OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of 4-methylcatechol (4MC) on the migration and inflammatory response in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), as well as its underlying mechanisms of action. METHODS: RA-FLS was isolated from synovial tissue donated by RA patients, and the optimal concentration of 4MC was determined by cell counting kit 8 method for subsequent experiments, and the effect of 4MC on the migratory ability of RA-FLS was evaluated via a cell scratch assay. An inflammation model of RA-FLS was induced by tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and ELISA were employed to detect the gene and protein expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6 in RA-FLS and their culture supernatants, respectively, thereby investigating the anti-inflammatory effects of 4MC. Western blot was used to examine the expressions of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway-related proteins, including inhibitor of NF-κB-α (IKBα), phosphorylated (P)-IκBα, NF-κB-inducing kinase α (IKKα), P-IKKαβ, P-p65, and p65. Cellular immunofluorescence was utilized to detect the expression and localization of p65 in RA-FLS, exploring whether 4MC exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway. Finally, a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model was established. The anti-RA effect of 4MC in vivo was evaluated by gross observation and histological examination. RESULTS: 4MC inhibited RA-FLS migration in a concentration-dependent manner. In the TNF-α-induced RA-FLS inflammation model, 4MC significantly decreased the gene and protein expression levels of IL-1β and IL-6. Furthermore, 4MC markedly reduced the ratios of P-IΚBα/IΚBα, P-IKKαβ/IKKα, and P-p65/p65, thereby blocking the transcriptional activity of p65 by inhibiting its nuclear translocation. This mechanism effectively suppressed the activation of the TNF-α-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway. Animal studies demonstrated that 4MC [10 mg/(kg·day)] significantly lowered serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and alleviated arthritis severity and bone destruction in CIA mice. CONCLUSION 4MC not only inhibits the migration of RA-FLS but also mitigates their inflammatory response by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby effectively exerting its anti-RA effects.
Synoviocytes/metabolism* ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/metabolism* ; Animals ; Cell Movement/drug effects* ; Humans ; Catechols/therapeutic use* ; Fibroblasts/drug effects* ; Mice ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/pharmacology* ; Interleukin-1beta/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; Transcription Factor RelA/metabolism* ; Synovial Membrane/cytology* ; Cells, Cultured ; Male ; Arthritis, Experimental ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology* ; NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha ; Inflammation

Objective To report the diagnosis of a canine distemper virus outbreak among a colony of cynomolgus monkeys at an experimental monkey farm in 2019. MethodsA total of 46 samples were collected from 21 diseased cynomolgus monkeys (exhibiting symptoms such as facial rash, skin scurf, runny nose, and diarrhea) and from one deceased monkey at an experimental monkey breeding farm in South China in late 2019, including serum, skin rash swabs, and anticoagulated whole blood, liver, lung, and skin tissues were submitted for testing. All submitted samples were tested for canine distemper virus gene fragments using real-time quantitative PCR, while immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect canine distemper virus nucleoprotein in lung tissues. The skin tissue of the deceased monkey was ground and sieved. The filtrate was inoculated into a monolayer MDCK cell line for virus isolation. Then, whole-genome sequencing was performed to identify the isolated virus. The Clustal Omega tool was used to align and analyze the homology of different Asian canine distemper virus isolates. A phylogenetic tree was constructed, followed by genetic evolutionary analysis. ResultsClinical retrospective analysis revealed that the diseased cynomolgus monkeys exhibited symptoms similar to those observed in cynomolgus monkeys infected with measles virus. Necropsy findings showed red lesions in the lungs and significant hemorrhage in the colonic mucosa. Real-time quantitative PCR detected canine distemper virus nucleic acid in the serum, skin rash swabs of the infected monkeys, and various tissue samples of the deceased monkey, all of which tested positive. Calculation based on the standard curve formula indicated the viral load was highest in the skin tissue. Immunohistochemical staining of the deceased monkey's lung tissue demonstrated aggregation of CDV nucleoprotein in alveolar epithelial cells, bronchi, and bronchioles. A CDV strain was isolated from the skin tissue of the deceased monkey. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that this strain shares the closest relationship (98.86%) with the Asian-1 type canine distemper virus strain CDV/dog/HCM/33/140816, previously identified in dogs in Vietnam. ConclusionBased on comprehensive analysis of clinical symptoms, nucleic acid detection, viral protein immunohistochemistry, and whole-genome sequencing results, the diagnosis confirms that the cynomolgus monkeys in this facility are infected with canine distemper virus. It is recommended to include canine distemper virus as a routine surveillance target in captive monkey populations. Additionally, this study provides a foundation for further research on the molecular biological characteristics of canine distemper virus.

