Background/Aims: Dysregulated cholesterol metabolism is a hallmark of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that drives tumor initiation and progression. However, clinical targeting of cholesterol metabolism has yielded limited benefits due to stringent feedback in tumor cells. Identifying a central mediator capable of restoring cholesterol homeostasis within the cell’s intrinsically fine-tuned regulatory framework is urgently needed. Methods: We integrated a proteomic dataset from patients with cholesterol-dysregulated HCC into a global cholesterol metabolic regulatory network to identify potential therapeutic targets for disrupted cholesterol homeostasis. The prognostic significance of the candidate targets was further validated in an independent cohort through immunohistochemistry. Functional and mechanistic studies were conducted in vitro using HCC cell lines and in vivo using mouse models. The pharmacological efficacy of the candidate agent was evaluated in both subcutaneous and orthotopic HCC mouse models. Results: ER lipid raft-associated 1 (ERLIN1), a pivotal regulator of cholesterol metabolism reprogramming, was identified as an independent favorable prognostic indicator in HCC. ERLIN1 constrains HCC progression both in vitro and in vivo by stabilizing the INSIG1–SCAP–SREBP2 axis and maintaining the metabolic balance of intracellular cholesterol. Under hypoxia, impaired factor-inhibiting hypoxia-1-dependent hydroxylation of ASB11 at asparagine residues 90 and 92 enhances ASB11-mediated ERLIN1 degradation. Pharmacological targeting of this axis using zoledronic acid (ZoA) attenuated HCC progression by weakening the ASB11–ERLIN1 interaction and restoring cholesterol homeostasis. Conclusions ERLIN1 represents a druggable metabolic vulnerability in cholesterol-dysregulated HCC. Targeting the ASB11–ERLIN1 axis with the clinically approved ZoA reestablishes cholesterol homeostasis and offers a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome the current limitations of cholesterol-targeted HCC therapies.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the role of C1q, the promoter of the classical pathway of the complement system, in regulating postpartum depressive-like behaviors in mice and the therapeutic mechanism of C1q-neutralizing antibodies. METHODS: Female C57BL/6 mouse models of postpartum depression established by hormone-simulated pregnancy (HSP) were evaluated for depression-like behaviors, and peripheral blood levels and hippocampal expressions of C1q were detected using ELISA and Western blotting. Immunofluorescence staining was used for detecting co-labeling of C1q and microglia, and the differentially expressed mRNAs in the hippocampus of HSP mice were analyzed using RNA sequencing. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to screen patients with postpartum depression, from whom peripheral blood mononuclear cells were extracted for detecting C1q expression levels with Western blotting. The HSP mice were subjected to stereotactic injection of C1q-neutralizing antibody or a control IgG in the hippocampus, and the changes in depressive-like behaviors and hippocampal expression of C3 were examined. RESULTS: The HSP mice exhibited obvious depressive behaviors, demonstrated by significantly decreased preference for sugar water and increased forced swimming and tail suspension time. The mouse models showed significantly increased peripheral blood C1q level and hippocampal expression level of C1q, accompanied by an increase in Iba1 and C1q co-labeling in the hippocampus. The expression level of C1q in peripheral monocytes was also significantly increased in patients with postpartum depression. In HSP mice, stereotactic injection of C1q-neutralizing antibody, but not the control IgG, obviously alleviated depressive-like behaviors, shown by significantly increased preference for sugar water and decreased forced swimming and tail suspension time, resulting also in decreased expression of C3 in the hippocampus and lowered serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α. CONCLUSIONS C1q-neutralizing antibodies improve postpartum depressive-like behaviors in mice possibly by regulating the C1q/C3 signaling pathway.
Animals ; Female ; Depression, Postpartum ; Complement C1q/metabolism* ; Antibodies, Neutralizing/pharmacology* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice ; Hippocampus/metabolism* ; Pregnancy ; Disease Models, Animal

This study aimed to comprehensively examine the association of gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to estimate the observational associations of gallstones and cholecystectomy with cancer risk, using data from a nationwide cohort involving 239 799 participants. General and gender-specific two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was further conducted to assess the causalities of the observed associations. Observationally, a history of gallstones without cholecystectomy was associated with a high risk of stomach cancer (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50-4.28), liver and bile duct cancer (aOR=2.46, 95% CI 1.17-5.16), kidney cancer (aOR=2.04, 95% CI 1.05-3.94), and bladder cancer (aOR=2.23, 95% CI 1.01-5.13) in the general population, as well as cervical cancer (aOR=1.69, 95% CI 1.12-2.56) in women. Moreover, cholecystectomy was associated with high odds of stomach cancer (aOR=2.41, 95% CI 1.29-4.49), colorectal cancer (aOR=1.83, 95% CI 1.18-2.85), and cancer of liver and bile duct (aOR=2.58, 95% CI 1.11-6.02). MR analysis only supported the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer. This study added evidence to the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer, highlighting the importance of cancer screening in individuals with gallstones.
Humans ; Mendelian Randomization Analysis ; Gallstones/complications* ; Female ; Male ; Cholecystectomy/statistics & numerical data* ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Aged ; Adult ; Neoplasms/etiology* ; Stomach Neoplasms/epidemiology*

