BACKGROUND: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), a rare and recurrent autoinflammatory disease, imposes a substantial burden on patients and society. Awareness of GPP in China remains limited. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey, conducted between September 2021 and May 2023 across 14 hospitals in China, included GPP patients of all ages and disease phases. Data collected encompassed demographics, clinical characteristics, economic impact, disease severity, quality of life, and treatment-related complications. Risk factors for GPP recurrence were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 127 patients (female/male ratio = 1.35:1), the mean age of disease onset was 25 years (1st quartile [Q1]-3rd quartile [Q3]: 11-44 years); 29.2% had experienced GPP for more than 10 years. Recurrence occurred in 75.6% of patients, and nearly half reported no identifiable triggers. Younger age at disease onset ( P  = 0.021) and transitioning to plaque psoriasis ( P  = 0.022) were associated with higher recurrence rates. The median diagnostic delay was 8 months (Q1-Q3: 2-41 months), and 32.3% of patients reported misdiagnoses. Comorbidities were present in 53.5% of patients, whereas 51.1% experienced systemic complications during treatment. Depression and anxiety affected 84.5% and 95.6% of patients, respectively. During GPP flares, the median Dermatology Life Quality Index score was 19.0 (Q1-Q3: 13.0-23.5). This score showed significant differences between patients with and without systemic symptoms; it demonstrated correlations with both depression and anxiety scores. Treatment costs caused financial hardship in 55.9% of patients, underscoring the burden associated with GPP. CONCLUSIONS The substantial disease and economic burdens among Chinese GPP patients warrant increased attention. Patients with early onset disease and those transitioning to plaque psoriasis require targeted interventions to mitigate the high recurrence risk.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Psoriasis/pathology* ; Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Adolescent ; Child ; Young Adult ; Quality of Life ; Middle Aged ; China/epidemiology* ; Recurrence ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; East Asian People

Ferroptosis has received great attention as an iron-dependent programmed cell death for efficient cancer therapy. However, with the accumulation of iron in tumor cells, the antioxidant system is activated by reducing glutathione (GSH) with glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), which critically limits the ferroptosis therapeutic effect. Herein, an iron and GPX4 silencing siRNA (siGPX4) co-encapsulated ferritin nanocage (HFn@Fe/siGPX4) was developed to enhance ferroptosis by disruption of redox homeostasis and inhibition of antioxidant enzyme synergistically. The siGPX4 were loaded into the nanocages by pre-incubated with iron, which could significantly improve the loading efficiency of the gene drugs when compared with the reported gene drug loading strategy by ferritin nanocages. And more iron was overloaded into the ferritin through the diffusion method. When HFn@Fe/siGPX4 was taken up by human breast cancer cell MCF-7 in a TfR1-mediated pathway, the excess iron ions in the drug delivery system could for one thing induce ferroptosis by the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), for another promote siGPX4 escaping from the lysosome to exert gene silencing effect more effectively. Both the in vitro and in vivo results demonstrated that HFn@Fe/siGPX4 could significantly inhibit tumor growth by synergistical ferroptosis. Thus, the developed HFn@Fe/siGPX4 afforded a combined ferroptosis strategy for ferroptosis-based antitumor as well as a novel and efficient gene drug delivery system.

Recent studies have indicated that the expression of ubiquitin-specific protease 51 (USP51), a novel deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) that mediates protein degradation as part of the ubiquitin‒proteasome system (UPS), is associated with tumor progression and therapeutic resistance in multiple malignancies. However, the underlying mechanisms and signaling networks involved in USP51-mediated regulation of malignant phenotypes remain largely unknown. The present study provides evidence of USP51's functions as the prominent DUB in chemoresistant triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. At the molecular level, ectopic expression of USP51 stabilized the 78 kDa Glucose-Regulated Protein (GRP78) protein through deubiquitination, thereby increasing its expression and localization on the cell surface. Furthermore, the upregulation of cell surface GRP78 increased the activity of ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1), the main efflux pump of doxorubicin (DOX), ultimately decreasing its accumulation in TNBC cells and promoting the development of drug resistance both in vitro and in vivo. Clinically, we found significant correlations among USP51, GRP78, and ABCB1 expression in TNBC patients with chemoresistance. Elevated USP51, GRP78, and ABCB1 levels were also strongly associated with a poor patient prognosis. Importantly, we revealed an alternative intervention for specific pharmacological targeting of USP51 for TNBC cell chemosensitization. In conclusion, these findings collectively indicate that the USP51/GRP78/ABCB1 network is a key contributor to the malignant progression and chemotherapeutic resistance of TNBC cells, underscoring the pivotal role of USP51 as a novel therapeutic target for cancer management.

