Background: The immune system plays a critical role in the development and progression of osteoporosis and fractures. However, the causal relationships between antibody immune responses, immune cells, and these bone conditions remain unclear. This study aimed to explore these relationships using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Methods: We collected complete blood count data from patients with fractures and healthy individuals and analyzed their differences. Then, we conducted a 2-sample, 2-step MR analysis to investigate the causal effects of antibody immune responses on osteoporosis and fractures, using inverse-variance weighted (IVW) as the primary method. We also explored whether immune cells mediate the pathway between antibodies and osteoporosis or fractures. Finally, we analyzed the functions and expression levels of key genes involved. Results: Overall, the fracture group exhibited increased white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, absolute monocyte count, platelet count, and their respective proportions, while absolute lymphocyte count, absolute eosinophil count, absolute basophil count, red blood cell count, and their proportions were decreased. We identified 44 causal relationships between antibodies and osteoporosis or fractures, with 7 supported by multiple MR methods, and 5 showing odds ratios significantly deviating from 1 in the IVW analysis. Epstein-Barr virus-related antibodies had a notable impact on osteoporosis and fractures. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene family, particularly HLA-DPB1, emerged as a significant risk factor. However, immune cells were not found to mediate these effects. Conclusions This study elucidated the causal relationships between antibody immune responses, immune cells, and osteoporosis or fractures. The HLA gene family plays a crucial role in the interaction between antibodies and these bone conditions, with HLA-DPB1 identified as a key risk gene. Immune cells do not serve as mediators in this process. These findings provide valuable insights for future research.

Objective:To investigate the steady-state mechanism of interconversion between the SMN1 and SMN2 genes in a normal population. Methods:Fluorescence PCR capillary electrophoresis was employed to assess gene conversion and copy number variation of SMN1 and SMN2 in a cohort of 1, 133 healthy individuals (including 256 males and 877 females) recruited between 2019 and 2023. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Henan Provincial People′s Hospital (Ethics No.: 2019-134). Results:No significant gender difference was observed in the single copy carrying rate of SMN1. The probability of conversion from SMN1 to SMN2 was determined to be 3.2% for females, 2.7% for males, and 3.1% for the overall population. The probability of conversion from SMN2 to SMN1 was found to be 5.5% for females, 6.3% for males, and 5.6% for the overall population. No statistically significant difference was found in the conversion probability between different genders ( P>0.05). Among the 99 cases of gene conversion, the SMN1 gene predominantly exhibited a copy number of 2 (97.0%), with the remainder having 3 copies (3%). The SMN2 gene primarily showed a copy number of 2 (72.7%), with the rest having 1 copy (27.3%). Conclusion:Gene conversion tends to normalize the copy numbers of both SMN1 and SMN2 genes towards 2. However, SMN1 exhibited a higher priority over SMN2, causing the copy numbers approaching two.

