DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification in mammals, playing a crucial role in various physiological processes, including cell differentiation and the gene expression regulation. The ten-eleven translocation (TET) protein family of DNA demethylases is integral to the regulation of DNA methylation, as it catalyzes the oxidation of 5-methylcytosine to form 5-hydroxymethylcytosine. During early embryonic development, the genome undergoes extensive DNA demethylation, and any aberration in this reprogramming process can result in abnormal embryonic development and physiological defects in offspring. The TET proteins, due to their unique dynamics and multifaceted roles, facilitate DNA demethylation and are involved in development and maturation of germ cells, the establishment of pluripotency, cell lineage differentiation, and transcriptional processes throughout mammalian embryogenesis. Furthermore, these proteins are closely associated with the maintenance of pregnancy and susceptibility of progeny to disease. Factors such as genetic mutations, maternal health conditions, and exposure to adverse environmental influences can impact TET protein activity, resulting in abnormal patterns of DNA demethylation. A comprehensive investigation of the related mechanisms of TET proteins is essential for enhancing our understanding of epigenetic regulation during early life, diagnosing and treating related diseases such as early fetal development retardation, and informing strategies for the prevention and management of pregnancy.This article reviews the regulatory role of DNA demethylation mediated by TET protein in mammalian embryonic development and pregnancy outcomes.

ObjectiveTo explore the role of cucurbitacin B （CuB） in inducing ferroptosis in 4T1 cells and its mechanism. MethodsThe effects of CuB（0.2， 0.4， 0.8 μmol·L^-1）on the proliferation ability of 4T1 cells in vitro were detected using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） assay. The clonogenic ability of 4T1 cells was detected by the plate cloning assay， and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） in 4T1 cells were detected by the use of a kit. The mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species （ROS） levels in 4T1 cells were detected by flow cytometry， and the mitochondrial ultrastructure of 4T1 cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The western blot was used to detect the expression of ferroptosis-related protein p53 in 4T1 cells， solute carrier family 7 member 11 （SCL7A11）， glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4）， long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 （ACSL4）， transferrin receptor protein 1 （TFR1）， and ferritin heavy chain 1 （FTH1）. ResultsCompared with that in the blank group， the survival rate of 4T1 cells in CuB groups was significantly decreased （P<0.05）， and the number of cell clones in CuB groups was significantly reduced （P<0.01）. In addition， compared with that in the blank group， the leakage of LDH in cells in CuB groups was significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the mitochondrial membrane potential of cells in CuB groups decreased significantly （P<0.01）. Cellular ROS levels were significantly elevated in CuB groups （P<0.01）. The mitochondria of cells in CuB groups were obviously wrinkled， and the mitochondrial cristae were reduced or even disappeared. Compared with that in the blank group， the protein expression of p53， ACSL4， and TFR1 were significantly up-regulated in CuB groups （P<0.05）， and that of SLC7A11， GPX4， and FTH1 were significantly down-regulated （P<0.05）. ConclusionCuB may inhibit SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression by up-regulating the expression of p53， which in turn regulates the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway axis and accelerates the generation of lipid peroxidation substrate by up-regulating the expression of ACSL4. It up-regulates TFR1 expression to promote cellular uptake of Fe³⁺ and down-regulates the expression of FTH1 to reduce the ability of iron storage， resulting in an elevated free Fe²⁺ level. It catalyzes the Fenton reaction， generates excess ROS， imbalances the antioxidant system and iron metabolism， and then induces ferroptosis in 4T1 cells.

