Objective:To discuss the enhancing effect of cordycepin on ferroptosis inducer RSL3-induced ferroptosis in the hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells,and to clarify its potential mechanism.Methods:The HepG2 cells were divided into control group,RSL3 group,low,medium and high doses of cordycepin groups,RSL3+low,medium and high doses of cordycepin groups,RSL3+medium-dose cordycepin+ferroptosis inhibitor Ferrostatin-1(Fer-1)group,and RSL3+medium-dose cordycepin+ferroptosis inhibitor Liproxstatin-1(Lip-1)group.The HepG2,Huh-7 and HCCLM3 cells were treated with 0,1,5,10,15 and 20 μmol·L-1 RSL3 for 24,48 and 72 h,respectively.Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)method was used to detect cell viability and determine the optimal concentration and treatment time of RSL3.The HepG2 cells were treated with 0,50,100,200,400,600,800,1 000,and 1 200 μmol·L-1 cordycepin for 24,48 and 72 h,respectively.CCK-8 method was used to detect the survival rate of the cells and the half maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)was calculated to determine the optimal concentration and treatment time of cordycepin;the apoptosis inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK,autophagy inhibitor Chloroquine(CQ),necroptosis inhibitor Necrostatin-1(Nec-1),Fer-1,Lip-1,Deferasirox and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiper idinoxy(TEMPO)were used to treat HepG2 cells,and the survival rate of the cells was calculated;2',7'-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA)fluorescence probe was used to detect reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels in the HepG2 cells in various groups;C11 BODIPY 581/591 fluorescence probe was used to detect lipid peroxidation(LPO)levels in the HepG2 cells in various groups;FeRhoNox-1 fluorescent probe was used to detect ferrous ion(Fe2+)levels in the HepG2 cells in various groups;kits were used to detect glutathione(GSH)and malondialdehyde(MDA)levels in the HepG2 cells;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of ferroptosis-related proteins,nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)proteins in the hepG2 cells in various groups;transmission electron microscope was used to observe the ultrastructural morphology of the HepG2 cells in various groups.Results:The CCK-8 results showed that when the cells were treated with 0.56 μmol·L ?1 RSL3,the viabilities of the three cell types differed significantly.Compared with 0 μmol·L?1 RSL3 group,the survival rates of the cells in 6.4 and 12.8 μmol·L-1 RSL3 groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05).The HepG2 cells had the highest IC50 value and were selected for subsequent experiments.Compared with 0 μmol·L-1 cordycepin group,the survival rates of the HepG2 cells in 200,400,600,800,1 000,and 2 000 μmol·L-1 cordycepin groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).0.5×IC50(267.9 μmol·L-1),1×IC50(535.8 μmol·L-1)and 1.5×IC50(803.7 μmol·L-1)were selected as low,medium and high doses of cordycepin groups,respectively,with an intervention time of 24 h.Compared with control group,the survival rates of the HepG2 cells in low,medium,and high doses of cordycepin groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with low,medium,and high doses of cordycepin groups,the survival rates of the HepG2 cells in Z-VAD-FMK+low,medium,and high doses of cordycepin groups were significantly increased(P<0.01),and those in Fer-1+medium and high doses of cordycepin groups and Lip-1+low,medium,and high doses of cordycepin groups were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with control group,the survival rates of the HepG2 cells in RSL3 group,RSL3+low,medium,and high doses of cordycepin groups,RSL3+cordycepin+Fer-1 group and RSL3+cordycepin+Lip-1 group were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared with RSL3 group,the survival rates of the HepG2 cells in RSL3+low,medium,and high doses of cordycepin groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05).The DCFH-DA results showed that compared with control group,the ROS levels in the cells in medium and high doses of cordycepin groups,RSL3 group and RSL3+low,medium,and high doses of cordycepin groups were significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The C11 BODIPY 581/591 results showed that compared with control group,the LPO levels in the HepG2 cells in medium and high doses of cordycepin groups,RSL3 group and RSL3+low,medium and high doses of cordycepin groups were significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared with RSL3 group,the LPO levels in the HepG2 cells in RSL3+low,medium,and high doses of cordycepin groups were significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The FeRhoNox-1 results showed that compared with control group,the Fe2+levels in the HepG2 cells in medium and high doses of cordycepin groups,RSL3 group