AIM:To investigate the role of SET and MYND domain-containing protein 3(SMYD3)-mediated histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation(H3K4me3)dysregulation in pulmonary vascular remodeling in a rat model of pulmo-nary arterial hypertension associated with atrial septal defect(PAH-ASD).METHODS:The PAH-ASD rat model was created using transseptal puncture and radiofrequency ablation techniques.The rats were randomly assigned to 5 groups:normal,sham,PAH-ASD,PAH-ASD+vehicle(Veh),and PAH-ASD+BCI-121(SMYD3 inhibitor).Four weeks after modeling,lung tissues and pulmonary vessels were harvested for subsequent analysis.Western blot analysis was conducted to evaluate the protein levels of SMYD3,H3K4me3,transforming growth faction-β1(TGF-β1),and collagen type Ⅲ(Col Ⅲ).The mRNA expression of TGF-β1 was quantified using RT-qPCR.Histological assessment of pulmonary vascu-lar fibrosis,vascular wall thickness and smooth muscle proliferation was executed through Masson's trichrome and HE staining.Co-immunoprecipitation(Co-IP)assay was performed to investigate the interactions among SMYD3,H3K4me3,and TGF-β1.Hemodynamic parameters,including mean pulmonary artery pressure(mPAP),were quantified using a computerized physiological signal acquisition system.RESULTS:The Western blot analysis indicated a significant in-crease in the protein levels of SMYD3,TGF-β1,Col Ⅲ,and H3K4me3 in the PAH-ASD group compared with the sham group(P<0.05).RT-qPCR corroborated the elevation of TGF-β1 mRNA expression in the PAH-ASD group(P<0.05).Furthermore,Masson's trichrome and HE staining techniques revealed more pronounced pulmonary vascular fibrosis,an augmented vascular wall area,and an elevated vascular area index within the PAH-ASD group(P<0.05).Additionally,the right ventricular hypertrophy index(RVHI)and mPAP were significantly elevated in the PAH-ASD group(P<0.05).The administration of BCI-121 resulted in a significant reduction of SMYD3,TGF-β1,Col Ⅲ,and H3K4me3 levels(P<0.05),while also mitigating pulmonary vascular fibrosis,RVHI,mPAP,pulmonary vascular area,and area index(P<0.05).Co-IP confirmed direct interactions among SMYD3,H3K4me3,and TGF-β1.CONCLUSION:Histone methyl-transferase SMYD3-mediated histone H3K4me3 modification plays a role in the pulmonary vascular remodeling of PAH-ASD model rats.The underlying mechanism may involve the regulation of pulmonary vascular proliferation and fibrosis me-diated by the overexpression of TGF-β1 and Col Ⅲ.

Background: Psoralea corylifolia L. (Buguzhi, BGZ), known for its efficacy in supporting pregnancy and preventing miscarriage, has been used in China for over 1000 years. Recently, BGZ has been identified as a potential cause of drug-induced liver injury. However, its safety during pregnancy remains unclear, which significantly hinders its routine clinical application. Objective: To investigate the effects of BGZ administration during pregnancy on the liver of mouse mothers and their weaned 21-day-old offspring. Methods: Mice were orally administered BGZ at doses of 2.5 and 10 g/kg during pregnancy, with BGZ withdrawal during the lactation period. Liver histopathology (hematoxylin-eosin staining), biochemical analysis, and evaluation of liver bile acid metabolism were performed after the lactation period. Results: BGZ administration at doses of 2.5 and 10 g/kg during pregnancy, followed by withdrawal during the lactation period, caused mild liver damage in both mothers and their 21-day-old offspring. Serum total bile acid (TBA) levels were elevated compared with those in the control group. Additionally, changes were observed in the levels and proportions of various bile acids (BAs) in the liver, suggesting mild effects on BA metabolism. Conclusion: BGZ administration during pregnancy caused mild liver damage and increased serum TBA levels in both mouse mothers and their 21-day-old offspring. This phenomenon may be associated with imbalanced BA metabolism in the liver. Based on the present study and the limited toxicological research on BGZ, pregnant women should avoid prolonged use of BGZ. If BGZ is administered during pregnancy, serum TBA levels should be monitored, and if elevated, BGZ should be discontinued.

Background: Aristolochic acid II (AAII), a major nephrotoxic and carcinogenic component of aristolochic acids (AAs), has been less studied compared with its well-characterized analog, aristolochic acid I (AAI). Although AAs are known to induce carcinogenesis via DNA adduct formation, the toxicity mechanisms, environmental prevalence, and long-term health impacts of AAII remain poorly understood. Objective: This study aimed to systematically evaluate AAII’s acute and chronic toxicity, carcinogenic mechanisms, and environmental exposure patterns using integrated murine models and phytochemical analyses to clarify its toxicological profile and associated health risks. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were used in the following experiments: (1) determination of AAII content in 3 commonly used Aristolochia medicinal materials via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry; (2) acute toxicity testing with single doses of 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg; and (3) chronic exposure with 1 or 10 mg/kg administered every other day for 24 weeks, followed by 21 to 40 weeks of postexposure monitoring. Histopathological examination, whole-exome sequencing, biochemical assays, and micronucleus tests were performed to assess multi-organ damage, tumorigenesis, genomic mutation signatures, and direct clastogenicity. Phytochemical analyses were used to evaluate environmental distribution. Results: (1) A single 40 mg/kg dose of AAII induced dose-dependent renal tubular degeneration without hepatotoxicity; (2) the 10 mg/kg group showed significant mortality (20%), tumor incidence (33.3%, primarily forestomach and bladder transitional cell carcinomas), persistent renal interstitial fibrosis, and subclinical hepatic injury. Chronic exposure to 1 mg/kg still induced 13.3% mortality and 15.5% tumor incidence over a 64-week period; (3) whole-exome sequencing revealed a predominance of C>T mutations and pathway enrichment in chemical carcinogenesis and cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism, indicating reactive metabolite-driven mechanisms distinct from classical AA-DNA adducts; and (4) no histopathological changes were observed in nontarget organs (brain, heart, and testes), and micronucleus assays confirmed the absence of direct clastogenicity. Conclusion: This study highlights the delayed carcinogenic risks of low-dose chronic AAII exposure and emphasizes the need to update regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe use of aristolochiaceae-containing herbal products.

AIM:To investigate the role of SET and MYND domain-containing protein 3(SMYD3)-mediated histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation(H3K4me3)dysregulation in pulmonary vascular remodeling in a rat model of pulmo-nary arterial hypertension associated with atrial septal defect(PAH-ASD).METHODS:The PAH-ASD rat model was created using transseptal puncture and radiofrequency ablation techniques.The rats were randomly assigned to 5 groups:normal,sham,PAH-ASD,PAH-ASD+vehicle(Veh),and PAH-ASD+BCI-121(SMYD3 inhibitor).Four weeks after modeling,lung tissues and pulmonary vessels were harvested for subsequent analysis.Western blot analysis was conducted to evaluate the protein levels of SMYD3,H3K4me3,transforming growth faction-β1(TGF-β1),and collagen type Ⅲ(Col Ⅲ).The mRNA expression of TGF-β1 was quantified using RT-qPCR.Histological assessment of pulmonary vascu-lar fibrosis,vascular wall thickness and smooth muscle proliferation was executed through Masson's trichrome and HE staining.Co-immunoprecipitation(Co-IP)assay was performed to investigate the interactions among SMYD3,H3K4me3,and TGF-β1.Hemodynamic parameters,including mean pulmonary artery pressure(mPAP),were quantified using a computerized physiological signal acquisition system.RESULTS:The Western blot analysis indicated a significant in-crease in the protein levels of SMYD3,TGF-β1,Col Ⅲ,and H3K4me3 in the PAH-ASD group compared with the sham group(P<0.05).RT-qPCR corroborated the elevation of TGF-β1 mRNA expression in the PAH-ASD group(P<0.05).Furthermore,Masson's trichrome and HE staining techniques revealed more pronounced pulmonary vascular fibrosis,an augmented vascular wall area,and an elevated vascular area index within the PAH-ASD group(P<0.05).Additionally,the right ventricular hypertrophy index(RVHI)and mPAP were significantly elevated in the PAH-ASD group(P<0.05).The administration of BCI-121 resulted in a significant reduction of SMYD3,TGF-β1,Col Ⅲ,and H3K4me3 levels(P<0.05),while also mitigating pulmonary vascular fibrosis,RVHI,mPAP,pulmonary vascular area,and area index(P<0.05).Co-IP confirmed direct interactions among SMYD3,H3K4me3,and TGF-β1.CONCLUSION:Histone methyl-transferase SMYD3-mediated histone H3K4me3 modification plays a role in the pulmonary vascular remodeling of PAH-ASD model rats.The underlying mechanism may involve the regulation of pulmonary vascular proliferation and fibrosis me-diated by the overexpression of TGF-β1 and Col Ⅲ.

ObjectiveBased on ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry（UPLC-Q-TOF-MS^E） technique， we identified qualitatively the metabolites of aristolochic acid（AAs） in rat in order to analyze the metabolic differences between water extract of Aristolochiae fructus（AFE） and Aristolochic acid Ⅰ（AAⅠ）. MethodSD rats were selected and administered AFE（110 g·kg^-1·d^-1） or AAⅠ（5 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） by oral for 5 days， respectively. Serum， urine and feces were collected after administration. Through sample pretreatment， ACQUITY UPLC BEH C₁₈ column（2.1 mm×100 mm， 1.7 μm） was used with the mobile phase of 0.01% formic acid methanol（A）-0.01% formic acid water（B， containing 5 mmol·L^-1 ammonium acetate） for gradient elution（0-1 min， 10%B； 1-7 min， 10%-75%B； 7-7.2 min， 75%-95%B； 7.2-10.2 min， 95%B； 10.2-10.3 min， 95%-10%B； 10.3-12 min， 10%B） at a flow rate of 0.3 mL·min^-1. Positive ion mode of electrospray ionization（ESI⁺） was performed in the scanning range of m/z 100-1 200. In combination with UNIFI 1.9.4.053 system， the Pathway-MS^E was used to qualitatively analyze and identify the AAs prototype and related metabolites in biological samples（serum， urine and feces）， and to compare the similarities and differences of metabolites in rats in the subacute toxicity test between AFE group and AAⅠ group. ResultCompared with AAⅠ group， 6， 10， 13 common metabolites and 14， 20， 30 unique metabolites were identified in biological samples（serum， urine and feces） of AFE group， respectively. Moreover， the main AAs components always followed the metabolic processes of demethylation， nitrate reduction and conjugation. Compared with common metabolites in AAⅠ group， prototype components of AAⅠ in serum and most metabolic derivatives of AAⅠ［AAⅠa， aristolochic lactam Ⅰ（ALⅠ）a， 7-OHALⅠ and its conjugated derivatives］ in biological samples were significantly increased in AFE group（P<0.05， P<0.01）， except that the metabolic amount of ALⅠ in feces of AFE group was remarkably lowed than that of AAⅠ group（P<0.01）. In addition， a variety of special ALⅠ efflux derivatives were also identified in the urine and feces of the AFE group. ConclusionAlthough major AAs components in AFE all show similar metabolic rules as AAⅠ components in vivo， the coexistence of multiple AAs components in Aristolochiae Fructus may affect the metabolism of AAⅠ， and achieve the attenuating effect by increasing the metabolic effection of AAⅠ and ALⅠ.

