ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Huoxue Rongluo prescription （HXRLP） in repairing the blood-brain barrier （BBB） after ischemic stroke （IS）. MethodsMale C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham operation （Sham） group， cerebral infarction model （MCAO） group， environmental circadian disruption with cerebral infarction model （ECD-MCAO） group， low-， medium-， and high-dose HXRLP （HXRLP-L， M， and H） groups （8.5， 17， 34 g·kg^-1·d^-1， respectively）， and positive drug butylphthalide （NBP） group （0.23 mL·d^-1）. In the Sham group， only the exposed blood vessels were isolated without suture insertion. In the other groups， the middle cerebral artery occlusion （MCAO） model of mice was prepared. In the ECD-MCAO group， HXRLP groups， and NBP group， the environmental circadian disruption （ECD） model was prepared. The mice in the Sham group， MCAO group， and ECD-MCAO group were given the same volume of soybean oil by gavage， while those in the other groups were given the corresponding drugs by gavage. Samples were collected after 7 consecutive days of administration. The mNSS score was used to evaluate the repair effect of HXRLP on neurological deficits after IS. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to assess the impact of HXRLP on the pathological damage of brain tissue after IS. 2，3，5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride （TTC） staining and cerebral blood perfusion status were used to evaluate the repair effect of HXRLP on brain tissue damage after IS. Evans blue staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate the improvement effect of HXRLP on the permeability injury of BBB after IS. Immunofluorescence （IF） staining was used to observe the expression of von Willebrand Factor （vWF）， brain and muscle Arnt-like 1 （Bmal1）， and Occludin in brain tissue. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of Bmal1， Occludin， tight junction protein （Claudin-5）， vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）， and angiopoietins（Ang）， and related analysis was conducted. ResultsCompared with the Sham group， the MCAO group exhibited significantly aggravated neurological deficits， cerebral infarction volume， brain pathological damage， and BBB leakage （P0.01） and significantly reduced cerebral blood perfusion （P0.01）. The expression of Bmal1， vWF， vascular endothelial growth factor A （VEGFA）， and Ang in brain tissue was significantly enhanced （P0.01）， while the expression of Occludin and Claudin-5 was significantly weakened （P0.01）. Compared with the MCAO group， the ECD-MCAO group showed significantly aggravated neurological deficits， cerebral infarction volume， and BBB leakage （P0.01）， obviously worsened brain pathological damage （P0.05）， significantly reduced cerebral blood perfusion （P0.01）， and significantly decreased expression of Bmal1， vWF， VEGFA， Ang， Occludin， and Claudin-5 in brain tissue （P0.01）. Compared with the ECD-MCAO group， the HXRLP groups of all doses presented significantly improved neurological deficits， cerebral infarction volume， brain pathological damage， and BBB leakage （P0.01）， significantly increased cerebral blood perfusion （P0.01）， and enhanced expression levels of Bmal1， vWF， VEGFA， Ang， Occludin， and Claudin-5 in brain tissue （P0.01）. ConclusionHXRLP can regulate the clock protein Bmal1 and promote the expression of VEGFA， Ang， Occludin， and Claudin-5， thereby improving BBB damage after IS.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia, and no effective treatment has been developed for it thus far. Recently, the use of natural compounds in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases has garnered significant attention owing to their minimal adverse reactions. Accordingly, the potential therapeutic effect of pterostilbene (PTS) on AD has been demonstrated in multiple in vivo and in vitro experiments. In this study, we systematically reviewed and summarized the results of these studies investigating the use of PTS for treating AD. Analysis of the literature revealed that PTS may play a role in AD treatment through various mechanisms, including anti-oxidative damage, anti-neuroinflammation, anti-apoptosis, cholinesterase activity inhibition, attenuation of β-amyloid deposition, and tau protein hyperphosphorylation. Moreover, PTS interferes with the progression of AD by regulating the activities of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α), monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B), silent information regulator sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), and phosphodiesterase 4A (PDE4A). Furthermore, to further elucidate the potential therapeutic mechanisms of PTS in AD, we employed network pharmacology and molecular docking technology to perform molecular docking of related proteins, and the obtained binding energies ranged from -2.83 to -5.14 kJ/mol, indicating that these proteins exhibit good binding ability with PTS. Network pharmacology analysis revealed multiple potential mechanisms of action for PTS in AD. In summary, by systematically collating and summarizing the relevant studies on the role of PTS in treatment of AD, it is anticipated that this will serve as a reference for the precise targeted prevention and treatment of AD, either using PTS or other developed drug interventions.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of therapeutic whole blood exchange combined with lymphoplasmapheresis in the treatment of refractory autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of AIHA patients who underwent therapeutic whole blood exchange combined with lymphoplasmapheresis at our hospital from March 2022 to May 2025. Efficacy was assessed by comparing changes in hemoglobin, platelet count, and bilirubin levels before and after treatment. Safety was evaluated by analyzing vital signs before and after the procedure, parameters during the exchange, and adverse reactions. Results: A total of 12 AIHA patients were enrolled, completing 19 exchange procedures. The number of procedures per patient ranged from 1 to 3. The median treatment duration was 67 (65-73) minutes, with a median exchange volume of 2 025 (1 851-2 121) mL, comprising 4.5 (4-6) units of red blood cells and 1 350 (1 200-1 400) mL of plasma. Ten patients achieved partial remission, one achieved complete remission, and one showed no response, yielding an response rate of 91% (11/12). After a single session, hemoglobin increased significantly by 17.58±9.85 g/L (P<0.01), while platelets counts decreased by 45 (17.5, 79)×10 /L (P<0.05), and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed a significant elevation (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were observed in total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, white blood cell count, or heart rate. During the procedures, 4 adverse reactions occurred in 3 patients: one child experienced severe heart rate fluctuation twice consecutively, and two adults developed plasma allergies. All reactions resolved spontaneously without pharmacological intervention. Conclusion: The combination of therapeutic whole blood exchange and lymphoplasmapheresis appears to be a safe and effective treatment for refractory AIHA patients.

Objective: To investigate the factors affecting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among men who have sex with men (MSM), so as to provide a basis for improving PrEP uptake among MSM and optimizing HIV prevention and control strategies. Methods: The MSM were recruited at a HIV testing site of the "Danlan Public Welfare" organization in Beijing Municipality using the convenient sampling method from March to May 2024. Sociodemographic information, awareness of basic AIDS knowledge, sexual orientation and behaviors, the use of PrEP and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in the past six months were collected using the questionnaire survey. Multivariable logistic regression model and decision tree model were used to analyze the influencing factors for PrEP use among MSM. Results: A total of 414 participants were surveyed, with a mean age of (33.52±8.50) years. Among them, 345 individuals (83.33%) had a college degree and above. The predominant sexual orientation was homosexual, with 265 individuals, accounting for 64.01%. The majority reported having 1 to 2 same-sex partners in the past six months, with 182 individuals (43.96%). A total of 39 individuals (9.42%) had used PEP in the past six months. A total of 68 individuals (16.43%) had used PrEP during the same period. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that educational attainment (college degree and above, OR=28.200, 95%CI: 3.162-251.519), the number of same-sex partners in the past six months (3-5 partners, OR=3.963, 95%CI: 1.065-14.755; ≥6 partners, OR=7.518, 95%CI: 1.829-30.910), and the use of PEP in the past six months (OR=18.606, 95%CI: 7.587-45.631) were significant factors associated with PrEP use among MSM. The decision tree model identified educational level, sexual orientation, and the number of same-sex partners in the past six months as factors affecting PrEP use among MSM. Among these, the number of same-sex partners in the past six months emerged as the primary influencing factor. The use of PrEP was 38.46% among MSM who had ≥3 same-sex partners in the past six months and identified as homosexual or heterosexual. Conclusion The use of PrEP among MSM is primarily associated with educational level, the number of same-sex partners in the past six months, use of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in the past six months, and sexual orientation.

