Objective To explore the non-invasive diagnostic criteria of magnetocardiography (MCG) for coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMVD), and its value in dynamically assessing drug treatment for CMVD. Methods Patients who presented with chest tightness or chest pain at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from September 2024 to March 2025 were consecutively enrolled, and all of whom had non-obstructive coronary arteries on angiography. Using the coronary angiography-derived index of microcirculatory resistance (caIMR) as the gold standard, patients were divided into a normal microcirculation group (caIMR≤40 U) and a CMVD group (caIMR＞40 U). MCG testing was performed using a domestic device (MD-U041001, Mind Medical). Patients in the CMVD group received adenosine treatment and underwent repeat MCG after medication. Differences in MCG parameters between the two groups were analyzed, and a diagnostic model was established. The value of the diagnostic model was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results A total of 311 patients were included, with 135 in the normal microcirculation group and 176 in the CMVD group. The CMVD group had a significantly higher proportion of males (61.9% vs 47.4%, P＝0.012), and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels ([1.16±0.31] mmol/L vs [1.24±0.29] mmol/L, P＝0.029) than the normal group. Eleven MCG parameters showed significant differences between the two groups (P＜0.05), among which increased values of mfm_QR_epav, mfm_RS_epmse, space_zeroRTrot, as well as decreased value of mfm_QR_v1 were independent predictors of CMVD. The diagnostic model based on these 11 MCG parameters yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.688 (95%CI 0.629-0.747). The integrated diagnostic model combining clinical risk factors (male, smoking history, HDL-C) with MCG parameters had an AUC of 0.701 (95%CI 0.643-0.759). After adenosine treatment, patients in the CMVD group showed significant decreases in mfm_QR_epav (P＝0.010), mfm_RS_sad (P＝0.013), and mfm_RS_epmse (P＝0.046). Conclusions The model based on MCG parameters demonstrates good diagnostic ability for CMVD; dynamic changes in MCG parameters following adenosine intervention may serve as potential objective indicators for evaluating microcirculatory treatment efficacy.

Despite breakthroughs in immunotherapy for solid tumors, significant variations in treatment efficacy persist. Up to 80% of cancer patients suffer from malnutrition, which leads to: lymphoid atrophy and reduced T-cell reserves; deficiency of substrates required for T-cell activation and expansion; concurrent inflammation hindering T-cell infiltration into tumors; and cachexia accelerating PD-1 antibody clearance. Clinical studies confirm that severe malnutrition significantly impairs immune responses and increases the risk of treatment toxicity. Therefore, implementing standardized nutritional therapy is crucial for optimizing the reserve, activation, expansion, and infiltration capacity of immune cells, thereby providing a sound immune system foundation for immunotherapy. Immunonutrition therapy, by enhancing immunonutrients such as arginine, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and nucleotides, reduces the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators and promotes T-cell activation and proliferation. This enhances anti-tumor immune responses, prolongs survival, and advances cancer treatment towards multimodal combination and precision approaches.

