Objective: To characterize perioperative dynamic changes in immune-cell phenotypes and inflammatory cytokines in patients undergoing CPB (cardiopulmonary bypass) cardiac surgery, and to explore their associations with postoperative outcomes. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 120 adult patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery under CPB at West China Hospital from May 2022 to March 2023 were enrolled. Perioperative immune-cell phenotypes and concentrations of 40 inflammation-related cytokines were measured. The primary outcomes were the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score at 24 h after surgery and ΔSOFA (the peak SOFA score within 48 h after surgery minus the preoperative SOFA score). Secondary outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), acute kidney injury (AKI), respiratory failure, severe liver injury, and infection. Results: The mean age of enrolled patients was 57±10 years. Of these, 52% (62/120) were male and 90% (108/120) underwent valve surgery. During the rewarming to the end of CPB, neutrophil counts rapidly increased (7.39×10 /L vs preoperative 3.07×10 /L, P<0.001), with significant upregulation of CD11b (7.30×10 /L vs preoperative 3.05×10 /L, P<0.001) and CD54 (7.15×10 /L vs preoperative 2.99×10 /L, P<0.001). Lymphocyte counts increased at the end of CPB (1.75×10 /L vs preoperative 1.12×10 /L, P<0.001) but decreased significantly at 24 h after surgery (0.59×10 /L vs preoperative 1.12×10 /L, P<0.001). Plasma analysis showed that multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines increased during CPB and remained elevated up to 24 h after surgery; five chemokines and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 peaked at the end of CPB. The SOFA score increased from 1 (1, 2) preoperatively to 7 (5, 10) at 24 h after surgery, with a ΔSOFA of 6 (4, 8). Within 30 days after surgery, 48 patients (40.0%) developed AKI, 17 (14.2%) developed infection, 4 (3.3%) developed severe liver injury, 3 (2.5%) developed respiratory failure, and 3 (2.5%) experienced MACE. During the 2-year follow-up, 8 patients (6.7%) experienced MACE and 5 (4.2%) died. Conclusion: Multi-organ dysfunction is common after cardiac surgery under CPB (median ΔSOFA, 6), accompanied by perioperative activation of multiple immune-cell subsets and upregulation of pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and chemotactic mediators. This study provides data-driven evidence and research clues for further investigation of the associations between CPB-related immune perturbations and postoperative organ dysfunction and clinical outcomes.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder with profound impact on patients’ quality of life and long-term health, and early detection and intervention are particularly critical. In recent years, the search for precise and reliable biomarkers has become one of the key strategies to effectively address the clinical challenges of PD. In this paper, we systematically evaluated potential biomarkers, including proteins, metabolites, epigenetic markers, and exosomes, in the peripheral blood of PD patients. Protein markers are one of the main directions of biomarker research in PD. In particular, α‑synuclein and its phosphorylated form play a key role in the pathological process of PD. It has been shown that aggregation of α-synuclein may be associated with pathologic protein deposition in PD and may be a potential marker for early diagnosis of PD. In terms of metabolites, uric acid, as a metabolite, plays an important role in oxidative stress and neuroprotection in PD. It has been found that changes in uric acid levels may be associated with the onset and progression of PD, showing its potential as an early diagnostic marker. Epigenetic markers, such as DNA methylation modifications and miRNAs, have also attracted much attention in Parkinson’s disease research. Changes in these markers may affect the expression of PD-related genes and have an important impact on the onset and progression of the disease, providing new research perspectives for the early diagnosis of PD. In addition, exosomes, as a potential biomarker carrier for PD, are able to carry a variety of biomolecules involved in intercellular communication and pathological regulation. Studies have shown that exosomes may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PD, and their detection in blood may provide a new breakthrough for early diagnosis. It has been shown that exosomes may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PD, and their detection in blood may provide new breakthroughs in early diagnosis. In summary, through in-depth evaluation of biomarkers in the peripheral blood of PD patients, this paper demonstrates the important potential of these markers in the early diagnosis of PD and in the study of pathological mechanisms. Future studies will continue to explore the clinical application value of these biomarkers to promote the early detection of PD and individualized treatment strategies.

