The gut microbiota is regarded as the "eighth organ" of the human body and plays a critical regulatory role in the occurrence and progression of various diseases. Ulcerative colitis （UC） is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with a complex etiology and a tendency toward recurrent episodes. In recent years， studies have shown that gut microbiota dysbiosis plays a key role in its pathological processes. Meanwhile， an increasing number of studies have demonstrated that imbalances in the gut microbiota and abnormalities in its metabolites are closely associated with the development of atrial fibrillation （AF）. Although UC and AF belong to diseases of the digestive system and cardiovascular system， respectively， both exhibit systemic inflammatory characteristics and are often accompanied by gut microbiota dysregulation and abnormal metabolic products. However， systematic investigations into the mechanisms by which gut microbiota-derived metabolites act in these two diseases remain limited. Based on this， the present study adopts literature review and theoretical analysis methods， taking the "gut microbiota-gut-heart" axis as the entry point， to systematically summarize the signaling networks of three key classes of metabolites， i.e.， short-chain fatty acids （SCFAs）， bile acids （BAs）， and trimethylamine N-oxide （TMAO）， in the comorbidity mechanism of UC and AF. The findings indicate that these metabolites may activate key inflammatory pathways， such as NF-κB and NLRP3， thereby synergistically mediating intestinal barrier dysfunction and systemic inflammation and constructing a potential comorbidity network. On this basis， potential intervention strategies for the treatment of UC-AF comorbidity， including probiotic intervention and fecal microbiota transplantation， are further discussed. This study aims to provide new theoretical evidence and research perspectives for prevention and treatment strategies of cross-system diseases.

Objective To prepare Zanthoxylum alkaloid thermosensitive hydrogel, optimize the preparation process and conduct related performance studies. Methods Zanthoxylum alkaloids were obtained by reflux extraction, followed by enrichment and purification using macroporous adsorption resin. Poloxamer 407 and Poloxamer 188 were used as substrates to prepare the thermosensitive hydrogel of Zanthoxylum alkaloids, and the preparation process was optimized by orthogonal design. The quality of the hydrogel was systematically evaluated based on its gelation temperature, gelation time, Fourier transform infrared （FTIR） spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy （SEM） images, mechanical properties, and in vitro release profile. Results The optimal preparation conditions for the Zanthoxylum alkaloid thermosensitive hydrogel were: 20% （g/ml） poloxamer 407, 2% （g/ml） poloxamer 188 and 100 μg/ml Zanthoxylum alkaloid. The gelation temperature was 32.6℃, and the average gelling time was 143.3 s. The hydrogel appeared as a transparent liquid at room temperature and was transformed into a semi-solid gel state when the temperature exceeded 33℃. Experimental results confirmed the successful preparation of poloxamer 407 and poloxamer 188 thermosensitive hydrogel loaded with Zanthoxylum alkaloids, which exhibited good bio adhesion, self-healing properties, and tensile strength. Conclusion The Zanthoxylum alkaloid thermosensitive hydrogel demonstrated favorable mechanical properties and a sustained-release effect, showing promising potential for further development and application.

BACKGROUND:Adipose-derived stem cells have anti-aging effects,but whether adipose-derived stem cells from donors of different ages are different needs further study. OBJECTIVE:To compare the biological properties of adipose-derived stem cells in old and young mice. METHODS:Adipose-derived stem cells were extracted from adipose tissue of C57BL mice aged 8 and 14 weeks,respectively.The differences of cell cycle,apoptosis,and proliferation of adipose-derived stem cells in old and young mice were compared.The expression levels of aging-related P21 and P27 genes and proteins of adipose-derived stem cells in old and young mice were detected by quantitative PCR and western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with old mouse adipose-derived stem cells,young mouse adipose-derived stem cells were more active,more regular in morphology,less apoptosis,faster proliferation,and lower in expression of age-related P21 and P27 genes and proteins.It has been proven that adipose-derived stem cells from young mice have better anti-aging effects.

