OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential mechanism by which electroacupuncture (EA) induces macrophage polarization to promote muscle satellite cell proliferation and differentiation, accelerating the repair of acute skeletal muscle injury. METHODS: Forty-two SPF-grade SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: a blank group (n=6), a model group (n=18), and an EA group (n=18). The model and EA groups established acute blunt contusion model of the right gastrocnemius muscle using a self-made striking device. From day 1 after modeling, rats in the EA group received EA at "Chengshan" (BL57) and "Yanglingquan" (GB34) on the right side, using disperse-dense wave with a frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz and a current of approximately 2 mA. The EA treatment was administered once daily for 30 minutes for 3, 7, or 14 days based on the designated sampling time points. Gait analysis was performed using the Cat Walk XT^TM system. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the morphological changes in the gastrocnemius muscle. Masson staining was applied to evaluate collagen fiber content. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in muscle satellite cells. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression levels of CD68 and CD206, markers of macrophages. Serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-13) were detected using ELISA. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, the model group showed a significant reduction in average movement speed on days 3 and 7 after modeling (P<0.05), and a decrease in the right hind limb stride length on day 3 (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group showed increased average movement speed and right hind limb stride length on day 7 (P<0.05). In the blank group, the gastrocnemius muscle on the right side showed uniform and consistent inter-fiber spacing, with neatly and regularly arranged muscle cells. In contrast, the model group exhibited enlarged inter-fiber spacing, edema, and significant infiltration of red blood cells and inflammatory cells, with progressively increasing fibrosis over time. By day 14 after modeling, the EA group showed a return to baseline levels of inflammatory cell infiltration, and the degree of fibrosis was significantly lower than that observed in the model group. Compared with the blank group, the ratio of collagen fibers in the gastrocnemius muscle of the model group increased significantly on days 3, 7, and 14 after modeling (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group exhibited a lower collagen fiber ratio on days 3, 7, and 14 (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, PCNA positive expression in the gastrocnemius muscle of the model group was significantly increased on days 3, 7, and 14 after modeling (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group exhibited significantly higher PCNA positive expression on days 3 and 7 (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the model group showed a significant increase in CD68-positive macrophage expression in the gastrocnemius muscle on day 3 after modeling (P<0.05), while CD206-positive macrophage expression increased on days 3, 7, and 14 (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, CD68 expression was significantly lower in the EA group on day 3 (P<0.05), whereas CD206 expression was significantly higher on days 3 and 7 (P<0.05), peaking on day 7 with CD206 expression. Compared with the blank group, serum TNF-α levels were significantly elevated in the model group on days 3 and 7 after modeling (P<0.05), while serum IL-1β levels were increased on days 3, 7, and 14 (P<0.05). Serum IL-10 and IL-13 levels were significantly higher on day 7 after modeling (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group exhibited lower serum TNF-α level on day 3 (P<0.05) and reduced serum IL-1β levels on days 3 and 7 (P<0.05), while serum IL-10 and IL-13 levels were significantly increased on day 7 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION EA could promote the repair of acute blunt contusion-induced gastrocnemius muscle injury by regulating the proliferation and differentiation of muscle satellite cells. This process is closely related to macrophage polarization.
Animals ; Electroacupuncture ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Macrophages/immunology* ; Muscle, Skeletal/immunology* ; Male ; Humans ; Female ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology* ; Cell Proliferation

An HPLC analytical method was developed to determine the related substances in carbetocin injection. The method was performed on a Waters Xbridge C18 column (150 mm×3 mm, 3.5 μm) with 0.30 mg/mL ammonium acetate-19% acetonitrile aqueous solution as mobile phase A and mobile phase A-acetonitrile (1∶1) as mobile phase B. The detection wavelength was 220 nm. Gradient elution was performed at the flow rate of 0.8 mL/min and the column temperature of 60℃. The method was validated for system applicability, specificity, linearity and range, accuracy, with the results that the 9 impurities of carbetocin injection showed good linearity (R²>0.999) with peak area in their respective concentration range, and that the method had good precision (RSD<5%). This method is suitable for the simultaneous determination of carbetocin and its 9 impurities in carbetocin injection and can provide a theoretical basis for the quality control of the carbetocin injection.

Objective:To study lncRNA MEG3 expression and its relationship with Th17/CD4+T cells in patients with non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)with different pleural effusion severity and prognosis.Methods:A total of 104 NSCLC malignant pleural effusion patients admitted to Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University from January 2020 to December 2022 were selected as research subjects,and divided into three groups based on amount of pleural effusion,including small amount of pleural effusion group(35 cases),moderate amount of pleural effusion group(42 cases)and large amount of pleural effusion group(27 cases).According to actual development and prognosis of patient's disease,they were divided into good prognosis group(29 cases without recurrence and metastasis)and poor prognosis group(75 cases with recurrence and metastasis).Another 60 patients with benign pleural effusion due to pneumonia who were treated in Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University at same time were selected as control group.MEG3 expression in pleural effusion of two groups was detected by real-time fluorescent quantita-tive PCR,and peripheral venous blood of subjects was collected.Th17 cell and CD4+T cell ratios of peripheral blood were detected by flow cytometry,and Th17/CD4+T was calculated.lncRNA MEG3 and peripheral blood Th17 and CD4+T levels in each group of patients compared.Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze pleural effusion and prognostic factors in NSCLC.Results:lncRNA MEG3 expression and CD4+T percentage in pleural effusion in NSCLC group were lower than control group,while Th17 percentage and Th17/CD4+T were higher than control group(P<0.05).lncRNA MEG3 expression and CD4+T percentage in large pleural effusion group were lower than small and moderate pleural effusion groups.lncRNA MEG3 expression and CD4+T percentage in modarate pleural effusion group were lower than small pleural effusion group,while Th17 percentage and Th17/CD4+T in large pleural effusion group were higher than small and moderate pleural effusion groups.Th17/CD4+T was higher in small amount pleural effusion group(P<0.05).lncRNA MEG3 expression and CD4+T percentage in poor prognosis group were lower than those in good prognosis group,while Th17 percentage and Th17/CD4+T were higher than good prognosis group(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that lncRNA MEG3 was a protective factor for NSCLC pleural effusion,and Th17/CD4+T was a risk factor(P<0.05),lncRNA MEG3 was a protective factor of NSCLC prognosis,and Th17/CD4+T was a risk factor(P<0.05).Conclusion:lncRNA MEG3 expression and Th17/CD4+T in NSCLC patients with different pleural effusion severity and prognosis is not same.lncRNA MEG3 is a risk factor for NSCLC pleural effusion and prognosis,while Th17/CD4+T is a risk factor,which can be used as an effective biomarker for pleural effusion severity and progno-sis diagnosis.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of inducing macrophage polarization induced by acupoint effect of electroacupuncture to promote the repair of acute skeletal muscle injury.Methods 45 SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,electroacupuncture group(EA group),sodium chrominate group (DSCG group) and electroacupuncture+sodium chrominate group (hereinafter referred to as EA+DSCG group),with 9 rats in each group. The rats in the EA group and the EA+DSCG group were subjected to EA intervention at the right "Chengshan" (BL57) and "Yanglingquan"(GB34),with a frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz. The gait changes of rats were recorded by animal gait analyzer. The morphological changes of the right gastrocnemius were observed by HE staining. The changes of mast cell aggregation and degranulation in local skin muscles of "chengshan" point were observed by toluidine blue staining. The expressions of Pax7,MyoD and skin mast cells and 5-HT in the right gastrocnemius were detected by immunofluorescence method. The positive expressions of CD68 and CD206 in right gastrocnemius macrophage