ObjectiveTo explore the effect and mechanism of Taishan Panshi powder （TSPSP） on inhibiting oxidative stress injury in human chorionic trophoblast cells （HTR-8/SVneo）， and to uelucidate the underlying mechanism of TSPSP in the treatment of spontaneous abortion （SA）. MethodsGene differential analysis of SA was performed using the Gene Expression Omnibus （GEO） database and correlated with oxidative stress. Network pharmacology was employed to screen the active components of TSPSP， and a "Chinese medicine-component-target-disease" network was constructed to predict the mechanism of action of TSPSP. For in vitro validation experiments， HTR-8/SVneo cells were divided into blank group， model group， TSPSP-containing serum 2.5%， 5%， 10% groups， and nuclear factor E₂-related factor 2 （Nrf2） inhibitor group （ML385， 30 μmol·L^-1）. Except for the blank group， other groups were stimulated with 150 μmol·L^-1 H₂O₂ for 3 h to establish a cell oxidative stress injury model. After successful modeling， the blank group and model group were given 10% blank serum， each TSPSP-containing serum group was treated with the corresponding concentration of drug-containing serum， and the Nrf2 inhibitor group was additionally given 30 μmol·L^-1 ML385 on the basis of 10% TSPSP-containing serum. All groups of cells were continuously cultured under the above conditions for 24 h， and then samples were collected for subsequent detection. Cell viability in each group was detected by CCK-8 assay. Cell migration rate was detected by scratch test. The contents of malondialdehyde （MDA）， Fe²⁺， and Glutathione （GSH） were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Intracellular reactive oxygen species （ROS） level was detected by a fluorescent probe （DCF-DA）. The protein and mRNA expression levels of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 （KEAP1）， Nrf2， and forkhead box protein O3 （FoxO3） in cells were detected by immunofluorescence （IF） and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. The protein expression levels of KEAP1， Nrf2， FoxO3， Glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4）， and superoxide dismutase （SOD） in cells were detected by Western blot. ResultsThe GSE76862 and GSE22490 datasets were obtained from the GEO database. Differential gene analyses showed that the KEAP1， Nrf2， and FoxO3 genes were all associated with the disease. After matching with the oxidative stress pathway， nine significantly differential pathways were identified （P<0.05）， among which three contained the target genes Nrf2 and FoxO3. A total of 246 active ingredient targets of TSPSP and 2 804 SA-related targets were obtained through network pharmacology， and 154 potential action targets were obtained after taking the intersection. Topological analysis showed that targets such as KEAP1 and Nrf2 exhibited high degree values. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that the intersection targets were mainly involved in oxidative stress response， FOXO and MAPK signaling pathways， etc. In in vitro experiments， compared with the blank group， the cell viability in the model group was significantly decreased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the cell viability in each TSPSP-containing serum group was significantly increased （P<0.01）. Compared with the 10% TSPSP-containing serum group， the cell viability in the ML385 group decreased to approximately 70% （P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， the model group showed significantly increased contents of MDA， Fe²⁺， and ROS， decreased GSH expression （P<0.01）， significantly reduced cell migration rate （P<0.01）， and increased protein and mRNA expression levels of KEAP1 and FoxO3 （P<0.01）， while decreased protein and mRNA expression levels of Nrf2， GPX4， and SOD （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， each TSPSP-containing serum group showed significantly decreased contents of MDA， Fe²⁺， and ROS， increased GSH expression （P<0.01）， significantly increased migration rate （P<0.01）， significantly decreased protein and mRNA expression levels of KEAP1 and FoxO3 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and significantly increased protein and mRNA expression levels of Nrf2， GPX4， and SOD （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the 10% TSPSP-containing serum group， the ML385 group showed reversed trends in all indicators （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionTSPSP can inhibit H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress injury of trophoblast cells， and its mechanism of action may be related to the drug activating the KEAP1/Nrf2/FoxO3 signaling pathway.

