Background/Aims: Dexamethasone (DEX) is a widely used exogenous therapeutic glucocorticoid in clinical settings. Its long-term use leads to many side effects. However, its effect on metabolic disorders in individuals on a high-fat diet (HFD) remains poorly understood. Methods: In this study, HFD-fed mice were intraperitoneally injected with DEX 2.5 mg/kg/day for 30 days. Lipid metabolism, adipocyte proliferation, and inflammation were assayed using typical approaches. Results: DEX increased the epididymal fat index and epididymal adipocyte size in HFD-fed mice. The number of epididymal adipocytes with diameters > 70 μm accounted for 0.5% of the cells in the control group, 30% of the cells in the DEX group, 19% of the cells in the HFD group, and 38% of all the cells in the D+H group. Adipocyte proliferation in the D+H group was inhibited by DEX treatment. Adipocyte enlargement in the D+H group was associated with increased the lipid accumulation but not the adipocyte proliferation. In contrast, the liver triglyceride and total cholesterol levels and their metabolism were downregulated by the same treatment, indicating the therapeutic potential of DEX for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Conclusions DEX synergizes with HFD to promote lipid deposition in adipose tissues. A high risk of obesity development in patients receiving HFD and DEX treatment is suggested.

Background/Aims: Dexamethasone (DEX) is a widely used exogenous therapeutic glucocorticoid in clinical settings. Its long-term use leads to many side effects. However, its effect on metabolic disorders in individuals on a high-fat diet (HFD) remains poorly understood. Methods: In this study, HFD-fed mice were intraperitoneally injected with DEX 2.5 mg/kg/day for 30 days. Lipid metabolism, adipocyte proliferation, and inflammation were assayed using typical approaches. Results: DEX increased the epididymal fat index and epididymal adipocyte size in HFD-fed mice. The number of epididymal adipocytes with diameters > 70 μm accounted for 0.5% of the cells in the control group, 30% of the cells in the DEX group, 19% of the cells in the HFD group, and 38% of all the cells in the D+H group. Adipocyte proliferation in the D+H group was inhibited by DEX treatment. Adipocyte enlargement in the D+H group was associated with increased the lipid accumulation but not the adipocyte proliferation. In contrast, the liver triglyceride and total cholesterol levels and their metabolism were downregulated by the same treatment, indicating the therapeutic potential of DEX for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Conclusions DEX synergizes with HFD to promote lipid deposition in adipose tissues. A high risk of obesity development in patients receiving HFD and DEX treatment is suggested.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of bone mass and volume of low-density zones beneath the tibial plateau on the maximum von Mises stresses experienced by the cartilage and meniscus in the knee joint. METHODS: The study included one healthy adult volunteer, from whom CT scans were obtained, and one patient diagnosed with knee osteoarthrisis (KOA), for whom X-ray films were acquired. A static model of the knee joint featuring a low-density zone was established based on a normal knee model. In the finite element analysis, axial loads of 1 000 N and 1 800 N were applied to the weight-bearing region of the upper surface of the femoral head for model validation and subsequent finite element studies, respectively. The maximum von Mises stresses in the femoral cartilage, as well as the medial and lateral tibial cartilage and menisci, were observed, and the stress percentage of the medial and lateral components were concurrently analyzed. Additionally, HE staining, as well as alkaline magenta staining, were performed on the pathological specimens of patients with KOA in various low-density regions. RESULTS: The results of model validation indicated that the model was consistent with normal anatomical structures and correlated with previous calculations documented in the literature. Static analysis revealed that the maximum von Mises stress in the medial component of the normal knee was the lowest and increased with the advancement of the hypointensity zone. In contrast, the lateral component exhibited an opposing trend, with the maximum von Mises stress in the lateral component being the highest and decreasing as the hypointensity zone progressed. Additionally, the medial component experienced an increasing proportion of stress within the overall knee joint. HE staining demonstrated that the chondrocyte layer progressively deteriorated and may even disappear as the hypointensity zone expanded. Furthermore, alkaline magenta staining indicated that the severity of microfractures in the trabecular bone increased concurrently with the expansion of the hypointensity zone. CONCLUSION The presence of subtalar plateau low-density zone may aggravate joint degeneration. In clinical practice, it is necessary to pay attention to the changes in the subtalar plateau low-density zone and actively take effective measures to strengthen the bone status of the subtalar plateau low-density zone and restore the complete biomechanical function of the knee joint, in order to slow down or reverse the progression of osteoarthritis.
Humans ; Finite Element Analysis ; Knee Joint/physiology* ; Tibia/anatomy & histology* ; Cartilage, Articular/physiology* ; Menisci, Tibial/physiopathology* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/diagnostic imaging* ; Weight-Bearing ; Bone Density ; Adult ; Stress, Mechanical ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Female

Background/Aims: Dexamethasone (DEX) is a widely used exogenous therapeutic glucocorticoid in clinical settings. Its long-term use leads to many side effects. However, its effect on metabolic disorders in individuals on a high-fat diet (HFD) remains poorly understood. Methods: In this study, HFD-fed mice were intraperitoneally injected with DEX 2.5 mg/kg/day for 30 days. Lipid metabolism, adipocyte proliferation, and inflammation were assayed using typical approaches. Results: DEX increased the epididymal fat index and epididymal adipocyte size in HFD-fed mice. The number of epididymal adipocytes with diameters > 70 μm accounted for 0.5% of the cells in the control group, 30% of the cells in the DEX group, 19% of the cells in the HFD group, and 38% of all the cells in the D+H group. Adipocyte proliferation in the D+H group was inhibited by DEX treatment. Adipocyte enlargement in the D+H group was associated with increased the lipid accumulation but not the adipocyte proliferation. In contrast, the liver triglyceride and total cholesterol levels and their metabolism were downregulated by the same treatment, indicating the therapeutic potential of DEX for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Conclusions DEX synergizes with HFD to promote lipid deposition in adipose tissues. A high risk of obesity development in patients receiving HFD and DEX treatment is suggested.

Background/Aims: Dexamethasone (DEX) is a widely used exogenous therapeutic glucocorticoid in clinical settings. Its long-term use leads to many side effects. However, its effect on metabolic disorders in individuals on a high-fat diet (HFD) remains poorly understood. Methods: In this study, HFD-fed mice were intraperitoneally injected with DEX 2.5 mg/kg/day for 30 days. Lipid metabolism, adipocyte proliferation, and inflammation were assayed using typical approaches. Results: DEX increased the epididymal fat index and epididymal adipocyte size in HFD-fed mice. The number of epididymal adipocytes with diameters > 70 μm accounted for 0.5% of the cells in the control group, 30% of the cells in the DEX group, 19% of the cells in the HFD group, and 38% of all the cells in the D+H group. Adipocyte proliferation in the D+H group was inhibited by DEX treatment. Adipocyte enlargement in the D+H group was associated with increased the lipid accumulation but not the adipocyte proliferation. In contrast, the liver triglyceride and total cholesterol levels and their metabolism were downregulated by the same treatment, indicating the therapeutic potential of DEX for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Conclusions DEX synergizes with HFD to promote lipid deposition in adipose tissues. A high risk of obesity development in patients receiving HFD and DEX treatment is suggested.

Background/Aims: Dexamethasone (DEX) is a widely used exogenous therapeutic glucocorticoid in clinical settings. Its long-term use leads to many side effects. However, its effect on metabolic disorders in individuals on a high-fat diet (HFD) remains poorly understood. Methods: In this study, HFD-fed mice were intraperitoneally injected with DEX 2.5 mg/kg/day for 30 days. Lipid metabolism, adipocyte proliferation, and inflammation were assayed using typical approaches. Results: DEX increased the epididymal fat index and epididymal adipocyte size in HFD-fed mice. The number of epididymal adipocytes with diameters > 70 μm accounted for 0.5% of the cells in the control group, 30% of the cells in the DEX group, 19% of the cells in the HFD group, and 38% of all the cells in the D+H group. Adipocyte proliferation in the D+H group was inhibited by DEX treatment. Adipocyte enlargement in the D+H group was associated with increased the lipid accumulation but not the adipocyte proliferation. In contrast, the liver triglyceride and total cholesterol levels and their metabolism were downregulated by the same treatment, indicating the therapeutic potential of DEX for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Conclusions DEX synergizes with HFD to promote lipid deposition in adipose tissues. A high risk of obesity development in patients receiving HFD and DEX treatment is suggested.

