Obesity is a significant risk factor for cancer and is associated with breast cancer metastasis. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which alterations in systemic metabolism affect tumor microenvironment (TME) and consequently influence tumor metastasis remains inadequately understood. Herein, we found that perturbations in circulating metabolites induced by obesity promote metastasis-like phenotypes in breast cancer. Oleoylcarnitine (OLCarn) concentrations were elevated in the serum of obese mice and humans. Administration of exogenous OLCarn induces metastasis-like characteristics in breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, OLCarn directly interacts with the Arg176 site of adenylate cyclase 10 (ADCY10), leading to the activation of ADCY10 and enhancement of cAMP production. Mutations at Arg176 prevent OLCarn from binding to ADCY10, disrupting the ADCY10-mediated activation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway. This activation promotes transcription factor 4 (TCF4)-dependent kinesin family member C1 (KIFC1) transcription, thereby driving breast cancer metastasis. Conversely, the neutralization of both ADCY10 and KIFC1 through knockdown or pharmacological inhibition abrogates the oncogenic effects mediated by OLCarn. Hence, obesity-induced systemic environmental changes lead to the aberrant accumulation of OLCarn within the TME, making it a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of a zero-profile three-dimensiaonal (3D)-printed microporous titanium alloy Cage and a conventional titanium plate combined with a polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK)-Cage in the treatment of single-segment cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) by anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). METHODS: The clinical data of 83 patients with single-segment CSM treated with ACDF between January 2022 and January 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, and they were divided into 3D-ZP group (35 cases, using zero-profile 3D-printed microporous titanium alloy Cage) and CP group (48 cases, using titanium plate in combination with PEEK-Cage). There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, surgical intervertebral space, and preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, neck disability index (NDI), vertebral height at the fusion segment, Cobb angle, and other baseline data between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, complications, interbody fusion, and prosthesis subsidence were recorded and compared between the two groups. VAS score, NDI, and JOA score were used to evaluate the improvement of pain and function before operation, at 3 months after operation, and at last follow-up, and the vertebral height at the fusion segment and Cobb angle were measured by imaging. The degree of dysphagia was assessed by the Bazaz dysphagia scale at 1 week and at last follow-up. RESULTS: The operation was successfully completed in all the 83 patients. There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss and hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05), but the operation time in the 3D-ZP group was significantly shorter than that in the CP group (P<0.05). Patients in both groups were followed up 24-35 months, with an average of 25.3 months, and there was no significant difference in the follow-up time between the two groups (P>0.05). The incidence and grade of dysphagia in CP group were significantly higher than those in 3D-ZP group at 1 week after operation and at last follow-up (P<0.05). There was no dysphagia in 3D-ZP group at last follow-up. There was no complication such as implant breakage or displacement in both groups. The intervertebral fusion rates of 3D-ZP group and CP group were 65.71% (23/35) and 60.42% (29/48) respectively at 3 months after operation, and there was no significant difference between the two groups [OR (95%CI)=1.256 (0.507, 3.109), P=0.622]. The JOA score, VAS score, and NDI significantly improved in the 3D-ZP group at 3 months and at last follow-up when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the improvement rate of JOA between the two groups at last follow-up (P>0.05). At 3 months after operation and at last follow-up, the vertebral height at the fusion segment and Cobb angle significantly improved in both groups, and the two indexes in 3D-ZP group were significantly better than those in CP group (P<0.05). At last follow-up, the incidence of prosthesis subsidence in 3D-ZP group (8.57%) was significantly lower than that in CP group (29.16%) (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The application of zero-profile 3D-printed Cage and titanium plate combined with PEEK-Cage in single-segment ACDF can both reconstruct the stability of cervical spine and achieve good effectiveness. Compared with the latter, the application of the former in ACDF can shorten the operation time, reduce the incidence of prosthesis subsidence, and reduce the incidence of dysphagia.
