Aging is comprehensively influenced by multiple fac-tors such as internal genes,cellular metabolism,external envi-ronment,and lifestyle habits.Among them,epigenetic regula-tion plays a core role.Epigenetic modifications,including DNA methylation,histone modification,heterochromatin remodeling,and non-coding RNA regulation,act in concert with the three-di-mensional genome architecture to precisely regulate gene expres-sion.This review elaborates on the factors influencing epigenetic regulation,as well as the mechanisms of how epigenetics affects the occurrence of organismal aging and the corresponding inter-vention strategies,providing relevant insights for uncovering the mechanisms of aging and preventing/treating aging-related disea-ses.

Aim To systematically analyze the risk factors for comorbid ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovas-cular diseases using principal component analysis.It seeks to identify key risk factors influencing comorbidity and to con-struct a predictive model to serve as a screening tool for the prevention and management of comorbidities.Methods This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease from December 1,2009 to June 30,2020,at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University,using data from the hospital's integrated coronary heart dis-ease prevention platform.Patients were divided into two groups:those with both cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disea-ses and those with only coronary artery disease based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.Clinical indicators during hospi-tal admission were collected.The sample was randomly divided into a modeling set and a validation set in a 7∶3 ratio.In the modeling set,principal component analysis was used to explore the distribution differences in risk factors between the comorbid group and the single-disease group.By analyzing factor load contributions,the most significant variables were i-dentified.Logistic regression was then used to construct a predictive model,and a nomogram was generated.The model's predictive ability and robustness were evaluated in the validation set.Results A total of 11 808 participants were included,with 2 781(23.6%)in the comorbid group and 9 027(76.4%)in the coronary heart disease-only group.Compared with the single-disease group,the comorbid group had a higher average age,a greater proportion of females,and higher systolic blood pressure levels at admission(P<0.001).Additionally,thelevelsof hemoglobin,platelet distri-bution width,low density lipoprotein,and blood sodium were significantly higher in the comorbid group(P<0.05).A total of 8 265 participants were randomly assigned to the modeling set.Principal component analysis identified seven key factors with factor load contributions greater than 5:sodium level,systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,age,hemoglobin concentration,platelet distribution width,and total bilirubin level.Using these factors,a nomogram was con-structed via Logistic regression.The nomogram's area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for predicting co-morbid ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases was 0.630(95%CI:0.600～0.768,P<0.001).A total of 3 543 participants were randomly assigned to the validation set.In the validation set,the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.628.Conclusion Elevated sodium level,higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure at admission,older age,increased hemoglobin concentration,higher platelet distribution width,and lower total bilirubin level are risk factors for comorbid ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.The nomogram constructed has clinical value for screening patients with such comorbidities.

Aim To systematically analyze the risk factors for comorbid ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovas-cular diseases using principal component analysis.It seeks to identify key risk factors influencing comorbidity and to con-struct a predictive model to serve as a screening tool for the prevention and management of comorbidities.Methods This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease from December 1,2009 to June 30,2020,at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University,using data from the hospital's integrated coronary heart dis-ease prevention platform.Patients were divided into two groups:those with both cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disea-ses and those with only coronary artery disease based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.Clinical indicators during hospi-tal admission were collected.The sample was randomly divided into a modeling set and a validation set in a 7∶3 ratio.In the modeling set,principal component analysis was used to explore the distribution differences in risk factors between the comorbid group and the single-disease group.By analyzing factor load contributions,the most significant variables were i-dentified.Logistic regression was then used to construct a predictive model,and a nomogram was generated.The model's predictive ability and robustness were evaluated in the validation set.Results A total of 11 808 participants were included,with 2 781(23.6%)in the comorbid group and 9 027(76.4%)in the coronary heart disease-only group.Compared with the single-disease group,the comorbid group had a higher average age,a greater proportion of females,and higher systolic blood pressure levels at admission(P<0.001).Additionally,thelevelsof hemoglobin,platelet distri-bution width,low density lipoprotein,and blood sodium were significantly higher in the comorbid group(P<0.05).A total of 8 265 participants were randomly assigned to the modeling set.Principal component analysis identified seven key factors with factor load contributions greater than 5:sodium level,systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,age,hemoglobin concentration,platelet distribution width,and total bilirubin level.Using these factors,a nomogram was con-structed via Logistic regression.The nomogram's area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for predicting co-morbid ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases was 0.630(95%CI:0.600～0.768,P<0.001).A total of 3 543 participants were randomly assigned to the validation set.In the validation set,the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.628.Conclusion Elevated sodium level,higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure at admission,older age,increased hemoglobin concentration,higher platelet distribution width,and lower total bilirubin level are risk factors for comorbid ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.The nomogram constructed has clinical value for screening patients with such comorbidities.

