Objective:To investigate the alterations in the brain structural network properties related to cognitive emotion regulation strategies in young, first-episode and drug-naive (FEDN) patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).Methods:One hundred and twelve young patients who were diagnosed with FEDN MDD were enrolled in the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between October 2019 and October 2023, and 143 healthy controls (HC) were recruited for reference during the same period. Clinical data and T 1 structural images of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging were collected from all participants, and the cognitive emotion regulation was assessed using the Chinese version of the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ-C). The brain structural alterations related to cognitive emotion regulation strategies were explored using whole-brain voxel-based morphometry (VBM) group analysis and individual differential structural covariance network (IDSCN) analysis. Partial correlation analysis was performed between the IDSCN anomalous structural concatenated edge and subdimensions of the CERQ-C. Results:The scores on the sub-dimension of negative cognitive emotion regulation (self-condemnation, rumination, catastrophization, blaming others) in the young FEDN MDD patients in CERQ-C were significantly higher than those in HC (14.28±2.30 vs 12.45±2.00, t=6.501, P<0.001;14.40±2.97 vs 11.31±2.93, t=7.934, P<0.001;12.19±3.75 vs 7.59±2.58, t=10.553, P<0.001;10.26±3.00 vs 8.74±2.89, t=3.916, P<0.001; respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in the VBM group analysis (all P>0.05). However, IDSCN single sample t test results showed significant group differences between the left orbitofrontal inferior gyrus and the left supplementary motor area, the left orbitofrontal middle gyrus and the bilateral precuneus, and the left superior temporal gyrus and the bilateral hippocampus (all P<0.05). With controlling for age, sex, and other factors, partial correlation analysis results showed that the left orbital inferior frontal gyrus-left supplementary motor area connection in patients with MDD was positively correlated with the self-condemnation and acceptance scores of the CERQ-C ( r=0.226, P=0.027; r=0.216, P=0.035), while negatively correlated with the score of blaming others ( r=-0.252, P=0.013). Additionally, connections between the right hippocampus and left superior temporal gyrus were significantly associated with the scores on catastrophization subdimension of the CERQ-C ( r=0.229, P=0.025). Conclusion:Due to its sensitivity to individualized analyses, the IDSCN analysis found that abnormal topological property changes were mainly manifested in the limbic system, the sensorimotor system, and the default network in young FEDN MDD patients, and were linked to their negative cognitive emotion regulation strategies, even though the VBM group analysis did not yield any significant results.

Objective:To investigate the alterations in the brain structural network properties related to cognitive emotion regulation strategies in young, first-episode and drug-naive (FEDN) patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).Methods:One hundred and twelve young patients who were diagnosed with FEDN MDD were enrolled in the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between October 2019 and October 2023, and 143 healthy controls (HC) were recruited for reference during the same period. Clinical data and T 1 structural images of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging were collected from all participants, and the cognitive emotion regulation was assessed using the Chinese version of the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ-C). The brain structural alterations related to cognitive emotion regulation strategies were explored using whole-brain voxel-based morphometry (VBM) group analysis and individual differential structural covariance network (IDSCN) analysis. Partial correlation analysis was performed between the IDSCN anomalous structural concatenated edge and subdimensions of the CERQ-C. Results:The scores on the sub-dimension of negative cognitive emotion regulation (self-condemnation, rumination, catastrophization, blaming others) in the young FEDN MDD patients in CERQ-C were significantly higher than those in HC (14.28±2.30 vs 12.45±2.00, t=6.501, P<0.001;14.40±2.97 vs 11.31±2.93, t=7.934, P<0.001;12.19±3.75 vs 7.59±2.58, t=10.553, P<0.001;10.26±3.00 vs 8.74±2.89, t=3.916, P<0.001; respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in the VBM group analysis (all P>0.05). However, IDSCN single sample t test results showed significant group differences between the left orbitofrontal inferior gyrus and the left supplementary motor area, the left orbitofrontal middle gyrus and the bilateral precuneus, and the left superior temporal gyrus and the bilateral hippocampus (all P<0.05). With controlling for age, sex, and other factors, partial correlation analysis results showed that the left orbital inferior frontal gyrus-left supplementary motor area connection in patients with MDD was positively correlated with the self-condemnation and acceptance scores of the CERQ-C ( r=0.226, P=0.027; r=0.216, P=0.035), while negatively correlated with the score of blaming others ( r=-0.252, P=0.013). Additionally, connections between the right hippocampus and left superior temporal gyrus were significantly associated with the scores on catastrophization subdimension of the CERQ-C ( r=0.229, P=0.025). Conclusion:Due to its sensitivity to individualized analyses, the IDSCN analysis found that abnormal topological property changes were mainly manifested in the limbic system, the sensorimotor system, and the default network in young FEDN MDD patients, and were linked to their negative cognitive emotion regulation strategies, even though the VBM group analysis did not yield any significant results.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of types of inflammatory bowel disease with high recurrence. Recent studies have highlighted that microbial dysbiosis as well as abnormal gut immunity are crucial factors that initiate a series of inflammatory responses in the UC. Modulating the gut microbiota-intestinal immunity loop has been suggested as one of key strategies for relieving UC. Many Chinese herbal medicines including some of single herb, herbal formulas and the derived constituents have been reported with protective effect against UC through modulating gut microbiome and intestinal immunity. Some clinical trials have shown promising results. This review thus focused on the current knowledge on using Chinese herbal medicines for treating UC from the mechanism aspects of regulating intestinal homeostasis involving microbiota and gut immunity. The existing clinical trials are also summarized.

As a ligand-dependent transcription factor,retinoid-associated orphan receptor γt(RORyt)that controls T helper(Th)17 cell differentiation and interleukin(IL)-17 expression plays a critical role in the pro-gression of several inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.An emerging novel approach to the therapy of these diseases thus involves controlling the transcriptional capacity of RORyt to decrease Th17 cell development and IL-17 production.Several RORyt inhibitors including both antagonists and inverse agonists have been discovered to regulate the transcriptional activity of RORyt by binding to orthosteric-or allosteric-binding sites in the ligand-binding domain.Some of small-molecule inhibitors have entered clinical evaluations.Therefore,in current review,the role of RORyt in Th17 regulation and Th17-related inflammatory and autoimmune diseases was highlighted.Notably,the recently developed RORyt inhibitors were summarized,with an emphasis on their optimization from lead compounds,ef-ficacy,toxicity,mechanisms of action,and clinical trials.The limitations of current development in this area were also discussed to facilitate future research.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of astragaloside IV on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway in substantia nigra of mice with Parkinson′s disease.Methods:Forty-five SPF healthy male C57BL/6 mice, aged 8 weeks, weighing 19-25 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=15 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), Parkinson′s disease group (group PD) and astragaloside IV group (group A). The mouse model of Parkinson′s disease was developed by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) 30 mg/kg everyday for 7 consecutive days.Astragaloside 20 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected everyday at 30 min before MPTP injection for 7 consecutive days before the model was prepared in group A, and the equal volume of normal saline was given instead in group C. Behavior was measured at 1 day interval after completion of administration.The mice were then sacrificed, and the substantia nigra of the brain tissue were obtained for determination of the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH), phosphorylated PI3K(p-PI3K), phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (by Western blot). Results:Compared with C group, the total distance of movement and latency of falling were significantly shortened, the hanging score was decreased, the step width was increased, the expression of TH, p-PI3K, p-Akt and BDNF in substantia nigra was down-regulated, and the expression of GFAP was up-regulated in PD group and A group ( P<0.05). Compared with PD group, the total distance of movement and the latency to fall were significantly prolonged, the hanging score was increased, the step width was reduced, and the expression of TH, p-PI3K, p-Akt and BDNF in the substantia nigra was up-regulated, and the expression of GFAP was down-regulated in group A ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The mechanism by which astragaloside IV improves motor dysfunction is related to the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, up-regulation of BDNF expression and inhibition of astrocyte activation in mice with Parkinson′s disease.

