Osteoarthritis (OA), a highly prevalent degenerative joint disease worldwide, is defined by articular cartilage degradation, abnormal bone remodeling, and persistent chronic inflammation. It severely compromises patients’ quality of life, and currently, there is no radical cure. Abnormal mechanical stress is widely regarded as a core driver of OA pathogenesis, and the exploration of mechanical signal perception and transduction mechanisms has become crucial for deciphering OA’s pathophysiological processes. Piezo1, a key mechanosensitive cation channel belonging to the Piezo protein family, has recently gained significant attention due to its pivotal role in mediating cellular responses to mechanical stimuli in joint tissues. This review systematically examines Piezo1’s expression patterns, regulatory mechanisms, and pathological functions in OA, with a particular focus on its dual roles in modulating chondrocyte homeostasis and bone metabolism disorders, while also delving into the underlying molecular signaling pathways and potential therapeutic implications. Piezo1, consisting of approximately 2 500 amino acids and forming a unique trimeric propeller-like structure, is widely expressed in chondrocytes, osteocytes, mesenchymal stem cells, and synovial cells. It exhibits permeability to cations such as Ca²⁺, K⁺, and Na⁺, and directly responds to membrane tension changes induced by mechanical stimuli like fluid shear stress and mechanical overload. In OA patients and animal models, Piezo1 expression is significantly upregulated, especially in cartilage regions subjected to abnormal mechanical stress (e.g., human temporomandibular joint cartilage). This overexpression is closely associated with aggravated cartilage degeneration, increased chondrocyte apoptosis, accelerated cellular senescence, and intensified inflammatory responses. Mechanical overload and pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1β) are key inducers of Piezo1 upregulation: IL-1β activates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway to enhance Piezo1 expression, forming a pathogenic positive feedback loop that inhibits chondrocyte autophagy, promotes apoptosis, and further accelerates joint degeneration. Mechanistically, Piezo1 mediates OA progression through multiple interconnected pathways. When activated by mechanical stress, Piezo1 triggers excessive Ca²⁺ influx, leading to endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and mitochondrial dysfunction, which directly induce chondrocyte apoptosis. This process involves the activation of downstream signaling cascades such as cGAS-STING and YAP-MMP13/ADAMTS5. YAP, a transcriptional regulator, upregulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) and aggrecanase (ADAMTS5), thereby accelerating cartilage matrix degradation. Additionally, Piezo1-driven Ca²⁺ overload promotes the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and upregulates senescence markers (p16 and p21), accelerating chondrocyte senescence via the p38MAPK and NF-κB pathways. Senescent chondrocytes secrete senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors (e.g., IL-6, IL-1β), further amplifying joint inflammation. In terms of bone metabolism, Piezo1 maintains joint homeostasis by promoting the differentiation of fibrocartilage stem cells into chondrocytes and balancing bone formation and resorption through regulating the FoxC1/YAP axis and RANKL/OPG ratio. Therapeutically, targeting Piezo1 shows promising potential. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that Piezo1 inhibitors (e.g., GsMTx4) can reduce joint damage and alleviate pain in OA mice. Simultaneously, siRNA-mediated co-silencing of Piezo1 and TRPV4 (another mechanosensitive channel) decreases intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration, inhibits chondrocyte apoptosis, and promotes cartilage repair. Conditional knockout of Piezo1 using Gdf5-Cre transgenic mice alleviates cartilage degeneration in post-traumatic OA models by downregulating MMP13 and ADAMTS5 expression. Despite existing challenges, such as off-target effects of inhibitors, inefficient local drug delivery, and interindividual genetic variability, strategies like developing selective Piezo1 antagonists, optimizing targeted nanocarriers, and combining Piezo1-targeted therapy with physical therapy provide viable avenues for clinical translation. The authors propose that Piezo1 serves as a critical therapeutic target for OA, and future research should focus on deciphering its context-dependent regulatory networks, developing tissue-specific intervention strategies, and validating their efficacy and safety in clinical trials to address the unmet medical needs of OA patients.