Objective To compare the efficacy of 2 L and 3 L polyethylene glycol(PEG)electrolyte solution for bowel preparation in a real-world setting.Methods A real-world,single-center cohort study was conducted on the individuals undergoing colonoscopy in Department of Gastroenterology of Chengdu Third People's Hospital between May and October 2023.Based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria,they were given 2 L(n=4 684)and 3 L(n=3 700)PEG electrolyte solution for bowel preparation.The primary outcome indicator was the adequacy of bowel preparation by Boston bowel preparation score(BBPS).Secondary outcome indicators included the BBPS score,polyp detection rate(PDR),tolerability,compliance,and incidence of adverse events.Results The adequacy rate of bowel preparation was 94.35％in the 3 L group,significantly higher than that of the 2 L group(91.29％,P＜0.001).The 3 L group obtained a higher BBPS score then the 2 L group(6.92±1.06 vs 6.81±1.14,P＜0.001).But there was no statistical difference in the PDR between the 2 groups(P=0.073).And the rate of PEG completion(P=0.810),administration of low residue diet as required(P=0.094)or use of dimethicone(P=0.072)were comparable between the 2 groups.However,the incidences of vomiting(4.5％vs 3.2％,P=0.002),abdominal discomfort(5.0％vs 3.9％,P=0.011)and sleep disturbance(18.0％vs 14.6％,P＜0.001)were obviously higher in the 3 L group than the 2 L group.Conclusion In a real-world setting,2 L PEG is a considerably safe and effective regimen for bowel preparation.

Objective To investigate the inhibitory effect of erianin on T cell proliferation and its underlying mechanism.Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)were isolated using density gradient centrifugation,and T cells were purified by magnetic-activated cell sorting(MACS)with immunomagnetic beads,followed by being activated with anti-human CD3 antibodies and anti-human CD28 antibodies.The activated T cells were labeled with carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester(CFSE),and the effects of erianin(0.05～0.20 μmol/L)on the proliferation,apoptosis,expression of activation marker cluster of differentiation 25(CD25),cell cycle distribution of activated T cells,as well as the survival rate of resting T cells were assessed using flow cytometry.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was applied to determine the secretion levels of IL-2 and IL-17 in the culture supernatant of erianin-treated activated T cells.Western blotting was employed to examine the impact of erianin on the protein expression of cell division cycle protein 2(CDC2),phosphorylated CDC2(p-CDC2),and Cyclin B1.The differences were observed between the erianin-treated group and the positive control group(activation with CD3/CD28 antibodies).Results CFSE proliferation assay demonstrated that the proliferative rate of activated T cells was in a concentration-dependent decline after 0.05～0.20 μmol/L erianin treatment(P<0.0001),with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)of 0.09±0.10 μmol/L.No significant differences were observed in apoptotic rates or survival rates among the erianin-treated groups(activated and resting T cells)and the positive control cells.Analysis of T cell activation markers revealed that erianin had no impact on CD25 expression or IL-2 secretion.However,ELISA results indicated erianin exerted a significant suppression on the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17(P<0.0001).Cell cycle analysis showed that erianin arrested activated T cells at the G2/M phase(P<0.05).Further mechanistic investigations demonstrated that while erianin did not alter CDC2 phosphorylation or total CDC2 expression,but it markedly down-regulated CyclinB1 expression(P<0.01).Conclusion Erianin exhibits potent immunomodulatory activity by suppressing activated T cell proliferation through down-regulating Cyclin B1.

Combined seawater Hf and Nd isotope compositions have been applied as reliable tracers of water mass mixing and weathering input changes.The establishment of standardized synchronous extraction methods for Fe-Mn oxyhydroxide in sediments,which serve as effective carriers for isotopic signals of ancient seawater,is a prerequisite and key for paleoceanography research.The research material of this study was the surface sediments of the Western Arctic Ocean obtained from China's 7th Arctic Scientific Expedition,and a reliable simultaneous Nd-Hf isotope extraction method in Fe-Mn oxyhydroxide fraction was established through systematic optimization of pretreatment procedures and key extraction parameters.This research focused on analyzing the effects of pretreatment(Milli-Q water pre-wash)and key extraction parameters(leaching time,solution/solid ratios,concentration of EDTA-2Na,and concentration of mixed solution of hydroxyamine hydrochloride(HH)and acetic acid(HAc))on element extraction efficiency and isotopic composition.The experimental results indicated that the Milli-Q water pre-wash was not necessary,Fe-Mn oxyhydroxide extraction could be directly performed.Nd extraction amount in Fe-Mn oxyhydroxide fraction was not sensitive to changes in extraction conditions,while the Hf extraction amount was significantly affected by leaching time,solution/solid ratios and concentration of EDTA-2Na.The optimal conditions for synchronously extracting Nd-Hf isotopes were as follows:adding 20 mL of a mixed solution of 0.005 mol/L HH+1.5%HAc+0.03 mol/L EDTA-2Na per gram of sample,and reaction at room temperature for 3 h under shaking.Through systematic verification of 87Sr/86Sr ratio,εNd value,εHf value,Al/Nd ratio and Al/Hf ratio,it was confirmed that this method could effectively avoid interferences from residual components and accurately obtain Nd-Hf isotope signals of ancient seawater preserved in sediments.The standardized method established in this work provided reliable technical support for reconstructing water mass mixing between the Arctic,North Atlantic,and North Pacific Oceans and riverine input histories.It also provided important reference for the extraction methods of Nd and Hf isotopes from marine sources in sediments from other sea areas around the world.