BACKGROUND: Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is indicated as a broad-spectrum medicine for a variety of diseases, including cancer and cardiac disease. While the role of ATO in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (HIRI) has not been reported. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify the effects of ATO on HIRI. METHODS: In the present study, we established a 70% hepatic warm I/R injury and partial hepatectomy (30% resection) animal models in vivo and hepatocytes anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) models in vitro with ATO pretreatment and further assessed liver function by histopathologic changes, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, cell counting kit-8, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) for extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 was transfected to evaluate the role of ERK1/2 pathway during HIRI, followed by ATO pretreatment. The dynamic process of autophagic flux and numbers of autophagosomes were detected by green fluorescent protein-monomeric red fluorescent protein-LC3 (GFP-mRFP-LC3) staining and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: A low dose of ATO (0.75 μmol/L in vitro and 1 mg/kg in vivo ) significantly reduced tissue necrosis, inflammatory infiltration, and hepatocyte apoptosis during the process of hepatic I/R. Meanwhile, ATO obviously promoted the ability of cell proliferation and liver regeneration. Mechanistically, in vitro  studies have shown that nontoxic concentrations of ATO can activate both ERK and phosphoinositide 3-kinase-serine/threonine kinase (PI3K-AKT) pathways and further induce autophagy. The hepatoprotective mechanism of ATO, at least in part, relies on the effects of ATO on the activation of autophagy, which is ERK-dependent. CONCLUSION Low, non-toxic doses of ATO can activate ERK/PI3K-AKT pathways and induce ERK-dependent autophagy in hepatocytes, protecting liver against I/R injury and accelerating hepatocyte regeneration after partial hepatectomy.
Animals ; Arsenic Trioxide ; Autophagy/physiology* ; Reperfusion Injury/prevention & control* ; Mice ; Male ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/physiology* ; Arsenicals/therapeutic use* ; Oxides/therapeutic use* ; Liver/metabolism* ; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a highly aggressive hematologic malignancy with a poor prognosis, despite advancements in treatment. Many patients struggle with relapse or refractory disease. Investigating the role of the super-enhancer (SE) regulated gene ubiquitin-specific protease 20 (USP20) in T-ALL could enhance targeted therapies and improve clinical outcomes. Analysis of histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) data from six T-ALL cell lines and seven pediatric samples identified USP20 as an SE-regulated driver gene. Utilizing the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) and BloodSpot databases, it was found that USP20 is specifically highly expressed in T-ALL. Knocking down USP20 with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) increased apoptosis and inhibited proliferation in T-ALL cells. In vivo studies showed that USP20 knockdown reduced tumor growth and improved survival. The USP20 inhibitor GSK2643943A demonstrated similar anti-tumor effects. Mass spectrometry, RNA-Seq, and immunoprecipitation revealed that USP20 interacted with hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF1A) and stabilized it by deubiquitination. Cleavage under targets and tagmentation (CUT&Tag) results indicated that USP20 co-localized with HIF1A, jointly modulating target genes in T-ALL. This study identifies USP20 as a therapeutic target in T-ALL and suggests GSK2643943A as a potential treatment strategy.

In recent decades, the prevalence of hyperuricemia and gout has increased dramatically due to lifestyle changes. The drugs currently recommended for hyperuricemia are associated with adverse reactions that limit their clinical use. In this study, we report that berberine (BBR) is an effective drug candidate for the treatment of hyperuricemia, with its mechanism potentially involving the modulation of gut microbiota and its metabolite, succinic acid. BBR has demonstrated good therapeutic effects in both acute and chronic animal models of hyperuricemia. In a clinical trial, oral administration of BBR for 6 months reduced blood uric acid levels in 22 participants by modulating the gut microbiota, which led to an increase in the abundance of Bacteroides and a decrease in Clostridium sensu stricto_1. Furthermore, Bacteroides fragilis was transplanted into ICR mice, and the results showed that Bacteroides fragilis exerted a therapeutic effect on uric acid similar to that of BBR. Notably, succinic acid, a metabolite of Bacteroides, significantly reduced uric acid levels. Subsequent cell and animal experiments revealed that the intestinal metabolite, succinic acid, regulated the upstream uric acid synthesis pathway in the liver by inhibiting adenosine monophosphate deaminase 2 (AMPD2), an enzyme responsible for converting adenosine monophosphate (AMP) to inosine monophosphate (IMP). This inhibition resulted in a decrease in IMP levels and an increase in phosphate levels. The reduction in IMP led to a decreased downstream production of hypoxanthine, xanthine, and uric acid. BBR also demonstrated excellent renoprotective effects, improving nephropathy associated with hyperuricemia. In summary, BBR has the potential to be an effective treatment for hyperuricemia through the gut-liver axis.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (CIPN) is a severe dose-limiting adverse event of chemotherapy. Presently, the mechanism underlying the induction of CIPN remains unclear, and no effective treatment is available. In this study, through metabolomics analyses, we found that nab-paclitaxel therapy markedly increased serum serotonin [5-hydroxtryptamine (5-HT)] levels in both cancer patients and mice compared to the respective controls. Furthermore, nab-paclitaxel-treated enterochromaffin (EC) cells showed increased 5-HT synthesis, and serotonin-treated Schwann cells showed damage, as indicated by the activation of CREB3L3/MMP3/FAS signaling. Venlafaxine, an inhibitor of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake, was found to protect against nerve injury by suppressing the activation of CREB3L3/MMP3/FAS signaling in Schwann cells. Remarkably, venlafaxine was found to significantly alleviate nab-paclitaxel-induced CIPN in patients without affecting the clinical efficacy of chemotherapy. In summary, our study reveals that EC cell-derived 5-HT plays a critical role in nab-paclitaxel-related neurotoxic lesions, and venlafaxine co-administration represents a novel approach to treating chronic cumulative neurotoxicity commonly reported in nab-paclitaxel-based chemotherapy.
Paclitaxel/toxicity* ; Animals ; Albumins/adverse effects* ; Serotonin/metabolism* ; Mice ; Humans ; Male ; Female ; Venlafaxine Hydrochloride/therapeutic use* ; Neurotoxicity Syndromes/metabolism* ; Middle Aged ; Schwann Cells/metabolism* ; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases/drug therapy* ; Antineoplastic Agents

