OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid （ω-3PUFA） combined with clomiphene on clinical efficacy， pregnancy and safety in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS）. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 112 PCOS patients who received treatment in Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Hunan Prevention and Treatment Institute for Occupational Diseases from January 2022 to December 2023. According to the different treatment regimens， the patients were divided into single-drug group （60 cases） and drug-combination group （52 cases）. Single-drug group was given clomiphene orally， and drug-combination group was given clomiphene+ω-3PUFA. Clinical efficacy， pregnancy status and the occurrence of adverse drug reaction （ADR） as well as ovarian function and oxidative stress indexes before and after treatment were compared between 2 groups. RESULTS The overall response rate （90.38% vs. 71.67%）， ovulation rate （84.62% vs. 61.67%）， and pregnancy rate （51.92% vs. 26.67%） were all markedly higher in drug combination group than single drug group （ P ＜0.05）. Before treatment， there was no statistical significance in ovarian function and oxidative stress indexes between 2 groups （ P ＞0.05）. Compared with before treatment， serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels， inhibin B concentr ations， and the number of cystic follicles in 2 groups were decreased significantly after 12 weeks of treatment （ P ＜0.05）. The endometrial thickness increased significantly （ P ＜0.05）， while the serum levels of malondialdehyde and advanced oxidation protein products decreased significantly （ P ＜0.05）； the activities of serum superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase increased significantly （ P ＜0.05）； the improvement of drug combination group was significantly better than single drug group （ P ＜0.05）. The ovarian volumes in both groups were significantly smaller after treatment compared to before treatment （ P ＜0.05）， but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups （ P ＞0.05）. There was no significant difference in the overall incidence of ADR between the two groups during the treatment （ P ＞0.05）. CONCLUSIONS The combination of ω-3PUFA and clomiphene has a definite therapeutic effect on PCOS， which can effectively reduce the body’s oxidative stress response， improve ovarian function， and increase ovulation and pregnancy rates.

Background/Aims: Biliary tract cancer (BTC) frequently harbors KRAS mutations, which are associated with resistance to traditional treatment and a poor prognosis. Synthetic lethality (SL) strategy may provide other targets of KRAS. Therefore, we aim to identify and validate potential therapeutic targets of KRAS for the treatment of BTC via SL. Methods: The dependency (DepMap) projects were used to predict the synthetic lethal gene of KRAS. FDA-approved anticancer drug library was applied to screen potential drugs effective against KRAS-mutant BTC. Furthermore, the synthetic lethal effects or corresponding mechanisms of potential genes and drugs on BTC were investigated using KRAS-mutant and KRAS-wild type BTC cell lines, patient-derived xenografts (PDX), and KRAS oncogene-driven tumor models, as well as other KRAS-mutant cancer cell lines. Results: Initially, we discovered that the loss of GATA2 reduced the viability of KRAS-mutant but not KRAS-wild-type BTC. Subsequently, the drug library screened out disulfiram, which primarily exerts a synthetic lethal effect by inhibiting interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in KRAS-mutant BTC. Mechanistically, GATA2 specifically enhanced the transcription of IL-1β to promote NF-κB signaling in KRAS-mutant BTC. IL-1β inhibition phenocopied GATA2 deficiency, leading to reduced KRAS-mutant BTC viability. These synthetically lethal effects were confirmed using PDX, a KRAS oncogene-driven tumor model, as well as in other KRAS-mutant cancer cell lines. Conclusions In summary, these results indicate that inhibiting GATA2/IL1β could be a therapeutic strategy in KRAS-mutant BTC and potentially other cancers.

