BACKGROUND: Hepatic inflammatory cell accumulation and the subsequent systematic inflammation drive acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) development. Previous studies showed that the vagus nerve exerts anti-inflammatory activity in many inflammatory diseases. Here, we aimed to identify the key molecule mediating the inflammatory process in ACLF and reveal the neuroimmune communication arising from the vagus nerve and immunological disorders of ACLF. METHODS: Proteomic analysis was performed and validated in ACLF model mice or patients, and intervention animal experiments were conducted using neutralizing antibodies. PNU-282987 (acetylcholine receptor agonist) and vagotomy were applied for perturbing vagus nerve activity. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), flow cytometry, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) technology were used for in vivo or in vitro mechanistic studies. RESULTS: The unbiased proteomics identified C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 9 (CXCL9) as the greatest differential protein in the livers of mice with ACLF and its relation to the systematic inflammation and mortality were confirmed in patients with ACLF. Interventions on CXCL9 and its receptor C-X-C chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) improved liver injury and decreased mortality of ACLF mice, which were related to the suppressing of hepatic immune cells' accumulation and activation. Vagus nerve stimulation attenuated while vagotomy aggravated the expression of CXCL9 and the severity of ACLF. Blocking CXCL9 and CXCR3 ameliorated liver inflammation and increased ACLF-associated mortality in ACLF mice with vagotomy. scRNA-seq revealed that hepatic macrophages served as the major source of CXCL9 in ACLF and were validated by immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry analysis. Notably, the expression of CXCL9 in macrophages was modulated by vagus nerve-mediated cholinergic signaling. CONCLUSIONS Our novel findings highlighted that the neuroimmune communication of the vagus nerve-macrophage-CXCL9 axis contributed to ACLF development. These results provided evidence for neuromodulation as a promising approach for preventing and treating ACLF.
Animals ; Mice ; Chemokine CXCL9/metabolism* ; Vagus Nerve/physiology* ; Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure/metabolism* ; Humans ; Male ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Proteomics ; Flow Cytometry ; Receptors, CXCR3/metabolism*

Loss of protein homeostasis is a hallmark of cellular senescence, and ribosome pausing plays a crucial role in the collapse of proteostasis. However, our understanding of ribosome pausing in senescent cells remains limited. In this study, we utilized ribosome profiling and G-quadruplex RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing techniques to explore the impact of RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) on the translation efficiency in senescent cells. Our results revealed a reduction in the translation efficiency of rG4-rich genes in senescent cells and demonstrated that rG4 structures within coding sequence can impede translation both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, we observed a significant increase in the abundance of rG4 structures in senescent cells, and the stabilization of the rG4 structures further exacerbated cellular senescence. Mechanistically, the RNA helicase DHX9 functions as a key regulator of rG4 abundance, and its reduced expression in senescent cells contributing to increased ribosome pausing. Additionally, we also observed an increased abundance of rG4, an imbalance in protein homeostasis, and reduced DHX9 expression in aged mice. In summary, our findings reveal a novel biological role for rG4 and DHX9 in the regulation of translation and proteostasis, which may have implications for delaying cellular senescence and the aging process.
G-Quadruplexes ; Cellular Senescence ; Ribosomes/genetics* ; Humans ; Animals ; Mice ; DEAD-box RNA Helicases/genetics* ; Protein Biosynthesis ; RNA/chemistry* ; Neoplasm Proteins

Bone grafting is a primary method for treating bone defects. Among various graft materials, xenogeneic bone substitutes are widely used in clinical practice due to their abundant sources, convenient processing and storage, and avoidance of secondary surgeries. With the advancement of domestic production and the limitations of imported products, an increasing number of bone filling or grafting substitute materials isentering clinical trials. Relevant experts have drafted this consensus to enhance the management of medical device clinical trials, protect the rights of participants, and ensure the scientific and effective execution of trials. It summarizes clinical experience in aspects, such as design principles, participant inclusion/exclusion criteria, observation periods, efficacy evaluation metrics, safety assessment indicators, and quality control, to provide guidance for professionals in the field.
Humans ; Bone Substitutes/therapeutic use* ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic/methods* ; Consensus ; Bone Transplantation ; Research Design

