study the correlation between hyperhomocystinemia and the property of cerebral artery plaque,and the pathogenic mechanism of hyperhomocystinemia resulting in acute cerebral stroke.Methods 60 patients with acute ischemic stroke were chosen.30 patients with normal homocysteine were classified as control group.The other 30 patients with hyperhomocystinemia were classified as observation group.High resolution magnetic resonance imaging(HRMRI) and multi contrast plaque imaging technique were used to measure the cerebral artery plaque burden,the fat ratio of plaques,the hemorrhage within the plaque and fibrouscap rupture.The number of inflammatory cells in the plaque and the density of the new blood vessels were identified using the transfer constant of the contrast medium.Results In the observation group,4 cases with low-risk plaques (13.33％),10 cases with middle-risk plaques (33.33 ％) and 16 cases with high-risk plaques (53.33 ％).In the control group,13 cases with low-risk plaques (43.33％),6 cases with middle-risk plaques (20.00％),11 cases with high-risk plaques (36.67％).The number of intraplaque hemorrhage were 18 cases (60.00％) in the observation group,and 8 cases (26.67％) in the control group.The number of fibrouscap rupture were 21 cases (70.00％) in the observation group,and 13 cases (43.33％) in the control group.Risk stratification of vulnerable plaques in cerebral atherosclerosis (U =-2.032,P =0.042),intraplaque hemorrhage (x2 =6.79,P =0.009) and fibrouscap rupture (x2 =4.34,P =0.037) in the observation group was higher than that in the control group.The number of inflammatory cells in plaques and the density of the new blood vessels in the observation group was (0.188 ± 0.265)Ktrans/min,which in the control group was (0.118 ± 0.183)Ktrans/min.The number of inflammatory cells in the plaque and the density of the new blood vessels in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (t =11.831,P =0.000).Conclusion Hyperhomocystinemia causes intraplaque hemorrhage,fibrouscap rupture,inflammatory cell activity and neovascularization in plaques,accelerates cerebral atherosclerosis and increases the incidence of ischemic stroke events.

Objective To investigate the dynamics of white blood cell count (WBC),prealbumin(PA),high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP),and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) complicated with or without encephalitis and in vitro inhibitory effects of artesunate on VEGF secretion of mononuclear cells from HFMD patients.Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy control group,HFMD group and HFMD combined with encephalitis group were isolated by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation and treated with different concentrations of artesunate (25,50,100 mg/L).The expression of VEGF in the supernatant was examined by ELISA double antibody sandwich method.The levels of WBC,PA and hs-CRP in the three groups were also detected.Multiple samples were compared by one-way analysis of variance.Multiple comparison was performed by Dunnett T3 test.Correlation of two variables was analyzed by Spearman correlation test.Results There were significant differences in the levels of WBC,hs-CRP,PA and VEGF between the HFMD combined with or without encephalitis group and health control group (F=172.69,366.02,166.32 and 5 941.89,respectively,all P＜0.01).There were significant differences in the levels of VEGF secreted by mononuclear cells treated with three different concentrations of artesunate between the HFMD combined with or without encephalitis groups and health control group (F =194.265 and 4 750.69,respectively,both P＜0.01).Correlation analysis showed that the VEGF level secretion by mononuclear cells from HFMD patients with or without encephalitis were both negatively correlated with different concentrations of artesunate (r=-0.903 and-0.969,both P＜0.01).Conclusions Compared with HFMD without encephalitis,the secretion of VEGF by mononuclear cells,WBC and hs-CRP levels in HFMD complicated with encephalitis group all increase and PA decrease significantly.Artesunate can inhibit the secretion of VEGF by mononuclear cells of patients with hand-foot-and-mouth disease in a dosedependent manner in vitro.