Aim To investigate the role and regulatory mechanism of CREB regulated transcription coactivator 2(CRTC2)in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.Methods A pathological cardiomyocyte hypertrophy model was established in C57BL/6 mice by intraperitoneal injection of isoproterenol(ISO),the expression of CRTC2 in cardiac tissue was detec-ted by Western blot.The CRTC2 knockout mice model was constructed,the cardiac function of mice was detected by small animal echocardiography,the collagen fiber content in mice cardiac tissue was detected by Masson staining,the car-diomyocyte hypertrophy related proteins:skeletal muscle α1-actin(ACTA1)and brain natriuretic peptide(BNP),as well as ferroptosis related proteins:acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4(ACSL4),solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)in mice cardiac tissue were detected by Western blot,the iron ion content in mice cardiac tissue was detected by iron ion kit,to evaluate the correlation between CRTC2 and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and ferroptosis.H9c2 cells were induced by ISO to construct an in vitro model of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy,the protein expressions of CRTC2,ACTA1,BNP,ACSL4,SLC7A11 and GPX4 were detected after intervention with fer-roptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1(Fer-1).H9c2 cells with CRTC2 overexpression induced by ISO were used to construct an in vitro model of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy,the related indicators of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and ferroptosis were detec-ted to explore the mechanism of CRTC2 in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.Results Compared with the control group,the expression of CRTC2 protein in the cardiac tissue of ISO induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy mice was increased(P＜0.05).Compared with wild-type mice,CRTC2-/-mice showed worsened cardiac function,manifested as increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDD),left ventricular end-systolic diameter(LVESD),left ventricular posterior wall thickness(LVPWT),heart weight/tibia length(HW/TL)and heart weight/body weight(HW/BW),decreased short axis shortening(FS)and ejection fraction(EF),increased collagen fiber content in cardiac tissue,upregulated ex-pression of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy-related proteins ACTA1 and BNP,increased mRNA and protein expression of ferrop-tosis-related protein ACSL4,decreased mRNA and protein expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4,and elevated iron ion content in cardiac tissue(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).In vitro experiments showed that compared with ISO group,the ISO+Fer-1 group had no significant change in CRTC2 protein expression(P＞0.05),the expression of ACTA1 and BNP protein decreased,the surface area of cardiomyocyte reduced,the expression of ACSL4 protein decreased,and the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins increased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Compared with the ISO group,the LV-CRTC2+ISO group showed a decrease in surface area of cardiomyocytes(P＜0.01),a decrease in ACTA1,BNP and ACSL4 protein ex-pression,an increase in SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression,and a decrease in ROS and iron ion content(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Conclusion CRTC2 alleviates cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and protect cardiac function by suppressing fer-roptosis in cardiomyocytes.

Aim To investigate the role and regulatory mechanism of CREB regulated transcription coactivator 2(CRTC2)in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.Methods A pathological cardiomyocyte hypertrophy model was established in C57BL/6 mice by intraperitoneal injection of isoproterenol(ISO),the expression of CRTC2 in cardiac tissue was detec-ted by Western blot.The CRTC2 knockout mice model was constructed,the cardiac function of mice was detected by small animal echocardiography,the collagen fiber content in mice cardiac tissue was detected by Masson staining,the car-diomyocyte hypertrophy related proteins:skeletal muscle α1-actin(ACTA1)and brain natriuretic peptide(BNP),as well as ferroptosis related proteins:acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4(ACSL4),solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)in mice cardiac tissue were detected by Western blot,the iron ion content in mice cardiac tissue was detected by iron ion kit,to evaluate the correlation between CRTC2 and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and ferroptosis.H9c2 cells were induced by ISO to construct an in vitro model of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy,the protein expressions of CRTC2,ACTA1,BNP,ACSL4,SLC7A11 and GPX4 were detected after intervention with fer-roptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1(Fer-1).H9c2 cells with CRTC2 overexpression induced by ISO were used to construct an in vitro model of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy,the related indicators of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and ferroptosis were detec-ted to explore the mechanism of CRTC2 in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.Results Compared with the control group,the expression of CRTC2 protein in the cardiac tissue of ISO induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy mice was increased(P＜0.05).Compared with wild-type mice,CRTC2-/-mice showed worsened cardiac function,manifested as increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDD),left ventricular end-systolic diameter(LVESD),left ventricular posterior wall thickness(LVPWT),heart weight/tibia length(HW/TL)and heart weight/body weight(HW/BW),decreased short axis shortening(FS)and ejection fraction(EF),increased collagen fiber content in cardiac tissue,upregulated ex-pression of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy-related proteins ACTA1 and BNP,increased mRNA and protein expression of ferrop-tosis-related protein ACSL4,decreased mRNA and protein expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4,and elevated iron ion content in cardiac tissue(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).In vitro experiments showed that compared with ISO group,the ISO+Fer-1 group had no significant change in CRTC2 protein expression(P＞0.05),the expression of ACTA1 and BNP protein decreased,the surface area of cardiomyocyte reduced,the expression of ACSL4 protein decreased,and the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins increased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Compared with the ISO group,the LV-CRTC2+ISO group showed a decrease in surface area of cardiomyocytes(P＜0.01),a decrease in ACTA1,BNP and ACSL4 protein ex-pression,an increase in SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression,and a decrease in ROS and iron ion content(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Conclusion CRTC2 alleviates cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and protect cardiac function by suppressing fer-roptosis in cardiomyocytes.

