Objective:To investigate whether paclitaxel (PTX) can induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and explore the new molecular mechanism of PTX-coated balloon angioplasty in intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis.Methods:(1) Cell culture and identification: VSMCs were induced into synthetic vascular smooth muscle cells (sVSMCs); the mRNA and protein expressions of smooth muscle protein 22-α (SM22-α) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in VSMCsS and sVSMCs were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting, respectively. Human acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 was induced into dendritic cells (DCs); the CD86 and CD83 expressions in THP-1 and DCs were detected by flow cytometry. (2) Cell viability detection: cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect the cell viability of sVSMCs after 0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.5, 5, 10, 50, and 100 μmol/L PTX or under 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 600 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) pressures. (3) ICD marker detection: sVSMCs were collected and divided into blank-control group, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group and PTX group (cultured with 3.2 μmol/L PTX) at normal state and pressure procedure (188 mmHg), respectively; calreticulin (CRT) expression was detected by immunofluorescent staining; adenosine triphosphate (ATP) expression was detected by luciferase assay, and high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) expression was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). (4) ICD-related immune activation assay detection: sVSMCs and DCs were collected and divided into DCs group, PTX+DCs group (cultured with 3.2 μmol/L PTX), DCs+sVSMCs group, and PTX+DCs+sVSMCs group (cultured with 3.2 μmol/L PTX); CD86 and CD83 expressions were detected by flow cytometry; interleukin (IL)-2, IL-10 and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels were detected by ELISA. The sVSMCs, DCs and CD8 +T cells were collected and divided into sVSMCs group, sVSMCs+DCs group, sVSMCs+CD8 +T cell group, sVSMCs+DCs+CD8 +T cell group, PTX+sVSMCs group (cultured with 3.2 μmol/L PTX), and PTX+sVSMCs+DCs+CD8 +T cell group (cultured with 3.2 μmol/L PTX); proliferation of these cells was detected by cell clone formation assay. Results:(1) The SM22-α and α-SMA mRNA and protein expressions in the sVSMCs group were significantly lower than those in the VSMCs group ( P<0.05); rate of double-positive CD83 and CD86 in the DCs group was significantly higher than that in the THP-1 group ( P<0.05). (2) The sVSMCs viability decreased in a concentration-dependent manner after PTX treatment at concentrations of 0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.5, 5, 10, 50, and 100 μmol/L, respectively, with significant differences ( P<0.05); half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50) of PTX on sVSMCs was 3.2 μmol/L; no significant difference in sVSMCs viability after 3.2 μmol/L PTX treatment was noted under 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 600 mmHg pressures ( P>0.05). (3) Under normal state and pressure procedure, CRT fluorescent intensity of sVSMCs in the PTX group (42.00±3.50, 24.19±2.41) was significantly higher than that in the blank-control group (8.60±1.8, 8.42±1.7) and DMSO group (10.23±1.47, 9.71±1.01), ATP luminescence intensity (17 399.33±2 035.58, 17 445.67±2 449.34) was significantly higher than that in the blank-control group (9 021.33±726.84, 10 271.33±2 194.22) and DMSO group (11 977.33±960.91, 11 683.33±419.50), and HMGB1 concentration ([3 258.31±502.08] pg/mL, [3 265.27±246.06] pg/mL) was significantly higher than that in the blank-control group ([1 156.48±184.96] pg/mL, [1 205.20±196.36] pg/mL) and DMSO group ([1 309.59±75.03] pg/mL, [1 265.51±14.52] pg/mL, P<0.05). (4) The PTX+DCs+sVSMCs group had significantly higher CD83, CD86, IFN-γ and IL-2 expressions and lower IL-10 expression than the DCs group, PTX+DCs group, and DCs+sVSMCs group ( P<0.05); the PTX+sVSMCs group and PTX+sVSMCs+DCs+CD8 +T cell group had significantly lower clone formation rate compared with the sVSMCs group, sVSMCs+DCs group, sVSMCs+CD8 +T cell group, and sVSMCs+DCs+CD8 +T cell group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:PTX can promote ICD in VSMCs by promoting DCs activation and enhancing CD8 +T cell toxicity.