Humans ; Spinal Fusion/instrumentation* ; Titanium ; Cervical Vertebrae/surgery* ; Diskectomy/instrumentation* ; Bone Plates ; Male ; Printing, Three-Dimensional ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Benzophenones ; Adult ; Spondylosis/surgery* ; Aged ; Polymers ; Ketones ; Polyethylene Glycols

Objective To establish and evaluate an integrated disease-syndrome rat model of chronic cerebral ischemia with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome.Methods Thirty male Wistar rats were allocated randomly into three groups(n=10 per group):sham operation(sham),2-vessel occlusion(2-VO)group,and sleep deprivation combined with 2-VO(SD+2-VO)group.We comprehensively assessed Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome manifestations in the rats using a dual evaluation approach,combining exhaustive swimming tests with quantitative tongue chroma analysis.Cognitive function was evaluated using the Barnes maze,and cerebral blood flow was compared using laser speckle contrast imaging.The histopathology of the hippocampal cytoarchitecture and white matter were examined using hematoxylin-eosin(HE)and Luxol fast blue(LFB)staining,respectively,and ultrastructural alterations of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region were observed by transmission electron microscopy(TEM).Protein expression levels of NeuN,vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA)and CD31 were detected by Western Blot and immunofluorescence.Results Cerebral blood flow was significantly reduced in rats in the 2-VO group compared with the sham group,but they failed to recapitulate the key clinical hallmarks of Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome.In contrast,rats in the SD+2-VO group exhibited significantly reduced locomotor activity,exacerbated cerebral hypoperfusion,shortened swimming duration,and darkened tongue color compared with 2-VO rats.Rats in the SD+2-VO group demonstrated significantly impaired learning and memory abilities in the Barnes maze test.Consistent with these observations,HE staining,TEM,and LFB staining revealed substantial neuronal and white matter damage in the SD+2-VO group.NeuN expression was decreased and VEGFA and CD31 expression levels were increased in the 2-VO and SD+2-VO groups,as shown by Western Blot.Taken together,these findings indicated that the SD+2-VO model effectively recapitulated the clinical features of chronic cerebral ischemia with Qi deficiency and blood stasis pattern.Conclusions The combination of sleep deprivation and bilateral carotid artery occlusion successfully established a rat model of chronic cerebral ischemia with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome.Compared with the 2-VO model,SD+2-VO model demonstrates more pronounced syndrome manifestations and better clinical relevance,thus providing a valuable animal model for traditional Chinese medicine research on chronic cerebral ischemia.

Objective To establish and evaluate an integrated disease-syndrome rat model of chronic cerebral ischemia with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome.Methods Thirty male Wistar rats were allocated randomly into three groups(n=10 per group):sham operation(sham),2-vessel occlusion(2-VO)group,and sleep deprivation combined with 2-VO(SD+2-VO)group.We comprehensively assessed Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome manifestations in the rats using a dual evaluation approach,combining exhaustive swimming tests with quantitative tongue chroma analysis.Cognitive function was evaluated using the Barnes maze,and cerebral blood flow was compared using laser speckle contrast imaging.The histopathology of the hippocampal cytoarchitecture and white matter were examined using hematoxylin-eosin(HE)and Luxol fast blue(LFB)staining,respectively,and ultrastructural alterations of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region were observed by transmission electron microscopy(TEM).Protein expression levels of NeuN,vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA)and CD31 were detected by Western Blot and immunofluorescence.Results Cerebral blood flow was significantly reduced in rats in the 2-VO group compared with the sham group,but