ObjectiveTo evaluate the predictive value of epicardial adipose tissue （EAT） parameters for microvascular obstruction （MVO） formation in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction （STEMI） using cardiac magnetic resonance quantification. MethodsA total of 139 STEMI patients were included in this study， and various parameters such as EAT thickness， volume， and mass index were measured utilizing cardiac magnetic resonance. All included patients were divided into MVO group and non-MVO group according to whether MVO occurred. Differences in EAT related parameters between two groups were compared and correlation analysis was applied to evaluate the correlation between quantitative indicators of EAT and indicators such as infarct size and ejection fraction. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the relevant risk factors for MVO formation. Receiver Operating Characteristic （ROC） curve analysis was performed to assess the predictive value of the epicardial adipose tissue （EAT） quality index and other indicators for the occurrence of MVO. ResultsCompared with non MVO group， patients in MVO group presented with higher peak troponin T levels， increase of neutrophil lymphocyte ratio （NLR） and C-reactive protein （CRP）， larger infarct size and compromised left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） （P<0.05）. Total EAT volume， EAT mass index， left atrioventricular EAT volume， left atrioventricular EAT mass index and thickness of EAT in the left atrioventricular groove were significantly higher in patients with MVO. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that NLR， peak troponin T levels and left atrioventricular EAT mass index were independent predictors of MVO. The ROC curve suggested that the left atrioventricular EAT mass index had the highest predictive power for MVO formation in STEMI patients. ConclusionThe parameters of EAT quantified by cardiac magnetic resonance serve as imaging biomarkers for predicting MVO formation in STEMI patients. These metrics enable risk stratification post-myocardial infarction and facilitate early identification of high-risk individuals， thereby supporting personalized therapeutic decision-making.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with common pathophysiological processes, such as inflammation and fibrosis, in both the heart and the kidney. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms that drive these processes are not yet fully understood. Therefore, this study focused on the molecular mechanism of heart and kidney injury in CKD. METHODS: We generated an microRNA (miR)-26a knockout (KO) mouse model to investigate the role of miR-26a in angiotensin (Ang)-II-induced cardiac and renal injury. We performed Ang-II modeling in wild type (WT) mice and miR-26a KO mice, with six mice in each group. In addition, Ang-II-treated AC16 cells and HK2 cells were used as in vitro models of cardiac and renal injury in the context of CKD. Histological staining, immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and Western blotting were applied to study the regulation of miR-26a on Ang-II-induced cardiac and renal injury. Immunofluorescence reporter assays were used to detect downstream genes of miR-26a, and immunoprecipitation was employed to identify the interacting protein of LIM and senescent cell antigen-like domain 1 (LIMS1). We also used an adeno-associated virus (AAV) to supplement LIMS1 and explored the specific regulatory mechanism of miR-26a on Ang-II-induced cardiac and renal injury. Dunnett's multiple comparison and t -test were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Compared with the control mice, miR-26a expression was significantly downregulated in both the kidney and the heart after Ang-II infusion. Our study identified LIMS1 as a novel target gene of miR-26a in both heart and kidney tissues. Downregulation of miR-26a activated the LIMS1/integrin-linked kinase (ILK) signaling pathway in the heart and kidney, which represents a common molecular mechanism underlying inflammation and fibrosis in heart and kidney tissues during CKD. Furthermore, knockout of miR-26a worsened inflammation and fibrosis in the heart and kidney by inhibiting the LIMS1/ILK signaling pathway; on the contrary, supplementation with exogenous miR-26a reversed all these changes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that miR-26a could be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiorenal injury in CKD. This is attributed to its ability to regulate the LIMS1/ILK signaling pathway, which represents a common molecular mechanism in both heart and kidney tissues.
