OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effects of stir-fried Semen Armeniacae Amarum (SAA) against aristolochic acid I (AAI)-induced nephrotoxicity and DNA adducts and elucidate the underlying mechanism involved for ensuring the safe use of Asari Radix et Rhizoma. METHODS: In vitro, HEK293T cells overexpressing Flag-tagged multidrug resistance-associated protein 3 (MRP3) were constructed by Lentiviral transduction, and inhibitory effect of top 10 common pairs of medicinal herbs with Asari Radix et Rhizoma in clinic on MRP3 activity was verified using a self-constructed fluorescence screening system. The mRNA, protein expressions, and enzyme activity levels of NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) and cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) were measured in differentiated HepaRG cells. Hepatocyte toxicity after inhibition of AAI metabolite transport was detected using cell counting kit-8 assay. In vivo, C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 5 groups according to a random number table, including: control (1% sodium bicarbonate), AAI (10 mg/kg), stir-fried SAA (1.75 g/kg) and AAI + stir-fried SAA (1.75 and 8.75 g/kg) groups, 6 mice in each group. After 7 days of continuous gavage administration, liver and kidney damages were assessed, and the protein expressions and enzyme activity of liver metabolic enzymes NQO1 and CYP1A2 were determined simultaneously. RESULTS: In vivo, combination of 1.75 g/kg SAA and 10 mg/kg AAI suppressed AAI-induced nephrotoxicity and reduced dA-ALI formation by 26.7%, and these detoxification effects in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.01). Mechanistically, SAA inhibited MRP3 transport in vitro, downregulated NQO1 expression in vivo, increased CYP1A2 expression and enzymatic activity in vitro and in vivo, respectively (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Notably, SAA also reduced AAI-induced hepatotoxicity throughout the detoxification process, as indicated by a 41.3% reduction in the number of liver adducts (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Stir-fried SAA is a novel drug candidate for the suppression of AAI-induced liver and kidney damages. The protective mechanism may be closely related to the regulation of transporters and metabolic enzymes.
Aristolochic Acids/toxicity* ; Animals ; Humans ; NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase (Quinone)/genetics* ; HEK293 Cells ; Kidney/pathology* ; Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A2/genetics* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; DNA Adducts/drug effects* ; Male ; Kidney Diseases/drug therapy* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Mice ; Prunus armeniaca ; Plant Extracts

Ultrasound technology has been applied in the biomedical field,particularly in drug delivery and cell processing.In this study,the effects of different ultrasound power levels(40 W to 100 W)and time durations(1 min,5 min,or 5 min discontinuously)on the morphology of human red blood cells(hRBCs)membranes were systematically investigated using cryo-electron tomography(Cryo-ET).The hRBCs membranes were firstly subjected to ultrasound at power levels of 40 W and 60 W for 5 min each.Cryo-ET observations revealed minimal morphological changes in the hRBCs membranes following the 40 W treatment,with the membrane structure remaining relatively intact and only minor undulations appearing on the membrane surface.These undulations might result from the mild mechanical stress induced by ultrasound,which was insufficient to disrupt the overall membrane structure.At power of 60 W,the hRBCs membranes largely preserved their structural integrity.When the ultrasonic power was increased to 80 W,the structural damage to the hRBCs membranes became more severe.Cryo-ET images showed irregular ruptures and larger pores on the membrane surface,indicating a significant compromise in membrane integrity.At ultrasound power of 100 W,the hRBCs membranes were completely disrupted,resulting in the formation of numerous membrane fragments,and a complete loss of membrane continuity.To further explore the effects of ultrasound duration on erythrocyte membrane morphology,the ultrasonic power was fixed at 100 W and the impacts of varying treatment durations(1 min,5 min,and intermittent ultrasound)on the membrane structure were systematically investigated.After 1 min of ultrasonic treatment,Cryo-ET images showed minimal changes in erythrocyte membrane morphology.Although some small pores and undulations appeared on the membrane surface,the overall structure remained relatively intact.As the ultrasound duration extended to 5 min,the degree of membrane damage increased significantly.Cryo-ET images revealed extensive rupture and detachment of the membrane,with continuity being severely compromised.As to treatment alternating 1 min of ultrasound with 1 min of rest,for a total of 5 min of ultrasound exposure,Cryo-ET observations showed the integrity of the membrane-cytoskeleton attachment remained.Under intermittent ultrasound treatment,although some pores and ruptures were observed on the membrane surface,the overall structure remained more intact compared to continuous ultrasonic treatment.This preservation might be due to the intermittent treatment providing buffer periods for the membrane,allowing partial recovery after mechanical stress,thereby reducing the cumulative damage caused by continuous ultrasound.This work provided experimental basis for further understanding of mechanism of ultrasound induced change of cell membrane and cytoskeleton.