ObjectiveType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often causes severe hepatic metabolic complications, dominated by metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Persistent hepatic steatosis and oxidative stress further trigger steatohepatitis and progressive liver damage, increasing the mortality risk of diabetic patients. Aerobic exercise effectively improves hepatic lipid metabolism and antioxidant capacity, but poor patient adherence restricts its long-term clinical application. Mitochondrial-derived mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c (MOTS-c) is a key peptide regulating insulin sensitivity and hepatic redox homeostasis. This study aimed to explore the protective mechanism of MOTS-c against T2DM-related liver injury and its combined beneficial effect with aerobic exercise via the NRF2/PPARγ signaling axis. This study aimed to investigate whether MOTS-c cooperates with aerobic exercise to alleviate T2DM-associated hepatic oxidative stress and metabolic dysfunction by activating the NRF2/PPARγ axis, and to clarify the molecular and transcriptomic characteristics of their combined intervention. MethodsStable MOTS-c overexpression and knockdown HepG2 cell lines were constructed using lentiviral transfection. An oleic acid-induced cellular lipid accumulation model and NRF2-knockout cell model were applied to verify the NRF2-dependent mechanism ofMOTS-c. Intracellular lipid deposition, triglyceride levels, antioxidant enzyme activities, and the expression of NRF2/PPARγ pathway-related genes and proteins were detected. In vivo, a T2DM rat model with obvious hepatic steatosis was established via a high-fat and high-sucrose diet combined with streptozotocin injection. Model rats received aerobic exercise, MOTS-c intraperitoneal injection, or combined intervention. We detected systemic glycolipid metabolic indicators, hepatic histopathological changes, and the expression of core proteins in the hepatic NRF2/PPARγ axis. Hepatic transcriptomic sequencing was performed to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and enrich key pathways co-regulated by MOTS-c and aerobic exercise. ResultsCellular results showed that MOTS-c overexpression significantly reduced oleic acid-induced lipid deposition, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, and upregulated NRF2 and PPARγ expression. Conversely, MOTS-c knockdown aggravated hepatic lipid accumulation and oxidative damage and inhibited NRF2/PPARγ pathway activation. NRF2 knockout completely eliminated the protective effects of MOTS-c on lipid metabolism and redox balance, confirming its NRF2-dependent regulatory mechanism. In T2DM rats, both MOTS-c supplementation and aerobic exercise effectively improved insulin resistance, corrected glycolipid metabolic disorders, and alleviated hepatic steatosis, while consistently activating the hepatic NRF2/PPARγ axis. Compared with single intervention, the combined treatment showed a better improvement trend in hepatic metabolic and oxidative injury, without definitive synergistic effects. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the co-regulated DEGs of MOTS-c and aerobic exercise were primarily enriched in lipid metabolism and PPAR signaling pathways, with multiple antioxidant and lipid-regulating genes significantly modulated by combined intervention. ConclusionMOTS-c exhibits obvious exercise-mimetic hepatoprotective effects in T2DM. It activates the hepatic NRF2/PPARγ axis to strengthen antioxidant defense, stabilize lipid metabolism, and relieve T2DM-associated hepatic steatosis and oxidative damage. Furthermore, MOTS-c produces additive beneficial effects with aerobic exercise, showing a superior intervention trend on diabetic liver dysfunction. This study identifies the NRF2/PPARγ axis as the core mechanism of MOTS-c-regulated hepatic protection, elucidates the transcriptomic basis of combined intervention, and provides a reliable theoretical basis and potential therapeutic target for clinical intervention in T2DM-complicated MAFLD.

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is crucial for regulating blood pressure and maintaining fluid balance, while clock genes are essential for sustaining biological rhythms and regulating metabolism. There exists a complex interplay between RAAS and clock genes that may significantly contribute to the development of various cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Although current literature has identified correlations between these two systems, the specific mechanisms of their interaction remain unclear. Moreover, the interaction patterns under different physiological and pathological conditions need further investigation. This review summarizes the synergistic roles of the RAAS and clock genes in cardiovascular diseases, explores their molecular mechanisms and pathophysiological connections, discusses the application of chronotherapy, and highlights potential future research directions, aiming to provide novel insights for the prevention and treatment of related diseases.
Humans ; Renin-Angiotensin System/genetics* ; Cardiovascular Diseases/genetics* ; CLOCK Proteins/physiology* ; Animals

