Objective:To study the epidemic characteristics and clinical symptoms of patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) in Shandong Province, and to provide a basis for further optimizing the clinical treatment strategies for HT.Methods:Data on HT patients admitted to Shandong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention from January 2018 to December 2023 were collected. A retrospective analysis was conducted to analyze their epidemiological characteristics, clinical symptoms, and auxiliary examination results.Results:A total of 192 HT patients' data were included, comprising 42 males (21.87%) and 150 females (78.13%). The average age of patients was 40.38 years old, ranging from 9 to 74 years old. Most patients resided in urban areas (129 cases, 67.19%). HT cases occurred throughout the year in every mouth, with higher incidence in June (32 cases, 16.7%) and July (20 cases, 10.4%), lower incidence in March (8 cases, 4.2%) and April (10 cases, 5.2%), and sporadic cases in other months. Based on clinical manifestations, among all HT patients, there were 66 cases (34.38%) of Hashitoxicosis type, 11 cases (5.73%) of pseudothyrotoxicosis type, 7 cases (3.65%) of exophthalmic type, 5 cases (2.60%) of subacute thyroiditis-like type, 3 cases (1.56%) of juvenile type, 35 cases (18.23%) of fibrous type, 39 cases (20.31%) of thyroid adenoma or carcinoma type, and 26 cases (13.54%) of other autoimmune diseases type. Based on disease progression, among all HT patients, there were 61 cases (31.77%) in the hyperthyroid phase, 16 cases (8.33%) in the hyperthyroid-hypothyroid coexisting phase, and 115 cases (59.90%) in the hypothyroid phase. Based on clinical symptoms, among all HT patients,there were 78 cases(40.62%) of neck mass symptoms, 101 cases (52.60%) of digestive system symptoms, and 95 cases (49.48%) of low metabolic symptoms. Laboratory tests revealed that 144 cases had elevated levels of both thyroglobulin antibody and thyroid peroxidase antibody. Color ultrasound examination showed strip-like echoes in the thyroid in 99 cases (51.56%) and grid-like echoes in 43 cases (22.40%). After treatment with antithyroid drugs or appropriate thyroid hormone supplementation, all 192 HT patients experienced symptom relief.Conclusions:HT patients in Shandong Province were predominantly female and urban residents. Common clinical symptoms included anterior neck swelling, constipation, fever, and weight gain. Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment could delay disease progression.

BACKGROUND:Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head is closely related to ferroptosis in osteoblasts.Deer antler peptide can promote the survival and functional establishment of osteoclasts by inhibiting ferroptosis in osteoblasts,and has the potential to treat steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head,but its regulatory mechanism of ferroptosis in osteoblasts has not yet been clarified.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism by which deer antler peptide inhibits dexamethasone-induced ferroptosis in osteoblasts.METHODS:(1)Different concentration gradients of antler peptide and dexamethasone were used to intervene in MC3T3-E1 14 cells,and the cell activity was detected by cell counting kit-8 method to determine the effect concentration of antler peptide and dexamethasone.(2)MC3T3-E1 14 cells treated with dexamethasone(800 μmol/L)were intervened with different concentrations of gradient antler polypeptide,which were then divided into blank control group,dexamethasone group and dexamethasone+antler peptide group.Cell counting kit-8 method was used to calculate the effects of different concentrations of antler polypeptide on the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 14 cells.(3)Glutathione,superoxide dismutase,malondialdehyde,lipid peroxide,cellular iron,and reactive oxygen species levels in the blank control group,dexamethasone group and dexamethasone+antler peptide group were detected using kits.The protein expressions of glutathione peroxidase 4 and solute carrier family 7 member 11 were detected by western blot to verify the pathway by which antler polypeptide inhibits ferroptosis.RESULTS AND CONCIUSION:After cell activity was detected by cell counting kit-8 assay,antler peptide(10 mg/mL)and dexamethasone(800 μmol/L)were selected to treat MC3T3-E1 14 cells for 24 hours in subsequent experiments.After treatment with dexamethasone,malondialdehyde,lipid peroxide,cellular iron and reactive oxygen species levels were all increased(P<0.01),while glutathione content and superoxide dismutase activity were decreased and the protein expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 and solute carrier family 7 member 11 were also decreased(P<0.05-0.01).After antler peptide intervention,the changes in the above indexes were obviously reversed(P<0.05-0.01).To conclude,antler peptide may inhibit ferroptosis in osteoblasts by regulating the glutathione peroxidase 4/solute carrier family 7 member 11 axis,and thereby exert a therapeutic role in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