ObjectiveTo explore the effect and mechanism of Taishan Panshi powder （TSPSP） on inhibiting oxidative stress injury in human chorionic trophoblast cells （HTR-8/SVneo）， and to uelucidate the underlying mechanism of TSPSP in the treatment of spontaneous abortion （SA）. MethodsGene differential analysis of SA was performed using the Gene Expression Omnibus （GEO） database and correlated with oxidative stress. Network pharmacology was employed to screen the active components of TSPSP， and a "Chinese medicine-component-target-disease" network was constructed to predict the mechanism of action of TSPSP. For in vitro validation experiments， HTR-8/SVneo cells were divided into blank group， model group， TSPSP-containing serum 2.5%， 5%， 10% groups， and nuclear factor E₂-related factor 2 （Nrf2） inhibitor group （ML385， 30 μmol·L^-1）. Except for the blank group， other groups were stimulated with 150 μmol·L^-1 H₂O₂ for 3 h to establish a cell oxidative stress injury model. After successful modeling， the blank group and model group were given 10% blank serum， each TSPSP-containing serum group was treated with the corresponding concentration of drug-containing serum， and the Nrf2 inhibitor group was additionally given 30 μmol·L^-1 ML385 on the basis of 10% TSPSP-containing serum. All groups of cells were continuously cultured under the above conditions for 24 h， and then samples were collected for subsequent detection. Cell viability in each group was detected by CCK-8 assay. Cell migration rate was detected by scratch test. The contents of malondialdehyde （MDA）， Fe²⁺， and Glutathione （GSH） were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Intracellular reactive oxygen species （ROS） level was detected by a fluorescent probe （DCF-DA）. The protein and mRNA expression levels of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 （KEAP1）， Nrf2， and forkhead box protein O3 （FoxO3） in cells were detected by immunofluorescence （IF） and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. The protein expression levels of KEAP1， Nrf2， FoxO3， Glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4）， and superoxide dismutase （SOD） in cells were detected by Western blot. ResultsThe GSE76862 and GSE22490 datasets were obtained from the GEO database. Differential gene analyses showed that the KEAP1， Nrf2， and FoxO3 genes were all associated with the disease. After matching with the oxidative stress pathway， nine significantly differential pathways were identified （P<0.05）， among which three contained the target genes Nrf2 and FoxO3. A total of 246 active ingredient targets of TSPSP and 2 804 SA-related targets were obtained through network pharmacology， and 154 potential action targets were obtained after taking the intersection. Topological analysis showed that targets such as KEAP1 and Nrf2 exhibited high degree values. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that the intersection targets were mainly involved in oxidative stress response， FOXO and MAPK signaling pathways， etc. In in vitro experiments， compared with the blank group， the cell viability in the model group was significantly decreased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the cell viability in each TSPSP-containing serum group was significantly increased （P<0.01）. Compared with the 10% TSPSP-containing serum group， the cell viability in the ML385 group decreased to approximately 70% （P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， the model group showed significantly increased contents of MDA， Fe²⁺， and ROS， decreased GSH expression （P<0.01）， significantly reduced cell migration rate （P<0.01）， and increased protein and mRNA expression levels of KEAP1 and FoxO3 （P<0.01）， while decreased protein and mRNA expression levels of Nrf2， GPX4， and SOD （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， each TSPSP-containing serum group showed significantly decreased contents of MDA， Fe²⁺， and ROS， increased GSH expression （P<0.01）， significantly increased migration rate （P<0.01）， significantly decreased protein and mRNA expression levels of KEAP1 and FoxO3 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and significantly increased protein and mRNA expression levels of Nrf2， GPX4， and SOD （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the 10% TSPSP-containing serum group， the ML385 group showed reversed trends in all indicators （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionTSPSP can inhibit H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress injury of trophoblast cells， and its mechanism of action may be related to the drug activating the KEAP1/Nrf2/FoxO3 signaling pathway.

