Background::While type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is considered a putative causal risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD), the intrinsic link underlying T2DM and CAD is not fully understood. We aimed to highlight the importance of integrated care targeting both diseases by investigating the phenotypic and genetic relationships between T2DM and CAD.Methods::We evaluated phenotypic associations using data from the United Kingdom Biobank ( N = 472,050). We investigated genetic relationships by leveraging genomic data conducted in European ancestry for T2DM, with and without adjustment for body mass index (BMI) (T2DM: Ncase/ Ncontrol = 74,124/824,006; T2DM adjusted for BMI [T2DM adjBMI]: Ncase/ Ncontrol = 50,409/523,897) and for CAD ( Ncase/ Ncontrol = 181,522/984,168). We performed additional analyses using genomic data conducted in multiancestry individuals for T2DM ( Ncase/ Ncontrol = 180,834/1,159,055). Results::Observational analysis suggested a bidirectional relationship between T2DM and CAD (T2DM→CAD: hazard ratio [HR] = 2.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.01–2.24; CAD→T2DM: HR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.63–1.81). A positive overall genetic correlation between T2DM and CAD was observed ( rg = 0.39, P = 1.43 × 10 -75), which was largely independent of BMI (T2DM adjBMI–CAD: rg = 0.31, P = 1.20 × 10 –36). This was corroborated by six local signals, among which 9p21.3 showed the strongest genetic correlation. Cross-trait meta-analysis replicated 101 previously reported loci and discovered six novel pleiotropic loci. Mendelian randomization analysis supported a bidirectional causal relationship (T2DM→CAD: odds ratio [OR] = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.11-1.16; CAD→T2DM: OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.07-1.18), which was confirmed in multiancestry individuals (T2DM→CAD: OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.10-1.16; CAD→T2DM: OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.04-1.13). This bidirectional relationship was significantly mediated by systolic blood pressure and intake of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, with mediation proportions of 54.1% (95% CI: 24.9-83.4%) and 90.4% (95% CI: 29.3-151.5%), respectively. Conclusion::Our observational and genetic analyses demonstrated an intrinsic bidirectional relationship between T2DM and CAD and clarified the biological mechanisms underlying this relationship.

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in Haishu District, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province from 2011 to 2022, so as to provide the basis for the formulation of HFMD prevention and control strategies. Methods: Data of HFMD in Haishu District from 2011 to 2022 were collected from Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System, and the epidemiological and etiological characteristics were analyzed using a descriptive epidemiological method. The trends in incidence of HFMD and prevalence of positive etiological tests were analyzed using annual percent change (APC). Results: A total of 33 334 cases of HFMD were reported in Haishu District from 2011 to 2022, with an average annual reported incidence of 279.16/105, showing no significant trend (APC=-5.492%, P>0.05). The average annual reported incidence of HFMD was lower after the enterovirus 71 vaccine was launched (from 2017 to 2022) than before (from 2011 to 2016; 219.69/105 vs. 343.70/105, P<0.05). The incidence of HFMD showed seasonal characteristics, with a peak from May to July. There were 19 720 male and 13 614 female cases, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.45∶1. The age of the HFMD cases ranged from 27 days to 63 years old, and the children aged 5 years and below were predominant (30 657 cases, 91.97%). A total of 1 976 specimens of HFMD cases were collected from 2011 to 2022, and 1 509 enterovirus positive specimens were detected, with a positive rate of 76.37%. The positive rates of enterovirus 71 decreased (APC=-32.599%, P<0.05), the positive rates of coxsackievirus A16 increased (APC=9.226%, P<0.05), while the positive rates of other enteroviruses showed no significant change (APC=0.808%, P>0.05). Conclusions The average annual reported incidence of HFMD in Haishu District from 2011 to 2022 decreased after the enterovirus 71 vaccine was launched, with a peak in spring and summer. Children aged 5 years and below were the high-incidence population, and coxsackievirus A16 was the main serotype.

