Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal cancer with high morbidity rates worldwide. It is a major threat to public health in China, due to the combination of known and new risk factors, such as endemic hepatitis B virus (HBV), dietary aflatoxin exposure, and the occurrence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Although many methods for surveillance and multimodal therapies, such as surgery, local ablation, transarterial therapy, and new systemic agents, have been available, the survival rates of HCC remains poor. They have very limited durable responses, long post-treatment recurrence rates, and high resistance to treatment. This reflects an imperfect picture of the biological cause of the disease and a need for new mechanistic or targeted techniques. A significant characteristic of HCC, in common with other aggressive cancers, is the presence of reprogrammed, hyperactive cell metabolism. Tumor cells hijack metabolic pathways to promote their uncontrolled growth, stress survival, invasion and metastasis. While classical mechanisms such as the Warburg effect, lipid metabolism and glutamine utilization have been understood, the lysosome, which was once viewed as a static “waste disposal unit” to remove old organelles and proteins, is instead a dynamic signaling and metabolic core. The lysosomes incorporate nutrients, energy and stress signals by master regulators such as mTORC1 (activated on its surface) that balance anabolic growth and catabolic recycling to the cellular demands. In HCC, lysosomes are not passive, but are highly active and dysregulated. HCC cells upregulate lysosomes, which scavenge intracellular components via enhanced autophagy and engulf extracellular proteins via macropinocytosis, crucial for survival in the nutrient-poor, hypoxic tumor microenvironment. In addition to metabolism, lysosomes exhibit pro-invasive functions by secreting hydrolases to remodel the extracellular matrix, promote angiogenesis, and suppress stromal immune cells to foster a pro-tumor microenvironment. In a clinical context, lysosomes play an important role in therapeutic resistance: they sequester and inactivate chemotherapeutics via lysosomal sequestration, and enhanced autophagic flux protects the cell from therapy-induced damage, contributing to relapse, as lysosomal dysfunction is a key cause of treatment failure. This makes lysosomes promising yet challenging therapeutic targets in HCC. Recent preclinical and early clinical studies investigate multiple strategies to exploit the susceptibility of lysosomes: lysosome-specific agents, alkalinizing the lysosome lumen or inducing membrane permeabilization and lysosome-dependent cell death; pharmacological inhibition of key lysosomal enzymes or autophagy to impair nutrient recycling and stress adaptation; smart nanotherapeutic agents or antibody-drug conjugates, specifically activated in the acidic lysosomal environment or utilizing lysosomal pathways for efficient intracellular drug release; and combination strategies of lysosome-targeting agents with tyrosine kinase inhibitors or immunotherapy to overcome resistance and achieve synergistic antitumor effects. In summary, our review systematically presents the role of lysosomes in HCC, from metabolic reprogramming and microenvironmental adaptation to therapeutic resistance. By synthesizing the latest mechanistic insights and preclinical advances, this review highlights the indispensable role of lysosomes in the complex HCC biological network, emphasizing that an in-depth understanding of this dynamic organelle holds great promise for developing innovative, targeted therapies, offering new hope for improving the poor prognosis of global HCC patients.

BACKGROUND:Previous studies have demonstrated that the cannabinoid type Ⅰ receptor can enhance the proliferation and neural differentiation of neural stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells.Moreover,cannabinoid type Ⅰ also governs the proliferation and mineralization capacity of human apical papilla stem cells.However,there are relatively few investigations concerning the impact of cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression on the neural differentiation of human apical papilla stem cells.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of cannabinoid type Ⅰ on neural differentiation of human apical papilla stem cells in vitro.METHODS:Healthy third molars with immature root tips that need to be removed for orthodontic treatment were collected,and human apical papilla stem cells were isolated and cultured by tissue block method combined with enzyme digestion method.Cannabinoid type Ⅰ gene was introduced into human apical papilla stem cells by lentivirus-mediated transfection technique.A blank control group,a negative control group,and cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group were set up.The transfection effect of overexpression of cannabinoid type Ⅰ lentivirus on human apical papilla stem cells was verified by Western Blot.The control group,negative control group,cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group and cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression+AM251(cannabinoid type Ⅰ receptor antagonist)group were set up.Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay at 1,5,and 10 days after neural induction.On day 10 of neural induction,the expression levels of TH,NeuroD-1,and NCAM1 genes were detected by qRT-PCR,and the protein expression levels of Nestin and TUBB3 were detected by immunofluorescence.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the blank control group and the negative control group,the expression of cannabinoid receptor Ⅰ protein in the cannabinoid receptor Ⅰ overexpression group was significantly increased,and the difference was significant(P＜0.05).(2)Compared with the blank control group and the negative control group,the proliferation ability of human apical papilla stem cells in the cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group was the strongest at 5 and 10 days after neural induction(P＜0.05).(3)Compared with the blank control group and the negative control group,the mRNA expression of NeuroD-1,NCAM1,and TH in the stem cells of the human apical papilla in the cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group was significantly increased,and the fluorescence intensity of Nestin and TUBB3 was significantly enhanced(P＜0.05).(4)Compared with the cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group,the proliferation ability,mRNA expression level of NeuroD-1,NCAM1,and TH,as well as the fluorescence intensity of Nestin and TUBB3,were significantly decreased in the cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression+AM251 group(P＜0.05).These findings conclude that overexpression of cannabinoid type Ⅰ promoted the proliferation and neural differentiation of human apical dentin papilla stem cells.

