Pristimerin, which is one of the compounds present in Celastraceae and Hippocrateaceae, has antitumor effects. However, its mechanism of action in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of pristimerin on ESCC in vitro and in vivo. The inhibitory effect of pristimerin on cell growth was assessed using trypan blue exclusion and colony formation assays. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. Gene and protein expressions were analyzed through quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was employed to identify significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Cell transfection and RNA interference assays were utilized to examine the role of key proteins in pristimerin?s effect. Xenograft models were established to evaluate the antitumor efficiency of pristimerin in vivo. Pristimerin inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in ESCC cells. Upregulation of Noxa was crucial for pristimerin-induced apoptosis. Pristimerin activated the Forkhead box O3a (FoxO3a) signaling pathway and triggered FoxO3a recruitment to the Noxa promoter, leading to Noxa transcription. Blocking FoxO3a reversed pristimerin-induced Noxa upregulation and cell apoptosis. Pristimerin treatment suppressed xenograft tumors in nude mice, but these effects were largely negated in Noxa-KO tumors. Furthermore, the chemosensitization effects of pristimerin in vitro and in vivo were mediated by Noxa. This study demonstrates that pristimerin exerts an antitumor effect on ESCC by inducing AKT/FoxO3a-mediated Noxa upregulation. These findings suggest that pristimerin may serve as a potent anticancer agent for ESCC treatment.
Forkhead Box Protein O3/genetics* ; Humans ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma/physiopathology* ; Esophageal Neoplasms/physiopathology* ; Pentacyclic Triterpenes ; Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics* ; Mice ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Mice, Nude ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Triterpenes/pharmacology* ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Male ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects*

Objective:Anterior cruciate ligament injury is the most common type of knee joint ligament injury.Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction has a high failure rate,with bone tunnel abnormalities as the most significant factor in these failures.Digital orthopedic technology can effectively develop implementation plans for the revision,thus increasing the success rate.This study aims to develop a surgical plan for anterior cruciate ligament revision by employing multiplanar reconstruction(MPR)for measuring bone tunnel position and diameter,and simulating bone tunnel creation via 3D printing preoperatively. Methods:A total of 12 patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament revision at the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between 2014 and 2021 were retrospectively studied.The data included patient demographics,preoperative formulated knee joint 3D printing models,and preoperative knee CT scans.The study measured the bone tunnel's diameter and position to guide the establishment of revision bone tunnels during surgery,reassessed the postoperative bone tunnels,and evaluated knee joint functional scores[including International Knee Documentation Committee Knee Evaluation Form(IKDC)score,Lysholm score,and Tegner exercise level score]. Results:Preoperative measurements revealed suboptimal femoral tunnels positions in 4 patients and tibial tunnels positions in 2 patients.MPR and 3D printing technology were used to guide the establishment of a new bone canal during surgery,and postoperative measurements were satisfactory for all patients.Preoperative measurements demonstrated the interclass correlation coefficient for femoral tunnels and tibial tunnels diameters were 0.843(P<0.05)and 0.889(P<0.001),respectively.Meanwhile,the intraclass correlation coefficient were 0.811(P<0.05)and 0.784(P<0.05),respectively.The intraoperative diameter of femoral and tibial tunnels showed excellent correlation with postoperative CT measurements,with intraclass correlation coefficient values of 0.995(P<0.001)and 0.987(P<0.001),respectively.All bone tunnel positions were within the normal range.At the final follow-up,knee joint function scores in all 12 patients improved significantly compared to pre-surgery(P<0.001),and the reoperation rate was zero. Conclusion:MPR and 3D printing technology can accurately measure the parameters of reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament bone tunnels.Personalized revision plans for patients with reconstruction failure enhances the success rate of revision surgery and improves patient prognosis.