and RSL3+low,medium,and high doses of cordycepin groups were significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared with RSL3 group,the Fe2+levels in the HepG2 cells in RSL3+low,medium,and high doses of cordycepin groups were significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared with control group,the MDA levels in the HepG2 cells in high doses of cordycepin group,RSL3 group and RSL3+low,medium,and high doses of cordycepin groups were significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared with RSL3 group,the MDA levels in the HepG2 cells in RSL3+low,medium,and high doses of cordycepin groups were significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared with control group,the GSH levels in the HepG2 cells in medium and high doses of cordycepin groups,RSL3 group and RSL3+low,medium,and high doses of cordycepin groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared with RSL3 group,the GSH levels in the HepG2 cells in RSL3+low,medium,and high doses cordycepin groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared with control group,the ultrastructure of the HepG2 cells in low and medium doses of cordycepin groups showed no significant changes,while the cells in high dose of cordycepin group exhibited reduced mitochondrial cristae,mild swelling and increased membrane density,with slightly distorted inner membrane structure.The cells in RSL3 group and RSL3+low,medium,and high doses of cordycepin groups all showed ultrastructural changes characteristic of ferroptosis.Compared with RSL3 group,the cells in RSL3+low,medium,and high doses of cordycepin groups exhibited ruptured mitochondrial membranes with increased membrane density,abnormally twisted or expanded inner membrane structures,and reduced or even disappeared mitochondrial cristae.The Western blotting results showed that compared with control group,the expression levels of FTH1 and GPX4 proteins in the HepG2 cells in medium and high doses of cordycepin groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),while the expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared with control group,the expression levels of GPX4 protein in the HepG2 cells in low,medium and high doses of cordycepin groups,RSL3 group,and RSL3+cordycepin+Fer-1 group were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with RSL3 group,the expression levels of GPX4 protein in the HepG2 cells in RSL3+low,medium,and high doses of cordycepin groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:Cordycepin can significantly enhance RSL3-induced ferroptosis in the hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells and down-regulate the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins in the HepG2 cells.

Objective:To investigate the feasibility of oblique overlap anastomosis plus single flap valvuloplasty (OSF) for reconstruction after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy.Methods:The C-shaped seromuscular flap (2.5 × 3.5 cm), which was 2 cm from the top of the remnant stomach, was extracorporeally created on the anterior wall of the remnant stomach. The stomach was opened approximately 1.0 cm above the lower edge of the mucosal flap. Four supporting stitches were sutured around the hole and the right wall of the esophageal stump was incised with a support suture to prevent the linear stapler from entering the submucosa. Liner stapler was inclined to the left side of the esophagus at an angle of about 30 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the esophagus for oblique anastomosis between the dorsal side of the esophagus and the anterior stomach and then esophagogastrostomy was performed with the length of anastomosis was 4 cm. Entry hole was suture with 3 stitches and then the linear stapler was used for closing the entry hole. Finally, the seromuscular flap was closed using barbed sutures.Results:Clinical data of 11 patients with Siewert type II esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma who underwent radical gastrectomy and reconstruction by OSF between January 2022 and May 2023 were retrospectively collected. There were 7 males and 4 females. The average age was (69.9±7.8) years, the BMI was (21.7±7.2) kg/m 2 and the tumor size was (2.1±0.6) cm. OSF reconstruction was successfully completed in all 11 patients. The median operative time was 275 (270-428) minutes, the time for OSF reconstruction was 112 (80-140) minutes, and the blood loss was 50 (20-400) ml. The pathological stage was 0-I in 7 cases and II-III in 4 cases. The patients were fed on the 4th day (4-7 days) and discharged from hospital on the 7th day (6-9 days) after surgery. No patient had gastroesophageal reflux symptoms of grade B and above, and no patient took anti-reflux medicine. Conclusions:OSF is a safe and feasible treatment for Siewert type II esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma.

