The theory of constitution in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has emerged as a new discipline in recent years. Constitution plays a vital role in the onset，progression，transformation，and prognosis of diseases. At present，some clinical scholars have adopted a novel diagnostic and treatment model of "constitution differentiation-disease identification-syndrome differentiation"，in which constitution is regarded as a core element throughout the diagnostic and therapeutic process. Constitution is closely associated with etiology，onset，pathogenesis，syndrome differentiation，and treatment. Against this background，the construction of animal models based on constitution holds far-reaching significance for advancing clinical research. This paper focuses on the construction and evaluation of rodent models with Qi-deficiency constitution，aiming to explore how to further induce Qi-deficiency syndromes and related disease states on the basis of Qi-deficiency constitution models，thereby developing an integrated animal model that embodies the trinity of "constitution-disease-syndrome". The establishment of this model not only provides a solid experimental foundation for the development of new therapies and drugs in TCM targeting specific constitutions，diseases，and syndromes，but also greatly promotes the modernization and scientific advancement of TCM theory. By comprehensively applying multidisciplinary technologies and methods，the study evaluates the model's validity，reliability，and practicality，with the aim of opening new avenues for future research in TCM and promoting the development of the field.

The theory of constitution in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has emerged as a new discipline in recent years. Constitution plays a vital role in the onset，progression，transformation，and prognosis of diseases. At present，some clinical scholars have adopted a novel diagnostic and treatment model of "constitution differentiation-disease identification-syndrome differentiation"，in which constitution is regarded as a core element throughout the diagnostic and therapeutic process. Constitution is closely associated with etiology，onset，pathogenesis，syndrome differentiation，and treatment. Against this background，the construction of animal models based on constitution holds far-reaching significance for advancing clinical research. This paper focuses on the construction and evaluation of rodent models with Qi-deficiency constitution，aiming to explore how to further induce Qi-deficiency syndromes and related disease states on the basis of Qi-deficiency constitution models，thereby developing an integrated animal model that embodies the trinity of "constitution-disease-syndrome". The establishment of this model not only provides a solid experimental foundation for the development of new therapies and drugs in TCM targeting specific constitutions，diseases，and syndromes，but also greatly promotes the modernization and scientific advancement of TCM theory. By comprehensively applying multidisciplinary technologies and methods，the study evaluates the model's validity，reliability，and practicality，with the aim of opening new avenues for future research in TCM and promoting the development of the field.

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics of organ donors in the intensive care unit (ICU), analyze the impact of comprehensive ICU treatment on organ function maintenance and donation efficiency, and provide data support for optimizing organ donation management strategies. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 263 donors who underwent organ donation after ineffective active treatment in the ICU of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2020 to January 2024. The clinical characteristics, main therapeutic measures in the ICU, and organ donation situations were analyzed. Results The 263 organ donors had an out-of-hospital hospitalization duration of 2 (1, 5) days and an in-hospital hospitalization duration of 4 (3, 6) d. The acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) score at admission was (21±5). Among them, 16.7% had a history of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, 30.4% had a history of hypertension, and 48.7% had a history of cranial surgery. The duration of enteral nutrition provided in the ICU was 18 (8, 32) h, with daily energy provision of 160 (0, 320) kcal, parenteral nutrition provided non-protein energy of 877 (710, 1 058) kcal daily. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy was performed 0.25 (0, 0.50) times a day. Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) was performed in 90.1% of the cases, with an average daily duration of 10 (6, 16) h. The daily dosage of human albumin was 40 (30, 50) g, and the daily dosage of methylprednisolone was 120 (80, 160) mg. The most commonly used empirical anti-infection regimens included cefoperazone-sulbactam in 59 cases (22.4%), meropenem combined with vancomycin in 31 cases (11.8%), and piperacillin-tazobactam in 29 cases (11.0%). The most commonly used goal-directed anti-infection adjustment regimen was meropenem combined with vancomycin in 21 cases (8.0%). After comprehensive treatment in the ICU, cardiac function, some liver functions, some coagulation functions, renal function, electrolytes, and infection indicators improved. A total of 981 organs were donated by the 263 organ donors, with 23 organs discarded. The average organ yield rate was 3.64, and the organ utilization rate was 97.7%. Conclusions Comprehensive ICU treatment may significantly improve the cardiac function, some liver functions, coagulation functions, and infection indicators of organ donors, enhance the effect of organ function maintenance, and provide an effective guarantee for optimizing organ donation management in the ICU and improving organ utilization rates.