ObjectiveTo explore the role of cucurbitacin B （CuB） in inducing ferroptosis in 4T1 cells and its mechanism. MethodsThe effects of CuB（0.2， 0.4， 0.8 μmol·L^-1）on the proliferation ability of 4T1 cells in vitro were detected using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） assay. The clonogenic ability of 4T1 cells was detected by the plate cloning assay， and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） in 4T1 cells were detected by the use of a kit. The mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species （ROS） levels in 4T1 cells were detected by flow cytometry， and the mitochondrial ultrastructure of 4T1 cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The western blot was used to detect the expression of ferroptosis-related protein p53 in 4T1 cells， solute carrier family 7 member 11 （SCL7A11）， glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4）， long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 （ACSL4）， transferrin receptor protein 1 （TFR1）， and ferritin heavy chain 1 （FTH1）. ResultsCompared with that in the blank group， the survival rate of 4T1 cells in CuB groups was significantly decreased （P<0.05）， and the number of cell clones in CuB groups was significantly reduced （P<0.01）. In addition， compared with that in the blank group， the leakage of LDH in cells in CuB groups was significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the mitochondrial membrane potential of cells in CuB groups decreased significantly （P<0.01）. Cellular ROS levels were significantly elevated in CuB groups （P<0.01）. The mitochondria of cells in CuB groups were obviously wrinkled， and the mitochondrial cristae were reduced or even disappeared. Compared with that in the blank group， the protein expression of p53， ACSL4， and TFR1 were significantly up-regulated in CuB groups （P<0.05）， and that of SLC7A11， GPX4， and FTH1 were significantly down-regulated （P<0.05）. ConclusionCuB may inhibit SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression by up-regulating the expression of p53， which in turn regulates the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway axis and accelerates the generation of lipid peroxidation substrate by up-regulating the expression of ACSL4. It up-regulates TFR1 expression to promote cellular uptake of Fe³⁺ and down-regulates the expression of FTH1 to reduce the ability of iron storage， resulting in an elevated free Fe²⁺ level. It catalyzes the Fenton reaction， generates excess ROS， imbalances the antioxidant system and iron metabolism， and then induces ferroptosis in 4T1 cells.

Objective:To discuss the optimal doping concentration of vanadium(V)and silicon(Si)co-doped TiO? coating(V-Si TiO?)formed on titanium surface by electrochemical treatment,to evaluate its antibacterial effect under visible light irradiation,and to clarify its visible light response mechanism.Methods:The medical pure titanium sheets were subjected to micro-arc oxidation followed by high-temperature calcination,and V-Si TiO2 coatings with different doping concentrations were prepared by adjusting the ratio of V to Si in the electrolyte.The experiment was divided into 1V:10Si(V5Si50)group,2V:10Si(V10Si50)group,and 3V:10Si(V15Si50)group;control group was set up(contains only bacterial culture medium).The optimal doping concentration was screened based on comprehensive evaluation of surface morphology,ion release,photocatalytic ability,and biocompatibility;cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)method was used to detect the proliferation activities and the survival rates of the cells in various group.Subsequently,the optimized coating was characterized and compared by scanning electron microscope(SEM),atomic force microscopy(AFM),digital eddy current coating thickness gauge,X-ray diffraction(XRD),X-ray photoelectron spectroscope(XPS),and ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy(UV-vis).The experiment was divided into PT group(blank control),PEO group(no element doping),V10 group(V doping),Si50 group(Si doping),and V10Si50 group(2V:10Si).The ability of the coating materials to degrade methylene blue(MB)and generation of reactive oxygen species(ROS)under visible light were detected.For antibacterial experiments,Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus)and Escherichia coli(E.coli)were used.The colony counts on plates in various groups were recorded after visible light irradiation for 2 h and dark treatment for 2 h,respectively.The ROS levels were detected using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA)ROS probe.ROS scavenging experiment was performed using the optimal doping concentration V10Si50 group,and the two kinds of bacteria were divided into blank control group,N-acetylcysteine(NAC)group,V10Si50 group,and NAC+V10Si50 group.The colony counts on plates in various groups were recorded after visible light irradiation for 2 h.Results:The V concentration of 0.01 mol·L?1 and Si concentration of 0.05 mol·L?1 in the electrolyte solution were the optimal doping concentrations for the V-Si TiO? coating.The SEM observation results showed that compared with V5Si50 group and V15Si50 group,the surface pore size of the coating material in V10Si50 group was significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the coating thickness was significantly increased(P<0.05);its crystal structure was mainly anatase type,and the MB degradation rate of the coating material in V10Si50 group after 9 h of visible light catalysis was significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with control group,the cell proliferation activity and cell survival rate in V10Si50 group were significantly increased at 1,2,and 4 d of cell culture(P<0.05);at 2 and 4 d of cell culture,the cell proliferation activity and cell survival rate in V5Si50 group and V15Si50 group were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with PT,PEO,and Si50 groups,the colony counts of two kinds of the bacteria in V10 group and V10Si50 group after visible light irradiation for 2 h were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with PT group and PEO group,the ROS levels in two kinds of the bacteria in V10Si50 group after 2 h of irradiation were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with V10Si50 group,the colony counts of two kinds of the bacteria in NAC+V10Si50 group were significantly increased(P<0.05).Conclusion:A reasonably loaded V-Si TiO? coating material(V10Si50)was screened out,which maintained good biological activity and significantly enhanced the antibacterial effect under visible light irradiation.

Objective:To investigate and explore the serum levels of testosterone and estradiol in correlation with disease severity and prognosis in male patients with liver failure.Methods:Sixty male cases with liver failure who received treatment from April 2022 to December 2023 were selected as the research subjects. Forty healthy subjects who underwent physical examination in the physical examination center during the same period were enrolled as the control group. The levels of sex hormones (serum testosterone and estradiol) were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression was used to analyze the diagnostic value of testosterone and estradiol for the grading of male patients with liver failure. The prognostic factors for predicting disease severity were analyzed using COX regression. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the predictive value.Results:The testosterone level was significantly higher in the healthy group than that in the liver failure group [(5.11±3.00) nmol/L vs. (2.22±2.78) nmol/L, t=4.934, P<0.001], while the estradiol level was significantly lower in the liver failure group [37.46±13.21) nmol/L vs. (113.45±67.70) nmol/L, t=-8.457, P<0.001]. Multiple discriminant logistic regression analysis results showed that estradiol and testosterone were independent predictors of the model for end-stage liver disease. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that testosterone was an independent prognostic factor for the 1-year mortality rate in male patients with liver failure. The area under the curve predicting the 1-year mortality rate was 0.745 after adjusting for other factors. Conclusion:Testosterone and estradiol levels are significantly altered in male patients with liver failure. Testosterone and estradiol levels in peripheral blood can effectively reflect the degree of liver function impairment and the 1-year mortality rate in male patients with liver failure, which is helpful for accurately assessing the severity of the disease and its prognosis.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and hormonal changes in patients with adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH)-suppressed and non-suppressed subclinical Cushing′s syndrome(SCS), to evaluate the influencing factors of ACTH suppression, and to assess the diagnostic efficiency of serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate(DHEAS) levels in distinguishing these two groups of SCS patients.Methods:Clinical data of patients diagnosed with SCS in the Department of Endocrinology, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical College, between June 2014 and October 2023 were retrospectively collected. A total of 194 cases were included. According to morning(8: 00 AM) plasma ACTH levels, patients were divided into an ACTH-suppressed group(ACTH<2.2 pmol/L) and a non-suppressed group(ACTH≥2.2 pmol/L). Additionally, 194 gender-, age-, and BMI-matched patients with non-functional adrenal tumors(NFA) were enrolled as controls. Clinical characteristics and hormone levels were compared between groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing ACTH suppression in SCS patients. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic performance of serum DHEAS levels in distinguishing ACTH-suppressed and non-suppressed SCS patients. Results:There were no significant differences in the prevalence of overweight/obesity, hypertension, abnormal glucose metabolism, or bone metabolism disorders between the ACTH-suppressed and non-suppressed groups. The serum cortisol level after the 1 mg-dexamethasone suppression test(DST) was significantly lower in the ACTH non-suppressed group than that in the suppressed group, while the serum DHEAS level was significantly higher in the non-suppressed group(both P<0.01). The area under the curve(AUCs) of serum DHEAS for diagnosing ACTH non-suppressed SCS patients and ACTH-suppressed SCS patients was 0.779(95% CI 0.721-0.837) and 0.874(95% CI 0.831-0.918), respectively. Using a serum DHEAS cutoff of 60.0 μg/dL, the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing ACTH non-suppressed SCS patients were 66.7% and 76.1%, respectively, while for ACTH-suppressed SCS patients, the sensitivity and specificity were 84.9% and 75.5%, respectively. Conclusion:There were no significant differences in metabolic characteristics between ACTH-suppressed and non-suppressed SCS patients. Serum cortisol level after 1 mg-DST is an independent influencing factor for ACTH suppression status. Low serum DHEAS level serves as a sensitive diagnostic marker for SCS and also demonstrates diagnostic value in ACTH non-suppressed SCS patients.

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification in mammals, playing a crucial role in various physiological processes, including cell differentiation and the gene expression regulation. The ten-eleven translocation (TET) protein family of DNA demethylases is integral to the regulation of DNA methylation, as it catalyzes the oxidation of 5-methylcytosine to form 5-hydroxymethylcytosine. During early embryonic development, the genome undergoes extensive DNA demethylation, and any aberration in this reprogramming process can result in abnormal embryonic development and physiological defects in offspring. The TET proteins, due to their unique dynamics and multifaceted roles, facilitate DNA demethylation and are involved in development and maturation of germ cells, the establishment of pluripotency, cell lineage differentiation, and transcriptional processes throughout mammalian embryogenesis. Furthermore, these proteins are closely associated with the maintenance of pregnancy and susceptibility of progeny to disease. Factors such as genetic mutations, maternal health conditions, and exposure to adverse environmental influences can impact TET protein activity, resulting in abnormal patterns of DNA demethylation. A comprehensive investigation of the related mechanisms of TET proteins is essential for enhancing our understanding of epigenetic regulation during early life, diagnosing and treating related diseases such as early fetal development retardation, and informing strategies for the prevention and management of pregnancy.This article reviews the regulatory role of DNA demethylation mediated by TET protein in mammalian embryonic development and pregnancy outcomes.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and hormonal changes in patients with adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH)-suppressed and non-suppressed subclinical Cushing′s syndrome(SCS), to evaluate the influencing factors of ACTH suppression, and to assess the diagnostic efficiency of serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate(DHEAS) levels in distinguishing these two groups of SCS patients.Methods:Clinical data of patients diagnosed with SCS in the Department of Endocrinology, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical College, between June 2014 and October 2023 were retrospectively collected. A total of 194 cases were included. According to morning(8: 00 AM) plasma ACTH levels, patients were divided into an ACTH-suppressed group(ACTH<2.2 pmol/L) and a non-suppressed group(ACTH≥2.2 pmol/L). Additionally, 194 gender-, age-, and BMI-matched patients with non-functional adrenal tumors(NFA) were enrolled as controls. Clinical characteristics and hormone levels were compared between groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing ACTH suppression in SCS patients. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic performance of serum DHEAS levels in distinguishing ACTH-suppressed and non-suppressed SCS patients. Results:There were no significant differences in the prevalence of overweight/obesity, hypertension, abnormal glucose metabolism, or bone metabolism disorders between the ACTH-suppressed and non-suppressed groups. The serum cortisol level after the 1 mg-dexamethasone suppression test(DST) was significantly lower in the ACTH non-suppressed group than that in the suppressed group, while the serum DHEAS level was significantly higher in the non-suppressed group(both P<0.01). The area under the curve(AUCs) of serum DHEAS for diagnosing ACTH non-suppressed SCS patients and ACTH-suppressed SCS patients was 0.779(95% CI 0.721-0.837) and 0.874(95% CI 0.831-0.918), respectively. Using a serum DHEAS cutoff of 60.0 μg/dL, the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing ACTH non-suppressed SCS patients were 66.7% and 76.1%, respectively, while for ACTH-suppressed SCS patients, the sensitivity and specificity were 84.9% and 75.5%, respectively. Conclusion:There were no significant differences in metabolic characteristics between ACTH-suppressed and non-suppressed SCS patients. Serum cortisol level after 1 mg-DST is an independent influencing factor for ACTH suppression status. Low serum DHEAS level serves as a sensitive diagnostic marker for SCS and also demonstrates diagnostic value in ACTH non-suppressed SCS patients.