Diabetic foot (DF) is one of the most serious chronic complications of diabetes. The incidence rate among global diabetes patients is as high as 15% to 25%, and about 50% of patients will develop contralateral foot ulcers within 5 years after the first unilateral ulcer. As a non-invasive prevention and control solution, the application progress of functional insoles is mainly reflected in the following aspects:(1) Material innovation. The application of new composite materials and smart materials has significantly enhanced the pressure reduction effect and comfort. (2) Structural optimization. The development of multi-layer design and local pressure reduction structure has achieved more precise pressure distribution regulation. (3) Manufacturing process. 3D printing and parametric design have enabled the personalized customization of functional insoles. (4) Intelligent monitoring. It integrates functions such as pressure sensing and temperature monitoring, achieving real-time monitoring and early warning of foot conditions. Clinical research has confirmed that personalized functional insoles could reduce the incidence of foot ulcers and shorten the healing time of ulcers. At present, the research hotspots mainly focus on the development of smart materials, the construction of multi-functional integration and remote monitoring systems. However, in-depth research is still needed in the aspects of biomechanical mechanisms, standardized evaluation systems and long-term efficacy assessment. The development of future functional insoles should focus on the coordinated advancement of "personalization-intelligence-standardization", with the aim of providing more effective solutions for the prevention and treatment of DF.
Humans ; Diabetic Foot/therapy* ; Foot Orthoses

This study aims to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on neuroinflammation in AD mice and explore the mechanisms of neuroinflammation regulated by the blood-brain barrier,lipopolysaccharide(LPS)displacement,and glial cell activation.Twenty 3-month-old male APP/PS1 double transgenic mice were used,which were randomly divided into a sedentary group(SE-AD)and an aerobic exercise group(Run-AD),and 10 3-month-old male C57BL/6 mice were used as the control group(WT).The Run-AD group underwent 12 weeks of aerobic training.The results of the water maze showed that aerobic exercise improved the learning and memory capacity of AD mice(P＜0.05).The results of H&E stai-ning and Nissl staining showed that aerobic exercise reduced necrotic cells and inflammatory cell infiltra-tion in the cerebral cortex,as well as nuclear condensation in the CA1 and GD regions of the hippocam-pus(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),and increased the area of Nissl bodies in the cerebral cortex and hippocam-pal CA3 and DG regions.Western blotting and ELISA results showed that aerobic exercise increased the expression of Occludin,ZO-1 and Claudin-5 proteins in the brain(P＜0.01),and decreased the levels of LPS in the brain(P＜0.01).The qRT-PCR results exhibited that aerobic exercise decreased the ex-pression of TLR4,MyD88,NF-κB,IL-1β,and TNF-α mRNA(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The results of immunofluorescence staining revealed that aerobic exercise reduced the fluorescence area of brain IL-1βand TNF-α proteins(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),as well as the fluorescence area of Iba-1,GFAP,and TLR4 proteins in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).There was a high degree of overlap between Iba-1 and TLR4 fluorescence in the cerebral cortex,and GFAP was localized around Iba-1.In summary,aerobic exercise attenuates neuroinflammation in AD mice by protecting the blood-brain barrier,reducing the displacement of LPS,and subsequently weakening the immune activation of microglia to regulate the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway to alleviate neuroinflammation.

This study was aimed at developing an in vitro fluorescent substrate assay for the activity of leucyl aminopeptid-ase(LAP)from Echinococcus multilocularis and comparing it with the chemical chromogenic substrate enzyme activity assay.Through the establishment of reaction conditions for the fluorescent substrate-based in vitro enzyme activity assay,we com-pared the differences between the fluorescent substrate L-Leucine-7-amido-4-methylocoumarin(Leu-AMC)and the chemical chromogenic substrate L-Leucine-4-nitroanilide(Leu-pNA)through molecular docking,inhibition rates,and precision measures.Molecular docking revealed that the fluorescent substrate Leu-AMC had higher affinity for the protein than the chemical chromogenic substrate Leu-pNA.Through analysis of the effects of varying reaction conditions on fluorescence intensi-ty,we optimized the fluorescent substrate enzyme activity assay to demonstrate favorable performance at a reaction temperature of 37℃,a pH of 9.0,a protein concentration of 800 nmol/L,and a reaction duration of 60 minutes.Leu-AMC exhibited significant and distinct responses at a 5 μmol/L substrate concentration,under varying substrate conditions.The fluo-rescent substrate assay demonstrated more significant intergroup differences than the chemical chromogenic substrate assay when various inhibitors were added.This study established a fluorescence-based enzyme activity assay for leucyl aminopeptidase from Echinococcus multilocularis by using Leu-AMC as the substrate;this method demonstrated a more significant intergroup difference and sensitivity than the chemical chromogenic substrate assay.