Objective: To explore glymphatic impairment in pediatric refractory epilepsy (RE) using multi-parameter magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), assess its relationship with white-matter (WM) abnormalities and clinical indicators, and preliminarily evaluate the performance of multi-parameter MRI in discriminating RE from drug-sensitive epilepsy (DSE). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively included 70 patients with DSE (mean age, 9.7 ± 3.5 years; male:female, 37:33) and 26 patients with RE (9.0 ± 2.9 years; male:female, 12:14). The diffusion tensor imaging analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index as well as fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and nodal efficiency values were measured and compared between patients with RE and DSE. With sex and age as covariables, differences in the FA and MD values were analyzed using tract-based spatial statistics, and nodal efficiency was analyzed using a linear model. Pearson’s partial correlation was analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the discrimination performance of the MRI-based machine-learning models through five-fold cross-validation. Results: In the RE group, FA decreased and MD increased in comparison with the corresponding values in the DSE group, and these differences mainly involved the callosum, right and left corona radiata, inferior and superior longitudinal fasciculus, and posterior thalamic radiation (threshold-free cluster enhancement, P < 0.05). The RE group also showed reduced nodal efficiency, which mainly involved the limbic system, default mode network, and visual network (false discovery rate, P < 0.05), and significantly lower DTI-ALPS index (F = 2.0, P = 0.049). The DTI-ALPS index was positively correlated with FA (0.25 ≤ r ≤ 0.32) and nodal efficiency (0.22 ≤ r ≤ 0.37), and was negatively correlated with the MD (-0.24 ≤ r≤ -0.34) and seizure frequency (r = -0.47). A machine-learning model combining DTI-ALPS, FA, MD, and nodal efficiency achieved a cross-validated ROC curve area of 0.83 (sensitivity, 78.2%; specificity, 84.8%). Conclusion Pediatric patients with RE showed impaired glymphatic function in comparison with patients with DSE, which was correlated with WM abnormalities and seizure frequency. Multi-parameter MRI may be feasible for distinguishing RE from DSE.

Objective: To explore glymphatic impairment in pediatric refractory epilepsy (RE) using multi-parameter magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), assess its relationship with white-matter (WM) abnormalities and clinical indicators, and preliminarily evaluate the performance of multi-parameter MRI in discriminating RE from drug-sensitive epilepsy (DSE). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively included 70 patients with DSE (mean age, 9.7 ± 3.5 years; male:female, 37:33) and 26 patients with RE (9.0 ± 2.9 years; male:female, 12:14). The diffusion tensor imaging analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index as well as fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and nodal efficiency values were measured and compared between patients with RE and DSE. With sex and age as covariables, differences in the FA and MD values were analyzed using tract-based spatial statistics, and nodal efficiency was analyzed using a linear model. Pearson’s partial correlation was analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the discrimination performance of the MRI-based machine-learning models through five-fold cross-validation. Results: In the RE group, FA decreased and MD increased in comparison with the corresponding values in the DSE group, and these differences mainly involved the callosum, right and left corona radiata, inferior and superior longitudinal fasciculus, and posterior thalamic radiation (threshold-free cluster enhancement, P < 0.05). The RE group also showed reduced nodal efficiency, which mainly involved the limbic system, default mode network, and visual network (false discovery rate, P < 0.05), and significantly lower DTI-ALPS index (F = 2.0, P = 0.049). The DTI-ALPS index was positively correlated with FA (0.25 ≤ r ≤ 0.32) and nodal efficiency (0.22 ≤ r ≤ 0.37), and was negatively correlated with the MD (-0.24 ≤ r≤ -0.34) and seizure frequency (r = -0.47). A machine-learning model combining DTI-ALPS, FA, MD, and nodal efficiency achieved a cross-validated ROC curve area of 0.83 (sensitivity, 78.2%; specificity, 84.8%). Conclusion Pediatric patients with RE showed impaired glymphatic function in comparison with patients with DSE, which was correlated with WM abnormalities and seizure frequency. Multi-parameter MRI may be feasible for distinguishing RE from DSE.

