Background: In acute and chronic renal inflammatory diseases, the activation of inflammatory cells is involved in the defect of erythropoietin (EPO) production. Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing protein-4 (RasGRP4) promotes renal inflammatory injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of RasGRP4 in the production of renal EPO in diabetes. Methods: The degree of tissue injury was observed by pathological staining. Inflammatory cell infiltration was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. Serum EPO levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and EPO production and renal interstitial fibrosis were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of key inflammatory factors and the activation of signaling pathways. In vitro, the interaction between peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and C3H10T1/2 cells was investigated via cell coculture experiments. Results: RasGRP4 decreased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 2-alpha (HIF2A) via the ubiquitination–proteasome degradation pathway and promoted myofibroblastic transformation by activating critical inflammatory pathways, consequently reducing the production of EPO in T2DM mice. Conclusion RasGRP4 participates in the production of renal EPO in diabetic mice by affecting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in PBMCs, degrading HIF2A, and promoting the myofibroblastic transformation of C3H10T1/2 cells.

Background: In acute and chronic renal inflammatory diseases, the activation of inflammatory cells is involved in the defect of erythropoietin (EPO) production. Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing protein-4 (RasGRP4) promotes renal inflammatory injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of RasGRP4 in the production of renal EPO in diabetes. Methods: The degree of tissue injury was observed by pathological staining. Inflammatory cell infiltration was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. Serum EPO levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and EPO production and renal interstitial fibrosis were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of key inflammatory factors and the activation of signaling pathways. In vitro, the interaction between peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and C3H10T1/2 cells was investigated via cell coculture experiments. Results: RasGRP4 decreased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 2-alpha (HIF2A) via the ubiquitination–proteasome degradation pathway and promoted myofibroblastic transformation by activating critical inflammatory pathways, consequently reducing the production of EPO in T2DM mice. Conclusion RasGRP4 participates in the production of renal EPO in diabetic mice by affecting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in PBMCs, degrading HIF2A, and promoting the myofibroblastic transformation of C3H10T1/2 cells.

Background: In acute and chronic renal inflammatory diseases, the activation of inflammatory cells is involved in the defect of erythropoietin (EPO) production. Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing protein-4 (RasGRP4) promotes renal inflammatory injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of RasGRP4 in the production of renal EPO in diabetes. Methods: The degree of tissue injury was observed by pathological staining. Inflammatory cell infiltration was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. Serum EPO levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and EPO production and renal interstitial fibrosis were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of key inflammatory factors and the activation of signaling pathways. In vitro, the interaction between peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and C3H10T1/2 cells was investigated via cell coculture experiments. Results: RasGRP4 decreased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 2-alpha (HIF2A) via the ubiquitination–proteasome degradation pathway and promoted myofibroblastic transformation by activating critical inflammatory pathways, consequently reducing the production of EPO in T2DM mice. Conclusion RasGRP4 participates in the production of renal EPO in diabetic mice by affecting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in PBMCs, degrading HIF2A, and promoting the myofibroblastic transformation of C3H10T1/2 cells.