Objective To explore basement membrane markers and potential drugs for treatment in idiopathic pulmona-ry fibrosis(IPF).Methods IPF-related datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database,processed to construct basement membrane gene expression matrices associated with IPF,and screened for differential basement membrane genes(DEBMs);DEBMs were enriched for function and pathways,and machine learning algorithms were used to ob-tain candidate signature genes,receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were used to identify signature genes and con-struct a nomogram.We performed ssGSEA analysis to explore the correlation between signature genes and immune cells and their functions and predicted the corresponding miRNAs and therapeutic drugs by signature genes.Results A total of 56 DEBMs were extracted;enrichment analysis showed that DEBMs were mainly enriched in"extracellular matrix tissue","extracellular structural tissue",etc.,and were closely related to"ECM-receptor interaction"and"local adhesion spot"pathways.The ma-chine learning has identified six candidate signature genes(TIMP3,P3H2,ITGA7,ITGA4,ADAMTS2,COL8A2),all of which meet the requirements of the signature genes by the ROC curve test,and the nomogram diagnostic value was outstanding(AUC=0.991 523);B cells and Macrophages in IPF were significantly different from the normal group.Finally,miRNAs were predicted to be dominated by miR-4305,miR-3684,progesterone,and tert-butyl hydroperoxide as therapeutic agents with strong relevance to IPF.Conclusion Signature genes and predictive miRNAs may serve as novel markers for IPF diagnosis,and pre-dictive drugs may be a potential source of drugs for treating IPF.

AIM:To investigate the effects of epal-restat(Epa)on the mitochondrial oxidative stress damage of radiation pneumonitis(RP)mice and to explore its possible mechanism.METHODS:C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control(CON),Irradiation(IR),IR combined with Epa(10 mg/kg)and IR combined with Epa(20 mg/kg)group,16 mice in each group.Mouse models of RP were es-tablished by whole thorax irradiation at a dose of 15Gy using a 6-MV linear accelerator.Continuous intragastric administration after IR for 6 or 8 weeks.Lung histopathology was analyzed by HE staining.The expression of aldose reductase(AR)was deter-mined by immunohistochemistry.Mitochondrial morphology of lung tissues was observed by trans-mission electron microscopy.The levels of inflam-matory cytokines(IL-6,TNF-α and TGF-β1)in plas-ma were detected by ELISA.The contents of Malo-ndialdehyde(MDA)and 4-hydroxynonenal(4-HNE)in lung tissues were determined by colorimetry.Sin-gle cell suspension of lung tissues was prepared and reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels in the cells was examined using a DCFH-DA fluorescent probe.Real-time quantitative PCR was used to determine the expression of AR,IL-6,TNF-α and TGF-β1.The protein levels of AR,IL-6,TNF-α,TGF-β1,BAX,Bcl2,Cleaved Caspase-3,8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1(OGG1)and silent information regulator 3(SIRT3)were detected by Western blot analysis.RESULTS:Compared with the CON group,the alveolar hyper-plasia,alveolar septum thickening and inflammato-ry cell infiltration were observed in the IR group.Moreover,the content of inflammatory factors such as IL-6,TNF-α and TGF-β1 and the expression of BAX and Cleaved Caspase-3 were significantly in-creased,and the expression of Bcl2 was obviously decreased after irradiation.Compared with the IR group,Epa robustly alleviated RP.Meanwhile,Epa down-regulated inflammatory cells infiltration and the expression of inflammatory cytokines,such as IL-6,TNF-α and TGF-β1.In addition,Epa could down-regulate the expression of BAX and Cleaved Caspase-3,and up-regulate Bcl2 in lung tissues.Compared with the CON group,the expression of AR,the levels of ROS,MDA and 4-HNE were signifi-cantly increased,the expression of OGG1 and SIRT3 were significantly decreased,and mitochon-drial damage was aggravated in the IR group.Com-pared with IR group,the expression of AR was sig-nificantly down-regulated,the levels of ROS,MDA and 4-HNE were significantly decreased,the expres-sions of OGG1 and SIRT3 were significantly in-creased,and the mitochondrial damage was signifi-cantly alleviated in IR group after 6 to 8 weeks of Epa administration.CONCLUSION:Epa has a pro-tective effect on RP,which may be related to the in-hibition of AR expression,the reduction of mito-chondrial oxidative stress injury,and the inhibition of inflammatory response and cell apoptosis.