Background and Aims:Elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of colon cancer often experience decreased sleep quality,which may hinder postoperative recovery.Although pharmacological interventions are commonly used in clinical practice to improve postoperative sleep,conventional medications may lead to adverse effects such as delirium and dependence.This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a non-pharmacological intervention—buccal acupuncture combined with ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block(SGB)—on postoperative sleep quality in elderly patients.Methods:A total of 60 elderly patients who underwent laparoscopic radical resection of colon cancer at the Forth Hospital of Changsha from February to August 2024 were enrolled.Using a random number table,the patients were divided into two groups:30 in the control group(SGB alone)and 30 in the study group(SGB combined with buccal acupuncture).Perioperative mean arterial pressure(MAP),heart rate(HR),postoperative visual analogue scale(VAS)scores,Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)scores,and the incidence of adverse events were recorded and analyzed.Results:There were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups(all P>0.05).The study group showed significantly lower intraoperative and postoperative HR and MAP compared to the control group(all P<0.05).VAS scores at 6,24,and 48 h postoperatively,as well as PSQI scores on postoperative days 1,3,and 5,were significantly lower in the study group(all P<0.05).Additionally,the incidence of drowsiness was significantly reduced(P<0.05).No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of nausea,vomiting,or agitation(all P>0.05).Conclusion:The combination of buccal acupuncture and SGB during the perioperative period can effectively improve postoperative sleep quality,alleviate pain,and reduce adverse reactions in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of colon cancer.This safe and effective non-pharmacological intervention holds promising clinical application value.

Objective·To investigate the efficacy and safety of a dose-reduced,all-oral lenalidomide/melphalan/prednisone acetate(RMP)regimen in elderly and frail patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma(NDMM).Methods·Elderly and frail NDMM patients who visited the Department of Hematology of Ruijin Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,and the Third People's Hospital of Kunshan from April 2018 to March 2024 were retrospectively included.Clinical data and laboratory indicators were collected,and all patients were treated with the RMP regimen.SPSS 27.0 and R software were used for statistical analysis.Independent t-test was applied to normally distributed quantitative data,Mann-Whitney U test to non-normally distributed quantitative data,and x2 test and Fisher's exact probability method to qualitative data.Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Log-rank test were used for survival analysis.Results·Among the 22 elderly and frail NDMM patients treated with RMP,the median age was 76.3(68.4,95.0)years,and the median follow-up time was 25.5 months.The overall response rate(ORR)was 68.2%,and the rate of≥very good partial response(VGPR)was 36.4%.The median progression-free survival(PFS)was 20.53 months.The median PFS in the≤75-year-old group was 25.23(95%CI 12.95?37.52)months,while in the>75-year-old group it was 18.23(95%CI 14.86?21.61)months.There was no significant difference between the two groups.The median PFS in the≥partial response(PR)group was 20.67(95%CI 13.57?27.76)months,and in the