Background: In acute and chronic renal inflammatory diseases, the activation of inflammatory cells is involved in the defect of erythropoietin (EPO) production. Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing protein-4 (RasGRP4) promotes renal inflammatory injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of RasGRP4 in the production of renal EPO in diabetes. Methods: The degree of tissue injury was observed by pathological staining. Inflammatory cell infiltration was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. Serum EPO levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and EPO production and renal interstitial fibrosis were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of key inflammatory factors and the activation of signaling pathways. In vitro, the interaction between peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and C3H10T1/2 cells was investigated via cell coculture experiments. Results: RasGRP4 decreased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 2-alpha (HIF2A) via the ubiquitination–proteasome degradation pathway and promoted myofibroblastic transformation by activating critical inflammatory pathways, consequently reducing the production of EPO in T2DM mice. Conclusion RasGRP4 participates in the production of renal EPO in diabetic mice by affecting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in PBMCs, degrading HIF2A, and promoting the myofibroblastic transformation of C3H10T1/2 cells.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of the natural compound hesperidin in glycolysis, the key ratelimiting enzyme, in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines. METHODS: In vitro, HCT116 and SW620 were treated with different doses of hesperidin (0-500 µmol/L), cell counting kit-8 and colone formation assays were utilized to detected inhibition effect of hesperidin on CRC cell lines. Transwell and wound healing assays were performed to detect the ability of hesperidin (0, 25, 50 and 75 µmol/L) to migrate CRC cells. To confirm the apoptotic-inducing effect of hesperidin, apoptosis and cycle assays were employed. Western blot, glucose uptake, and lactate production determination measurements were applied to determine inhibitory effects of hesperidin (0, 25 and 50 µmol/L) on glycolysis. In vivo, according to the random number table method, nude mice with successful tumor loading were randomly divided into vehicle, low-dose hesperidin (20 mg/kg) and high-dose hesperidin (60 mg/kg) groups, with 6 mice in each group. The body weights and tumor volumes of mice were recorded during 4-week treatment. The expression of key glycolysis rate-limiting enzymes was determined using Western blot, and glucose uptake and lactate production were assessed. Finally, protein interactions were probed with DirectDIA Quantitative Proteomics, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. RESULTS: Hesperidin could inhibit CRC cell line growth (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, hesperidin presented an inhibitory effect on the migrating abilities of CRC cells. Hesperidin also promoted apoptosis and cell cycle alterations (P<0.05). The immunoblotting results manifested that hesperidin decreased the levels of hexokinase 2, glucose transporter protein 1 (GLUT1), GLUT3, L-lactate dehydrogenase A, 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 2 (PFKFB2), PFKFB3, and pyruvate kinase isozymes M2 (P<0.01). It remarkably suppressed tumor xenograft growth in nude mice. GO and KEGG analyses showed that hesperidin treatment altered metabolic function. CONCLUSION Hesperidin inhibits glycolysis and is a potential therapeutic choice for CRC treatment.
Hesperidin/therapeutic use* ; Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Glycolysis/drug effects* ; Animals ; Humans ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Mice, Nude ; Cell Movement/drug effects* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Glucose/metabolism* ; Cell Cycle/drug effects* ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice ; HCT116 Cells ; Lactic Acid

OBJECTIVE: Pneumoconiosis, a lung disease caused by irreversible fibrosis, represents a significant public health burden. This study investigates the causal relationships between gut microbiota, gene methylation, gene expression, protein levels, and pneumoconiosis using a multi-omics approach and Mendelian randomization (MR). METHODS: We analyzed gut microbiota data from MiBioGen and Esteban et al. to assess their potential causal effects on pneumoconiosis subtypes (asbestosis, silicosis, and inorganic pneumoconiosis) using conventional and summary-data-based MR (SMR). Gene methylation and expression data from Genotype-Tissue Expression and eQTLGen, along with protein level data from deCODE and UK Biobank Pharma Proteomics Project, were examined in relation to pneumoconiosis data from FinnGen. To validate our findings, we assessed self-measured gut flora from a pneumoconiosis cohort and performed fine mapping, drug prediction, molecular docking, and Phenome-Wide Association Studies to explore relevant phenotypes of key genes. RESULTS: Three core gut microorganisms were identified: Romboutsia ( OR = 0.249) as a protective factor against silicosis, Pasteurellaceae ( OR = 3.207) and Haemophilus parainfluenzae ( OR = 2.343) as risk factors for inorganic pneumoconiosis. Additionally, mapping and quantitative trait loci analyses revealed that the genes VIM, STX8, and MIF were significantly associated with pneumoconiosis risk. CONCLUSIONS This multi-omics study highlights the associations between gut microbiota and key genes ( VIM, STX8, MIF) with pneumoconiosis, offering insights into potential therapeutic targets and personalized treatment strategies.
Humans ; Male ; East Asian People/genetics* ; Europe ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Lung ; Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors/metabolism* ; Mendelian Randomization Analysis ; Multiomics ; Pneumoconiosis/microbiology* ; Intramolecular Oxidoreductases