Objective:To systematically elucidate the molecular mechanism of hesperetin in the treatment of heart failure by network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics, and to clarify its key targets and pathway regulatory networks.Methods:Potential targets of hesperetin were retrieved from the PubChem, Pharmmapper, SwissTargetPrediction, and Similarity ensemble approach databases. Heart failure-related targets were obtained from the OMIM, GeneCards, and TTD databases. Intersection targets were identified using Venny 2.1. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of potential targets was constructed using the STRING database and Cytoscape 3.9.0 software. Gene ontology (GO) functional and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses of key targets were performed using the Metascape database. Molecular docking was carried out using Autodock vina1.1.2. GROMACS (2024.03) was employed to conduct a 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation on the optimal affinity complex. The thermodynamic stability of the candidate complex during simulation was evaluated by analyzing the root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), radius of gyration (Rg), and binding free energy. Data were analyzed by an independent sample t test or one-way analysis of variance. Results:A total of 356 related targets of hesperetin and 2 923 related targets of heart failure were screened, with 152 intersection targets identified as potential targets for hesperetin intervention in heart failure. PPI network topological analysis revealed key targets for hesperetin intervention in heart failure, including insulin-like growth factor 1, estrogen receptor 1 (ER1), cysteine aspartic acid specific protease-3, sarcoma proto-oncogene, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), MMP2, Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), albumin, heat shock protein 90 alpha family class A member 1, epidermal growth factor receptor, and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2). GO functional enrichment analysis indicated that biological processes were mainly enriched in response to hormone stimulation, positive regulation of cell migration, gland development, response to nutritional levels, regulation of system processes, and response to trauma. Molecular functions were primarily enriched in phosphotransferase activity, nuclear receptor activity, endopeptidase activity, kinase binding, heme binding, hormone binding and protease binding. Cellular components were mainly enriched in membrane-related structures such as vesicle cavity, membrane raft, vacuole cavity, receptor complex and extracellular matrix containing collagen. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that these key targets were significantly enriched in lipid and atherosclerosis, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 signaling pathway. Molecular docking results indicated that the binding energy of hesperetin to MMP9 (?46.442 kJ/mol) was significantly lower than that to other key targets. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the hesperetin-MMP9 complex maintained structural stability, with an average RMSD of 1.60 ?. The average RMSF values of MMP9 residues (0.83 ?) and ligand atoms (0.68 ?) indicated stable protein conformation and ligand-binding states. The Rg values of MMP9 [(15.04±0.60) ?] and hesperetin [(4.19±0.35) ?] showed minimal fluctuations, further supporting structural compactness. The total binding free energy of the hesperetin-MMP9 complex during the 100 ns simulation was (?142.3±6.3) kJ/mol, with minimal energy fluctuations, confirming that the complex remained structurally stable without significant energy transition throughout the simulation.Conclusions:Hesperetin may bind effectively to targets such as MMP9, JAK2, Bcl-2, and ER1, and form a stable complex with MMP9. It is suggested to influence biological processes related to lipids and signaling pathways such as atherosclerosis, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1, thereby playing a role in heart failure intervention.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the steady-state mechanism of interconversion between the SMN1 and SMN2 genes in a normal population. METHODS: Fluorescence PCR capillary electrophoresis was employed to assess gene conversion and copy number variation of SMN1 and SMN2 in a cohort of 1,133 healthy individuals (including 256 males and 877 females) recruited between 2019 and 2023. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Henan Provincial People's Hospital (Ethics No.: 2019-134). RESULTS: No significant gender difference was observed in the single copy carrying rate of SMN1. The probability of conversion from SMN1 to SMN2 was determined to be 3.2% for females, 2.7% for males, and 3.1% for the overall population. The probability of conversion from SMN2 to SMN1 was found to be 5.5% for females, 6.3% for males, and 5.6% for the overall population. No statistically significant difference was found in the conversion probability between different genders (P > 0.05). Among the 99 cases of gene conversion, the SMN1 gene predominantly exhibited a copy number of 2 (97.0%), with the remainder having 3 copies (3%). The SMN2 gene primarily showed a copy number of 2 (72.7%), with the rest having 1 copy (27.3%). CONCLUSION Gene conversion tends to normalize the copy numbers of both SMN1 and SMN2 genes towards 2. However, SMN1 exhibited a higher priority over SMN2, causing the copy numbers approaching two.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Survival of Motor Neuron 2 Protein/genetics* ; Survival of Motor Neuron 1 Protein/genetics* ; Gene Conversion ; DNA Copy Number Variations/genetics* ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Gene Dosage

OBJECTIVE: To analyze a Chinese pedigree affected with Non-syndromic autosomal recessive deafness type 12 (NFNB12), validate the function of candidate variants, and explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: A NFNB12 pedigree presented at Henan Provincial People's Hospital in February 2023 was selected as the study subject. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out, and candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing of the pedigree members. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to determine the level of mRNA transcription in the peripheral blood samples from the pedigree members, and protein expression was evaluated with Western blotting assay. This study was approved by Medical Ethics Committee of Henan Provincial People's Hospital (Ethics No.: 2019-134). RESULTS: WES analysis revealed that the proband has harbored homozygous c.6688delG (p.Ala2230Profs*4) variant of the CDH23 gene, for which both parents were identified as heterozygous carriers. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated the sole presence of the variant mRNA in the proband, and both the variant and wild-type mRNAs in both parents. Furthermore, Western blotting analysis indicated that the proband had exclusively expressed the truncated CDH23 protein, while both the normal and truncated forms of the protein were noted in her parents. CONCLUSION The c.6688delG (p.Ala2230Profs*4) variant of the CDH23 gene probably underlay the pathogenesis of NFNB12 in this pedigree. The loss of function of the CDH23 gene resulting from this variant is not related with nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, but rather production of a truncated protein. Above finding has not only enriched the mutational spectrum of the CDH23 gene and offered a method for investigating the function of its variants using peripheral blood samples, but also delineated the molecular basis for the loss of function, which has provided crucial evidence for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for this family.
Humans ; Pedigree ; Male ; Female ; Asian People/genetics* ; Cadherins/genetics* ; Exome Sequencing ; Deafness/genetics* ; Mutation ; China ; Adult ; Cadherin Related Proteins ; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural/genetics* ; East Asian People

Background: The immune system plays a critical role in the development and progression of osteoporosis and fractures. However, the causal relationships between antibody immune responses, immune cells, and these bone conditions remain unclear. This study aimed to explore these relationships using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Methods: We collected complete blood count data from patients with fractures and healthy individuals and analyzed their differences. Then, we conducted a 2-sample, 2-step MR analysis to investigate the causal effects of antibody immune responses on osteoporosis and fractures, using inverse-variance weighted (IVW) as the primary method. We also explored whether immune cells mediate the pathway between antibodies and osteoporosis or fractures. Finally, we analyzed the functions and expression levels of key genes involved. Results: Overall, the fracture group exhibited increased white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, absolute monocyte count, platelet count, and their respective proportions, while absolute lymphocyte count, absolute eosinophil count, absolute basophil count, red blood cell count, and their proportions were decreased. We identified 44 causal relationships between antibodies and osteoporosis or fractures, with 7 supported by multiple MR methods, and 5 showing odds ratios significantly deviating from 1 in the IVW analysis. Epstein-Barr virus-related antibodies had a notable impact on osteoporosis and fractures. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene family, particularly HLA-DPB1, emerged as a significant risk factor. However, immune cells were not found to mediate these effects. Conclusions This study elucidated the causal relationships between antibody immune responses, immune cells, and osteoporosis or fractures. The HLA gene family plays a crucial role in the interaction between antibodies and these bone conditions, with HLA-DPB1 identified as a key risk gene. Immune cells do not serve as mediators in this process. These findings provide valuable insights for future research.

Background: The immune system plays a critical role in the development and progression of osteoporosis and fractures. However, the causal relationships between antibody immune responses, immune cells, and these bone conditions remain unclear. This study aimed to explore these relationships using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Methods: We collected complete blood count data from patients with fractures and healthy individuals and analyzed their differences. Then, we conducted a 2-sample, 2-step MR analysis to investigate the causal effects of antibody immune responses on osteoporosis and fractures, using inverse-variance weighted (IVW) as the primary method. We also explored whether immune cells mediate the pathway between antibodies and osteoporosis or fractures. Finally, we analyzed the functions and expression levels of key genes involved. Results: Overall, the fracture group exhibited increased white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, absolute monocyte count, platelet count, and their respective proportions, while absolute lymphocyte count, absolute eosinophil count, absolute basophil count, red blood cell count, and their proportions were decreased. We identified 44 causal relationships between antibodies and osteoporosis or fractures, with 7 supported by multiple MR methods, and 5 showing odds ratios significantly deviating from 1 in the IVW analysis. Epstein-Barr virus-related antibodies had a notable impact on osteoporosis and fractures. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene family, particularly HLA-DPB1, emerged as a significant risk factor. However, immune cells were not found to mediate these effects. Conclusions This study elucidated the causal relationships between antibody immune responses, immune cells, and osteoporosis or fractures. The HLA gene family plays a crucial role in the interaction between antibodies and these bone conditions, with HLA-DPB1 identified as a key risk gene. Immune cells do not serve as mediators in this process. These findings provide valuable insights for future research.