Objective:To investigate whether herb cake-insulated moxibustion affects the expression of cholesterol metabolism-related protein 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase(HMGR)and inhibits the development of atherosclerosis by regulating the exosomal miR-223 expression.Methods:Thirty-six male New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned to a normal group,a model group,and an herb cake-insulated moxibustion group,with 12 rabbits in each group.The model and the herb cake-insulated moxibustion groups were fed a high-fat diet for 8 weeks to induce an atherosclerosis model.Following successful modeling,the herb cake-insulated moxibustion group was subjected to bundling and herb cake-insulated moxibustion intervention,while the other two groups were subjected only to bundling without moxibustion.After 8 weeks of intervention,hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to observe aortic morphology;the serum levels of total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG),and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)were detected using an automatic biochemical analyzer in each group.Exosome morphology was observed using the transmission electron microscope;Western blotting(WB)was used to detect the protein levels of serum exosomal CD63 and CD9 markers,as well as liver HMGR;additionally,real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify serum exosomal miR-223.Results:HE staining showed thickened aortic intima,lipid infiltration,foam cell aggregation,and structural damage to the arterial wall in the model group.Meanwhile,after modeling,the serum levels of LDL-C,TC,and TG increased significantly in the model and herb cake-insulated moxibustion groups compared to the normal group(P<0.05),suggesting successful atherosclerosis rabbit model preparation.The serum exosomes of rabbits in the model group exhibited a saucer-like or semi-concave spherical shape with diameters of 120-150 nm.WB detection results showed positive expression of the exosomal markers CD63 and CD9.After 8 weeks of intervention,the miR-223 level in the model group was significantly lower than that in the normal group(P<0.01).In contrast,the herb cake-insulated moxibustion group demonstrated significantly reduced serum levels of TC,TG,and LDL-C(P<0.05),increased miR-223 expression(P<0.01),and decreased relative liver HMGR protein expression(P<0.05)compared to the model group.Conclusion:Herb cake-insulated moxibustion may alleviate the progression of atherosclerosis by up-regulating exosomal miR-223 expression and down-regulating HMGR protein expression,thereby inhibiting cholesterol anabolic metabolism.

Background:To compare the efficacy and safety of monthly administrations of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists LY01005 and Zoladex ? in Chinese patients with premenopausal breast cancer. Methods:From October 2020 to November 2021, 188 premenopausal breast cancer patients were enrolled in 34 hospitals and randomized 1:1 to receive either LY01005 or Zoladex ? every 28 days for a total of three injections. All patients concomitantly received oral tamoxifen (TAM). The primary efficacy endpoint was cumulative probability of maintaining menopausal level [oestradiol (E2) ≤30 pg/ml] from day 29 to day 85. The second efficacy endpoint included changes in E2, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) compared with the baseline. Pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and safety were analyzed. The study also evaluated the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of LY01005. Results:A total of 188 patients were randomised and 187 patients received either LY01005 or Zoladex ?. Cumulative probabilities of maintaining menopausal level (E2≤30 pg/ml) from day 29 to day 85 were 93.1% for LY01005 and 86.3% for Zoladex ?. The between-group difference was 6.8% (95% CI: -2.3%, 15.9%) and primary efficacy in the LY01005 group was not inferior to that in the Zoladex ? group. Changes in E2, LH, and FSH levels compared with the baseline were equivalent between the two groups (E2: 89.34% to 90.23% vs. 82.11% to 85.02%; LH: 88.89% to 95.52% vs. 89.70% to 97.02%; FSH: 75.36% to 80.85% vs.73.07% to 80.24%, respectively). After three consecutive doses of LY01005, the LH and FSH levels of the subjects showed a transient increase after the first dose, reached a peak on the second day and then started to decrease. The LH and FSH reached a lower level and remained at or below that level until the 85th day. Both treatments were well-tolerated. Conclusion:LY01005 is as effective as Zoladex ? in suppressing E2 to menopausal levels in Chinese patients with premenopausal breast cancer, with a similar safety profile.