Glioma represents the most prevalent malignant tumor of the central nervous system, with chemotherapy serving as an essential adjunctive treatment. However, most chemotherapeutic agents exhibit limited ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This study introduced a novel dual-targeting strategy for glioma therapy by modulating the formation of nanobody-driven protein coronas to enhance the brain and tumor-targeting efficiency of hydrophobic cisplatin prodrug-loaded lipid nanoparticles (C8Pt-Ls). Specifically, nanobodies (Nbs) with fibrinogen-binding capabilities were conjugated to the surface of C8Pt-Ls, resulting in the generation of Nb-C8Pt-Ls. Within the bloodstream, Nb-C8Pt-Ls could bound more fibrinogen, forming the protein corona that specifically interacted with LRP-1, a receptor highly expressed on the BBB. This interaction enabled a "Hitchhiking Effect" mechanism, facilitating efficient trans-BBB transport and promoting effective brain targeting. Additionally, the protein corona interacted with LRP-1, which is also overexpressed in glioma cells, achieving precise tumor targeting. Computational simulations and SPR detection clarified the molecular interaction mechanism of the Nb-fibrinogen-(LRP-1) complex, confirming its binding specificity and stability. Our results demonstrated that this strategy significantly enhanced C8Pt accumulation in brain tissues and tumors, induced apoptosis in glioma cells, and improved therapeutic efficacy. This study provides a novel framework for glioma therapy and underscores the potential of protein corona modulation-based dual-targeting strategies in advancing treatments for brain tumors.

Obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are linked to numerous chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, chronic kidney disease, and type II diabetes. Previous research identified the natural flavonoid diosmin, derived from Chrysanthemum morifolium, as a regulator of glucose metabolism. However, its effects on lipid metabolism and underlying mechanisms remained unexplored. The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway serves a critical function in glucose and lipid metabolism. The relationship between diosmin and the AMPK pathway has not been previously documented. This investigation examined diosmin's capacity to reduce lipid content through AMPK pathway activation in hepatoblastoma cell line G2 (HepG2) and 3T3-L1 cells. The study revealed that diosmin inhibits lipogenesis, indicating its potential as an anti-obesity agent in obese mice. Moreover, diosmin demonstrated effective MASLD alleviation in vivo. These findings suggest that diosmin may represent a promising therapeutic candidate for treating obesity and MASLD.
Diosmin/administration & dosage* ; Animals ; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics* ; Humans ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/enzymology* ; Mice ; Obesity/enzymology* ; Hep G2 Cells ; Male ; 3T3-L1 Cells ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Lipid Metabolism/drug effects* ; Chrysanthemum/chemistry* ; Lipogenesis/drug effects*

Objective To investigate the effects of chronic starvation stress on the proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer cells, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Methods By using prolonged serum starvation to simulate chronic starvation stress in tumor cells, we established enduring serum-deprived models of SW480 and DLD-1 cells and observed cellular morphological change. Effects of prolonged serum starvation on SW480 and DLD-1 proliferative and migratory capabilities were assessed using CCK-8 and Transwell assays. Differential gene-expression analysis on SW480 cultured with 1% FBS or 10% FBS medium was followed by GO and KEGG pathway assessments. Migration-related protein interactions were explored using String database and Metascape software, leading to 16 genes being selected for RT-qPCR validation. Protein levels of ITGB1 and key molecules in the relevant pathways were measured. Mobility changes in SW480 were observed through Transwell assay after ITGB1 knockdown or STAT3 inhibition. Results Prolonged serum starvation significantly inhibited the proliferation of SW480 and DLD-1 cells, and DLD-1 mobility, while enhanced SW480 migration. Transcriptome analysis revealed that prolonged serum deprivation caused the upregulation of 3016 genes, among which 283 were involved in cell migration. Metascape analysis identified the correlations among potential core genes ITGB1, CD44, TNS1, STAT3, etc. Prolonged serum deprivation increased the mRNA levels of VTN, TNS1, VEGFA, STAT3, and ITGB1 while also increasing the protein levels of ITGB1 and MMP2 and the phosphorylation levels of JAK2 and STAT3. Mobility reduction in prolonged serum-starved SW480 cells was achieved through ITGB1 knockdown or a STAT3 inhibitor. Conclusion Colorectal cancer cells can endure chronic starvation stress which enhances migration capability by upregulating ITGB1 expression.

Objective To explore the safety of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) with three-field lymphadenectomy (3-FL) for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) by comparing the short-term outcomes between the 3-FL and the two-field lymphadenectomy (2-FL) in MIE. Methods The clinical data of patients with ESCC who underwent minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy in our hospital from July 2015 to March 2022 were collected retrospectively. Patients were divided into a 3-FL group and a 2-FL group according to lymph node dissection method. And the clinical outcomes and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 257 patients with ESCC were included in this study. There were 211 males and 46 females with an average age of 62.2±8.1 years. There were 109 patients in the 3-FL group and 148 patients in the 2-FL group. The operation time of the 3-FL group was about 20 minutes longer than that of the 2-FL group (P<0.001). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in the intraoperatve blood loss (P=0.376). More lymph nodes (P<0.001) and also more positive lymph nodes (P=0.003) were obtained in the 3-FL group than in the 2-FL group, and there was a statistical difference in the pathological N stage between the two groups (P<0.001). But there was no statistical difference in the incidence of anastomotic leak (P=0.667), chyle leak (P=0.421), recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (P=0.081), pulmonary complications (P=0.601), pneumonia (P=0.061), cardiac complications (P=0.383), overall complications (P=0.147) or Clavien-Dindo grading (P=0.152) between the two groups. Conclusion MIE 3-FL can improve the efficiency of lymph node dissection and the accuracy of tumor lymph node staging, but it does not increase the postoperative complications, which is worthy of clinical application.