Objective To explore the predictive value of combined detection of immunoglobulin binding protein 1 (IGBP 1) in serum and urine in lupus nephritis (LN). Methods A total of 60 LN patients were selected as LN group, and 60 SLE erythematosus (SLE) patients in the same period were selected as SLE group, the serum IGBP 1 and urinary IGBP 1 levels between the two groups were compared, and the value of serum IGBP 1, urinary IGBP 1 and their combination in predicting LN was analyzed. Results Serum IGBP 1 and urinary IGBP 1 in the LN group were significantly higher than those in the SLE group (P < 0.05). Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that serum IGBP 1 and urinary IGBP 1 were risk factors for LN (P < 0.05). Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve revealed that the area under the curve (AUC) for serum IGBP1, urinary IGBP1, and their combined detection for LN was 0.856, 0.834, and 0.902, respectively. The Youden index was 0.533, 0.533, and 0.666, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of serum IGBP1 were 85.0% and 68.3%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of urinary IGBP1 were 53.3% and 100.0%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the combined detection were 78.3% and 88.3%, respectively. Conclusion Serum IGBP 1 and urinary IGBP 1 are highly expressed in LN patients, and their combination has a high predictive value for LN.

ObjectiveTo screen and establish animal models of combined stasis and toxin syndrome based on the comparison of three modeling methods， i.e.， carrageenan （Ca）， Ca combined with dried yeast （Ca+Yeast）， and Ca combined with lipopolysaccharide （Ca+LPS）. MethodForty SPF male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group， Ca group， Ca+Yeast group， and Ca+LPS group， with 10 rats in each group. The Ca group， Ca+Yeast group， and Ca+LPS group received an intraperitoneal injection of Ca （10 mg·kg^-1） on the first day. The Ca+LPS group received an intraperitoneal injection of LPS （50 μg·kg^-1） on the second day， and the Ca+Yeast group received a subcutaneous injection of dry yeast suspension （2 mg·kg^-1） on the back on the second day. The rectal temperature of each group was dynamically observed after modeling. After 24 hours of modeling， the macroscopic evaluation indexes， including tongue manifestation， pulse， and black tail length in each group were observed. The PeriCam PSI imaging system was used to detect the blood flow perfusion of the rat tail. The automatic hemorheology analyzer was used to measure the whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity of each group. The PL platelet function analyzer was used to detect the platelet aggregation rate of the rats. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect the interleukin-6 （IL-6） level in the rat plasma. The myocardial tissue， brain tissue， and lung tissue of each group of rats were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. ResultCompared with the normal group， all three model groups showed varying degrees of black tail （P<0.05， P<0.01）， reduced blood flow perfusion at the tail end （P<0.05， P<0.01）， decreased R， G， and B values of tongue manifestation （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and increased maximum platelet aggregation rate （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The pulse amplitudes of the Ca+Yeast group and the Ca+LPS group were lower than that of the normal group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. In addition， the average rectal temperature of the Ca+Yeast group increased after 24 hours of modeling （P<0.01）， and the low-， medium-， and high-shear whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity increased （P<0.05， P<0.01） as compared with those in the normal group. Additionally， the expression level of the plasma inflammatory factor IL-6 was significantly up-regulated （P<0.05）. Pathological morphology results showed that the Ca+Yeast group had the most severe pathological changes， with small foci of myocardial fiber dissolution， inflammatory cell infiltration， and fibroblast proliferation observed. In the hippocampal area， the neurons were sparse and had undergone red degeneration. In the small focus of the lung interstitium， lymphocytes and neutrophils were infiltrated. ConclusionThe animal model of combined stasis and toxin syndrome was properly established using Ca+Yeast. The systematic evaluation system of the model， which includes traditional Chinese medicine four diagnostic information， western medicine microscopic indicators， and tissue pathological morphology， is worthy of consideration and reference by researchers.

Objective:To investigate the effect of salvianolic acid C (SalC) on fibroblast-like synoviocytes and through the role of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway.Methods:Rheumatoid arthritis-fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs) were exposed to different concentrations of SalC (0.1 μmol/L, 1 μmol/L, 5 μmol/L, 10 μmol/L, 20 μmol/L) for 24-72 h and measured for viability, proliferation, migration and invasion by Cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay, wound-healing and transwell assay. The levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and IL-6 were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was used to detect the expression of matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-9, MMP-13, apoptosis-related proteins and Nrf2 mediated gene. Then we used ML385 to inhibit Nrf2 signaling pathway. RA-FLSs were measured for migration and invasion, and the expression of proteins related to apoptosis, inflammation and Nrf2 pathway.Results:Compared with the control group, SalC inhibited the cell migration significantly (0.1 μmol/L, 0.75±0.05, t=7.65, P<0.001; 5 μmol/L, 0.50±0.05, t=14.25, P<0.001; 10 μmol/L, 0.26±0.05, t=20.67, P<0.001) and invasion (0.1 μmol/L, 0.75±0.11, t=4.93, P<0.001; 5 μmol/L, 0.49±0.06, t=10.32, P<0.001; 10 μmol/L, 0.26±0.07 , t=14.96, P<0.001) of RA-FLs, reduced the levels of MMP-9 (0.1 μmol/L, 0.72±0.10, t=5.60, P<0.001; 5 μmol/L, 0.48±0.08, t=11.03, P<0.001; 10 μmol/L, 0.27±0.06, t=15.94, P<0.001) and MMP-13 (0.1 μmol/L, 0.77±0.06, t=8.66, P<0.001; 5 μmol/L, 0.58±0.06, t=11.03, P<0.001; 10 μmol/L, 0.32±0.13, t=14.22, P<0.001), and promoted apoptosis. SalC reduced the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines significantly ( P<0.001) and activated the expression of Nrf2 signaling pathway proteins Nrf2, CAT, NQO1, SOD1 and GSS ( P<0.001). After ML385 was used to interfere Nrf2, the levels of SalC on Nrf2 pathway proteins, such as Nrf2 (0.68±0.06, t=5.08, P<0.001), CAT (1.44±0.12, t=4.77, P<0.001), NQO1 (0.65±0.12, t=5.04, P<0.001), SOD1 (1.43±0.10, t=6.36, P<0.001) and GSS (1.42±0.10, t=7.60, P<0.001), as well as the levels of TNF-α [(260±22) pg/ml, t=13.75, P<0.001], IL-1β [(701±30) pg/ml, t=12.98, P<0.001], IL-6 [(180±10) pg/ml, t=16.38, P<0.001) were significantly reduced. In addition, ML385 inhibited the inhibition of SalC on cell migration and invasion (0.70±0.09, t=11.24, P<0.001; 0.64±0.04, t=8.03, P<0.001) and induction of apoptosis (24.4±1.8, t=23.02, P<0.001). Conclusion:SalC may inhibit cell activity and inflammatory response, promote apoptosis via the upregulation of Nrf2 signaling pathway. SalC may have therapeutic potential in RA. However, further investigation are needed in animal models and human.

