ObjectiveINF2 is a member of the formins family. Abnormal expression and regulation of INF2 have been associated with the progression of various tumors, but the expression and role of INF2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. HCC is a highly lethal malignant tumor. Given the limitations of traditional treatments, this study explored the expression level, clinical value and potential mechanism of INF2 in HCC in order to seek new therapeutic targets. MethodsIn this study, we used public databases to analyze the expression of INF2 in pan-cancer and HCC, as well as the impact of INF2 expression levels on HCC prognosis. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression level of INF2 in liver cancer cells and human HCC tissues. The correlation between INF2 expression and clinical pathological features was analyzed using public databases and clinical data of human HCC samples. Subsequently, the effects of INF2 expression on the biological function and Drp1 phosphorylation of liver cancer cells were elucidated through in vitro and in vivo experiments. Finally, the predictive value and potential mechanism of INF2 in HCC were further analyzed through database and immunohistochemical experiments. ResultsINF2 is aberrantly high expression in HCC samples and the high expression of INF2 is correlated with overall survival, liver cirrhosis and pathological differentiation of HCC patients. The expression level of INF2 has certain diagnostic value in predicting the prognosis and pathological differentiation of HCC. In vivo and in vitro HCC models, upregulated expression of INF2 triggers the proliferation and migration of the HCC cell, while knockdown of INF2 could counteract this effect. INF2 in liver cancer cells may affect mitochondrial division by inducing Drp1 phosphorylation and mediate immune escape by up-regulating PD-L1 expression, thus promoting tumor progression. ConclusionINF2 is highly expressed in HCC and is associated with poor prognosis. High expression of INF2 may promote HCC progression by inducing Drp1 phosphorylation and up-regulation of PD-L1 expression, and targeting INF2 may be beneficial for HCC patients with high expression of INF2.

Purpose: This study elucidates the mechanism of the physiological effect of cannabidiol (CBD) by assessing its impact on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RWPE-1 cells and prostatitis-induced by 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in a rat model, focusing on its therapeutic potential for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). Materials and Methods: RWPE-1 cells were stratified in vitro into three groups: (1) controls, (2) cells with LPS-induced inflammation, and (3) cells with LPS-induced inflammation and treated with CBD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blots were performed on cellular components and supernatants after administration of CBD. Five groups of six Sprague–Dawley male rats were assigned: (1) control, (2) CP/CPPS, (3) CP/CPPS and treated with 50 mg/kg CBD, (4) CP/CPPS and treated with 100 mg/kg CBD, and (5) CP/CPPS and treated with 150 mg/kg CBD. Prostatitis was induced through administration of 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. After four weeks of CBD treatment, a pain index was evaluated, and prostate tissue was collected for subsequent histologic examination and western blot analysis. Results: CBD demonstrated efficacy in vivo for CP/CPPS and in vitro for inflammation. It inhibited the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)uclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, reducing expression of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) (p<0.01). CBD exhibited analgesic effects by activating and desensitizing the TRPV1 receptor. Conclusions CBD inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, desensitizes the TRPV1 receptor, and decreases the release of COX2. This results in relief of inflammation and pain in patients with CP/CPPS, indicating CBD as a potential treatment for CP/CPPS.

Purpose: This study elucidates the mechanism of the physiological effect of cannabidiol (CBD) by assessing its impact on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RWPE-1 cells and prostatitis-induced by 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in a rat model, focusing on its therapeutic potential for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). Materials and Methods: RWPE-1 cells were stratified in vitro into three groups: (1) controls, (2) cells with LPS-induced inflammation, and (3) cells with LPS-induced inflammation and treated with CBD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blots were performed on cellular components and supernatants after administration of CBD. Five groups of six Sprague–Dawley male rats were assigned: (1) control, (2) CP/CPPS, (3) CP/CPPS and treated with 50 mg/kg CBD, (4) CP/CPPS and treated with 100 mg/kg CBD, and (5) CP/CPPS and treated with 150 mg/kg CBD. Prostatitis was induced through administration of 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. After four weeks of CBD treatment, a pain index was evaluated, and prostate tissue was collected for subsequent histologic examination and western blot analysis. Results: CBD demonstrated efficacy in vivo for CP/CPPS and in vitro for inflammation. It inhibited the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)uclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, reducing expression of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) (p<0.01). CBD exhibited analgesic effects by activating and desensitizing the TRPV1 receptor. Conclusions CBD inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, desensitizes the TRPV1 receptor, and decreases the release of COX2. This results in relief of inflammation and pain in patients with CP/CPPS, indicating CBD as a potential treatment for CP/CPPS.