Background/Aims: The World Health Organization set the goal of eliminating hepatitis C virus (HCV) by 2030, with 80% and 65% reductions in HCV incidence and mortality rates, respectively. We aimed to evaluate the health benefits, cost-effectiveness and return on investment (ROI) of HCV elimination. Methods: Using an HCV transmission compartmental model, we evaluated the benefits and costs of different strategies combining screening and treatment for Chinese populations. We identified strategies to achieve HCV elimination and calculated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted for 2022–2030 to identify the optimal elimination strategy. Furthermore, we estimated the ROI by 2050 by comparing the required investment with the economic productivity gains from reduced HCV incidence and deaths. Results: The strategy that results in the most significant health benefits involves conducting annual primary screening at a rate of 14%, re-screening people who inject drugs annually and the general population every five years, and treating 95% of those diagnosed (P14-R4-T95), preventing approximately 5.75 and 0.44 million HCV infections and deaths, respectively, during 2022–2030. At a willingness-to-pay threshold of $12,615, the P14-R4-T95 strategy is the most cost-effective, with an ICER of $5,449/DALY. By 2050, this strategy would have a net benefit of $120,997 million (ROI=0.868). Conclusions Achieving HCV elimination in China by 2030 will require significant investment in large-scale universal screening and treatment, but it will yield substantial health and economic benefits and is cost-effective.

Objective·To study the regulatory effect of saikosaponin A(SSA)on the differentiation,apoptosis,and immunosuppressive function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells(MDSCs)in mice,and to explore their molecular mechanism.Methods·Recombinant mouse granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor(GM-CSF)was used to induce the differentiation of mouse bone marrow cells(BMCs)into MDSCs,or magnetic beads were used to sort MDSCs from tumor-bearing mice.After treating MDSCs with different concentrations(0,2.5,5.0 mg/L),flow cytometry(FCM)was used to detect the differentiation and apoptosis of MDSCs,as well as the expression levels of liver X receptor α(LXRα),arginase-1(Arg-1),and reactive oxygen species(ROS).At the same time,the effects of MDSCs on the proliferation function of T cells,and the effects on the nuclear factor κB(NF-κB),and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1(STAT1)signaling pathways were also detected.The mRNA levels of LXRα and Arg-1 were detected by quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR).Mice were given SSA by gavage(ig)or intraperitoneal injection(ip),and the mice were sacrificed after administration;and body mass,spleen weight,and spleen index were calculated.FCM was used to detect the proportion of immune cells in the spleen of mice.Results·SSA could up-regulate the expression level of LXRα in MDSCs,reduce the differentiation of M-MDSCs,induce apoptosis of MDSCs,reduce the expression levels of Arg-1 and ROS in MDSCs,and reduce the inhibitory effect of MDSCs on T cell proliferation.SSA inhibited the phosphorylation levels of NF-κB and STAT1 in MDSCs.The mice treated with SSA by gavage or intraperitoneal injection showed no significant changes in body weight and spleen index.Both modes of administration can reduce the proportion of MDSCs and their subset M-MDSCs in mice,but had different degrees of regulatory effects on other immune cells.Conclusion·SSA could regulate the differentiation and apoptosis of MDSCs,and inhibit their immunosuppressive function,which may be associated with the up-regulation of LXRα expression,and down-regulation of the NF-κB and STAT1 signaling pathways in MDSCs.

BACKGROUND:As an emerging treatment method,stem cell therapy is expected to improve the ovarian environment,delays the aging of ovarian granulosa cells,and brings new hope to older pregnant women.OBJECTIVE:To review the mechanism and research progress of stem cells against ovarian granulosa cell senescence.METHODS:CNKI and PubMed databases were retrieved for articles on stem cell therapy for ovarian granulosa cell senescence.Chinese and English search terms were"stem cells,ovary granulosa cells,aging."Finally,67 articles were included for analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)This review summarizes five mechanisms of ovarian granulosa cell senescence:DNA damage and decreased repair capacity,oxidative stress,impaired mitochondrial function,inflammatory response,and changes in hormone levels.(2)This article summarizes five main mechanisms of stem cells in the treatment of ovarian granulosa cell senescence:promoting proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis,differentiation potential and regeneration ability,secreting factors,anti-oxidation,anti-inflammatory response,and immune regulation.(3)At present,there are various types of stem cells that can cooperate to treat ovarian granulosa cell senescence through a variety of ways,and stem cell therapy has broad prospects in restoring female fertility.

