Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a naturally occurring, low-toxicity, and hydrophilic bile acid (BA) in the human body that is converted by intestinal flora using primary BA. Solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) functions to uptake extracellular cystine in exchange for glutamate, and is highly expressed in a variety of human cancers. Retroperitoneal liposarcoma (RLPS) refers to liposarcoma originating from the retroperitoneal area. Lipidomics analysis revealed that UDCA was one of the most significantly downregulated metabolites in sera of RLPS patients compared with healthy subjects. The augmentation of UDCA concentration (≥25 μg/mL) demonstrated a suppressive effect on the proliferation of liposarcoma cells. [¹⁵N₂]-cystine and [¹³C₅]-glutamine isotope tracing revealed that UDCA impairs cystine uptake and glutathione (GSH) synthesis. Mechanistically, UDCA binds to the cystine transporter SLC7A11 to inhibit cystine uptake and impair GSH de novo synthesis, leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and mitochondrial oxidative damage. Furthermore, UDCA can promote the anti-cancer effects of ferroptosis inducers (Erastin, RSL3), the murine double minute 2 (MDM2) inhibitors (Nutlin 3a, RG7112), cyclin dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) inhibitor (Abemaciclib), and glutaminase inhibitor (CB839). Together, UDCA functions as a cystine exchange factor that binds to SLC7A11 for antitumor activity, and SLC7A11 is not only a new transporter for BA but also a clinically applicable target for UDCA. More importantly, in combination with other antitumor chemotherapy or physiotherapy treatments, UDCA may provide effective and promising treatment strategies for RLPS or other types of tumors in a ROS-dependent manner.

Background: The genetic basis for hyperglycaemia in pregnancy remain unclear. This study aimed to uncover the genetic determinants of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and investigate their applications. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for GDM in Chinese women (464 cases and 1,217 controls), followed by de novo replications in an independent Chinese cohort (564 cases and 572 controls) and in silico replication in European (12,332 cases and 131,109 controls) and multi-ethnic populations (5,485 cases and 347,856 controls). A polygenic risk score (PRS) was derived based on the identified variants. Results: Using the genome-wide scan and candidate gene approaches, we identified four susceptibility loci for GDM. These included three previously reported loci for GDM and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at MTNR1B (rs7945617, odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.38 to 1.96]), CDKAL1 (rs7754840, OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.58), and INS-IGF2-KCNQ1 (rs2237897, OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.79), as well as a novel genome-wide significant locus near TBR1-SLC4A10 (rs117781972, OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.61 to 2.62; Pmeta=7.6×10-9), which has not been previously reported in GWAS for T2DM or glycaemic traits. Moreover, we found that women with a high PRS (top quintile) had over threefold (95% CI, 2.30 to 4.09; Pmeta=3.1×10-14) and 71% (95% CI, 1.08 to 2.71; P=0.0220) higher risk for GDM and abnormal glucose tolerance post-pregnancy, respectively, compared to other individuals. Conclusion Our results indicate that the genetic architecture of glucose metabolism exhibits both similarities and differences between the pregnant and non-pregnant states. Integrating genetic information can facilitate identification of pregnant women at a higher risk of developing GDM or later diabetes.

Methods: Patients with Lenke 1 AIS undergoing posterior spinal fusion were included. Standing and fulcrum bending radiographs on the coronal and sagittal planes were analyzed at preoperative, immediate, and 2-year postoperative periods. The primary outcome was postoperative hypokyphosis (T5–12 thoracic kyphosis [TK] <20°). Risk factors for postoperative hypokyphosis were identified by multivariate logistic regression, and the optimal cutoff for significant risk factors was determined by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Results: In total, 156 patients were included in the analysis, of which 68 (43.6%) were hypokyphotic at 2-year follow-up. Low T5–12 TK on lateral view fulcrum bending films (immediate postoperative odds ratio [OR], 0.870; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.826–0.917; 2-year postoperative OR, 0.916; 95% CI, 0.876–0.959; p<0.001) and high convex side implant density (2-year postoperative OR, 1.749; 95% CI, 1.056–2.897; p=0.03) were significant risk factors for postoperative hypokyphosis. Other baseline demographic and surgical factors did not affect postoperative kyphosis correction. The T5–12 TK cutoff on fulcrum bending for 2-year postoperative hypokyphosis was 12.45° (area under the curve, 0.773; 95% CI, 0.661–0.820). Conclusions Fulcrum bending radiography is useful in assessing coronal and sagittal flexibility for preoperative planning. In patients with T5–12 kyphosis <12.5° on lateral view fulcrum bending radiographs, Ponte osteotomies or releases, or a decrease in convex side implant density should be considered to improve kyphosis restoration and reduce the risk of 2-year postoperative hypokyphosis.