The Golgi body, a core organelle in eukaryotic cells, plays a critical role in protein modification, sorting, vesicular transport, and serves as a key site for lipid synthesis and glycosylation. Glucose and lipid metabolism are central processes for cellular energy maintenance and biosynthesis, and are closely linked to Golgi function. Recent studies have revealed the extensive involvement of the Golgi body in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, where maintaining its structural and functional homeostasis is crucial for normal physiological activity. Under various stress conditions such as acidosis, hypoxia, and nutrient deficiency, the Golgi body undergoes structural and functional disruption, leading to Golgi stress. This in turn activates specific signaling pathways, such as those mediated by the cAMP-responsive element binding protein 3 (CREB3) and proteoglycans, to alleviate Golgi stress and enhance Golgi function. Golgi stress contributes to glucose and lipid metabolic disorders by affecting the activity of insulin receptors, glucose transporters, and lipid metabolism-related enzymes. For example, Golgi stress triggers the cleavage and release of the active fragment of CREB3, which enters the nucleus and upregulates the transcription of ADP-ribosylation factor 4 (ARF4) and key gluconeogenic enzymes, including phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase). ARF4 promotes vesicle retrograde transport between the Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum, maintains secretory capacity, and enhances hepatic glucose output. This pathway is particularly active under high-fat or lipotoxic stress, leading to fasting hyperglycemia. When damaged Golgi components accumulate beyond a tolerable threshold, the cell initiates an autophagic response, selectively encapsulating the damaged Golgi into autophagosomes, which then fuse with lysosomes to form autolysosomes, leading to Golgiphagy. This process results in the degradation and clearance of damaged Golgi, thereby regulating Golgi quantity, quality, and function. Golgiphagy also plays a significant role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. For instance, under high-glucose conditions, autophagic flux may be suppressed, impairing the timely clearance and renewal of damaged Golgi, compromising its normal function, and further exacerbating glucose metabolism disorders. Additionally, Golgiphagy may participate in lipid degradation and influence lipid synthesis and transport. Research indicates that Golgi stress and Golgiphagy play important roles in glucose and lipid metabolism-related diseases. For example, the leucine zipper protein (LZIP) under Golgi stress conditions can promote hepatic steatosis. In mouse primary cells and human tissues, LZIP induces the expression of apolipoprotein A-IV (APOA4), which increases peripheral free fatty acid uptake, resulting in lipid accumulation in the liver and contributing to the development of fatty liver disease. This review systematically outlines the structure and function of the Golgi apparatus, the molecular regulatory mechanisms of Golgi stress and Golgiphagy, and their synergistic roles. It further elaborates on how Golgi stress and Golgiphagy participate in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, discusses their clinical significance in related diseases such as diabetes, fatty liver disease, and obesity, and highlights potential novel therapeutic strategies from the perspective of Golgi-targeted medicine. Finally, this article addresses the challenges and future directions in Golgi-targeted interventions, aiming to advance the clinical translation of such strategies and foster breakthroughs in the treatment of glucose and lipid metabolism-related disorders.

The Golgi body, a core organelle in eukaryotic cells, plays a critical role in protein modification, sorting, vesicular transport, and serves as a key site for lipid synthesis and glycosylation. Glucose and lipid metabolism are central processes for cellular energy maintenance and biosynthesis, and are closely linked to Golgi function. Recent studies have revealed the extensive involvement of the Golgi body in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, where maintaining its structural and functional homeostasis is crucial for normal physiological activity. Under various stress conditions such as acidosis, hypoxia, and nutrient deficiency, the Golgi body undergoes structural and functional disruption, leading to Golgi stress. This in turn activates specific signaling pathways, such as those mediated by the cAMP-responsive element binding protein 3 (CREB3) and proteoglycans, to alleviate Golgi stress and enhance Golgi function. Golgi stress contributes to glucose and lipid metabolic disorders by affecting the activity of insulin receptors, glucose transporters, and lipid metabolism-related enzymes. For example, Golgi stress triggers the cleavage and release of the active fragment of CREB3, which enters the nucleus and upregulates the transcription of ADP-ribosylation factor 4 (ARF4) and key gluconeogenic enzymes, including phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase). ARF4 promotes vesicle retrograde transport between the Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum, maintains secretory capacity, and enhances hepatic glucose output. This pathway is particularly active under high-fat or lipotoxic stress, leading to fasting hyperglycemia. When damaged Golgi components accumulate beyond a tolerable threshold, the cell initiates an autophagic response, selectively encapsulating the damaged Golgi into autophagosomes, which then fuse with lysosomes to form autolysosomes, leading to Golgiphagy. This process results in the degradation and clearance of damaged Golgi, thereby regulating Golgi quantity, quality, and function. Golgiphagy also plays a significant role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. For instance, under high-glucose conditions, autophagic flux may be suppressed, impairing the timely clearance and renewal of damaged Golgi, compromising its normal function, and further exacerbating glucose metabolism disorders. Additionally, Golgiphagy may participate in lipid degradation and influence lipid synthesis and transport. Research indicates that Golgi stress and Golgiphagy play important roles in glucose and lipid metabolism-related diseases. For example, the leucine zipper protein (LZIP) under Golgi stress conditions can promote hepatic steatosis. In mouse primary cells and human tissues, LZIP induces the expression of apolipoprotein A-IV (APOA4), which increases peripheral free fatty acid uptake, resulting in lipid accumulation in the liver and contributing to the development of fatty liver disease. This review systematically outlines the structure and function of the Golgi apparatus, the molecular regulatory mechanisms of Golgi stress and Golgiphagy, and their synergistic roles. It further elaborates on how Golgi stress and Golgiphagy participate in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, discusses their clinical significance in related diseases such as diabetes, fatty liver disease, and obesity, and highlights potential novel therapeutic strategies from the perspective of Golgi-targeted medicine. Finally, this article addresses the challenges and future directions in Golgi-targeted interventions, aiming to advance the clinical translation of such strategies and foster breakthroughs in the treatment of glucose and lipid metabolism-related disorders.