Objective To report the diagnosis of a canine distemper virus outbreak among a colony of cynomolgus monkeys at an experimental monkey farm in 2019. MethodsA total of 46 samples were collected from 21 diseased cynomolgus monkeys (exhibiting symptoms such as facial rash, skin scurf, runny nose, and diarrhea) and from one deceased monkey at an experimental monkey breeding farm in South China in late 2019, including serum, skin rash swabs, and anticoagulated whole blood, liver, lung, and skin tissues were submitted for testing. All submitted samples were tested for canine distemper virus gene fragments using real-time quantitative PCR, while immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect canine distemper virus nucleoprotein in lung tissues. The skin tissue of the deceased monkey was ground and sieved. The filtrate was inoculated into a monolayer MDCK cell line for virus isolation. Then, whole-genome sequencing was performed to identify the isolated virus. The Clustal Omega tool was used to align and analyze the homology of different Asian canine distemper virus isolates. A phylogenetic tree was constructed, followed by genetic evolutionary analysis. ResultsClinical retrospective analysis revealed that the diseased cynomolgus monkeys exhibited symptoms similar to those observed in cynomolgus monkeys infected with measles virus. Necropsy findings showed red lesions in the lungs and significant hemorrhage in the colonic mucosa. Real-time quantitative PCR detected canine distemper virus nucleic acid in the serum, skin rash swabs of the infected monkeys, and various tissue samples of the deceased monkey, all of which tested positive. Calculation based on the standard curve formula indicated the viral load was highest in the skin tissue. Immunohistochemical staining of the deceased monkey's lung tissue demonstrated aggregation of CDV nucleoprotein in alveolar epithelial cells, bronchi, and bronchioles. A CDV strain was isolated from the skin tissue of the deceased monkey. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that this strain shares the closest relationship (98.86%) with the Asian-1 type canine distemper virus strain CDV/dog/HCM/33/140816, previously identified in dogs in Vietnam. ConclusionBased on comprehensive analysis of clinical symptoms, nucleic acid detection, viral protein immunohistochemistry, and whole-genome sequencing results, the diagnosis confirms that the cynomolgus monkeys in this facility are infected with canine distemper virus. It is recommended to include canine distemper virus as a routine surveillance target in captive monkey populations. Additionally, this study provides a foundation for further research on the molecular biological characteristics of canine distemper virus.

Adaptive optics(AO)is a technology designed to enhance the performance of optical systems through real-time measurement and correction of optical aberrations. With continuous advancements in refractive surgery techniques and rising patient expectations for surgical outcomes, the precise implementation of personalized refractive corrections has become a critical focus. The integration of AO technology into refractive surgery provides novel technical support. Specifically, the adaptive optics vision simulator(VAO)facilitates accurate preoperative objective and subjective refraction by dynamically measuring and correcting ocular wavefront aberrations, thereby improving refractive efficiency. Additionally, it enables effective prediction of postoperative aberrations for personalized procedures, assists clinicians in making data-driven preoperative decisions, facilitates comparative analysis of different surgical techniques, and allows intuitive evaluation of postoperative visual quality. This review comprehensively examines the advances in VAO applications for refractive surgery and analyzes both its clinical advantages and technical limitations.