Background: The genetic basis for hyperglycaemia in pregnancy remain unclear. This study aimed to uncover the genetic determinants of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and investigate their applications. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for GDM in Chinese women (464 cases and 1,217 controls), followed by de novo replications in an independent Chinese cohort (564 cases and 572 controls) and in silico replication in European (12,332 cases and 131,109 controls) and multi-ethnic populations (5,485 cases and 347,856 controls). A polygenic risk score (PRS) was derived based on the identified variants. Results: Using the genome-wide scan and candidate gene approaches, we identified four susceptibility loci for GDM. These included three previously reported loci for GDM and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at MTNR1B (rs7945617, odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.38 to 1.96]), CDKAL1 (rs7754840, OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.58), and INS-IGF2-KCNQ1 (rs2237897, OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.79), as well as a novel genome-wide significant locus near TBR1-SLC4A10 (rs117781972, OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.61 to 2.62; Pmeta=7.6×10-9), which has not been previously reported in GWAS for T2DM or glycaemic traits. Moreover, we found that women with a high PRS (top quintile) had over threefold (95% CI, 2.30 to 4.09; Pmeta=3.1×10-14) and 71% (95% CI, 1.08 to 2.71; P=0.0220) higher risk for GDM and abnormal glucose tolerance post-pregnancy, respectively, compared to other individuals. Conclusion Our results indicate that the genetic architecture of glucose metabolism exhibits both similarities and differences between the pregnant and non-pregnant states. Integrating genetic information can facilitate identification of pregnant women at a higher risk of developing GDM or later diabetes.

Methods: Patients with Lenke 1 AIS undergoing posterior spinal fusion were included. Standing and fulcrum bending radiographs on the coronal and sagittal planes were analyzed at preoperative, immediate, and 2-year postoperative periods. The primary outcome was postoperative hypokyphosis (T5–12 thoracic kyphosis [TK] <20°). Risk factors for postoperative hypokyphosis were identified by multivariate logistic regression, and the optimal cutoff for significant risk factors was determined by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Results: In total, 156 patients were included in the analysis, of which 68 (43.6%) were hypokyphotic at 2-year follow-up. Low T5–12 TK on lateral view fulcrum bending films (immediate postoperative odds ratio [OR], 0.870; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.826–0.917; 2-year postoperative OR, 0.916; 95% CI, 0.876–0.959; p<0.001) and high convex side implant density (2-year postoperative OR, 1.749; 95% CI, 1.056–2.897; p=0.03) were significant risk factors for postoperative hypokyphosis. Other baseline demographic and surgical factors did not affect postoperative kyphosis correction. The T5–12 TK cutoff on fulcrum bending for 2-year postoperative hypokyphosis was 12.45° (area under the curve, 0.773; 95% CI, 0.661–0.820). Conclusions Fulcrum bending radiography is useful in assessing coronal and sagittal flexibility for preoperative planning. In patients with T5–12 kyphosis <12.5° on lateral view fulcrum bending radiographs, Ponte osteotomies or releases, or a decrease in convex side implant density should be considered to improve kyphosis restoration and reduce the risk of 2-year postoperative hypokyphosis.

