The elevated polyamines, amine-rich molecules with diverse functions in pathophysiology processes, are implicated in contributing to tumorigenesis and progression. Whether and how they affect the efficacy of chemotherapy is incompletely understood. Our screening assays reveal that the supplement with a low dose of spermidine (Spd), one of the polyamines, enhances ferroptosis in prostate cancer cells as evidenced by increased lipid peroxidation and intracellular Fe²⁺ levels in vitro. Combination treatment with Spd and a low dose of ferroptosis inducer erastin synergistically augments anti-tumor efficacy with undetectable toxicity in mice. Analysis of RNA-seq data indicates that heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1), an enzyme that catalyzes the cleavage of heme to release Fe²⁺, is significantly upregulated in response to Spd and erastin cotreatment. Spd mediated the hypusine modification of the eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (EIF5A) promotes the translation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), subsequently leading to elevation of HMOX1. Moreover, Spd and erastin significantly inhibit proteasome activity which results in a decrease in proteasomal degradation of NRF2, although many proteasome-related genes are induced either by Spd or Spd plus erastin. Thus, in addition to its pro-oncogenic activity, the supplement of Spd improves antitumor activity in combination with ferroptosis inducers and offers an optional approach to cancer treatment.

Cells and exosomes derived from them are extensively used as biological carrier systems. Cells demonstrate superior targeting specificity and prolonged circulation facilitated by their rich array of surface proteins, while exosomes, due to their small size, cross barriers and penetrate tumors efficiently. However, challenges remain, cells' large size restricts tissue penetration, and exosomes have limited targeting accuracy and short circulation times. To address these challenges, we developed a novel concept termed exosomal spheres. This approach involved incorporating platelet-derived exosomes shielded with phosphatidylserine (PS) and linked via pH-sensitive bonds for drug delivery applications. The study demonstrated that, compared with exosomes, the exosomal spheres improved blood circulation through the upregulation of CD47 expression and shielding of phosphatidylserine, thereby minimizing immune clearance. Moreover, the increased expression of P-selectin promoted adhesion to circulating tumor cells, thereby enhancing targeting efficiency. Upon reaching the tumor site, the hydrazone bonds of exosome spheres were protonated in the acidic tumor microenvironment, leading to disintegration into uniform-sized exosomes capable of deeper tumor penetration compared to platelets. These findings suggested that exosome spheres addressed the challenges and offered significant potential for efficient and precise drug delivery.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the correlation between the quality of life （QOL） and different traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndromes in patients with myasthenia gravis （MG）， identifying potential influencing factors to provide new insights for clinical interventions and improving the QOL of patients with MG. MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted on 93 adults with MG who visited the Department of Neurology at the Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine from March 2023 to January 2024. Statistical analysis was performed on the clinical data collected using SPSS 24.0 software. ResultsAmong the 93 patients with MG， the average score for myasthenia gravis quality of life-15 （MGQOL-15） was 17.65±6.27， and that for the 36-item short form health survey （SF-36） was （106.13±11.83） scores. The QOL was rated as good for 16 patients and moderate for 77 patients. There were no statistically significant differences in the scores of MGQOL-15， SF-36， and their individual scales by gender or education level. Age showed statistically significant differences in MGQOL-15 and the role physical （RP） scale （P<0.05）， and occupational type showed significant differences in the vitality （VT） scale （P<0.01）. The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America （MGFA） classification had statistical significance on the total SF-36 score （P<0.01）， VT scale （P<0.01）， role emotional （RE） scale （P<0.05）， social functioning （SF） scale （P<0.05）， and physical functioning （PF） scale （P<0.01）. Among patients with different TCM syndromes， there were significant differences in MGQOL-15 scores （F=4.919， P<0.01）. Moreover， significant differences were observed in SF-36 scores （P<0.01）， VT scale （P<0.01）， RE scale （P<0.05）， mental health （MH） scale （P<0.01）， and SF scale （P<0.05）. ConclusionFactors affecting the QOL of patients with MG include age， occupational type， and clinical classification of MG. Specifically， a greater impact on the QOL of older patients is observed， while physical laborers have a poorer QOL compared to non-physical laborers. Patients classified as MGFA type Ⅱ and higher have a poorer QOL. Additionally， there is a potential correlation between the QOL and TCM syndromes， with patients presenting with spleen and kidney Qi deficiency having a lower QOL than those with spleen and stomach Qi deficiency or Qi and Yin deficiency， which is particularly evident in the VT， RE， MH， and SF scales.