Objective:To elucidate the molecular mechanisms through which high-dose dexamethasone exerts long-term effects on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), specifically its role in suppressing osteogenic differentiation, accelerating cellular senescence, triggering the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), and inducing apoptosis.Methods:Primary rat BMSCs were isolated and treated with high-dose dexamethasone (1×10 -4 mol/L) to establish the experimental group, while untreated cells served as the control. The gene and protein expression levels of osteogenic markers, bone alkaline phosphatase (bALP) and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), were analyzed in both groups. Cellular senescence was evaluated using senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining. The expression of senescence-related markers (P16 and P21), components of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and interferon (IFN)-γ, as well as apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2, Bax, and Cleaved-Caspase-3), and key factors of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway were assessed at both transcriptional and protein levels using qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and Western-blot analyses. These comprehensive evaluations aimed to determine the senescent state, apoptotic features, and alterations in osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Results:Following treatment with dexamethasone and subsequent withdrawal, both qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses indicated a significant reduction in the expression of the osteogenic markers bALP and Runx2 at both mRNA and protein levels. The proportion of SA-β-gal positive cells was markedly higher in the dexamethasone group (74.33%±6.89%) than in the control group (20.30%±1.57%, t=17.300, P<0.001). qRT-PCR analysis revealed upregulated mRNA expression of the senescence-related genes P16 and P21 after dexamethasone treatment, which was further supported at the protein level by immunofluorescence showing increased P21 expression. Western-blot results confirmed that protein expression levels of P16 and P21 were significantly elevated in the dexamethasone group (7.025±0.255 and 6.362±0.456, respectively) compared with the control group (1.016±0.115 and 0.816±0.172; both P<0.05). Furthermore, gene expression levels of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly increased (TNF-α: 3.539±0.599 vs. 0.742±0.095; IL-1β: 4.469±0.331 vs. 0.799±0.175; both P<0.05), and their protein expression was consistently upregulated as validated by Western-blot. Additionally, protein expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IFN-γ were significantly higher in the dexamethasone-treated group (3.476±0.932 vs. 0.945±0.095; 4.111±0.220 vs. 0.762±0.105; 2.155±0.240 vs. 0.656±0.104; all P<0.05).Western-blot analysis also demonstrated that protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 was significantly suppressed in the dexamethasone group (0.21±0.07 and 0.19±0.06, respectively) compared with the control group (1.13±0.15 and 0.92±0.21; P<0.05). Moreover, Western-blot analysis revealed that the expression levels of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Cleaved-Caspase-3 were significantly up, regulated in the dexamethasone, treated BMSCs (Bax: 3.673±0.397 vs. 0.453±0.111; Cleaved-Caspase-3: 3.863±0.399 vs. 0.465±0.057), while the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was markedly down, regulated (0.959±0.073 vs. 2.126±0.195), with all differences being statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusions:High-dose dexamethasone treatment of BMSCs, followed by withdrawal of dexamethasone, induces cellular senescence and enhances the expression of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) through suppression of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Concurrently, it promotes apoptosis by activating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, collectively leading to impaired osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.

BACKGROUND:Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is one of the common chronic liver diseases in the world.Aerobic exercise is considered to be an important means for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.However,the mechanism of exercise to improve non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has not been fully clarified.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on the protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase-3β pathway mediated by Canopy FGF signaling regulator 2(CNPY2)in the liver canopy of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease mice and its mechanism.METHODS:Thirty male CNPY2 knockout mice(ko)and thirty their litters of wild-type mice(wt)were fed adaptively for one week and randomly divided into control group,model group,and model exercise group,with 10 mice in each group.The control group was fed with ordinary diet.The model group and the model exercise group were fed with high-fat diet for 17 weeks.The model exercise group received continuous aerobic exercise intervention from week 10 until the end of the experiment at week 18.Liver histopathology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin and oil red O staining.The levels of serum lipids and liver function were detected by automatic biochemical analyzer.The expression levels of CNPY2,protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase-3β pathway,and Caspase-3 protein in liver tissues were detected by Western Blotting.The apoptosis rate of hepatocytes was detected by TUNEL staining.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with wt control group,CNPY2 expression in liver tissues of wt model group was increased(P＜0.05),while CNPY2 expression in wt model exercise group was decreased compared with wt model group(P＜0.05).Compared with control group,wt mice and ko mice in model group showed steatosis,increased lipid droplets,abnormal blood lipids and liver function,decreased protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase-3β expression(P＜0.05)and increased Caspase-3 expression(P＜0.05),and increased hepatocyte apoptosis rate in liver tissue(P＜0.05).(2)Compared with the model group,wt mice and ko mice showed improvement in the above indexes in model exercise group.(3)Compared with wt mice,the above indexes of ko mice were improved.(4)These findings indicate that CNPY2 gene deletion and aerobic exercise can effectively improve non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.The mechanism may be related to aerobic exercise reducing CNPY2 expression,activating protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase-3β signaling pathway,and thus inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis.

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF)patients with normal N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP).Methods A total of 116 HFpEF patients diagnosed at Binzhou Medical University Hospital form January 2022 to October 2024,along with 61 non-heart failure patients were selected as subjects.Using NT-proBNP diagnosis criteria,HFpEF patients were divided into normal NT-proBNP group(n=62)and elevated NT-proBNP group(n=54),with non-heart failure patients serving as control group(n=61).Clinical parameters including laboratory tests,echocardiography,and CT imaging were systematically compared among all three groups to characterize the clinical features of HFpEF patients with normal NT-proBNP.Results Compared with elevated NT-proBNP group,prevalence of complications,such as hypertension,diabetes,and atrial fibrillation and pulmonary hypertension incidence were lower in normal NT-proBNP group significantly.Left ventricular diastolic function indicators was superior in normal NT-proBNP group than that in elevated NT-proBNP group,with significant differences(P＜0.05).Imaging evaluations revealed that chest CT scans of the normal NT-proBNP group more frequently exhibited characteristic ground-glass opacities.Conclusion HFpEF patients with normal NT-proBNP display distinct clinical characteristics,including milder cardiac structural abnormalities,lower comorbidity burden,and unique imaging manifestations such as ground-glass opacities,which can provide reference for early clinical diagnosis.