AIM:This study aim to investigate the effects of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced inflammation on the aging phenotype of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells(HSPCs)in the bone marrow(BM)and spleen of mice.METHODS:(1)Young(2-month old)wild-type(WT)mice were treated with LPS to establish an actue inflammation model.The percentage of HSPCs in the BM and spleen of mice after LPS stimulation,as well as the ratio of mature cells in peripheral blood(PB)and spleen,were analyzed using flow cytometry.The proliferation of HSPCs in the BM and spleen was evaluated by examining the expression of the proliferation marker Ki67.In addition,changes in CD45 expression on HSPCs in the spleen of mice following LPS exposure were investigated by flow cytometry.(2)The percentage of HSPCs in BM and mature cells in PB and spleen of both young(2-month old)and old(24-month old)WT mice were analyzed by flow cytometry.(3)The transcriptome changes of hematopoietic stem cells(HSCs)after LPS stimulation was performed by an in silico analysis.RESULTS:(1)Mice exposed to LPS exhibited a significant increase in the percentage of HSPCs in BM and a marked elevation in the percentages of myeloid cells in PB and spleen compared to the mice in control group(P<0.05).(2)LPS exposure resulted in increased spleen weight and cell counts(P<0.05),along with a higher per-centage of HSPCs in the spleen compared to controls(P<0.05).(3)LPS stimulation promoted the proliferation of HSPCs in the BM and spleen(P<0.05).(4)The expression of CD45 was reduced on HSPCs from spleen of mice after LPS stimu-lation(P<0.01).(5)In comparison to young mice,aged mice showed an increase in spleen weight and a higher percent-age of HSPCs in the spleen(P<0.05).(6)Aged mice,in comparison to young mice,demonstrated a significantly higher percentage of HSPCs in the BM and myeloid skewing in the PB and spleen(P<0.01).(7)The silico analysis revealed up-regualtion of reactive oxygen species(ROS)and apoptosis signaling in HSPCs following LPS stimulation.CONCLU-SION:Young HSPCs stimulated by LPS exhibited an increase in cell number,a bias towards myeloid differentiation,en-hanced extramedullary hematopoiesis,and elevated levels of ROS and apoptosis,all of which collectively manifested the aging phenotype of HSPCs.

Aim To investigate the therapeutic effect of the MW-9 on ulcerative colitis(UC)and reveal the underlying mechanism, so as to provide a scientific guidance for the MW-9 treatment of UC. Methods The model of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells was established. The effect of MW-9 on RAW264.7 cells viability was detected by MTT assay. The levels of nitric oxide(NO)in RAW264.7 macrophages were measured by Griess assay. Cell supernatants and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines containing IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β were determined by ELISA kits. Dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced UC model in mice was established and body weight of mice in each group was measured. The histopathological damage degree of colonic tissue was assessed by HE staining. The protein expression of p-p38, p-ERK1/2 and p-JNK was detected by Western blot. Results MW-9 intervention significantly inhibited NO release in RAW264.7 macrophages with IC50 of 20.47 mg·L-1 and decreased the overproduction of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α(P<0.05). MW-9 had no cytotoxicity at the concentrations below 6 mg·L-1. After MW-9 treatment, mouse body weight was gradually reduced, and the serum IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α levels were significantly down-regulated. Compared with the model group, MW-9 significantly decreased the expression of p-p38 and p-ERK1/2 protein. Conclusions MW-9 has significant anti-inflammatory activities both in vitro and in vivo, and its underlying mechanism for the treatment of UC may be associated with the inhibition of MAPK signaling pathway.

Aim To investigate the mechanisms of Ke-chuanting granules(KCT)inhibiting the IL-33/ILC2s pathway and pathogenic T cells to intervene in allergic airway inflammation.Methods Network pharmacolo-gy was utilized to analyze the potential targets and mechanisms of KCT-treated asthma.Allergic asthma models were induced in mice using OVA.Lung histo-pathology was conducted to observe injury changes.ELISA and quantitative PCR were utilized to measure key inflammatory factors and their mRNA expression levels in Th2-type asthma.Western blot was used to detect the phosphorylation levels of relevant proteins in the MAPK pathway.Flow cytometry was performed to evaluate the proportions of ILC2s,Th1,Th 17,Th2 and Treg cells.Results Network pharmacology iden-tified 227 main active components and 143 key targets of KCT in treating asthma,primarily enriched in signa-ling pathways such as MAPK and IL-17.Further vali-dation experiments demonstrated that KCT significantly alleviated lung inflammatory injury in asthmatic mice,reduced the number of B cells,production of I L-4,TNF-α and TGF-β,downregulated JNK phosphoryla-tion levels in lung tissue,as well as mRNA levels of Il-33,Bcl11b,Rorα,Tcf-7,Jun,Mapk3 and Mapk14.KCT intervention reduced the numbers of ILC2s and Th 17 cells in lungs and spleens of mice,and inhibited Th2 cell infiltration in lungs.Conclusions KCT ex-hibits therapeutic effects on allergic airway inflamma-tion in asthma,closely associated with the inhibition of the IL-33/ILC2s pathway,pathogenic T cell subsets,and JNK-MAPK signaling pathway.

In order to improve the poor photostability of nifedipine, this study designed a cocrystal based on the principles of crystal engineering and prepared nifedipine-imidazole cocrystal by suspension method. The new cocrystal was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and infrared spectroscopy (IR) to confirm the formation of the cocrystal. The photostability of nifedipine and its cocrystal was measured by powder X-ray diffraction and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that the nifedipine-imidazole cocrystal improved the photostability of nifedipine to a certain extent. This study provides guidance for the development of nifedipine cocrystals and the improvement of its druggability.