Objective:To study the clinical characteristics and risk factors of nephrocalcinosis in preterm infants.Methods:From March 2021 to August 2021, all preterm infants admitted to NICU of our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The infants were assigned into nephrocalcinosis group and non-nephrocalcinosis group according to urinary tract ultrasound. Clinical data including gestational age, birth weight(BW), nutritional support strategy and complications were reviewed.Results:A total of 40 preterm infants (<34 weeks) were enrolled. 9 cases were in the nephrocalcinosis group and 31 cases in the non-nephrocalcinosis group. The nephrocalcinosis group had lower BW[(1 167±214) g vs.(1 586±215) g], higher calcium [6.9 (5.1, 8.7) g vs.3.3 (2.1, 6.8) g] and vitamin D intake [3.2(2.5, 4.2)×10 4U vs.1.7(1.1, 3.2)×10 4U] during hospitalization. No significant differences existed between the two groups on the following items:blood calcium and phosphate, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, feeding strategy, time to reach full enteral feeding(TFF), furosemide dosage and respiratory support duration ( P>0.05). In the nephrocalcinosis group, the median age of diagnosing nephrocalcinosis was 40.0(30.0, 52.5)d after birth. 5 cases showed bilateral nephrocalcinosis. 5 cases in the nephrocalcinosis group received renal tubule function examination,4 cases had increased urine β2 microglobulin and 2 cases had increased urine α1 microglobulin. 7 cases had elevated urine calcium in the nephrocalcinosis group. Follow-up showed that nephrocalcinosis disappeared 3-9 months after birth. Conclusions:BW, total calcium and vitamin D intake are risk factors for nephrocalcinosis in preterm infants. Increased urine β2 microglobulin and calcium levels are common co-morbidities in preterm infants with nephrocalcinosis.

Objective:To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of HEMO-FISS-QoL(HF-QoL) questionnaire (HF-QoL-C) in the Chinese population with hemorrhoids.Methods:From November 2021 to November 2022, a self-constructed general information questionnaire, HF-QoL-C, and the 36-item short form health survey (SF-36), Goligher classification, and Giordano severity of hemorrhoid symptom questionnaire (GSQ) were used to conduct a questionnaire survey on 760 hemorrhoid patients in the anorectal department of six hospitals. The data was analyzed for reliability and validity using SPSS 21.0 and AMOS 26.0 software.Results:The Cronbach's α coefficient of HF-QoL-C and its dimension ranged from 0.831 to 0.960, and the split coefficient was 0.832-0.915. Four common factors were extracted through principal component exploratory factor analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated acceptable structural validity( χ2/ df=8.152, RSMEA=0.097, CFI=0.881, IFI=0.881, NFI=0.867). HF-QoL-C was correlated with SF36 and GSQ( r=-0.694, 0.501, both P<0.01). There were differences in the total score and dimensional scores of HF-QoL-C between surgical and drug treated patients, different grades of Goligher classification for hemorrhoidal disease, and different ranges of hemorrhoid prolapse (all P<0.001). No ceiling effect was found in the total score and the scores of each dimension(0.3%-2.0%). There was a floor effect in both psychological function and sexual activity dimensions (16.7%, 35.1%). Conclusion:HF-QoL-C has good reliability and validity, which can be used to measure the quality of life of Chinese hemorrhoid patients.

Objective To investigate the vaccination status and vaccination willingness of novel coronavirus in HIV/AIDS population in Yunnan.Methods From October 2021 to June 2022,a questionnaire survey was conducted among 2180 HIV/AIDS patients in Kunming,Qujing,Yuxi,Zhaotong,Puer,Baoshan,Lincang,Honghe,Wenshan,Xishuangbanna,Dali,Dehong and Nujiang prefectures.The questionnaire included age,sex,education,nationality,education level,vaccination,adverse reactions within 7 days after the vaccination,safety of COVID-19 vaccine,awareness of effectiveness,vaccination willingness and so on.Results Among the subjects,2109 completed 3 injections,accounting for 96.74%,and 71 were not vaccinated,accounting for 3.26% .Within 7 days of inoculation,local adverse reactions occurred in 116 cases,accounting for 5.50%,and systemic adverse reactions occurred in 56 cases,accounting for 2.66% .Injection site pain,fatigue and muscle pain accounted for the highest proportion of adverse symptoms in different sex,age and the Han nationality,while the proportion of minority adverse reactions was very low,and there was no difference among the different sex and age(P>0.05).The main reasons for the reluctance of HIV/AIDS population to be vaccinated were(recommended by doctors)that HIV/AIDS patients could not be vaccinated(67.61%)and may have serious adverse reactions after the vaccination(19.72%).The factors affecting the vaccination were found by logistic regression analysis,whether they were worried about infecting novel coronavirus(OR = 0.121,95% CI = 0.083～0.640,P<0.001)and how much they knew about COVID-19 vaccine(OR = 28.932,95% CI = 15.469～54.115,P<0.001),safety of vaccination(OR = 13.953,95% CI = 4.819～40.404,P<0.001)and belief in the preventive effect of vaccine(OR = 14.017,95% CI = 4.752～41.348,P<0.001)were significant factors affecting vaccination.Among the 13 prefectures and cities,Dehong(20),Zhaotong(21)and Lincang(14)had the largest number of unvaccinated people.Conclusion After the mass vaccination,the rate of adverse reaction in HIV/AIDS population is low,the symptoms are mild,the correct and scientific advice and guidance from doctors and the full understanding of the harmfulness of the disease,the safety,prevention and effectiveness of the vaccine are the key to complete vaccination and put an end to vaccine hesitancy.

Objective To investigate the effects of Licorice chalcone A(LCA)on proliferation,migration,invasion and antioxidant capacity of human glioma U87 cells and its mechanism.Methods Glioma U87 cells cultured in vitro were divided into 4 groups,blank control group(conventional culture)and experimental-L,-M,-H groups(5,10,20 μmol·L-1 LC A).Cell proliferation capacity was detected by cell counting kit-8,cell clonogenesis ability was detected by clonogenesis assay,cell migration ability was detected by scratch assay,and cell invasion ability was detected by Transwell assay.Colorimetric assay was used to detect total glutathione(T-GSH),malondialdehyde(MDA)and superoxide dismutase(SOD),and Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt).Results The cell proliferation activities of blank control group and experimental-L,-M,-H groups were(90.20±2.17)％,(79.06±1.57)％,(66.13±2.11)％and(49.52±1.82)％;cell clone formation rates were(76.83±2.30)％,(42.33±2.09)％,(17.71±1.84)％and(12.12±1.97)％;12 h cell mobility rates were(34.92±2.24)％,(27.90±1.89)％,(18.76±1.14)％and(14.87±0.82)％;24 h cell mobility rates were(50.37±2.61)％,(39.43±2.56)％,(21.11±2.33)％and(18.32±2.39)％;the number of perforated cells were 120.39±4.16,79.95±3.83,45.67±3.55 and 18.14±2.85;T-GSH levels were(71.43±2.39),(58.51±2.91),(49.43±2.78)and(35.44±2.76)μmol·L-1;MDA levels were(4.14±0.91),(7.23±1.75),(9.20±1.56)and(11.37±1.90)nmol·mL-1;SOD levels were(41.44±2.10),(35.43±2.91),(28.56±2.32)and(20.62±2.05)U·mg-1;the relative expression levels of p-Akt were 1.27±0.03,1.06±0.02,0.89±0.01 and 0.60±0.02,respectively.The above indexes were statistically significant between experimental-L,-M,-H groups and blank control group(all P＜0.01).Conclusion LCA can inhibit the proliferation,migration,invasion and induce oxidative damage of glioma U87 cells,and its mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of p-Akt protein expression in PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.