Objective : To explore the effect of the addition of N-acetylcysteine ( NAC) on the abnormal increase of reactive oxygen species ( ROS) during platelet cold storage，and to clarify its function of preventing the platelets from being recognized and cleared by macrophages and hepatocytes． Methods : Platelets Concentrates were divided into room temperature group ( 22C) ，cold storage group ( 4C) and NAC addition group．In NAC addition group， the platelets were supplemented with 5 mmol / L ( N5) and 25 mmol / L ( N25) NAC．After 5-day storage，the levels of ROS，activation markers and other index of platelets in each group were detected by flow cytometry． Platelet phagocytosis was detected by PMA-activated THP-1 cells or by primary cultured HepG2 cells． Results : After 5 days of storage，ROS increased significantly in 4C group than those in 22C group ( P＜0. 05) ，and after NAC addi- tion，ROS level reduced significantly ( P＜0. 05) ．The expression of CD62P and PS and the exposure of β-GlcNAc on platelets in N5 group significantly decreased compared with those in 4C group ( P＜0. 05) ．The platelet phago- cytosis by THP-1 and HepG2 cells were also significantly lower in N5 group than those in 4C group ( P＜0. 05) ． However，the addition of 5 mmol / L NAC did not significantly affect the count，pH，CD42b expression，β-Gal ex- posure and coagulation function of cold-stored platelet after 5-day storage． Conclusion The addition of NAC to re- frigerated platelets can significantly decrease the level of platelet ROS and effectively reduce their phagocytosis by cells，suggesting that NAC addition may protect refrigerated platelets from being cleared by phagocytosis after trans- fusion．

BACKGROUND:Currently,spinal endoscopic technology has become the mainstream technology in minimally invasive spinal surgery.The specifications of the instruments for different operating systems are different,and the choice of specific surgical protocols needs to be combined with the actual situation of the patient and the choice of the clinical surgeon. OBJECTIVE:To compare the early efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy for L5-S1 disc herniation under the iLESSYS Delta System and Endo-Surgi Plus System. METHODS:Totally 80 patients with L5-S1 disc herniation were treated with percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy.Patients were divided into two groups based on the endoscopic system used.Among them,37 cases received the iLESSYS Delta System(Delta group)and 43 cases received the Endo-Surgi Plus System(Plus group).Patient demographic characteristics,perioperative indicators,and complications were analyzed between the two groups.Clinical outcomes were quantified using back and leg visual analog scale scores,Oswestry Disability Index,and Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores at 1 day,1,3,and 6 months after surgery.Patient satisfaction was assessed according to modified MacNab criteria at final follow-up. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The operative time and number of arthroplasties in the Plus group were less than those in the Delta group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).(2)Compared with the preoperative period,the visual analog scale scores,Oswestry Disability Index,and Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores of patients in both groups improved at all follow-up time points,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.001).(3)There was no statistically significant difference in the comparison of pain visual analog scale scores,Oswestry Disability Index,and Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores of patients in the two groups(P>0.05).(4)At 6-month follow-up after surgery,the MacNab standard excellent and good rates in the Delta group and Plus group were 81%and 79%,respectively,with no significant difference(P=0.823).(5)The incidence of complications was 3%in the Delta group and 2%in the Plus group,but there was no significant difference between the two groups(P=0.914).(6)It is concluded that both iLESSYS Delta and Endo-Surgi Plus surgical systems achieved satisfactory early clinical results in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation,with Endo-Surgi Plus surgical moulding being more efficient and safer.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective:To prepare 89Zr-labeled anti-human podoplanin (PDPN) monoclonal antibody SZ168 and evaluate its feasibility for melanoma immunoPET imaging. Methods:89Zr-desferrioxamine (DFO)-SZ168 was prepared by conjugating p-isothiocyanatobenzyl (SCN-Bn)-DFO with SZ168 and chelating with 89Zr. Quality control analyses were conducted, including labeling rate, radiochemical purity, and in vitro stability. Melanoma mouse models were created, with experimental group ( n=3) and control group ( n=3) receiving tail vein injections of 89Zr-DFO-SZ168 and 89Zr-DFO-immunoglobulin (Ig)G solutions (3.7MBq) respectively. The experimental group underwent microPET/CT imaging at 12, 24, 48 and 72h post-injection, while the control group underwent imaging at 48h post-injection. Tumor and organ radioactivity uptake was analyzed using the ROI method. Mice were sacrificed at 7d post-injection to assess the ex vivo biodistribution of 89Zr-DFO-SZ168 and 89Zr-DFO-IgG. Independent-sample t test was used to analyze the data. Results:The pH value of the 89Zr-DFO-SZ168 solution was approximately 7.0, with a labeling rate >60%, radiochemical purity >95% after PD10 column purification, and good stability after 72h in vitro. Series microPET/CT imagings showed significant tumor visualization in tumor-bearing mice. Radioactivity uptake in tumors peaked at 48h post-injection, while the tumor was not clearly detected by 89Zr-DFO-IgG microPET/CT imaging. Ex vivo biodistribution indicated that 89Zr-DFO-SZ168 mainly accumulated in tumors, liver, and bones, with tumor uptake significantly higher than that of 89Zr-DFO-IgG ((29.36±7.29) percentage activity of injection dose per gram of tissue (%ID/g) vs (8.78±1.63) %ID/g; t=4.77, P=0.009). Immunohistochemistry of tumor specimens showed high expression of PDPN in tumor tissues. Conclusions:The probe 89Zr-DFO-SZ168 is successfully prepared, showing potential for specific molecular imaging diagnosis of melanoma. This lays a basis for developing PDPN molecular target-based immuno-PET diagnosis and integrated diagnosis and treatment for melanoma.