Aging is comprehensively influenced by multiple fac-tors such as internal genes,cellular metabolism,external envi-ronment,and lifestyle habits.Among them,epigenetic regula-tion plays a core role.Epigenetic modifications,including DNA methylation,histone modification,heterochromatin remodeling,and non-coding RNA regulation,act in concert with the three-di-mensional genome architecture to precisely regulate gene expres-sion.This review elaborates on the factors influencing epigenetic regulation,as well as the mechanisms of how epigenetics affects the occurrence of organismal aging and the corresponding inter-vention strategies,providing relevant insights for uncovering the mechanisms of aging and preventing/treating aging-related disea-ses.

Objective To analyze the influencing factors of plastic bronchitis in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection and put forward targeted prevention suggestions. Methods The clinical data of children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection who were admitted to Chengdu Third People's Hospital from September 2022 to February 2024 were retrospectively analyzed . According to whether plastic bronchitis occurred, they were divided into plastic group (n=118) and non-plastic group (n=184), and the differences between the two groups were compared and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistics regression analysis equations were used to analyze the independent influencing factors of plastic bronchitis in children with mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. Results Among the 302 children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection , 118 cases were diagnosed with plastic bronchitis. Analysis showed that the children’s age, duration of fever, hospital stay, pleural effusion rate, number of bronchoscopic lavage, allergy history, endoscopic mucosal erosion rate, WBC, NE%, LY%, CRP, LDH, PCT and D-D were the single factors influencing the occurrence of plastic bronchitis in children with mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. Binary logistics regression analysis revealed that age (OR=2.137, P=0.033, 95% CI: 1.132-16.603), allergy history （OR=3.028, P=0.014, 95% CI: 1.261-864), NE% (OR=2.395, P=0.031, 95% CI: 1.087-5.274), CRP (OR=3.864, P=0.004, 95% CI: 1.563-3.864), PCT (OR=4.125, P=0.001, 95% CI: 1.793-3.864), and D-D (OR=3.920, P=0.002, 95% CI: 1.632-3.864) were independent risk factors for plastic bronchitis in children with mycoplasma pneumoniae infection (P<0.05). Conclusion Age, allergy history, NE%, CRP, PCT and D-D are independent risk factors for plastic bronchitis in children with mycoplasma pneumoniae infection . It is necessary to take clinical intervention measures to reduce the occurrence risk.

Objective: To determine the clinical efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion for treating patients with knee osteoarthritis and cold dampness obstruction syndrome. Methods: One hundred and twenty-eight patients with knee osteoarthritis and cold dampness obstruction syndrome who visited the Rehabilitation Department and Orthopedics Department of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine from January 2023 to March 2024 and who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly divided into an experimental (n=64) and control group (n=64) using the random number table method. The experimental group was treated with PRP injection combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion, whereas the control group was treated with normal saline injection combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion treatment. PRP and normal saline injections were administered once every two weeks, a total of four times. Patients were treated with warm acupuncture and moxibustion once a day, six times a week, for four consecutive weeks. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome, visual analog scale (VAS), and Lysholm scores were determined before treatment, at week 4 and week 8 of treatment, and week 16 of follow-up. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), osteoprotegerin (OPG), bone gla protein(BGP), and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) levels were compared between the two groups before and after 8 weeks of treatment. The clinical efficacy and safety indicators between the two groups were also compared. Results: There was no statistical difference in baseline data such as gender, age, disease duration, and body mass index between the two groups of patients. Compared with before treatment, both groups showed decreased WOMAC total and subscale, TCM syndrome total score and symptom scores, and VAS scores, and an increase in Lysholm scores at 4, 8, and 16 weeks after treatment. After treatment, serum IL-6, MMP-3, TNF-α, and COMP levels decreased, whereas serum OPG and BGP levels increased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, patients in the experimental group showed decreased WOMAC total and subscale, TCM syndrome total score and symptom scores, and VAS scores, and an increase in Lysholm score at 4, 8, and 16 weeks after treatment. Compared with the control group, patients in the experimental group showed decreased serum IL-6, MMP-3, TNF-α, and COMP levels and an increase in serum OPG and BPG levels after treatment (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the experimental group was 91.94%, higher than that of the control group (81.97%; P<0.05). Conclusion PRP injection combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion can improve various TCM symptoms, improve knee joint function and bone metabolism, and reduce inflammation in patients with knee osteoarthritis and cold dampness obstruction syndrome.

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of modified Chaihu Shugansan on the calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ（CaMKⅡ）/cAMP-response element binding protein （CREB） signaling pathway in the hippocampus and heart tissue of a rat model with myocardial ischemia and depression and explore the mechanism by which this formula prevents and treats coronary heart disease combined with depression. MethodsThe model of myocardial ischemia combined with depression was established by high-fat diet， intraperitoneal injection of isoproterenol （ISO）， and chronic unpredictable mild stress （CUMS）. A total of 108 SD male rats were randomly divided into normal group， model group， high （23.4 g·kg^-1）， medium （11.7 g·kg^-1）， and low （5.85 g·kg^-1） dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan， CaMKⅡ inhibitor （KN93） group， and KN93 + high， medium， and low dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan， with 12 rats in each group. From the first day of modeling to the end of modeling， drugs were administered once a day. In the seventh and eighth weeks， the KN93 group and the KN93 + high， medium， and low dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan were intraperitoneally injected with KN93 three times weekly. At the end of the eighth week， behavioral tests including sucrose preference， open field， and elevated plus maze were conducted. Electrocardiogram （ECG） lead Ⅱ changes were observed in each group of rats， and hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was performed to observe changes in heart tissue. Serum levels of triglycerides （TG）， total cholesterol （TC）， high-density lipoprotein （HDL）， low-density lipoprotein （LDL）， and lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） were measured by using an enzyme-labeled instrument. Creatine kinase （CK） and creatine kinase-MB （CK-MB） were detected by ultraviolet spectrophotometry， while serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 （MCP-1） was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect mRNA expression of CaMKⅡ and CREB in hippocampal and heart tissue， and Western blot was performed to assess protein expression of CaMKⅡ， phosphorylated （p）-CaMKⅡ， CREB， and p-CREB. ResultsCompared to the normal group， the model group showed significant reductions in sucrose preference rate， total activity distance in the open field， number of entries into the center area of the open field， and percentage of entries into the open arms of the elevated plus maze （P<0.01）. The ECG showed ST-segment elevation， and HE staining showed serious degeneration of myocardial fibers， disordered arrangement， and infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells. In addition， serum TC and LDL levels increased （P<0.01）， and HDL level decreased （P<0.01）. CK， CK-MB， LDH， and MCP-1 levels significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The mRNA expression of CaMKⅡ and CREB and the protein expression of p-CaMKⅡ and p-CREB decreased in the hippocampal tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）， but those increased in the heart tissue （P<0.01）. Compared to the model group， the high， medium， and low dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan showed improvements in these abnormalities. The KN93 group had reduced sucrose preference， total activity distance in the open field， number of entries into the center area of the open field， and percentage of entries into the open arms of the elevated plus maze （P<0.01）， as well as decreased serum CK， CK-MB， LDH， and MCP-1 levels （P<0.05， P<0.01）. KN93 also reduced ST-segment elevation， alleviated the degeneration degree of myocardial fibrosis， and lowered inflammatory cell infiltration. The mRNA expression of CaMKⅡ and CREB and the protein expression of p-CaMKⅡ and p-CREB in both the hippocampal and heart tissue were reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The KN93 + high， medium， and low dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan showed further improvements in these abnormalities compared to the KN93 group. ConclusionThe modified Chaihu Shugansan exerts antidepressant and myocardial protective effects in rats with myocardial ischemia and depression， possibly related to bidirectional regulation of the CaMKⅡ/CREB signaling pathway， with the high-dose modified Chaihu Shugansan showing the best effects.

Objective:To develop a popular science educational product aimed at enhancing home-based self-management among peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.Methods:A preliminary framework for popular science content on home-based self-management for PD patients was constructed based on an evidence summary. Through refinement of the evidence and expert panel discussions, the final educational content was determined and used to produce a popular science video. From June 18 to June 30, 2024, the video was disseminated through both online and offline channels. A questionnaire survey was used to assess the quality of the popular science educational product.Results:The final content framework consisted of four key areas: volume management, nutrition management, exercise management, and management of common problems. A popular science video with a total duration of 5 minutes and 52 seconds was developed. A total of 158 PD patients rated the quality of the popular science educational product with an average score of (83.03±2.01) .Conclusions:The development method of the popular science educational product is scientifically sound, and the content is suitable for dissemination. It provides a practical reference for improving health literacy and self-management ability among home-based PD patients.

OBJECTIVE: Pneumoconiosis, a lung disease caused by irreversible fibrosis, represents a significant public health burden. This study investigates the causal relationships between gut microbiota, gene methylation, gene expression, protein levels, and pneumoconiosis using a multi-omics approach and Mendelian randomization (MR). METHODS: We analyzed gut microbiota data from MiBioGen and Esteban et al. to assess their potential causal effects on pneumoconiosis subtypes (asbestosis, silicosis, and inorganic pneumoconiosis) using conventional and summary-data-based MR (SMR). Gene methylation and expression data from Genotype-Tissue Expression and eQTLGen, along with protein level data from deCODE and UK Biobank Pharma Proteomics Project, were examined in relation to pneumoconiosis data from FinnGen. To validate our findings, we assessed self-measured gut flora from a pneumoconiosis cohort and performed fine mapping, drug prediction, molecular docking, and Phenome-Wide Association Studies to explore relevant phenotypes of key genes. RESULTS: Three core gut microorganisms were identified: Romboutsia ( OR = 0.249) as a protective factor against silicosis, Pasteurellaceae ( OR = 3.207) and Haemophilus parainfluenzae ( OR = 2.343) as risk factors for inorganic pneumoconiosis. Additionally, mapping and quantitative trait loci analyses revealed that the genes VIM, STX8, and MIF were significantly associated with pneumoconiosis risk. CONCLUSIONS This multi-omics study highlights the associations between gut microbiota and key genes ( VIM, STX8, MIF) with pneumoconiosis, offering insights into potential therapeutic targets and personalized treatment strategies.
Humans ; Male ; East Asian People/genetics* ; Europe ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Lung ; Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors/metabolism* ; Mendelian Randomization Analysis ; Multiomics ; Pneumoconiosis/microbiology* ; Intramolecular Oxidoreductases

To investigate the impact and underlying mechanism of NOP2/Sun RNA methyltransferase 2 (NSUN2) on gastric cancer progression, TCGA database was used and revealed a significant upregulation of NSUN2 expression in gastric cancer tissues. Western blot analysis revealed that NSUN2 was upregulated in gastric cancer cells compared with gastric mucosal epithelial cells. Colony formation assays demonstrated an enhanced colony-forming capacity in NSUN2-overexpressing cells. Furthermore, Transwell assays showed a marked increase in cell migration and invasion upon high NSUN2 expression. Moreover, TCGA database analysis suggested ARMC9 as a potential downstream target of NSUN2. Subsequently, MeRIP-qPCR analysis revealed that NSUN2 overexpression could increase m5C modification of ARMC9 mRNA, and reduce its degradation rate, thus enhancing protein expression. Additionally, ARMC9 overexpression augmented cellular colony formation and migratory and invasive capabilities. These findings indicate that NSUN2 promotes gastric cancer progression by elevating m5C modification of ARMC9 mRNA, increasing its stability and enhancing its expression, therefore, NSUN2 and ARMC9 may serve as potential therapeutic targets for gastric cancer.