The interaction between m⁶A-methylated RNA and chromatin modification remains largely unknown. We found that targeted inhibition of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) by siRNA or its inhibitor (JQ1) significantly decreases mRNA m⁶A levels and suppresses the malignancy of breast cancer (BC) cells via increased expression of demethylase AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5). Mechanistically, inhibition of BRD4 increases the mRNA stability of ALKBH5 via enhanced binding between its 3' untranslated regions (3'UTRs) with RNA-binding protein RALY. Further, BRD4 serves as a scaffold for ubiquitin enzymes tripartite motif containing-21 (TRIM21) and ALKBH5, resulting in the ubiquitination and degradation of ALKBH5 protein. JQ1-increased ALKBH5 then demethylates mRNA of extra spindle pole bodies like 1 (ESPL1) and reduces binding between ESPL1 mRNA and m⁶A reader insulin like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3), leading to decay of ESPL1 mRNA. Animal and clinical studies confirm a critical role of BRD4/ALKBH5/ESPL1 pathway in BC progression. Further, our study sheds light on the crosstalks between histone modification and RNA methylation.

Biosensors based on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) are crucial for early diagnosis, less invasive treatment, and drug evaluation of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, existing technologies often suffer from enzyme conformational changes, leading to altered activity and loss and reduced sensor efficacy. To address this challenge, we developed a novel right-side-out-oriented red blood cell membrane-coated electrochemical biosensors (ROCMCBs) to evaluate AChE inhibitors from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) as potential anti-AD agents. The developed right-side-out-oriented coating based on immunoaffinity not only fully exposed the binding sites of AChE on the cell membrane but also ensured its conformation and stability as a peripheral membrane-anchoring protein, which was conducive to maintaining its biological activity and producing optimal interaction with drugs. At the same time, the biosensors exhibited a satisfactory sensitivity (limit of detection = 0.41 pmol/L). Ultimately, six potentially active compounds against AD (baicalin, geniposide, gastrodin, berberine, rhynchophylline, and senkyunolide A) were rapidly identified and evaluated from TCMs. This project provides a promising strategy for developing cell membrane-coated electrochemical biosensors. The application of cell membrane-coated electrochemical biosensors with well-defined cell membrane orientation further expands new perspectives and methods for AChE-targeted anti-AD research.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of HBV infection on pre- and postpartum health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in pregnant women. METHODS: A prospective matched cohort consisting of 70 HBV-infected and 70 healthy pregnant women was recruited from the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University between April 17 and September 25, 2023. HRQoL of the participants was assessed at 16-24 weeks of gestation, between 32 weeks and delivery, and 5-13 weeks postpartum. Mixed linear models were used for evaluating temporal trends of HRQoL changes, and univariate ANOVA with multiple linear regression was used to identify the predictors of HRQoL. RESULTS: Compared with healthy pregnant women, HBV-infected pregnant women had consistently lower total HRQoL scores across all the 3 intervals, with the lowest scores observed between 32 weeks of gestation and delivery, during which these women had significantly reduced mental component scores (74.27±13.43 vs 80.21±12.9, P=0.009) and postpartum mental (76.52±16.19 vs 85.02±6.51, P<0.001) and physical component scale scores (77.17±14.71 vs 83.09±10.1, P=0.009). HBV infection was identified as an independent risk factor affecting HRQoL during late pregnancy and postpartum periods. Additional independent risk factors for postpartum HRQoL reduction included self-pay medical expenses, spouse's neutral attitude toward the current pregnancy, and preexisting comorbidities (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS HRQoL of pregnant women deteriorates progressively in late pregnancy, and HBV infection exacerbates reductions of physical function and role emotion in late pregnancy and after delivery, suggesting the importance of targeted interventions for financial burdens, partner support and comorbid conditions to improve HRQoL of pregnant women with HBV infection.
Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Quality of Life ; Prospective Studies ; Postpartum Period ; Hepatitis B, Chronic/psychology* ; Adult ; Pregnancy Trimester, Third ; Pregnancy Trimester, Second ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious

The prelimbic cortex (PL) plays a critical role in processing both the sensory and affective components of pain. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we observed a reduction in hyperpolarization-activated cation current (I_h) in layer V pyramidal neurons of the contralateral PL in a mouse model of spared nerve injury (SNI). The expression of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated 2 (HCN2) channels was also decreased in the contralateral PL. Conversely, microinjection of fisetin, a partial agonist of HCN2, produced both analgesic and anxiolytic effects. Additionally, we found that cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) was activated in the contralateral PL, where it formed a complex with HCN2 and phosphorylated its C-terminus. Knockdown of CDK5 restored HCN2 expression and alleviated both pain hypersensitivity and anxiety-like behaviors. Collectively, these results indicate that CDK5-mediated dysfunction of HCN2 in the PL underlies nerve injury-induced mechanical hypersensitivity and anxiety.
Animals ; Hyperpolarization-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels/metabolism* ; Hyperalgesia/metabolism* ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5/metabolism* ; Neuralgia/metabolism* ; Male ; Anxiety/metabolism* ; Mice ; Potassium Channels/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Disease Models, Animal ; Pyramidal Cells/metabolism*

Extensive epigenetic reprogramming involves in memory CD8+ T-cell differentiation. The elaborate epigenetic rewiring underlying the heterogeneous functional states of CD8+ T cells remains hidden. Here, we profile single-cell chromatin accessibility and map enhancer-promoter interactomes to characterize the differentiation trajectory of memory CD8+ T cells. We reveal that under distinct epigenetic regulations, the early activated CD8+ T cells divergently originated for short-lived effector and memory precursor effector cells. We also uncover a defined epigenetic rewiring leading to the conversion from effector memory to central memory cells during memory formation. Additionally, we illustrate chromatin regulatory mechanisms underlying long-lasting versus transient transcription regulation during memory differentiation. Finally, we confirm the essential roles of Sox4 and Nrf2 in developing memory precursor effector and effector memory cells, respectively, and validate cell state-specific enhancers in regulating Il7r using CRISPR-Cas9. Our data pave the way for understanding the mechanism underlying epigenetic memory formation in CD8+ T-cell differentiation.
CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism* ; Cell Differentiation ; Chromatin/immunology* ; Animals ; Mice ; Immunologic Memory ; Epigenesis, Genetic ; SOXC Transcription Factors/immunology* ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/immunology* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Gene Regulatory Networks ; Enhancer Elements, Genetic

OBJECTIVE: To construct a longitudinal trajectory model of arterial oxygen tension (PaO₂) within 24 hours after cardiac arrest (CA). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. CA patients admitted to the ICU from 2014 to 2015 were selected from the eICU Collaborative Research Database (eICU-CRD). Data about patients' demographic characteristics, history of comorbidities, laboratory test indicators within 24 hours of intensive care unit (ICU) admission [including all PaO₂ data and arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO₂)], vasopressor use, and clinical outcomes were extracted from the database. The primary outcome variable was all-cause in-hospital mortality. Group-based trajectory model (GBTM) were built based on the changes in PaO₂ within 24 hours of ICU admission, and patients were grouped according to their initial static PaO₂ values upon ICU admission. Multivariable adjusted Poisson regression analysis was used to compare the in-hospital mortality risk among patients in different PaO₂ dynamic trajectory groups. Sensitivity analyses were performed using multivariable logistic regression and multivariable adjusted Poisson regression without imputation of missing values. RESULTS: A total of 3 866 CA patients were included. Three GBTM trajectory groups were identified based on PaO₂ changes within 24 hours of ICU admission: Group-1 (low level first increased then decreased, 148 cases), Group-2 (sustained low level, 3 040 cases), and Group-3 (first high level then decreased, 678 cases). Significant differences were found among the three groups in age, body weight, maximum serum potassium, maximum PaCO₂, minimum hemoglobin (Hb), vasopressor use, total hospitalization time, ICU stay, and hospital mortality. After incorporating variables with significant differences into the multivariable adjusted Poisson regression model, results showed that compared to Group-2 patients, patients in Group-1 and Group-3 had an increased risk of all-cause in-hospital mortality [Group-1 adjusted relative risk (aRR) = 1.20, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.02-1.41; Group-3 aRR = 1.11, 95%CI was 1.01-1.24]. Based on initial static PaO₂ values at ICU admission, patients were divided into four groups: PaO₂ < 100 mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa; 1 217 cases), PaO₂ 100-200 mmHg (569 cases), PaO₂ 201-300 mmHg (547 cases), and PaO₂ > 300 mmHg (1 082 cases). Multivariable adjusted Poisson regression analysis indicated a significant upward trend in aRR for the latter three groups compared to the PaO₂ < 100 mmHg group. Sensitivity analyses revealed that compared to Group-2, patients in Group-1 and Group-3 had a significantly increased risk of all-cause in-hospital mortality (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Within 24 hours after return of spontaneous circulation in CA patients, PaO₂ exhibits different dynamic trajectories, and patients with hyperoxia have an increased risk of in-hospital mortality.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Hospital Mortality ; Heart Arrest/blood* ; Prognosis ; Oxygen/blood* ; Intensive Care Units ; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged

ObjectiveTo obtain the epidemiological characteristics of re-positive cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Pudong New Area from March to July 2022, including clinical manifestations, duration of a negative nucleic acid conversion after tested for re-positive, and length of time from the discharge of the initial infection to the most recent re-positivity, so as to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of COVID-19. MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted among the re-positive cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 after discharged from hospital/quarantine facility in Pudong New Area, and descriptive epidemiological methods were used for characteristics analysis. ResultsA total of 2 422 re-positive cases met the inclusive and exclusive criteria, with males accounting for 61.02%. The age distribution mainly fell between 18 and <60 years old, accounting for 62.39%. Clinical manifestations were predominantly asymptomatic (72.15%), followed by cough (12.03%) and sore throat (6.58%). Among the stratified randomized sample of 416 individuals, there were statistically significant differences in symptoms (χ²=262.667, P<0.001), clinical typing (χ²=12.996, P=0.001), and duration of a negative nucleic acid conversion (χ²=142.578, P<0.001) between the initial positive and re-positive instances. Besides, statistically significant differences in symptoms (χ²=13.696, P=0.016) and self-perception of the severity of re-infection (χ²=7.923, P=0.048) between the initial and re-positive cases were observed by different genders. ConclusionAmong re-positive cases, males experienced milder symptoms compared to females, and the self-perception of symptoms during re-positivity is milder than that in the initial positive infection. The length of time for negative nucleic acid conversion during the initial positive period is shorter than that during the re-positive period.

OBJECTIVE To explore the pharmacokinetic characteristics of 3 blood-absorbed components of Xiangshao sanjie oral liquid in rats with hyperplasia of mammary gland （HMG）. METHODS Female SD rats were divided into control group and HMG group according to body weight， with 6 rats in each group. The HMG group was given estrogen+progesterone to construct HMG model. After modeling， two groups were given 1.485 g/kg of Xiangshao sanjie oral liquid （calculated by crude drug） intragastrically， once a day， for 7 consecutive days. Blood samples were collected before the first administration （0 h）， and at 5， 15， 30 minutes and 1， 2， 4， 8， 12， 24 hours after the last administration， respectively. Using chlorzoxazone as the internal standard， the plasma concentrations of ferulic acid， paeoniflorin and rosmarinic acid in rats were detected by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. The pharmacokinetic parameters [area under the drug time curve （AUC0－24 h， AUC0－∞）， mean residence time （MRT0－∞）， half-life （t1/2）， peak time （tmax）， peak concentration （cmax）] were calculated by the non-atrioventricular model using Phoenix WinNonlin 8.1 software. RESULTS Compared with the control group， the AUC0－24 h， AUC0－∞ and cmax of ferulic acid in the HMG group were significantly increased （P＜0.05）； the AUC0－24 h， AUC0－∞ ， MRT0－∞ ， t1/2 and cmax of paeoniflorin increased， but there was no significant difference between 2 groups （P＞0.05）； the AUC0－24 h and MRT0-∞ of rosmarinic acid were significantly increased or prolonged （P＜0.05）. C ONCLUSIONS In HMG model rats， the exposure of ferulic acid， paeoniflorin and rosmarinic acid in Xiangshao sanjie oral liquid all increase， and the retention time of rosmarinic acid is significantly prolonged.