Objective:To prepare decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM)-gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) composite hydrogels and to study their effects on hepatocyte proliferation.Methods:Hepatic dECM was prepared by elution, and GelMA hydrogel and 10%, 30% and 50% dECM-GelMA composite hydrogels were prepared by pepsin solubilization. The morphology of normal liver and dECM liver was observed by eyes and scanning electron microscopy using hematoxylin-eosin, Sirius red and periodate-Schiff staining, respectively. The internal structure of the dECM-GelMA composite hydrogels was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and the pore diameter was measured. Liver HL-7702 cells were co-cultured with GelMA hydrogel and 10%, 30% and 50% dECM-GelMA composite hydrogels, and the cell proliferation viability was determined by cell counting kit-8. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Wnt family protein 5a (Wnt5a), β-catenin, extracellular-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) were detected by Western blotting. Comparisons were made using independent sample t-test or one-factor analysis of variance. Results:After decellularization, the hepatocyte morphology showed rounded depressions, and the extracellular matrix structure was intact. The GelMA hydrogel and 10%, 30% and 50% dECM-GelMA composite hydrogels showed inernally porous structures. The pore diameter increased from (3.06±1.35) μm in the GelMA hydrogel to (16.01±4.02) μm in the 50% dECM-GelMA composite hydrogel. On the 3rd, 5th and 7th day, the relative cell proliferation was higher in the 50% dECM-GelMA composite hydrogel group than that in the GelMA hydrogel group (1.89±0.04 vs 1.53±0.01, 9.36±0.04 vs 3.89±0.09, 7.15±0.27 vs 4.89±0.15, all P<0.05). The relative expression levels of PCNA, Wnt5a, β-catenin, and p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2 proteins in the 50% dECM-GelMA composite hydrogel group were higher than those in the GelMA hydrogel group (2.14±0.04 vs 1.00±0.03, 2.36±0.09 vs 1.00±0.08, 1.45±0.03 vs 1.00±0.04, 1.43±0.04 vs 1.00±0.01, all P<0.05). Conclusions:A dECM-GelMA composite hydrogel can be prepared, which may promote hepatocyte proliferation by upregulating the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Bushen Jianpi Formula(BSJPF)in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)complicated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)of spleen-kidney deficiency type.Methods Seventy-two patients with T2DM complicated with NAFLD of spleen-kidney deficiency type admitted to Clifford Hospital from June 2023 to September 2024 were randomized into treatment group(n=36,receiving lifestyle intervention+metformin+BSJPF)and control group(n=36,lifestyle intervention+metformin alone)for 12 weeks.TCM syndrome scores,liver function markers,ultrasonographic grading of fatty liver,glycolipid metabolic parameters were observed,and the clinical efficacy and safety were assessed.Results(1)Regarding dropouts,during the study,2 patients in the treatment group dropped out,while none occurred in the control group.Ultimately,34 patients in the treatment group and 36 in the control group completed efficacy evaluation.(2)In terms of clinical efficacy,after 12 weeks of treatment,the total effective rate was 88.24％(30/34)in the treatment group versus 66.67％(24/36)in the control group.Intergroup comparison(by chi-square test)showed significantly superior efficacy in the treatment group(P＜0.05).(3)For liver function indicators,after treatment,serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase(GGT)levels decreased significantly in both groups compared to those before treatment(P＜0.05),with substantially greater reduction in the treatment group(P＜0.05).(4)Regarding fatty liver ultrasound grading,both groups showed improvement after treatment(P＜0.05),with significantly greater enhancement in the treatment group(P＜0.05).(5)For glucose-lipid metabolism markers,both groups exhibited decreased fasting blood glucose(FBG),2-hour postprandial glucose(2hPG),glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c),fasting insulin(FINS),insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR),total cholesterol(TC),triglycerides(TG),and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)levels(P＜0.05),with treatment group showing markedly greater reductions(P＜0.05);both groups demonstrated increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)levels(P＜0.05),with treatment group showing significantly greater elevation(P＜0.05).(6)In TCM syndrome score assessment,both groups showed reduced scores after treatment(P＜0.05),with treatment group demonstrating significantly greater improvement(P＜0.05).(7)Regarding safety,routine blood/urine/stool tests,renal function indicators,and electrocardiograms remained normal in both groups.The adverse reaction rate was 2.94％(1/34)in treatment group versus 5.56％(2/36)in control group,with no statistically significant difference between groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion BSJPF combined with metformin demonstrates superior efficacy to metformin alone for patients with T2DM complicated with NAFLD of spleen-kidney deficiency type.It is effective in relieving clinical symptoms,enhancing TCM syndrome efficacy,improving liver enzymes,fatty liver grading and insulin resistance,and regulating glycolipid metabolism.