Animals ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Angiotensin II/toxicity* ; Mice ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/chemically induced* ; Mice, Knockout ; Disease Models, Animal ; Male ; Signal Transduction/genetics* ; LIM Domain Proteins/genetics* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Cell Line ; Humans

Objective:To explore the role and mechanism of Ras homolog gene family member E (RhoE) gene in myocardial fibrosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy.Methods:Wild-type SD rats were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin solution (STZ, 70 mg/kg) and an equal volume of sodium citrate solution to establish the type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) group ( n=15) and the T1DM control group ( n=15), respectively. db/db spontaneous type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice and wild-type C57BL/6J mice were conventionally housed for 8 weeks to establish the T2DM group ( n=5) and the T2DM control group ( n=5), respectively. Heterozygote SD rats with systemic knockout of the RhoE gene were intraperitoneally injected with STZ solution (70 mg/kg) and an equal volume of sodium citrate solution to establish the RhoE knockout T1DM group ( n=5) and the RhoE knockout control group ( n=5), respectively. Wild-type SD rats were injected with RhoE-overexpressing adeno-associated virus 9 through tail vein and intraperitoneally injected with STZ solution (70 mg/kg) to establish the RhoE overexpression T1DM group ( n=5), while wild-type SD rats injected with negative control virus through tail vein and intraperitoneally injected with an equal volume of sodium citrate solution served as the RhoE overexpression control group ( n=5). After successful modeling, all animals in each group were conventionally housed for an additional 6 or 8 weeks, which marked the experimental endpoint. At the experimental endpoint, echocardiography was performed to assess cardiac function of animals in each group, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and the ratio of early to late diastolic transmitral flow velocity (E/A ratio) were analysed. Masson staining was used to detect collagen fiber deposition in myocardial tissue of animals in each group. Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the expression levels of RhoE gene, type Ⅰ collagen, type Ⅲ collagen, Smad2/3, and phosphorylated Smad2/3 protein in myocardial tissue of rats. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in serum of rats. Results:Compared with their respective control groups, the expression of RhoE in the heart tissues of mice in the T2DM group and rats in the T1DM group was significantly downregulated, and the deposition of collagen fibers was more significant ( P<0.05), and LVEF and E/A ratio were lower (all P<0.05). Compared with the T1DM group, the phosphorylation level of Smad2/3、the levels of type Ⅰ collagen and type Ⅲ collagen in myocardial tissue and the level of TGF-β1 in serum were higher in the RhoE knockout T1DM group (all P<0.05). Additionally, rats in the RhoE overexpression T1DM group had higher LVEF and E/A ratios (both P<0.05) and less collagen fiber deposition ( P<0.05) compared with the T1DM group. Conclusions:Myocardial fibrosis induced by diabetes mellitus activates TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway by inhibiting RhoE gene expression. Myocardial targeting overexpression of the RhoE mediated by adeno-associated virus 9 can alleviate myocardial fibrosis and improve cardiac function in rats with diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Objective:To explore the role and mechanism of Ras homolog gene family member E (RhoE) gene in myocardial fibrosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy.Methods:Wild-type SD rats were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin solution (STZ, 70 mg/kg) and an equal volume of sodium citrate solution to establish the type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) group ( n=15) and the T1DM control group ( n=15), respectively. db/db spontaneous type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice and wild-type C57BL/6J mice were conventionally housed for 8 weeks to establish the T2DM group ( n=5) and the T2DM control group ( n=5), respectively. Heterozygote SD rats with systemic knockout of the RhoE gene were intraperitoneally injected with STZ solution (70 mg/kg) and an equal volume of sodium citrate solution to establish the RhoE knockout T1DM group ( n=5) and the RhoE knockout control group ( n=5), respectively. Wild-type SD rats were injected with RhoE-overexpressing adeno-associated virus 9 through tail vein and intraperitoneally injected with STZ solution (70 mg/kg) to establish the RhoE overexpression T1DM group ( n=5), while wild-type SD rats injected with negative control virus through tail vein and intraperitoneally injected with an equal volume of sodium citrate solution served as the RhoE overexpression control group ( n=5). After successful modeling, all animals in each group were conventionally housed for an additional 6 or 8 weeks, which marked the experimental endpoint. At the experimental endpoint, echocardiography was performed to assess cardiac function of animals in each group, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and the ratio of early to late diastolic transmitral flow velocity (E/A ratio) were analysed. Masson staining was used to detect collagen fiber deposition in myocardial tissue of animals in each group. Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the expression levels of RhoE gene, type Ⅰ collagen, type Ⅲ collagen, Smad2/3, and phosphorylated Smad2/3 protein in myocardial tissue of rats. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in serum of rats. Results:Compared with their respective control groups, the expression of RhoE in the heart tissues of mice in the T2DM group and rats in the T1DM group was significantly downregulated, and the deposition of collagen fibers was more significant ( P<0.05), and LVEF and E/A ratio were lower (all P<0.05). Compared with the T1DM group, the phosphorylation level of Smad2/3、the levels of type Ⅰ collagen and type Ⅲ collagen in myocardial tissue and the level of TGF-β1 in serum were higher in the RhoE knockout T1DM group (all P<0.05). Additionally, rats in the RhoE overexpression T1DM group had higher LVEF and E/A ratios (both P<0.05) and less collagen fiber deposition ( P<0.05) compared with the T1DM group. Conclusions:Myocardial fibrosis induced by diabetes mellitus activates TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway by inhibiting RhoE gene expression. Myocardial targeting overexpression of the RhoE mediated by adeno-associated virus 9 can alleviate myocardial fibrosis and improve cardiac function in rats with diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Aim To explore the role and mechanism of the effective ingredients of Scutellariae Radix in improving the fibrosis of diabetes cardiomyopathy(DCM).Methods The technology platform of Chinese medicine system pharmacology(TCMSP)and the small molecule drug target prediction(Swiss Target Prediction)platform were used to excavate the active components of Scutellariae Radix and the target of its response.DCM related disease gene targets were screened using GeneCards,Disgene,UniPort and OMIM databases,and intersecting genes were imported into the String 11.5 database to construct a drug-disease-protein interaction network diagram.Cytoscape 3.9.1 software was a-dopted to visualize the key target network.Metascape platform was used to explore the molecular targets of Scutellariae Radix effective ingredients against DCM,and draw pathway maps through the KEGG database.H9c2 and AC16 cardio-myocytes were stimulated with 5.5 mmol/L D-glucose as the normal glucose control group,35 mmol/L D-glucose as the high glucose group,and 10 μmol/L Baicalin was used for intervention.The levels of TGF-β1,collagen Ⅰ(COL Ⅰ)and collagen Ⅲ(CO LⅢ)mRNA were detected by RT-qPCR,and the expression of Smad2/3,p-Smad2/3,COL Ⅰ and COL Ⅲprotein were detected by Western blot,TGF-β1 level in supernatant was assessed by ELISA.Results Through the a-bove platform,a total of 33 effective ingredients including Baicalin,441 core targets,and 1 884 DCM disease genes were retrieved,150 core genes for treating DCM with Scutellariae Radix were obtained.The drug-disease interacted genes such as TGF-β1,TP53,MMP-9 and IL-6 were obtained through String PPI,KEGG signaling pathways such as MAPK and PI3K/Akt were enriched.In vitro experiments showed high glucose stimulation of H9c2 and AC16 cardiomyocytes led to upregulation of TGF-β1,COL Ⅰ and COL Ⅲ mRNA levels,p-Smad2/3,COL Ⅰ and COL Ⅲ protein levels,and signifi-cantly increased the content of TGF-β1 in the supernatant,while Baicalin weakened its expression.Conclusion The active ingredients of Scutellariae Radix exert anti DCM effects through multiple targets,among which Baicalin inhibits TGF-β1/Smad signaling to improve high glucose induced cardiomyocyte fibrosis and plays a protective role in DCM.

Objective:To describe the study methods and baseline characteristics of participants enrolled in mCessation program.Methods:This is a longitudinal, real-world study with non-randomized controlled design. The mCessation program consisted of a WeChat official account, an applet and a website using the same name ‘mCessation Online’. After users followed the WeChat account, filled in baseline information online and set a quit date, they would receive 162 short text messages in the next six and a half months as scheduled. This study collected the information of participants enrolled from May 26, 2021 to September 30, 2022, and analyzed baseline data including demographic characteristics, smoking characteristics, degree of tobacco dependence, reasons for smoking cessation and other related factors.Results:During the study period, a total of 16 746 participants registered, and 13 887 participants (82.9%) were enrolled in final analysis after screening the inclusion and exclusion criteria and completion of main indicators. Each year the number of enrolled participants in May or June was 1 381 to 2 707 per month, higher than the number of enrolled participants in other months (233 to 569 per month). Participants from North China accounted for the largest proportion (29.3%). There were 13 316 men (95.9%) in enrolled participants and the mean age was (36±10) years. Most participants were 25-34 (38.8%) or 35-44 (30.8%) years old. In terms of smoking characteristics, there were 12 564 (90.5%) daily smokers. The starting age of smoking was 18 (15, 20) years old. 11 866 participants (85.4%) were tobacco dependent, mostly with degree of mild (76.4%) or moderate (20.2%). In terms of reasons for quitting, 9 315 participants′ (67.1%) reasons were to prevent disease, 6 742 participants (48.5%) were concerned about impact of smoking on family members, and 6 731 participants (48.5%) were under requested by families.Conclusion:mCessation program can effectively recruit smokers with intention to quit in short time, especially those who were male, young and tobacco dependent.