BACKGROUND:Previous studies have demonstrated that the cannabinoid type Ⅰ receptor can enhance the proliferation and neural differentiation of neural stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells.Moreover,cannabinoid type Ⅰ also governs the proliferation and mineralization capacity of human apical papilla stem cells.However,there are relatively few investigations concerning the impact of cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression on the neural differentiation of human apical papilla stem cells.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of cannabinoid type Ⅰ on neural differentiation of human apical papilla stem cells in vitro.METHODS:Healthy third molars with immature root tips that need to be removed for orthodontic treatment were collected,and human apical papilla stem cells were isolated and cultured by tissue block method combined with enzyme digestion method.Cannabinoid type Ⅰ gene was introduced into human apical papilla stem cells by lentivirus-mediated transfection technique.A blank control group,a negative control group,and cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group were set up.The transfection effect of overexpression of cannabinoid type Ⅰ lentivirus on human apical papilla stem cells was verified by Western Blot.The control group,negative control group,cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group and cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression+AM251(cannabinoid type Ⅰ receptor antagonist)group were set up.Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay at 1,5,and 10 days after neural induction.On day 10 of neural induction,the expression levels of TH,NeuroD-1,and NCAM1 genes were detected by qRT-PCR,and the protein expression levels of Nestin and TUBB3 were detected by immunofluorescence.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the blank control group and the negative control group,the expression of cannabinoid receptor Ⅰ protein in the cannabinoid receptor Ⅰ overexpression group was significantly increased,and the difference was significant(P＜0.05).(2)Compared with the blank control group and the negative control group,the proliferation ability of human apical papilla stem cells in the cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group was the strongest at 5 and 10 days after neural induction(P＜0.05).(3)Compared with the blank control group and the negative control group,the mRNA expression of NeuroD-1,NCAM1,and TH in the stem cells of the human apical papilla in the cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group was significantly increased,and the fluorescence intensity of Nestin and TUBB3 was significantly enhanced(P＜0.05).(4)Compared with the cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group,the proliferation ability,mRNA expression level of NeuroD-1,NCAM1,and TH,as well as the fluorescence intensity of Nestin and TUBB3,were significantly decreased in the cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression+AM251 group(P＜0.05).These findings conclude that overexpression of cannabinoid type Ⅰ promoted the proliferation and neural differentiation of human apical dentin papilla stem cells.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential effects and mechanisms of Liang-Ge-San (LGS) for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) through network pharmacology analysis and to verify LGS activity through biological experiments. METHODS: The key ingredients of LGS and related targets were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform. ARDS-related targets were selected from GeneCards and DisGeNET databases. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed using the Metascape Database. Molecular docking analysis was used to confirm the binding affinity of the core compounds with key therapeutic targets. Finally, the effects of LGS on key signaling pathways and biological processes were determined by in vitro and in vivo experiments. RESULTS: A total of LGS-related targets and 496 ARDS-related targets were obtained from the databases. Network pharmacological analysis suggested that LGS could treat ARDS based on the following information: LGS ingredients luteolin, wogonin, and baicalein may be potential candidate agents. Mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14), recombinant V-Rel reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog A (RELA), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) may be potential therapeutic targets. Reactive oxygen species metabolic process and the apoptotic signaling pathway were the main biological processes. The p38MAPK/NF-κ B signaling pathway might be the key signaling pathway activated by LGS against ARDS. Moreover, molecular docking demonstrated that luteolin, wogonin, and baicalein had a good binding affinity with MAPK14, RELA, and TNF α. In vitro experiments, LGS inhibited the expression and entry of p38 and p65 into the nucleation in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBE) cells induced by LPS, inhibited the inflammatory response and oxidative stress response, and inhibited HBE cell apoptosis (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In vivo experiments, LGS improved lung injury caused by ligation and puncture, reduced inflammatory responses, and inhibited the activation of p38MAPK and p65 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION LGS could reduce reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokine production by inhibiting p38MAPK/NF-κ B signaling pathway, thus reducing apoptosis and attenuating ARDS.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome/enzymology* ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism* ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; Animals ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Humans ; Male ; Network Pharmacology ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Mice