To evaluate immune efficacy of the recombinant Lactobacillus casei, we constructed pLA-Newcastle disease virus (NDV)-F/L. casei and obtained the expression products. PCR amplified the NDV F gene carrying part of the major epitopes. The target gene was inserted to the shuttle plasmid pLA, and then transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) in order to screen positive recombinant plasmid. The positive recombinant plasmid was transformed into L. casei by electroporation to construct pLA-NDV-F/L. casei. The positive strains were identified by PCR. The reactivity of the recombinant bacteria was identified by Western blotting and the protein expression was detected by indirect immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and laser confocal microscopy. The 14-day-old chickens in each group were vaccinated by oral plus nose drops. The pLA-NDV-F/L. casei twice immunization group and three times immunization group, the commercial vaccine group, the pLA/L. casei group, the unchallenge PBS and the challenge PBS group were established. IgG in serum and sIgA in the lavage fluid of intestinal, nasal and lung were detected by ELISA. The protection rate of chickens was evaluated. The results showed that 94.10% of the recombinant bacteria expressed the F protein. The recombinant protein was highly expressed on the surface of L. casei with a protein size of 62 kDa, which specifically bound to anti-NDV serum. The levels of anti-F IgG and sIgA antibodies in each test group were significantly higher than those in the control groups. The duration of antibody in the pLA-NDV-F/L. casei three-time immunization group lasted 28 days longer than that in the twice immunized group, and there was no significant difference between antibody peak values. The attack protection rates in each group of immunized pLA-NDV-F/L. casei three times, twice, attenuated vaccine, pLA/L. casei and PBS were 80%, 80%, 90%, 0% and 0%, respectively. Therefore, the antigenic protein of NDV F was successfully expressed by L. casei expression system, which has of reactogenicity and immunogenicity, and could induce protective immune responses in chickens.
Animals ; Antibodies, Viral ; Chickens ; Immunization ; Lactobacillus casei ; Newcastle disease virus ; Vaccines, Attenuated ; Viral Vaccines

Objective: To investigate the expression of miR-1269 in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues, and to explore its effect on the cellular biological characteristics of NSCLC A549 cells and the underlying mechanism. Methods: 34 pairs of NSCLC tissues and the corresponding adjacent para-cancerous tissues obtained from the patients, who underwent surgery in the Department of Breast Surgery, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from Jan. 2017 to Jan. 2018, were collected for this study. The expression level of miR-1269 in above tissue specimens was examined by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR.After transfection with miR1269 mimics and mimics NC (negative control), the proliferation, migration and invasion of A549 cells were detected by MTS, Wound healing and Transwell assay, respectively; and the changes in cell cycle distribution of A549 cells were examined by flow cytometry. The bioinformatics tool was used to predict the possible target gene of miR-1269, and the regulation effect of miR-1269 on target gene was then validated by Western blotting and Dual-luciferase reporter assay. In the meanwhile, the protein expressions of cyclin depen dent kinase inhibitor p21, Cyclin D2, and EMT-related proteins (E-cadherin and ZEB2) in the transfected A549 cells were measured by Western blotting. Results: The expression level of miR-1269 in NSCLC tissues was significantly higher than that in paracancerous tissues (2.81±2.27 vs 1.61±1.36, P <0.05). The capacities of proliferation, migration and invasion ofA549 cells in miR-1269 mimics transfection group were significantly higher than those in mimics NC group and blank control group (all P <0.01). And the cell proportion at S-phase in miR-1269-mimics group was obviously higher than that in mimics NC group [(46.54±1.57)% vs (23.32±3.15)%， P<0.01]. Bioinformatics analysis showed that miR-1269 could combine with 3’UTR of FOXO1 gene. After transfection with miR-1269 mimics, the expression level and luciferase activity of FOXO1 protein in A549 cells were significantly reduced (all P <0.01). Moreover, the protein expressions of p21 and E-cadherin were significantly decreased after over-expression of miR-1269 (all P <0.05), while the expressions of ZEB2 and Cyclin D2 were up-regulated (all P <0.05). Conclusion: The expression level of miR-1269 in NSCLC tissues was significantly increased, and it could enhance the proliferation, cell cycle progression, migration and invasion ofA549 cells. The possible mechanism may be related to its targeted regulation of FOXO1.