[摘 要] 目的：探讨lncRNA核内富集丰富转录本1（NEAT1）调控miR-1287-5p/DNA损伤诱导转录本4（DDIT4）轴对卵巢癌SKOV3细胞增殖、凋亡和侵袭的影响及其机制。方法：收集2023年6月至2024年6月期间湖北医药学院附属随州医院手术切除的27例卵巢癌患者的癌及癌旁组织标本，以及正常人卵巢上皮细胞IOSE80和卵巢癌细胞系SKOV3、CAOV3和A2780，RT-qPCR检测卵巢癌组织与细胞中lncRNA NEAT1、miR-1287-5p及DDIT4 mRNA表达。将SKOV3细胞分为Ctrl组、si-NC组、si-NEAT1组、si-NEAT1 + anti-miR-NC组、si-NEAT1 + anti-miR-1287-5p组、si-NEAT1 + vector组、si-NEAT1 + OE-DDIT4组。CCK-8法、克隆形成实验、流式细胞术、Transwell实验分别检测各组细胞增殖、凋亡及侵袭能力，WB法检测细胞中DDIT4、细胞周期蛋白D1（cyclin D1）、p53、迁移侵袭增强子1（MIEN1）蛋白水平。双萤光素酶报告基因验证lncRNA NEAT1与miR-1287-5p/DDIT4靶向结合关系，RNA pull-down实验、RNA免疫沉淀实验分别验证lncRNA NEAT1与miR-1287-5p、miR-1287-5p与DDIT4的靶向结合关系。另设pcDNA组（转染空载体pcDNA3.1）和pc-NEAT1 组（转染pcDNA-NEAT1）以验证NEAT1过表达效应。结果：卵巢癌组织中lncRNA NEAT1、DDIT4 mRNA表达水平显著高于癌旁组织（P < 0.05），而miR-1287-5p表达显著低于癌旁组织（P < 0.05）。敲低lncRNA NEAT1后，与Ctrl组和si-NC组相比，si-NEAT1组lncRNA NEAT1表达、DDIT4 mRNA表达均显著降低（均P < 0.05），miR-1287-5p 表达显著升高（P < 0.05）；而过表达lncRNA NEAT1则下调miR-1287-5p表达并上调DDIT4表达，呈现与敲低实验相反的调控效应；敲低lncRNA NEAT1后，克隆形成数、细胞增殖活性、细胞侵袭数均显著降低（均P < 0.05），细胞凋亡率显著升高（P < 0.05）；DDIT4、cyclin D1、MIEN1蛋白表达均显著降低（均P < 0.05），p53蛋白表达显著升高（P < 0.05）。进一步实验证实，anti-miR-1287-5p或OE-DDIT4均可减弱si-NEAT1对SKOV3细胞增殖和侵袭的抑制作用，同时减弱其对细胞凋亡的促进作用。lncRNA NEAT1靶向调控miR-1287-5p/DDIT4。结论：lncRNA NEAT1通过靶向调控miR-1287-5p/DDIT4轴促进SKOV3细胞增殖和侵袭，抑制细胞凋亡。

Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics, diagnosis, origin, and prognosis of primary ovarian mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma.Methods:A total of 17 cases of primary ovarian mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma diagnosed at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University and Jiaxing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital between January 2018 and September 2024 were included in this study. Histopathological sections were retrospectively reviewed, and clinicopathological data were systematically analyzed. Immunohistochemical analysis, molecular profiling, and clinical follow-up were performed to further characterize the cases.Results:The patients′ age was (57.1±9.3) years. Tumor involvement included 1 bilateral case, 9 left-sided cases, and 7 right-sided cases. Nine cases originated from endometrioid cysts, and 8 cases exhibited coexisting tumor components of other types. Gross examination revealed gray-yellow solid masses or solid components within cysts. Microscopically, the tumors displayed diverse architectural patterns, including papillary, glandular, cystic, tubular, and solid structures, with eosinophilic secretions within glandular lumens and mild to moderate nuclear atypia. Immunohistochemically, the tumors showed variable expression of TTF1, GATA3, CD10, and Calretinin. ER and PR were focally positive in only 2 cases, while others were negative. All cases demonstrated intact DNA mismatch repair proteins expression and wild-type p53 staining patterns. Molecular analysis performed in 10 cases identified pathogenic KRAS mutations in all tested samples. During a follow-up period of 1 to 75 months, 5 cases had recurrence, 1 patient remained alive with disease, and no disease-related death was reported.Conclusions:Ovarian mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma is an aggressive malignancy with a high potential for early recurrence and metastasis. Its frequent association with endometriosis and coexistence with other Müllerian tumors suggest a potential Müllerian origin. The tumor′s diverse morphological spectrum and common admixture with other tumor types often pose diagnostic challenges, making it difficult to distinguish from other gynecological malignancies. Therefore, accurate diagnosis of ovarian mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma is crucial for appropriate clinical management and prognostication.

Alzheimer's disease(AD)presents a notable gender disparity in prevalence among elderly individuals, with elderly women being a high-risk group for AD onset.Researches have confirmed the effects of estrogen on the nervous system and cognitive function through in vitro and animal models.Throughout their reproductive years, women undergo various life events such as menarche, menopause, pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, relevant surgeries, and medication, all of which can impact their endocrine status and subsequently influence brain function.As a result, there is a growing body of epidemiological evidence investigating the relationship between women's menstrual and reproductive factors and AD.Despite some controversies, this article offers a thorough review of current epidemiological research on the link between different menstrual and fertility factors in women and AD.

Objective:To evaluate the association between heatwaves and fall-related mortality.Methods:A total of 61 421 fall-related mortality from 2013 to 2022 in 7 provinces of China were included in a time-stratified case-crossover design, with daily meteorological data derived from the fifth generation European Reanalysis dataset produced by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. Conditional logistic regression chimeric distributed lag nonlinear model was used to analyze the association between heatwaves and fall-related mortality and stratified analysis was conducted according to gender and age.Results:Heatwaves were associated with an increased risk of fall-related morality. The risk of fall-related mortality during heatwaves was higher than during non-heatwave periods ( OR=1.11, 95% CI: 1.05-1.18). The attributable fraction of fall-related motality due to heatwaves was 10.25% (95% CI: 4.49%-15.36%). For each 1 ℃ increase above the heatwave threshold, the risk of fall-related mortality increased by 34% ( OR=1.34, 95% CI: 1.02-1.76). The effect of heatwave duration on fall-related mortality was not statistically significant. Stratified analyses indicated that women experienced a higher risk of fall-related mortality during heatwaves ( OR=1.13, 95% CI: 1.04-1.22) compared to man ( OR=1.10, 95% CI: 1.04-1.17). Conclusions:Heatwave increases the risk of fall-related mortality, and the intensity of heatwaves modify this risk. Women are vulnerable populations.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective:To explore the association between the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and obesity metabolic phenotypes, as well as metabolic features in children and adolescents.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted using the random cluster sampling method from March 2023 to May 2024. Children and adolescents aged 9-17 years in Guangzhou were surveyed through questionnaires, physical measurements, and blood tests. According to BMI and metabolic status, participants were classified into normal-weight groups [metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW) and metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW)] and overweight/obese groups [metabolically healthy overweight/obese (MHO/O) and metabolically unhealthy overweight/obese (MUO/O)]. After natural log-transformation of SII values (lnSII), multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the association between SII and obesity metabolic phenotypes, while binary logistic regression was applied to assess the relationship between SII and metabolic phenotypes in the overweight/obese subgroup. Linear regression model and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were employed to examine the relationship between SII and metabolic features among the entire population.Results:A total of 3 749 participants were included. After adjusting for covariates, for every unit increase in lnSII, the risk of MHO/O and MUO/O increased by 93% ( OR=1.93, 95% CI: 1.56-2.40, P<0.001) and 156% ( OR=2.56, 95% CI: 2.02-3.25, P<0.001), respectively. In the overweight/obesity subgroup, for every unit increase in lnSII, the risk of MUO/O increased by 37% ( OR=1.37, 95% CI: 1.01-1.87, P=0.045). Linear regression model and RCS showed that lnSII was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (SBP: β=1.39, 95% CI: 0.67-2.11, P<0.001; DBP: β=1.27, 95% CI: 0.79-1.75, P<0.001). lnSII also had a non-linear relationship with triglyceride ( Pnonlinear=0.032) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( Pnonlinear=0.002). Conclusion:Elevated SII levels are associated with unfavorable obesity metabolic phenotypes, higher blood pressure, and altered lipid profiles in children and adolescents. SII may be a potential driving factor for metabolic heterogeneity in children and adolescents.

Objective:To identify the risk factors for postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.Methods:In this case-control study, 6 differentially expressed genes were screened through gene expression database analysis and protein-protein interaction network analysis: cytochrome c oxidase subunit 7C (COX7C), ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase complex III subunit VII (UQCRQ), cytochrome c oxidase subunit 7A2 (COX7A2), translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 7, ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S5, and ribosomal protein L31. Elderly patients who underwent hip fracture surgery at Anhui No. 2 Provincial People′s Hospital from April 2022 to April 2024 were recruited. Based on the results of the Mini-Mental State Examination, the patients were divided into POCD group ( n=51) and non-POCD (NPOCD) group ( n=53). The expression of differentially expressed genes in the peripheral blood was detected using the fluorescent quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The 6 differentially expressed genes were subjected to a difference test, and genes with P<0.05 were included in the binary logistic regression analysis to screen for risk factors for POCD. Results:The expression of COX7C, UQCRQ and COX7A2 was significantly down-regulated in POCD group compared with non-POCD group ( P<0.05). The results of logistic regression showed that the low-expression COX7C ( OR=1.926, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.604-5.264, P=0.022), UQCRQ ( OR=3.023, 95% CI 1.966-7.156, P=0.001), and COX7A2 ( OR=1.744, 95% CI 1.479-6.127, P=0.013) in peripheral blood were independent risk factors for the occurrence of POCD in elderly patients. Conclusions:Low-expression COX7C, UQCRQ and COX7A2 are risk factors for POCD in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.