Background: MicroRNA (miRNA) plays a crucial role in neuropathic pain (NP) by targeting mRNAs. This study aims to analyze the regulatory function and mechanism of miR-382-5p/dual specificity phosphatase-1 (DUSP1) axis in NP. Methods: We utilized rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve as the NP model. The levels of miR-382-5p and DUSP1 were reduced by intrathecal injection of lentiviral interference vectors targeting miR-382-5p and DUSP1. The mRNA levels of miR-382-5p and DUSP1 in the dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) were measured by RT-qPCR assay. The pain behavior was evaluated by mechanical nociceptive sensitivity and thermal nociceptive sensitivity. The expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α in the DRGs were analyzed by ELISA assay. The targeting relationship between miR-382-5p and DUSP1 was verified by DLR assay and RIP assay. Results: Compared to the Sham group, the CCI rats exhibited higher levels of miR-382-5p and lower levels of DUSP1. Overexpression of miR-382-5p significantly decreased DUSP1 levels. Reducing miR-382-5p levels can lower the mechanical nociceptive sensitivity and thermal nociceptive sensitivity of CCI rats and inhibit the over-activation of pro-inflammatory factors. Reduced miR-382-5p levels decreased NP in CCI rats. DUSP1 is the target of miR-382-5p, and down-regulation of DUSP1 reverses the inhibitory effect of reduced miR-382-5p levels on NP. Conclusions Down-regulation of miR-382-5p inhibits the over-activation of pro-inflammatory factors by targeting and regulating the expression of DUPS1, thereby alleviating NP.

Background: MicroRNA (miRNA) plays a crucial role in neuropathic pain (NP) by targeting mRNAs. This study aims to analyze the regulatory function and mechanism of miR-382-5p/dual specificity phosphatase-1 (DUSP1) axis in NP. Methods: We utilized rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve as the NP model. The levels of miR-382-5p and DUSP1 were reduced by intrathecal injection of lentiviral interference vectors targeting miR-382-5p and DUSP1. The mRNA levels of miR-382-5p and DUSP1 in the dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) were measured by RT-qPCR assay. The pain behavior was evaluated by mechanical nociceptive sensitivity and thermal nociceptive sensitivity. The expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α in the DRGs were analyzed by ELISA assay. The targeting relationship between miR-382-5p and DUSP1 was verified by DLR assay and RIP assay. Results: Compared to the Sham group, the CCI rats exhibited higher levels of miR-382-5p and lower levels of DUSP1. Overexpression of miR-382-5p significantly decreased DUSP1 levels. Reducing miR-382-5p levels can lower the mechanical nociceptive sensitivity and thermal nociceptive sensitivity of CCI rats and inhibit the over-activation of pro-inflammatory factors. Reduced miR-382-5p levels decreased NP in CCI rats. DUSP1 is the target of miR-382-5p, and down-regulation of DUSP1 reverses the inhibitory effect of reduced miR-382-5p levels on NP. Conclusions Down-regulation of miR-382-5p inhibits the over-activation of pro-inflammatory factors by targeting and regulating the expression of DUPS1, thereby alleviating NP.

Background: MicroRNA (miRNA) plays a crucial role in neuropathic pain (NP) by targeting mRNAs. This study aims to analyze the regulatory function and mechanism of miR-382-5p/dual specificity phosphatase-1 (DUSP1) axis in NP. Methods: We utilized rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve as the NP model. The levels of miR-382-5p and DUSP1 were reduced by intrathecal injection of lentiviral interference vectors targeting miR-382-5p and DUSP1. The mRNA levels of miR-382-5p and DUSP1 in the dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) were measured by RT-qPCR assay. The pain behavior was evaluated by mechanical nociceptive sensitivity and thermal nociceptive sensitivity. The expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α in the DRGs were analyzed by ELISA assay. The targeting relationship between miR-382-5p and DUSP1 was verified by DLR assay and RIP assay. Results: Compared to the Sham group, the CCI rats exhibited higher levels of miR-382-5p and lower levels of DUSP1. Overexpression of miR-382-5p significantly decreased DUSP1 levels. Reducing miR-382-5p levels can lower the mechanical nociceptive sensitivity and thermal nociceptive sensitivity of CCI rats and inhibit the over-activation of pro-inflammatory factors. Reduced miR-382-5p levels decreased NP in CCI rats. DUSP1 is the target of miR-382-5p, and down-regulation of DUSP1 reverses the inhibitory effect of reduced miR-382-5p levels on NP. Conclusions Down-regulation of miR-382-5p inhibits the over-activation of pro-inflammatory factors by targeting and regulating the expression of DUPS1, thereby alleviating NP.