AIM: To investigate the effects of fibroblast growth factor 10 ( FGF10 ) on lipopolysaccharide ( LPS)-induced microglial activation .METHODS:Mouse BV2 microglial cells were maintained in DMEM in a humidified incubator with 95%/5%( V/V) mixture of air and CO 2 at 37℃.The medium was changed every 1 or 2 d.The cells were digested and passaged every 4 or 5 d.The BV2 microglial cells were first pretreated with FGF 10 (1 mg/L) for 30 min and then stimulated with LPS (500 μg/L).The medium and the cells were collected at different time points .The morphologi-cal changes of microglia were visualized under microscope .To evaluate the microglial activation , the transcription and pro-duction of proinflammatory factor tumor necrosis factor-α( TNF-α) were examined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively.RESULTS:The morphology of control BV2 microglia showed circular or oval shape .After exposure to LPS for 24 h, the microglia revealed spindle shaped or multipolar morphology , and the percentage of activated cells was significantly increased compared with control group.Pretreatment with FGF10 successfully inhibited the morphological change from normal to activated shape .LPS sti-mulation for 6 h significantly increased the transcription of TNF-α, while FGF10 pretreatment remarkably reversed the effect.In addition, the production of TNF-αincreased in the presence of LPS stimulation for 24 h compared with control group.Pretreatment with FGF10 suppressed LPS-induced TNF-αexpression.CONCLUSION: Pretreatment with FGF10 inhibits the morphological change from normal to activated shape , and remarkably suppressed the transcription and produc-tion of TNF-α.FGF10 successfully suppresses LPS-induced BV2 microglial activation , indicating that FGF10 is a therapeu-tic agent for the treatment of glia-mediated neuroinflammatory diseases .

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics and follow-up data of catheter ablation of recurrent atrial tachycardias (ATs) after Mini-Maze surgery,and to explore prognostic factors for recurrence.Methods 59 patients in Guangdong General Hospital with ATs post Mini-Maze and concomitant open-heart surgery from April.2010 to June.2015 were included.According to high density precise mapping,activation mapping,voltage mapping and entrainment mapping,they underwent electrophysiological study and ablation which was guided by three-dimensional mapping system.All patients were followed up regularly.We explored the prognostic factors for recurrence by the Cox regression analysis.Results There were 88 types of ATs being mappedwith mean (1.49 ± 0.75) types of ATs identified per case.Most ATs were macro-reentry ATs(67/88,76.1％)and focal ATs (20/88,22.7％),respectively.56 patients (94.9％) achieved immediate ablation success.In a mean follow-up of (30.8 ± 17.7) months,recurrences were observed in 12 patients after the first time catheter ablation.Recurrent time was 3.5 (1.3,12.0) months and the overall ablation success rate was 74.6％ (44/59).6 patients received second ablation and the achievement of freedom from arrhythmias reached 79.7％ (47/59).Multivariate analysis showed that the LA diameter was the independent predictor for recurrence (HR 1.108,95％ CI 1.002 to 1.226,P =0.045).Conclusion Catheter ablation of ATs post Mini-Maze with concomitant surgery is save and feasible.LA diameter is the independent predictor for recurrence.

AIM:Increasing evidence indicates that inflammation contributes to the initiation and perpetuation of atrial fibrillation ( AF) .Al-though tumor necrosis factor ( TNF)-αlevels are increased in patients with AF , the role of TNF-αin the pathogenesis of AF remains unclear.Recent research has revealed that T-type Ca2+currents ( ICa,T ) play an important role in the pathogenesis of AF .METH-ODS:In this study , we used the whole-cell voltage-clamp technique and biochemical assays to explore the role of TNF-αin the regula-tion of ICa,T in atrial myocytes.RESULTS:We found that compared with sinus rhythm (SR) controls, T-type calcium channel (TCC) subunit mRNA levels were decreased , while TNF-αexpression levels were increased , in human atrial tissue from patients with AF .In murine atrial myocyte HL-1 cells, after cultured for 24 h, 12.5, 25 and 50 μg/L TNF-αsignificantly reduced the protein expression levels of the TCC α1G subunit in a concentration-dependent manner .The peak current was reduced by the application of 12.5 or 25μg/L TNF-αin a concentration-dependent manner [from ( -15.08 ±1.11) pA/pF in controls to ( -11.89 ±0.83) pA/pF and (-8.54 ±1.55) pA/pF in 12.5 and 25 μg/L TNF-αgroups, respectively].TNF-αapplication also inhibited voltage-dependent inactivation of ICa,T shifted the inactivation curve to the left .CONCLUSION:These results suggest that TNF-αis involved in the path-ogenesis of AF, probably via decreasing ICa,T function in atrium-derived myocytes through impaired channel function and down -regula-tion of channel protein expression .This pathway thus represents a potential pathogenic mechanism in AF .