Objective:To investigate the correlation of epithelial lesions among different biopsy sites in the female lower genital tract and the relationship between age and lesion distribution.Methods:A total of 406 148 patients with cervical biopsy specimens archived at the Department of Pathology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University from January 2010 to December 2021 were analyzed. Among them, 70 309 cases (17.31%) had concurrent vaginal biopsies, and 16 073 cases (3.96%) had concurrent vulvar biopsies. (1) Cases were divided into four 3-year intervals to compare vaginal or vulvar biopsy rates and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) or worse (HSIL +) detection rates across time periods. (2) Correlations between cervical lesions and vaginal or vulvar lesions were assessed. (3) Patients were stratified into three age groups (<30, 30-49, and ≥50 years) to compare vaginal or vulvar HSIL + detection rates. Results:Mean ages of patients with cervical, vaginal, and vulvar biopsies were (41.3±11.0), (47.4±12.5), and (41.9±13.2) years, respectively. Patients with vaginal biopsy were significantly older than cervical or vulvar groups (all P<0.001). (1) Vaginal biopsy rates increased markedly from 7.37% (2010—2012) to 22.76% (2019—2021; χ2=9 205.01, P<0.001); vulvar biopsy rates increased slightly from 2.80% to 5.69% ( χ2=1 777.25, P<0.001). Correspondingly, vaginal HSIL + detection rates rose from 0.28% to >0.5% (0.56% in 2013—2015, 0.59% in 2016—2018, 0.51% in 2019—2021; χ2=134.70, P<0.001), while vulvar HSIL + rates increased from 0.03% to 0.33% ( χ2=56.54, P<0.001). (2) Weak correlation existed between cervical and vaginal lesions ( r=0.28; P<0.001; n=70 309), while cervical-vulvar correlation was weaker ( r=0.22, P<0.001; n=16 073). (3) Vaginal HSIL + detection rates were higher in cervical HSIL + patients aged 30-49 years (26.65%) and ≥50 years (26.79%) versus <30 years (14.63%; both P<0.001). Conversely, vulvar HSIL + detection rates were higher in the <30 years group (23.08%) versus 30-49 years (13.83%) and ≥50 years (12.89%; both P<0.05). Conclusions:Vaginal or vulvar lesion detection rates increase with biopsy frequency. Vaginal lesions correlate with cervical abnormalities, whereas vulvar lesions are relatively independent. In cervical HSIL + patients, those <30 years are more prone to have vulvar HSIL +, while those ≥30 years show higher vaginal HSIL + incidence. These age-specific distribution patterns inform optimized biopsy strategies.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of corticosteroids in male children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), and provide evidence for the rational clinical use of medication.Methods:This was a multicenter medical record series study which conducted from January 15 th to March 14 th, 2025. A total of 53 male children with DMD admitted to the Department of Rehabilitation of Children′s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Children′s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University and Affiliated Children′s Hospital of Soochow University from 2020 to 2024 were enrolled. Clinical data, corticosteroid usage, and the follow-up data were collected. The North star ambulatory assessment (NSAA) was used as the primary efficacy indicator. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) exchangeable working matrices were used for longitudinal analysis, and the least squares mean were used to compare the change trend of the efficacy evaluation index across different medication durations. Results:The age at the initiation of corticosteroid treatment was (6.3±1.9) years. The follow-up duration was 1.2 (0.9, 2.2) years. After treatment, the raw scores and linear scores of NSAA were both significantly higher than those before treatment ((22±7) vs. (19±5) points, (60±16) vs. (53±8) points; t=3.98, 3.69; both P<0.001). The 10 meter running time and time rising from floor were both shorter than those before treatment (6 (4, 8) vs. 7 (6, 9) s, 5 (3, 6) vs. 6 (5, 9) s; Z=2.62, 3.47; both P<0.01). GEE model analysis revealed all nonlinear correlation between motor function (NSAA linear score, 10-meter running velocity, and rising from floor velocity) and the duration of corticosteroid treatment (all P<0.05). Least squares mean comparison all showed that the medication effect first increased and then decreased with duration, reaching the peak at 1.1-2.0 years after treatment (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Corticosteroids can improve the motor function in male children with DMD, with the maximum treatment effect occurring 1 to 2 years after the initiation of treatment. It is necessary to comprehensively leverage time-varying efficacy of corticosteroids to optimize individualized treatment regimens for maximal motor function benefits in children with DMD.