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.

This study aims to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on neuroinflammation in AD mice and explore the mechanisms of neuroinflammation regulated by the blood-brain barrier,lipopolysaccharide(LPS)displacement,and glial cell activation.Twenty 3-month-old male APP/PS1 double transgenic mice were used,which were randomly divided into a sedentary group(SE-AD)and an aerobic exercise group(Run-AD),and 10 3-month-old male C57BL/6 mice were used as the control group(WT).The Run-AD group underwent 12 weeks of aerobic training.The results of the water maze showed that aerobic exercise improved the learning and memory capacity of AD mice(P＜0.05).The results of H&E stai-ning and Nissl staining showed that aerobic exercise reduced necrotic cells and inflammatory cell infiltra-tion in the cerebral cortex,as well as nuclear condensation in the CA1 and GD regions of the hippocam-pus(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),and increased the area of Nissl bodies in the cerebral cortex and hippocam-pal CA3 and DG regions.Western blotting and ELISA results showed that aerobic exercise increased the expression of Occludin,ZO-1 and Claudin-5 proteins in the brain(P＜0.01),and decreased the levels of LPS in the brain(P＜0.01).The qRT-PCR results exhibited that aerobic exercise decreased the ex-pression of TLR4,MyD88,NF-κB,IL-1β,and TNF-α mRNA(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The results of immunofluorescence staining revealed that aerobic exercise reduced the fluorescence area of brain IL-1βand TNF-α proteins(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),as well as the fluorescence area of Iba-1,GFAP,and TLR4 proteins in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).There was a high degree of overlap between Iba-1 and TLR4 fluorescence in the cerebral cortex,and GFAP was localized around Iba-1.In summary,aerobic exercise attenuates neuroinflammation in AD mice by protecting the blood-brain barrier,reducing the displacement of LPS,and subsequently weakening the immune activation of microglia to regulate the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway to alleviate neuroinflammation.

This study was aimed at developing an in vitro fluorescent substrate assay for the activity of leucyl aminopeptid-ase(LAP)from Echinococcus multilocularis and comparing it with the chemical chromogenic substrate enzyme activity assay.Through the establishment of reaction conditions for the fluorescent substrate-based in vitro enzyme activity assay,we com-pared the differences between the fluorescent substrate L-Leucine-7-amido-4-methylocoumarin(Leu-AMC)and the chemical chromogenic substrate L-Leucine-4-nitroanilide(Leu-pNA)through molecular docking,inhibition rates,and precision measures.Molecular docking revealed that the fluorescent substrate Leu-AMC had higher affinity for the protein than the chemical chromogenic substrate Leu-pNA.Through analysis of the effects of varying reaction conditions on fluorescence intensi-ty,we optimized the fluorescent substrate enzyme activity assay to demonstrate favorable performance at a reaction temperature of 37℃,a pH of 9.0,a protein concentration of 800 nmol/L,and a reaction duration of 60 minutes.Leu-AMC exhibited significant and distinct responses at a 5 μmol/L substrate concentration,under varying substrate conditions.The fluo-rescent substrate assay demonstrated more significant intergroup differences than the chemical chromogenic substrate assay when various inhibitors were added.This study established a fluorescence-based enzyme activity assay for leucyl aminopeptidase from Echinococcus multilocularis by using Leu-AMC as the substrate;this method demonstrated a more significant intergroup difference and sensitivity than the chemical chromogenic substrate assay.

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.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and is characterized by alternating periods of inflammation and remission. Although UC incidence is lower in Taiwan than in Western countries, its impact remains considerable, demanding updated guidelines for addressing local healthcare challenges and patient needs. The revised guidelines employ international standards and recent research, emphasizing practical implementation within the Taiwanese healthcare system. Since the inception of the guidelines in 2017, the Taiwan Society of Inflammatory Bowel Disease has acknowledged the need for ongoing revisions to incorporate emerging therapeutic options and evolving disease management practices. This updated guideline aims to align UC management with local contexts, ensuring comprehensive and context-specific recommendations, thereby raising the standard of care for UC patients in Taiwan. By adapting and optimizing international protocols for local relevance, these efforts seek to enhance health outcomes for patients with UC.