Background: The genetic basis for hyperglycaemia in pregnancy remain unclear. This study aimed to uncover the genetic determinants of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and investigate their applications. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for GDM in Chinese women (464 cases and 1,217 controls), followed by de novo replications in an independent Chinese cohort (564 cases and 572 controls) and in silico replication in European (12,332 cases and 131,109 controls) and multi-ethnic populations (5,485 cases and 347,856 controls). A polygenic risk score (PRS) was derived based on the identified variants. Results: Using the genome-wide scan and candidate gene approaches, we identified four susceptibility loci for GDM. These included three previously reported loci for GDM and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at MTNR1B (rs7945617, odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.38 to 1.96]), CDKAL1 (rs7754840, OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.58), and INS-IGF2-KCNQ1 (rs2237897, OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.79), as well as a novel genome-wide significant locus near TBR1-SLC4A10 (rs117781972, OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.61 to 2.62; Pmeta=7.6×10-9), which has not been previously reported in GWAS for T2DM or glycaemic traits. Moreover, we found that women with a high PRS (top quintile) had over threefold (95% CI, 2.30 to 4.09; Pmeta=3.1×10-14) and 71% (95% CI, 1.08 to 2.71; P=0.0220) higher risk for GDM and abnormal glucose tolerance post-pregnancy, respectively, compared to other individuals. Conclusion Our results indicate that the genetic architecture of glucose metabolism exhibits both similarities and differences between the pregnant and non-pregnant states. Integrating genetic information can facilitate identification of pregnant women at a higher risk of developing GDM or later diabetes.

Methods: Patients with Lenke 1 AIS undergoing posterior spinal fusion were included. Standing and fulcrum bending radiographs on the coronal and sagittal planes were analyzed at preoperative, immediate, and 2-year postoperative periods. The primary outcome was postoperative hypokyphosis (T5–12 thoracic kyphosis [TK] <20°). Risk factors for postoperative hypokyphosis were identified by multivariate logistic regression, and the optimal cutoff for significant risk factors was determined by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Results: In total, 156 patients were included in the analysis, of which 68 (43.6%) were hypokyphotic at 2-year follow-up. Low T5–12 TK on lateral view fulcrum bending films (immediate postoperative odds ratio [OR], 0.870; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.826–0.917; 2-year postoperative OR, 0.916; 95% CI, 0.876–0.959; p<0.001) and high convex side implant density (2-year postoperative OR, 1.749; 95% CI, 1.056–2.897; p=0.03) were significant risk factors for postoperative hypokyphosis. Other baseline demographic and surgical factors did not affect postoperative kyphosis correction. The T5–12 TK cutoff on fulcrum bending for 2-year postoperative hypokyphosis was 12.45° (area under the curve, 0.773; 95% CI, 0.661–0.820). Conclusions Fulcrum bending radiography is useful in assessing coronal and sagittal flexibility for preoperative planning. In patients with T5–12 kyphosis <12.5° on lateral view fulcrum bending radiographs, Ponte osteotomies or releases, or a decrease in convex side implant density should be considered to improve kyphosis restoration and reduce the risk of 2-year postoperative hypokyphosis.