Objective·To study the regulatory effect of saikosaponin A(SSA)on the differentiation,apoptosis,and immunosuppressive function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells(MDSCs)in mice,and to explore their molecular mechanism.Methods·Recombinant mouse granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor(GM-CSF)was used to induce the differentiation of mouse bone marrow cells(BMCs)into MDSCs,or magnetic beads were used to sort MDSCs from tumor-bearing mice.After treating MDSCs with different concentrations(0,2.5,5.0 mg/L),flow cytometry(FCM)was used to detect the differentiation and apoptosis of MDSCs,as well as the expression levels of liver X receptor α(LXRα),arginase-1(Arg-1),and reactive oxygen species(ROS).At the same time,the effects of MDSCs on the proliferation function of T cells,and the effects on the nuclear factor κB(NF-κB),and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1(STAT1)signaling pathways were also detected.The mRNA levels of LXRα and Arg-1 were detected by quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR).Mice were given SSA by gavage(ig)or intraperitoneal injection(ip),and the mice were sacrificed after administration;and body mass,spleen weight,and spleen index were calculated.FCM was used to detect the proportion of immune cells in the spleen of mice.Results·SSA could up-regulate the expression level of LXRα in MDSCs,reduce the differentiation of M-MDSCs,induce apoptosis of MDSCs,reduce the expression levels of Arg-1 and ROS in MDSCs,and reduce the inhibitory effect of MDSCs on T cell proliferation.SSA inhibited the phosphorylation levels of NF-κB and STAT1 in MDSCs.The mice treated with SSA by gavage or intraperitoneal injection showed no significant changes in body weight and spleen index.Both modes of administration can reduce the proportion of MDSCs and their subset M-MDSCs in mice,but had different degrees of regulatory effects on other immune cells.Conclusion·SSA could regulate the differentiation and apoptosis of MDSCs,and inhibit their immunosuppressive function,which may be associated with the up-regulation of LXRα expression,and down-regulation of the NF-κB and STAT1 signaling pathways in MDSCs.

Objective To explore the relationship between epstein-barr viral(EBV)load and T lymphocyte subsets distribution in peripheral blood of children with systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)and its synergistic effect on liver injury.Methods A total of 212 children with SLE admitted to the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Children's Hospital from October 2021 to September 2023 were selected as the study subjects.The SLE disease activity index(SLEDAI)score was divided into active group(n=58)and inactive group(n=154).The clinical data and laboratory indexes of the two groups were compared.The curve relationship between EBV load and T lymphocytes was analyzed by local weighted scatterplot smoothing(LOWESS)method.According to the occurrence of liver injury,212 children with SLE were divided into two groups(n=166)without liver injury and(n=46)with liver injury.The clinical data of the two groups were compared.Multifactor Logistics regression analysis was used to screen the influencing factors of liver injury in SLE children.Restricted cubic spline(RCS)model was used to analyze the relationship between EBV load,T lymphocytes and liver injury.The unconditioned Logistic regression model was used to analyze the interaction between EBV load and T lymphocytes on liver injury.Results Compared with the inactive group,the active group had younger age(t=9.265),higher hormone dosage(t=2.369),decreased ALB,CD4+,CD4+/CD8+levels(t=4.870,3.463,5.820),and increased EBV load,CD3+,CD8+levels(t=40.830,12.719,5.048),and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).LOWESS analysis showed that EBV load had a nonlinear relationship with CD3+,CD4+,CD8+and CD4+/CD8+.The proportion of children with liver injury who had a disease course of≤3 months,EBV load,CD3+and CD8+levels,and the proportion of active children were lower than those without liver injury(t/χ2=10.749～30.378);the levels of ALB,CD4+and CD4+/CD8+indexes were higher than those without live injury(t=13.561,3.117,13.204),and the differences were statistically significantly(all P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that disease duration≤3 months,EBV load,CD3+,ALB,CD4+/CD8+and active SLE were influential factors for liver injury in SLE children(Wald χ2=1.020～1.932,all P<0.05).The results of RCS model analysis showed that EBV load,CD3+and CD8+were positively correlated with liver injury in SLE children,and CD4+,CD4+/CD8+were negatively correlated with liver injury in SLE children.Interaction analysis results showed that EBV load≥450 IU/ml had a multiplicative and additive interaction with CD3+≥60%,CD4+<30%,CD8+≥37%and CD4+/CD8+<0.94,and the risk of liver injury in SLE children was higher when the two factors co-existed.Conclusion There is a nonlinear relationship between EBV load in peripheral blood of SLE children and CD3+,CD4+,CD8+and CD4+/CD8+.Peripheral blood EBV load and abnormal expression of CD3+,CD4+,CD8+and CD4+/CD8+are all factors affecting liver injury in children with SLE,and there is a multiplicative and additive interaction between the above factors.