Alzheimer's disease(AD)is the leading cause of dementia,and no effective treatment has been devel-oped for it thus far.Recently,the use of natural compounds in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases has garnered significant attention owing to their minimal adverse reactions.Accordingly,the potential therapeutic effect of pterostilbene(PTS)on AD has been demonstrated in multiple in vivo and in vitro experiments.In this study,we systematically reviewed and summarized the results of these studies investigating the use of PTS for treating AD.Analysis of the literature revealed that PTS may play a role in AD treatment through various mechanisms,including anti-oxidative damage,anti-neuroinflammation,anti-apoptosis,cholinesterase activity inhibition,attenuation of β-amyloid deposi-tion,and tau protein hyperphosphorylation.Moreover,PTS interferes with the progression of AD by regulating the activities of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha(PPAR-α),monoamine oxi-dase B(MAO-B),silent information regulator sirtuin 1(SIRT1),and phosphodiesterase 4A(PDE4A).Furthermore,to further elucidate the potential therapeutic mechanisms of PTS in AD,we employed network pharmacology and molecular docking technology to perform molecular docking of related proteins,and the obtained binding energies ranged from-2.83 to-5.14 kj/mol,indicating that these proteins exhibit good binding ability with PTS.Network pharmacology analysis revealed multiple po-tential mechanisms of action for PTS in AD.In summary,by systematically collating and summarizing the relevant studies on the role of PTS in treatment of AD,it is anticipated that this will serve as a reference for the precise targeted prevention and treatment of AD,either using PTS or other developed drug interventions.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with a bone marrow nucleated erythroid cell proportion of greater than or equal to 50% (MDS-E) .Methods:The clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of patients with MDS-E were retrospectively analyzed by collecting the case data of 1 436 newly treated patients with MDS diagnosed in the Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from May 2014 to June 2023.Results:A total of 1 436 newly diagnosed patients with complete data were included in the study, of which 337 (23.5%) patients with MDS-E had a younger age of onset and lower neutrophil and platelet counts compared with those in patients with an erythroid cell proportion of less than 50% (MDS-NE) (all P<0.05). The proportion of MDS cases with ring sideroblasts (MDS-RS) was higher in the MDS-E group than in the MDS-NE group, and multi-hit TP53 mutations were more enriched in the MDS-E group than in the MDS-NE group (all P<0.05). Among patients with MDS-RS, the frequency of complex karyotypes and the TP53 mutation rate were significantly lower in the MDS-E group than in the MDS-NE group (0 vs 11.9%, P=0.048 and 2.4% vs 15.1%, P=0.053, respectively). Among patients with TP53 mutations, the frequencies of complex karyotypes and multi-hit TP53 mutations were significantly higher in the MDS-E group than in the MDS-NE group (87.5% vs 64.6%, P=0.003 and 84.0% vs 54.2%, P<0.001, respectively). Survival analysis of patients with MDS-RS found that the overall survival (OS) in the MDS-E group was better than that in the MDS-NE group [not reached vs 63 (95% CI 53.3-72.7) months, P=0.029]. Among patients with TP53 mutations and excess blasts, the OS in the MDS-E group was worse than that in the MDS-NE group [6 (95% CI 2.2-9.8) months vs 12 (95% CI 8.9-15.1) months, P=0.022]. Multivariate analysis showed that age of ≥65 years ( HR=2.47, 95% CI 1.43-4.26, P=0.001), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of ≤100 fl ( HR=2.62, 95% CI 1.54-4.47, P<0.001), and TP53 mutation ( HR=2.31, 95% CI 1.29-4.12, P=0.005) were poor prognostic factors independent of the Revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R) prognosis stratification in patients with MDS-E. Conclusion:Among patients with MDS-RS, MDS-E was strongly associated with a lower proportion of complex karyotypes and TP53 mutations, and the OS in the MDS-E group was longer than that in the MDS-NE group. Among patients with TP53 mutations, MDS-E was strongly associated with complex karyotypes and multi-hit TP53 mutations, and among TP53-mutated patients with excess blasts, the OS in the MDS-E group was shorter than that in the MDS-NE group. Age of ≥65 years, MCV of ≤100 fl, and TP53 mutation were independent adverse prognostic factors affecting OS in patients with MDS-E.