BACKGROUND:Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is one of the common chronic liver diseases in the world.Aerobic exercise is considered to be an important means for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.However,the mechanism of exercise to improve non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has not been fully clarified.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on the protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase-3β pathway mediated by Canopy FGF signaling regulator 2(CNPY2)in the liver canopy of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease mice and its mechanism.METHODS:Thirty male CNPY2 knockout mice(ko)and thirty their litters of wild-type mice(wt)were fed adaptively for one week and randomly divided into control group,model group,and model exercise group,with 10 mice in each group.The control group was fed with ordinary diet.The model group and the model exercise group were fed with high-fat diet for 17 weeks.The model exercise group received continuous aerobic exercise intervention from week 10 until the end of the experiment at week 18.Liver histopathology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin and oil red O staining.The levels of serum lipids and liver function were detected by automatic biochemical analyzer.The expression levels of CNPY2,protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase-3β pathway,and Caspase-3 protein in liver tissues were detected by Western Blotting.The apoptosis rate of hepatocytes was detected by TUNEL staining.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with wt control group,CNPY2 expression in liver tissues of wt model group was increased(P＜0.05),while CNPY2 expression in wt model exercise group was decreased compared with wt model group(P＜0.05).Compared with control group,wt mice and ko mice in model group showed steatosis,increased lipid droplets,abnormal blood lipids and liver function,decreased protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase-3β expression(P＜0.05)and increased Caspase-3 expression(P＜0.05),and increased hepatocyte apoptosis rate in liver tissue(P＜0.05).(2)Compared with the model group,wt mice and ko mice showed improvement in the above indexes in model exercise group.(3)Compared with wt mice,the above indexes of ko mice were improved.(4)These findings indicate that CNPY2 gene deletion and aerobic exercise can effectively improve non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.The mechanism may be related to aerobic exercise reducing CNPY2 expression,activating protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase-3β signaling pathway,and thus inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis.

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures(OVCFs)are common orthopedic conditions that can lead to spinal pain and deformity,which greatly affects the quality of life of patients.Currently,there are various treatment methods for OVCFs,but there is still a lack of standards for optimal treatment modalities.Therefore,this article introduces the current treatment methods and character-istics of epidemiology for OVCFs,in order to improve the awareness of this disease among clinicians and provide a reference for select-ing more appropriate treatment regimens.Conservative treatment measures,such as bracing and analgesia,are the basic treatment mea-sures for OVCFs,and anti-osteoporosis drugs play a crucial role in management.Minimally invasive procedures,including percutane-ous vertebroplasty and percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty,remain the primary surgical interventions,and traditional open surgeries are also an important part of treatment,such as anterior spinal fusion,combined anterior and posterior spinal fusion,posterior spinal fusion with three-column osteotomy,and posterior spinal fusion with vertebroplasty.Furthermore,surgeons should focus on the accumulation of related surgical techniques and skills during surgery to effectively address the challenges and complications associated with surgical interventions.Finally,scientific and appropriate treatment methods should be selected for patients,in order to improve long-term treat-ment outcomes and increase the degree of satisfaction among pa-tients.

Ischemic stroke is a disease resulting from the cerebral ischemia and hypoxia caused by the blockage of brain vessels in the brain,and is characterized by the focal neurological signs.Pathologically,neuronal necrosis in the infarcted area and the neuronal degeneration or delayed death of neurons in the ischemic penumbra,contribute to the morphological basis of the disease.Ischemic stroke is regulated by multiple processes,including ferroptosis,apoptosis,and autophagy.Ferroptosis,a type of iron-dependent cell death,is closely associated with ischemic stroke.Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2),a key transcription factor,plays a critical role in maintaining cellular redox balance and regulating inflammatory responses.Nrf2 promotes the expression of solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),thereby activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway to counteract ferroptosis and protect cells from damage.This article reviews and analyzes recent experimental studies on traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)therapy targeting the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway to suppress ferroptosis.The studies have found that TCM therapy with herbal compounds,Chinese patent medicines,single herbal components and their active ingredients,and acupuncture and moxibustion can inhibit ferroptosis by activating the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway,which will provide novel strategies for the TCM intervention of ischemic stroke.