was observed by immunohistochemical staining.Results Compared with blank group,the wiggle time of the right hind leg in model group and DSCG group increased,stride length decreased,HE staining showed inflammatory cell infiltration,myocyte enlargement,degeneration and necrosis. The degranulation rate of local skin mast cells in "Chengshan" (BL57) area increased,and the expressions of mast cell tryptase,5-HT,Pax7,MyoD,CD68 and CD206 increased (P<0.05). Compared with model group,the wiggle time of the right hind leg in EA group and EA+DSCG group decreased,stride length increased,HE staining showed that inflammatory cell infiltration was reduced,muscle cells were uniform in size and arranged neatly. Mast cell degranulation rate increased significantly in EA group,and the expressions of mast cell tryptase,5-HT,Pax7,MyoD and CD206 increased (P<0.05),while CD68 expression decreased (P<0.05). Compared with EA+DSCG group,the degranulation rate of mast cells and the expressions of mast cell tryptase,5-HT,Pax7,MyoD and CD206 increased (P<0.05),while CD68 expression decreased in EA group (P<0.05). Conclusion EA "Chengshan" (BL57) and "Yanglingquan" (GB34) can stimulate acupuncture points to locally induce mast cell degranulation,promote the polarization of macrophages,and then activate muscle satellite cells to play the regulatory process of repairing skeletal muscle injury.

Objective:To investigate the distribution of HIV-1 genotypes and drug resistance characteristics among newly reported HIV-infected men who have sex with men in Yunnan Province, and to analyze the correlation between HIV-1 genotypes and concurrence with other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) .Methods:A single-center cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 79 newly reported HIV-infected men who have sex with men were collected from the Yunnan Provincial Hospital of Infectious Diseases from September 2020 to May 2021. Meanwhile, their blood and initial-stream urine samples were collected. Antibodies against Treponema pallidum or herpes simplex virus type 2 were detected in blood samples, while nucleic acid amplification tests were performed for the detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Mycoplasma genitalium in urine samples. Viral RNA was extracted from plasma samples, and the gag, env, and pol gene fragments were amplified by nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for genotyping and drug resistance analysis. Differences between groups were analyzed using the chi-square test, and correlations between HIV-1 genotypes and concurrence with STDs were analyzed using logistic regression. Results:Totally, 72 samples were successfully genotyped, and 5 genotypes were identified, including CRF07_BC (43.06%, 31/72), CRF01_AE (33.33%, 24/72), URF (18.06%, 13/72), CRF55_01B (2.78%, 2/72), and CRF68_01B (2.78%, 2/72). The 13 cases of URF were classified into 3 recombination patterns, including 11 cases of CRF01_AE/CRF07_BC, 1 case of CRF08_BC/CRF07_BC, and 1 case of B/CRF07_BC. Drug resistance analysis was conducted for 36 cases according to the pol sequences, and the HIV drug resistance rate was 5.56% (2/36). The rate of concurrence with other STDs was 40.28% (29/72), and HIV infection mostly coexisted with syphilis (20.83%, 15/72), followed by herpes simplex virus type 2 infection (16.67%, 15/72), Mycoplasma genitalium infection (11.11%, 8/72), gonorrhea (5.56%, 4/72) and Chlamydia trachomatis infection (2.78%, 2/72). The rate of concurrence with two or more STDs was 12.50% (9/72). Logistic regression analysis showed that there was no significant correlation between HIV-1 genotypes and concurrence with different STDs (all P < 0.05) . Conclusions:The HIV-1 genotypes among men who have sex with men in Yunnan Province were complex, the drug resistance in HIV strains had reached a moderately epidemic level, and HIV-infected patients were often accompanied by other STDs. Thus, it is necessary to pay close attention to the change of HIV-1 genotypes and simultaneous screening and treatment of STDs in HIV-infected patients.

Objective:To investigate the distribution of HIV-1 genotypes and drug resistance characteristics among newly reported HIV-infected men who have sex with men in Yunnan Province, and to analyze the correlation between HIV-1 genotypes and concurrence with other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) .Methods:A single-center cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 79 newly reported HIV-infected men who have sex with men were collected from the Yunnan Provincial Hospital of Infectious Diseases from September 2020 to May 2021. Meanwhile, their blood and initial-stream urine samples were collected. Antibodies against Treponema pallidum or herpes simplex virus type 2 were detected in blood samples, while nucleic acid amplification tests were performed for the detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Mycoplasma genitalium in urine samples. Viral RNA was extracted from plasma samples, and the gag, env, and pol gene fragments were amplified by nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for genotyping and drug resistance analysis. Differences between groups were analyzed using the chi-square test, and correlations between HIV-1 genotypes and concurrence with STDs were analyzed using logistic regression. Results:Totally, 72 samples were successfully genotyped, and 5 genotypes were identified, including CRF07_BC (43.06%, 31/72), CRF01_AE (33.33%, 24/72), URF (18.06%, 13/72), CRF55_01B (2.78%, 2/72), and CRF68_01B (2.78%, 2/72). The 13 cases of URF were classified into 3 recombination patterns, including 11 cases of CRF01_AE/CRF07_BC, 1 case of CRF08_BC/CRF07_BC, and 1 case of B/CRF07_BC. Drug resistance analysis was conducted for 36 cases according to the pol sequences, and the HIV drug resistance rate was 5.56% (2/36). The rate of concurrence with other STDs was 40.28% (29/72), and HIV infection mostly coexisted with syphilis (20.83%, 15/72), followed by herpes simplex virus type 2 infection (16.67%, 15/72), Mycoplasma genitalium infection (11.11%, 8/72), gonorrhea (5.56%, 4/72) and Chlamydia trachomatis infection (2.78%, 2/72). The rate of concurrence with two or more STDs was 12.50% (9/72). Logistic regression analysis showed that there was no significant correlation between HIV-1 genotypes and concurrence with different STDs (all P < 0.05) . Conclusions:The HIV-1 genotypes among men who have sex with men in Yunnan Province were complex, the drug resistance in HIV strains had reached a moderately epidemic level, and HIV-infected patients were often accompanied by other STDs. Thus, it is necessary to pay close attention to the change of HIV-1 genotypes and simultaneous screening and treatment of STDs in HIV-infected patients.

Objective:To explore the prognostic value of lymphocyte subsets in adult hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS).Methods:A total of 172 adult HPS patients diagnosed in 8 medical centers from January 2013 to August 2020 were selected for the study, of whom 87 were male (50.6%, 87/172), and 85 were female (49.4%, 85/172), with 68 survivors and 104 deaths. The clinical data were summarized, and variables such as lymphocyte subsets, immunoglobulin characteristics and fibrinogen were retrospectively analyzed, and the correlation between the mentioned variables and patient prognosis was analyzed. The optimal cut-off values of continuous variables were calculated by MaxStat, and the prognostic factors of HPS patients were screened based on the Cox proportional hazard regression model.Results:The median age of HPS patients was 56 (42, 66) years old, and the 5-year cumulative survival rate was 37.4% (37.4/100). The median age, platelet and albumin were 48 (27, 63) years, 84×10 9/L and 32.3 g/L in the survival group, and 59 years, 45.5×10 9/L, and 27.3 g/L in the death group, respectively. The differences between the two groups was statistically significant ( Z=?3.368, P=0.001; Z=?3.156, P=0.002; Z=?3.431, P=0.001). Patients with differentiated cluster 8+(CD8+)<11.1%, CD3+<64.9%, CD4+>51%, and CD4/CD8 ratio>2.18 had poor prognosis (χ 2=7.498, P=0.023; χ 2=4.169, P=0.041; χ 2=4.316, P=0.038; χ 2=9.372, P=0.002). Multivariable analysis showed that CD4/CD8 ratio, age, fibrinogen and hemoglobin were independent prognostic factors in HPS patients ( HR=2.435, P=0.027; HR=5.790, P<0.001; HR=0.432, P=0.018; HR=0.427, P=0.018). Conclusion:Peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets can be used to evaluate the prognosis of patients with HPS; CD4/CD8 ratio, age, fibrinogen, and hemoglobin are independent prognostic factors in HPS patients.