Objective:To investigate the feasibility of oblique overlap anastomosis plus single flap valvuloplasty (OSF) for reconstruction after laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy.Methods:The C-shaped seromuscular flap (2.5 × 3.5 cm), which was 2 cm from the top of the remnant stomach, was extracorporeally created on the anterior wall of the remnant stomach. The stomach was opened approximately 1.0 cm above the lower edge of the mucosal flap. Four supporting stitches were sutured around the hole and the right wall of the esophageal stump was incised with a support suture to prevent the linear stapler from entering the submucosa. Liner stapler was inclined to the left side of the esophagus at an angle of about 30 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the esophagus for oblique anastomosis between the dorsal side of the esophagus and the anterior stomach and then esophagogastrostomy was performed with the length of anastomosis was 4 cm. Entry hole was suture with 3 stitches and then the linear stapler was used for closing the entry hole. Finally, the seromuscular flap was closed using barbed sutures.Results:Clinical data of 11 patients with Siewert type II esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma who underwent radical gastrectomy and reconstruction by OSF between January 2022 and May 2023 were retrospectively collected. There were 7 males and 4 females. The average age was (69.9±7.8) years, the BMI was (21.7±7.2) kg/m 2 and the tumor size was (2.1±0.6) cm. OSF reconstruction was successfully completed in all 11 patients. The median operative time was 275 (270-428) minutes, the time for OSF reconstruction was 112 (80-140) minutes, and the blood loss was 50 (20-400) ml. The pathological stage was 0-I in 7 cases and II-III in 4 cases. The patients were fed on the 4th day (4-7 days) and discharged from hospital on the 7th day (6-9 days) after surgery. No patient had gastroesophageal reflux symptoms of grade B and above, and no patient took anti-reflux medicine. Conclusions:OSF is a safe and feasible treatment for Siewert type II esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma.

Objective:There is no standard method for esophageal remnant gastric reconstruction for proximal gastrectomy. Reflux esophagitis caused by esophagogastrostomy remains a difficult surgical problem. To report the preliminary surgical results of novel esophagus-conical remnant gastric side overlap anastomosis (CGEO) , with particular emphasis on postoperative esophageal reflux.Methods:In June 2022, we developed a novel CGEO for laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy on two patients with Siewert type II esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma. Surgical procedures for CGEO: (1) Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy and preparation of conically shaped gastric remnant; (2) Determining anastomotic site of residual stomach and esophagus; (3) Side-to-side anastomosis of right esophageal wall to anterior of conical gastric remnant; (4) Valvuloplasty of esophageal stump.Results:Case 1 was a 71-year-old man with an operation time of 305 minutes and was successfully discharged from the hospital on the 9th day after surgery, and the postoperative pathology was T3N0M0. Case 2 was an 82-year-old man with an operation time of 325 minutes. He was discharged on the 10th day after surgery. In both cases, only mild esophageal mucosal changes were seen in gastroscopy, there were no obvious symptoms of esophageal reflux. There was also no significant weight change at half a year after operation.Conclusion:CGEO is moderately safe in radical surgery for proximal gastric cancer, and may have a preventive effect on the occurrence of postoperative esophageal reflux, but long-term results need to be confirmed by further studies with follow-up.

Objective:There is no standard method for esophageal remnant gastric reconstruction for proximal gastrectomy. Reflux esophagitis caused by esophagogastrostomy remains a difficult surgical problem. To report the preliminary surgical results of novel esophagus-conical remnant gastric side overlap anastomosis (CGEO) , with particular emphasis on postoperative esophageal reflux.Methods:In June 2022, we developed a novel CGEO for laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy on two patients with Siewert type II esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma. Surgical procedures for CGEO: (1) Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy and preparation of conically shaped gastric remnant; (2) Determining anastomotic site of residual stomach and esophagus; (3) Side-to-side anastomosis of right esophageal wall to anterior of conical gastric remnant; (4) Valvuloplasty of esophageal stump.Results:Case 1 was a 71-year-old man with an operation time of 305 minutes and was successfully discharged from the hospital on the 9th day after surgery, and the postoperative pathology was T3N0M0. Case 2 was an 82-year-old man with an operation time of 325 minutes. He was discharged on the 10th day after surgery. In both cases, only mild esophageal mucosal changes were seen in gastroscopy, there were no obvious symptoms of esophageal reflux. There was also no significant weight change at half a year after operation.Conclusion:CGEO is moderately safe in radical surgery for proximal gastric cancer, and may have a preventive effect on the occurrence of postoperative esophageal reflux, but long-term results need to be confirmed by further studies with follow-up.