Objective:To investigate the molecular characteristics and clinical heterogeneity of Usher syndrome（USH） -related gene variants in patients with hereditary hearing loss in southwest China, providing a basis for early diagnosis and clinical management. Methods:Thirteen patients from twelve families with hearing loss who attended the Affiliated Children's Hospital of Kunming Medical University between January 2017 and March 2021 were enrolled. All patients were identified as carrying USH-related gene variants through next-generation sequencing. Sanger sequencing was performed for all patients and their parents to validate the pathogenic variants. Comprehensive clinical evaluations, including medical history collection, otologic and ophthalmologic examinations, and vestibular function assessments, were conducted. Results:Among the 13 patients, 4 were diagnosed with USH type 1 and 2 with USH type 2. A total of 19 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were detected in USH-related genes, including MYO7A,CDH23,USH1C, and USH2A. The causative gene was MYO7A in 3 probands, CDH23 in 5, USH1C in 3, and USH2Ain 2. All patients exhibited an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Vestibular dysfunction was observed in 4 patients, and retinitis pigmentosa（RP） in 3 patients. Based on the genotype-phenotype correlation, 6 patients were initially diagnosed with USH, while 7 were classified as having non-syndromic hearing loss（NSHL）. Conclusion:This study revealed the clinical heterogeneity of USH-related gene variants in patients with hereditary deafness in southwest China. Although the clinical manifestations of USH are complex and there are overlapping characteristics between different subtypes, genetic testing provides an important basis for early diagnosis and precise clinical management. Especially for those with typical hearing loss, early genetic diagnosis can provide a window of time for early detection and intervention of retinitis pigmentosa.
Humans ; Usher Syndromes/genetics* ; Myosin VIIa ; Phenotype ; Male ; Female ; Myosins/genetics* ; Mutation ; Cadherins/genetics* ; Child ; Extracellular Matrix Proteins/genetics* ; Adolescent ; Pedigree ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Cadherin Related Proteins ; Cytoskeletal Proteins ; Cell Cycle Proteins

Cemental tear is a rare and indetectable condition unless obvious clinical signs present with the involvement of surrounding periodontal and periapical tissues. Due to its clinical manifestations similar to common dental issues, such as vertical root fracture, primary endodontic diseases, and periodontal diseases, as well as the low awareness of cemental tear for clinicians, misdiagnosis often occurs. The critical principle for cemental tear treatment is to remove torn fragments, and overlooking fragments leads to futile therapy, which could deteriorate the conditions of the affected teeth. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and subsequent appropriate interventions are vital for managing cemental tear. Novel diagnostic tools, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), microscopes, and enamel matrix derivatives, have improved early detection and management, enhancing tooth retention. The implementation of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols, combined with improved clinical awareness among dental professionals, serves to mitigate risks of diagnostic errors and suboptimal therapeutic interventions. This expert consensus reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, potential predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cemental tear, aiming to provide a clinical guideline and facilitate clinicians to have a better understanding of cemental tear.
Humans ; Dental Cementum/injuries* ; Consensus ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Tooth Fractures/therapy*

Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is a critical endocrine mediator implicated in male reproductive physiology. To investigate the correlation between IGF2 protein levels and various aspects of male infertility, specifically focusing on sperm quality, inflammation, and DNA damage, a cohort of 320 male participants was recruited from the Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Hangzhou, China) between 1 st January 2024 and 1 st March 2024. The relationship between IGF2 protein concentrations and sperm parameters was assessed, and Spearman correlation and linear regression analysis were employed to evaluate the independent associations between IGF2 protein levels and risk factors for infertility. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure IGF2 protein levels in seminal plasma, alongside markers of inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α] and interleukin-1β [IL-1β]). The relationship between seminal plasma IGF2 protein levels and DNA damage marker phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX) was also explored. Our findings reveal that IGF2 protein expression decreased notably in patients with asthenospermia and teratospermia. Correlation analysis revealed nuanced associations between IGF2 protein levels and specific sperm parameters, and low IGF2 protein concentrations correlated with increased inflammation and DNA damage in sperm. The observed correlations between IGF2 protein levels and specific sperm parameters, along with its connection to inflammation and DNA damage, underscore the importance of IGF2 in the broader context of male reproductive health. These findings lay the groundwork for future research and potential therapeutic interventions targeting IGF2-related pathways to enhance male fertility.
Humans ; Male ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor II/metabolism* ; Infertility, Male/genetics* ; DNA Damage ; Adult ; Inflammation/metabolism* ; Spermatozoa/metabolism* ; Semen Analysis ; Semen/metabolism* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Histones/metabolism* ; Interleukin-1beta/metabolism*

This study investigates the mechanism by which Xintong Granules improve myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MIRI) through the regulation of gut microbiota and their metabolites, specifically short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs). Rats were randomly divided based on body weight into the sham operation group, model group, low-dose Xintong Granules group(1.43 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), medium-dose Xintong Granules group(2.86 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), high-dose Xintong Granules group(5.72 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and metoprolol group(10 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)). After 14 days of pre-administration, the MIRI rat model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. The myocardial infarction area was assessed using the 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC) staining method. Apoptosis in tissue cells was detected by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL) assay. Pathological changes in myocardial cells and colonic tissue were observed using hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), creatine kinase MB isoenzyme(CK-MB), and cardiac troponin T(cTnT) in rat serum were quantitatively measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) kits. The activities of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), creatine kinase(CK), and superoxide dismutase(SOD) in myocardial tissue, as well as the level of malondialdehyde(MDA), were determined using colorimetric assays. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing, and fecal SCFAs were quantified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). The results show that Xintong Granules significantly reduced the myocardial infarction area, suppressed cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and decreased serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), myocardial injury markers(CK-MB, cTnT, LDH, and CK), and oxidative stress marker MDA. Additionally, Xintong Granules significantly improved intestinal inflammation in MIRI rats, regulated gut microbiota composition and diversity, and increased the levels of SCFAs(acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, etc.). In summary, Xintong Granules effectively alleviate MIRI symptoms. This study preliminarily confirms that Xintong Granules exert their inhibitory effects on MIRI by regulating gut microbiota imbalance and increasing SCFA levels.
Animals ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Rats ; Male ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Humans ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6/genetics* ; Malondialdehyde/metabolism*

Objective:To analyze the influencing factors of China′s DRG payment system reform(DRG reform) and its hierarchical relationship, for references for the in-depth promotion of China′s medical insurance payment reform.Methods:Relevant literature on DRG reform in China from databases such as CNKI, Wanfang Database, Pubmed, etc, were obtained. Content analysis method was used to extract the influencing factors of DRG reform. The correlation between each influencing factor was determined through expert discussion. An interpretive structural model(ISM) was constructed to analyze the hierarchical relationship of factors influencing DRG reform.Results:After analysis, the influencing factors(12) of DRG reform in China were included such as medical level, hospital management, and medical staff′s cognition and behavior. Among them, the local situation was the deep-level factor affecting DRG reform, 9 factors such as data quality assurance and policy design/implementation were the middle-level factors, and patients′ interests/needs and disease grouping were the surface-level factors.Conclusions:There were many influencing factors on the reform of China′s DRG payment system. It was suggested that relevant management departments in various regions should focus on the actual situation of the locality, take data quality and policy design and implementation as the key points of reform, formulate a scientific and reasonable DRG grouping scheme, safeguard the interests of patients, so as to promote the deepening of DRG reform.

Background: Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients. Methods: Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines. Results: Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher. Conclusion MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.