Objective To investigate the role and underlying mechanism of activating transcription factor 3(ATF3)in suppressing lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced autophagy and inflammatory responses in macrophages.Methods Firstly,the gene expression omnibus(GEO)database was used to analyze ATF3 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)from sepsis patients,and gene set enrichment analysis(GSEA)was performed to identify enriched signaling pathways.Secondly,RAW264.7 macrophages were divided into a blank control group and an LPS-stimulated group(100 ng/mL LPS).Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay were used to detect ATF3 protein expression and observe its subcellular localization,respectively.Lentiviral transduction was used to generate ATF3 knockdown and overexpression cell lines to evaluate their effects on cytokine release and bacterial clearance.Cleavage Under Targets and Tagmentation(CUT&Tag)sequencing was employed to identify downstream target genes transcriptionally regulated by ATF3.Furthermore,the impact of ATF3 knockdown or overexpression on autophagy-related gene 5(ATG5),autophagy-related gene 16-like 1(ATG16L1),and autophagy levels was evaluated.Results GEO analysis revealed that ATF3 expression was significantly elevated in PBMCs from sepsis patients(P<0.01),and GSEA showed significant enrichment of autophagy-related and inflammation-related pathways(P<0.01).In RAW264.7 cells,100 ng/mL LPS stimulation significantly increased ATF3 expression in the nucleus than the blank control group(P<0.01).ATF3 knockdown led to increased secretions of TNF-α and IL-6 and enhanced bacterial clearance of macrophages(P<0.01),whereas ATF3 overexpression significantly suppressed TNF-α and IL-6 releases,and remained bacterial clearance at a low level when compared with the conditions in the negative control(NC)group(P<0.01).CUT&Tag results demonstrated that ATF3 was enriched at the promoter regions of key autophagy genes Atg5 and Atg16l1.Compared with the NC group,ATF3 knockdown significantly up-regulated the protein levels of LC3-II/I,ATG5,and ATG16L1 while decreased p62 expression(P<0.01).Conversely,ATF3 overexpression inhibited the expression of LC3-II/I,ATG5,and ATG16L1(P<0.01),but had no significant effect on p62 level.Conclusion Sepsis induces elevated ATF3 expression in macrophages,and suppresses autophagic activity and down-regulates pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6,which probably mediated by ATF3 regulating transcription of ATG5 and ATG16L1,suggesting ATF3 as a potential therapeutic target for autophagy-inflammation imbalance.