Hemodialysis patients exhibit compromised immune function and require long-term repeated vascular punctures as therapeutic approach,the risk of infection increases.Hospital-associated infection in hemodialysis de-partment(center)happens from time to time,which has already become a concern for the medical community,patients and social media.This paper outlines the task origin of China's"Standard for infection prevention and control in hemodialysis department(center)"(WS/T854-2025),the compilation basis and explanations for its key content,feasibility and implementation recommendations,as well as the clarifications on common issues encoun-tered during its promotion and enforcement.

Objective:To investigate whether paclitaxel (PTX) can induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and explore the new molecular mechanism of PTX-coated balloon angioplasty in intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis.Methods:(1) Cell culture and identification: VSMCs were induced into synthetic vascular smooth muscle cells (sVSMCs); the mRNA and protein expressions of smooth muscle protein 22-α (SM22-α) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in VSMCsS and sVSMCs were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting, respectively. Human acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 was induced into dendritic cells (DCs); the CD86 and CD83 expressions in THP-1 and DCs were detected by flow cytometry. (2) Cell viability detection: cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect the cell viability of sVSMCs after 0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.5, 5, 10, 50, and 100 μmol/L PTX or under 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 600 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) pressures. (3) ICD marker detection: sVSMCs were collected and divided into blank-control group, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group and PTX group (cultured with 3.2 μmol/L PTX) at normal state and pressure procedure (188 mmHg), respectively; calreticulin (CRT) expression was detected by immunofluorescent staining; adenosine triphosphate (ATP) expression was detected by luciferase assay, and high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) expression was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). (4) ICD-related immune activation assay detection: sVSMCs and DCs were collected and divided into DCs group, PTX+DCs group (cultured with 3.2 μmol/L PTX), DCs+sVSMCs group, and PTX+DCs+sVSMCs group (cultured with 3.2 μmol/L PTX); CD86 and CD83 expressions were detected by flow cytometry; interleukin (IL)-2, IL-10 and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels were detected by ELISA. The sVSMCs, DCs and CD8 +T cells were collected and divided into sVSMCs group, sVSMCs+DCs group, sVSMCs+CD8 +T cell group, sVSMCs+DCs+CD8 +T cell group, PTX+sVSMCs group (cultured with 3.2 μmol/L PTX), and PTX+sVSMCs+DCs+CD8 +T cell group (cultured with 3.2 μmol/L PTX); proliferation of these cells was detected by cell clone formation assay. Results:(1) The SM22-α and α-SMA mRNA and protein expressions in the sVSMCs group were significantly lower than those in the VSMCs group ( P<0.05); rate of double-positive CD83 and CD86 in the DCs group was significantly higher than that in the THP-1 group ( P<0.05). (2) The sVSMCs viability decreased in a concentration-dependent manner after PTX treatment at concentrations of 0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.5, 5, 10, 50, and 100 μmol/L, respectively, with significant differences ( P<0.05); half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50) of PTX on sVSMCs was 3.2 μmol/L; no significant difference in sVSMCs viability after 3.2 μmol/L PTX treatment was noted under 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 600 mmHg pressures ( P>0.05). (3) Under normal state and pressure procedure, CRT fluorescent intensity of sVSMCs in the PTX group (42.00±3.50, 24.19±2.41) was significantly higher than that in the blank-control group (8.60±1.8, 8.42±1.7) and DMSO group (10.23±1.47, 9.71±1.01), ATP luminescence intensity (17 399.33±2 035.58, 17 445.67±2 449.34) was significantly higher than that in the blank-control group (9 021.33±726.84, 10 271.33±2 194.22) and DMSO group (11 977.33±960.91, 11 683.33±419.50), and HMGB1 concentration ([3 258.31±502.08] pg/mL, [3 265.27±246.06] pg/mL) was significantly higher than that in the blank-control group ([1 156.48±184.96] pg/mL, [1 205.20±196.36] pg/mL) and DMSO group ([1 309.59±75.03] pg/mL, [1 265.51±14.52] pg/mL, P<0.05). (4) The PTX+DCs+sVSMCs group had significantly higher CD83, CD86, IFN-γ and IL-2 expressions and lower IL-10 expression than the DCs group, PTX+DCs group, and DCs+sVSMCs group ( P<0.05); the PTX+sVSMCs group and PTX+sVSMCs+DCs+CD8 +T cell group had significantly lower clone formation rate compared with the sVSMCs group, sVSMCs+DCs group, sVSMCs+CD8 +T cell group, and sVSMCs+DCs+CD8 +T cell group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:PTX can promote ICD in VSMCs by promoting DCs activation and enhancing CD8 +T cell toxicity.

