BACKGROUND: The main cause of restenosis after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is the excessive proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Lin28a has been reported to play critical regulatory roles in this process. However, whether CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins β (C/EBPβ) binds to the Lin28a promoter and drives the progression of restenosis has not been clarified. Therefore, in the present study, we aim to clarify the role of C/EBPβ-Lin28a axis in restenosis. METHODS: Restenosis and atherosclerosis rat models of type 2 diabetes ( n   =  20, for each group) were established by subjecting to PTA. Subsequently, the difference in DNA methylation status and expression of C/EBPβ between the two groups were assessed. EdU, Transwell, and rescue assays were performed to assess the effect of C/EBPβ on the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. DNA methylation status was further assessed using Methyltarget sequencing. The interaction between Lin28a and ten-eleven translocation 1 (TET1) was analysed using co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay. Student's t -test and one-way analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: C/EBPβ expression was upregulated and accompanied by hypomethylation of its promoter in restenosis when compared with atherosclerosis. In vitroC/EBPβ overexpression facilitated the proliferation and migration of VSMCs and was associated with increased Lin28a expression. Conversely, C/EBPβ knockdown resulted in the opposite effects. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays further demonstrated that C/EBPβ could directly bind to Lin28a promoter. Increased C/EBPβ expression and enhanced proliferation and migration of VSMCs were observed after decitabine treatment. Further, mechanical stretch promoted C/EBPβ and Lin28a expression accompanied by C/EBPβ hypomethylation. Additionally, Lin28a overexpression reduced C/EBPβ methylation via recruiting TET1 and enhanced C/EBPβ-mediated proliferation and migration of VSMCs. The opposite was noted in Lin28a knockdown cells. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the C/EBPβ-Lin28a axis is a driver of restenosis progression, and presents a promising therapeutic target for restenosis.
Animals ; Cell Proliferation/genetics* ; Cell Movement/genetics* ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism* ; Rats ; DNA Methylation/physiology* ; CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-beta/genetics* ; Male ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/cytology* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics* ; Cells, Cultured ; Coronary Restenosis/metabolism*

This study investigates the mechanism by which Xintong Granules improve myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MIRI) through the regulation of gut microbiota and their metabolites, specifically short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs). Rats were randomly divided based on body weight into the sham operation group, model group, low-dose Xintong Granules group(1.43 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), medium-dose Xintong Granules group(2.86 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), high-dose Xintong Granules group(5.72 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and metoprolol group(10 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)). After 14 days of pre-administration, the MIRI rat model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. The myocardial infarction area was assessed using the 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC) staining method. Apoptosis in tissue cells was detected by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL) assay. Pathological changes in myocardial cells and colonic tissue were observed using hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), creatine kinase MB isoenzyme(CK-MB), and cardiac troponin T(cTnT) in rat serum were quantitatively measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) kits. The activities of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), creatine kinase(CK), and superoxide dismutase(SOD) in myocardial tissue, as well as the level of malondialdehyde(MDA), were determined using colorimetric assays. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing, and fecal SCFAs were quantified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). The results show that Xintong Granules significantly reduced the myocardial infarction area, suppressed cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and decreased serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), myocardial injury markers(CK-MB, cTnT, LDH, and CK), and oxidative stress marker MDA. Additionally, Xintong Granules significantly improved intestinal inflammation in MIRI rats, regulated gut microbiota composition and diversity, and increased the levels of SCFAs(acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, etc.). In summary, Xintong Granules effectively alleviate MIRI symptoms. This study preliminarily confirms that Xintong Granules exert their inhibitory effects on MIRI by regulating gut microbiota imbalance and increasing SCFA levels.
Animals ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Rats ; Male ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Humans ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6/genetics* ; Malondialdehyde/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the specific mechanisms by which electroacupuncture (EA) alleviates anxiety and fear behaviors associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), focusing on the role of lipocalin-2 (Lcn2). METHODS: The PTSD mouse model was subjected to single prolonged stress and shock (SPS&S), and the animals received 15 min sessions of EA at Shenmen acupoint (HT7). Behavioral tests were used to investigate the effects of EA at HT7 on anxiety and fear. Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to quantify Lcn2 and inflammatory cytokine levels in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Additionally, the activity of PFC neurons was evaluated by immunofluorescence and in vivo electrophysiology. RESULTS: Mice subjected to SPS&S presented increased anxiety- and fear-like behaviors. Lcn2 expression in the PFC was significantly upregulated following SPS&S, leading to increased expression of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 and suppression of PFC neuronal activity. However, EA at HT7 inhibited Lcn2 release, reducing neuroinflammation and hypoexcitability in the PFC. Lcn2 overexpression mitigated the effects of EA at HT7, resulting in anxiety- and fear-like behaviors. CONCLUSION EA at HT7 can ameliorate PTSD-associated anxiety and fear, and its mechanism of action appears to involve the inhibition of Lcn2-mediated neural activity and inflammation in the PFC. Please cite this article as: Yang YD, Zhong W, Chen M, Tang QC, Li Y, Yao LL, et al. Electroacupuncture alleviates behaviors associated with posttraumatic stress disorder by modulating lipocalin-2-mediated neuroinflammation and neuronal activity in the prefrontal cortex. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(5):537-547.
Electroacupuncture ; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/metabolism* ; Animals ; Lipocalin-2/metabolism* ; Prefrontal Cortex/physiopathology* ; Male ; Mice ; Neurons/physiology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Fear ; Behavior, Animal ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Neuroinflammatory Diseases/metabolism* ; Anxiety/therapy* ; Acupuncture Points

Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi) represents a significant traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that exhibits both notable pharmacological effects and toxicity. Various processing methods are implemented to reduce the toxicity of raw Fuzi by modifying its toxic and effective components, primarily diterpenoid alkaloids. To comprehensively analyze the chemical variations between different Fuzi products, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS) was employed to systematically characterize Shengfuzi, Heishunpian and Baifupian. A total of 249 diterpenoid alkaloids present in Shengfuzi were identified, while only 111 and 61 in Heishunpian and Baifupian were detected respectively, indicating substantial differences among these products. An untargeted metabolomics approach combined with multivariate statistical analysis revealed 42 potential chemical markers. Through subsequent validation using 52 batches of commercial Heishunpian and Baifupian samples, 8 robust markers distinguishing these products were identified, including AC1-propanoic acid-3OH, HE-glucoside, HE-hydroxyvaleric acid-2OH, dihydrosphingosine, N-dodecoxycarbonylvaline and three unknown compounds. Additionally, the MS imaging (MSI) technique was utilized to visualize the spatial distribution of chemical constituents in raw Fuzi, revealing how different processing procedures affect the chemical variations between Heishunpian and Baifupian. The distribution patterns of different diterpenoid alkaloid subtypes partially explained the chemical differences among products. This research provides valuable insights into the material basis for future investigations of different Fuzi products.
Diterpenes/chemistry* ; Alkaloids/chemistry* ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods* ; Aconitum/chemistry* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Metabolomics ; Mass Spectrometry/methods* ; Plant Roots/chemistry* ; Molecular Structure

The alternative pathway (AP) of the complement system is a key contributor to the pathogenesis of several diseases including paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), C3 glomerular disease (C3G) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Complement factor B (CFB) is a trypsin-like serine protein that circulates in the human bloodstream in a latent form. As a key node of the alternative pathway, it is an important target for the treatment of diseases mediated by the complement system. With the successful launch of iptacopan, the CFB small molecule inhibitors has become a current research hotspot, a number of domestic and foreign pharmaceutical companies are actively developing CFB small molecule inhibitors. In this paper, the research progress of CFB small molecule inhibitors in recent years is systematically summarized, the representative compounds and their activities are introduced according to structural types and design ideas, so as to provide reference and ideas for the subsequent research on CFB small molecule inhibitors.