Objective To explore the pharmacokinetic characteristics of sufentanil in individuals with normal body mass index(BMI),overweight BMI,and different CYP3A4/5 enzyme genotypes.Methods The patients receiving laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia in the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from November 2020 to September 2021 were prospectively recruited in this study.Before the operation,the oral swabs were collected from all the patients for genotyping using the human CYP3A4/5 gene kit.Based on the potential impact of combination of their polymorphisms on sufentanil metabolism and the proportion of different genotype combinations of CYP3A4/5 enzymes,the patients were divided into groups I(3A4 homozygous mutation or 3A4 heterozygous mutation+3A5 homozygous mutation),II(3A4 heterozygous mutation+3A5 heterozygous mutation),and III(3A4 wild type or 3A4 heterozygous mutation+3A5 wild type).According to their BMI,they were also assigned into a normal body weight group(18.5～24.0 kg/m2)and an overweight group(24～<28 kg/m2),and the differences in drug metabolism parameters were statistically analyze between the 2 groups.After routine general anesthesia induction(sufentanil 0.5 μg/kg),venous blood samples were collected to detect the changes in its concentration using high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(HPLC-MS).The pharmacokinetic data of sufentanil were calculated between the normal BMI group and overweight group in all participants and between the 2 body weight groups among those with different genotype combinations.Results Among the 90 participants completing the blood drug concentration test,8 patients had their blood samples contaminated(including 1 case with an anesthesia duration of<2 h),and 3 were excluded due to low weight or overweight.Eventually,79 participants were included in the pharmacokinetic analysis on the normal body weight group and the overweight group.Compared with the normal body weight group,the central compartment volume of distribution in the overweight group was significantly reduced(P<0.05),while no obvious differences were observed between the 2 groups in terms of peripheral compartment volume of distribution,total clearance rate,peripheral compartment clearance rate,distribution half-life,clearance half-life,and area under the blood concentration-time curve.In group Ⅰ(n=26),the overweight patients(n=13)had significantly reduced central compartment volume of distribution,peripheral compartment volume of distribution,and peripheral compartment clearance rate when compared with the normal body weight patients(n=13)(P<0.05),while no differences were observed in other pharmacokinetic parameters.In groups Ⅱ(n=25)and Ⅲ(n=28),the overweight patients and normal body weight patients had no statistical differences in all pharmacokinetic parameters.Conclusion Among the patients with the same genotype combination of CYP3A4/5 mutations,there was no difference in the metabolism of sufentanil between the overweight and normal weight patients.Additionally,in the population of 3A4 homozygous mutation or 3A4 heterozygous mutation+3A5 homozygous mutation,the overweight patients have smaller peripheral distribution range of sufentanil,and weakened metabolic process.

Objective:To investigate the protective effects of p53/glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) regulation on cardiomyocyte injury induced by high glucose combined with hypoxia/reoxygenation.Methods:Human myocardial AC16 cells were treated with 33 mmol/L glucose and a hypoxic chamber to establish an in vitro model of high glucose combined with hypoxia/reoxygenation. Based on the glucose concentration in the medium and hypoxia/reoxygenation conditions, AC16 cells were divided into control group, high glucose group, hypoxia/reoxygenation group and high glucose combined with hypoxia/reoxygenation group. On the basis of high glucose combined with hypoxia/reoxygenation group, cells were transfected with empty vector, p53 small interfering RNA (siRNA), and co-transfected with p53 and GLUT4 siRNA to establish negative control group, sip53 transfection group, and sip53+siGLUT4 transfection group, respectively. Western blotting was used to detect the levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), p53, GLUT4, dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), mitofusin 2 (Mfn2), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) and cysteine aspartic acid specific protease-3 (Caspase-3). The levels of reactive oxygen species were detected using the 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate fluorescent probe. Mitochondria were labeled with the Mito-Tracker Deep Red FM fluorescent probe to assess mitochondrial morphology and their related parameters. Mitochondrial membrance potential was meausred using the JC-1 detection kit. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content was determined using an ATP assay kit. Glucose uptake ability was evaluated by measuring the fluorescence intensity of 2-[ N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl) amino]-2-deoxy- D-glucose (2-NBDG) using a multifunctional microplate reader. Apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL assay. Results:The relative expression of HIF-1α protein in the high glucose combined with hypoxia/reoxygenation group was 1.189±0.185, higher than that in the control group (0.086±0.071) ( P<0.05). The relative expression of p53 protein in the high glucose combined with hypoxia/reoxygenation group was 1.248±0.194, higher than those in the control group (0.730±0.184), high glucose group (0.932±0.161) and hypoxia/reoxygenation group (1.109±0.151) (all P<0.05). The relative expression of GLUT4 protein in the high glucose combined with hypoxia/reoxygenation group was 0.407±0.140, lower than those in the control group (1.061±0.060) and hypoxia/reoxygenation group (0.781±0.092) (both P<0.05). The fluorescence intensity of reactive oxygen species in the high glucose combined with hypoxia/reoxygenation group was 38.31±1.66, higher than that in the control group (11.59±1.02) ( P<0.05). The number of mitochondria in the high glucose combined with hypoxia/reoxygenation group was (62.00±15.26), lower than those in the control group (136.20±23.55) and high glucose group (96.55±13.72) (both P<0.05). The average mitochondrial area in the high glucose combined with hypoxia/reoxygenation group was (7.02±1.38) μm 2, lower than those in the control group [(13.74±0.67) μm 2], high glucose group [(9.27±1.99) μm 2] and hypoxia/reoxygenation group [(9.64±2.36) μm 2] (all P<0.05). The average perimeter of mitochondria in the high glucose combined with hypoxia/reoxygenation group was (9.10±1.14) μm, lower than those in the control group [(13.35±0.69) μm] and the hypoxia/reoxygenation group [(10.83±1.58) μm] (all P<0.05). The number of mitochondrial branches was 53.73±9.49, lower than those in the control group (147.10±25.99), high glucose group (97.08±13.65) and hypoxia/reoxygenation group (104.80±24.92) (all P<0.05). The average branch length of mitochondria in the high glucose combined with hypoxia/reoxygenation group was (1.45±0.26) μm, lower than that in the control group [(2.29±0.52) μm] ( P<0.05). The red-green fluorescence intensity ratio in the high glucose combined with hypoxia/reoxygenation group was 0.580±0.133, lower than those in the control group (2.379±0.242), high glucose group (1.200±0.112) and hypoxia/reoxygenation group (0.883±0.076) (all P<0.05). The ATP content of the high glucose combined with hypoxia/ reoxygenation group was (0.025±0.003) μmol/10 5 cells, lower than those of the control group [(0.137±0.012) μmol/10 5 cells], high glucose group [(0.078±0.003) μmol/10 5 cells] and hypoxia/reoxygenation group [(0.073±0.010) μmol/10 5 cells] (all P<0.05). The fluorescence intensity of 2-NBDG in the high glucose combined with hypoxia/reoxygenation group was 257 315±7 951, lower than those in the control group (339 597±10 165), high glucose group (317 293±8 876) and hypoxia/reoxygenation group (314 611±12 228) (all P<0.05). The relative expression of Drp1 protein in high glucose combined with hypoxia/reoxygenation group was 1.203±0.090, higher than those in the control group (0.705±0.170), high glucose group (0.910±0.106) and hypoxia/reoxygenation group (1.002±0.112) (all P<0.05). The relative expression of Mfn2 protein in the high glucose combined with hypoxia/reoxygenation group was 0.706±0.285, lower than