Objective:To assess the therapeutic efficacy and histopathological effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with intralesional injection of aminolevulinic acid (ALA) in a rat model of acneiform inflammatory nodules.Methods:Forty specific pathogen-free (SPF) SD rats were randomly and equally divided into normal control group, model control group, ALA injection group and topical ALA group. Rats in the normal control group received no treatment, and those in the other 3 groups were inoculated with Propionibacterium acne suspension on the right auricle for the establishment of a rat model of acneiform inflammatory nodules. After successful modeling, rats in the model control group received no other treatment, those in the ALA injection group were intranodularly injected with 5% ALA followed by red light irradiation, and those in the topical ALA group were topically treated with 5% ALA on the acneiform inflammatory nodules followed by red light irradiation. The treatment was performed once a week for 2 weeks. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment, general appearance and histopathological changes of rat ears were observed in each group, the thickness of rat auricles was measured, and liver and kidney functions were evaluated. Statistical analysis was carried out by using one-way analysis of variance and least significant difference- t test for comparisons among the groups. Results:The thickness of rat auricles significantly differed among the normal control group, model control group, topical ALA group and ALA injection group (0.435 ± 0.006, 1.269 ± 0.071, 1.088 ± 0.098, 0.699 ± 0.095 mm, respectively, F = 235.60, P < 0.001) , and was significantly higher in the model control group than in the normal control group, topical ALA group and ALA injection group ( t = 24.18, 5.24, 16.48 respectively, all P < 0.01) , but significantly lower in the ALA injection group than in the topical ALA group ( t = 11.24, P < 0.01) . Compared with the model control group, the topical ALA group and ALA injection group showed decreased degree of local redness and swelling as well as number of nodules on the rat auricle, and decreased quantity of infiltrating inflammatory cells in the dermis and subcutaneous tissues. Compared with the topical ALA group, nodules regressed more markedly in the ALA injection group, and no clumps of inflammatory cells or microabscesses were observed in the ALA injection group. There was no significant difference in levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine or urea nitrogen among the 4 groups (all P > 0.05) . Conclusion:PDT with intralesional injection of ALA is more effective for the treatment of acneiform inflammatory nodules in rat models than PDT with topical application of ALA.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of α-Zearalanol(α-ZAL) on lipometabolism and hemorheology in ovariectomized(OVX) hyperlipidemia rabbits.Methods44 adult virgin female rabbits were divided into 5 groups,group A: normal control;group B: sham+CHO;group C: OVX+CHO;group D: OVX+CHO+17βE_2;group E: OVX+CHO+α-ZAL.Cholesterol(CHO) was fed to rabbits for 12 weeks.Before and after feeding CHO,the serum lipid(TC,TG,LDL-C,HDL-C) were measured;Blood viscosity,plasma viscosity,aggregation index of RBC(AIRC) and fibrinogen were also assayed respectively.ResultsThe serum levels of TC,TG and LDL-C in group B and E were significantly decreased compared with those in group C(P<0.05);the level of blood viscosity,plasma viscosity and AIRC platelet aggregation rate in group D and E were also significantly decreased compared with those in group C(P<0.05).Conclusionα-ZAL can improve vascular function through the adjustment of lipometabolism and hemorheology.

AIM: To investigate the effect of 17? estradiol (17?E 2)on atherosclerosis and hemorrheology in ovariectomized (OVX) rabbits. METHODS: Thirty four female rabbits were divided into 4 groups, group A: normal control; group B: sham+CHO; group C: OVX+CHO; group D: OVX+CHO+17? E 2. Cholesterol(CHO) was fed to rabbits for 12 weeks, before and after feeding CHO, the serum lipid (TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, ApoA1, ApoB) and area of aortic atherosclerotic plaques were measured. Blood viscosity, plasma viscosity (?p), aggregation index of RBC (AIRC) and fibrinogen were also determined, respectively. RESULTS: ① The ratio of area of aortic atherosclerotic plaque to total area of aortic intima was 0.02?0.003 (in group A), 0.42?0.15 (group B), 0.67?0.23 (group C), and 0.12?0 11 (group D), respectively. In group D, the ratio of aortic atherosclerotic plaque was markedly decreased compared with group C ( P