Metastasis remains the primary cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) represent critical targets for metastasis prevention and treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine may prevent lung cancer metastasis through long-term intervention in CTC activity. Tiao-Shen-Zhi-Ai Formular (TSZAF) represents a Chinese medicine compound prescription utilized clinically for lung cancer treatment. This study combined three principal active ingredients from TSZAF into a novel TSZAF monomer combination (TSZAF mc) to investigate its anti-metastatic effects and mechanisms. TSZAF mc demonstrated significant inhibition of proliferation, migration, and invasion in CTC-TJH-01 and LLC cells, while inducing cellular apoptosis in vitro. Moreover, TSZAF mc substantially inhibited LLC cell growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, TAZSF mc significantly suppressed the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and CXCL5 expression in lung cancer cells and tissues. Additionally, TAZSF mc notably reduced neutrophil infiltration in metastatic lesions. These findings indicate that TSZAF mc inhibits lung cancer growth and metastasis by suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and reducing CXCL5 secretion, thereby decreasing neutrophil recruitment and infiltration. TSZAF mc demonstrates potential as an effective therapeutic agent for lung cancer metastasis.
Lung Neoplasms/genetics* ; Wnt Signaling Pathway/drug effects* ; Animals ; Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Mice ; Neoplasm Metastasis/prevention & control* ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Neutrophil Infiltration/drug effects* ; Down-Regulation/drug effects* ; Cell Movement/drug effects* ; beta Catenin/genetics* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Male ; Neoplastic Cells, Circulating/drug effects*

Objective To observe the effects of four different modeling method on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis,blood rheology,platelet aggregation rate,and myocardial ischemia in rats,and to provide new ideas for the establishment of a rat model of"double heart"disease in line with clinical diagnosis and treatment characteristics.Methods Sixty-nine male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into a Control group(unstimulated),chronic unpredictable mild stimulation(CUMS)group,isoproterenol(ISO)group(intraperitoneal injection of ISO),high-fat diet(HFD)group(fed high-fat chow),and composite model(CUMS+ISO+HFD)group(n=12 rats in the Control and HFD groups;n=15 rats in the other three groups,respectively).Modeling procedures were carried out for a total of 8 weeks,with ISO injection started from week 6 of the experiment for a total of 3 weeks.At the end of modeling,rats in each group were subjected to absent-field and sugar-water preference behavioral tests.Electrocardiography(ECG)was performed to observe changes in ECG lead Ⅱ in each group.Serum levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH),cortisol(Cor),corticosterone(CORT),endothelin-1(ET-1),and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1(sICAM-1)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Myocardial histopathological changes were detected by hematoxylin/eosin(HE)staining.Serum total cholesterol(TC),triglycerides(TG),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)were measured using an enzyme labeling instrument.Whole-blood high-cut viscosity(200 V/S),whole-blood low-cut viscosity(10 I/S),plasma viscosity,and fibrinogen were assessed using an automatic blood rheology analyzer.The maximum platelet aggregation rate(MAR)and average platelet aggregation rate(AAR)induced by arachidonic acid and adenosine diphosphate were detected using a whole-blood platelet aggregometer.Results Compared with the Control group,all four model groups had significantly lower absenteeism distance and number of entries into the central region in the absent-field test,and a lower sugar-water preference ratio(P＜0.01).ECG revealed ST-segment elevation in the ISO and CUMS+ISO+HFD groups,tachycardia in the CUMS group,and mild ST-segment elevation in the HFD.Serum ACTH,Cor,CORT,ET-1,and sICAM-1 were all significantly elevated in the four model groups(P＜0.01).HE staining showed that myocardial tissue was severely damaged in rats in the ISO and CUMS+ISO+HFD groups,with pathological changes such as localized fibrosis and inflammatory infiltration of the myocardium,while mild cardiomyocyte disarrangement and fracture was seen in the CUMS and HFD groups.Rats in the HFD group had increased serum TC and LDL(P＜0.01)and decreased HDL contents(P＜0.01).Compared with the Control group,whole-blood high-cut viscosity(200 V/S),whole-blood low-cut viscosity(10 I/S),plasma viscosity,and fibrinogen were all increased in the CUMS,HFD,and CUMS+ISO+HFD groups(P＜0.01,P＜0.05),while whole blood high-cut viscosity(200 V/S),whole blood low-cut viscosity(10 I/S),plasma viscosity,and fibrinogen levels were decreased in rats in the ISO group(P＜0.01,P＜0.05).MAR and AAR were significantly higher in rats in the CUMS,HFD,and CUMS+ISO+HFD groups(P＜0.01),while the platelet aggregation rate was decreased in the ISO group compared with the Control group(P＜0.01,P＜0.05).Conclusions These result showed that the rat CUMS+ISO+HFD model better reflected the complexity of clinical double heart disease than the other three models.