those in the control group (1.988±0.139), high glucose group (1.305±0.076) and hypoxia/reoxygenation group (1.131±0.236) (all P<0.05). The relative expression levels of Bax/Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 proteins in the high glucose combined with hypoxia/reoxygenation group were 2.318±0.216 and 1.076±0.076, respectively, higher than those in the control group (0.281±0.046 and 0.442±0.084), high glucose group (0.673±0.043 and 0.662±0.159) and hypoxia/reoxygenation group (0.807±0.293 and 0.835±0.058), respectively (all P<0.05). The TUNEL fluorescence intensity of the high glucose combined with hypoxia/reoxygenation group was 70.55±7.22, higher than those of the control group (14.10±5.93), high glucose group (36.59±2.56) and hypoxia/reoxygenation group (39.04±6.016) (all P<0.05). The relative expression levels of p53 protein in the sip53 transfection group and sip53+siGLUT4 transfection group were 0.322±0.147 and 0.391±0.149, respectively, lower than that in the high glucose combined with negative control group (1.002±0.035) (both P<0.05). The relative expression of GLUT4 protein in the sip53 transfection group was 1.871±0.123, higher than that in the negative control group (1.281±0.232) ( P<0.05). The relative expression of GLUT4 protein in the sip53+siGLUT4 transfection group (0.951±0.193) was lower than that in the sip53 transfection group ( P<0.05). The fluorescence intensity of reactive oxygen species in the sip53 transfection group (27.73±0.74) was lower than that in the negative control group (38.83±0.83) ( P<0.05). The fluorescence intensity of reactive oxygen species in the sip53+siGLUT4 transfection group (43.12±5.08) was higher than that in the sip53 transfection group ( P<0.05). The number of mitochondria, the average area of mitochondria, the average perimeter of mitochondria, the number of mitochondrial branches and the average branch length of mitochondria in the sip53 transfection group were (92.27±10.10), (9.25±0.42) μm 2, (10.86±0.58) μm, (83.27±13.57), and (1.81±0.21) μm, respectively. They were higher than (52.36±16.87), (7.44±1.49) μm 2, (9.22±1.11) μm, (52.36±16.87), and (1.22±0.26) μm in the negative control group (all P<0.05). The number of mitochondria, the average area of mitochondria, the average perimeter of mitochondria, the number of mitochondrial branches and the average branch length of mitochondria in the sip53+siGLUT4 transfection group were (53.73±9.49), (6.89±0.61) μm 2, (8.88±0.47) μm, (53.73±9.49), and (1.22±0.17) μm, respectively, lower than those in the sip53 transfection group (all P<0.05). The red-green fluorescence intensity ratio, ATP content, 2-NBDG fluorescence intensity and relative expression of Mfn2 protein in the sip53 transfection group were 1.27±0.23, (0.048±0.021) μmol/10 5 cells, 275 923±10 447 and 2.608±0.581, respectively, higher than those in the negative control group [0.53±0.21, (0.020±0.007) μmol/10 5 cells, 254 875±8 078, and 0.687±0.146, respectively] (all P<0.05). The red-green fluorescence intensity ratio, ATP content, 2-NBDG fluorescence intensity and relative expression of Mfn2 protein in the sip53+siGLUT4 transfection group were 0.40±0.08, (0.011±0.012) μmol/10 5 cells, 199 511±6 855, and 0.649±0.070, respectively, lower than those in the sip53 transfection group (all P<0.05). The relative expression levels of Drp1, Bax/Bcl-2, Caspase-3 proteins and TUNEL fluorescence intensity in the sip53 transfection group were 0.759±0.063, 0.446±0.161, 1.048±0.300, and 48.93±1.48 respectively, lower than those (1.065±0.149, 1.197±0.133, 1.847±0.201, and 67.61±9.99) in the negative control group (all P<0.05). The relative expression levels of Drp1, Bax/Bcl-2, Caspase-3 proteins and TUNEL fluorescence intensity in the sip53+siGLUT4 transfection group were 0.958±0.166, 2.660±0.135, 1.587±0.220, and 63.39±12.84, respectively, higher than those in the sip53 transfection group (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Under the condition of high glucose combined with hypoxia/reoxygenation, p53 induces cardiomyocyte injury by down-regulating GLUT4. Inhibition of p53 can increase the expression of GLUT4, thereby reducing cardiomyocyte injury induced by high glucose combined with hypoxia/reoxygenation.