Objective:To investigate the mechanism of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) axis in regulating phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).Methods:(1) VSMCs were divided into a control group, a synthetic VSMCs group, and a Drp1 siRNA+synthetic VSMCs group; cells in the Drp1 siRNA+synthetic VSMCs group were transfected with 50 nmol/L Drp1 siRNA for 48 h; cells in the latter two groups were treated with 20 ng/mL platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, while cells in the control group were treated with an equal volume of solvent. After another 24 h of culture, Drp1 expression in VSMCs, and mitochondrial Drp1 and mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) expressions were detected by Western blotting, and changes in mitochondrial morphology were detected by mitochondrial fluorescent staining. (2) VSMCs were divided into a control group, a synthetic VSMCs group, and a mitochondrial fission inhibitor 1 (Mdivi-1)+synthetic VSMCs group; cells in the Mdivi-1+synthetic VSMCs group were pretreated with 50 μmol/L Mdivi-1 for 2 h; and cells in the latter two groups were treated with 20 ng/mL PDGF-BB, while cells in the control group were treated with an equal volume of solvent. After 24 hours of continued culture, expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), smooth muscle protein 22-α (SM22-α), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and Cyclin D1 were detected by Western blotting; invasion and migration abilities of VSMCs were detected by Transwell assay and scratch wound healing assay, respectively. (3) VSMCs were divided into a control group, a synthetic VSMCs group, and a N-acetylcysteine (NAC)+synthetic VSMCs group; cells in the NAC+synthetic VSMCs group were pretreated with 5 mmol/L NAC for 1 h; cells in the latter two groups were treated with 20 ng/mL PDGF-BB, while cells in the control group were treated with an equal volume of solvent. After 24 h of continued culture, expressions of Drp1, phosphorylated (p)-Drp1, α-SMA, SM22-α, PCNA, and Cyclin D1 were detected by Western blotting; changes in mitochondrial morphology were detected by mitochondrial fluorescent staining; intracellular ROS level was detected by 2', 7' -dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) fluorescent probe; cell invasion and migration abilities were detected by Transwell assay and scratch wound healing assay, respectively. (4) VSMCs were divided into a control group, a synthetic VSMCs group, and a 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC)+synthetic VSMCs group; cells in the 5-Aza-dC+synthetic VSMCs group were pretreated with 2 μmol/L 5-Aza-dC for 1 h; and then, cells in the latter two groups were treated with 20 ng/mL PDGF-BB, while cells in the control group were treated with an equal volume of solvent. After 24 h of continued culture, agarose gel electrophoresis was used to analyze the methylation degree in the mitochondrial D-loop region; intracellular ROS level was detected using DCFH-DA fluorescent probe; expressions of mitochondrial DNMT1, α-SMA, SM22-α, PCNA, and Cyclin D1 were detected by Western blotting; invasion and migration abilities were detected by Transwell assay and scratch wound healing assay, respectively.Results:(1) Compared with the control group and synthetic VSMCs group, the Drp1 siRNA+synthetic VSMCs group had significantly decreased Drp1 protein expression ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the synthetic VSMCs group had significantly increased Drp1 protein expression and decreased Mfn2 protein expression in the mitochondria ( P<0.05); compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the Drp1 siRNA+synthetic VSMCs group had statistically decreased Drp1 protein expression and increased Mfn2 protein expression in the mitochondria ( P<0.05). Results of mitochondrial fluorescent staining showed that mitochondria in the control group were with filamentous structure, while mitochondrial fission in the synthetic VSMCs group was enhanced, and morphology of mitochondria in the Drp1 siRNA+synthetic VSMCs group tended to be continuous and complete. (2) Compared with the control group, the synthetic VSMCs group had statistically decreased α-SMA and SM22-α protein expressions and increased PCNA and Cyclin D1 protein expressions ( P<0.05). Compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the Mdivi-1+synthetic VSMCs group had significantly increased α-SMA and SM22-α protein expressions and decreased PCNA and Cyclin D1 protein expressions ( P<0.05). Results of Transwell and scratch wound healing assays showed that compared with the control group, the synthetic VSMCs group had larger number of migrating cells and faster cell scratch healing; compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the Mdivi-1+synthetic VSMCs group had smaller number of migrating cells and slower cell scratch healing. (3) Compared with the control group (1.10±0.02), the synthetic VSMCs group (1.53±0.02) had significantly increased p-Drp1 protein expression ( P<0.05). Compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the NAC+synthetic VSMCs group (0.90±0.02) had statistically decreased p-Drp1 protein expression ( P<0.05). Results of mitochondrial fluorescent staining showed that mitochondria in cells of the control group were in a filamentous structure, while mitochondrial fission in cells of the synthetic VSMCs group was enhanced, and morphology of mitochondria in the NAC+synthetic VSMCs group tended to be continuous and complete. Results of DCFH-DA fluorescent probe showed that ROS level in the synthetic VSMCs group was higher than that in the control group, and ROS level in the NAC+synthetic VSMCs group was lower than that in the synthetic VSMCs group. Compared with the control group, the synthetic VSMCs group had significantly decreased α-SMA and SM22-α protein expressions and increased PCNA and Cyclin D1 protein expressions ( P<0.05). Compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the NAC+synthetic VSMCs group had significantly increased α-SMA and SM22-α protein expressions and decreased PCNA and Cyclin D1 protein expressions ( P<0.05). Results of Transwell and scratch wound healing assays showed that compared with the control group, the synthetic VSMCs group had larger number of migrating cells and faster cell scratch healing; compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the NAC+synthetic VSMCs group had smaller number of migrating cells and slower cell scratch healing. (4) Results of agarose gel electrophoresis showed that compared with the control group, the synthetic VSMCs group had significantly increased methylation rate in the mitochondrial D-loop region ( P<0.05); compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the 5-Aza-dC+synthetic VSMCs group had statistically decreased methylation rate in the mitochondrial D-loop region ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the synthetic VSMCs group had statistically increased mitochondrial DNMT1 protein expression (1.03±0.03 vs. 0.55±0.03, P<0.05); and compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the the 5-Aza-dC+synthetic VSMCs group (0.62±0.03) had significantly decreased mitochondrial DNMT1 protein expression ( P<0.05). Results of DCFH-DA fluorescent probe showed that ROS level in the synthetic VSMCs group was higher than that in the control group; ROS level in the 5-Aza-dC+synthetic VSMCs group was lower than that in the synthetic VSMCs group. Compared with the control group, the synthetic VSMCs group had significantly decreased α-SMA and SM22-α protein expressions and increased PCNA and Cyclin D1 protein expressions ( P<0.05). Compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the 5-Aza-dC+synthetic VSMCs group had significantly increased α-SMA and SM22-α protein expressions and decreased PCNA and Cyclin D1 protein expressions ( P<0.05). Results of Transwell and scratch wound healing assays showed that compared with the control group, the synthetic VSMCs group had larger number of migrating cells and faster scratch healing. Compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the 5-Aza-dC+synthetic VSMCs group had smaller number of migrating cells and slower scratch healing. Conclusion:The mtDNA-ROS-Drp1 axis may regulate the phenotypic transformation of VSMCs by modulating mitochondrial epigenetic modifications.

Objective:Kawasaki disease shock syndrome（KDSS）and macrophage activation syndrome（MAS）are both severe forms of Kawasaki disease. The coexistence of these two critical illnesses is extremely rare，which can be life-threatening in severe cases. The purpose of this study is to summarize the clinical features of children with KDSS complicated with MAS，and provide a basis for precise diagnosis and treatment.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical manifestations，laboratory tests，imaging characteristics，treatment，and prognosis of 10 children with KDSS and MAS admitted to Beijing Children's Hospital，Capital Medical University from January 2021 to June 2024.Results:Among the 10 children，six were male and four were female，and the age of onset was three months to eleven years old. Acute kidney injury was observed in five patients. Laboratory tests revealed significant increases in serum ferritin，C-reactive protein，B-type natriuretic peptide，aspartate aminotransferase，alanine aminotransferase，creatinine，triglycerides，and interferon-γ，while platelet count and albumin were significantly decreased. Six patients had cardiac enlargement，three had reduced ejection fraction，seven had pericardial effusion，and seven had coronary artery damage. All children were treated with immunoglobulin and methylprednisolone pulse therapy，as well as vasoactive drug infusion to improve circulation and maintain blood pressure. All children were discharged after clinical improvement，and most had a good prognosis.Conclusion:Children with KDSS may develop MAS，which present a complex and rapidly progressing condition often accompanied by a significant increase in ferritin levels. Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to a favorable prognosis.

Objective To explore the relationship between serum phospholipase A2(PLA2),S100 calcium-binding protein B(S100B) and carotid plaque in elderly patients with acute progressive cerebral infarction. Methods From January 2021 to June 2022,120 elderly patients with acute progressive cerebral infarction were enrolled in the study group,while 115 patients with non-progressive cerebral infarction were classified as non-progressive group and 100 healthy people as healthy group. The study group was divided into three groups:no plaque group (34 cases),stable plaque group (45 cases) and unstable plaque group (41 cases). To analyze the relationship between serum PLA2 and S100B levels and carotid plaque. ROC analysis of their predictive value for carotid plaque. Follow-up for 1 year,the survival rate was analyzed with recurrence and death as the end points. Results The levels of serum PLA2 and S100B in stable and unstable plaque groups were higher than those in non-plaque group,and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Serum PLA2 and S100B were positively correlated with carotid plaque. ROC showed that the value of joint prediction was higher (P<0.05). Conclusion The levels of serum PLA2 and S100B are increased in elderly patients with acute progressive cerebral infarction,which is closely related to carotid plaque.

BACKGROUND: The primary limitation to kidney transplantation is organ shortage. Recent progress in gene editing and immunosuppressive regimens has made xenotransplantation with porcine organs a possibility. However, evidence in pig-to-human xenotransplantation remains scarce, and antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is a major obstacle to clinical applications of xenotransplantation. METHODS: We conducted a kidney xenotransplantation in a brain-dead human recipient using a porcine kidney with five gene edits (5GE) on March 25, 2024 at Xijing Hospital, China. Clinical-grade immunosuppressive regimens were employed, and the observation period lasted 22 days. We collected and analyzed the xenograft function, ultrasound findings, sequential protocol biopsies, and immune surveillance of the recipient during the observation. RESULTS: The combination of 5GE in the porcine kidney and clinical-grade immunosuppressive regimens prevented hyperacute rejection. The xenograft kidney underwent delayed graft function in the first week, but urine output increased later and the single xenograft kidney maintained electrolyte and pH homeostasis from postoperative day (POD) 12 to 19. We observed AMR at 24 h post-transplantation, due to the presence of pre-existing anti-porcine antibodies and cytotoxicity before transplantation; this AMR persisted throughout the observation period. Plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin treatment mitigated the AMR. We observed activation of latent porcine cytomegalovirus toward the end of the study, which might have contributed to coagulation disorder in the recipient. CONCLUSIONS 5GE and clinical-grade immunosuppressive regimens were sufficient to prevent hyperacute rejection during pig-to-human kidney xenotransplantation. Pre-existing anti-porcine antibodies predisposed the xenograft to AMR. Plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin were safe and effective in the treatment of AMR after kidney xenotransplantation.
Transplantation, Heterologous/methods* ; Kidney Transplantation/methods* ; Heterografts/pathology* ; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous/administration & dosage* ; Graft Survival/immunology* ; Humans ; Animals ; Sus scrofa ; Graft Rejection/prevention & control* ; Kidney/pathology* ; Gene Editing ; Species Specificity ; Immunosuppression Therapy/methods* ; Plasma Exchange ; Brain Death ; Biopsy ; Male ; Aged

Objective Using network pharmacology research methods and animal pharmacology experiments,explore the mechanism of antidepressant effects of traditional Chinese medicine Citron and Bergamot.Methods Using the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP),ETCM,Symmap,Swiss Target Prediction,and Uniprot data platforms,screen the active ingredients and corresponding gene targets of Citron and Bergamot.Obtain depression gene targets using OMIM,TTD,and Cenecards data platforms.Using Venny 2.1 online software,draw Venn diagrams of the intersection of active ingredients and gene targets.Draw network diagrams between drugs,active ingredients,targets,and diseases using Cytoscape 3.7.2 software.Construct a protein-protein interaction(PPI)network diagram using the STRING data platform for intersecting genes.Using the Metascape data platform,perform gene ontology(GO)function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genesand and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis.A rat depression model was established using chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)combined with solitary care,and animal experiments were conducted to verify the BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway obtained from network pharmacology research.Results The research results of network pharmacology methods show that there are 57 antidepressant active ingredients in Citron,65 antidepressant active ingredients in Bergamot,and important active ingredients include Acetic acid,3,4,7-trimethoxycoumarin and Citric acid,etc.Through the data platform,2717 depression targets and 430 intersection targets were identified.Through PPI network analysis,key gene targets for antidepressant effects in Citron and Bergamot were identified,including TP53,Protein kinase B1,CREB-binding protein,Brain derived neurotrophic factor,etc.Through KEGG analysis,it was found that important signaling pathways include pathways in cancer,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,Neurotrophin signaling pathway,etc.By observing the neurotrophic factor BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway in depressed rats,the results showed that the medium dose groups of Citron and Bergamot could significantly increase serum BDNF content(P<0.05),and each treatment group could improve the damage of hippocampal neurons in rats.The high and medium dose groups of Citron and Bergamot significantly increased the expression of BDNF protein in the hippocampal CA1 region(P<0.05,P<0.01).Except for the low-dose group,which showed no difference in TrkB mRNA gene expression,all other treatment groups significantly increased the mRNA gene expression levels of hippocampal BDNF,TrkB and CREB(P<0.01).The medium dose group of Citron and Bergamot increased the expression of BDNF protein in the hippocampus(P<0.01),while the medium and low dose groups significantly increased the relative expression of TrkB protein in the hippocampus(P<0.05).The medium dose group showed an increasing trend in the relative expression of CREB protein.Conclusion Traditional Chinese medicine Citron and Bergamot have therapeutic effects on depression models in rats,and the mechanism of action may be related to the BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate the mechanism of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) axis in regulating phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).Methods:(1) VSMCs were divided into a control group, a synthetic VSMCs group, and a Drp1 siRNA+synthetic VSMCs group; cells in the Drp1 siRNA+synthetic VSMCs group were transfected with 50 nmol/L Drp1 siRNA for 48 h; cells in the latter two groups were treated with 20 ng/mL platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, while cells in the control group were treated with an equal volume of solvent. After another 24 h of culture, Drp1 expression in VSMCs, and mitochondrial Drp1 and mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) expressions were detected by Western blotting, and changes in mitochondrial morphology were detected by mitochondrial fluorescent staining. (2) VSMCs were divided into a control group, a synthetic VSMCs group, and a mitochondrial fission inhibitor 1 (Mdivi-1)+synthetic VSMCs group; cells in the Mdivi-1+synthetic VSMCs group were pretreated with 50 μmol/L Mdivi-1 for 2 h; and cells in the latter two groups were treated with 20 ng/mL PDGF-BB, while cells in the control group were treated with an equal volume of solvent. After 24 hours of continued culture, expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), smooth muscle protein 22-α (SM22-α), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and Cyclin D1 were detected by Western blotting; invasion and migration abilities of VSMCs were detected by Transwell assay and scratch wound healing assay, respectively. (3) VSMCs were divided into a control group, a synthetic VSMCs group, and a N-acetylcysteine (NAC)+synthetic VSMCs group; cells in the NAC+synthetic VSMCs group were pretreated with 5 mmol/L NAC for 1 h; cells in the latter two groups were treated with 20 ng/mL PDGF-BB, while cells in the control group were treated with an equal volume of solvent. After 24 h of continued culture, expressions of Drp1, phosphorylated (p)-Drp1, α-SMA, SM22-α, PCNA, and Cyclin D1 were detected by Western blotting; changes in mitochondrial morphology were detected by mitochondrial fluorescent staining; intracellular ROS level was detected by 2', 7' -dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) fluorescent probe; cell invasion and migration abilities were detected by Transwell assay and scratch wound healing assay, respectively. (4) VSMCs were divided into a control group, a synthetic VSMCs group, and a 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC)+synthetic VSMCs group; cells in the 5-Aza-dC+synthetic VSMCs group were pretreated with 2 μmol/L 5-Aza-dC for 1 h; and then, cells in the latter two groups were treated with 20 ng/mL PDGF-BB, while cells in the control group were treated with an equal volume of solvent. After 24 h of continued culture, agarose gel electrophoresis was used to analyze the methylation degree in the mitochondrial D-loop region; intracellular ROS level was detected using DCFH-DA fluorescent probe; expressions of mitochondrial DNMT1, α-SMA, SM22-α, PCNA, and Cyclin D1 were detected by Western blotting; invasion and migration abilities were detected by Transwell assay and scratch wound healing