Objective:Factors influencing the prognosis of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in adults were analyzed based on multicentric data.Methods:Clinical data of 124 adult patients with HLH diagnosed in eight medical centers in the Huaihai Lymphoma Working Group from March 2014 to July 2020 were collected. The optimal truncation value of continuous variables was obtained based on the Maxstat algorithm, X-Tile software, and restricted cubic spline. Cox proportional risk regression model was used to construct the adult HLH risk prediction model, and the visualization of the model was realized through the histogram. The bootstrap resampling method was used to verify the model, C-index and calibration curve was used to verify the histogram, and the prediction accuracy was checked. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate the survival rate and draw the survival curve. Furthermore, the differences between groups were tested by log-rank.Results:The median age of the 124 patients was 55 (18-84) years, including 61 (49.19%) males. The most common etiology was infection. Serum ferritin increased in 110 cases (88.71%) , hepatosplenomegaly in 57 cases (45.97%) . Of the 124 patients, 77 (62.10%) died, and the median survival time of the patients was 7.07 months. Univariate results showed that the prognosis of adult HLH was influenced by sex, age, fibrinogen, serum creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, and albumin ( P<0.05) . The results of multivariate analysis showed that gender, platelet, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, and treatment regimens were independent influencing factors for prognosis. Based on the above five risk factors, the prediction model of the histogram was established, and the C-index of the model was 0.739. Finally, the calibration chart showed good consistency between the observed and predicted values of HLH. Conclusion:The prognosis of the adult hemophagocytic syndrome is influenced by many factors. Gender, platelet, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, and treatment regimens are independent risk factors. Therefore, the established histogram provides a visual tool for clinicians to evaluate the prognosis of adult HLH.

The endometrial microenvironment and the immune regulation of pregnancy is a recent focus and challenge in the field of reproductive immunology. During the establishment of pregnancy, the immune cells assist in shaping a fetus-friendly immune microenvironment through adaptive reprogramming, thereby allowing the embryo to obtain "immune privilege". Immunometabolism is an emerging research field that has been developing rapidly in the last decade, focusing on the interaction between the immunology and metabolism and their roles in the physiopathology. However, the current evidence regarding how immunometabolism is involved in the regulation of the endometrial microenvironment and maternal-fetal immune tolerance is insufficient. In light of the implications of tumor immunometabolism for immunometabolism in pregnancy, the metabolic pathways of immune cell differentiation and function are reviewed for their potential regulatory role in shaping the maternal-fetal tolerance microenvironment. The relationship between metabolic and nutritional abnormalities and pregnancy disorders is analyzed. Finally, the possibility of improving pregnancy outcomes through immunometabolic inhibitors or dietary interventions is explored from a clinical application perspective.

The endometrial microenvironment and the immune regulation of pregnancy is a recent focus and challenge in the field of reproductive immunology. During the establishment of pregnancy, the immune cells assist in shaping a fetus-friendly immune microenvironment through adaptive reprogramming, thereby allowing the embryo to obtain "immune privilege". Immunometabolism is an emerging research field that has been developing rapidly in the last decade, focusing on the interaction between the immunology and metabolism and their roles in the physiopathology. However, the current evidence regarding how immunometabolism is involved in the regulation of the endometrial microenvironment and maternal-fetal immune tolerance is insufficient. In light of the implications of tumor immunometabolism for immunometabolism in pregnancy, the metabolic pathways of immune cell differentiation and function are reviewed for their potential regulatory role in shaping the maternal-fetal tolerance microenvironment. The relationship between metabolic and nutritional abnormalities and pregnancy disorders is analyzed. Finally, the possibility of improving pregnancy outcomes through immunometabolic inhibitors or dietary interventions is explored from a clinical application perspective.