Purpose: This study elucidates the mechanism of the physiological effect of cannabidiol (CBD) by assessing its impact on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RWPE-1 cells and prostatitis-induced by 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in a rat model, focusing on its therapeutic potential for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). Materials and Methods: RWPE-1 cells were stratified in vitro into three groups: (1) controls, (2) cells with LPS-induced inflammation, and (3) cells with LPS-induced inflammation and treated with CBD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blots were performed on cellular components and supernatants after administration of CBD. Five groups of six Sprague–Dawley male rats were assigned: (1) control, (2) CP/CPPS, (3) CP/CPPS and treated with 50 mg/kg CBD, (4) CP/CPPS and treated with 100 mg/kg CBD, and (5) CP/CPPS and treated with 150 mg/kg CBD. Prostatitis was induced through administration of 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. After four weeks of CBD treatment, a pain index was evaluated, and prostate tissue was collected for subsequent histologic examination and western blot analysis. Results: CBD demonstrated efficacy in vivo for CP/CPPS and in vitro for inflammation. It inhibited the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)uclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, reducing expression of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) (p<0.01). CBD exhibited analgesic effects by activating and desensitizing the TRPV1 receptor. Conclusions CBD inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, desensitizes the TRPV1 receptor, and decreases the release of COX2. This results in relief of inflammation and pain in patients with CP/CPPS, indicating CBD as a potential treatment for CP/CPPS.

Purpose: This study elucidates the mechanism of the physiological effect of cannabidiol (CBD) by assessing its impact on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RWPE-1 cells and prostatitis-induced by 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in a rat model, focusing on its therapeutic potential for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). Materials and Methods: RWPE-1 cells were stratified in vitro into three groups: (1) controls, (2) cells with LPS-induced inflammation, and (3) cells with LPS-induced inflammation and treated with CBD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blots were performed on cellular components and supernatants after administration of CBD. Five groups of six Sprague–Dawley male rats were assigned: (1) control, (2) CP/CPPS, (3) CP/CPPS and treated with 50 mg/kg CBD, (4) CP/CPPS and treated with 100 mg/kg CBD, and (5) CP/CPPS and treated with 150 mg/kg CBD. Prostatitis was induced through administration of 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. After four weeks of CBD treatment, a pain index was evaluated, and prostate tissue was collected for subsequent histologic examination and western blot analysis. Results: CBD demonstrated efficacy in vivo for CP/CPPS and in vitro for inflammation. It inhibited the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)uclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, reducing expression of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) (p<0.01). CBD exhibited analgesic effects by activating and desensitizing the TRPV1 receptor. Conclusions CBD inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, desensitizes the TRPV1 receptor, and decreases the release of COX2. This results in relief of inflammation and pain in patients with CP/CPPS, indicating CBD as a potential treatment for CP/CPPS.

Purpose: This study elucidates the mechanism of the physiological effect of cannabidiol (CBD) by assessing its impact on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RWPE-1 cells and prostatitis-induced by 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in a rat model, focusing on its therapeutic potential for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). Materials and Methods: RWPE-1 cells were stratified in vitro into three groups: (1) controls, (2) cells with LPS-induced inflammation, and (3) cells with LPS-induced inflammation and treated with CBD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blots were performed on cellular components and supernatants after administration of CBD. Five groups of six Sprague–Dawley male rats were assigned: (1) control, (2) CP/CPPS, (3) CP/CPPS and treated with 50 mg/kg CBD, (4) CP/CPPS and treated with 100 mg/kg CBD, and (5) CP/CPPS and treated with 150 mg/kg CBD. Prostatitis was induced through administration of 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. After four weeks of CBD treatment, a pain index was evaluated, and prostate tissue was collected for subsequent histologic examination and western blot analysis. Results: CBD demonstrated efficacy in vivo for CP/CPPS and in vitro for inflammation. It inhibited the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)uclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, reducing expression of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) (p<0.01). CBD exhibited analgesic effects by activating and desensitizing the TRPV1 receptor. Conclusions CBD inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, desensitizes the TRPV1 receptor, and decreases the release of COX2. This results in relief of inflammation and pain in patients with CP/CPPS, indicating CBD as a potential treatment for CP/CPPS.