Macrophages are the crucial immune cells integral to host defense and the regulation of homeostasis, exhibiting remarkable plasticity across various tissues. Upon exposure to different stimuli, they can polarize into functional subsets. The reorganization process of cellular metabolism, known as metabolic reprogramming, involves the comprehensive adjustment of intracellular metabolites, enzymes, and metabolic pathways. Recent studies have revealed the critical role of metabolic reprogramming in shaping the phenotypes and functions of macrophages. Metabolism drives and regulates macrophages by generating bioenergy and biosynthetic precursors and by altering metabolites that affect gene expression and signal transduction. This review focuses on the immunomodulatory roles of key enzymes and specific products in major metabolic pathways, such as glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism, in macrophages. Additionally, it will highlight recent advancements in targeting metabolic regulation of macrophages in the context of ocular diseases.
Humans ; Macrophages/immunology* ; Animals ; Eye Diseases/immunology* ; Lipid Metabolism ; Glucose/metabolism* ; Metabolic Networks and Pathways ; Signal Transduction ; Metabolic Reprogramming

Objective To explore the regulatory mechanism of NFE2L2/KEAP1 in alveolar bone repair induced by periodontitis.Methods A rat periodontitis model was established and divided into four groups:Control group(n=6);Periodontitis model group(n=6);Periodontitis+lentivirus empty vector group(n=6);Periodontitis+NFE2L2 overexpression plasmid group(n=6).Histopathological changes in each group were observed using HE staining.TRAP staining was used to detect osteoclast positivity,while ELISA was employed to measure inflammatory cytokine levels in tissues.Immunofluorescence and qPCR were used to detect NFE2L2 expression,and western blot was used to assess the expression of osteogenic proteins ALPL2,RUNX2,and COL1.Primary periodontal ligament cells(hPDLCs)were cultured,and cells were transfected to overexpress NFE2L2 and KEAP1.The cells were divided into six groups:Normal group;Model group;pcDNA-NC group;pcDNA-NFE2L2 group;pc-NFE2L2+pcDNA-NC group;pc-NFE2L2+pcDNA-KEAP1 group.A cellular model was established,and the morphology of primary hPDLCs was observed under a microscope.Cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8.Osteogenic mineralization was observed using alizarin red staining,and western blot was used to detect osteogenic proteins and autophagy markers.Cell migration was observed using a scratch assay.Results(1)After model induction,redness,swelling of the gums,extensive inflammatory infiltration,and alveolar bone resorption were observed,confirming successful model establishment.Partial tissue recovery occurred after NFE2L2 overexpression via lentivirus.(2)After model induction,osteoclast positivity increased,confirming successful model establishment.Overexpression of NFE2L2 reduced osteoclast positivity(P<0.001).(3)After model induction,levels of IL-1β,IL-10,and TNF-α were significantly higher than in the normal group(P<0.05),confirming successful model establishment.Transfection with NFE2L2 lentivirus reduced inflammatory cytokine levels(P<0.0001).After model induction,osteogenic protein expression decreased compared to the normal group,but overexpression of NFE2L2 increased osteogenic protein expression(P<0.05).(5)LPS treatment significantly reduced cell viability,while NFE2L2 overexpression enhanced it(P<0.0001).(6)LPS treatment reduced calcified nodules,while NFE2L2 overexpression increased them.Addition of pcDNA-KEAP1 reduced mineralized nodules.(7)LPS treatment decreased osteogenic protein expression,while NFE2L2 overexpression increased it.However,addition of pcDNA-KEAP1 reduced osteogenic protein expression(P<0.05).(8)LPS treatment reduced cell migration,whereas NFE2L2 overexpression enhanced it(P<0.0001).(9)Expression of autophagy markers decreased after LPS treatment,but increased after transfection with NFE2L2 plasmid.However,addition of pcDNA-KEAP1 reduced the expression of autophagy markers(P<0.05).Conclusion This study identified the regulatory role of NFE2L2/KEAP1 in periodontitis,providing a scientific basis for the treatment of periodontitis.