they failed to recapitulate the key clinical hallmarks of Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome.In contrast,rats in the SD+2-VO group exhibited significantly reduced locomotor activity,exacerbated cerebral hypoperfusion,shortened swimming duration,and darkened tongue color compared with 2-VO rats.Rats in the SD+2-VO group demonstrated significantly impaired learning and memory abilities in the Barnes maze test.Consistent with these observations,HE staining,TEM,and LFB staining revealed substantial neuronal and white matter damage in the SD+2-VO group.NeuN expression was decreased and VEGFA and CD31 expression levels were increased in the 2-VO and SD+2-VO groups,as shown by Western Blot.Taken together,these findings indicated that the SD+2-VO model effectively recapitulated the clinical features of chronic cerebral ischemia with Qi deficiency and blood stasis pattern.Conclusions The combination of sleep deprivation and bilateral carotid artery occlusion successfully established a rat model of chronic cerebral ischemia with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome.Compared with the 2-VO model,SD+2-VO model demonstrates more pronounced syndrome manifestations and better clinical relevance,thus providing a valuable animal model for traditional Chinese medicine research on chronic cerebral ischemia.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical application effects of a domestic bone-level implant system for restoring single tooth loss, and provide clinical evidence for the promotion and application of domestic implants.Methods:A prospective, multicenter clinical trial was conducted from April 2018 to January 2020 in three institutions: Department of Oral Implantology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Department of Stomatology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University. The trial planned to include 100 patients for single tooth implantation and restoration, followed up for 1 year, to evaluate the implantation success rate and other related outcomes.Results:This study screened a total of 142 patients and ultimately included 100, comprising 43 males and 57 females with age of (47.0±12.2) years. Ninety-eight out of 100 patients completed a one-year follow-up (98.0%), while 2 patients terminated the trial early due to implant loosening (2.0%). After a one-year follow-up, the implants of the 98 patients were all functioning successfully, with a success rate of 98.0% (98/100). The patients were satisfied with the overall restoration effect.Conclusions:This study indicates that the domestic bone-level implant system has achieved favorable short-term clinical outcomes for single-tooth implantation and restoration.

Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) disrupts vascular endothelial integrity and induces atherosclerosis. Active integrin β1 plays a pivotal role in promoting EndMT by facilitating TGFβ/Smad signaling in endothelial cells. Here, we report a novel anthraquinone compound, Kanglexin (KLX), which prevented EndMT and atherosclerosis by activating MAP4K4 and suppressing integrin β1/TGFβ signaling. First, KLX effectively counteracted the EndMT phenotype and mitigated the dysregulation of endothelial and mesenchymal markers induced by TGFβ1. Second, KLX suppressed TGFβ/Smad signaling by inactivating integrin β1 and inhibiting the polymerization of TGFβR1/2. The underlying mechanism involved the activation of FGFR1 by KLX, resulting in the phosphorylation of MAP4K4 and Moesin, which led to integrin β1 inactivation by displacing Talin from its β-tail. Oral administration of KLX effectively stimulated endothelial FGFR1 and inhibited integrin β1, thereby preventing vascular EndMT and attenuating plaque formation and progression in the aorta of atherosclerotic Apoe^-/- mice. Notably, KLX (20 mg/kg) exhibited superior efficacy compared with atorvastatin, a clinically approved lipid-regulating drug. In conclusion, KLX exhibited potential in ameliorating EndMT and retarding the formation and progression of atherosclerosis through direct activation of FGFR1. Therefore, KLX is a promising candidate for the treatment of atherosclerosis to mitigate vascular endothelial injury.