Objective: To investigate the effect and molecular mechanism of antimicrobial peptide LL-37 secreted by stromal cells on the growth of colorectal cancer cells. Methods: Colorectal cancer cells SW480 or HCT116 were co-cultured with human macrophages using Transwell^® maxicell inserts to mimic the tumor microenvironment. The effect of macrophages on the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells was detected by Bromodeoxyuridine and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (BrdU-ELISA). The expression of LL-37 mRNA and protein in macrophages and colorectal cancer cells was evaluated by reverse transcription-real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. LL-37 neutralizing antibody was added to abrogate the LL-37 activation. Additionally, macrophages were transfected with LL-37 shRNA plasmids to inhibit LL-37 expression. And then, the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells was observed. Furthermore, the growth-related signaling pathways were detected by Western blot. Results: The BrdU-ELISA results showed that the absorbance of SW480 cells increased from 1.072±0.097 to 5.121±0.407 after co-culture (P<0.001), and that of HCT116 cells increased from 1.229±0.073 to 3.495±0.228 (P<0.001). RT-qPCR results showed that LL-37 mRNA expression in macrophages significantly increased from 2.682±0.191 to 6.117±0.768 after co-incubation (P<0.05), whereas that in SW480 had no significant difference. Consistently the protein expression of LL-37 in macrophages was significantly increased by Western blot, while it did not change in SW480. The proliferation rate of SW480 cells was repressed by adding LL-37 neutralizing antibody or LL-37 shRNA plasmid. Furthermore, Western blot analysis showed that the expression of non-phosphorylated (activated) β-catenin and its target genes cyclin D1 as well as c-myc were distinctly increased in co-cultured SW480 cells, which could be reversed by anti-LL-37 antibodies. Conclusion Macrophages promote the in vitro proliferation of colorectal cancer cells by enhancing the expression and secretion of antimicrobial peptides LL-37, and it seems that LL-37 activates colorectal cancer cells via Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Objective To investigate the treatment efficacy of lumbar spondylolisthesis patients with modic change. Methods The da-ta of 45 lumbar spondylolisthesis patients with modic change were analyzed retrospectively,which were admitted into hospital from January 2010 to December 2013 and received posterior lumbar interbody fusion ( PLIF) surgery. Those patients were tested by X-ray and Magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) and confirmed the type of spondylolisthesis and Modic change. Based on the degree of spondylolysis and whether combined or not with Modic change,all the patients were divided into six groups:group A with Ⅱ grade spondylolisthesis;group B with Ⅲgrade spondylolisthesis;group C with Ⅱ grade spondylolisthesis with Modic typeⅠ;group D withⅡgrade spondylolisthesis with Modic typeⅡ;group E with Ⅲ grade spondylolisthesis with Modic type Ⅰ;group F with Ⅲ grade spondylolisthesis with Modic type Ⅱ. Those patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively the scores according to the Visual Analogue Scale ( VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index ( ODI) systems,the obtained data were statistically analyzed and then were used to evaluated the treatment efficacy. Results The treatment efficacy of those patients were evaluated by follow-up work based on the scores of VAS and ODI systems,the results indicated that all those patients were improved in the scores of pain and ODI at different agrees. Within groups,the scores of low back and leg pain in VAS system and ODI preoperative were all significantly lower than that of postoperative (P<0. 0001). However,there were no significant differences of those scores among groups (P>0. 05). Conclusion Those spondylolisthesis patients with Modic change could obtained satisfactory clinical efficacy after posterior lumbar interbody fusion ( PLIF) surgery.

Objective To investigate the feasibility of immature dendritic cells (imDC)phagocytized psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA)-treated splenic lymphocytes (PUVA-SP DC)in mice inducing B lymphocytes to be regulatory B cells (Breg)with high secretion of interleukin (IL)-10 (IL-10 +Breg). Methods Bone marrow-derived DC of mice was cultured. Spleen lymphocytes of mice were isolated and treated by PUVA,and turned to be PUVA-SP. The bone marrow-derived imDC was co-cultured with PUVA-SP in vitro to obtain PUVA-SP DC. Splenic B lymphocytes of mice were separated by anti-CD19 magnetic beads and co-cultured with different kinds of DC for 48 hours. The levels of interferon (IFN )-γ,transforming growth factor (TGF)-β,IL-12p70,and IL-10 in the culture supernatant of B lymphocytes,imDC,imDC+B lymphocytes, PUVA-SP DC and PUVA-SP DC +B lymphocytes were measured by enzyme-linked immune absorbent assay (ELISA). The accounts of IL-10 +Breg in B lymphocytes,imDC+B lymphocytes,mDC+B lymphocytes and PUVA-SP DC+B lymphocytes were detected by flow cytometry. Results Compared with the other 4 groups, the level of IL-10 in cell culture supernatant of PUVA-SP DC+B lymphocytes was significantly higher (all in P<0.05). Compared with the other groups,the account of IL-10 +Breg in PUVA-SP DC+B lymphocytes was significantly higher. Conclusions PUVA-SP DC can induce splenic B lymphocytes to differentiate into IL-10 +Breg.