Objective To evaluate the role of group Ⅱ metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in cognitive decline caused by multiple administrations of ketamine in mice and the relationship with hippocampal glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) expression.Methods Forty-five SPF healthy female C57BL/6 mice,aged 6-8 weeks,weighing 20-30 g,were randomized into 3 groups (n=15 each) using a random number table method:control group (group C),ketamine group (group K) and mGluR agonist LY354740 group (group L+K).In K and L+K groups,ketamine 30 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected three times a day at an 30-min interval for 14 consecutive days.LY354740 was intraperitoneally injected at 30 min before the first injection of ketamine in group L+K.The equal volume of normal saline was given instead in group C.Morris water maze test was performed the day after the last administration.The mice were then sacrificed,and hippocampi were harvested to determine the expression of GSK3β,NR2A and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) by Western blot.Results Compared with group C,the escape latency was significantly prolonged,the time of staying at the original platform quadrant was shortened,the frequency of crossing the original platform was decreased,the expression of GSK3β3 and NR2A was up-regulated,and the expression of PSD95 was down-regulated in group K (P＜0.05),and no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned above in group L+K (P＞0.05).Compared with group K,the escape latency was significantly shortened,the time of staying at the original platform quadrant was prolonged,the frequency of crossing the original platform was increased,the expression of GSK3β and NR2A was down-regulated,and the expression of PSD95 was up-regulated in group L+K (P＜0.05).Conclusion Group Ⅱ mGluRs are involved in the process of cognitive decline caused by multiple administrations of ketamine in mice,which is associated with up-regulated expression of hippocampal GSK-3β.

Objective To evaluate the role of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in cognitive decline in aged mice with sepsis.Methods Forty-five SPF healthy aged female C57BL/6 mice,aged 10-12 months,weighing 20-30 g,were assigned into 3 groups (n=15 each) using a random number table:control group (group C),sepsis group (group Sep) and NF-κB selective inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) group (group PDTC).Lipopolysaccharide 250 μg/kg was injected intraperitoneally once a day for 7 consecutive days in Sep and PDTC groups,and in addition PDTC 50 mg/kg was injected intraperitoneally at 30 min before lipopolysaccharide injection once a day for 7 consecutive days in group PDTC.The equal volume of normal saline was given in group C.Five mice in each group were sacrificed at 2 h after the last administration,cardiac puncture was performed and blood samples were collected,and then the mice were sacrificed and hippocampi were harvested for determination of the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α),interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6 in plasma and hippocampal tissues using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Cognitive function was assessed using open field,elevated plus maze and Morris water maze tests at 24 h after the last administration in the other mice left in each group.Results Compared with group C,the levels of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in plasma and hippocampal tissues were significantly increased,the time of movement at the central region was shortened,the percentage of time spent in the open arms and number of entries into the open and closed arms were decreased,the escape latency was prolonged,the time of staying at the original platform quadrant was shortened,and the frequency of crossing the platform was decreased in group Sep (P＜0.05).Compared with group Sep,the levels of TNF-α,IL-1β5 and IL-6 in plasma and hippocampal tissues were significantly decreased,the time of movement at the central region was prolonged,the percentage of time spent in the open arms and number of entries into the open and closed arms were increased,the escape latency was shortened,and the time of staying at the original platform quadrant was prolonged in group PDTC (P＜0.05).Conclusion NF-κB is involved in cognitive decline in aged mice with sepsis.