Objective:To investigate whether herb cake-insulated moxibustion affects the expression of cholesterol metabolism-related protein 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase(HMGR)and inhibits the development of atherosclerosis by regulating the exosomal miR-223 expression.Methods:Thirty-six male New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned to a normal group,a model group,and an herb cake-insulated moxibustion group,with 12 rabbits in each group.The model and the herb cake-insulated moxibustion groups were fed a high-fat diet for 8 weeks to induce an atherosclerosis model.Following successful modeling,the herb cake-insulated moxibustion group was subjected to bundling and herb cake-insulated moxibustion intervention,while the other two groups were subjected only to bundling without moxibustion.After 8 weeks of intervention,hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to observe aortic morphology;the serum levels of total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG),and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)were detected using an automatic biochemical analyzer in each group.Exosome morphology was observed using the transmission electron microscope;Western blotting(WB)was used to detect the protein levels of serum exosomal CD63 and CD9 markers,as well as liver HMGR;additionally,real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify serum exosomal miR-223.Results:HE staining showed thickened aortic intima,lipid infiltration,foam cell aggregation,and structural damage to the arterial wall in the model group.Meanwhile,after modeling,the serum levels of LDL-C,TC,and TG increased significantly in the model and herb cake-insulated moxibustion groups compared to the normal group(P<0.05),suggesting successful atherosclerosis rabbit model preparation.The serum exosomes of rabbits in the model group exhibited a saucer-like or semi-concave spherical shape with diameters of 120-150 nm.WB detection results showed positive expression of the exosomal markers CD63 and CD9.After 8 weeks of intervention,the miR-223 level in the model group was significantly lower than that in the normal group(P<0.01).In contrast,the herb cake-insulated moxibustion group demonstrated significantly reduced serum levels of TC,TG,and LDL-C(P<0.05),increased miR-223 expression(P<0.01),and decreased relative liver HMGR protein expression(P<0.05)compared to the model group.Conclusion:Herb cake-insulated moxibustion may alleviate the progression of atherosclerosis by up-regulating exosomal miR-223 expression and down-regulating HMGR protein expression,thereby inhibiting cholesterol anabolic metabolism.

OBJECTIVES: Wild-caught Microtus fortis (M. fortis) at the age of 9-15 months can develop epithelial ovarian cancers similar to human epithelial ovarian cancers under natural conditions during experimental animal breeding, but its pathological types and biological characteristics remain unclear. This study aims to analyze the biological characteristics of spontaneous ovarian cancer in M. fortis, intending to develop M. fortis as an animal model for human epithelial ovarian cancer. METHODS: The female M. fortis (9-15 months old) with spontaneous ovarian cancer were selected as the experimental group, and healthy M. fortis from the same litter were selected as the control group. The ovarian pathological changes of the two groups were observed by dissection. Blood routine and biochemical indicators were measured by biochemical analysis. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe the pathological changes in the ovarian cancer tissue of M. fortis. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the protein expression of common ovarian cancer markers, and real-time RT-PCR was used to analyze the transcription levels of ovarian cancer-related genes. RESULTS: Spontaneous ovarian cancer in M. fortis mainly affects both ovaries, with tumors appearing solid or cystic. HE staining and histopathological analysis confirmed that the ovarian tumors originated from ovarian surface epithelium. Compared to the control group, the experimental group showed significantly decreased hemoglobin (P<0.01), hematocrit (P<0.05), albumin (P<0.05), and blood glucose levels (P<0.01), while lymphocyte percentage (P<0.05), monocyte percentage (P<0.05), cholesterol (P<0.01), and progesterone (P<0.01) levels were significantly increased. Expression of ovarian cancer-related genes, including ID3, CDC42, RHOA, RB1CC1, NF1, PIN1, MIB1, PDS5A, MCM7, and MLH1, was significantly downregulated (all P<0.05), while PAX8 gene expression was significantly upregulated (P<0.05). Immunohistochemical results showed that Wilms' tumor gene 1 (WT1) protein was mainly distributed throughout the cell, with significantly higher expression in ovarian cancer M. fortis. Tumor protein 53 (TP53) was expressed in both healthy and ovarian cancer M. fortis and was distributed throughout the cell. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 beta (HNF1B) and progesterone receptor (PR) protein were highly expressed in the ovarian tissue of healthy M. fortis but were significantly reduced in the ovarian cancer M. fortis, though both were located in the cytoplasm. CONCLUSIONS Spontaneous ovarian cancer in M. fortis is serous ovarian cancer. Compared to healthy M. fortis, significant differences were observed in ovarian tissue morphology, biochemical indicators, ovarian cancer-related gene expression, and protein expression, which show similarity to the biological characteristics of human serous ovarian cancer. This suggests that M. fortis could be an ideal animal model for studying human serous ovarian cancer.
Female ; Ovarian Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Animals ; Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial ; Disease Models, Animal ; Humans ; Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial/metabolism* ; Ovary/pathology*