BACKGROUND:Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head is closely related to ferroptosis in osteoblasts.Deer antler peptide can promote the survival and functional establishment of osteoclasts by inhibiting ferroptosis in osteoblasts,and has the potential to treat steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head,but its regulatory mechanism of ferroptosis in osteoblasts has not yet been clarified.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism by which deer antler peptide inhibits dexamethasone-induced ferroptosis in osteoblasts.METHODS:(1)Different concentration gradients of antler peptide and dexamethasone were used to intervene in MC3T3-E1 14 cells,and the cell activity was detected by cell counting kit-8 method to determine the effect concentration of antler peptide and dexamethasone.(2)MC3T3-E1 14 cells treated with dexamethasone(800 μmol/L)were intervened with different concentrations of gradient antler polypeptide,which were then divided into blank control group,dexamethasone group and dexamethasone+antler peptide group.Cell counting kit-8 method was used to calculate the effects of different concentrations of antler polypeptide on the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 14 cells.(3)Glutathione,superoxide dismutase,malondialdehyde,lipid peroxide,cellular iron,and reactive oxygen species levels in the blank control group,dexamethasone group and dexamethasone+antler peptide group were detected using kits.The protein expressions of glutathione peroxidase 4 and solute carrier family 7 member 11 were detected by western blot to verify the pathway by which antler polypeptide inhibits ferroptosis.RESULTS AND CONCIUSION:After cell activity was detected by cell counting kit-8 assay,antler peptide(10 mg/mL)and dexamethasone(800 μmol/L)were selected to treat MC3T3-E1 14 cells for 24 hours in subsequent experiments.After treatment with dexamethasone,malondialdehyde,lipid peroxide,cellular iron and reactive oxygen species levels were all increased(P<0.01),while glutathione content and superoxide dismutase activity were decreased and the protein expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 and solute carrier family 7 member 11 were also decreased(P<0.05-0.01).After antler peptide intervention,the changes in the above indexes were obviously reversed(P<0.05-0.01).To conclude,antler peptide may inhibit ferroptosis in osteoblasts by regulating the glutathione peroxidase 4/solute carrier family 7 member 11 axis,and thereby exert a therapeutic role in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

BACKGROUND:Through scientific research addressing the effect of calcined deer antler slices on promoting the proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,it aims to provide empirical support for the integration and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine and modern regenerative medicine,and promote the widespread application of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of skeletal system diseases.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of calcined deer antler slices on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell proliferation.METHODS:Different calcination samples were prepared by wrapping deer antler slices with materials such as clay,yellow clay,and salted yellow clay,resulting in seven different samples(clay-cotton cloth,yellow clay-cotton cloth,salted yellow clay-cotton cloth,yellow clay-tin foil,salted yellow clay-tin foil,yellow clay-honey roasted,salted yellow clay-honey roasted antler slices).Water-soluble extract content in deer antler slices was determined before and after calcination.CCK-8 assay was used to evaluate the effects of different aqueous extracts of calcined antler slices on the proliferation activity of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Calcination significantly increased the water-soluble extract content of deer antler slices,with the highest content observed in samples treated with yellow clay and honey.(2)Calcined deer antler slices significantly promoted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell proliferation,among which the yellow clay-honey roasted deer antler slices have the most significant effect on promoting the proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.

BACKGROUND:Previous studies by the research group have shown that core proteoglycan in Cornus Cervi Col la can enter the bone,promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,and has a good repair effect on steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of Cornus Cervi Colla on steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head in rats by fecal non-targeted fecal metabolomics.METHODS:Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into three groups using a random number table method:the control group(n=10)was injected with normal saline into the right gluteal muscle(injected on the first 3 days of each week for 3 consecutive weeks),and was given pure water gavage(once a day for 6 consecutive weeks).The model group(n=10)was injected with methylprednisolone sodium succinate into the right gluteal muscle(injected on the first 3 days of each week for 3 consecutive weeks)to establish a steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head model,and was given pure water gavage(once a day for 6 consecutive weeks).The Cornus Cervi Co I la group(n=10)was also established with a steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head model,and was given Cornus Cervi Col la gavage(once a day for 6 consecutive weeks).After gavage,cecal feces and femoral heads were collected for fecal metabolomics analysis and bone tissue Micro-CT and hematoxylin-eosin staining,respectively.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Metabolomics analysis results showed that there were 233 differential metabolites between the Cornus Cervi Col la and model groups,with 65 significantly differing and clearly annotated metabolites.Lipid and amino acid metabolites were significantly increased,with bile acids,sulfated steroids,ephedrine,hypoxanthine,betaine,L-carnitine,B-mouse bile acid,cytidine,4-pyridoxic acid,taurine,N-acetyl-d-glucosamine,and butyric acid being the most impacted(variable weight value VIP＞5).The metabolic pathways of taurine and hypotaurine were crucial in the metabolic regulatory network(pathway impact=0.428 57).(2)Micro-CT scanning results of bone tissue showed that the femoral heads of rats in the model group and the Cornus Cervi Col la group had different degrees of damage;the femoral head contour was irregular;the trabeculae in the subchondral bone of the femoral head were missing and disordered,and some cystic structures were visible.Compared with the model group,the degree of trabecular damage in the rats of the Cornus Cervi Colla group was milder.Hematoxylin-eosin staining results showed that the trabeculae in the subchondral bone of the femoral heads of rats in the model group and the Cornus Cervi Colla group were sparse or interrupted,and the empty bone lacuna rate and adipocyte invasion were increased.Compared with the model group,the empty bone lacuna rate and adipocyte invasion in the subchondral bone of the femoral heads of rats in the Cornus Cervi Colla group were reduced.(3)These results conclude that Cornus Cervi Colla potentially mitigates steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head through the metabolic processes involving taurine and associated pathways.

BACKGROUND:Osteonecrosis is an orthopedic disease that severely limits joint function,with complex pathogenesis involving multiple risk factors.Cathepsins,as a class of enzymes that play a key role in bone metabolism,are closely related to the proliferation,differentiation of bone cells,and remodeling of the bone matrix.However,previous studies have mostly focused on descriptive analyses,lacking direct evidence of causal relationships.OBJECTIVE:To clarify the potential causal relationship between cathepsins and osteonecrosis and to explore their possible mechanisms by analyzing large-scale sample data from the FinnGen database.METHODS:We obtained osteonecrosis-related data from the FinnGen database,including R9(a total of 359 399 samples:1 385 cases and 358 014 controls)and R10 versions(a total of 392 580 samples:1 543 cases and 391 037 controls).Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with nine cathepsins(cathepsin B,E,F,G,H,O,S,L2,and Z)were acquired from a previous study(3 301 individuals).Univariate Mendelian randomization,reverse univariate Mendelian randomization,and multivariate Mendelian randomization analyses were conducted using the inverse variance weighted method,MR-Egger method,weighted median method,simple mode method,and weighted mode method.Initially,Mendelian randomization analysis was performed using osteonecrosis data from R9.Additionally,sensitivity analyses were conducted using Cochran's Q test,MR-Egger intercept,MR-PRESSO global test,and leave-one-out analysis to check for horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity.Subsequently,a validation analysis study was carried out on the R10 dataset,and a meta-analysis was conducted to combine the two datasets to explore the joint effect.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Univariate Mendelian randomization analysis results showed that higher levels of cathepsin B were significantly associated with a reduced risk of osteonecrosis(inverse variance weighted:odds ratio(OR)=0.865,95％confidence interval(CI):0.762-0.982,P=0.025),and no reverse causal relationship was found between the nine cathepsins and osteonecrosis(P＞0.05).These associations were validated by meta-analysis.Multivariate analysis,using the nine cathepsins as covariates,revealed a reverse causal relationship between the levels of cathepsin Band the risk of osteonecrosis(inverse variance weighted:OR=0.8710,95％CI:0.761-0.997,P=0.045),consistent with the results before adjustment.Sensitivity analyses based on heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy suggested that the results were relatively robust.This study suggests that there is a causal relationship between high levels of cathepsin B and the reduced risk of osteonecrosis,and it may serve as a biomarker for osteonecrosis,providing new directions and insights for the diagnosis and treatment of osteonecrosis.Although this study is based on data analysis of European populations,these findings have important implications for Chinese biomedical research,especially in understanding disease mechanisms,developing biomarkers,and formulating treatment strategies.They also encourage similar studies conducted on Chinese populations to explore the impact of racial and genetic background differences on the occurrence of osteonecrosis.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the world,and the continuous progress of its di-agnosis and treatment technology is crucial to improve the patient survival rates and quality of life.In recent years,the rapid develop-ment of nanotechnology has provided a new strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.This article summarizes the appli-cation progress of nanoparticles in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer,covering breast cancer imaging,drug delivery,gene therapy,and immunotherapy,and discusses the future development trend.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the world,and the continuous progress of its di-agnosis and treatment technology is crucial to improve the patient survival rates and quality of life.In recent years,the rapid develop-ment of nanotechnology has provided a new strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.This article summarizes the appli-cation progress of nanoparticles in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer,covering breast cancer imaging,drug delivery,gene therapy,and immunotherapy,and discusses the future development trend.

