Background/Aims: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a significant risk factor for gallstone formation, but mechanisms underlying MASH-related gallstone formation remain unclear. Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) participates in hepatic cholesterol metabolism and is upregulated in MASH. Here, we aimed to explore the role of GOLM1 in MASH-related gallstone formation. Methods: The UK Biobank cohort was used for etiological analysis. GOLM1 knockout (GOLM1-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Livers were excised for histology and immunohistochemistry analysis. Gallbladders were collected to calculate incidence of cholesterol gallstones (CGSs). Biles were collected for biliary lipid analysis. HepG2 cells were used to explore underlying mechanisms. Human liver samples were used for clinical validation. Results: MASH patients had a greater risk of cholelithiasis. All HFD-fed mice developed MASH, and the incidence of gallstones was 16.7% and 75.0% in GOLM1-/- and WT mice, respectively. GOLM1-/- decreased biliary cholesterol concentration and output. In vivo and in vitro assays confirmed that GOLM1 facilitated cholesterol efflux through upregulating ATP binding cassette transporter subfamily G member 5 (ABCG5). Mechanistically, GOLM1 translocated into nucleus to promote osteopontin (OPN) transcription, thus stimulating ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux. Moreover, GOLM1 was upregulated by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we confirmed that IL-1β, GOLM1, OPN, and ABCG5 were enhanced in livers of MASH patients with CGSs. Conclusions In MASH livers, upregulation of GOLM1 by IL-1β increases ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in an OPN-dependent manner, promoting CGS formation. GOLM1 has the potential to be a molecular hub interconnecting MASH and CGSs.

Background/Aims: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a significant risk factor for gallstone formation, but mechanisms underlying MASH-related gallstone formation remain unclear. Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) participates in hepatic cholesterol metabolism and is upregulated in MASH. Here, we aimed to explore the role of GOLM1 in MASH-related gallstone formation. Methods: The UK Biobank cohort was used for etiological analysis. GOLM1 knockout (GOLM1-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Livers were excised for histology and immunohistochemistry analysis. Gallbladders were collected to calculate incidence of cholesterol gallstones (CGSs). Biles were collected for biliary lipid analysis. HepG2 cells were used to explore underlying mechanisms. Human liver samples were used for clinical validation. Results: MASH patients had a greater risk of cholelithiasis. All HFD-fed mice developed MASH, and the incidence of gallstones was 16.7% and 75.0% in GOLM1-/- and WT mice, respectively. GOLM1-/- decreased biliary cholesterol concentration and output. In vivo and in vitro assays confirmed that GOLM1 facilitated cholesterol efflux through upregulating ATP binding cassette transporter subfamily G member 5 (ABCG5). Mechanistically, GOLM1 translocated into nucleus to promote osteopontin (OPN) transcription, thus stimulating ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux. Moreover, GOLM1 was upregulated by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we confirmed that IL-1β, GOLM1, OPN, and ABCG5 were enhanced in livers of MASH patients with CGSs. Conclusions In MASH livers, upregulation of GOLM1 by IL-1β increases ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in an OPN-dependent manner, promoting CGS formation. GOLM1 has the potential to be a molecular hub interconnecting MASH and CGSs.

OBJECTIVE: The study aim was to investigate the effects of exposure to multiple environmental organic pollutants on cardiopulmonary health with a focus on the potential mediating role of oxidative stress. METHODS: A repeated-measures randomized crossover study involving healthy college students in Beijing was conducted. Biological samples, including morning urine and venous blood, were collected to measure concentrations of 29 typical organic pollutants, including hydroxy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OH-PAHs), bisphenol A and its substitutes, phthalates and their metabolites, parabens, and five biomarkers of oxidative stress. Health assessments included blood pressure measurements and lung function indicators. RESULTS: Urinary concentrations of 2-hydroxyphenanthrene (2-OH-PHE) ( β = 4.35% [95% confidence interval ( CI): 0.85%, 7.97%]), 3-hydroxyphenanthrene ( β = 3.44% [95% CI: 0.19%, 6.79%]), and 4-hydroxyphenanthrene (4-OH-PHE) ( β = 5.78% [95% CI: 1.27%, 10.5%]) were significantly and positively associated with systolic blood pressure. Exposures to 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OH-PYR) ( β = 3.05% [95% CI: -4.66%, -1.41%]), 2-OH-PHE ( β = 2.68% [95% CI: -4%, -1.34%]), and 4-OH-PHE ( β = 3% [95% CI: -4.68%, -1.29%]) were negatively associated with the ratio of forced expiratory volume in the first second to forced vital capacity. These findings highlight the adverse effects of exposure to multiple pollutants on cardiopulmonary health. Biomarkers of oxidative stress, including 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and extracellular superoxide dismutase, mediated the effects of multiple OH-PAHs on blood pressure and lung function. CONCLUSION Exposure to multiple organic pollutants can adversely affect cardiopulmonary health. Oxidative stress is a key mediator of the effects of OH-PAHs on blood pressure and lung function.
Humans ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Male ; Cross-Over Studies ; Female ; Young Adult ; Environmental Pollutants/toxicity* ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects* ; Biomarkers/blood* ; Adult ; Blood Pressure/drug effects* ; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/urine* ; Beijing

Background/Aims: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a significant risk factor for gallstone formation, but mechanisms underlying MASH-related gallstone formation remain unclear. Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) participates in hepatic cholesterol metabolism and is upregulated in MASH. Here, we aimed to explore the role of GOLM1 in MASH-related gallstone formation. Methods: The UK Biobank cohort was used for etiological analysis. GOLM1 knockout (GOLM1-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Livers were excised for histology and immunohistochemistry analysis. Gallbladders were collected to calculate incidence of cholesterol gallstones (CGSs). Biles were collected for biliary lipid analysis. HepG2 cells were used to explore underlying mechanisms. Human liver samples were used for clinical validation. Results: MASH patients had a greater risk of cholelithiasis. All HFD-fed mice developed MASH, and the incidence of gallstones was 16.7% and 75.0% in GOLM1-/- and WT mice, respectively. GOLM1-/- decreased biliary cholesterol concentration and output. In vivo and in vitro assays confirmed that GOLM1 facilitated cholesterol efflux through upregulating ATP binding cassette transporter subfamily G member 5 (ABCG5). Mechanistically, GOLM1 translocated into nucleus to promote osteopontin (OPN) transcription, thus stimulating ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux. Moreover, GOLM1 was upregulated by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we confirmed that IL-1β, GOLM1, OPN, and ABCG5 were enhanced in livers of MASH patients with CGSs. Conclusions In MASH livers, upregulation of GOLM1 by IL-1β increases ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in an OPN-dependent manner, promoting CGS formation. GOLM1 has the potential to be a molecular hub interconnecting MASH and CGSs.

Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of sivelestat sodium in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in the intensive care unit (ICU).Methods:Sixty patients with ARDS admitted to the ICU of the Fuyang Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University from August 1, 2023 to November 1, 2024 were selected and divided into the control group (conventional treatment, 30 cases) and the sivelestat sodium group (treated with sivelestat sodium in addition to conventional treatment, 30 cases) by the random number table method. The clinical data such as inflammatory factors, blood gas analysis indicators, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) Ⅱ score and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score of the two groups of patients before treatment and 3 days after treatment were compared. The prognostic indicators such as mechanical ventilation time, ICU stay time, total hospital stay time, 28-day mortality rate and clinical efficacy of the two groups of patients were compared.Results:Before treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in inflammatory factors, blood gas analysis indicators, APACHE Ⅱ score and SOFA score between the two groups of patients (all P>0.05). After 3 days of treatment, the improvement degrees of APACHE Ⅱ score, SOFA score, arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO 2), oxygenation index (PaO 2/FiO 2), procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the sivelestat sodium group were all greater than those in the control group. The differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.05); The mechanical ventilation time [(5.31±4.12) d vs (7.17±2.32)d] and ICU stay [(6.31±3.42)d vs (8.93±5.26)d] of patients in the sivelestat sodium group were significantly shorter than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the 28-day mortality rate between the sivelestat sodium group [20.00%(6/30)] and the control group [43.33%(13/30)] ( P>0.05). The total effective rate of treatment in the sivelestat sodium group was significantly higher than that in the control group [80.00%(24/30) vs 56.67%(17/30)], and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=4.167, P=0.041). Conclusions:Sivelestat sodium is helpful in improving the physiological parameters of patients with ARDS, effectively reducing the levels of inflammatory factors in the body, shortening the duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay, but has no significant effect on the 28-day mortality rate.

Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of sivelestat sodium in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in the intensive care unit (ICU).Methods:Sixty patients with ARDS admitted to the ICU of the Fuyang Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University from August 1, 2023 to November 1, 2024 were selected and divided into the control group (conventional treatment, 30 cases) and the sivelestat sodium group (treated with sivelestat sodium in addition to conventional treatment, 30 cases) by the random number table method. The clinical data such as inflammatory factors, blood gas analysis indicators, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) Ⅱ score and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score of the two groups of patients before treatment and 3 days after treatment were compared. The prognostic indicators such as mechanical ventilation time, ICU stay time, total hospital stay time, 28-day mortality rate and clinical efficacy of the two groups of patients were compared.Results:Before treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in inflammatory factors, blood gas analysis indicators, APACHE Ⅱ score and SOFA score between the two groups of patients (all P>0.05). After 3 days of treatment, the improvement degrees of APACHE Ⅱ score, SOFA score, arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO 2), oxygenation index (PaO 2/FiO 2), procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the sivelestat sodium group were all greater than those in the control group. The differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.05); The mechanical ventilation time [(5.31±4.12) d vs (7.17±2.32)d] and ICU stay [(6.31±3.42)d vs (8.93±5.26)d] of patients in the sivelestat sodium group were significantly shorter than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the 28-day mortality rate between the sivelestat sodium group [20.00%(6/30)] and the control group [43.33%(13/30)] ( P>0.05). The total effective rate of treatment in the sivelestat sodium group was significantly higher than that in the control group [80.00%(24/30) vs 56.67%(17/30)], and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=4.167, P=0.041). Conclusions:Sivelestat sodium is helpful in improving the physiological parameters of patients with ARDS, effectively reducing the levels of inflammatory factors in the body, shortening the duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay, but has no significant effect on the 28-day mortality rate.

Objective:To investigate characteristics of the 18F-flurodeoxyglucose ( 18F-FDG) uptake intensity and ranges in distinct hepatic alveolar echinococcosis lesions. Methods:The clinical data of 39 patients with position emission tomography during Jan 2017 to Dec 2019 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University were enrolled. Among them, there were 17 males and 22 females, aging from 15 to 65 years (median 34 years). Lesions were classified into six groups based on heterogenic scales of calcification and liquefaction: A. non-calcified and non-liquefied ( n=7); B. obvious calcified and non-liquefied ( n=7); C. partial calcified and partial liquefied( n=10); D. obvious calcified and partial liquefied ( n=5); E. partial calcified and subtotal liquefied ( n=5); F. obvious calcified and subtotal liquefied ( n=5). Tumor to background ratio (TBR) and width (W) of lesion infiltrative boundary were measured and calculated. Statistical comparison using Mann-Whitney U test as well as correlation analysis was performed. Results:TBR values [ M( Q1, Q3)] for each group were 4.40(3.66, 7.03), 2.55(1.69, 3.60), 3.73(3.37, 5.21), 2.90(2.75, 3.60), 3.80(3.49, 6.36), 2.49(2.21, 3.97), among which A>B, A>D, A>F, C>B, E>B ( U=3.0, 4.0, 4.5, 11.0, 5.0, all P<0.05); From the perspective of the calcification in each group, it was found that the lighter the calcification was, the greater the TBR value was. W values [ M( Q1, Q3)] for each group were [12.5(10.0, 19.5), 11.2(10.5, 12.5), 12.2(10.9, 13.2), 7.8(7.3, 9.3), 10.0(7.3, 13.4), 7.3(6.8, 7.6)] mm, among which A>D, A>F, B>D, B>F, C>D, C>F (all U=0, all P<0.05); According to the degree of calcification and liquefaction of lesions in each group, the lighter the calcification was, the greater the W value was; The heavier the liquefaction was, the smaller the W value was. A mild strength linear correlation has been observed between the TBR value and W value ( r=0.4136, P<0.05). Conclusions:Less calcification and liquefaction implicated higher 18F-FDG uptake intensity and wider range. Radical resection margins and tissue sampling should be individualized based on different lesion features in surgical treatment.

This paper aims to investigate the effects and mechanisms of adipose-derived stem cells-exosomes(ADSCs-exos) toge-ther with aucubin in protecting human-derived nucleus pulposus cells(NPCs) from inflammatory injury, senescence, and apoptosis. The tert-butyl hydroperoxide(TBHP)-induced NPCs were assigned into normal, model, aucubin, ADSCs-exos, and aucubin+ADSCs-exos groups. The cell viability was examined by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8), cell proliferation by EdU staining, cell senescence by senescence-associated-β-galactosidase(SA-β-Gal), and cell cycle and apoptosis by flow cytometry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to examine the expression of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α). Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels of aggregated proteoglycan(aggrecan), type Ⅱ collagen alpha 1(COL2A1), Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), and nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB). The results showed that compared with the model group, the aucubin or ADSCs-exos group showed enhanced viability and proliferation of NPCs, decreased proportion of G_0/G_1 phase cells, increased proportion of S phase cells, reduced apoptosis and proportion of cells in senescence, lowered IL-1β and TNF-α levels, elevated IL-10 level, down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of TLR4 and NF-κB, and up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of aggrecan and COL2A1. Compared with the aucubin or ADSCs-exos group, the aucubin+ADSCs-exos combination further increased the viability and proliferation of NPCs, decreased the proportion of G_0/G_1 phase cells, increased the proportion of S phase cells, reduced the apoptosis and proportion of cells in senescence, lowered the IL-1β and TNF-α levels, elevated the IL-10 level, down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of TLR4 and NF-κB, and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of aggrecan and COL2A1. In summary, both aucubin and ADSCs-exos could exert protective effects by inhibiting inflammatory responses, reducing apoptosis and senescence of NPCs, improving cell viability and proliferation as well as extracellular matrix synthesis, which may be associated with the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway activation. The combination of both plays a synergistic role in the protective effects.
Humans ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; Interleukin-10 ; Nucleus Pulposus/metabolism* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Aggrecans/metabolism* ; Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism* ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To explore clinical efficacy of Ilizarov hemilateral bone longitudinal transport technique in treating hemilateral bone defects associated with chronic osteomyelitis of lower extremity long bones. METHODS: Clinical data of 13 patients with hemilateral bone defects caused by chronic osteomyelitis of lower extremity long bones and treated by Ilizarov hemilateral bone longitudinal transport technique were retrospective analyzed, including 10 males and 3 female, aged from 14 to 55 years old;4 patients occurred femoral and 9 patients occurred tibial;10 patients were diagnosed as traumatic osteomyelitis and 3 patients as hematogenous osteomyelitis. The anatomical classification of Cierny-Mader in 13 patients was type Ⅲ. Bone and wound healing, postopertaive complication, and bony and functional results were observed by Paley evaluation standard. RESULTS: After removing external fixator, all patients were followed up from 6 to 70 months. Transporting time ranged from 54 to 158 d. And the time in external fixation ranged from 6.8 to 19.5 months. External fixation index (EFI) ranged from 1.23 to 1.6 months/cm. According to Paley's evaluation criteria, bony results were excellent in 13 patients;functional results showed excellent in 12 patients and good in 1 patient. Two patients occurred poor union on the docking sites and healed with autogenous iliac bone graft. The callus at the extended area was poorly mineralized and improved significantly when treated with low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in one patient. All patients had good wound healing without recurrence of osteomyelitis and refracture. There was no vascular and nerve injury and axial deviation in all patients and they were satisfied with the appearance and function of lower limbs. The range of motion of knee and ankle joint before operation was 120 ° to 150 ° and 35 °to 80 ° respectively, and at the latest follow-up was 110 ° to 140 ° and 30 ° to 75 ° . CONCLUSION Ilizarov hemilateral bone longitudinal transport technique is effective in treating infective hemilateral bone defects of lower extremity long bones, which could not only simplify architecture of external fixation, but also reduce the number of fixation pins, shorten the time in external fixator and decrease the incidence of pin tract infection. However, this technique is highly demanding, and the growth of callus in extended region and healing of bone apposition should be noticed.
Male ; Humans ; Female ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Lower Extremity/surgery* ; Tibia/surgery* ; Femur ; Ankle Joint