Background: The immune system plays a critical role in the development and progression of osteoporosis and fractures. However, the causal relationships between antibody immune responses, immune cells, and these bone conditions remain unclear. This study aimed to explore these relationships using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Methods: We collected complete blood count data from patients with fractures and healthy individuals and analyzed their differences. Then, we conducted a 2-sample, 2-step MR analysis to investigate the causal effects of antibody immune responses on osteoporosis and fractures, using inverse-variance weighted (IVW) as the primary method. We also explored whether immune cells mediate the pathway between antibodies and osteoporosis or fractures. Finally, we analyzed the functions and expression levels of key genes involved. Results: Overall, the fracture group exhibited increased white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, absolute monocyte count, platelet count, and their respective proportions, while absolute lymphocyte count, absolute eosinophil count, absolute basophil count, red blood cell count, and their proportions were decreased. We identified 44 causal relationships between antibodies and osteoporosis or fractures, with 7 supported by multiple MR methods, and 5 showing odds ratios significantly deviating from 1 in the IVW analysis. Epstein-Barr virus-related antibodies had a notable impact on osteoporosis and fractures. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene family, particularly HLA-DPB1, emerged as a significant risk factor. However, immune cells were not found to mediate these effects. Conclusions This study elucidated the causal relationships between antibody immune responses, immune cells, and osteoporosis or fractures. The HLA gene family plays a crucial role in the interaction between antibodies and these bone conditions, with HLA-DPB1 identified as a key risk gene. Immune cells do not serve as mediators in this process. These findings provide valuable insights for future research.

Objective:To investigate the steady-state mechanism of interconversion between the SMN1 and SMN2 genes in a normal population. Methods:Fluorescence PCR capillary electrophoresis was employed to assess gene conversion and copy number variation of SMN1 and SMN2 in a cohort of 1, 133 healthy individuals (including 256 males and 877 females) recruited between 2019 and 2023. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Henan Provincial People′s Hospital (Ethics No.: 2019-134). Results:No significant gender difference was observed in the single copy carrying rate of SMN1. The probability of conversion from SMN1 to SMN2 was determined to be 3.2% for females, 2.7% for males, and 3.1% for the overall population. The probability of conversion from SMN2 to SMN1 was found to be 5.5% for females, 6.3% for males, and 5.6% for the overall population. No statistically significant difference was found in the conversion probability between different genders ( P>0.05). Among the 99 cases of gene conversion, the SMN1 gene predominantly exhibited a copy number of 2 (97.0%), with the remainder having 3 copies (3%). The SMN2 gene primarily showed a copy number of 2 (72.7%), with the rest having 1 copy (27.3%). Conclusion:Gene conversion tends to normalize the copy numbers of both SMN1 and SMN2 genes towards 2. However, SMN1 exhibited a higher priority over SMN2, causing the copy numbers approaching two.

Objective To observe the value of deep learning model for automatically segmenting prostate on large-field T2WI based on integrated 68Ga-prostate specific membrane antigen(PSMA)PET/MRI.Methods Ninety male patients with prostate tumors who underwent 68Ga-PSMA PET/MRI were retrospectively enrolled and divided into training set(n=72)and validation set(n=18)at the ratio of 4∶1.Models were established based on 3D SegResNet and 3D Unet deep learning neural networks,respectively.Taken physicians'manual segmentation results as reference standards,the performances of models for segmenting the peripheral zone(PZ)and central zone(CZ)+transition zone(TZ)of prostate on large-field T2WI were evaluated.Results In both training and validation sets,the Dice similarity coefficient(DSC)of 3D SegResNet deep learning model for segmenting prostate on T 2WI were both higher than that of 3D Unet model(both P＜0.05),the 95％Hausdorff distance(HD95)of SegR esNet deep learning model for segmenting prostate CZ+TZ was lower than that of 3D Unet model(both P＜0.05),while DSC and HD95 of these 2 models for segmenting prostate CZ+TZ were superior to PZ(all P＜0.05).Conclusion 3D SegResNet deep learning model could be used to automatically segment prostate on large-field T2WI based on integrated 68Ga-PSMA PET/MRI.