Animals ; Atherosclerosis/prevention & control* ; Mice ; Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Anthraquinones/pharmacology* ; Humans ; Integrin beta1/metabolism* ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/drug effects* ; Male ; Transforming Growth Factor beta/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/drug effects*

OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism by which salvianolic acid A (Sal A) reduces the inflammatory response and oxidative stress of BV2 cells injured by oxygen and glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R).METHODS An OGD/R injury model of BV2 cells was established with sugar free Earle solution containing Na2S2O410 mmol·L-1.Na2S2O4 sugar free Earle solution was added and cultured in an incubator (37 ℃,5％CO2) for 1.5 h (oxygen glucose deprivation) before a normal medium was used for 24 h (reperfusion).Then,the cells were divided into the cell control group,OGD/R group,OGD/R+Sal A 1,5 and 10 μmol·L-1 group,OGD/R+ML385 group,OGD/R+ML385+Sal A 1,5 and 10μmol·L-1 group and OGD/R+edaravone (Eda,50μmol·L-1) group.After twenty-four hours of culture,the cell survival rate was measured by CCK8 kit.The contents of Interleukin-1β (IL-1β),IL-6,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),IL-10,IL-4 and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) in the cell supernatant were detected by ELISA.Reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells was detected using the chemical fluo-rescence method.The contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD),glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) in cells were determined with the colorimetric method.Protein expressions of Kelch like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1),nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2),Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1),NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) and p-nuclear factor kappa-B p65 (p-NF-κB p65) were detected by Western blotting.RESULTS ①Compared with the cell control group,the cell survival rate of the OGD/R group was significantly decreased (P＜0.01).Compared with the OGD/R group,the survival rates of OGD/R+Sal A 1,5 and 10μmol·L-1 groups were significantly increased (P＜0.05,P＜0.01).②Compared with the cell control group,the contents of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly increased,the contents of IL-10,IL-4 and TGF-β were significantly decreased,the contents of ROS and MDA were significantly increased,and the activities of SOD,CAT and GSH-Px were significantly decreased in the OGD/R group (P＜0.01).Compared with the OGD/R group,the content of IL-6 was significantly decreased,the contents of IL-10,IL-4 and TGF-β were significantly increased,the contents of ROS and MDA were significantly decreased,and the activities of SOD,CAT and GSH-Px were significantly increased in OGD/R+Sal A 1,5 and 10μmol·L-1 and OGD/R+Eda groups (P＜0.05,P＜0.01).③Compared with the cell control group,the protein expression of p-NF-κB P65 in the OGD/R group was significantly increased (P＜0.01).Compared with the OGD/R group,the protein expressions of Keap1 and cytoplasmic Nrf2 were significantly decreased,the expressions of nuclear Nrf2,HO-1 and NQO1 proteins were significantly increased,and the expression of p-NF-κB p65 protein was significantly decreased in OGD/R+Sal A 5 and 10 μmol·L-1 and OGD/R+Eda groups (P＜0.05,P＜0.01).In OGD/R+ML385,OGD/R+ML385+Sal A 1,5 and 10μmol·L-1 groups,the protein expression of Keap1 was significantly increased,the protein expressions of cytoplasmic Nrf2,nuclear Nrf2,HO-1 and NQO1 protein were significantly decreased,and the protein expression of p-NF-κB P65 was significantly increased (P＜0.01).CONCLU-SION Sal A reduces the inflammatory response and oxidative stress of OGD/R injured BV2 cells possi-bly by activating the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway and inhibiting the NF-κB pathway.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism by which salvianolic acid A (Sal A) reduces the inflammatory response and oxidative stress of BV2 cells injured by oxygen and glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R).METHODS An OGD/R injury model of BV2 cells was established with sugar free Earle solution containing Na2S2O410 mmol·L-1.Na2S2O4 sugar free Earle solution was added and cultured in an incubator (37 ℃,5％CO2) for 1.5 h (oxygen glucose deprivation) before a normal medium was used for 24 h (reperfusion).Then,the cells were divided into the cell control group,OGD/R group,OGD/R+Sal A 1,5 and 10 μmol·L-1 group,OGD/R+ML385 group,OGD/R+ML385+Sal A 1,5 and 10μmol·L-1 group and OGD/R+edaravone (Eda,50μmol·L-1) group.After twenty-four hours of culture,the cell survival rate was measured by CCK8 kit.The contents of Interleukin-1β (IL-1β),IL-6,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),IL-10,IL-4 