Background: The genetic basis for hyperglycaemia in pregnancy remain unclear. This study aimed to uncover the genetic determinants of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and investigate their applications. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for GDM in Chinese women (464 cases and 1,217 controls), followed by de novo replications in an independent Chinese cohort (564 cases and 572 controls) and in silico replication in European (12,332 cases and 131,109 controls) and multi-ethnic populations (5,485 cases and 347,856 controls). A polygenic risk score (PRS) was derived based on the identified variants. Results: Using the genome-wide scan and candidate gene approaches, we identified four susceptibility loci for GDM. These included three previously reported loci for GDM and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at MTNR1B (rs7945617, odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.38 to 1.96]), CDKAL1 (rs7754840, OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.58), and INS-IGF2-KCNQ1 (rs2237897, OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.79), as well as a novel genome-wide significant locus near TBR1-SLC4A10 (rs117781972, OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.61 to 2.62; Pmeta=7.6×10-9), which has not been previously reported in GWAS for T2DM or glycaemic traits. Moreover, we found that women with a high PRS (top quintile) had over threefold (95% CI, 2.30 to 4.09; Pmeta=3.1×10-14) and 71% (95% CI, 1.08 to 2.71; P=0.0220) higher risk for GDM and abnormal glucose tolerance post-pregnancy, respectively, compared to other individuals. Conclusion Our results indicate that the genetic architecture of glucose metabolism exhibits both similarities and differences between the pregnant and non-pregnant states. Integrating genetic information can facilitate identification of pregnant women at a higher risk of developing GDM or later diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) with different frequencies on spermatogenic function, testicular morphology and oxidative stress in oligoasthenospermia (OAT) rats, and to explore the mechanism and the optimal parameters of EA for OAT. METHODS: Sixty SPF-grade male SD rats were randomly divided into a solvent control group, a model group, a 2 Hz EA group, a 100 Hz EA group and a 2 Hz/100 Hz EA group, with 12 rats in each group. Except for the solvent control group, the other 4 groups were administered ornidazole suspension (800 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) by gavage for 28 d to establish the OAT model. Starting from the 1st of modeling, EA was applied at "Guanyuan" (CV4), "Qihai" (CV6) and bilateral "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) and "Zusanli" (ST36) in the 3 EA groups, continuous wave of 2 Hz, continuous wave of 100 Hz, and disperse-dense wave of 2 Hz/100 Hz were used in the 2 Hz EA group, the 100 Hz EA group, and the 2 Hz/100 Hz EA group, respectively, with current intensity of 1-3 mA, 30 min a time, once every other day, for 28 consecutive days. After intervention, the testicular index was calculated, epididymal sperm quality was assessed, and the fertility ability was observed; morphology of testicular tissue was observed by HE staining, and the Johnson score was calculated; the positive expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in testicular tissue was detected by immunofluorescence; the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), as well as the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in testicular tissue were measured by ELISA; the protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in testicular tissue was detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the solvent control group, in the model group, the testicular index, sperm concentration, sperm motility and the number of offspring were decreased (P<0.01), the seminiferous tubules atrophied and the Johnson score decreased (P<0.01); the activity of SOD and CAT, as well as the protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in testicular tissue were decreased (P<0.01); the sperm deformity rate, the positive expression of ROS and the MDA level in testicular tissue were increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, in the 2 Hz EA group, the 100 Hz EA group and the 2 Hz/100 Hz EA group, the testicular index, sperm concentration, sperm motility and the number of offspring were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), the pathological morphology of testicular tissue improved and the Johnson scores increased (P<0.01); the activity of SOD and CAT, as well as the protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in testicular tissue were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01); the sperm deformity rate, the positive expression of ROS and the MDA level in testicular tissue were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the 2 Hz EA group, in the 2 Hz/100 Hz EA group, the testicular index, sperm concentration, sperm motility, as well as the CAT activity and HO-1 protein expression in testicular tissue were increased (P<0.01, P<0.05); the positive expression of ROS was decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the 100 Hz EA group, in the 2 Hz/100 Hz EA group, the testicular index was increased (P<0.01), the positive expression of ROS in testicular tissue was decreased (P<0.01). CONCLUSION EA with 2 Hz continuous wave, 100 Hz continuous wave, and 2 Hz/100 Hz disperse-dense wave can all improve the spermatogenic arrest and reduce the level of oxidative stress in testicular tissue in OAT rats, the mechanism may be related to up-regulating the protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 and improving oxidative stress. EA with disperse-dense wave of 2 Hz/100 Hz shows the optimal effect.
Male ; Animals ; Electroacupuncture ; Oxidative Stress ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spermatogenesis ; Oligospermia/genetics* ; Humans ; Testis/metabolism* ; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism* ; Asthenozoospermia/genetics* ; Acupuncture Points ; Malondialdehyde/metabolism*