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with common pathophysiological processes, such as inflammation and fibrosis, in both the heart and the kidney. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms that drive these processes are not yet fully understood. Therefore, this study focused on the molecular mechanism of heart and kidney injury in CKD. METHODS: We generated an microRNA (miR)-26a knockout (KO) mouse model to investigate the role of miR-26a in angiotensin (Ang)-II-induced cardiac and renal injury. We performed Ang-II modeling in wild type (WT) mice and miR-26a KO mice, with six mice in each group. In addition, Ang-II-treated AC16 cells and HK2 cells were used as in vitro models of cardiac and renal injury in the context of CKD. Histological staining, immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and Western blotting were applied to study the regulation of miR-26a on Ang-II-induced cardiac and renal injury. Immunofluorescence reporter assays were used to detect downstream genes of miR-26a, and immunoprecipitation was employed to identify the interacting protein of LIM and senescent cell antigen-like domain 1 (LIMS1). We also used an adeno-associated virus (AAV) to supplement LIMS1 and explored the specific regulatory mechanism of miR-26a on Ang-II-induced cardiac and renal injury. Dunnett's multiple comparison and t -test were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Compared with the control mice, miR-26a expression was significantly downregulated in both the kidney and the heart after Ang-II infusion. Our study identified LIMS1 as a novel target gene of miR-26a in both heart and kidney tissues. Downregulation of miR-26a activated the LIMS1/integrin-linked kinase (ILK) signaling pathway in the heart and kidney, which represents a common molecular mechanism underlying inflammation and fibrosis in heart and kidney tissues during CKD. Furthermore, knockout of miR-26a worsened inflammation and fibrosis in the heart and kidney by inhibiting the LIMS1/ILK signaling pathway; on the contrary, supplementation with exogenous miR-26a reversed all these changes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that miR-26a could be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiorenal injury in CKD. This is attributed to its ability to regulate the LIMS1/ILK signaling pathway, which represents a common molecular mechanism in both heart and kidney tissues.
Animals ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Angiotensin II/toxicity* ; Mice ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/chemically induced* ; Mice, Knockout ; Disease Models, Animal ; Male ; Signal Transduction/genetics* ; LIM Domain Proteins/genetics* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Cell Line ; Humans

Objective To investigate whether successful percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)could improve symptoms and quality of life(QOL)in left main disease and/or 3-vessel disease patients with diabetes.Methods Patients with left main disease and/or 3-vessel disease who underwent PCI in the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from April 2018 to May 2021 were consecutively enrolled and subdivided into 2 groups:diabetes and no diabetes.Detailed baseline characteristics,symptoms,including dyspnea and angina,assessed with the Rose dyspnea scale(RDS),Seattle angina questionnaire(SAQ),the European quality of life-5 dimensions(EQ-5D)and 12-item short-form health survey(SF-12)questionnaire respectively,procedural details,and 1 month and 1 year follow-up data were collected.Results Among 440 left main disease and/or 3-vessel disease patients,disease was present in 176(40.00％),who had more hypertension,peripheral artery disease,and LCX lesion(all P＜0.05).The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)and all-cause mortality were similar between the two groups(both P＞0.05)at 1 month follow-up,while all-cause mortality in diabetes patients was significantly higher than those without diabetes at 1 year follow-up(P=0.013).Low left ventricular ejection fraction was an independent risk factor for MACE and all-cause mortality at 1 month and 1 year follow-up after successful revascularization(all P＜0.05).Most importantly,symptoms,including dyspnea and angina,and QOL were markedly improved regardless of diabetes both at 1 month and 1 year follow-up(all P＜0.05).Diabetes patients showed improved dyspnea and QOL at similar degree to the non-diabetes patients(all P＞0.05)and a more significantly relieved angina(P=0.013).Additionally,the number of chronic total occlusion(CTO)per patient was identified as an independent risk factor of dyspnea(OR 0.723,95％CI 0.525～0.997,P=0.048)and angina relief(OR 0.686,95％CI 0.473～0.995,P=0.047),and the contrast volume(OR 0.995,95％CI 0.992～0.999,P=0.008)as an independent risk factor of QOL improvement in diabetic patients.Conclusions Successful PCI is beneficial for relieving symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with diabetes who have left main disease and/or 3-vessel disease.