and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) in the cell supernatant were detected by ELISA.Reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells was detected using the chemical fluo-rescence method.The contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD),glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) in cells were determined with the colorimetric method.Protein expressions of Kelch like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1),nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2),Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1),NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) and p-nuclear factor kappa-B p65 (p-NF-κB p65) were detected by Western blotting.RESULTS ①Compared with the cell control group,the cell survival rate of the OGD/R group was significantly decreased (P＜0.01).Compared with the OGD/R group,the survival rates of OGD/R+Sal A 1,5 and 10μmol·L-1 groups were significantly increased (P＜0.05,P＜0.01).②Compared with the cell control group,the contents of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly increased,the contents of IL-10,IL-4 and TGF-β were significantly decreased,the contents of ROS and MDA were significantly increased,and the activities of SOD,CAT and GSH-Px were significantly decreased in the OGD/R group (P＜0.01).Compared with the OGD/R group,the content of IL-6 was significantly decreased,the contents of IL-10,IL-4 and TGF-β were significantly increased,the contents of ROS and MDA were significantly decreased,and the activities of SOD,CAT and GSH-Px were significantly increased in OGD/R+Sal A 1,5 and 10μmol·L-1 and OGD/R+Eda groups (P＜0.05,P＜0.01).③Compared with the cell control group,the protein expression of p-NF-κB P65 in the OGD/R group was significantly increased (P＜0.01).Compared with the OGD/R group,the protein expressions of Keap1 and cytoplasmic Nrf2 were significantly decreased,the expressions of nuclear Nrf2,HO-1 and NQO1 proteins were significantly increased,and the expression of p-NF-κB p65 protein was significantly decreased in OGD/R+Sal A 5 and 10 μmol·L-1 and OGD/R+Eda groups (P＜0.05,P＜0.01).In OGD/R+ML385,OGD/R+ML385+Sal A 1,5 and 10μmol·L-1 groups,the protein expression of Keap1 was significantly increased,the protein expressions of cytoplasmic Nrf2,nuclear Nrf2,HO-1 and NQO1 protein were significantly decreased,and the protein expression of p-NF-κB P65 was significantly increased (P＜0.01).CONCLU-SION Sal A reduces the inflammatory response and oxidative stress of OGD/R injured BV2 cells possi-bly by activating the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway and inhibiting the NF-κB pathway.

In recent years,increasing attention has been paid to the study on the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia in terms of the overall structure and function of neurovascular unit(NVU),which has become one of the hot spots in the field of brain sciences and major brain diseases.This paper is intended to outline the roles of the four main NVU cells(neurons,astrocytes,microglia and cerebral microvascular endothelial cells)in brain function and pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia,which are closely related in structure,work together to maintain cerebral homeostasis in function,and play an important role in brain function and cerebral ischemic injuries.NVU injury leads to microvascular and blood brain barrier integrity impairment,neuronal cell death,glial reaction and immune cell infiltration,and even tissue injury and brain edema.This paper also aims to elucidate the roles of NVU structure and function in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia,and offer new ideas and strategies for the research related to drugs for prevention and treatment of cerebral ischemia based on NVU structure and function.

Tirzepatide is the first-in-class dual agonist of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) receptor, which plays a variety of physiological effects by imitating natural GLP-1 and GIP. In the completed large phase III series of clinical studies of SURPASS and SURMOUNT, Tirzepatide has demonstrated excellent effects in decreasing glycosylated hemoglobin, reducing weight, improving blood lipid and other metabolic indicators, and is superior to the currently approved GLP-1 receptor agonist. Gastrointestinal reaction is the most common adverse event of the drug, which is generally mild to moderate, and decreases with continuous administration. On May 13, 2022, Tirzepatide was approved for listing by FDA, the current indication is to improve glycemic control of adult patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) as an adjunct of diet and exercise. In addition to T2D and obesity, there are also extensive and in-depth studies on other metabolic fields. This paper makes a systematic overview of this.