Objective:To investigate distribution characteristics of allergen specific IgE of children with allergic diseases in Qianwan New District of Ningbo City,and provide guidance for clinical prophylaxis,cure and management of allergic diseases.Methods:This retrospective study enrolled pediatric patients with suspected allergic diseases presenting to the Department of Pediatrics at Ningbo Hangzhou Bay Hospital between January 2019 and October 2023.Allergen specific IgE and total IgE were detected by microarray enzyme-linked immunoassay.Results:52.9％of the investigated children are allergic to at least one allergen,39.8％had multiple sensitization.The main inhalation allergens were Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus(32.8％),D.farinae(32.3％),Blomia tropicalis(7.7％),Bermuda Grass(6.6％)and Timothy Grass(6.0％).The main food allergens were Egg White(23.1％),Milk(11.7％),Almond(4.9％)and Peanut(4.3％).Compared with girls(50.1％),boys(54.7％)are more likely to be sensitized to allergens.Infants and young children are predominantly affected by inhalation allergen;however,after three years old,there is a notable shift in the sensitization pattern,with inhalation allergens gradually becoming the predominant type of sensitization.Conclusions:It is common for children in Qianwan New District of Ningbo city to be sensitized to inhalation and food allergens.In addition to Mite,Egg White and Milk,Bermuda Grass and Timothy Grass are also important allergens.The distribution of allergens varies according to genders,age,and year.

Aim To investigate the protective effect of Vaccarin(Va)on epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)in renal fibrosis model mice through regulating STAT3,and the underlying mechanism.Methods Left ureter ligation was used to establish a mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO);human kid-ney tubular epithelial(HK2)cells were induced to differentiate by transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)in vitro.HE and Masson staining were used to observe the morphological changes of renal tissue;kits were used to detect the levels of BUN,Cr,IL-1β and IL-7 in mouse serum;CCK-8 was used to detect the effect of Va on the viability of HK2 cells;RT-PCR was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors in HK2 cells;Western blot was used to detect the expression of STAT3,p-STAT3,E-cadherin,and α-SMA proteins in renal tissue and HK2 cells;to further investigate the regulation of Va on STAT3,JAK/STAT3 pathway acti-vator RO8191 was used to treat TGF-β-induced HK2 cells,and functional loss was detected.Results Va improved the pathological damage in UUO mice,inhibi-ted the levels of BUN,Cr and inflammatory factors;Va inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3,upregulated E-cadherin,and downregulated α-SMA protein expres-sion;RO8191 counteracted the inhibitory effect of Va on the phosphorylation of STAT3.Conclusions Va inhibits the phosphorylation of STAT3 and the release of inflammatory factors,improves EMT,thus exerting an anti-renal fibrosis effect.

Fucoidan(FUC)is a natural seaweed-derived drug.Previously,our experiments have shown that FUC can significantly inhibit the cell viability of human osteosarcoma 143B cells and induce cell death,but the mechanism remains unclear.Ferroptosis,a novel form of cell death,has emerged as an important target for tumor therapy.This study aims to investigate whether FUC induces ferroptosis of 143B cells and elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms.CCK-8 and LDH assays result showed that FUC(10,100,400 μg/mL)significantly reduced cell viability of 143B cells and induced cell death.Calce-in-AM staining,FeRhoNox-1 staining,and C11 BODIPY 581/591 staining indicated that FUC obviously increased the levels of labile iron pool(LIP),Fe2+,and lipid reactive oxygen species(Lip ROS)in 143B cells.Chemical colorimetric analysis revealed that FUC markedly decreased intracellular Glutathi-one(GSH)contents.Real-time quantitative PCR showed that FUC dramatically reduced the mRNA lev-els of ferroptosis-related factors solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),while increasing the mRNA levels of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2(PTGS2)and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4(ACSL4).Western blotting analysis demonstrated that FUC significantly reduced the protein levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4,and the ratios of p-PI3K/PI3K,p-AktSer473/Akt,and p-AktThr308/Akt,but increased the protein level of ACSL4.Immunofluorescence staining showed that FUC obviously inhibited the nuclear translocation of p-AktSer473.The ferroptosis in-hibitor ferrostatin-1(Fer-1)and iron chelator deferoxamine(DFO)remarkably suppressed cell death in-duced by FUC in 143B cells.Additionally,the PI3K/Akt pathway activator 740Y-P significantly inhibi-ted FUC-induced iron overload and lipid peroxidation in 143B cells,and restored the protein levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4.In conclusion,FUC can induce ferroptosis of 143B cells by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,which may be a potential target for the prevention and treatment of osteosarcoma.

Objective:To observe the intervention effect of personalized nutrition program combined with rehabilitation training in stroke rehabilitation patients.Methods:86 stroke rehabilitation patients who were admitted to our hospital from January 2023 to June 2024 were prospectively selected,they were divided into control group and study group according to the random number table method,with 43 cases in each group,the control group received rehabilitation training,while the study group received personalized nutrition program combine with rehabilitation training.Simple Fugl Meyer motor function(FMA)score,immune function indicators[immunoglobulin(Ig)A,IgG,complement C3,IgM,complement C4],National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS),nutritional status indicators[albumin(ALB),prealbumin(PA),total protein(TP),hemoglobin(HB)],Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale(SS-QOL),Barthel Index(BI)score were compared between the two groups.Results:NIHSS score in the study group at 8 weeks after intervention was lower than that in the control group,and SS-QOL score,BI score,FMA score,IgM,IgA,IgG,complement C3,complement C4,ALB,HB,TP and PA were higher than those in the control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion:Personalized nutrition program combined with rehabilitation training in stroke rehabilitation patients,can reduce neurological damage,improve limb motor function,enhance nutritional status,immunity,and quality of life.

Fucoidan(FUC)is a natural seaweed-derived drug.Previously,our experiments have shown that FUC can significantly inhibit the cell viability of human osteosarcoma 143B cells and induce cell death,but the mechanism remains unclear.Ferroptosis,a novel form of cell death,has emerged as an important target for tumor therapy.This study aims to investigate whether FUC induces ferroptosis of 143B cells and elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms.CCK-8 and LDH assays result showed that FUC(10,100,400 μg/mL)significantly reduced cell viability of 143B cells and induced cell death.Calce-in-AM staining,FeRhoNox-1 staining,and C11 BODIPY 581/591 staining indicated that FUC obviously increased the levels of labile iron pool(LIP),Fe2+,and lipid reactive oxygen species(Lip ROS)in 143B cells.Chemical colorimetric analysis revealed that FUC markedly decreased intracellular Glutathi-one(GSH)contents.Real-time quantitative PCR showed that FUC dramatically reduced the mRNA lev-els of ferroptosis-related factors solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),while increasing the mRNA levels of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2(PTGS2)and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4(ACSL4).Western blotting analysis demonstrated that FUC significantly reduced the protein levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4,and the ratios of p-PI3K/PI3K,p-AktSer473/Akt,and p-AktThr308/Akt,but increased the protein level of ACSL4.Immunofluorescence staining showed that FUC obviously inhibited the nuclear translocation of p-AktSer473.The ferroptosis in-hibitor ferrostatin-1(Fer-1)and iron chelator deferoxamine(DFO)remarkably suppressed cell death in-duced by FUC in 143B cells.Additionally,the PI3K/Akt pathway activator 740Y-P significantly inhibi-ted FUC-induced iron overload and lipid peroxidation in 143B cells,and restored the protein levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4.In conclusion,FUC can induce ferroptosis of 143B cells by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,which may be a potential target for the prevention and treatment of osteosarcoma.

This study was aimed at determining the molecular characteristics of Yersinia pestis in the natural plague foci around Qinghai Lake through single nucleotide polymorphism technology,to lay a foundation for molecular epidemiological and source-tracing analysis of Y.pestis in this area.Using the whole genome sequencing technology,we obtained the whole genome sequences of 84 representative Y.pestis strains.Using the sequences of Y.pestis and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis IP32953 from the NCBI database as references,we compared and analyzed the 2 298 SNP loci of these strains.From 1957 to 2020,84 representative strains of Y.pestis from the natural plague foci around Qinghai Lake were divided into two clades:1.IN2 and 3.ANT1.The 1.IN2 clade was the characteristic population of Y.pestis throughout all epidemic years in this area.Additionally,analysis of the SNP distribution and hosts in the region indicated that the 1.IN2 clade was located in five counties except Wulan,whereas the 3.ANT1 clade was isolated from Himalayan marmot and dog in two counties.In conclusion,the population structure of SNP of Y.pestis in the natural plague foci around Qinghai Lake is relatively simple,and SNP analysis of Y.pestis provided a scientific basis for tracing plague epidemic sources and formulating plague prevention and control measures in this area.

In this report, the protective effect and molecular mechanism of Chaihu Shugan San-containing serum on corticosterone(CORT)-induced mitochondrial damage in pheochromocytoma(PC12) cells was studied based on CORT-induced rat PC12 cell model. The cultured cells were divided into five groups: blank control group, CORT group(400 μmol·L~(-1) CORT), Chaihu Shugan San-containing serum group(400 μmol·L~(-1) CORT + 10% Chaihu Shugan San-containing serum), control serum group(400 μmol·L~(-1) CORT + 10% control serum), and fluoxetine group(400 μmol·L~(-1) CORT + 10% fluoxetine-containing serum). The study was carried out by cell activity detection, mitochondrial morphology observation, membrane potential measurement, energy metabolism analysis, and mitochondrial dynamics-related protein detection. The results showed that CORT treatment significantly reduced the survival rate of PC12 cells, altered mitochondrial morphology, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and adenosine triphosphate(ATP) synthetic rate. Both Chaihu Shugan San-and fluoxetine-containing serum significantly increased the survival rate of CORT-treated PC12 cells and the ATP synthetic rate in the mitochondria. Unlike fluoxetine, Chaihu Shugan San-containing serum significantly inhibited the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential caused by CORT and increased the oxygen consumption rate(OCR) values of both mitochondrial maximum respiration and reserve respiration capacity. Western blot analysis showed that CORT induced upregulated protein expressions of dynamin-related protein 1(Drp1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1α(PGC-1α) in PC12 cells and specific protein expression of optic atrophy protein 1(OPA1), yet it repressed the protein expressions of silent information regulator 1(SIRT1) and mitochondrial fusion protein 1(Mfn1) in PC12 cells. Both Chaihu Shugan San-and fluoxetine-containing serum significantly inhibited the protein expression of Drp1. However, only Chaihu Shugan San-containing serum could significantly inhibit the CORT-induced upregulation protein of PGC-1α. RESULTS:: herein suggest that Chaihu Shugan San-containing serum can alleviate CORT-induced damage in PC12 cells, which may be related to the mitochondrial fragmentation/lipid peroxidation protection by Drp1 inhibition, as well as mitochondrial dynamics and energy metabolism mediated by PGC-1α/SIRT1 signaling pathway.
Animals ; PC12 Cells ; Rats ; Mitochondrial Dynamics/drug effects* ; Mitochondria/metabolism* ; Corticosterone/adverse effects* ; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Protective Agents/pharmacology* ; Cell Survival/drug effects*