Thyroid diseases are clinically prevalent endocrine and metabolic disorders, including various types such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and thyroid nodules. Their pathogenesis is complex and influenced by numerous factors, potentially involving genetic factors, environmental factors, and immune dysfunction. With the continuous advancement of modern traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), TCM has established a unique theoretical system in the prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases, with increasingly rich clinical practical experience. This article reviews the recent application of TCM health status analysis, monitoring, early warning, and prevention in the field of thyroid diseases, aiming to provide useful references for in-depth study in this field.

BACKGROUND:Previous studies by the research group have shown that core proteoglycan in Cornus Cervi Col la can enter the bone,promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,and has a good repair effect on steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of Cornus Cervi Colla on steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head in rats by fecal non-targeted fecal metabolomics.METHODS:Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into three groups using a random number table method:the control group(n=10)was injected with normal saline into the right gluteal muscle(injected on the first 3 days of each week for 3 consecutive weeks),and was given pure water gavage(once a day for 6 consecutive weeks).The model group(n=10)was injected with methylprednisolone sodium succinate into the right gluteal muscle(injected on the first 3 days of each week for 3 consecutive weeks)to establish a steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head model,and was given pure water gavage(once a day for 6 consecutive weeks).The Cornus Cervi Co I la group(n=10)was also established with a steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head model,and was given Cornus Cervi Col la gavage(once a day for 6 consecutive weeks).After gavage,cecal feces and femoral heads were collected for fecal metabolomics analysis and bone tissue Micro-CT and hematoxylin-eosin staining,respectively.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Metabolomics analysis results showed that there were 233 differential metabolites between the Cornus Cervi Col la and model groups,with 65 significantly differing and clearly annotated metabolites.Lipid and amino acid metabolites were significantly increased,with bile acids,sulfated steroids,ephedrine,hypoxanthine,betaine,L-carnitine,B-mouse bile acid,cytidine,4-pyridoxic acid,taurine,N-acetyl-d-glucosamine,and butyric acid being the most impacted(variable weight value VIP＞5).The metabolic pathways of taurine and hypotaurine were crucial in the metabolic regulatory network(pathway impact=0.428 57).(2)Micro-CT scanning results of bone tissue showed that the femoral heads of rats in the model group and the Cornus Cervi Col la group had different degrees of damage;the femoral head contour was irregular;the trabeculae in the subchondral bone of the femoral head were missing and disordered,and some cystic structures were visible.Compared with the model group,the degree of trabecular damage in the rats of the Cornus Cervi Colla group was milder.Hematoxylin-eosin staining results showed that the trabeculae in the subchondral bone of the femoral heads of rats in the model group and the Cornus Cervi Colla group were sparse or interrupted,and the empty bone lacuna rate and adipocyte invasion were increased.Compared with the model group,the empty bone lacuna rate and adipocyte invasion in the subchondral bone of the femoral heads of rats in the Cornus Cervi Colla group were reduced.(3)These results conclude that Cornus Cervi Colla potentially mitigates steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head through the metabolic processes involving taurine and associated pathways.