Objective:To conduct enrichment and biological behavior studies on CD44 + CD24 - triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) stem-like cells, and to construct 68Ga-labeled CD44 peptide ( 68Ga-1, 4, 7-triazacyclononane-1, 4, 7-triacetic acid (NOTA)-CD44p) and evaluate its targeting ability towards the surface marker CD44 of TNBC stem-like cells. Methods:Suspension sphere culture method was utilized to enrich and cultivate CD44 + CD24 - cell subpopulations from TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231 and non-TNBC cell line MCF-7. Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of stem cell markers of different groups, cell scratch assay was performed to assess the migration ability of CD44 + CD24 - cell subpopulations, and Transwell invasion assay was performed to evaluate the invasion ability of CD44 + CD24 - cell subpopulations. 68Ga-NOTA-CD44p was prepared, followed by purification and identification with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The targeting ability of 68Ga-NOTA-CD44p towards CD44 + TNBC cells was evaluated through cellular uptake and blocking experiments. Data were analyzed by independent-sample t test, one-way analysis of variance and the least significant difference t test. Results:Suspension sphere culture successfully enriched CD44 + CD24 - TNBC stem-like cell spheres. Compared to the non-TNBC cell line MCF-7, TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231 exhibited better sphere-forming ability (18.50±3.73 vs 31.83±4.92; t=5.29, P<0.001) and a higher proportion of CD44 + CD24 - cell subset ((24.97±8.12)% vs (90.93±4.46)%; F=170.10, t=14.93, both P<0.001). The wound healing rate ((71.00±11.00)% vs (28.33±4.16)%; F=42.91, t=8.02, both P<0.001) and invasion rate ((60.60±16.87)% vs (24.16±8.15)%; F=11.83, t=4.40, both P<0.01) of CD44 + CD24 - MDA-MB-231 group cells were significantly increased compared to the CD44 + CD24 - MCF-7 group. MDA-MB-231 cells showed strong uptake ability of 68Ga-NOTA-CD44p, which decreased after CD44p blocking. Conclusions:Compared to CD44 + CD24 - MCF-7 cells, CD44 + CD24 - MDA-MB-231 cells exhibit higher malignant biological behavior. 68Ga-NOTA-CD44p targets the surface marker CD44 of TNBC stem-like cells, laying the research foundation for targeted therapy against TNBC with tumor stem cells as targets.

Prostate cancer(PCa) is a common malignant tumor among elderly men, with high incidence and mortality rates worldwide, posing a serious threat to human health. Traditional treatments face limitations, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. Recent studies on the regulatory mechanisms of micro ribonucleic acid(microRNA, miRNA) in tumor development has identified miRNA as new targets for PCa diagnosis and treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), with its multi-mechanism, multi-target, and multi-pathway regulatory properties, shows promising potential in miRNA-based PCa therapy. This review summarized recent findings on miRNA' roles in PCa and research progress of TCM intervention and found that a variety of miRNA played important regulatory roles in cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, immune microenvironment, and drug resistance, and their potential as biomarkers for PCa diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy, indicating the potential to be a biomarker for the diagnosis, prognosis evaluation, and treatment of PCa. The review concluded that the active components of TCM(terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and others) and compounds(Yishen Tonglong Decoction, Shenhu Decoction, Zhoushi Qiling Decoction, Fuzheng Yiliu Decoction, and Qilan Formula) could regulate the expression of their downstream target genes by acting on specific miRNA and affect the above biological behaviors of PCa cells, thus playing a role in the treatment of PCa. This review aims to provide a theoretical basis for miRNA as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for PCa and suggest new avenues for further development of targeted therapy strategies against miRNA.
