Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is a prevalent malignancy that afflicts the head and neck area and presents a high incidence of metastasis and invasion. Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment are essential for enhancing the quality of life and the survival rates of TSCC patients. The current treatment modalities for TSCC frequently suffer from a lack of specificity and efficacy. Nanoparticles with diagnostic and photothermal therapeutic properties may offer a new approach for the targeted therapy of TSCC. However, inadequate accumulation of photosensitizers at the tumor site diminishes the efficacy of photothermal therapy (PTT). This study modified gold nanodots (AuNDs) with the TSCC-targeting peptide HN-1 to improve the selectivity and therapeutic effects of PTT. The Au-HN-1 nanosystem effectively targeted the TSCC cells and was rapidly delivered to the tumor tissues compared to the AuNDs. The enhanced accumulation of photosensitizing agents at tumor sites achieved significant PTT effects in a mouse model of TSCC. Moreover, owing to its stable long-term fluorescence and high X-ray attenuation coefficient, the Au-HN-1 nanosystem can be used for fluorescence and computed tomography imaging of TSCC, rendering it useful for early tumor detection and accurate delineation of surgical margins. In conclusion, Au-HN-1 represents a promising nanomedicine for imaging-based diagnosis and targeted PTT of TSCC.
Tongue Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/diagnostic imaging* ; Animals ; Gold/chemistry* ; Mice ; Photothermal Therapy/methods* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Photosensitizing Agents ; Metal Nanoparticles ; Humans ; Cell Line, Tumor

Pain modulation encompasses a complex neurobiological process, in which the lateral habenula (LHb) plays a crucial role in integrating, regulating and modulating pain signals. It is also involved in pain-related memory functions associated with perception, transmission and regulation of pain. Furthermore, the LHb collaborates with structures such as the spinal dorsal horn, forebrain, and amygdala to form an essential neural circuit that contributes to sensitization, development of tolerance, and adaptation processes related to pain. However, there remains limited understanding regarding the specific roles and interactions among different neuron subtypes within the LHb concerning pain regulation. Additionally, further investigation is warranted to explore functional changes and plasticity within both the LHb and its associated neural circuits in chronic pain models. Future research endeavors should utilize advanced neuroimaging techniques alongside optogenetics and gene editing technologies to elucidate intricate neural circuits, cellular architecture, and molecular mechanisms governing LHb function in pain regulation. In conclusion, this paper aims to comprehensively review existing literature on the involvement of the LHb and its neural circuits in modulating pain, thereby enhancing our understanding of their neurobiological mechanisms while providing novel targets for precise therapeutic strategies aimed at alleviating pain.

Pain modulation encompasses a complex neurobiological process, in which the lateral habenula (LHb) plays a crucial role in integrating, regulating and modulating pain signals. It is also involved in pain-related memory functions associated with perception, transmission and regulation of pain. Furthermore, the LHb collaborates with structures such as the spinal dorsal horn, forebrain, and amygdala to form an essential neural circuit that contributes to sensitization, development of tolerance, and adaptation processes related to pain. However, there remains limited understanding regarding the specific roles and interactions among different neuron subtypes within the LHb concerning pain regulation. Additionally, further investigation is warranted to explore functional changes and plasticity within both the LHb and its associated neural circuits in chronic pain models. Future research endeavors should utilize advanced neuroimaging techniques alongside optogenetics and gene editing technologies to elucidate intricate neural circuits, cellular architecture, and molecular mechanisms governing LHb function in pain regulation. In conclusion, this paper aims to comprehensively review existing literature on the involvement of the LHb and its neural circuits in modulating pain, thereby enhancing our understanding of their neurobiological mechanisms while providing novel targets for precise therapeutic strategies aimed at alleviating pain.

A major challenge facing photodynamic therapy (PDT) is that the activity of the immune-induced infiltrating CD8⁺ T cells is subject to the regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs), leaving the tumor at risk of recurrence and metastasis after the initial ablation. To augment the antitumor response and reprogram the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), a supramolecular photodynamic nanoparticle (DACss) is constructed by the host-guest interaction between demethylcantharidin-conjugated β-cyclodextrin (DMC-CD) and amantadine-terminated disulfide-conjugated FFVLGGGC peptide with chlorin e6 decoration (Ad-ss-pep-Ce6) to achieve intelligent delivery of photosensitizer and immunomodulator for breast cancer treatment. The acid-labile β-carboxamide bond of DMC-CD is hydrolyzed in response to the acidic TME, resulting in the localized release of DMC and subsequent inhibition of Tregs. The guest molecule Ad-ss-pep-Ce6 can be cleaved by a high level of intracellular GSH, reducing photosensitizer toxicity and increasing photosensitizer retention in the tumor. With a significant increase in the CTL/Treg ratio, the combination of Ce6-based PDT and DMC-mediated immunomodulation adequately achieved spatiotemporal regulation and remodeling of the TME, as well as improved primary tumor and in situ lung metastasis suppression with the aid of PD-1 antibody.