Objective To investigate the gene expression profile of cervical exfoliated cells from woman treated by artificial cycle,and their potential association with endometrial receptivity in order to screen specific biomarkers closely related to the receptivity.Methods A total of 19 female patients were enrolled from those preparing for frozen embryo transfer(FET)at the Reproductive Center of First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from February 2024 to October 2024.Under the artificial cycle frozen embryo transfer protocol,the endometrial tissues were collected on the 4th day after progesterone administration(P+4)to verify their endometrial receptivity status.Additionally,cervical exfoliated cells were collected on the 4th day(P+4)and the 6th day(P+6)after progesterone administration.RNA sequencing(RNA-Seq)was used to detect gene expression profiles.Differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were identified using the criteria of|log2fold change|＞1 and a false discovery rate(FDR)＜0.05,followed by bioinformatics analysis.The protein-protein interaction(PPI)network of DEGs was constructed using R software(4.4.1)and analyzed with gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)analyses.The candidate genes were identified based on the PPI network using Cytoscape software.Quantitative reverse transcription PCR(RT-qPCR)was employed to validate the target candidate genes both in vitro and in vivo.Results The rsERT confirmed that all 19 women were in state of endometrial receptivity at P+6.RNA-Seq identified 3 458 DEGs in cervical exfoliated cells between P+4 and P+6.The up-regulated DEGs were mainly enriched in the pathways associated with immune response and cell differentiation,and the down-regulated ones were mainly enriched in the pathways associated with lipid metabolism and cell proliferation.Using maximal clique Centrality(MCC)algorithm in the PPI network,the top 20 genes were selected.Among them,6 genes,such as IFIT2,OASL,MX1,RSAD2,IFIT1 and IFIT3,tied for the first place,and the 6 genes all belong to interferon-stimulated genes(ISGs).qRT-PCR indicated that the above 6 genes showed significantly higher expression levels in the cervical exfoliated cells at the P+4 stage than the cells at the P+6 stage(P＜0.05).Conclusion There are changes in the expression levels of the genes related to immunity and cytoskeleton remodeling in cervical exfoliated cells during the endometrial receptivity phase.The decrease in the expression of ISGs may serve as a potential biomarker for endometrial receptivity.

OBJECTIVE To establish the specific chromatogram of Qianghuo Shengshi Tang(QHSS) reference sample, clarify the key quality attributes of QHSS, providing reference for the quality evaluation of QHSS reference sample. METHODS The SilGreen C18 column(4.6 mm×250 mm, 5 μm) was used. The mobile phase consisted acetonitrile and 0.2% formic acid aqueous solution. The detection wavelength was 328 nm. Established an HPLC characteristic spectrum analysis method for the reference sample of QHSS. A variety of chromatographic columns and different instruments were applied to investigate the adaptability of the system. HPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS was used to identify the specific peaks of the QHSS reference samples in positive ion mode. RESULTS There were 14 peaks in the specific chromatogram, which belonged to Notopterygii Rhizoma Et Radix, Angelicae Pubescentis Radix, Ligustici Rhizoma Et Radix, Chuanxiong Rhizome, Viticis Fructus, respectively. Ferulic acid(peak 3) was reference peak. A total of 22 compounds were identified by mass spectrometry, including coumarin and flavonoids. CONCLUSION The established specific chromatogram method of QHSS is simple, stable and reproducible. The material basis of QHSS reference sample is basically determined, providing a reference for the development and quality control of QHSS.

Objective:To discuss the distinctive sonographic feature and the biological behavior of renal angiomyolipoma(RAML),and to provide the reference for the clinicians to make the accurate diagnosis of RAML.Methods:The clinical data of one patient with invasive classical RAML combined with pseudaneurysm formation were collected.The sonographic appearances were analyzed in conjunction with the pathological characteristics to clarify the biological behavior of RAML,and the relevant literatures were reviewed.Results:The patient,a 60-year-old female,visited the local hospital due to discomfort in the lumbar area,and received CT examination,and the CT examination results revealed a left renal mass,so the patient came to our hospital.The specialist clinical examinations and laboratory investigations were unremarkable.The ultrasound results indicated an enlarged left kidney with a cystic and solid mass at the upper pole,which featured pseudaneurysm formation(originating from the interlobar arteries);the enhanced CT image results suggested a high probability of upper pole renal carcinoma combined with aneurysmal formation within the tumor,alongside invasion into the left adrenal gland.The patient underwent laparoscopic radical left nephrectomy,and the postoperative pathology confirmed the diagnosis of invasive classical RAML.Conclusion:The classical RAML can exhibit the invasive biological behavior.The pseudaneurysm formation is a special sonographic manifestation of RAML,which can be challenging to differentiate from the other renal tumors.

This article reported a case of a patient with schizophrenia who experienced self-perceived fever and discomfort after taking atypical antipsychotic drugs with strong alpha 1 receptor antagonism,which included olanzapine,risperidone,paliperidone and clozapine.Such phenomenon was believed to be a medication side effect.Therefore,the patient switched to aripiprazole and the fever disappeared.This case report is intended to remind psychiatrists to pay attention to the side effects caused by atypical antipsychotic drugs with strong alpha 1 receptor antagonism as well as to suggest that various factors should be considered,including mechanisms of drug action,patient pathophysiology and individual differences,in order to improve treatment compliance and prognosis.