Humans ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Prostatic Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Male ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Animals ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects*

Objective To investigate whether successful percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)could improve symptoms and quality of life(QOL)in left main disease and/or 3-vessel disease patients with diabetes.Methods Patients with left main disease and/or 3-vessel disease who underwent PCI in the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from April 2018 to May 2021 were consecutively enrolled and subdivided into 2 groups:diabetes and no diabetes.Detailed baseline characteristics,symptoms,including dyspnea and angina,assessed with the Rose dyspnea scale(RDS),Seattle angina questionnaire(SAQ),the European quality of life-5 dimensions(EQ-5D)and 12-item short-form health survey(SF-12)questionnaire respectively,procedural details,and 1 month and 1 year follow-up data were collected.Results Among 440 left main disease and/or 3-vessel disease patients,disease was present in 176(40.00％),who had more hypertension,peripheral artery disease,and LCX lesion(all P＜0.05).The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)and all-cause mortality were similar between the two groups(both P＞0.05)at 1 month follow-up,while all-cause mortality in diabetes patients was significantly higher than those without diabetes at 1 year follow-up(P=0.013).Low left ventricular ejection fraction was an independent risk factor for MACE and all-cause mortality at 1 month and 1 year follow-up after successful revascularization(all P＜0.05).Most importantly,symptoms,including dyspnea and angina,and QOL were markedly improved regardless of diabetes both at 1 month and 1 year follow-up(all P＜0.05).Diabetes patients showed improved dyspnea and QOL at similar degree to the non-diabetes patients(all P＞0.05)and a more significantly relieved angina(P=0.013).Additionally,the number of chronic total occlusion(CTO)per patient was identified as an independent risk factor of dyspnea(OR 0.723,95％CI 0.525～0.997,P=0.048)and angina relief(OR 0.686,95％CI 0.473～0.995,P=0.047),and the contrast volume(OR 0.995,95％CI 0.992～0.999,P=0.008)as an independent risk factor of QOL improvement in diabetic patients.Conclusions Successful PCI is beneficial for relieving symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with diabetes who have left main disease and/or 3-vessel disease.

Objective:To conduct enrichment and biological behavior studies on CD44 + CD24 - triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) stem-like cells, and to construct 68Ga-labeled CD44 peptide ( 68Ga-1, 4, 7-triazacyclononane-1, 4, 7-triacetic acid (NOTA)-CD44p) and evaluate its targeting ability towards the surface marker CD44 of TNBC stem-like cells. Methods:Suspension sphere culture method was utilized to enrich and cultivate CD44 + CD24 - cell subpopulations from TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231 and non-TNBC cell line MCF-7. Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of stem cell markers of different groups, cell scratch assay was performed to assess the migration ability of CD44 + CD24 - cell subpopulations, and Transwell invasion assay was performed to evaluate the invasion ability of CD44 + CD24 - cell subpopulations. 68Ga-NOTA-CD44p was prepared, followed by purification and identification with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The targeting ability of 68Ga-NOTA-CD44p towards CD44 + TNBC cells was evaluated through cellular uptake and blocking experiments. Data were analyzed by independent-sample t test, one-way analysis of variance and the least significant difference t test. Results:Suspension sphere culture successfully enriched CD44 + CD24 - TNBC stem-like cell spheres. Compared to the non-TNBC cell line MCF-7, TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231 exhibited better sphere-forming ability (18.50±3.73 vs 31.83±4.92; t=5.29, P<0.001) and a higher proportion of CD44 + CD24 - cell subset ((24.97±8.12)% vs (90.93±4.46)%; F=170.10, t=14.93, both P<0.001). The wound healing rate ((71.00±11.00)% vs (28.33±4.16)%; F=42.91, t=8.02, both P<0.001) and invasion rate ((60.60±16.87)% vs (24.16±8.15)%; F=11.83, t=4.40, both P<0.01) of CD44 + CD24 - MDA-MB-231 group cells were significantly increased compared to the CD44 + CD24 - MCF-7 group. MDA-MB-231 cells showed strong uptake ability of 68Ga-NOTA-CD44p, which decreased after CD44p blocking. Conclusions:Compared to CD44 + CD24 - MCF-7 cells, CD44 + CD24 - MDA-MB-231 cells exhibit higher malignant biological behavior. 68Ga-NOTA-CD44p targets the surface marker CD44 of TNBC stem-like cells, laying the research foundation for targeted therapy against TNBC with tumor stem cells as targets.

Objective To investigate the satisfaction of patients with Crowe Ⅲ-Ⅳ developmental dysplasia of the hip(DDH)after total hip arthroplasty and the related factors.Methods A retrospective study included 169 patients with Crowe type Ⅲ-Ⅳ DDH who underwent total hip arthroplasty between March 2013 and March 2018.Patients were surveyed through WeChat,covering overall satisfaction with the operation,satisfaction with ten daily functions,and the top five questions per-ceived to have a great impact on daily life.Preoperative and postoperative hip function was evaluated by Harris score.Results One hundred and forty-five questionnaires were received,with a follow-up period ranging from 1 to 5 years with an average of(3.23±1.22)years.Among these patients,118 patients were satisfied with the surgical outcomes,while 27 patients were dissat-isfied,with the overall satisfaction rate of 81.38％(118/145).The top five problems affecting patient life were postoperative hip pain,limb length discrepancy,walking,stair climbing,and squatting.There were no statistical differences in age,sex,body mass index,preoperative Harris scores(P＞0.05).However,the dissatisfied group had lower postoperative Harris scores.Post-operative hip pain and limb length discrepancy were identified as direct factors contributing to postoperative surgical dissatis-faction.Conclusion Total hip arthroplasty for patients with Crowe type Ⅲ-Ⅳ DDH is challenging.Postoperative hip pain(mild or severe)and limb length discrepancy(＞2 cm)are independent risk factors for postoperative dissatisfaction.

Objective We aimed to compare the efficacy and prognosis of percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)in complex and high-risk patients with coronary heart disease(CHD)treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO)combined with intra-aortic balloon pump(IABP)assistance,and explore the application value of combined use of mechanical circulatory support(MCS)devices in complex PCI.Methods A total of patients who met the inclusion criteria and underwent selective PCI supported by MCS at the Department of Cardiology,the First Affiliated Hospital of the Air Force Medical University from January 2018 to December 2022 were continuously enrolled.According to the mechanical circulatory support method,the patients were divided into ECMO+IABP group and IABP group.Clinical characteristics,angiographic features,in-hospital outcomes,and complications were collected.The intra-hospital outcomes and major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)at one month and one year after the procedure were observed.The differences and independent risk factors between the two groups in the above indicators were analyzed.Results A total of 218 patients undergoing elective PCI were included,of which 66 patients were in the ECMO+IABP group and 152 patients were in the IABP group.The baseline characteristics of the two groups of patients were generally comparable,but the ECMO+IABP group had more complex lesion characteristics.The proportion of patients with atrial fibrillation(6.1％vs.0.7％,P=0.030),left main disease(43.9％vs.27.0％,P=0.018),triple vessel disease(90.9％vs.75.5％,P=0.009),and RCA chronic total occlusion disease(60.6％vs.35.5％,P＜0.001)was higher in the ECMO+IABP group compared to the IABP group.The proportion of patients with previous PCI history was higher in the IABP group(32.9％vs.16.7％,P=0.014).There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of in-hospital complications between the two groups(P=0.176),but the incidence of hypotension after PCI was higher in the ECMO+IABP group(19.7％vs.9.2％,P=0.031).The rates of 1-month MACE(4.5％vs.2.6％,P=0.435)and 1-year MACE(7.6％vs.7.9％,P=0.936)were comparable between the two groups.Multivariate analysis showed that in-hospital cardiac arrest(OR 7.17,95％CI 1.27-40.38,P=0.025)and after procedure hypotension(OR 3.60,95％CI 1.10-11.83,P=0.035)were independent risk factors for the occurrence of 1-year MACE.Conclusions Combination use of ECMO+IABP support can provide complex and high-risk coronary heart disease patients with an opportunity to achieve coronary artery revascularization through PCI,and achieve satisfactory long-term prognosis.