Outpatient services reflect the overall management level of hospitals and is a key link affecting patients′ healthcare experiences. To address the challenges faced by traditional outpatient services and meet patients′ diverse medical needs, a tertiary hospital implemented personalized outpatient services in March 2024. By utilizing information technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence, patient profile and a personalized service knowledge base was constructed, and a personalized outpatient service platform was built (including various functional modules such as intelligent guidance, pre consultation, abnormal indicator management, and full course management, as well as intelligent recommendation engines). This platform could provide personalized health guidance, customer service, and diagnosis and treatment services for outpatient throughout the entire process from pre-diagnosis to post diagnosis.After the launch of the personalized outpatient service platform, patient satisfaction in the oncology and pediatric departments increased from 90% and 86% in May 2024 to 94% and 91% in May 2025, respectively. From May 2024 to May 2025, the intelligent customer service addressed 740 000 patient inquiries, with a resolution rate of 90%. The online conversion rate (the proportion of patients switching from offline visits to online follow-ups relative to the total number of offline visits during the same period) rose from 37% in May 2023 to 43% in May 2025. The platform had enhanced the quality and efficiency of outpatient services, effectively improved patients′ healthcare experiences, and could serve as a reference for other hospitals seeking to upgrade their outpatient services.

Objective To analyze the composition characteristics and biological functions of tumor cell subpopulations in glioblastoma(GBM)through multi-transcriptomics sequencing technology,and explore the hypoxia characteristics and spatial localization features of the mesenchymal-like(MES-like)tumor cell subpopulation in GBM and the influence on malignant biological behaviors.Methods Multi-transcriptomics sequencing data,including single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)data(18 patients),bulk RNA sequencing(bulk RNA-seq)and spatial transcriptomics(ST)data of GBM,were employed to define cell subpopulations in GBM,and Gene Ontology(GO)and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis(GSEA)were utilized to analyze their functions.The proportions and locations of cell subpopulations in bulk RNA-seq data were evaluated with BayesPrism deconvolution.Immunofluorescence assay was conducted for verification on 12 paraffin samples of GBM from patients who visited the neurosurgical department of our hospital from 2015 to 2023 and met the pathological diagnostic criteria for GBM(10 males and 2 females,at an average age of 53.50 years and a median age of 54.50 years).pySCENIC was applied to predict specific transcription factors of tumor cell subpopulations.Results Tumor cells in GBM were highly heterogeneous,and could be mainly divided into 4 subpopulations:astrocyte-like(AC-like),neural progenitor-like(NPC-like),oligodendrocyte progenitor-like(OPC-like)and MES-like.Differential gene analysis found that the MES-like tumor cells highly expressed vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA),adrenomedullin(ADM),N-myc downstream regulated 1(NDRG1),insulin like growth factor binding protein 5(IGFBP5),and A-kinase anchoring protein 12(AKAP12)(P<0.001).pySCENIC transcription factor prediction found that the high-active transcription factors of the MES-like tumor cells were AT-rich interaction domain 3A(ARID3A),FOS like 2,AP-1 transcription factor subunit(FOSL2),endothelial PAS domain protein 1(EPAS1),CCAAT enhancer binding protein delta(CEBPD),and CCAAT enhancer binding protein beta(CEBPB)(P<0.05).GO and GSEA enrichment analyses found that the MES-like tumor cells were enriched in hypoxia-related pathways,especially the pathway of cell responses to hypoxia levels(NES=2.437,P<0.001).BayesPrism deconvolution showed that the MES-like tumor cells mainly existed in PAN(Pseudopalisading cells around necrosis)and perinecrotic zone.Immunofluorescence assay confirmed CD44+(CD44 antigen)MES-like tumor cells were mainly located in hypoxia areas with highly expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha(HIF1α)(P<0.01).Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that the MES-like tumor cells were significantly correlated with the adverse prognosis of GBM patients(HR=1.71,95%CI:1.38～2.11,P<0.001).Conclusion Tumor cells in GBM are of highly heterogeneity.They could be mainly divided into 4 subpopulations:AC-like,NPC-like,OPC-like and MES-like.MES-like tumor cells,mainly locating in PAN and perinecrotic zone,are characterized by hypoxia,which can promote the malignant progression of GBM.

