ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.

ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.

Objective To study the effect and molecular mechanism of vitamin D(VitD)on Tfh cells of MRL/lpr lupus mice.Methods C57/B6 mice and MRL/lpr lupus mice were transfected with siRNA to construct VDR knockout mouse models.Splenic Tfh cells of C57/B6 mice and MRL/lpr lupus mice were divided into control group,lupus group and VDRsiRNA lupus group(treated with vitamin D 0,1 and 10 nmol·L-1,respectively)by siRNA transfection.The percentage of Tfh cells was detected by flow cytometry.MRL/lpr lupus mice Peyer node Tfh cells were randomly divided into 7 groups,blank control group,vitamin D dose groups of 1 and 10 nmol·L-1,paricalcitol group(VitD 10 nmol·L-1+PA),VDRsiRNA control group,VDRsiRNA group(VitD 10 nmol·L-1),CaN inhibitor group(VitD 10 nmol·L-1+CsA),and incubated for 72 h.The concentration of calcium ions in Tfh of each group was detected.The expressions of AT1R,NFAT,CaN and P-CaN in Tfh cells were determined by Western blotting.Results The percentage of Tfh cells decreased significantly with the increase of vitamin D dose.Vitamin D CaN reduce the intracellular calcium concentration of Tfh,up-regulate the expression of AT1 protein in Tfh cells,and down-regulate the expression of CAN,P-CaN and NFAT protein in a dose-dependent manner,and the effect is more obvious when combined with PA.Conclusion Vitamin D may regulate the activation of follicular T helper cells in MRL/lpr mice via the Ca-CaN-NFAT pathway.

AIM To investigate the impact of varying dosages of Supplemented Wendan Decoction on the PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 glycolipid metabolic pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.METHODS The CCK-8 assay was used to determine the concentration of Supplemented Wendan Decoction-medicated serum.The mature adipocytes differentiated from 3T3-L1 preadipocytes after induction were further divided into the blank control group,the model group,the rosiglitazone group(10 mg/L),and the Supplemented Wendan Decoction groups(5％,10％,and 20％),followed by the sample collections after 48 hours of treatment.Oil red O staining quantified lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes;extracellular glucose levels were measured using glucose oxidase(GOD)assay;RT-qPCR analyzed mRNA expressions of IRS-1,PI3K,Akt,GLUT4,IL-6,TNF-α and IL-1β;Western blot assessed protein expressions of INSR,IRS-1,PI3K-p85,Akt,FOXO1 and GLUT4.RESULTS No significant changes in cell viability(P＞0.05)were observed in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes exposed to serum containing supplemented Wendan Decoction at different concentrations for 24,48,or 72 hours.The 3T3-L1 preadipocytes held the capacity to differentiate into mature adipocytes within a 14-day induction period.Compared to the model group,all supplemented Wendan Decoction groups exhibited reduced lipid accumulation in adipocytes and downregulated mRNA expression of IRS-1,IL-6,TNF-α and IL-1β(P＜0.01);the low-dose group demonstrated increased mRNA expressions of PI3K and GLUT4(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),alongside elevated protein expressions of INSR,IRS-1,PI3K-p85,Akt and GLUT4(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);the medium-dose group showed enhanced GLUT4 mRNA expression,and upregulated protein expressions of INSR and FOXO1(P＜0.01).After 24 hours intervention,the high-dose Supplemented Wendan Decoction group exhibited increased glucose consumption in adipocytes(P＜0.01),and elevated protein expression of INSR,Akt and FOXO1(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Supplemented Wendan Decoction reduces lipid accumulation in adipocytes,regulates glucose and lipid metabolism,and promotes metabolic homeostasis through PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 signaling pathway.

Acute myocardial infarction is caused by continuous ischemia and hypoxia of myocardial cells,leading to myocardial cell necrosis.Reperfusion therapy is the standard strategy for reducing infarct size and improving the prognosis of myocardial infarction.However,myocardial injury caused by reperfusion therapy is accompanied by various pathophys-iological processes,such as oxidative stress,inflammatory response,myocardial fibrosis,extracellular matrix remodeling,etc.Transcription factor EB(TFEB)is a central regulatory factor in the autophagy-lysosome signaling pathway,involved in signaling pathways such as stress response,myocardial energy metabolism,autophagy,and lysosomal biogenesis.It is closely related to the repair of myocardial injury after myocardial infarction.This review aims to elucidate the mechanism of TFEB in myocardial ischemic injury.

Objective To investigate serum exosomal miRNA spectrum in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)and eval-uate its clinical value in the diagnosis of GDM complicated with premature delivery.Methods Serum samples of pregnant women with GDM registered and delivered in our hospital were collected and divided into the premature delivery group and term labor group based on pregnancy outcomes,with 22 cases in each group.Serum exosomal miRNAs were sequenced,and the differentially expressed miRNAs were further verified by fluorescence quantitative PCR.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drew according to the verified expression level of miRNAs,and the value of exosomal miRNAs in the diagnosis of GDM complicated with premature de-livery was analyzed.The potential functions of candidate miRNAs were predicted using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG).Results A total of 94 differentially expressed miRNAs,including 50 up-regulated and 44 down-regulated,were identified in the premature delivery group and term labor group.The verification results of fluorescence quantitative PCR showed that 7 miRNAs had significant difference between the two groups(P<0.05).Moreover,the expression trend was consistent with the sequencing results.The analysis results of the ROC curve showed that the seven miRNAs had good diagnostic efficacy for GDM combined with premature delivery.The areas under the ROC curve(AUCROC)of hsa-miR-16-5p,hsa-miR-25-3p,hsa-miR-30b-5p,and hsa-miR-92a-3p were all more than 0.7.Their sensitivity and specificity were 0.375 and 1.000,0.563 and 0.941,0.563 and 0.824,and 0.765 and 0.647,respectively.The binary logistic regression analysis showed that the AUCROC of the combination of hsa-miR-16-5p,hsa-miR-25-3p,hsa-miR-30b-5p,and hsa-miR-92a-3p for the diagnosis of GDM complicated with premature delivery increased to 0.982,and that its sensi-tivity and specificity were both more than 0.850.These candidate miRNAs were related to the ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis pathway,actin cytoskeleton regulatory pathway,mTOR signaling pathway,and P53 signaling pathway.Conclusion Serum exosomal miRNAs in GDM patients complicated with premature delivery have significant difference,which may be served as potential diagnostic markers.

Objective:To establish a prediction model for larger for gestational age(LGA)infants in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)in order to improve pregnancy outcomes.Methods:A retro-spective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 338 pregnant women with GDM who underwent routine prenatal examinations and were hospitalized for delivery in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical Universi-ty from January 1,2018 to December 31,2023.Pregnant women with complete HbAlc data during pregnancy were divided into a training set of 241 cases and a validation set of 97 cases.Lasso and Logistic regression analysis and variable screening combined with previous clinical experience were used to construct a nomogram model,and its degree of differentiation and calibration were evaluated.Result:①By Lasso regression analysis,age,family histo-ry of type 2 diabetes,body mass index(BMI),gestational weight gain(GWG),fasting blood glucose(FBG),postprandial 1-hour blood glucose(1h PBG),HbAlc,free triiodothyronine(FT3),free thyroxine(FT4)and insulin treatment were important predictors of LGA.②Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that GWG and HbAlc were independent risk factors for LGA in pregnant women with GDM(OR＞1,P＜0.05).③Combined with Lasso and Logistic regression analysis,previous literature reports and clinical experience,BMI,GWG,FBG,1h PBG,HbAlc and FT3 were selected as independent variables,and LGA as dependent variable.A nomogram pre-diction model was constructed in the training set,and the C-index of 0.71.ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC values of the training set and the validation set were 0.709 and 0.700,respectively,and the discriminative a-bility of the model was acceptable.The calibration curve of the model was close to the ideal curve,and the clinical decision curve suggested that the model showed a positive net benefit at the threshold of 10％to 50％.Conclu-sion:The predictive model has certain value in predicting the occurrence of LGA in pregnant women with GDM,and provides help for early diagnosis,treatment and clinical intervention of GDM and its complications,in order to improve perinatal and long-term adverse outcomes.

Acute myocardial infarction is caused by continuous ischemia and hypoxia of myocardial cells,leading to myocardial cell necrosis.Reperfusion therapy is the standard strategy for reducing infarct size and improving the prognosis of myocardial infarction.However,myocardial injury caused by reperfusion therapy is accompanied by various pathophys-iological processes,such as oxidative stress,inflammatory response,myocardial fibrosis,extracellular matrix remodeling,etc.Transcription factor EB(TFEB)is a central regulatory factor in the autophagy-lysosome signaling pathway,involved in signaling pathways such as stress response,myocardial energy metabolism,autophagy,and lysosomal biogenesis.It is closely related to the repair of myocardial injury after myocardial infarction.This review aims to elucidate the mechanism of TFEB in myocardial ischemic injury.

Objective:To identify the factors influencing the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) for colorectal submucosal tumors (SMT).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 330 colorectal SMT lesions (from 323 patients) diagnosed by EUS at Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University from December 2015 to October 2023. Pathological diagnosis were confirmed through endoscopic resection, EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) or surgical resection. Diagnostic accuracy was calculated for each type of colorectal SMT. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify factors affecting EUS diagnostic accuracy.Results:The overall diagnostic accuracy of EUS for colorectal SMT was 73.6% (243/330). Among 19 SMT subtypes enrolled, neuroendocrine neoplasms (51.2%, 169/330) and lipomas (15.5%, 51/330) were most prevalent, while 17 rare subtypes each accounted for <6%. Seven rare SMT (mucosal chronic inflammation, colorectal schwannoma, xanthogranulomatous inflammation, capillary hemangioma, colonic xanthoma, lymphadenoid complex, and angiomyolipoma) showed 0% diagnostic accuracy. Seven other subtypes (granular cell tumor, leiomyoma, rectal tonsil, intestinal schistosomiasis, fibrous tissue hyperplasia, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and lymphangioma) showed accuracy <30%, whereas five subtypes (cyst, bowel endometriosis, neuroendocrine neoplasm, lipoma, and pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis) achieved >60% accuracy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that the lesion location (left colon VS rectum: OR=0.06, 95% CI: 0.02-0.17, P<0.001; right colon VS rectum: OR=0.04, 95% CI: 0.01-0.13, P<0.001; ileocecal valve VS rectum: OR=0.09, 95% CI: 0.02-0.42, P=0.002); echogenicity (anechoic VS hypoechoic: OR=6.26, 95% CI: 1.31-29.97, P=0.022; hyperechoic VS hypoechoic: OR=13.39, 95% CI: 4.16-43.09, P<0.001) and ultrasonic layer (layer 4 VS layer 3: OR=0.22, 95% CI: 0.06-0.81, P=0.023) were independent influencing factors of EUS diagnostic accuracy for colorectal SMT. Conclusion:Neuroendocrine neoplasms and lipomas represent the most common colorectal SMT, whereas rare and uncommon SMT exhibit low EUS diagnostic accuracy. Lesion location, echogenicity, and ultrasonic layer significantly influence EUS diagnostic accuracy for colorectal SMT.

Widespread utilization of glyphosate has led to environmental residues,posing potential threats to ecological systems and human health.Traditional methods for detection of glyphosate are limited by specialized equipment and operational techniques,resulting in inefficient responses.Therefore,it is urgent to develop a convenient,sensitive and accurate detection method for detection of glyphosate.Herein,a new naphthalenesulfonamide-based"Turn-on"fluorescent probe was synthesized using 2-chloroaniline and dansyl chloride as raw materials through a one-step process,which showed a good linear relationship between the glyphosate concentration in concentration range of 0.003-70 μmol/L and the fluorescence intensity(R2=0.995),with a detection limit of 2.73 nmol/L(S/N=3).Analytical techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry(HRMS)were used to investigate the interaction mechanism between the fluorescent probe and glyphosate.The results indicated that a nucleophilic substitution reaction occurred between the probe and the secondary amine(—NH—)of glyphosate,inducing a photoinduced electron transfer(PET)effect which enhanced the fluorescence intensity by 11.2 times.The probe showed good anti-interference ability towards coexisting metal ions,anions and pesticides in water.When applied to determination of glyphosate in the samples such as tap water,river water(Xiangxi River Reservoir),soil,soybeans,and corn,the spiking recoveries ranged from 94.7％to 109.9％,demonstrating the high accuracy and broad applicability of this detection method.A portable test strip based on this fluorescent probe was developed for rapid semi-quantitative analysis of glyphosate.The developed method was rapid,sensitive,and portable,providing theoretical and technical support for on-site measurement of environmental contaminants.