Renal cancer is a common and increasingly prevalent malignancy with a complex pathogenesis influenced by genetics,smoking,and obesity.Current treatment mainly involves surgery with adjunctive chemotherapy,radiation,and immunotherapy,but high rates of recurrence and metastasis indicate its limited effectiveness,emphasizing the need for better therapeutic targets.Growing evidence indicates that epigenetic modifications,particularly RNA modifications,play a critical role in renal cancer development and progression.This review highlights recent advances in renal cancer epigenetics,focusing on RNA modifications such as N6-methyladenosine(m6 A),N7-methylguanosine(m7G),5-methylcytosine(m5C),N1-methyladenosine(m1A),adenosine-to-inosine(A-to-I),N6,2'-O-dimethyladenosine(m6Am),and N4-acetylcytidine(ac4C),along with their regulatory factors.It also explores the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of targeting RNA modifications and associated proteins.

OBJECTIVE: The study aim was to investigate the effects of exposure to multiple environmental organic pollutants on cardiopulmonary health with a focus on the potential mediating role of oxidative stress. METHODS: A repeated-measures randomized crossover study involving healthy college students in Beijing was conducted. Biological samples, including morning urine and venous blood, were collected to measure concentrations of 29 typical organic pollutants, including hydroxy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OH-PAHs), bisphenol A and its substitutes, phthalates and their metabolites, parabens, and five biomarkers of oxidative stress. Health assessments included blood pressure measurements and lung function indicators. RESULTS: Urinary concentrations of 2-hydroxyphenanthrene (2-OH-PHE) ( β = 4.35% [95% confidence interval ( CI): 0.85%, 7.97%]), 3-hydroxyphenanthrene ( β = 3.44% [95% CI: 0.19%, 6.79%]), and 4-hydroxyphenanthrene (4-OH-PHE) ( β = 5.78% [95% CI: 1.27%, 10.5%]) were significantly and positively associated with systolic blood pressure. Exposures to 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OH-PYR) ( β = 3.05% [95% CI: -4.66%, -1.41%]), 2-OH-PHE ( β = 2.68% [95% CI: -4%, -1.34%]), and 4-OH-PHE ( β = 3% [95% CI: -4.68%, -1.29%]) were negatively associated with the ratio of forced expiratory volume in the first second to forced vital capacity. These findings highlight the adverse effects of exposure to multiple pollutants on cardiopulmonary health. Biomarkers of oxidative stress, including 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and extracellular superoxide dismutase, mediated the effects of multiple OH-PAHs on blood pressure and lung function. CONCLUSION Exposure to multiple organic pollutants can adversely affect cardiopulmonary health. Oxidative stress is a key mediator of the effects of OH-PAHs on blood pressure and lung function.
Humans ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Male ; Cross-Over Studies ; Female ; Young Adult ; Environmental Pollutants/toxicity* ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects* ; Biomarkers/blood* ; Adult ; Blood Pressure/drug effects* ; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/urine* ; Beijing