BACKGROUND: T cell dysfunction, which includes exhaustion, anergy, and senescence, is a distinct T cell differentiation state that occurs after antigen exposure. Although T cell dysfunction has been a cornerstone of cancer immunotherapy, its potential in transplant research, while not yet as extensively explored, is attracting growing interest. Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) has been shown to play a pivotal role in inducing T cell dysfunction. METHODS: A novel ultra-low-dose combination of Trametinib and Rapamycin, targeting IRF4 inhibition, was employed to investigate T cell proliferation, apoptosis, cytokine secretion, expression of T-cell dysfunction-associated molecules, effects of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways, and allograft survival in both in vitro and BALB/c to C57BL/6 mouse cardiac transplantation models. RESULTS: In vitro , blockade of IRF4 in T cells effectively inhibited T cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and significantly upregulated the expression of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), Helios, CD160, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen (CTLA-4), markers of T cell dysfunction. Furthermore, it suppressed the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-17. Combining ultra-low-dose Trametinib (0.1 mg·kg -1 ·day -1 ) and Rapamycin (0.1 mg·kg -1 ·day -1 ) demonstrably extended graft survival, with 4 out of 5 mice exceeding 100 days post-transplantation. Moreover, analysis of grafts at day 7 confirmed sustained IFN regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) inhibition, enhanced PD-1 expression, and suppressed IFN-γ secretion, reinforcing the in vivo efficacy of this IRF4-targeting approach. The combination of Trametinib and Rapamycin synergistically inhibited the MAPK and mTOR signaling network, leading to a more pronounced suppression of IRF4 expression. CONCLUSIONS Targeting IRF4, a key regulator of T cell dysfunction, presents a promising avenue for inducing transplant immune tolerance. In this study, we demonstrate that a novel ultra-low-dose combination of Trametinib and Rapamycin synergistically suppresses the MAPK and mTOR signaling network, leading to profound IRF4 inhibition, promoting allograft acceptance, and offering a potential new therapeutic strategy for improved transplant outcomes. However, further research is necessary to elucidate the underlying pharmacological mechanisms and facilitate translation to clinical practice.
Animals ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Interferon Regulatory Factors/metabolism* ; Heart Transplantation/methods* ; T-Lymphocytes/immunology* ; Sirolimus/therapeutic use* ; Pyridones/therapeutic use* ; Graft Survival/drug effects* ; Pyrimidinones/therapeutic use* ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Male ; Signal Transduction/drug effects*

BACKGROUND: As an essential part of health services, rehabilitation is of great significance to improve the health and quality of life of the whole population. Accelerating aging calls for a significant expansion of rehabilitation services in China, but rehabilitation needs remain unclear. We conducted the study to explore the rehabilitation needs in China and project the trend of rehabilitation needs from 2020 to 2034. METHODS: The data of health conditions that might potentially benefit from rehabilitation were obtained from Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study. Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were calculated to quantify the trends of the age-standardized rates. Projections of rehabilitation needs were made until 2034 using Bayesian age-period-cohort analysis (BAPC). RESULTS: Approximately 460 million persons (33.3% of the total population) need rehabilitation in China, contributing to 63 million years lived with disabilities (YLDs) in 2019. The number of prevalent cases that need rehabilitation increased from around 268 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 257-282) million in 1990 to almost 460 (95% UI: 443-479) million in 2019, representing an increase of 71.3%. The highest contribution to the need for rehabilitation was musculoskeletal disorders with about 322 (95% UI: 302-343) million persons in seven aggregate disease and injury categories, and hearing loss with over 95 (95% UI: 84-107) million people among 25 health conditions. Based on the projection results, there will be almost 636 million people (45% of the total population) needing rehabilitation services in China by 2034, representing an increase of 38.3%. The rehabilitation needs of neoplasms, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders are expected to increase significantly from 2019 to 2034, with increases of 102.3%, 88.8% and 73.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The need for rehabilitation in China substantially increased over the last 30 years. It is predicted that over two in five people will require rehabilitation by 2034, thus suggesting the need to develop rehabilitation services that meet individuals' rehabilitation needs.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Global Burden of Disease ; Female ; Male ; Musculoskeletal Diseases/epidemiology* ; Rehabilitation/trends* ; Quality of Life ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Bayes Theorem