Background: MicroRNA (miRNA) plays a crucial role in neuropathic pain (NP) by targeting mRNAs. This study aims to analyze the regulatory function and mechanism of miR-382-5p/dual specificity phosphatase-1 (DUSP1) axis in NP. Methods: We utilized rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve as the NP model. The levels of miR-382-5p and DUSP1 were reduced by intrathecal injection of lentiviral interference vectors targeting miR-382-5p and DUSP1. The mRNA levels of miR-382-5p and DUSP1 in the dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) were measured by RT-qPCR assay. The pain behavior was evaluated by mechanical nociceptive sensitivity and thermal nociceptive sensitivity. The expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α in the DRGs were analyzed by ELISA assay. The targeting relationship between miR-382-5p and DUSP1 was verified by DLR assay and RIP assay. Results: Compared to the Sham group, the CCI rats exhibited higher levels of miR-382-5p and lower levels of DUSP1. Overexpression of miR-382-5p significantly decreased DUSP1 levels. Reducing miR-382-5p levels can lower the mechanical nociceptive sensitivity and thermal nociceptive sensitivity of CCI rats and inhibit the over-activation of pro-inflammatory factors. Reduced miR-382-5p levels decreased NP in CCI rats. DUSP1 is the target of miR-382-5p, and down-regulation of DUSP1 reverses the inhibitory effect of reduced miR-382-5p levels on NP. Conclusions Down-regulation of miR-382-5p inhibits the over-activation of pro-inflammatory factors by targeting and regulating the expression of DUPS1, thereby alleviating NP.

Background: MicroRNA (miRNA) plays a crucial role in neuropathic pain (NP) by targeting mRNAs. This study aims to analyze the regulatory function and mechanism of miR-382-5p/dual specificity phosphatase-1 (DUSP1) axis in NP. Methods: We utilized rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve as the NP model. The levels of miR-382-5p and DUSP1 were reduced by intrathecal injection of lentiviral interference vectors targeting miR-382-5p and DUSP1. The mRNA levels of miR-382-5p and DUSP1 in the dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) were measured by RT-qPCR assay. The pain behavior was evaluated by mechanical nociceptive sensitivity and thermal nociceptive sensitivity. The expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α in the DRGs were analyzed by ELISA assay. The targeting relationship between miR-382-5p and DUSP1 was verified by DLR assay and RIP assay. Results: Compared to the Sham group, the CCI rats exhibited higher levels of miR-382-5p and lower levels of DUSP1. Overexpression of miR-382-5p significantly decreased DUSP1 levels. Reducing miR-382-5p levels can lower the mechanical nociceptive sensitivity and thermal nociceptive sensitivity of CCI rats and inhibit the over-activation of pro-inflammatory factors. Reduced miR-382-5p levels decreased NP in CCI rats. DUSP1 is the target of miR-382-5p, and down-regulation of DUSP1 reverses the inhibitory effect of reduced miR-382-5p levels on NP. Conclusions Down-regulation of miR-382-5p inhibits the over-activation of pro-inflammatory factors by targeting and regulating the expression of DUPS1, thereby alleviating NP.

OBJECTIVE：To i mprove the transfer rate and purity of oleanolic acid and ursolic acid in total triterpenoids from Ligustrum lucidum ，so as to optimize the purification technology. METHODS ：Oleanolic acid and ursolic acid were used as representative components of total triterpenoids ，and their contents were determined by HPLC. The determination was performed on Thermo BDS Hypersil C 18 column with mobile phase consisted of methanol- 0.02％ ammonium acetate solution （80∶20，V/V）at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The detection wavelength was set at 210 nm，and column temperature was 30 ℃. The sample size was 20 μ L. In single factor tests，using transfer rate of oleanolic acid and ursolic acid as index ，the effects of water precipitation temperature and time ，the amount of redissolved ethanol on the purification technology was investigated ；using transfer rate and purity of two components as indexes ，the effects of the amount of activated carbon and volume fraction of crystallization ethanol were investigated. Based on it ，using the amount of redissolved ethanol and activated carbon ，volume fraction of crystallization ethanol as factors ，Box-Behnken response surface methodology was used to optimize the purification technology ，and validation tests were performed. RESULTS ：The optimal purification technology was adding 4-fold（mL/g，the same below ）water in L. lucidum concentrated solution ，placing for 2 hours at 0 ℃（water precipitation ）；adding 1-fold ethanol to dissolve （redissolution）； adding 4％ activated carbon （edulcoration）；finally adding water to adjust the volume fraction of ethanol to 80％，placing at 4 ℃ for 12 hours（crystallization），centrifuging and drying. The results of 3 times of validation tests showed that the transfer rates of oleanolic acid and ursolic acid in total triterpenoids prepared by optimized technology were 61.11％ and 65.78％，the purities of them were 53.44％ and 19.79％，and RSDs were both lower than 3％. CONCLUSIONS ：The optimized purification technology has high extraction efficiency and simple operation ，which can be used for industrial production of purification of total triterpenoids from L. lucidum and the development of corresponding preparations.