Objective:To evaluate the effects of chlorinated organophosphate flame retardants (Cl-OPFRs) via respiratory and digestive tract exposure on multiple organs in mice.Methods:A short-term repeated exposure model of tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCIPP) and tris(1, 3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) in mice was established through intratracheal instillation and oral gavage administration. The exposure doses were 0.7, 1 and 2 mg·kg -1·day -1, respectively, with continuous administration for 14 days. The organs of the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, stomach, large intestine, small intestine, bladder and testis were collected and weighed to calculate the organ coefficients. The pathological and histological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining to quantitatively assess the effects of the three Cl-OPFRs on the various organs by using the pathology score. Results:Analysis of organ coefficients in tracheal drip-treated mice showed that the organ coefficients in the testes of the TCEP, TCIPP and TDCIPP groups were lower than those in the control group ( PTCEP-testis=0.045, PTCIPP-testis=0.012 and PTDCIPP-testis<0.001). The organ coefficients were lower in the lungs and small intestines of the TCEP group ( PTCEP-lung=0.006, PTCEP-small intestine=0.042). The organ coefficients for the stomach and large intestine were higher in the TDCIPP group ( PTDCIPP-stomach=0.014, PTDCIPP-large intestine=0.049). Analyses of gavage-contaminated mice showed that the organ coefficients for liver, stomach and small intestine in the TCEP and TDCIPP groups were higher than those in the control group ( PTCEP-liver=0.007, PTCEP-stomach=0.003, PTCEP-small intestine<0.001, PTDCIPP-liver=0.001, PTDCIPP-stomach=0.004, and PTDCIPP-small intestine<0.001). Histopathological analyses of the organs of tracheal drip dyed mice showed significant pathological damage in the lung tissue of the TCIPP group, mainly in the form of thickening of the interstitium, infiltration of inflammatory cells and alveolar collapse. The results of the analysis of gavage poisoned mice showed that TCIPP exposure could lead to blurring of the red and white medullary boundaries of spleen tissues, destruction of white medullary structures, etc., and induce small intestinal cryptitis. TDCIPP induced significant pathological damage to the liver tissues of mice, which mainly included cytoplasmic washout, infiltration of inflammatory cells, acute inflammation, and other injurious effects. Significant pathological damage to the intestinal tissues of mice was also observed. Conclusions:This study demonstrates that the toxic effects of Cl-OPFRs are significantly associated with exposure routes and compound specificity. Respiratory exposure predominantly induces TCIPP-mediated pulmonary injury, while digestive exposure causes TDCIPP-driven hepatointestinal toxicity. These findings provide preliminary evidence for the toxicity screening of Cl-OPFRs.

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the female reproductive system.Previous studies have shown that the myometrial invasion depth for endometrial cancer affects the treatment choice.MRI is currently the preferred imaging method to assess the myometrial invasion.In recent years,some studies have shown that MRI radiomics has potential value in comprehensively assessing the depth of myometrial invasion in stage I endometrial cancer.This article summarizes the progress of MRI radiomics for myometrial invasion in stage I endometrial cancer.