ObjectiveTo explore the listed varieties and prescription characteristics of Chinese patent medicines for stroke in China， explore the medication rules of Chinese medicine for stroke， and provide guidance for further clinical research and development of Chinese patent medicines. MethodsExcel 2021 and the Ancient and Modern Medical Record Cloud Platform （V2.3.5） were used to systematically mine and analyze the varieties and prescriptions of Chinese patent medicines for stroke in China. ResultsA total of 244 Chinese patent medicines （two for different dosage forms of the same prescription）， 1 736 approval documents for Chinese patent medicines， 792 manufacturers， and 83 varieties of protected Chinese patent medicines were finally included in the database. The top three dosage forms were capsules （75）， pills （53）， and tablets （42）. There were 28 Chinese patent medicines for stroke in the National Essential Drug Catalogue （2018）， 129 in the National Essential Medical Insurance， Industrial Injury Insurance and Maternity Insurance Drug Catalogue （2023）， and 4 in the National Non-prescription Drug Catalogue. Among the 138 prescriptions screened out， Chinese patent medicines mainly treated stroke patients with the syndrome of Qi deficiency and blood stasis. The top three most frequent medicinal herbs were Chuanxiong Rhizoma （63）， Pheretima （47）， and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma （47）. The medicinal herbs used were mainly warm， pungent， with the meridian tropism to the liver meridian. The correlation analysis showed that the herb pair with the highest support was Astragali Radix-Chuanxiong Rhizoma， and that with the highest confidence was Carthami Flos-Chuanxiong Rhizoma. Five herb combinations were identified based on the cluster analysis. ConclusionThe Chinese patent medicines for stroke mainly treat patients with the syndrome of Qi deficiency and blood stasis. The medicinal herbs used in the prescriptions mainly have the functions of activating blood and resolving stasis， extinguishing wind and stopping convulsions. Drug compatibility usually focuses on activating blood and resolving stasis， as well as expelling phlegm and opening orifices. This review of the varieties and prescription characteristics of Chinese patent medicines for stroke helps optimize clinical decision-making， guide drug research and development， promote medical research and scientific progress， and provide more effective support and guarantee for the treatment of stroke patients.

Flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy (FURL) is one of the major minimally invasive endoscopic techniques in the management of upper urinary tract stones，but it has problems of low stone-free rate，high intraoperative intra-pelvic pressure，and high risk of postoperative infection.Since the negative pressure suction technique has been applied to FURL，it can actively suck out the stone powder and perfusion fluid during operation，thus significantly improving the immediate intraoperative stone removal rate，effectively reducing the intrarenal pelvic pressure，increasing the clarity of the operation field，and significantly improving the efficiency and safety of FURL.With the continuous progress of technology，the negative pressure suction technique has evolved from the initial simple negative pressure suction to the intelligent pressure control system integrating ‘perfusion-measurement-negative pressure'.Although this technique is now widely used in FURL，there is still optimizing space in terms of device design and operational application.This article will focus on the clinical application，technical progress and operational experience of the negative pressure suction technique in the light of domestic and international literature.