Objective To investigate the effect of indigo on inflammatory factors and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AhR)/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)signaling pathway in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced keratinocytes(HaCaT cells).Methods An LPS-induced HaCaT cell model was established,and experimental groups were set as follows:blank group,model group,indigo group,AhR agonist(2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin,TCDD)group,AhR inhibitor(CH-223191)group,and indigo+AhR inhibitor group.The Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8)assay was used to detect the effects of different concentrations of indigo,TCDD,and CH-223191 on HaCaT cell viability after 24 hours of intervention.Quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR)was employed to measure the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),AhR,cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily A member 1(CYP1A1),NLRP3,Caspase-1,and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein(ASC)in each group.Western Blot analysis was used to assess changes in the cellular localization of AhR protein expression.Results(1)The IC50 of indigo intervention in HaCaT cells was 118.7 μmol·L-1.Treatment with different concentrations of CH-223191 and TCDD for 24 hours had no significant effect on HaCaT cell viability.(2)Compared with the model group,the indigo group showed decreased mRNA expression levels of IL-1β,NF-κB,NLRP3,and Caspase-1(P＜0.05 or P＜0.000 1),while the mRNA expression levels of AhR and CYP1A1 were significantly increased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.000 1).(3)Compared with the blank group,the indigo group reduced cytoplasmic AhR protein expression and increased nuclear AhR protein expression(P＜0.001 or P＜0.000 1).(4)Compared with the model group,both the indigo group and the AhR agonist group significantly increased AhR mRNA expression levels(P＜0.05),while the AhR inhibitor group decreased AhR and CYP1A1 mRNA expression levels(P＜0.05)and increased IL-1β and NLRP3 mRNA expression levels(P＜0.05).(5)Compared with the AhR inhibitor group,the indigo+AhR inhibitor group showed increased mRNA expression levels of AhR and CYP1A1(P＜0.05)and decreased mRNA expression levels of NLRP3,Caspase-1,and IL-1β(P＜0.05).Conclusion Indigo reduces inflammatory factors in LPS-induced HaCaT cells and participates in inhibiting the occurrence and development of psoriasis by activating AhR to negatively regulate the NLRP3 inflammasome.

BACKGROUND: T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma/acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-LBL/ALL) is an aggressive form of hematological malignancy associated with poor prognosis in adult patients. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are aberrantly expressed in T-LBL/ALL and are considered potential therapeutic targets. Here, we investigated the antitumor effect of a novel HDAC inhibitor, chidamide, on T-LBL/ALL. METHODS: HDAC1, HDAC2 and HDAC3 levels in T-LBL/ALL cell lines and patient samples were compared with those in normal controls. Flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy, and lactate dehydrogenase release assays were conducted in Jurkat and MOLT-4 cells to assess apoptosis and pyroptosis. A specific forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) inhibitor was used to rescue pyroptosis and upregulated gasdermin E (GSDME) expression caused by chidamide treatment. The role of the FOXO1 transcription factor was evaluated by dual-luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. The efficacy of chidamide in vivo was evaluated in a xenograft mouse. RESULTS: The expression of HDAC1, HDAC2 and HDAC3 was significantly upregulated in T-LBL/ALL. Cell viability was obviously inhibited after chidamide treatment. Pyroptosis, characterized by cell swelling, pore formation on the plasma membrane and lactate dehydrogenase leakage, was identified as a new mechanism of chidamide treatment. Chidamide triggered pyroptosis through caspase 3 activation and GSDME transcriptional upregulation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed that chidamide led to the increased transcription of GSDME through a more relaxed chromatin structure at the promoter and the upregulation of FOXO1 expression. Moreover, we identified the therapeutic effect of chidamide in vivo . CONCLUSIONS This study suggested that chidamide exerts an antitumor effect on T-LBL/ALL and promotes a more inflammatory form of cell death via the FOXO1/GSDME axis, which provides a novel choice of targeted therapy for patients with T-LBL/ALL.
Humans ; Pyroptosis/drug effects* ; Forkhead Box Protein O1/genetics* ; Aminopyridines/pharmacology* ; Animals ; Mice ; Benzamides/pharmacology* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/drug therapy* ; Phosphate-Binding Proteins/metabolism* ; Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors/pharmacology* ; Jurkat Cells ; Histone Deacetylases/metabolism* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Gasdermins