Objective: To explore the clinical features, the serotype distribution and drug resistance of the isolates in patient with invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). Methods: By retrieving the laboratory information system in 18 children′s hospitals from 2012 to 2017, the children with IPD were enrolled. Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) must be isolated from the sterile sites (blood, cerebrospinal fluid, hydrothorax and joint effusion etc.). The clinical characteristics, serotype, drug resistance, treatment and prognosis were reviewed and analyzed. According to the telephone follow up results, the patients were divided into death group and recovered group. The index as an independent risk factor of mortality was demonstrated by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: There were 1 138 children with IPD, including 684 male and 454 female. The proportion of male to female was 1.5∶1. The age ranged from one day to 16 years. The median age was 1 year 3 month. The majority was under 5 years of age (89.3%, n= 1 016), especially under 2 years of age (61.9%, n=704). In all cases, 88.2% (n=1 004) were community acquired infection. The infections included meningitis (n=446, 39.2%), pneumonia with bacteremia (n=339, 29.8%), and bacteremia without focus (n=232, 20.4%). Underlying diseases were found in 242 cases (21.3%). Co-infections were determined in 62 cases (5.4%) with mycoplasma, 27 cases (2.4%) with adenovirus and 34 cases with influenza virus (3.0%). The penicillin insensitivity (PNSP) rates in meningitis and non-meningitis isolates were 69.5% (276/397) and 35.9% (221/615), respectively. There were 81 strains serotyped, in which 93.8% (76/81) were covered by 13-valent protein-polysaccharide conjugate vaccine (PCV13). In the 965 patients who were followed up by phone call, 156 cases (16.2%) were confirmed dead. The independent risk factors for the death were under 2 years of age (OR=2.143, 95%CI 1.284-3.577, P=0.004), meningitis (OR=3.066, 95%CI 1.852-5.074, P<0.01), underlying disease (OR=4.801, 95%CI 2.953-7.804, P<0.01), septic shock(OR=3.542, 95%CI 1.829-6.859, P<0.01), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) (OR=4.150, 95%CI 1.468-11.733, P=0.007), multiple organ failure (OR=12.693, 95%CI 6.623-24.325, P<0.01) and complications of central nervous system (OR=1.975, 95%CI 1.144-3.410, P=0.015). Conclusions Most children with IPD were under 5 years of age, having underlying diseases and acquired the infection in community. The independent risk factors for death were under two years old, meningitis, underlying diseases and multiple organ failure. The problem of drug resistance was severe. The universal immunization of PCV13 would be effective to prevent IPD in Chinese children.

Objective: To investigate the effect of interleukin-8 (IL-8) on esophageal cancer cell line KYSE170, and to preliminarily explore its mechanism. Methods: siRNA targeting IL-8 was in vitro synthesized and transfected into KYSE170 cells by lipofectamine 2000. The efficiency of silencing was determined by Real-time PCR, Western blotting and ELISA. Morphological changes of KYSE170 cells were observed microscopically. Scratch assay was performed to observe the cell migration ability. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the cell proliferation ability. Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of IL-8 receptor and JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway related proteins. Results: Compared with the negative control group, the mRNA and protein expressions of IL-8 in KYSE170 cells were all significantly decreased after IL-8 silencing (P<0.01), and IL-8 secretion was significantly reduced (P<0.01).After IL-8 gene silencing, the migration capacity of KYSE170 cells was significantly weakened (P<0.01), while no significant changes in cell proliferation was detected. The expression of IL-8 receptor 2 (CXCR2) and transfer-related protein WASF3 were significantly decreased (P< 0.05), while the expression of IL-8 receptor 1 (CXCR1) was not significantly changed; the expressions of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 protein in JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway were significantly decreased (all P<0.01). Conclusion: Knock-down of IL-8 inhibits the migration of esophageal cancer KYSE170 cells, and the mechanism may be related with the alteration of CXCR2 and its downstream JAK2STAT3 signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correct diagnosis for styloid process syndrome. METHOD: CT scan and 3D reconstruction was undertaken in 301 cases with foreign body sensation in submandibular angle, pain in pharyngeal, tension feeling and unhealing feeling after tonsillectomy. 263 cases were diagnosed as styloid process syndrome. RESULT: Seventy-two cases were performed with tonsillar styloidectomy. The follow up showed no pre-operative symptoms. CONCLUSION CT scan 3D reconstruction is the best method in diagnosing styloid process syndrome.
Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome ; diagnosis ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Young Adult