AIM: To compare the changes of exotropia deviation in children with basic type of intermittent exotropia before and after monocular occlusion test.METHODS: Prospective clinical study. A total of 258 children with basic type of intermittent exotropia who underwent strabismus correction in our hospital from July 2021 to September 2022 were selected, including 122 males and 136 females, aged from 5 to 12 years, with an average age of 8.0±3.1 years. The exotropia deviation was measured at distance(6 m)and near(33 cm)fixation by prism alternating occlusion method, and the exotropia deviation was checked again after covering the non-dominant eyes of children for 40 min.RESULTS: Before and after the monocular occlusion test, the exotropia deviation at distance(6 m)fixation was 28.23△±10.79△ and 29.79△±10.85△, respectively(t=-0.903, P=0.368), while the exotropia deviation at near(33 cm)fixation was 33.14△±8.89△ and 36.90△±10.76△, respectively(t=-2.377, P=0.019).CONCLUSIONS: Monocular occlusion test has a great impact on the exotropia deviation at near(33 cm)fixation in children with basic type of intermittent exotropia before surgery. It can expose the maximum exotropia deviation, reduce the rate of undercorrection after strabismus surgery, and provide a reliable surgical plan.

Objective To investigate the signal abnormality of conus medullaris in patients with overactive bladder(OAB)and un-deractive bladder(UAB)by MRI diffusion tensor imaging(DTI). Methods From May,2021 to April,2023,23 patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction without trauma and supraspi-nal lesions were enrolled(case group).All patients underwent imaging urodynamics and pelvic floor electromy-ography.Based on the bladder contraction during the filling phase of urodynamics,the patients were divided into UAB group and OAB group.Eight healthy subjects were included as the control group.All participants under-went T10 to L5 spinal segment MRI scans and DTI scans.The position of conus medullaris was determined by comparing the DTI sequences with the MRI scans.The fractional anisotropy(FA),apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC),and relative anisotropy(RA)of the conus medullaris intermediate segment were compared. Results Twelve cases were in UAB group,and eleven in OAB goup.Abnormalities were found in the pelvic floor elec-tromyography in the case group.There was significant difference in sacral reflex arc nerve conduction testing be-tween UAB and OAB groups(P = 0.036).Compared with the control group,ADC increased(t = 2.185,P = 0.037)in the case group;FA decreased(t = 3.439,P = 0.005)and ADC increased(t = 4.582,P<0.001)in UAB group. Conclusion DTI is helpful to find the potential lesion of spinal cord in patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction.FA and ADC are valuable indicators for the diagnosis of conus medullaris injury.

Objective To analyze the efficacy and adverse reactions of donepezil in the treatment of patients with a continuous disease spectrum of Alzheimer's disease(AD)with pharmacogenomics.Methods Seventy-two patients who took donepezil therapy at the time of initial molecular pa-thology diagnosis of AD continuous disease spectrum in Chinese PLA General Hospital from Jan-uary 2022 to January 2023 were recruited.Cells from the oral buccal mucosa were collected,and MassARRAY nucleic acid mass spectrometry was applied to detect the genotypes of CYP2D6,the gene encoding cytochrome P450 2D6 enzyme,and CHAT,the gene encoding acetylcholine trans-ferase.After 9 months of follow-up,drug efficacy was indirectly determined by neurological func-tion scales,caregiver evaluations,and drug prescribing behaviors,and thus,the 50 patients on donepezil alone were divide into effective group(n=28)and ineffective group(n=22).Seventy-two patients were divided into adverse reaction group(n=12)and no adverse reaction group(n=60).Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between donepezil efficacy and pharmacogenomics.Results The frequencies of CHAT rs3793790 locus carrying G allele and rs2177370 locus carrying A allele were significantly higher in the effective group than the ineffective group(35.71％vs 9.09％,P=0.029;42.86％vs 9.09％,P=0.008).Multivariate lo-gistic regression analysis showed that donepezil was more effective in those who carrying rs3793790 G allele and/or rs2177370 A allele in the CHAT gene than those who carrying neither of the alleles(95％CI:1.20-34.47,P=0.030).There were no statistical differences in the CYP2D6 gene-adjusted activity score and whether or not carrying*10 between the patients with and without adverse reactions(P＞0.0 5).Conclusion In patients with a continuous spectrum of AD,donepezil efficacy is associated with CHAT gene polymorphisms,but there is no correlation between donepezil adverse reactions and CYP2D6 genotype.