Reactive astrocytes, which exhibit a correlation with the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, are present in a considerable number during the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the underlying factors shaping astrocyte reactivity and neuroinflammation in PD remain inadequately elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7)/FGF receptor 2 (FGFR2) autocrine signaling intensifies astrocyte reactivity and inflammation. Genetic deletion of Arrb2, β-Arrestin2 encoding gene, led to escalated astrocyte reactivity in MPTP-treated mice, which was further substantiated in astrocyte-specific Arrb2 knockdown mice. RNA sequencing profiling of Arrb2 knockout astrocytes identified Fgf7 as a critical effector of astrocyte reactivity. Subsequently, conditional knockdown of Fgf7 and its receptor Fgfr2 in astrocytes elicited advantageous effects for MPTP-treated mice by restraining the inflammatory phenotypic transition of reactive astrocytes. Furthermore, deletion of astrocytic Fgf7 mitigated MPTP-induced pathology in Arrb2 knockout mice. Mechanistically, STAT1 was distinguished as the transcription factor suppressing Fgf7 expression, while β-Arrestin2 counteracted the proteasomal degradation of STAT1 by binding to RNF220, an E3 ubiquitin ligase for STAT1. More importantly, selectively engaging dopamine D2 receptor (Drd2)/β-Arrestin2-biased signaling using the agonist UNC9995 exhibited therapeutic potential in MPTP-treated mice via moderation of astrocytic FGF7 production, thereby restoring balance in astrocyte reactivity. Collectively, our study bridges a crucial knowledge gap by elucidating the novel functions of FGF family members within the central nervous system, particularly within the context of PD. The autocrine signaling of FGF7/FGFR2 represents a novel mechanism and a potential druggable target for modulating astrocyte-derived inflammation.

Cancer multidrug resistance (MDR) impairs the therapeutic efficacy of various chemotherapeutics. Novel approaches, particularly the development of MDR reversal agents, are critically needed to address this challenge. This study demonstrates that tenacissoside I (TI), a compound isolated from Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Wight et Arn, traditionally used in clinical practice as an ethnic medicine for cancer treatment, exhibits significant MDR reversal effects in ABCB1-mediated MDR cancer cells. TI reversed the resistance of SW620/AD300 and KBV200 cells to doxorubicin (DOX) and paclitaxel (PAC) by downregulating ABCB1 expression and reducing ABCB1 drug transport function. Mechanistically, protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1), whose expression correlates with poor prognosis and shows positive association with both ABCB1 and EGFR expressions in tumor tissues, was differentially expressed in TI-treated SW620/AD300 cells. SW620/AD300 and KBV200 cells exhibited elevated levels of EGFR asymmetric dimethylarginine (aDMA) and enhanced PRMT1-EGFR interaction compared to their parental cells. Moreover, TI-induced PRMT1 downregulation impaired PRMT1-mediated aDMA of EGFR, PRMT1-EGFR interaction, and EGFR downstream signaling in SW620/AD300 and KBV200 cells. These effects were significantly reversed by PRMT1 overexpression. Additionally, TI demonstrated resistance reversal to PAC in xenograft models without detectable toxicities. This study establishes TI's MDR reversal effect in ABCB1-mediated MDR human cancer cells through inhibition of PRMT1-mediated aDMA of EGFR, suggesting TI's potential as an MDR modulator for improving chemotherapy outcomes.
Humans ; Protein-Arginine N-Methyltransferases/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects* ; ErbB Receptors/genetics* ; Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Drug Resistance, Multiple/drug effects* ; Methylation/drug effects* ; Saponins/administration & dosage* ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B/genetics* ; Doxorubicin/pharmacology* ; Paclitaxel/pharmacology* ; Female ; Repressor Proteins

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) for treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and the factors affecting the prognosis.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted. The clinical data of 51 patients with DLBCL who underwent auto-HSCT in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from March 2019 to January 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into high-risk group (19 cases) and non-high-risk group (low-risk, low-moderate-risk and moderate-high-risk groups, 32 cases) based on different risk stratifications; patients were divided into the germinal center B-cell (GCB) group (29 cases) and non-GCB group (22 cases) based on different cellular origins; patients were divided into BEAM group (39 cases) and BeEAM group (12 cases) based on different conditioning regimens before auto-HSCT; patients were divided into auto-HSCT consolidation therapy group (41 cases) and auto-HSCT after relapsed/refractory group (10 cases) based on different transplantation timings. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis and log-rank was used for subgroup comparison.Results:All 51 patients achieved the hematopoietic reconstitution with no transplantation-related death within 100 d. Before auto-HSCT, 39 cases achieved complete remission and 12 cases (23.5%) achieved partial remission. After auto-HSCT, all cases achieved complete remission. Follow-up was until May 31, 2024, and the median follow-up time [ M ( Q1, Q3)] of 51 DLBCL patients was 33 (8, 43) months. After 51 DLBCL patients receiving auto-HSCT, 7 patients relapsed and 6 cases died including 3 cases with relapse-related death and 3 cases with non relapse-related death. The 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 78.5% (95% CI: 64.4%-92.6%) and 85.5% (95% CI: 73.2%-97.8%), respectively. The 3-year PFS rate was 94.7% (95% CI: 84.7%-104.7%) in the high-risk group, 82.2% (95% CI: 67.9%-96.5%) in the non-high-risk group, and the difference in the PFS was not statistically significant between the high-risk group and the non-high-risk group ( P = 0.158). The 3-year PFS rate was 80.1% (95% CI: 64.4%-95.8%) in the GCB group, 88.1% (95% CI: 72.3%-104.2%) in the non-GCB group, and the difference in PFS was not statistically significant between the 2 groups ( P = 0.803). The 3-year PFS rate was 84.9% (95% CI: 72.6%-97.2%) in BEAM group, 61.1% (95% CI: 25.0%-97.2%) in the BeEAM group, and the difference in PFS was not statistically significant between the 2 groups ( P = 0.106). The 3-year PFS rate was 85.4% (95% CI: 73.4%-97.4%) in the auto-HSCT consolidation therapy group, 64.3% (95% CI: 31.4%-96.4%) in the auto-HSCT after relapsed/refractory group, and the difference in PFS was not statistically significant between the 2 groups ( P = 0.171). Conclusions:auto-HSCT is an effective therapy method for DLBCL.

ObjectiveStarting from the etiology， pathogenesis， and treatment strategies of endometriosis and adenomyosis， to integrate and sort out the academic characteristics of contemporary renowned experts and schools in the field of traditional Chinese medicine gynecology. MethodsAccording to the systematic review of text and opinion （SrTO） process developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute （JBI） in Australia， this paper determined literature screening criteria by searching China National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI）， VIP， Wanfang， and China Biomedical Literature Database. Information was extracted after literature screening， and quality evaluation was conducted using the JBI Narrative， Text， and Opinion Systematic Review Strict Evaluation Checklist. The JBI Narrative， Opinion， Text Evaluation， and Review Tool Summary Table was used for information synthesis， and data analysis and display were conducted in the form of text and charts. ResultsThe 146 articles related to 39 renowned experts and 19 articles related to 10 schools of thought were included. Research has found that contemporary experts and schools in traditional Chinese medicine gynecology consider blood stasis as the core pathogenesis in understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of two diseases and related infertility. Their viewpoints varied from multiple aspects such as clinical symptom characteristics， meridian circulation location， pathological product evolution， disease duration， emotional psychology， lifestyle habits， preference for food and drink， innate endowment， and acquired injury. In terms of treatment， it was advocated to divide the stage， treat according to different types， adapt to the times， integrate nature and humans， and combine multiple methods to treat comprehensively when necessary. It was also recommended to skillfully use insects， make good use of classic formulas and small prescriptions， pay attention to protecting the spleen and stomach and regulating emotions， and make good use of self-formulated empirical formulas for internal or external use. Besides， individualized long-term management of patients was also advocated. ConclusionThis study applies the SrTO process to systematically summarize the academic ideas of contemporary renowned experts and schools in traditional Chinese medicine gynecology regarding the causes， mechanisms， diagnosis， and treatments of endometriosis， providing a scientific and standardized reference for future theoretical exploration.

Objective To study NF1 gene variations in 10 suspected cases of neurofibromatosis type I(NF1)and their parents,thereby providing a basis for genetic counselling,clinical diagnosis,and treatment of this disease.Methods A total of 10 patients diagnosed with,or suspected of having NF1 at Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital from March to December 2023 were selected as study subjects.Whole exome sequencing(WES)was performed to analyse NF1 gene mutations in the patients and their parents,with the findings validated by Sanger sequencing.Results Pathogenic mutations were identified in 6 of the 10 families,with the remaining 4 cases showing no pathogenic gene mutations.In Family 1,a de novo mutation,c.6505A>T,was detected in the NF1 gene.In Family 2,a de novo mutation,c.6705-3C>A,was identified in the NF1 gene.In Family 3,a de novo mutation,c.6853delT,was detected in the NF1 gene.In Family 4,a de novo mutation,c.2446C>T,was found in the NF1 gene.In Family 5,a paternal mutation,c.6067T>A,was identified in the NF1 gene.In Family 6,a paternal mutation,c.2991_2993dup,was detected in the NF1 gene.Conclusion The identification of new mutation sites enriches the mutation spectrum of the NF1 gene.This study provides important guidance for genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis,offering crucial information for families with reproductive needs.

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of Nepetoidin B on rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods:DBA/1 mice were divided into four groups using the random number method, namely the control group, model group, methotrexate group, and Nepetoidin B group. The collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model was prepared. Mice were treated from day 21th to day 60th. Arthritis symptoms were evaluated every three days during treatment. At the end of treatment, pathological changes of joint tissue were observed through HE staining. Serum IL-17, IL-6, MDA, and NO levels were measured using ELISA and biochemical colorimetric assays. The Nrf2/HO1 pathway in joint tissues was detected using western blot. A group of CIA mice was treated with Nepetoidin B, followed by an Nrf2 inhibitor to validate the mechanism. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare between multiple groups with homogeneity of variance, pairwise comparison using LSD- t test. Results:The study found that mice treated with methotrexate and Nepetoidin B exhibited a significant reduction in arthritis scores(CIA+Meth group 5.2±1.3, CIA+NepB group 6.8±1.2 vs. CIA group 11.0±1.7, t=6.69, P=0.004; t=5.00, P=0.009), and joint histopathology compared to the CIA mice(CIA+Meth group 1.5±1.0, CIA+NepB group 2.2±0.8 vs. CIA group 4.0±0.9, t=4.44, P<0.001; t=3.84, P=0.005). Additionally, there was a significant decrease in serum IL-17[CIA+Meth group(257±69)ng/ml, CIA+NepB group (279±103)ng/ml vs. CIA group(414±71)ng/ml, t=3.86, P=0.006; t=2.63, P=0.020], IL-6[CIA+Meth group(32±6)ng/ml, CIA+NepB group (44±5)ng/ml vs. CIA group(56±11)ng/ml, t=4.69, P<0.001; t=2.48, P=0.040) ,MDA [CIA+Meth group(22±4)μmol/L, CIA+NepB group(22±8)μmol/L vs. CIA group(34±11)μmol/L, t=2.77, P=0.038; t=2.29, P=0.049]and NO[ CIA+Meth group(37±12)μmol/L, CIA+NepB group(37±11)μmol/L vs. CIA group(56±12)μmol/L, t=2.71, P=0.040; t=2.90, P=0.035] levels, and a significant elevation in the Nrf2( 0.263±0.021, 0.273±0.022 vs. 0.221±0.034, t=3.18, P=0.044; t=2.70, P=0.049)/HO1 (0.524±0.021, 0.501±0.014 vs. 0.453±0.033, t=3.95, P=0.006; t=3.41, P=0.032) pathway in methotrexate and Nepetoidin B treated group. It was also observed that Nrf2 inhibitors could counteract the treatment effects of Nepetoidin B on arthritis (1.8±0.8 vs. 3.2±0.8, t=3.07, P=0.024). Conclusion:Nepetoidin B has the ability to inhibit oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2/HO1 pathway, which alleviates collagen-induced arthritis in mice.

Objective:To explore the effect and mechanism of Chlorfortunone A(ChlA) in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy(DN) in mice.Methods:The DN model mice were assigned to DN, low-dose ChlA(ChlAL) and high-dose ChlA(ChlAH), and the normal control groups(Ctrl). Kidney tissue was analyzed via HE and Masson staining, and urine albumin, fasting blood glucose and kidney weight were measured. Collagen1 and α-SMA proteins were detected in renal tissues. The level of GSH-px, SOD, CAT, and TGF-β were detected. The TGF-β/Smad2 pathway in kidney tissue was detected. The mechanism was verified by setting the high glucose+ ChlA+ TGF-β group in MPC-5 cells. The proliferation of the cells and DCFDA staining were detected.Results:Compared to the Ctrl group, the DN group had significantly higher UACR and kidney weight( P<0.001). High-dose ChlA reduced UACR and kidney weight( P<0.05), with no effect on blood glucose( P>0.05). Masson staining showed reduced fibrosis with ChlA treatment. Collagen I and α-SMA expressions were significantly higher in DN( P<0.001) and decreased with ChlA treatment( P<0.05). GSH-px, SOD, and CAT levels were lower in DN( P<0.001), while TGF-β was elevated( P<0.001); ChlA increased antioxidant enzymes and decreased TGF-β( P<0.05). The TGF-β/Smad2 pathway was upregulated in DN( P<0.001) and inhibited by ChlA( P<0.001). In vitro, ChlA reduced cell proliferation( P<0.05) and increased ROS levels( P<0.001). Conclusions:ChlA alleviates kidney injury and fibrosis in DN mice, reduces oxidative stress, which may be related to the inhibition of the TGF-β/Smad2 pathway.

Objective To explore the prognostic value of combined serum oxidized low-density lipoprotein(ox-LDL),remnant cholesterol(RC)and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)tests for clinical prognosis in patients with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis(ICAS).Methods Patients with acute cerebral infarction were admitted to Cangzhou Central Hospital from June 2022 to December 2023 and diagnosed with ICAS by head MRI.A clinical diagnosis was selected(observation group,n=160).According to the modified Rankin scale(mRS)score,they were separated into a good prognosis group(mRS 0～2 points,n=52)and a poor prognosis group(mRS≥3 points,n=108).160 healthy volunteers who underwent physical examinations were used as a reference group.Magnetic particle immunochromatography was applied to detect serum ox-LDL levels.Clinical data of patients were collected,and the levels of RC and NLR were calculated.The Spearman method was used to analyze the correlation between serum ox-LDL,RC,NLR levels and mRS scores.Logistic regression was applied to analyze the factors influencing prognosis in ICAS patients.Receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)was used to analyze the predictive value of serum ox-LDL,RC and NLR levels for the prognosis of ICAS patients.Results Compared with reference group,the serum levels of ox-LDL(53.65±8.35 U/L vs 33.23±6.42 U/L),RC(0.82±0.15 mmol/L vs 0.52±0.13 mmol/L)and NLR(2.84±0.38 vs 1.95±0.26)in observation group were obviously increased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=24.523,65.079,62.911,all P<0.05).The serum levels of ox-LDL(57.52±8.72 U/L),RC(0.84±0.14 mmol/L)and NLR(3.02±0.45)in the poor prognosis group were higher than those in the good prognosis group(45.62±6.63 U/L,0.79±0.12 mmol/L,2.48±0.36),and the differences were statistically significant(t=8.699,8.507,7.562,all P＜0.05),and there were differences in TC,LDL-C,HDL-C levels and mRS scores between the two groups,and the differences were statistically significant(t=15.755～27.072,all P<0.05).The serum levels of ox-LDL,RC,NLR were positively correlated with mRS scores(r=0.612,0.623,0.653,all P<0.05).The levels of TC,LDL-C,HDL-C,ox-LDL,RC and NLR were all factors that affected the prognosis of ICAS(all P<0.05).The AUC of serum ox-LDL,RC and NLR for predicting prognosis in ICAS patients were 0.894(0.835～0.937),0.860(0.797～0.910)and 0.817(0.748～0.874),respectively.The combined AUC(95%CI)of the three was 0.965(0.923～0.987),the combination of the three was more valuable than predicting serum ox-LDL,RC and NLR alone(Z=3.030,3.969,4.839,all P<0.05).Conclusion The serum levels of ox-LDL,RC and NLR in ICAS patients have all increased and are positively correlated with mRs scores.The three have predictive value for the prognosis of ICAS patients,and the combined detection of the three has higher clinical value.

Objective To study NF1 gene variations in 10 suspected cases of neurofibromatosis type I(NF1)and their parents,thereby providing a basis for genetic counselling,clinical diagnosis,and treatment of this disease.Methods A total of 10 patients diagnosed with,or suspected of having NF1 at Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital from March to December 2023 were selected as study subjects.Whole exome sequencing(WES)was performed to analyse NF1 gene mutations in the patients and their parents,with the findings validated by Sanger sequencing.Results Pathogenic mutations were identified in 6 of the 10 families,with the remaining 4 cases showing no pathogenic gene mutations.In Family 1,a de novo mutation,c.6505A>T,was detected in the NF1 gene.In Family 2,a de novo mutation,c.6705-3C>A,was identified in the NF1 gene.In Family 3,a de novo mutation,c.6853delT,was detected in the NF1 gene.In Family 4,a de novo mutation,c.2446C>T,was found in the NF1 gene.In Family 5,a paternal mutation,c.6067T>A,was identified in the NF1 gene.In Family 6,a paternal mutation,c.2991_2993dup,was detected in the NF1 gene.Conclusion The identification of new mutation sites enriches the mutation spectrum of the NF1 gene.This study provides important guidance for genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis,offering crucial information for families with reproductive needs.