Taxifolin (TAX) is a natural compound known for its liver protection effect, but the mechanism remains unknown. Phosphorylated proteomics analyses discovered that the phosphorylation level of NDRG1 at T328 was a key event of TAX-improved liver fibrosis. We established models with NDRG1 knockout (KO) in vivo and in vitro, demonstrating that NDRG1 KO attenuated the development of hepatocyte injury, and combining NDRG1 KO and TAX administration did not result in a reduction in protection against liver injury. Cellular thermal shift assay and surface plasma resonance analysis showed that TAX directly binds to NDRG1 rather than its upstream kinase, subsequently demonstrating that TAX regulated phosphorylation of NDRG1 at T328 through binding to its C289 site. NDRG1 T328A (phosphorylated mutation) and T328E (mimic phosphorylation) in vivo and in vitro confirmed that pNDRG1_T328 exacerbates hepatocyte injury along with DNA damage, inflammatory response, and apoptosis, thereby contributing to hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation. In contrast, TAX can inhibit the above pathological abnormalities and block hepatocyte injury-triggered HSCs activation and fibrosis. Overall, TAX is a potent liver protection drug primarily targeting NDRG1 and inhibiting pNDRG1_T328 in hepatocytes.

OBJECTIVE: To identify prognostic genes associated with lysosome-dependent cell death (LDCD) in patients with gastric cancer (GC). METHODS: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using The Cancer Genome Atlas - Stomach Adenocarcinoma. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was performed to identify the key module genes associated with LDCD score. Candidate genes were identified by DEGs and key module genes. Univariate Cox regression analysis, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed for the selection of prognostic genes, and risk module was established. Subsequently, key cells were identified in the single-cell dataset (GSE183904), and prognostic gene expression was analyzed. Cell proliferation and migration were assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and the wound healing assay. RESULTS: A total of 4,465 DEGs, 95 candidate genes, and 4 prognostic genes, including C19orf59, BATF2, TNFAIP2, and TNFSF18, were identified in the analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curves indicated the excellent predictive power of the risk model. Three key cell types (B cells, chief cells, and endothelial/pericyte cells) were identified in the GSE183904 dataset. C19orf59 and TNFAIP2 exhibited predominant expression in macrophage species, whereas TNFAIP2 evolved over time in endothelial/pericyte cells and chief cells. Functional experiments confirmed that interfering with C19orf59 inhibited proliferation and migration in GC cells. CONCLUSION C19orf59, BATF2, TNFAIP2, and TNFSF18 are prognostic genes associated with LDCD in GC. Furthermore, the risk model established in this study showed robust predictive power.
Stomach Neoplasms/pathology* ; Humans ; Prognosis ; Lysosomes/physiology* ; RNA-Seq ; Cell Death ; Single-Cell Analysis ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Cell Proliferation ; Single-Cell Gene Expression Analysis

Objective To investigate the alleviation of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infection on dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis in mice, and to explore the underlying mechanism. Methods Thirty male C57BL/6J mice of the SPF grade, each weighing approximately 25 g, were randomly divided into three groups, including the blank control group (NC group), DSS modeling group (DSS group), and N. brasiliensis treatment group (Nb + DSS group), of 10 mice in each group. Mice in the DSS group were orally administered with 3.5% DSS daily since day 1 (D0) for 6 successive days, and given normal drinking water since D6, and animals in the Nb + DSS group were subcutaneously injected with the third-stage larvae of N. brasiliensis at a dose of 500 larvae per mice 5 days prior to D0, followed by oral administration with 3.5% DSS daily since D0 for 6 successive days and normal drinking water since D6, while mice in the NC group were given normal drinking water. Mouse body weight and stool were observed and the disease activity index (DAI) was scored in each group during the study period. All mice were sacrificed on D9. The mouse colon length was measured, and mouse colon specimens were subjected to hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and histopathological scoring. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-10 was quantified in mouse colon specimens using quantitative fluorescent real-time PCR (qPCR) assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the mRNA and protein expression of mucosal repair-associated molecules zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), mucin 2 (MUC2) and claudin-1 was detected in mouse colon specimens using qPCR assay and immunofluorescence assay. Results The mice body weights, DAI scores and colon lengths were (26.26 ± 1.93), (22.39 ± 1.65), (25.00 ± 1.58) g (F = 8.06, P < 0.01); (1.89 ± 0.34), (0.47 ± 0.39), 0 points (F = 57.61, P < 0.000 1); and (42.50 ± 5.75), (56.20 ± 5.96) mm and (61.17 ± 7.88) mm (F = 13.72, P < 0.001) in the NC, DSS and Nb + DSS groups on D9, respectively, and elevated mouse body weight (P < 0.05), reduced DAI score (P < 0.000 1) and increased colon length (P < 0.01) were observed in the Nb + DSS group relative to the DSS group on D9. Pathological examinations showed that the colonic crypts were relatively intact and the inflammatory cell infiltration was lower in the mouse colon specimens in the Nb + DSS group than in DSS the group. There was a significant difference in the histopathological scores of mouse colon specimens among the NC group (0 point), the DSS group [(2.00 ± 1.22) points] and the Nb + DSS group [(0.20 ± 0.45) points] (F = 10.71, P < 0.01), respectively, and the histopathological score of mouse colon specimens was significantly higher in the DSS group than in the NC and Nb + DSS groups (both P values < 0.01). qPCR assay quantified that the relative IL-10 and IL-1β mRNA expression was 1.25 ± 0.08, 0.44 ± 0.14 and 1.30 ± 0.45 (F = 10.66, P < 0.01), and 0.22 ± 0.13, 1.14 ± 0.31 and 0.41 ± 0.19 (F = 16.89, P < 0.001) in mouse colon specimens in the NC, DSS and Nb + DSS groups, respectively, and higher IL-10 mRNA expression and lower IL-1β mRNA expression were found in mouse colon specimens in the Nb + DSS group than in the DSS group (both P values < 0.01). The relative MUC2, claudin-1 and ZO-1 mRNA expression was 0.87 ± 0.25, 0.34 ± 0.26 and 4.21 ± 0.55 (F = 121.60, P < 0.000 1), 1.05 ± 0.41, 0.16 ± 0.09 and 0.22 ± 0.11 (F = 14.00, P < 0.01), and 1.03 ± 0.10, 0.60 ± 0.11 and 1.64 ± 0.28 (F = 32.16, P < 0.000 1) in mouse colon specimens in the NC, DSS and Nb + DSS groups, respectively, and significantly higher MUC2 and ZO-1 mRNA expression was quantified in mouse colon specimens in the Nb + DSS group than in the DSS group (both P values < 0.05). The mean fluorescence intensities of ZO-1 and claudin-1 were 17.18 ± 2.08, 12.38 ± 1.21 and 18.06 ± 2.59 (F = 8.95, P < 0.01) and 13.50 ± 1.63, 9.66 ± 2.03 and 13.61 ± 0.97 (F = 6.96, P < 0.05) in mouse colon specimens in the NC, DSS and Nb + DSS groups, respectively, and the mean fluorescence intensities of ZO-1 and claudin-1 were significantly greater in mouse colon specimens in the Nb + DSS group than in the DSS group (both P values < 0.05). Conclusion N. brasiliensis infection may remarkably alleviate DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice through promoting expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines, inhibiting expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and facilitating mucosal repair in colon tissues.

Currently,human health due to corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has been seriously threatened.The coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)spike(S)protein plays a crucial role in virus transmission and several S-based therapeutic approaches have been approved for the treatment of COVID-19.However,the efficacy is compromised by the SARS-CoV-2 evolvement and mutation.Here we report the SARS-CoV-2 S protein receptor-binding domain(RBD)inhibitor licorice-saponin A3(A3)could widely inhibit RBD of SARS-CoV-2 variants,including Beta,Delta,and Omicron BA.1,XBB and BQ1.1.Furthermore,A3 could potently inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Omicron virus in Vero E6 cells,with EC50 of 1.016 pM.The mechanism was related to binding with Y453 of RBD deter-mined by hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry(HDX-MS)analysis combined with quan-tum mechanics/molecular mechanics(QM/MM)simulations.Interestingly,phosphoproteomics analysis and multi fluorescent immunohistochemistry(mIHC)respectively indicated that A3 also inhibits host inflammation by directly modulating the JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)path-ways and rebalancing the corresponding immune dysregulation.This work supports A3 as a promising broad-spectrum small molecule drug candidate for COVID-19.

Objective To evaluate the value of miniprobe endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)in guiding endoscopic treatment of small-diameter(maximum diameter less than 1 cm)and low-grade(G1 grade)rectum neuroendocrine neoplasm(R-NEN),and to provide evidence and clues for its clinical application and further research.Methods The clinical data of 85 cases of low-grade(G1 grade)R-NEN with a maximum diameter of less than 1 cm who underwent endoscopic treatment in our center from January 2014 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into the EUS group(37 cases)and control group(48 cases)according to whether EUS was performed before endoscopic treatment.The positive rate of incision margin,the incidence of complications,the recurrence rate,the hospital stay,the cost of hospitalization and endoscopic therapy were compared between the two groups.Results The positive rate of incision margin in the EUS group was significantly lower than that in control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications,tumor recurrence rate,hospital stay or hospital costs between the two groups(P>0.05).There was statistically significant difference in the endoscopic therapy between the two groups(P<0.05).Conclusion Evaluating the lesion depth of small-diameter and low-grade(G1 grade)R-NEN before surgery by miniprobe EUS and selecting endoscopic surgery according to its results of can significantly reduce the residual risk of resection margin tumors.

Projection micro stereolithography three-dimensional(3D)printing method was proposed in this study to fabricate complex microchannels of combined cross-sections.By using 3D printing and polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS)replication methods,two inertial microfluidic chips of three-step and five-step cross-sections were fabricated,and the dimension precisions of the microchannels were controlled within 20 μm.Using the microfluidic chips,the movements of two fluorescent polystyrene particles with diameters of 10 and 6 μm in the stepped channels were investigated.In addition,numerical simulations were applied to demonstrate the inertial focusing mechanisms of particles in the channels.It was found that 10-μm particles had three equilibrium positions in the three-step channel,which located at the inner walls of the three steps,respectively,and most particles focused at the inner step.The 6-μm particles also had three equilibrium positions in the three-step channel.However,the particles migrated to the middle and the outer steps under high flow rates.In the five-step channel,when the flow rate was increased gradually,10-μm particles had a single and two equilibrium positions,respectively,and the particles migrated towards the inner channel wall under high flow rates.In comparison to 10-μm particles,6-μm particles had two stable equilibrium positions in the five-step channel at all flow rate range.It could be concluded that the quantity,shape and strength of the secondary flow vortex could be altered by changing structure of the combined cross-section,thus the equilibrium positions and quantities of the focusing particles could be also regulated.The research outcome might provide new insights for precise cell inertial manipulation and promote the application and development of inertial microfluidic technology in biomedical and other fields.

Objective:To analyze the association between visceral fat area (VFA) and fatty liver based on quantitative CT (QCT) in people receiving health examination with normal body mass index (BMI).Methods:A cross-sectional study. A total of 1 305 physical examiners who underwent chest CT and QCT examination in the Department of Health Management of Henan Provincial People′s Hospital from January to December 2021 were retrospectively selected as subjects. The physical components at the central level of the lumbar two cone were measured with QCT, including subcutaneous fat area (SFA), VFA and liver fat content (LFC). And the metabolic indexes, such as blood lipids and blood glucose, were collected. The t-test and χ2 test were used to analyze the correlation between the detection rate of fatty live and LFCr and age and gender. According to level of VFA (<100 cm 2, 100-150 cm 2 and≥150 cm 2), the subjects were divided into three groups, and one-way ANOVA and χ2 test were used in comparison between groups. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the correlation between VFA and metabolic indexes and LFC. Results:Of the 1 305 subjects, there were 634 males and 671 females. The detection rate of fatty liver in normal BMI population was 65.67%, and it was 72.71% and 59.02% respectively in men and women ( χ2=27.12, P<0.001), and the detection rate of fatty liver and LFC increased with age (both P<0.05). With the increase of VFA, the age, BMI, SFA, LFC, total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), fasting blood glucose (FBG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood uric acid and prevalence of fatty liver increased (all P<0.05), and the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) decreased ( P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that after adjustment for age factors, regardless of male or female, LFC was independently positively related with VFA, BMI, and ALT (male β=0.206, 0.145, 0.174, female β=0.194, 0.150, 0.184; all P<0.05). FBG was positively correlated with male independently ( β=0.134; P<0.001). The indicators related to female independently were TC, TG, and blood uric acid ( β=-0.121, 0.145, 0.141, all P<0.05) Conclusion:In the population receiving health examination with normal BMI, the VFA measured by QCT technique is closely related to fatty liver.

Objective To investigate the relationship between appendicular skeletal muscle composition(muscle mass and muscle index)and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c)level in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)patients.Methods A total of 459 adult T2DM patients hospitalized in the Department of Endocrinology,Tangdu Hospital of Air Force Medical University from April 2021 to June 2022 were selected as the research objects.Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to evaluate the body composition of the patients.The patients were divided into two groups according to HbA1c level:standard glycation group(HbA1c≤7.0%,n=145)and unqualified glycation group(HbA1c>7.0%,n=314).The two groups'general data,biochemical indexes,muscle content,fat content and other body composition were analyzed.Spearman correlation analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the relationship between body composition and glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients.Results The appendicular skeletal muscle mass and its index(ASMI)of the patients in the standard glycation group were better than those in the unqualified glycation group(P<0.05).However,there were no significant differences in gender,history of antidiabetic drugs and body fat(body fat content,limb fat content and visceral fat content)between the two groups(P>0.05).Spearman correlation analysis showed that appendicular skeletal muscle mass and its index were negatively correlated with HbA1c(r=-0.158,P=0.001;r=-0.187,P<0.001).Logistic regression analysis showed that upper limb skeletal muscle mass(OR=3.570,95%CI 2.293-5.559)and lower limb skeletal muscle mass(OR=1.297,95%CI 1.146-1.468)were independent protective factors for achieving glycation standard in HbA1c group.Conclusions The skeletal muscle mass of limbs is a protective factor for reaching the standard of HbA1c.With the increase of skeletal muscle mass of limbs,the level of HbA1c gradually decreases.Among them,the increase of upper limb muscle mass has a stronger correlation with reaching the standard of HbA1c.

Cornus officinalis,a medicinal and edible plant known for its liver-nourishing properties,has shown promise in inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs),crucial indicators of hepatic fibrosis,especially when processed by high pressure wine steaming(HPWS).Herein,this study aims to investigate the regulatory effects of cornus officinalis,both in its raw and HPWS forms,on inflammation and apoptosis in liver fibrosis and their underlying mechanisms.In vivo liver fibrosis models were established by subcutaneous injection of CCl4,while in vitro HSCs were exposed to transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β).These findings demonstrated that cornus officinalis with HPWS conspicuously ameliorated his-topathological injury,reduced the release of proinflammatory factors,and decreased collagen deposition in CCl4-induced rats compared to its raw form.Utilizing ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer(UHPLC-QTOF-MS)combined with network analysis,we identified that the pharmacological effects of the changed components of cornus officinalis before and after HPWS,primarily centered on the adenosine phosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK)pathway.Of note,cornus officinalis activated AMPK and sirtuin 3(SIRT3),promoting the apoptosis of activated HSCs through the caspase cascade by regulating caspase3,caspase6 and caspase9.small interfering RNA(siRNA)experiments showed that cornus officinalis could regulate AMPK activity and its mediated-apoptosis through SIRT3.In conclusion,cornus officinalis exhibited the ability to reduce inflammation and apoptosis,with the SIRT3-AMPK signaling pathway identified as a potential mecha-nism underlying the synergistic effect of cornus officinalis with HPWS on anti-liver fibrosis.