Objective:To explore the effects of miR-451 on glycolysis and apoptosis of breast cancer cells by regulating the Rho/ROCK1 pathway.Methods:Breast cancer MCF7 cells were divided into breast cancer cells (BC) group, breast cancer cells + miR-451-NC (MN) group, breast cancer cells + miR-451 inhibitor (MI) group, breast cancer cells + miR-451 mimic (MM) group, breast cancer cells + lysophosphatidic acid (BL) group, breast cancer cells + fasudil (BF) group, and breast cancer cells + miR-451 mimic + fasudil (MF) group. Glucose uptake detection kit and lactate detection kit were used to detect cell glycolysis, DAPI staining was used to detect cell apoptosis, Western blotting was used to detect Rho/ROCK1 pathway protein expression, and double luciferase reporting assay was used to confirm the interaction between miR-451 and Rho/ROCK1.Results:The glucose intake of cells in the BC group, MN group, MI group and MM group were (14.22±2.36) ×10 5 mg/h, (14.20±2.37) ×10 5 mg/h, (21.55±2.43) ×10 5 mg/h, (6.19±1.34) ×10 5 mg/h ( F=5.30, P<0.001), respectively, and lactic acid production were (1.52±0.21) ×10 5 μg/h, (1.53±0.22) ×10 5 μg/h, (2.05±0.32) ×10 5 μg/h, (0.54±0.12) ×10 5 μg/h ( F=3.28, P=0.008), respectively. The apoptosis rates were (10.13±1.35) %, (10.16±1.37) %, (5.36±1.24) %, (28.47±2.56) % ( F=6.36, P<0.001), respectively. The expressions of Rho protein were 2.31±0.46, 2.32±0.41, 2.95±0.35, 1.05±0.25 ( F=2.86, P=0.017), respectively. The expressions of ROCK1 protein were 2.51±0.41, 2.52±0.42, 3.05±0.33, 1.15±0.13 ( F=2.43, P=0.035), and there were statistically significant differences between the MN and MI groups, MN and MM groups, MI and MM groups (all P<0.05). The glucose intake in the BC group, BL group and BF group were (14.22±2.36) ×10 5 mg/h, (21.54±2.40) ×10 5 mg/h, (6.20±1.35) ×10 5 mg/h ( F=5.33, P<0.001), respectively. Lactic acid production were (1.52±0.21) ×10 5 μg/h, (2.01±0.30) ×10 5 μg/h, (0.55±0.12) ×10 5 μg/h ( F=3.28, P=0.008), respectively. The apoptosis rates were (10.13±1.35) %, (5.34±1.22) %, (28.44±2.54) % ( F=6.45, P<0.001). The expressions of Rho protein were 2.31±0.46, 2.94±0.45, 1.01±0.24 ( F=2.40, P=0.037), respectively, and the expressions of ROCK1 protein were 2.51±0.41, 3.08±0.42 and 1.13±0.12, respectively ( F=2.38, P=0.039). The pairwise comparisons among the three groups were statistically significant (all P<0.05). In the MF group, glucose intake was (3.21±0.89) ×10 5 mg/h, lactic acid production was (0.33±0.04) ×10 5 μg/h, apoptosis rate was (38.01±2.87) %, Rho protein expression was 0.55±0.14, and ROCK1 protein expression was 0.51±0.10. There were statistically significant differences among the MM group, BF group and MF group ( F=4.53, P=0.001; F=4.26, P=0.002; F=6.12, P<0.001; F=4.06, P=0.002; F=9.72, P<0.001), and there were statistically significant differences between the MF group and BF group (all P<0.05). Dual luciferase report showed that miR-451 transfection significantly decreased the luciferase activity of ROCK1-3'-UTR-WT (0.59±0.03 vs. 1.01±0.05, t=17.64, P<0.001), but had no significant effect on mutated genes (1.01±0.07 vs. 1.02±0.04, t=0.30, P=0.767) . Conclusion:Overexpression of miR-451 can significantly inhibit glycolysis of breast cancer cells and promote apoptosis of breast cancer cells, the mechanism of which may be related to inhibition of Rho/ROCK1 pathway.