Objective:To investigate the prognosis and influencing factors of endoscopic surgery for early glottic carcinoma.Methods:In this retrospective study, we applied the Cox proportional hazards regression model and the random survival forest model to analyze the clinical characteristics of 385 patients [362 males, 23 females, age ranging from 33 to 91 years (62.0±9.6)] who visited the Sixth Medical Center of the General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army from January 2009, to December 2022 and diagnosed with early glottic carcinoma, encompassing variables such as age, gender, T stage, surgical approach, pathological typing, etc. The primary evaluation indicators were overall survival(OS) and disease-free survival rates (DFS). The follow-up duration ranged from 30 to 5,557 days (with a median follow-up time of 1,596 days).Results:After a three-year follow-up, the OS rate for the 385 patients was 95.83%, while the DSF rate was 82.98%. The Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed age ( HR=2.35, 95% CI: 1.75 to 3.15, P<0.001) and T staging ( HR=1.59, 95% CI: 1.13 to 2.23, P=0.019) as predominant factors affecting the OS and DFS. The random survival forest model identified poor tumor differentiation, and high expression of P53 and Ki-67 as predictors of inferior prognosis. Conclusion:Endoscopic surgery for early glottic carcinoma yields favorable short-term OS and reduces short-term recurrence rates, with T-stage emerging as a pivotal factor influencing recurrence. Tumors with poor differentiation and elevated expression of P53 may be indicative of an increased risk of recurrence.

The rise in global life expectancy has led to an increase in the older population, presenting significant challenges in managing infectious diseases. Aging affects the innate and adaptive immune systems, resulting in chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammaging) and immune function decline (immunosenescence). These changes would impair defense mechanisms, increase susceptibility to infections and reduce vaccine efficacy in older adults. Cellular senescence exacerbates these issues by releasing pro-inflammatory factors, further perpetuating chronic inflammation. Moreover, comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which are common in older adults, amplify immune dysfunction, while immunosuppressive medications further complicate responses to infections. This review explores the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving inflammaging and immunosenescence, focusing on genomic instability, telomere attrition, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, we discussed how aging-associated immune alterations influence responses to bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections and evaluated emerging antiaging strategies, aimed at mitigating these effects to improve health outcomes in the aging population.
Humans ; Aging/physiology* ; Communicable Diseases/immunology* ; Immunosenescence/physiology* ; Inflammation/immunology* ; Genomic Instability

This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of Zuogui Jiangtang Qinggan Formula(ZGJTQG) on the glucolipid metabolism of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) complicated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD). NAFLD was induced by a high-fat diet(HFD) in MKR mice(T2DM mice), and a model of T2DM combined with NAFLD was established. Forty mice were randomly divided into a model group, a metformin group(0.067 g·kg~(-1)), and high-and low-dose ZGJTQG groups(29.64 and 14.82 g·kg~(-1)), with 10 mice in each group. Ten FVB mice of the same age were assigned to the normal group. Serum and liver tissue specimens were collected from mice except for those in the normal and model groups after four weeks of drug administration by gavage, and fasting blood glucose(FBG) and fasting insulin(FINS) levels were measured. The levels of total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), and low-density lipoprotein(LDL) were detected by the single reagent GPO-PAP method. Very low-density lipoprotein(VLDL) was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate ami-notransferase(AST) were determined by the Reitman-Frankel assay. The pathological changes in the liver were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and oil red O staining. Real-time fluorescence-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction(real-time PCR) and Western blot were adopted to detect the mRNA and protein expression of forkhead transcription factor O1(FoxO1), microsomal triglyceride transfer protein(MTP), and apolipoprotein B(APOB) in the liver. The results showed that high-dose ZGJTQG could signi-ficantly reduce the FBG and FINS levels(P<0.05, P<0.01), improve glucose tolerance and insulin resistance(P<0.05, P<0.01), alleviate the liver damage caused by HFD which was reflected in improving liver steatosis, and reduce the serum levels of TC, TG, LDL, VLDL, ALT, and AST(P<0.05, P<0.01) in T2DM mice combined with NAFLD. The findings also revealed that the mRNA and protein expression of FoxO1, MTP, and APOB in the liver was significantly down-regulated after the intervention of high-dose ZGJTQG(P<0.05, P<0.01). The above study showed that ZGJTQG could effectively improve glucolipid metabolism in T2DM combined with NAFLD, and the mechanism was closely related to the regulation of the FoxO1/MTP/APOB signaling pathway.
Mice ; Animals ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/metabolism* ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism* ; Liver ; Lipoproteins, LDL/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction ; Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects* ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism*