BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with common pathophysiological processes, such as inflammation and fibrosis, in both the heart and the kidney. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms that drive these processes are not yet fully understood. Therefore, this study focused on the molecular mechanism of heart and kidney injury in CKD. METHODS: We generated an microRNA (miR)-26a knockout (KO) mouse model to investigate the role of miR-26a in angiotensin (Ang)-II-induced cardiac and renal injury. We performed Ang-II modeling in wild type (WT) mice and miR-26a KO mice, with six mice in each group. In addition, Ang-II-treated AC16 cells and HK2 cells were used as in vitro models of cardiac and renal injury in the context of CKD. Histological staining, immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and Western blotting were applied to study the regulation of miR-26a on Ang-II-induced cardiac and renal injury. Immunofluorescence reporter assays were used to detect downstream genes of miR-26a, and immunoprecipitation was employed to identify the interacting protein of LIM and senescent cell antigen-like domain 1 (LIMS1). We also used an adeno-associated virus (AAV) to supplement LIMS1 and explored the specific regulatory mechanism of miR-26a on Ang-II-induced cardiac and renal injury. Dunnett's multiple comparison and t -test were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Compared with the control mice, miR-26a expression was significantly downregulated in both the kidney and the heart after Ang-II infusion. Our study identified LIMS1 as a novel target gene of miR-26a in both heart and kidney tissues. Downregulation of miR-26a activated the LIMS1/integrin-linked kinase (ILK) signaling pathway in the heart and kidney, which represents a common molecular mechanism underlying inflammation and fibrosis in heart and kidney tissues during CKD. Furthermore, knockout of miR-26a worsened inflammation and fibrosis in the heart and kidney by inhibiting the LIMS1/ILK signaling pathway; on the contrary, supplementation with exogenous miR-26a reversed all these changes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that miR-26a could be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiorenal injury in CKD. This is attributed to its ability to regulate the LIMS1/ILK signaling pathway, which represents a common molecular mechanism in both heart and kidney tissues.
Animals ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Angiotensin II/toxicity* ; Mice ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/chemically induced* ; Mice, Knockout ; Disease Models, Animal ; Male ; Signal Transduction/genetics* ; LIM Domain Proteins/genetics* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Cell Line ; Humans

OBJECTIVE: To explore the functional roles and underlying mechanisms of neferine in the context of angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension and vascular dysfunction. METHODS: Male mice were infused with Ang II to induce hypertension and randomly divided into treatment groups receiving neferine or a control vehicle based on baseline blood pressure using a random number table method. The hypertensive mouse model was constructed by infusing Ang II via a micro-osmotic pump (500 ng/kg per minute), and neferine (0.1, 1, or 10 mg/kg), valsartan (10 mg/kg), or double distilled water was administered intragastrically once daily for 6 weeks. A non-invasive blood pressure system, ultrasound, and hematoxylin and eosin staining were performed to assess blood pressure and vascular changes. RNA sequencing and network pharmacology were employed to identify differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) and pathways. Vascular ring tension assay was used to test vascular function. A7R5 cells were incubated with neferine for 24 h and then treated with Ang II to record the real-time Ca²⁺ concentration by confocal microscope. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot were used to evaluate vasorelaxation, calcium, and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 pathway. RESULTS: Neferine treatment effectively mitigated the elevation in blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, aortic thickening in the abdominal aorta of Ang II-infused mice (P<0.05). RNA sequencing and network pharmacology analysis identified 355 DETs that were significantly reversed by neferine treatment, along with 25 potential target genes, which were further enriched in multiple pathways and biological processes, such as ERK1 and ERK2 cascade regulation, calcium pathway, and vascular smooth muscle contraction. Further investigation revealed that neferine treatment enhanced vasorelaxation and reduced Ca²⁺-dependent contraction of abdominal aortic rings, independent of endothelium function (P<0.05). The underlying mechanisms were mediated, at least in part, via suppression of receptor-operated channels, store-operated channels, or voltage-operated calcium channels. Neferine pre-treatment demonstrated a reduction in intracellular Ca²⁺ release in Ang II stimulated A7R5 cells. IHC staining and Western blot confirmed that neferine treatment effectively attenuated the upregulation of p-ERK1/2 both in vivo and in vitro, which was similar with treatment of ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Neferine remarkably alleviates Ang II-induced elevation of blood pressure, vascular dysfunction, and pathological changes in the abdominal aorta. This beneficial effect is mediated by the modulation of multiple pathways, including calcium and ERK1/2 pathways.
Animals ; Angiotensin II ; Male ; Benzylisoquinolines/therapeutic use* ; Network Pharmacology ; Blood Pressure/drug effects* ; Sequence Analysis, RNA ; Mice ; Hypertension/chemically induced* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Calcium/metabolism*

Objective:To evaluate the clinical effect of temporomandibular joint disc anchoring and deviated jaw splint in the treatment of adolescent patients with mandibular deviation deformity complicated with anterior disc displacement of temporomandibular joint.Methods:A total of 30 patients with mandibular deviation deformity complicated with anterior disc displacement of temporomandibular joint who were treated in the Suzhou Municipal Hospital from January 2020 to March 2023 were prospectively selected. Among them, 10 patients in the surgical splint group received temporomandibular joint disc anchoring combined with sequential treatment of deviated jaw splint; 20 patients in the splint group received deviated jaw splint treatment. The improvement of facial deviation before and after treatment was compared between the two groups, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate the stability of temporomandibular joint disc position and the change of condylar height.Results:After treatment, the midfacial line deviation was (1.3±0.3)mm and the condylar height was (21.5±0.6)mm in the surgical splint group; in the splint group, the midfacial line deviation was (1.5±0.4)mm and the condylar height was (21.6±0.7)mm. Both facial deviation and condylar height in the two groups were significantly improved compared with those before treatment (all P<0.01). During the treatment course, MRI was taken every 3 months in both groups. The stability rate of the joint disc in the surgical splint group was 100%(10/10), and that in the splint group was 90.0%(18/20). Conclusions:The application of temporomandibular joint disc anchoring combined with sequential treatment of deviated jaw splint in adolescent patients with mandibular deviation deformity complicated with anterior disc displacement of temporomandibular joint can achieve good clinical effects. The position of the temporomandibular joint disc remains stable before and after treatment, and new bone formation occurs in the condyle.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical effect of temporomandibular joint disc anchoring and deviated jaw splint in the treatment of adolescent patients with mandibular deviation deformity complicated with anterior disc displacement of temporomandibular joint.Methods:A total of 30 patients with mandibular deviation deformity complicated with anterior disc displacement of temporomandibular joint who were treated in the Suzhou Municipal Hospital from January 2020 to March 2023 were prospectively selected. Among them, 10 patients in the surgical splint group received temporomandibular joint disc anchoring combined with sequential treatment of deviated jaw splint; 20 patients in the splint group received deviated jaw splint treatment. The improvement of facial deviation before and after treatment was compared between the two groups, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate the stability of temporomandibular joint disc position and the change of condylar height.Results:After treatment, the midfacial line deviation was (1.3±0.3)mm and the condylar height was (21.5±0.6)mm in the surgical splint group; in the splint group, the midfacial line deviation was (1.5±0.4)mm and the condylar height was (21.6±0.7)mm. Both facial deviation and condylar height in the two groups were significantly improved compared with those before treatment (all P<0.01). During the treatment course, MRI was taken every 3 months in both groups. The stability rate of the joint disc in the surgical splint group was 100%(10/10), and that in the splint group was 90.0%(18/20). Conclusions:The application of temporomandibular joint disc anchoring combined with sequential treatment of deviated jaw splint in adolescent patients with mandibular deviation deformity complicated with anterior disc displacement of temporomandibular joint can achieve good clinical effects. The position of the temporomandibular joint disc remains stable before and after treatment, and new bone formation occurs in the condyle.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has become an essential method in psychiatric disorders. However, many problems occurred in clinical application. This article interpreted the Association Standard T/CMEAS 011-2023'Operating Specifications for Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Clinical Applications on Psychiatric Disorders′ released by the Chinese Medicine Education Association. The main content included a range of applications, normative references, terms and definitions, site specifications, equipment specifications, ability specifications of rTMS operators and rTMS process specifications.This article provided suggestions for clinical applications of rTMS on psychiatric disorders.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has become an essential method in psychiatric disorders. However, many problems occurred in clinical application. This article interpreted the Association Standard T/CMEAS 011-2023'Operating Specifications for Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Clinical Applications on Psychiatric Disorders′ released by the Chinese Medicine Education Association. The main content included a range of applications, normative references, terms and definitions, site specifications, equipment specifications, ability specifications of rTMS operators and rTMS process specifications.This article provided suggestions for clinical applications of rTMS on psychiatric disorders.

Objective To analyze the residents' satisfaction with the enforcement of The Regulations of Tianjin Municipality on Smoking Control in Public Places (hereinafter referred to as The Regulations) and its influencing factors. Methods From November to December 2020, 16 districts of Tianjin were selected as the research site, and one street was randomly selected from each district. The accidental sampling was used to conduct a questionnaire survey on 4,160 permanent residents in Tianjin. χ² test was used in univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze and adjust the confounding factors. The public satisfaction and its influencing factors were analyzed. Results A total of 4 022 questionnaires were collected and 2 730 were included in the study. In 2020, 89.3 percent of Tianjin residents were satisfied with the enforcement of the Regulations. Compared with residents aged 15-24, residents in other age groups were less satisfied with the enforcement of the Regulations. Compared with residents with primary school education or below, residents with high school education or bachelor's degree or the same educational level were less satisfied with the enforcement of the Regulations. Residents with chronic diseases (OR=1.885 , P<0.01) and exposure to second-hand smoke in the last 30 days (OR=1.903, P<0.01) were less satisfied with the enforcement of the Regulations, while those who supported the Regulations (OR=0.511, P<0.01) and residents who had been exposed to public service advertisements on tobacco control in the last 30 days (OR=0.043, P<0.01) were more satisfied with the enforcement of the Regulations. Conclusion The residents of Tianjin are highly satisfied with the enforcement of the Regulations. Age, education background, support for the Regulations, chronic disease, exposure to secondhand smoke in the last 30 days and exposure to public service advertisements in the last 30 days are the main influencing factors of satisfaction with the enforcement of tobacco control regulations.

Objective: To investigate the impact of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) on pregnancy outcomes, especially the relationship between OSAS and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP). Methods: A total of 228 pregnant women with high risk of OSAS who underwent sleep monitoring during pregnancy in Peking University People's Hospital from January 2021 to April 2022 were collected by reviewing their medical records for retrospective analysis. According to the diagnosis of OSAS, the pregnant women were divided into OSAS group (105 cases) and non-OSAS group (123 cases). The non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test, χ² test or Fisher's exact test were used to compare the general data and maternal and fetal outcomes between the two groups, and the occurrence of each type of HDP was further compared. Results: (1) Compared with the non-OSAS group, the median pre-pregnancy body mass index (23.6 vs 27.6 kg/m²) and the proportion of snoring [28.9% (33/114) vs 59.2% (61/103)] in the OSAS group were higher, and the differences were both statistically significant (both P<0.001). (2) The incidence of HDP [67.6% (71/105) vs 39.0% (48/123)] and gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM; 40.0% (42/105) vs 26.8% (33/123)] of pregnant women in the OSAS group were higher than those in the non-OSAS group, and the median delivery week was shorter than that in the non-OSAS group (38.4 vs 39.0 weeks). The differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.05). Between-group differences for the delivery way, postpartum hemorrhage, the rate of intensive care unit admission, preterm birth, small for gestational age infants, neonatal asphyxia, the rate of neonatal intensive care unit admission, newborn birth weight and the proportion of umbilical artery blood pH<7.00 were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). (3) Compared with the non-OSAS group, the incidence of chronic hypertension [11.4% (14/123) vs 22.9% (24/105)] and chronic hypertension with superimposed pre-eclampsia [11.4% (14/123) vs 30.5% (32/105)] were higher in the OSAS group, and the differences were both statistically significant (both P<0.01). Conclusion: OSAS is related to HDP (especially chronic hypertension and chronic hypertension with superimposed pre-eclampsia) and GDM, which could provide a practical basis for the screening, diagnosis and treatment of OSAS in pregnant women at high risk.
Infant, Newborn ; Pregnancy ; Infant ; Humans ; Female ; Pre-Eclampsia/epidemiology* ; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced/epidemiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Premature Birth ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/epidemiology* ; Diabetes, Gestational/epidemiology*

OBJECTIVE: To explore and summarize the clinical characteristics and treatment of aggressive NK-cell leukemia (ANKL), and provide new insights for clinical diagnosis and treatment of this disease. METHODS: The clinical data of 7 patients with ANKL admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College from March 2014 to July 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, and their clinical characteristics, laboratory and imaging results, treatment and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 7 patients, 5 were males and 2 were females, with a median age of 47 (33-69) years old. The morphology of bone marrow cells in 7 patients showed similar large granular lymphocytes. Immunophenotyping revealed abnormal NK cells in 5 cases. By the end of follow-up, 6 cases died and 1 case survived, with a median survival time of 76.9 (4-347) days. CONCLUSION ANKL is a rare disease with short course and poor prognosis. If combined with hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS), the prognosis is even worse. There is no unified treatment method at present, and the use of PD-1 inhibitors may prolong the survival in some patients.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Leukemia, Large Granular Lymphocytic ; Leukemia, Prolymphocytic, T-Cell ; Prognosis ; Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic