Aim To investigate the effects of dimethyl-arginine dimethylamino hydrolase 1(DDAH1)on high glucose-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and mitoph-agy in vascular endothelial cells.Methods JC-1 stai-ning was used to detect mitochondrial membrane poten-tial.DCFH-DA fluorescent probe was employed to measure reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels.Ho-echst staining was used to assess cell apoptosis.Real-time PCR was conducted to detect DDAH1 mRNA lev-els.Western blot was performed to analyze the expres-sion of DDAH1,LC3-Ⅰ and LC3-Ⅱ proteins.Mitochon-drial probe Mitotracker and autophagosome marker pro-tein LC3 were used in cell immunofluorescence co-lo-calization to assess mitochondrial autophagy,and high-performance liquid chromatography was utilized to measure the levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine(ADMA)in cell supernatant.Results High glucose treatment for 48 h significantly reduced mitochondrial membrane potential,increased ROS production,and promoted apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs).High glucose downregulated the ex-pression of LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ proteins,reduced the co-lo-calization of Mitotracker and LC3,and inhibited mito-chondrial autophagy.Autophagy inhibitors 3-MA or CQ exacerbated high glucose-induced mitochondrial dam-age and apoptosis in HUVECs,while autophagy activa-tor RAPA alleviated these effects.High glucose signifi-cantly downregulated DDAH1 protein expression in HUVECs and increased ADMA levels in cell superna-tant.DDAH1 siRNA inhibited mitochondrial autoph-agy,reduced mitochondrial membrane potential,and promoted apoptosis,whereas DDAH1 overexpression enhanced mitochondrial autophagy and alleviated high glucose-induced apoptosis in HUVECs.Conclusion High glucose-induced endothelial mitochondrial dys-function is associated with the suppression of DDAH1 expression,the increase of ADMA levels,and thereduc-tion of mitochondrial autophagy.

Regulatory T cells(Tregs)are key regulators of the immune system and play important roles intumorigenesis and tumor progres-sion.They exert immunosuppressive effects through immune checkpoint pathways and by secreting inhibitory cytokines and specific chemokines as well as through other mechanisms that promote tumor immune escape.However,their mechanisms of action are complex and involve multistage,multifactorial processes.This article summarizes the mechanisms by which Tregs exert immunosuppressive effects in tumors and promote immune escape and describes related research progress.This study aims to provide a reference for an indepth under-standing of immune regulatory mechanisms in tumors and the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Regulatory T cells(Tregs)are key regulators of the immune system and play important roles intumorigenesis and tumor progres-sion.They exert immunosuppressive effects through immune checkpoint pathways and by secreting inhibitory cytokines and specific chemokines as well as through other mechanisms that promote tumor immune escape.However,their mechanisms of action are complex and involve multistage,multifactorial processes.This article summarizes the mechanisms by which Tregs exert immunosuppressive effects in tumors and promote immune escape and describes related research progress.This study aims to provide a reference for an indepth under-standing of immune regulatory mechanisms in tumors and the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Objective To explore the effect of mangiferin(MF)on pyroptosis in an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS)cell model by regulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1(Nrf2/HO-1)signaling pathway.Methods(1)Mouse NSC-34 cell lines transfected with hSOD1WT and hSOD1G93A plasmids were randomly divided into blank group,model group,MF(100 μmol/L)group,MF(200 μmol/L)group.MF was added into the culture plate for 24 hours.Cell viability was assessed using CCK-8 kit.Lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)release was measured using LDH cytotoxicity detection kit.Levels of inflammatory factors interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-18 in cell supernatant were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The expression of Nrf2,HO-1,NADPH quinone oxidoreductase-1(NQO-1),NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3),gasdermin D(GSDMD)-N and caspase-1 was detected by Western blotting.(2)Mouse hSOD1G93A NSC-34 cells were randomly divided into model group,MF(200 μmol/L)group,Nrf2-siRNA group and Nrf2-siRNA+MF(200 μmol/L)group.The cells were transiently transfected with Nrf2-siRNA using LipofectamineTM 3000.Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of Nrf2,HO-1,NQO-1,NLRP3,caspase-1 and GSDMD-N.Results(1)The results of the CCK-8 assay showed that after the hSOD1G93A NSC-34 cells were treated with MF at concentrations of 300 μmol/L and below for 24 hours,the changes in cell viability were not significant(P>0.05).Compared with blank group,the release of LDH,the contents of IL-1β and IL-18 in the cell culture supernatant of model group were increased(P<0.001);the protein expression levels of Nrf2,HO-1,and NQO-1 were decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01);the protein expression levels of NLRP3,caspase-1,and GSDMD-N were increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01 or P<0.001).Compared with model group,the release of LDH,the contents of IL-18 and IL-1β in the culture supernatant in MF(100 μmol/L)and MF(200 μmol/L)groups were decreased(P<0.001);the protein expression levels of NLRP3,caspase-1 and GSDMD-N were decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.001),and the expression levels of Nrf2,HO-1 and NQO-1 were increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).(2)Compared with model group,the protein expession levels of Nrf2,NO-1 and NQO-1 were increased(P<0.05 or P<0.001)in MF(200 μmol/L)group,while the protein expression levels of NLRP3,caspase-1 and GSDMD-N were decreased(P<0.001);the protein expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 were decreased in Nrf2-siRNA group(P<0.01 or P<0.001),while the protein expression levels of NLRP3,caspase-1 and GSDMD-N were increased(P<0.001).Compared with Nrf2-siRNA group,the protein expression levels of Nrf2,HO-1 and NQO-1 in Nrf2-siRNA+MF(200 μmol/L)group were increased(P<0.01 or P<0.001),and the protein expression levels of NLRP3,caspase-1 and GSDMD-N were decreased(P<0.001).Conclusion MF can inhibit pyroptosis in the ALS cell model through Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway,playing a protective role.

