This study aimed to comprehensively examine the association of gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to estimate the observational associations of gallstones and cholecystectomy with cancer risk, using data from a nationwide cohort involving 239 799 participants. General and gender-specific two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was further conducted to assess the causalities of the observed associations. Observationally, a history of gallstones without cholecystectomy was associated with a high risk of stomach cancer (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50-4.28), liver and bile duct cancer (aOR=2.46, 95% CI 1.17-5.16), kidney cancer (aOR=2.04, 95% CI 1.05-3.94), and bladder cancer (aOR=2.23, 95% CI 1.01-5.13) in the general population, as well as cervical cancer (aOR=1.69, 95% CI 1.12-2.56) in women. Moreover, cholecystectomy was associated with high odds of stomach cancer (aOR=2.41, 95% CI 1.29-4.49), colorectal cancer (aOR=1.83, 95% CI 1.18-2.85), and cancer of liver and bile duct (aOR=2.58, 95% CI 1.11-6.02). MR analysis only supported the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer. This study added evidence to the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer, highlighting the importance of cancer screening in individuals with gallstones.
Humans ; Mendelian Randomization Analysis ; Gallstones/complications* ; Female ; Male ; Cholecystectomy/statistics & numerical data* ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Aged ; Adult ; Neoplasms/etiology* ; Stomach Neoplasms/epidemiology*

Developing and identifying effective medications and targets for treating hepatic fibrosis is an urgent priority. Our previous research demonstrated the efficacy of artesunate (ART) in alleviating liver fibrosis by eliminating activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear despite these findings. Notably, endocytic adaptor protein (NUMB) has significant implications for treating hepatic diseases, but current research primarily focuses on liver regeneration and hepatocellular carcinoma. The precise function of NUMB in liver fibrosis, particularly its ability to regulate HSCs, requires further investigation. This study aims to elucidate the role of NUMB in the anti-hepatic fibrosis action of ART in HSCs. We observed that the expression level of NUMB significantly decreased in activated HSCs compared to quiescent HSCs, exhibiting a negative correlation with the progression of liver fibrosis. Additionally, ART induced senescence in activated HSCs through the NUMB/P53 tumor suppressor (P53) axis. We identified NUMB as a crucial regulator of senescence in activated HSCs and as a mediator of ART in determining cell fate. This research examines the specific target of ART in eliminating activated HSCs, providing both theoretical and experimental evidence for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
Hepatic Stellate Cells/cytology* ; Liver Cirrhosis/genetics* ; Artesunate/pharmacology* ; Cellular Senescence/drug effects* ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Animals ; Humans ; Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics* ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics* ; Male ; Mice

Objective To explore the biosynthesis of Dipsacus asper Wall.ex Henry triterpenoid saponin,and the UGT gene in Dipsacus asper Wall.ex Henry has been analyzed by the identification of whole genome,genome and prokaryotic expression.Methods The laboratory self-tested sequenced protein sequence files of the Dipsacus asper Wall.ex Henry genome were used.To validate the conserved domains of the sequence of the Dipsacus asper Wall.ex Henry UGT gene,BLASTP and hmmsearch were utilized.Prot-Param,SOMPA,MAGA7.0,Tbtools and other tools were used to investigate the protein physicochemical properties,protein structure,and covariance analysis of the Dipsacus asper Wall.ex Henry UGT gene family,and using the joint analysis of transcriptomic data and metabolomics data,two glycosyltransferases that might be related to triterpene saponin biosynthesis were screened,and expression vectors were constructed for prokaryotic expression.Results 44 Dipsacus asper Wall.ex Henry UGT genes were identified from the Dipsacus asper Wall.ex Henry genome.The length of Dipsacus asper Wall.ex Henry UGT proteins ranged from 49 to 1083 amino acids,with an average molecular weight of 24.86 kDa and an isoelectric point of 4.31-8.59.Dipsacus asper Wall.ex Henry UGT gene family was distributed on eight chromosomes.The phylogenetic tree constructed from the sequences of Dipsacus asper Wall.ex Henry,Arabidopsis thaliana and identified UGTs showed that glycosyltransferase gene families in Dipsacus asper Wall.ex Henry were mainly in the UGT73,UGT81,UGT85,and UGT80 families.Cis-acting element analysis showed that light-responsive elements were the most prevalent elements in the promoter regions of UGT gene family members.Two glycosyltransferases potentially related to triterpene saponin biosynthesis were screened using combined transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis,and were successfully expressed in prokaryotic form.Conclusion In this study,two candidate genes related to the biosynthesis of Dipsacus asper Wall.ex Henry triterpenoid saponins were jointly screened for prokaryotic expression using multi-omics,and were subjected to prokaryotic expression for further validation of the function of the genes.

Objective To explore the biosynthesis of Dipsacus asper Wall.ex Henry triterpenoid saponin,and the UGT gene in Dipsacus asper Wall.ex Henry has been analyzed by the identification of whole genome,genome and prokaryotic expression.Methods The laboratory self-tested sequenced protein sequence files of the Dipsacus asper Wall.ex Henry genome were used.To validate the conserved domains of the sequence of the Dipsacus asper Wall.ex Henry UGT gene,BLASTP and hmmsearch were utilized.Prot-Param,SOMPA,MAGA7.0,Tbtools and other tools were used to investigate the protein physicochemical properties,protein structure,and covariance analysis of the Dipsacus asper Wall.ex Henry UGT gene family,and using the joint analysis of transcriptomic data and metabolomics data,two glycosyltransferases that might be related to triterpene saponin biosynthesis were screened,and expression vectors were constructed for prokaryotic expression.Results 44 Dipsacus asper Wall.ex Henry UGT genes were identified from the Dipsacus asper Wall.ex Henry genome.The length of Dipsacus asper Wall.ex Henry UGT proteins ranged from 49 to 1083 amino acids,with an average molecular weight of 24.86 kDa and an isoelectric point of 4.31-8.59.Dipsacus asper Wall.ex Henry UGT gene family was distributed on eight chromosomes.The phylogenetic tree constructed from the sequences of Dipsacus asper Wall.ex Henry,Arabidopsis thaliana and identified UGTs showed that glycosyltransferase gene families in Dipsacus asper Wall.ex Henry were mainly in the UGT73,UGT81,UGT85,and UGT80 families.Cis-acting element analysis showed that light-responsive elements were the most prevalent elements in the promoter regions of UGT gene family members.Two glycosyltransferases potentially related to triterpene saponin biosynthesis were screened using combined transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis,and were successfully expressed in prokaryotic form.Conclusion In this study,two candidate genes related to the biosynthesis of Dipsacus asper Wall.ex Henry triterpenoid saponins were jointly screened for prokaryotic expression using multi-omics,and were subjected to prokaryotic expression for further validation of the function of the genes.

Objective To evaluate the current status of knowledge,attitudes,and practices(KAP)regarding home bathing among ostomy patients and analyze the influencing factors,aiming to provide targeted improvement suggestions for clinical nursing practice.Methods A convenient sampling method was used to select 435 ostomy patients who were followed up at specialized ostomy care clinics in 16 tertiary hospitals across 1 1 prefecture-level cities in Zhejiang Province from July to October 2023.Data were collected using a general information survey and a questionnaire assessing KAP of home bathing for ostomy patients.Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were conducted to explore the influencing factors.Results A total of 418 valid questionnaires were recovered,with an effective recovery rate of 96.09％.The scores on the Ostomy Patients'Home Bathing KAP Assessment Questionnaire ranged from 40 to 104 points(72.32±12.95),with a passing score of 72 points.221 patients passed,achieving a pass rate of 52.87％.Multiple linear regression analysis showed that educational level,type of caregivers,postoperative time,and changes in postoperative bathing methods and frequency were significant influencing factors for the current status of home bathing among ostomy patients(P＜0.05).Conclusion Ostomy patients have a moderate level of knowledge about home bathing,a relatively negative attitude,and behaviors that need improvement.It is recommended that clinical nursing staff timely assess the bathing abilities and needs of patients,develop personalized bathing guidance and follow-up plans based on specific circumstances,promote self-care awareness,assist in the early recovery of bathing habits,and thereby enhance the knowledge,attitudes,and practices of home bathing in patients with ostomy to meet their hygiene needs.

Objective To evaluate the current status of knowledge,attitudes,and practices(KAP)regarding home bathing among ostomy patients and analyze the influencing factors,aiming to provide targeted improvement suggestions for clinical nursing practice.Methods A convenient sampling method was used to select 435 ostomy patients who were followed up at specialized ostomy care clinics in 16 tertiary hospitals across 1 1 prefecture-level cities in Zhejiang Province from July to October 2023.Data were collected using a general information survey and a questionnaire assessing KAP of home bathing for ostomy patients.Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were conducted to explore the influencing factors.Results A total of 418 valid questionnaires were recovered,with an effective recovery rate of 96.09％.The scores on the Ostomy Patients'Home Bathing KAP Assessment Questionnaire ranged from 40 to 104 points(72.32±12.95),with a passing score of 72 points.221 patients passed,achieving a pass rate of 52.87％.Multiple linear regression analysis showed that educational level,type of caregivers,postoperative time,and changes in postoperative bathing methods and frequency were significant influencing factors for the current status of home bathing among ostomy patients(P＜0.05).Conclusion Ostomy patients have a moderate level of knowledge about home bathing,a relatively negative attitude,and behaviors that need improvement.It is recommended that clinical nursing staff timely assess the bathing abilities and needs of patients,develop personalized bathing guidance and follow-up plans based on specific circumstances,promote self-care awareness,assist in the early recovery of bathing habits,and thereby enhance the knowledge,attitudes,and practices of home bathing in patients with ostomy to meet their hygiene needs.

Objective To investigate the mechanisms that mediate the neuroprotective effect of the intestinal microbial metabolite sodium butyrate(NaB)in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease(PD)via the gut-brain axis.Methods Thirty-nine 7-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomized equally into control group,PD model group,and NaB treatment group.In the latter two groups,PD models were established by intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)once daily for 5 consecutive days,and normal saline was injected in the control group.After modeling,the mice received daily gavage of NaB(300 mg/kg)or an equal volume of saline for 14 days.Behavioral tests were carried out to assess the changes in motor function of the mice,and Western blotting was performed to detect the expressions of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)and α-synuclein(α-syn)in the striatum and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB),tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α),interleukin 6(IL-6),and the tight junction proteins ZO-1,Occludin,and Claudinin the colon.HE staining was used to observe inflammatory cell infiltration in the colon of the mice.RNA sequencing analysis was performed to identify the differentially expressed genes in mouse colon tissues,and their expressions were verified using qRT-PCR and Western blotting.Results The mouse models of PD with NaB treatment showed significantly increased movement speed and pulling strength of the limbs with obviously upregulated expressions of TH,Occludin,and Claudin and downregulated expressions of α-syn,NF-κB,TNF-α,and IL-6(all P<0.05).HE staining showed that NaB treatment significantly ameliorated inflammatory cell infiltration in the colon of the PD mice.RNA sequencing suggested that Bmal1 gene probably mediated the neuroprotective effect of NaB in PD mice(P<0.05).Conclusion NaB can improve motor dysfunction,reduce dopaminergic neuron loss in the striatum,and ameliorate colonic inflammation in PD mice possibly through a mechanism involving Bmal1.

OBJECTIVE To study the chemical composition and the function of solid excipients in relieving the "nourishing and spleen-impairing" effect of Zhangbang nine steaming nine sun-dying Rehmanniae Radix(RR) by using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technique. METHODS UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was used to collect the data of Zhangbang nine steaming nine sun-dying RR, and UNIFI platform and self-built database were used for the rapid qualitative analysis and identification of the chemical components of Zhangbang nine steaming nine sun-dying RR. The effect of solid excipients on the function of RR "nourishing and spleen-impairing" was investigated by establishing a mouse model of low gastric motility and measuring its gastric residual rate and small intestine propulsion rate. RESULTS The UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and UNFI platforms identified 76 chemical components in nine steaming nine sun-dying RR, including 9 iridoid glycosides, 11 phenylethyl glycosides, 31 flavonoids, 6 saccharides and 19 other compounds; the results of gastric emptying and small intestinal propulsion experiments on mice showed that Zhangbang nine steaming nine sun-dying RR had gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion effects. CONCLUSION This method can be used for the rapid identification and analysis of nine steaming nine sun-dying RR, which has solid excipients Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium and Amomi Fructus to alleviate the "nourishing and spleen-impairing" function of RR. This study can provide a reference for quality control and elucidation of the material basis of the medicinal effects of specialty beverage of Zhangbang nine steaming nine sun-dying RR.