AIM:To determine circular RNA (circRNA) profiles in the diabetic mouse myocardium , and to investigate the effect of circRNA_000203 on fibrotic phenotypes in cardiac fibroblasts .METHODS:Masson trichrome stai-ning was performed on the myocardium of the diabetic db /db mice and the non diabetic db/m control mice .circRNA ex-pression profile in the diabetic myocardium was detected by circRNAs microarray .The expression of circRNA_000203 was determined by real time fluorescence quantitative PCR ( RT-qPCR ) .Recombinant circRNA_000203 adenovirus was pre-pared for enforced the expression of circRNA_000203 in mouse cardiac fibroblasts.The expression of Col1a2, Col3a1andα-SMA was determined in circRNA_000203-modified cardiac fibroblasts , respectively .RESULTS:Masson trichrome stai-ning showed that fibrosis was increased in the diabetic mouse myocardium .The results of circRNA array detection revealed that circRNAs were dysregulated in the diabetic myocardium .circRNA_000203 was up-regulated in the diabetic myocardi-um.Significant over-expression of circRNA_000203 was achieved in the cardiac fibroblasts after infection with the recombi-nant circRNA_000203 adenovirus.The mRNA and protein expression of Col1a2, Col3a1 and α-SMA was significantly in-creased in the cardiac fibroblasts with over-expression of circRNA_000203.CONCLUSION:circRNA_000203 is up-regu-lated in the diabetic mouse myocardium .It has pro-fibrotic effect on the cardiac fibroblasts .

[ ABSTRACT] AIM:To investigate the expression relevance of transcription factors GATA-1 and GATA-2 in the bone marrow CD71 +cells of a high-altitude polycythemia (HAPC) rat model.METHODS:Male SD rats (n=48) were randomly divided into normal control group and HAPC model group .HAPC model was established at an altitude of 4 300 m in the natural environment and verified by the morphology and quantity of the bone marrow cells and hematologic parameters detection .A relative change in the trend of bone marrow CD 71 +cell numbers was detected by flow cytometry analysis .The expression of GATA-1 and GATA-2 at mRNA and protein levels in the CD 71 +cells was examined by RT-qPCR and West-ern blot .CD71 +cells were cultured under hypoxic condition and transfected with the optimal interference sequence of GA -TA-1shRNA1 for 96 h.The expression of GATA-1 and GATA-2 at mRNA and protein levels was detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot .RESULTS:The establishment of the animal model with HAPC was successful as the bone marrow smears and the hematologic parameters showed compared with the control .The quantity of the bone marrow CD 71 +cells of HAPC rats were significantly increased and the expression of GATA-1 at mRNA and protein levels in the CD 71 +cells were higher than those of the control .The expression of GATA-2 at mRNA and protein levels was similar to that of the control .The correla-tion analysis showed that the expression of GATA-1 was negatively correlated with that of GATA-2 in the control, while no obvious correlation between them was observed in the HAPC rats .The expression of GATA-1 at mRNA and protein levels in HAPC group was lower than that in control group after interfered by GATA-1 shRNA1 for 96 h, but no obvious diversity of GATA-2 expression between the 2 groups was observed .CONCLUSION:GATA-1 and GATA-2 are abnormally expressed and their negative correlation is destroyed in HAPC , which may be one of the pathogenesis of HAPC .