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a chronic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that can cause joint destruction and deformity.As a small molecule cytokine,the chemokine C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12(CXCL12)regulates the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis by binding to the specific receptor CXC chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4).Therefore,based on the bio-logical characteristics of CXCL12 and CXCR4,this paper intro-duces the pathogenesis of CXCL12/CXCR4 in RA and summari-zes the progress in RA-related research,with the aim of providing clinical value for understanding the pathogenesis of RA and de-veloping novel therapeutic targets.

Objective Evaluate the effects of different solvent extracts from Jujing Pills on improving retinal damage in kidney Yang deficiency aging mice and explore the underlying mechanism.Methods A composite modeling method of subcutaneous injection of D-galactose and hind limb injection of hydrocortisone was used to establish a kidney Yang deficiency type aging mouse model,and various solvent extract of Jujing Pills were given for intervention treatment.The improvement effect of different solvent extracts of Jujing Pills on aging mice with kidney Yang deficiency was evaluated by observing physical signs,measuring serum oxidative stress marker levels,and cyclic nucleotide levels.Optical coherence tomography(OCT)was used to detect the condition of the mouse retina,HE staining was used to detect the degree of retinal cell damage,TUNEL staining was used to detect retinal cell apoptosis,assay kit was used to detect oxidative stress factor expression,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the expression of ciliary neurotrophic factor(CNTF),brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF),and nerve growth factor(NGF)in the mouse eyeball,and Western blotting(WB)was used to quantitatively analyze the expression levels of apoptosis and neurotrophic pathway related proteins in the mouse retina tissue.Results Compared with the control group,the model group mice showed slow weight gain,reduced activity,decreased expression of antioxidant factors such as superoxide dismutase(SOD)and glutathione(GSH)in serum(P<0.01),and decreased cAMP/cGMP ratio(P<0.01).Different solvent extracts of Jujing Pills significantly increased the expression of antioxidant factors such as SOD and GSH(P<0.05),reduced the production of oxidative product malondialdehyde(MDA)(P<0.01),and increased the cAMP/cGMP ratio(P<0.01);Significantly increased the retinal thickness of model mice(P<0.01),improved retinal damage and inhibited retinal cell apoptosis(P<0.01),and significantly downregulated the ratio expression levels of Cleaved Caspase-3 and Caspase-3(P<0.01);The expression of CNTF,BDNF,and NGF was upregulated by water extracted medicinal residue alcohol extract,water extracted alcohol sediment,and total extract(P<0.01).The phosphorylation levels of CREB and ERK in the eyeball were significantly upregulated by water extracted medicinal residue alcohol extract and total extract(P<0.05).Conclusion Different solvent extracts of Jujing Pills can exert different pharmacological effects on improving retinal damage in aging mice with kidney yang deficiency model.Its mechanism of action is related to improving retinal apoptosis caused by oxidative stress and increasing the expression of nutritional factors.

Objective Evaluate the effects of different solvent extracts from Jujing Pills on improving retinal damage in kidney Yang deficiency aging mice and explore the underlying mechanism.Methods A composite modeling method of subcutaneous injection of D-galactose and hind limb injection of hydrocortisone was used to establish a kidney Yang deficiency type aging mouse model,and various solvent extract of Jujing Pills were given for intervention treatment.The improvement effect of different solvent extracts of Jujing Pills on aging mice with kidney Yang deficiency was evaluated by observing physical signs,measuring serum oxidative stress marker levels,and cyclic nucleotide levels.Optical coherence tomography(OCT)was used to detect the condition of the mouse retina,HE staining was used to detect the degree of retinal cell damage,TUNEL staining was used to detect retinal cell apoptosis,assay kit was used to detect oxidative stress factor expression,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the expression of ciliary neurotrophic factor(CNTF),brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF),and nerve growth factor(NGF)in the mouse eyeball,and Western blotting(WB)was used to quantitatively analyze the expression levels of apoptosis and neurotrophic pathway related proteins in the mouse retina tissue.Results Compared with the control group,the model group mice showed slow weight gain,reduced activity,decreased expression of antioxidant factors such as superoxide dismutase(SOD)and glutathione(GSH)in serum(P<0.01),and decreased cAMP/cGMP ratio(P<0.01).Different solvent extracts of Jujing Pills significantly increased the expression of antioxidant factors such as SOD and GSH(P<0.05),reduced the production of oxidative product malondialdehyde(MDA)(P<0.01),and increased the cAMP/cGMP ratio(P<0.01);Significantly increased the retinal thickness of model mice(P<0.01),improved retinal damage and inhibited retinal cell apoptosis(P<0.01),and significantly downregulated the ratio expression levels of Cleaved Caspase-3 and Caspase-3(P<0.01);The expression of CNTF,BDNF,and NGF was upregulated by water extracted medicinal residue alcohol extract,water extracted alcohol sediment,and total extract(P<0.01).The phosphorylation levels of CREB and ERK in the eyeball were significantly upregulated by water extracted medicinal residue alcohol extract and total extract(P<0.05).Conclusion Different solvent extracts of Jujing Pills can exert different pharmacological effects on improving retinal damage in aging mice with kidney yang deficiency model.Its mechanism of action is related to improving retinal apoptosis caused by oxidative stress and increasing the expression of nutritional factors.

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

BACKGROUND: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), a rare and recurrent autoinflammatory disease, imposes a substantial burden on patients and society. Awareness of GPP in China remains limited. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey, conducted between September 2021 and May 2023 across 14 hospitals in China, included GPP patients of all ages and disease phases. Data collected encompassed demographics, clinical characteristics, economic impact, disease severity, quality of life, and treatment-related complications. Risk factors for GPP recurrence were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 127 patients (female/male ratio = 1.35:1), the mean age of disease onset was 25 years (1st quartile [Q1]-3rd quartile [Q3]: 11-44 years); 29.2% had experienced GPP for more than 10 years. Recurrence occurred in 75.6% of patients, and nearly half reported no identifiable triggers. Younger age at disease onset ( P  = 0.021) and transitioning to plaque psoriasis ( P  = 0.022) were associated with higher recurrence rates. The median diagnostic delay was 8 months (Q1-Q3: 2-41 months), and 32.3% of patients reported misdiagnoses. Comorbidities were present in 53.5% of patients, whereas 51.1% experienced systemic complications during treatment. Depression and anxiety affected 84.5% and 95.6% of patients, respectively. During GPP flares, the median Dermatology Life Quality Index score was 19.0 (Q1-Q3: 13.0-23.5). This score showed significant differences between patients with and without systemic symptoms; it demonstrated correlations with both depression and anxiety scores. Treatment costs caused financial hardship in 55.9% of patients, underscoring the burden associated with GPP. CONCLUSIONS The substantial disease and economic burdens among Chinese GPP patients warrant increased attention. Patients with early onset disease and those transitioning to plaque psoriasis require targeted interventions to mitigate the high recurrence risk.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Psoriasis/pathology* ; Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Adolescent ; Child ; Young Adult ; Quality of Life ; Middle Aged ; China/epidemiology* ; Recurrence ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; East Asian People

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.