Objective:To investigate the driving effect of prostate cancer associated transcript 4 (PCAT4) on the up-regulation of upregulator of cell proliferation (URGCP) expression in breast cancer progression through sponging miR-508-5p.Methods:The microarray data of lncRNA and miRNA with differential expression in breast cancer tissue were analyzed by Cancer Genome Atlas. The expression of PCAT4 in breast cancer was evaluated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cell proliferation was measured by MTT and colony formation, cell apoptosis was analyzed by TUNEL, and cell migration and invasion were analyzed by Transwell. The correlation between PCAT4 and miR-508-5p, and miR-508-5p and URGCP was analyzed by RNA pull-down and double luciferase assay. Tumor xenograft studies were performed to analyze the correlation between PCAT4/miR-508-5p/URGCP axis and breast cancer cell growth in vivo. Measurement data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation ( ± s). T-test was used for comparison between two groups, and one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups. The correlation between PCAT4 and URGCP and miR-508-5p expression was evaluated by Pearson correlation analysis. Results:The expression level of PCAT4 was up-regulated in breast cancer tissues and cells. Knockout of PCAT4 inhibited cell proliferation and metastasis and promoted cell apoptosis. miR-508-5p was the target of PCAT4 and was negatively correlated with PCAT4. Overexpression of miR-508-5p in breast cancer can inhibit cell growth, migration and invasion, and promote cell apoptosis. URGCP is the target of miR-508-5p and induces progression of breast cancer. Tumor xenograft studies showed that PCAT4 drives breast cancer progression by affecting miR-508-5p/URGCP.Conclusion:The expression of PCAT4 is up-regulated in breast cancer tissues and cells, and PCAT4 can act as a molecular sponge of miR-508-5p, and significantly promote breast cancer progression by activating URGCP protein expression.

Objective:To observe any effect of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) on the spatially-delayed responses of working memory using cynomolgus macaques.Methods:The working memory of six male cynomolgus macaques (8-9 years old) was trained using a spatially-delayed response task. They were then randomly divided into an iTBS group and a control group, each of 3. The iTBS group was given iTBS at an intensity of 35% of the maximum output, with 2 seconds of stimulation followed by 8 seconds of rest with trains of 50Hz bursts repeated at a frequency of 5Hz over a period of 192 seconds once daily for 5 days, while the control group was given sham iTBS. Before and after the 5 days, the body weight and working memory of each animal were evaluated. The total number of effective feeding episodes, and of effective feeding episodes with short and long delay periods were recorded.Results:There was no significant change in the average body weight of either group before and after the modeling and iTBS intervention. After the intervention the number of total effective feeding cases and those with a short delay period were both significantly higher in the iTBS group than in the control group. However, no significant inter-group differences in the effective feeding cases with a long delay period were observed.Conclusions:iTBS is effective in improving the spatially-delayed responses of working memory, at least in cynomolgus macaques.

Background and Objectives: The search for a suitable alternative for urethral defect is a challenge in the field of urethral tissue engineering. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) possess multipotential for differentiation. The in vitro derivation of urothelial cells from mouse-iPSCs (miPSCs) has thus far not been reported. The purpose of this study was to establish an efficient and robust differentiation protocol for the differentiation of miPSCs into urothelial cells. Methods: and Results: Our protocol made the visualization of differentiation processes of a 2-step approach possible. We firstly induced miPSCs into posterior definitive endoderm (DE) with glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) inhibitor and Activin A. We investigated the optimal conditions for DE differentiation with GSK3β inhibitor treatment by varying the treatment time and concentration. Differentiation into urothelial cells, was directed with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and recombinant mouse fibroblast growth factor-10 (FGF-10). Specific markers expressed at each stage of differentiation were validated by flow cytometry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay, immunofluorescence staining, and western blotting Assay. The miPSC-derived urothelial cells were successfully in expressed urothelial cell marker genes, proteins, and normal microscopic architecture. Conclusions We built a model of directed differentiation of miPSCs into urothelial cells, which may provide the evi-dence for a regenerative potential of miPSCs in preclinical animal studies.