Objective To investigate the mechanisms that mediate the neuroprotective effect of the intestinal microbial metabolite sodium butyrate(NaB)in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease(PD)via the gut-brain axis.Methods Thirty-nine 7-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomized equally into control group,PD model group,and NaB treatment group.In the latter two groups,PD models were established by intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)once daily for 5 consecutive days,and normal saline was injected in the control group.After modeling,the mice received daily gavage of NaB(300 mg/kg)or an equal volume of saline for 14 days.Behavioral tests were carried out to assess the changes in motor function of the mice,and Western blotting was performed to detect the expressions of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)and α-synuclein(α-syn)in the striatum and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB),tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α),interleukin 6(IL-6),and the tight junction proteins ZO-1,Occludin,and Claudinin the colon.HE staining was used to observe inflammatory cell infiltration in the colon of the mice.RNA sequencing analysis was performed to identify the differentially expressed genes in mouse colon tissues,and their expressions were verified using qRT-PCR and Western blotting.Results The mouse models of PD with NaB treatment showed significantly increased movement speed and pulling strength of the limbs with obviously upregulated expressions of TH,Occludin,and Claudin and downregulated expressions of α-syn,NF-κB,TNF-α,and IL-6(all P<0.05).HE staining showed that NaB treatment significantly ameliorated inflammatory cell infiltration in the colon of the PD mice.RNA sequencing suggested that Bmal1 gene probably mediated the neuroprotective effect of NaB in PD mice(P<0.05).Conclusion NaB can improve motor dysfunction,reduce dopaminergic neuron loss in the striatum,and ameliorate colonic inflammation in PD mice possibly through a mechanism involving Bmal1.

OBJECTIVE To explore the anti-liver fibrosis effect and mechanism of Atractylenolide Ⅲ-induced hepatic stellate cell(HSC)senescence.METHODS ASCT2 siRNA and Atractylenolide Ⅲ(40 μmol·L-1)acted on human hepatic stellate cells LX2 respectively to inhibit ASCT2,MTT was used to evaluate cell viability,EdU method was used to detect cell proliferation,and se-nescence associated-β-galactosidase(SA-β-Gal)staining was used to detect cell senescence;Western blot was used to detect chan-ges in the LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio in LX2 cells,laser confocal detection was used to detect changes in LC3 autophagy flow and error protein accumulation,and the fluorescence of the lysosomal marker LAMP1 was also observed to detect lysosomal function and quantity;kits were applied to detect ROS and MDA levels as well as SOD activity in LX2 cells,and flow cytometry was used to analyze mitochondrial ROS levels and membrane potential.A CCl4-induced mouse liver fibrosis model was constructed.Atractylenolide Ⅲ was administered at 20,30,or 40 mg·kg-1.HE,Masson,and Sirius Red staining were used to observe liver tissue damage and collagen deposition.Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of P21 and P16 in mice in each group,and SA-β-Gal staining and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze the situation and origin of senescent cells.RESULTS After inhibiting ASCT2,the viabil-ity of LX2 cells decreased and senescence increased(P<0.01).Meanwhile,the autophagy function was enhanced and the number of lysosomes was increased but the function was weakened.After adding chloroquine(CQ)to clear lysosomes,the cell viability and auto-phagy function increased(P<0.01).After inhibiting ASCT2,the levels of MDA and ROS in LX2 cells increased,and the activity of SOD decreased(P<0.01).Among them,the level of mitochondrial ROS increased and the membrane potential decreased(P<0.01).After adding rotenone,the cellular redox homeostasis was improved,and the number of lysosomes was restored(P<0.01).In vivo experimental results showed that compared with the model group,Atractylenolide Ⅲ improved liver tissue structural damage and collagen deposition,induced HSC senescence in liver tissue of mice with liver fibrosis,and inhibited HSC activation marker α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),promoted the expression of senescence indicators P16 and P21(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Atractylenol-ide Ⅲ induces an increase in mitochondrial ROS and a decrease in membrane potential by inhibiting ASCT2,which further promotes the enhancement of HSC autophagy function,increases the number of lysosomes and weakens their function,thereby inducing the se-nescence of activated HSCs.