Bone formation and deposition are initiated by sensory nerve infiltration in adaptive bone remodeling. Here, we focused on the role of Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A), expressed by sensory nerves, in mechanical loads-induced bone formation and nerve withdrawal using orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) model. Firstly, bone formation was activated after the 3rd day of OTM, coinciding with a decrease in sensory nerves and an increase in pain threshold. Sema3A, rather than nerve growth factor (NGF), highly expressed in both trigeminal ganglion and the axons of periodontal ligament following the 3rd day of OTM. Moreover, in vitro mechanical loads upregulated Sema3A in neurons instead of in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) within 24 hours. Furthermore, exogenous Sema3A restored the suppressed alveolar bone formation and the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs induced by mechanical overload. Mechanistically, Sema3A prevented overstretching of F-actin induced by mechanical overload through ROCK2 pathway, maintaining mitochondrial dynamics as mitochondrial fusion. Therefore, Sema3A exhibits dual therapeutic effects in mechanical loads-induced bone formation, both as a pain-sensitive analgesic and a positive regulator for bone formation.
Humans ; Bone Remodeling ; Cell Differentiation ; Osteogenesis ; Semaphorin-3A/pharmacology* ; Trigeminal Ganglion/metabolism*

Lymphatic metastasis is the main metastatic route for colorectal cancer, which increases the risk of cancer recurrence and distant metastasis. The properties of the lymph node metastatic colorectal cancer (LNM-CRC) cells are poorly understood, and effective therapies are still lacking. Here, we found that hypoxia-induced fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAPα) expression in LNM-CRC cells. Gain- or loss-function experiments demonstrated that FAPα enhanced tumor cell migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stemness, and lymphangiogenesis via activation of the STAT3 pathway. In addition, FAPα in tumor cells induced extracellular matrix remodeling and established an immunosuppressive environment via recruiting regulatory T cells, to promote colorectal cancer lymph node metastasis (CRCLNM). Z-GP-DAVLBH, a FAPα-activated prodrug, inhibited CRCLNM by targeting FAPα-positive LNM-CRC cells. Our study highlights the role of FAPα in tumor cells in CRCLNM and provides a potential therapeutic target and promising strategy for CRCLNM.

BACKGROUND:Plastic as a durable,inexpensive,easy to manufacture organic synthetic polymer materials are widely used.At the same time,plastic resistance to high temperatures,acid and alkali resistance,corrosion-resistant properties make it difficult to degrade in nature,and ultimately forming a huge number of microplastic pollution threatening human health. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of microplastic exposure on growth and development and hepatic lipid metabolism in mice. METHODS:Twenty C57BL/6J male mice were adaptively fed for one week,and then randomly divided into normal and microplastic groups(n=10 per group).Mice in the normal group were given a normal diet and water,for 4 weeks.Mice in the microplastic group were given a normal diet and free drinking of microplastic(polystyrene)water with a concentration of 1 000 μg/L,for 4 weeks.At 2 and 4 weeks of drinking,body mass and grip strength,blood lipids and liver and kidney function,ultrasonic morphology and pathological morphology of liver and lipid deposition were detected. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)With the extension of time,the body mass of mice in the two groups gradually increased,and the body mass of mice in the microplastic group was greater than that in the normal group after 2,4 weeks of drinking water(P<0.05).With the extension of time,the grip strength of mice in the normal group gradually increased,and the grip strength of mice in the microplastic group first decreased and then increased,and the grip strength of mice in the microplastic group was lower than that in the normal group after drinking water for 4 weeks(P<0.05).(2)Liver ultrasound examination showed that compared with the normal group,the ultrasonic echo signal of the liver in the microplastic group was enhanced after 2 and 4 weeks of drinking water.(3)Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that the morphology of liver cells in the microplastic group did not change significantly after 2 and 4 weeks of drinking water,but inflammatory cell infiltration could be seen.Oil red O staining showed that obvious lipid deposition was observed in the liver of microplastic group after 2 and 4 weeks of drinking water.(4)Compared with the normal group,the levels of serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol,triacylglycerol,and aspartate aminotransferase in the microplastic group were decreased after 2 weeks of drinking water(P<0.05),and the serum triacylglycerol concentration was decreased after 4 weeks of drinking water(P<0.05).(5)These findings confirm that microplastics may cause weight gain,loss of physical strength,and abnormal hepatic lipid metabolism in mice.