Objective:To investigate and explore the serum levels of testosterone and estradiol in correlation with disease severity and prognosis in male patients with liver failure.Methods:Sixty male cases with liver failure who received treatment from April 2022 to December 2023 were selected as the research subjects. Forty healthy subjects who underwent physical examination in the physical examination center during the same period were enrolled as the control group. The levels of sex hormones (serum testosterone and estradiol) were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression was used to analyze the diagnostic value of testosterone and estradiol for the grading of male patients with liver failure. The prognostic factors for predicting disease severity were analyzed using COX regression. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the predictive value.Results:The testosterone level was significantly higher in the healthy group than that in the liver failure group [(5.11±3.00) nmol/L vs. (2.22±2.78) nmol/L, t=4.934, P<0.001], while the estradiol level was significantly lower in the liver failure group [37.46±13.21) nmol/L vs. (113.45±67.70) nmol/L, t=-8.457, P<0.001]. Multiple discriminant logistic regression analysis results showed that estradiol and testosterone were independent predictors of the model for end-stage liver disease. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that testosterone was an independent prognostic factor for the 1-year mortality rate in male patients with liver failure. The area under the curve predicting the 1-year mortality rate was 0.745 after adjusting for other factors. Conclusion:Testosterone and estradiol levels are significantly altered in male patients with liver failure. Testosterone and estradiol levels in peripheral blood can effectively reflect the degree of liver function impairment and the 1-year mortality rate in male patients with liver failure, which is helpful for accurately assessing the severity of the disease and its prognosis.

ObjectiveTo investigate the induction of ferroptosis by polyphyllin Ⅱ （PPⅡ） in hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells and its underlying mechanism. MethodThe effect of PPⅡ （0， 1.5， 3.0， 4.5， 6.0， 9.0， 18.0 mg·L^-1） on the in vitro proliferation of HepG2 cells was assessed using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） assay. Colony formation ability of HepG2 cells was evaluated through a colony formation assay. Cell migration ability was assessed via a scratch assay. Lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） content in HepG2 cells was measured using a kit. Reactive oxygen species （ROS） levels in HepG2 cells were observed using a fluorescence inverted microscope. Malondialdehyde （MDA）， glutathione （GSH）， and free Fe²⁺ content in HepG2 cells were detected using respective kits. The mitochondrial ultrastructure in HepG2 cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The expression of ferroptosis-related proteins p53， solute carrier family 7 member 11 （SLC7A11）， glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4）， long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 （ACSL4）， and transferrin receptor 1 （TFR1） in HepG2 cells was detected using Western blot. ResultCompared with the control group， the PPⅡ treatment groups showed significantly decreased survival rate of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner （P<0.01）， significantly reduced number of cell colonies （P<0.01）， significantly shortened scratch healing distance， inverse correlation of the migration distance with drug concentration （P<0.01）， significantly increased LDH leakage in cells （P<0.01）， significantly enhanced relative fluorescence intensity of intracellular ROS， and significantly increased accumulation of lipid peroxide MDA （P<0.01）， decreased intracellular GSH content with increasing drug concentration （P<0.01）， and significantly enhanced fluorescence intensity of FeRhoNox-1 in cells （P<0.01）. Moreover， cells exhibited vacuolation， and mitochondria showed significant shrinkage with reduced or even disappeared cristae. Compared with the results in the control group， the expression of p53， ACSL4， and TFR1 proteins significantly increased， while the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins significantly decreased in the PPⅡ treatment groups （P<0.05）. ConclusionIn summary， PPⅡ induces ferroptosis in HepG2 cells by regulating the p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling axis， promoting ACSL4 expression and Fe³⁺ uptake， leading to an imbalance in the antioxidant system.