Primary cilia—those solitary, microtubule-based projections extending from the surface of most eukaryotic cells—are increasingly recognized not merely as cellular appendages, but as sophisticated signaling hubs. By compartmentalizing specific receptors (e.g., GPCRs) and effectors within a microdomain guarded by the transition zone, these organelles function effectively as high-gain sensors capable of integrating mechanical stimuli with metabolic cues. In this review, we examine the pivotal role of primary cilia across the nervous, bone-vascular, and renal landscapes, arguing for a unified “mechano-metabolic coupling” framework. Here, conserved ciliary modules are not static; rather, they are differentially deployed to uphold systemic homeostasis. Within the central nervous system, we position primary cilia as upstream integrators. We highlight how hypothalamic neuronal cilia concentrate metabolic receptors, such as the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), to interpret energy status. Moreover, the recent identification of serotonergic “axon-cilium synapses” points to a direct mode of neurotransmission, wherein 5-HT6 receptors drive nuclear signaling and chromatin accessibility to rapidly modulate gene expression. Through these mechanisms, central cilia modulate sympathetic tone and neuroendocrine output, effectively establishing the mechanical and metabolic “boundary conditions” under which peripheral organs operate. Dysfunction in these central hubs is linked to obesity and neurodevelopmental disorders, including Bardet-Biedl syndrome. In peripheral tissues, cilia serve as versatile mechanotransducers that convert physical forces into biochemical responses. Regarding the bone-vascular system, we discuss the translation of mechanical loads and fluid shear stress into structural remodeling. In osteoblasts, specifically, ciliary integrity is intrinsically linked to cholesterol and glucose metabolism, fine-tuning the balance between Hedgehog and Wnt/β-catenin signaling to govern osteogenesis and bone repair. A similar dynamic exists in the vasculature, where endothelial cilia sense shear stress to modulate KLF4 expression and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition—processes critical for valvulogenesis and vascular remodeling. Meanwhile, in the kidney, tubular cilia act as terminal effectors within a “shear-cilia-metabolism” axis. Here, fluid shear stress engages ciliary signaling to trigger AMPK-mediated lipophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis, thereby securing the ATP supply required for solute transport. Notably, dysregulation of this axis leads to metabolic reprogramming and aberrant proliferation, acting as a hallmark driver of cystogenesis in polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Crucially, this review attempts to dissect the often-conflated logic of cross-system integration by distinguishing 3 non-equivalent pathways: direct communication via ciliary extracellular vesicles, though this remains largely hypothetical in long-range signaling; “physiology-mediated cascades”, where ciliary dysfunction in a single organ—such as the kidney—precipitates systemic pathology through hemodynamic and metabolic shifts (e.g., altered blood pressure, fluid volume, or uremic toxins); and “parallel molecular defects”, where shared genetic mutations in ubiquitous components like the IFT machinery cause simultaneous, independent failures across multiple organ systems. Building on these distinctions, we propose a nested-loop model that links central set-points with peripheral feedback via physiological variables. Furthermore, we construct a “causality-to-translation” roadmap that pinpoints structural repair (e.g., targeting IFT assembly) and metabolic rescue (e.g., AMPK activation or autophagy induction) as promising therapeutic avenues. Ultimately, this framework provides a theoretical basis for deciphering the shared pathological mechanisms of multisystem ciliopathies, offering a strategic guide for the development of targeted interventions that go beyond symptomatic treatment.

ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.

ObjectiveMitochondria are not only the central organelles responsible for cellular energy metabolism but also play essential roles in regulating cell cycle progression and cytoskeletal dynamics. In recent years, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that mitochondrial homeostasis is closely associated with mitotic progression and cytokinesis. Schizosaccharomyces pombe serves as a classical and well-established model organism. Because its cell cycle regulatory mechanisms are highly conserved throughout evolution, its genetic background is clearly defined, and experimental manipulation is efficient and convenient, it has been extensively applied in studies of cell growth, division, and reproductive mechanisms. The SPBC1604.04 gene encodes a previously uncharacterized mitochondrial carrier protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This gene is located on chromosome II and spans 1 018 base pairs in length. It encodes a protein consisting of 238 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of approximately 31.03 ku. Bioinformatic analysis predicts that this protein is responsible for the transport of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) into mitochondria. However, the effects of SPBC1604.04 gene deletion on mitotic cell dynamics under different temperature conditions have not been fully elucidated. MethodsThe SPBC1604.04 deletion strain of Schizosaccharomyces pombe was used as the experimental model. Fluorescent protein markers were constructed in the deletion background to label mitochondria, microtubules, actin, myosin, the nuclear envelope, and chromosomes. Live-cell imaging was performed using a TCS-SP8 laser scanning confocal microscope under normal temperature conditions (25℃) and heat stress conditions (37℃). Time-lapse microscopy was applied to dynamically monitor mitochondrial morphology and distribution, spindle assembly and elongation, chromosome segregation, as well as the formation and constriction of the actomyosin ring during cytokinesis. ImageJ software was used for quantitative measurements, including microtubule length during mitosis, spindle length at different mitotic stages, mitochondrial fluorescence intensity as an indicator of mitochondrial content, actomyosin ring length, nuclear envelope area, and chromosome segregation timing. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare phenotypic differences between the wild-type and SPBC1604.04 deletion strains at both temperature conditions. Through these analyses, we systematically investigated the impact of SPBC1604.04 deletion on mitotic cell dynamics in fission yeast under both normal physiological conditions and temperature stress. ResultsAt 25℃, compared with wild-type cells, the SPBC1604.04Δ strain exhibited a pronounced tendency toward mitochondrial fragmentation, accompanied by abnormal mitochondrial content and a significant reduction in mitochondrial fluorescence intensity. These observations suggest impaired mitochondrial homeostasis under normal growth conditions. In addition, the constriction time of actomyosin ring during cytokinesis was markedly prolonged, indicating that deletion of SPBC1604.04 affects the dynamics of the contractile machinery. However, no obvious defects were observed in spindle assembly, spindle elongation, or chromosome segregation. Under heat stress at 37℃, mitochondrial morphology in the SPBC1604.04Δ strain showed a tendency to recover toward a continuous tubular network structure. Mitochondrial content was restored, fluorescence intensity increased, and the constriction time of the actomyosin ring returned to levels comparable to those of wild-type cells. These results indicate that the mitotic defects observed at normal temperature are partially or fully alleviated under heat stress conditions. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that deletion of the SPBC1604.04 gene leads to abnormal mitochondrial content in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The mitochondrial carrier protein SPBC1604.04 participates in regulating actomyosin ring constriction during mitosis but does not appear to be directly involved in the regulation of spindle dynamics or chromosome segregation. Our findings provide key experimental evidence for understanding the functional link between the SPBC1604.04 gene, mitochondrial homeostasis, and mitotic regulation.

ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.

ObjectiveMitochondria are not only the central organelles responsible for cellular energy metabolism but also play essential roles in regulating cell cycle progression and cytoskeletal dynamics. In recent years, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that mitochondrial homeostasis is closely associated with mitotic progression and cytokinesis. Schizosaccharomyces pombe serves as a classical and well-established model organism. Because its cell cycle regulatory mechanisms are highly conserved throughout evolution, its genetic background is clearly defined, and experimental manipulation is efficient and convenient, it has been extensively applied in studies of cell growth, division, and reproductive mechanisms. The SPBC1604.04 gene encodes a previously uncharacterized mitochondrial carrier protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This gene is located on chromosome II and spans 1 018 base pairs in length. It encodes a protein consisting of 238 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of approximately 31.03 ku. Bioinformatic analysis predicts that this protein is responsible for the transport of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) into mitochondria. However, the effects of SPBC1604.04 gene deletion on mitotic cell dynamics under different temperature conditions have not been fully elucidated. MethodsThe SPBC1604.04 deletion strain of Schizosaccharomyces pombe was used as the experimental model. Fluorescent protein markers were constructed in the deletion background to label mitochondria, microtubules, actin, myosin, the nuclear envelope, and chromosomes. Live-cell imaging was performed using a TCS-SP8 laser scanning confocal microscope under normal temperature conditions (25℃) and heat stress conditions (37℃). Time-lapse microscopy was applied to dynamically monitor mitochondrial morphology and distribution, spindle assembly and elongation, chromosome segregation, as well as the formation and constriction of the actomyosin ring during cytokinesis. ImageJ software was used for quantitative measurements, including microtubule length during mitosis, spindle length at different mitotic stages, mitochondrial fluorescence intensity as an indicator of mitochondrial content, actomyosin ring length, nuclear envelope area, and chromosome segregation timing. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare phenotypic differences between the wild-type and SPBC1604.04 deletion strains at both temperature conditions. Through these analyses, we systematically investigated the impact of SPBC1604.04 deletion on mitotic cell dynamics in fission yeast under both normal physiological conditions and temperature stress. ResultsAt 25℃, compared with wild-type cells, the SPBC1604.04Δ strain exhibited a pronounced tendency toward mitochondrial fragmentation, accompanied by abnormal mitochondrial content and a significant reduction in mitochondrial fluorescence intensity. These observations suggest impaired mitochondrial homeostasis under normal growth conditions. In addition, the constriction time of actomyosin ring during cytokinesis was markedly prolonged, indicating that deletion of SPBC1604.04 affects the dynamics of the contractile machinery. However, no obvious defects were observed in spindle assembly, spindle elongation, or chromosome segregation. Under heat stress at 37℃, mitochondrial morphology in the SPBC1604.04Δ strain showed a tendency to recover toward a continuous tubular network structure. Mitochondrial content was restored, fluorescence intensity increased, and the constriction time of the actomyosin ring returned to levels comparable to those of wild-type cells. These results indicate that the mitotic defects observed at normal temperature are partially or fully alleviated under heat stress conditions. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that deletion of the SPBC1604.04 gene leads to abnormal mitochondrial content in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The mitochondrial carrier protein SPBC1604.04 participates in regulating actomyosin ring constriction during mitosis but does not appear to be directly involved in the regulation of spindle dynamics or chromosome segregation. Our findings provide key experimental evidence for understanding the functional link between the SPBC1604.04 gene, mitochondrial homeostasis, and mitotic regulation.

Objective To explore the value of preoperative ultrasound examination in the prediction of restenosis of arteriovenous fistula(AVF)after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty(PTA)in hemodialysis patients.Methods A case-control trial was conducted on 225 hemodialysis patients who undergoing PTA due to AVF in our hospital January 2023 to May 2024.After 3 months of follow-up,they were divided into a patency group(n=204)and a restenosis group(n=21)according to the occurrence of postoperative restenosis.The preoperative clinical data and ultrasound parameters were compared between the groups.Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent factors for AVF restenosis after PTA.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn to evaluate the value of preoperative stenosis length in the prediction of the restenosis after PTA.Results There were significant differences in preoperative internal diameter at the site of stenosis,stenosis length,stenosis number,intimal thickness,and brachial artery flow between the 2 groups(P<0.05).Preoperative stenosis length(OR=1.856,95%CI:1.350～2.552,P<0.001)was an independent factor of AVF restenosis in hemodialysis patients after PTA.ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of preoperative stenosis length in predicting restenosis after PTA was 0.868(95%CI:0.784～0.953,P<0.001),with a sensibility and specificity of 85.7%and 80.4%,respectively.Conclusion Preoperative stenosis length may be an independent factor for AVF restenosis after PTA in hemodialysis patients.