OBJECTIVE: To observe change in serum growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) and killer cell lectin-like receptor B1 (KLRB1), to construct a nomogram model for 28-day death in patients with septic shock, and to explore its predictive value. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted. The patients with septic shock admitted to the emergency intensive care unit (ICU) of Cangzhou Central Hospital from September 2023 to March 2025 were selected as the septic shock group, the patients with sepsis admitted to the emergency general ward during the same period were selected as the sepsis group, and healthy individuals undergoing physical examination during the same period were selected as the control group. On the day of hospital admission or physical examination for the research subjects, the levels of serum GDF11 and KLRB1 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The patients with septic shock were divided into survival and death groups based on their 28-day survival status. The patients' gender, age, past medical history, infection site, severity of illness, mechanical ventilation, blood purification, infection indicators, biochemical indicators, coagulation function indicators, and blood lactic acid (Lac) were collected. The clinical data of the patients with septic shock between the two groups with different prognoses were compared. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to screen the risk factors for 28-day death in patients with septic shock, and bivariate Pearson correlation analysis was conducted. A nomogram model was constructed based on the risk factors for 28-day death in patients with septic shock. The discrimination and calibration of the nomogram model were evaluated using the receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve), Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, and calibration curve. The clinical utility of the model was evaluated using clinical decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS: A total of 168 patients in the emergency ICU were enrolled in the septic shock group, 40 patients in the emergency general ward were enrolled in the sepsis group, and 40 healthy individuals were enrolled in the control group. Compared with the healthy control group, the serum GDF11 levels in the sepsis and septic shock groups were significantly increased (μg/L: 13.09±3.51, 19.28±5.36 vs. 4.17±0.92, both P < 0.05), and the serum KLRB1 levels were significantly decreased (ng/L: 57.36±11.28, 45.52±9.07 vs. 84.19±17.16, both P < 0.05), with more significant changes in the septic shock group (both P < 0.05). Among the 168 patients with septic shock, 96 survived and 72 died within 28 days. Compared with the survival group, the serum GDF11 level in the death group was significantly increased (μg/L: 24.24±4.81 vs. 15.56±4.62, P < 0.05), and the serum KLRB1 level was significantly decreased (ng/L: 28.53±8.69 vs. 58.26±9.45, P < 0.05). There were also statistically significant differences in sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHEII) score, procalcitonin (PCT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), D-dimer, and Lac between the two groups. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that SOFA score [odds ratio (OR) = 1.96, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.38-3.65), Lac (OR = 1.38, 95%CI was 1.09-2.01), GDF11 (OR = 1.54, 95%CI was 1.21-2.33) and KLRB1 (OR = 0.64, 95%CI was 0.41-0.78) were independent risk factors for 28-day death in patients with septic shock (all P < 0.05). Bivariate Pearson correlation analysis showed that SOFA score was significantly positively correlated with Lac and GDF11 (r value was 0.37 and 0.58, respectively, both P < 0.05), and significantly negatively correlated with KLRB1 (r = -0.72, P < 0.05). A nomogram model was constructed based on the risk factors for 28-day death in patients with septic shock. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the nomogram model for predicting 28-day death in patients with septic shock was 0.963 (95%CI was 0.929-0.990), indicating that the model had good discrimination and predictive ability. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test (χ ² = 9.578, P = 0.295) and calibration curve indicated that the predicted values of the model were in good agreement with the actual values. DCA indicated that the model provided a high net benefit for clinical decision-making. CONCLUSIONS The serum GDF11 level was significantly increased and the KLRB1 level was significantly decreased in patients with septic shock. The nomogram model based on GDF11 and KLRB1 could more accurately evaluate the 28-day death of patients with septic shock.
Humans ; Shock, Septic/blood* ; Nomograms ; Prospective Studies ; Prognosis ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Intensive Care Units

Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides in the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression.Methods An open,single-arm,multi-center design was adopted in our study.Adult patients with mild and moderate depression who had received acute treatment of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides were enrolled and continue to receive Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules for 24 weeks,the dose remained unchanged during continuation treatment.The remission rate,recurrence rate,recurrence time,and the change from baseline to endpoint of Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA),Clinical Global Impression-Severity(CGI-S)and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale(ASEX)were evaluated.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was reported.Results The scores of HAMD-17 at baseline and after treatment were 6.60±1.87 and 5.85±4.18,scores of HAMA were 6.36±3.02 and 4.93±3.09,scores of CGI-S were 1.49±0.56 and 1.29±0.81,scores of ASEX were 15.92±4.72 and 15.57±5.26,with significant difference(P＜0.05).After continuation treatment,the remission rate was 54.59％(202 cases/370 cases),and the recurrence rate was 6.49％(24 cases/370 cases),the recurrence time was(64.67±42.47)days.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was 15.35％(64 cases/417 cases).Conclusion Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules can be effectively used for the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression,and are well tolerated and safe.

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of Tongfu Xiezhuo enema in treating stage 3-4 chronic kidney disease （CKD） and the effect of the therapy on the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio （NLR） as an inflammation marker. MethodSixty patients diagnosed with stage 3-4 CKD who visited the Nephrology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine from December 2022 to June 2023 were included and randomly assigned into observation and control groups in a ratio of 1∶1. The control group received conventional therapy plus Shenkang suppositories， while the observation group received conventional therapy plus Tongfu Xiezhuo enema. After 8 weeks of treatment， the clinical efficacy was assessed based on the changes in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） symptom scores， renal function indicators， and NLR. Result① Both groups showed decreases in TCM symptom scores after treatment （P<0.01）， and the decreases were more significant in the observation group than in the control group （P<0.05）. The total response rate of TCM symptoms in the observation group was 79.31% （23/29）， which was higher than that （62.96%， 17/27） in the control group （Z=0.604，P<0.05）. ② After treatment， the observation group showed declined serum levels of creatinine （SCr）， blood urea nitrogen （BUN）， and cystatin C （Cys C） and increased glomerular filtration rate （GFR） （P<0.01）， and the control group showed lowered SCr level and increased GFR （P<0.05）. The observation group had lower SCr level and higher GFR than the control group after treatment （P<0.05）. The total response rate of renal function in the observation group was 79.31% （23/29）， which was higher than that （55.56%， 15/27） in the control group （Z=1.127，P<0.01）. ③ The NLR in the observation group decreased after treatment （P<0.05）， and it was lower than that in the control group （P<0.05）. ④ There were no significant differences in safety indicators between the two groups before and after treatment. ConclusionTongfu Xiezhuo enema ameliorated symptoms and improved renal function indicators in the patients with stage 3-4 CKD by reducing the NLR and inhibiting inflammation.

Objective:To investigate the application value of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in evaluating flow diverter (FD) apposition and endothelialization in aneurysm animal models, and analyze the effect of incomplete stent apposition (ISA) on aneurysm lumen healing and stent endothelialization.Methods:Lateral common carotid artery aneurysm models in swines were established by surgical method and then FD was implanted. Immediately after surgery, OCT and IVUS were used to evaluate the locations and degrees of ISA, and difference between these 2 methods in evaluating FD apposition was compared. DSA was performed at 12 weeks after surgery to evaluate the aneurysm occlusion (Kamran grading) and stent patency. OCT and IVUS were used again to observe the stent endothelial situation; by comparing with histopathologic results, effect of ISA on aneurysm healing and stent endothelialization was analyzed.Results:Lateral common carotid artery aneurysm models in 6 swines were established, and 6 Tubridge FDs were successfully implanted. Compared with IVUS (3 stents, 4 locus), OCT could detect more ISA (6 stents, 14 locus); and the vascular diameter change area (7 locus), aneurysm neck area (4 locus) and the head and tail of FD (3 locus) were the main sites of FD malapposition; average distance between stent wire and vessel wall was (560.14±101.48) μm. At 12 weeks after surgery, DSA showed that 1 patient had a little residual contrast agent at the aneurysm neck (Kamran grading 3), and the remaining 5 had complete aneurysm occlusion (Kamran grading 4). One FD had moderate lumen stenosis, and the other 5 FDs had lumen patency. OCT indicated mostly disappeared acute ISA; ISA proportion decreased to 21.4 % (3/14), including 2 in the aneurysm neck and 1 in the partial stent. Histopathological results showed bare stent woven silk, without obvious endothelial coverage; in one FD with luminal stenosis, intimal hyperplasia was mainly composed of vascular smooth muscle cells.Conclusion:In carotid artery aneurysm model with FD implantation, OCT can detect more ISA than IVUS; most acute ISA have good outcome at 12 th week of follow-up, while severe ISA can cause delayed FD endothelialization and delayed aneurysm occlusion.