assay, respectively.Results:(1) Compared with the control group and synthetic VSMCs group, the Drp1 siRNA+synthetic VSMCs group had significantly decreased Drp1 protein expression ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the synthetic VSMCs group had significantly increased Drp1 protein expression and decreased Mfn2 protein expression in the mitochondria ( P<0.05); compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the Drp1 siRNA+synthetic VSMCs group had statistically decreased Drp1 protein expression and increased Mfn2 protein expression in the mitochondria ( P<0.05). Results of mitochondrial fluorescent staining showed that mitochondria in the control group were with filamentous structure, while mitochondrial fission in the synthetic VSMCs group was enhanced, and morphology of mitochondria in the Drp1 siRNA+synthetic VSMCs group tended to be continuous and complete. (2) Compared with the control group, the synthetic VSMCs group had statistically decreased α-SMA and SM22-α protein expressions and increased PCNA and Cyclin D1 protein expressions ( P<0.05). Compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the Mdivi-1+synthetic VSMCs group had significantly increased α-SMA and SM22-α protein expressions and decreased PCNA and Cyclin D1 protein expressions ( P<0.05). Results of Transwell and scratch wound healing assays showed that compared with the control group, the synthetic VSMCs group had larger number of migrating cells and faster cell scratch healing; compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the Mdivi-1+synthetic VSMCs group had smaller number of migrating cells and slower cell scratch healing. (3) Compared with the control group (1.10±0.02), the synthetic VSMCs group (1.53±0.02) had significantly increased p-Drp1 protein expression ( P<0.05). Compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the NAC+synthetic VSMCs group (0.90±0.02) had statistically decreased p-Drp1 protein expression ( P<0.05). Results of mitochondrial fluorescent staining showed that mitochondria in cells of the control group were in a filamentous structure, while mitochondrial fission in cells of the synthetic VSMCs group was enhanced, and morphology of mitochondria in the NAC+synthetic VSMCs group tended to be continuous and complete. Results of DCFH-DA fluorescent probe showed that ROS level in the synthetic VSMCs group was higher than that in the control group, and ROS level in the NAC+synthetic VSMCs group was lower than that in the synthetic VSMCs group. Compared with the control group, the synthetic VSMCs group had significantly decreased α-SMA and SM22-α protein expressions and increased PCNA and Cyclin D1 protein expressions ( P<0.05). Compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the NAC+synthetic VSMCs group had significantly increased α-SMA and SM22-α protein expressions and decreased PCNA and Cyclin D1 protein expressions ( P<0.05). Results of Transwell and scratch wound healing assays showed that compared with the control group, the synthetic VSMCs group had larger number of migrating cells and faster cell scratch healing; compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the NAC+synthetic VSMCs group had smaller number of migrating cells and slower cell scratch healing. (4) Results of agarose gel electrophoresis showed that compared with the control group, the synthetic VSMCs group had significantly increased methylation rate in the mitochondrial D-loop region ( P<0.05); compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the 5-Aza-dC+synthetic VSMCs group had statistically decreased methylation rate in the mitochondrial D-loop region ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the synthetic VSMCs group had statistically increased mitochondrial DNMT1 protein expression (1.03±0.03 vs. 0.55±0.03, P<0.05); and compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the the 5-Aza-dC+synthetic VSMCs group (0.62±0.03) had significantly decreased mitochondrial DNMT1 protein expression ( P<0.05). Results of DCFH-DA fluorescent probe showed that ROS level in the synthetic VSMCs group was higher than that in the control group; ROS level in the 5-Aza-dC+synthetic VSMCs group was lower than that in the synthetic VSMCs group. Compared with the control group, the synthetic VSMCs group had significantly decreased α-SMA and SM22-α protein expressions and increased PCNA and Cyclin D1 protein expressions ( P<0.05). Compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the 5-Aza-dC+synthetic VSMCs group had significantly increased α-SMA and SM22-α protein expressions and decreased PCNA and Cyclin D1 protein expressions ( P<0.05). Results of Transwell and scratch wound healing assays showed that compared with the control group, the synthetic VSMCs group had larger number of migrating cells and faster scratch healing. Compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the 5-Aza-dC+synthetic VSMCs group had smaller number of migrating cells and slower scratch healing. Conclusion:The mtDNA-ROS-Drp1 axis may regulate the phenotypic transformation of VSMCs by modulating mitochondrial epigenetic modifications.