Objective To investigate the correlation between single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)of the EGF gene,including rs11569017(A>T),rs2237051(A>G),rs3733625(C>T),and rs4444903(A>G),and the risk of non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)in a Han population of Yunnan.Methods A total of 439 patients with NSCLC and 520 healthy controls were recruited in Yunnan Province between January 2022 and December 2023.Genotyping of four SNP loci in the EGF gene was performed using TaqMan probes,followed by analysis of allele,genotype,genetic model,and haplotype distribution frequencies between NSCLC and control groups.Stratified analyses were further conducted based on NSCLC pathological types and clinical stages.Results The rs2237051 locus showed significant differences in allele(P=0.011)and genotype(P=0.042)frequencies between the squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)group and the control group.The frequency of the A allele was lower in the SCC group than in the control group(OR=0.71,95%CI 0.54～1.85),but there was no difference after Bonferroni correction(P>0.0125).Under the log-additive model,the rs2237051-2G/G+A/G genotype was associated with an increased risk of SCC(P=0.01;OR=1.42,95%CI 1.08～1.86).However,the association lost statistical significance after Bonferroni correction(P>0.0125).The haplotype rs11569017-rs2237051-rs3733625-rs4444903 has no difference between the two groups(P>0.0125).The stratified analysis revealed no significant associations between the genetic loci and different disease stages(P>0.0125).Conclusion In the Yunnan Han population,the individuals carrying the rs2237051-A allele of the EGF gene have a significantly lower risk of squamous lung cancer,but further functional experiments are needed to verify the protective mechanism.

Objective:To evaluate the prevalence, potential risk factors, and correlation between coronary and peripheral microvascular dysfunction in heart failure with non-reduced ejection fraction (nHFrEF) patients.Methods:This was a prospective registry study. nHFrEF patients admitted to Zhongshan Hospital affiliated with Fudan University from December 2021 to December 2023 were enrolled. According to coronary flow reserve (CFR) or reactive congestion index (RHI), enrolled patients were divided into coronary microvascular endothelial dysfunction (CMD) group (CFR<2.5) and no CMD group (CFR≥2.5) or peripheral microvascular endothelial dysfunction (MED) group (RHI<1.67) and no MED group (RHI≥1.67). Patients′ general information, laboratory and auxiliary examination data were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the influencing factors of CMD and MED in nHFrEF patients, and Spearman correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between MED and CMD.Results:A total of 142 nHFrEF patients were enrolled, aged 69.0 (59.0, 74.0) years, with a male proportion of 66.9% (95/142). The grouping results were as follows: (1) According to CFR, there were 73 cases in the CMD group and 69 cases in the no CMD group; (2) According to RHI, there were 57 cases in the MED group and 85 cases in the no MED group. The prevalence of CMD and MED in this study was 51.4% (73/142) and 40.1% (57/142), respectively. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that increased heart rate, chronic kidney disease, atrial fibrillation, elevated N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide levels, and increased urinary albumin/creatinine ratio were risk factors for CMD, while increased RHI was a protective factor for CMD; Atrial fibrillation is a risk factor for MED, while increased CFR is a protective factor for MED. Incorporating clinically significant variables from univariate analysis into multivariate analysis, the results showed that increased heart rate and elevated RHI remained risk and protective factors for CMD, respectively; increased CFR remains a protective factor for MED. Spearman correlation analysis showed that CFR was negatively correlated with lg urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, lg cardiac troponin T, lg N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide, and heart rate; RHI is positively correlated with CFR.Conclusions:The prevalence of CMD and MED in nHFrEF patients is high, and the two have a certain positive correlation. Increased heart rate and RHI are risk and protective factors for CMD, respectively, while increased CFR is a protective factor for MED. MED may be a potential therapeutic target for nHFrEF patients.

Objective To investigate the effectiveness and safety of biological patch in minimally invasive inguinal hernia surgery.Methods From July 2019 to July 2021,100 inguinal hernia patients were divided into two groups based on the actual type of patch received.Biological patch was used in the experimental group(50 cases),and polypropylene patch was used in the control group(50 cases).The operation method was laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal(TAPP)hernia repair.Operating time,bleeding volume during operation,hospital stay after operation,hernia recurrence rate,incision infection rate,patch infection rate,and complication rate were compared between the two groups.Results Two groups of patients had no recurrence of hernia within 3 years after surgery,and didn't experience incision infection or patch infection after surgery.There were no significant differences in operating time,bleeding volume during operation,hospital stay after operation,seroma rate and chronic pain rate between the two groups(P>0.05).The incidence rate of foreign body sensation in the control group was higher than that in the experimental group,with statistical difference(P<0.05).Conclusion In conclusion,biological patch is safe and effective in laparoscopic TAPP hernia repair,and can reduce the incidence of postoperative foreign body sensation,providing a new option for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.