This study aimed to explore the role of miR-130a-3p in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and its underlying mechanisms. Pressure-overload induced myocardial hypertrophy mice model was constructed by thoracic aortic constriction (TAC). , norepinephrine (NE) was used to stimulate neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) and H9c2 rat cardiomyocytes to induce hypertrophic phenotypes. The expression of miR-130a-3p was detected in mice hypertrophic myocardium, hypertrophic NRCMs and H9c2 cells. The mimics and inhibitors of miR-130a-3p were transfected into H9c2 cells to observe the role of miR-130a-3p on the hypertrophic phenotype change of cardiomyocytes separately. Furthermore, whether miR-130a-3p regulated hypertrophic related signaling pathways was explored. The results showed that the expression of miR-130a-3p was significantly decreased in hypertrophic myocardium, hypertrophic NRCMs and H9c2 cells. After transfection of miR-130a-3p mimics, the expression of hypertrophic marker genes, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and β-myosin heavy chain (β-MHC), and the cell surface area were notably down-regulated compared with the control group (mimics N.C. + NE group). But after transfection of miR-130a-3p inhibitor, the expression of ANP, BNP and β-MHC in H9c2 cells increased significantly, and the cell area increased further. By Western blot, it was found that the protein phosphorylation level of Akt and mTOR were down-regulated after over-expression of miR-130a-3p. These results suggest that miR-130a-3p mimics may alleviate the degree of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, meanwhile its inhibitor can further aggravate cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Over-expression of miR-130a-3p may attenuate cardiomyocytes hypertrophy by affecting the Akt pathway.
Animals ; Atrial Natriuretic Factor ; Cardiomegaly ; Mice ; MicroRNAs ; genetics ; Myocardium ; pathology ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; pathology ; Myosin Heavy Chains ; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain ; Nonmuscle Myosin Type IIB ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; Rats

Objective: To explore the value of serum microRNA-494 (miR-494) expression in predicting the prognosis of acute renal injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery in children. Methods: 116 children with AKI after cardiopulmonary bypass for congenital heart disease admitted to Sanya People's Hospital from January 2016 to March 2019 were enrolled. The expression of miR-494 in serum was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and the levels of serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of all the children. The children were divided into survival group and death group according to 28-day survival. Serum levels of miR-494, NGAL and KIM-1 were measured in two groups. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of death in children with AKI after cardiac surgery. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of serum levels of miR-494, NGAL and KIM-1 in predicting prognosis of children with AKI after cardiac surgery was performed. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between serum levels of miR-494 and NGAL, KIM-1. Results: After cardiopulmonary bypass in 116 children with AKI, 27 cases died and 89 cases survived during the 28-day observation. Compared with the survival group, the proportion of cyanosis in the death group was significantly increased, the proportion of blood perfusion was significantly decreased, the time of cardiopulmonary bypass and postoperative mechanical ventilation were significantly prolonged, and the blood glucose level was significantly increased after operation. There was no significant difference in other general data. The serum levels of miR-494, NGAL and KIM-1 in the death group were significantly higher than those in the survival group [miR-494 (2^-ΔΔCt): 3.75±1.28 vs. 1.48±0.71, NGAL (mg/L): 583.60±52.72 vs. 320.52±31.84, KIM-1 (μg/L): 30.53±6.38 vs. 17.40±3.72, all P < 0.01]. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed cyanosis [odds ratio (OR) = 1.716, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.184-2.982, P = 0.039], postoperative blood glucose (OR = 1.925, 95%CI was 1.262-3.387, P = 0.005), serum miR-494 (OR = 2.527, 95%CI was 1.706-5.148, P < 0.001), NGAL (OR = 2.473, 95%CI was 1.620-4.935, P < 0.001) and KIM-1 (OR = 1.805, 95%CI was 1.213-3.106, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for death in children with AKI after cardiac surgery. ROC curve analysis showed the area under the curve (AUC) to predict the death of children with postoperative AKI was 0.868, 0.857 and 0.819 respectively, AUC of serum miR-494, NGAL and KIM-1 levels combination to predict the death of children with postoperative AKI was the largest (0.964, 95%CI was 0.908-0.997), with a high sensitivity and specificity of 97.0% and 91.8%. The correlation analysis showed the expression level of serum miR-494 was positively correlated with NGAL and KIM-1 in the death group (r₁ = 0.902, r₂ = 0.873, both P < 0.01). Conclusion Serum levels of miR-494 increased significantly in children with AKI after cardiac surgery, which is an independent risk factor for death in children with AKI after cardiac surgery, and the combination of NGAL and KIM-1 levels had a high value in predicting the prognosis of children with AKI after cardiac surgery.