Several types of arthritis share the common feature that the generation of inflammatory mediators leads to joint cartilage degradation. However, the shared mechanism is largely unknown. H2BK120ub1 was reportedly involved in various inflammatory diseases but its role in the shared mechanism in inflammatory joint conditions remains elusive. The present study demonstrated that levels of cartilage degradation, H2BK120ub1, and its regulator WW domain-containing adapter protein with coiled-coil (WAC) were increased in cartilage in human rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) patients as well as in experimental RA and OA mice. By regulating H2BK120ub1 and H3K27me3, WAC regulated the secretion of inflammatory and cartilage-degrading factors. WAC influenced the level of H3K27me3 by regulating nuclear entry of the H3K27 demethylase KDM6B, and acted as a key factor of the crosstalk between H2BK120ub1 and H3K27me3. The cartilage-specific knockout of WAC demonstrated the ability to alleviate cartilage degradation in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and collagenase-induced osteoarthritis (CIOA) mice. Through molecular docking and dynamic simulation, doxercalciferol was found to inhibit WAC and the development of cartilage degradation in the CIA and CIOA models. Our study demonstrated that WAC is a key factor of cartilage degradation in arthritis, and targeting WAC by doxercalciferol could be a viable therapeutic strategy for treating cartilage destruction in several types of arthritis.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) with increasing global prevalence lacks effective therapeutic targets to halt or reverse its progression. Therapeutic targets supported by causal genetic evidence are more likely to succeed in randomized clinical trials. In this study, we integrated large-scale plasma proteomics, genetic-driven causal inference, and experimental validation to identify prioritized targets for DKD using the UK Biobank (UKB) and FinnGen cohorts. Among 2844 diabetic patients (528 with DKD), we identified 37 targets significantly associated with incident DKD, supported by both observational and causal evidence. Of these, 22% (8/37) of the potential targets are currently under investigation for DKD or other diseases. Our prospective study confirmed that higher levels of three prioritized targets-insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4 (IGFBP4), family with sequence similarity 3 member C (FAM3C), and prostaglandin D2 synthase (PTGDS)-were associated with a 4.35, 3.51, and 3.57-fold increased likelihood of developing DKD, respectively. In addition, population-level protein-altering variants (PAVs) analysis and in vitro experiments cross-validated FAM3C and IGFBP4 as potential new target candidates for DKD, through the classic NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3)-caspase-1-gasdermin D (GSDMD) apoptotic axis. Our results demonstrate that integrating omics data mining with causal inference may be a promising strategy for prioritizing therapeutic targets.

Hemoglobin, the principal protein in red blood cells, is crucial for oxygen transport in the bloodstream. The quantification of hemoglobin concentration is indispensable in medical diagnostics and health management, which encompass the diagnosis of anemia and the screening of various blood disorders. Immunological methods, based on antigen-antibody interactions, are distinguished by their high sensitivity and accuracy. Consequently, it is necessary to develop hemoglobin-specific antibodies characterized by high specificity and affinity to enhance detection accuracy. In this study, we immunized a Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) with human hemoglobin and subsequently constructed a nanobody library. Utilizing a solid-phase screening method, we selected nanobodies and evaluated the binding activity of the screened nanobodies to hemoglobin. Initially, human hemoglobin was used to immunize a Bactrian camel. Following four immunization sessions, blood was withdrawn from the jugular vein, and a nanobody library with a capacity of 2.85×10⁸ colony forming units (CFU) was generated. Subsequently, ten hemoglobin-specific nanobody sequences were identified through three rounds of adsorption-elution-enrichment assays, and these nanobodies were subjected to eukaryotic expression. Finally, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and biolayer interferometry were employed to evaluate the stability, binding activity, and specificity of these nanobodies. The results demonstrated that the nanobodies maintained robust binding activity within the temperature range of 20-40 ℃ and exhibited the highest binding activity at pH 7.0. Furthermore, the nanobodies were capable of tolerating a 10% methanol solution. Notably, among the nanobodies tested, VHH-12 displayed the highest binding activity to hemoglobin, with a half maximal effective concentration (EC₅₀) of 10.63 nmol/L and a equilibrium dissociation constant (K_D) of 2.94×10^-7 mol/L. VHH-12 exhibited no cross-reactivity with a panel of eight proteins, such as ovalbumin and bovine serum albumin, while demonstrating partial cross-reactivity with hemoglobin derived from porcine, goat, rabbit, and bovine sources. In this study, a hemoglobin-specific high-affinity nanobody was successfully isolated, demonstrating potential applications in disease diagnosis and health monitoring.
Animals ; Camelus/immunology* ; Single-Domain Antibodies/immunology* ; Hemoglobins/immunology* ; Humans ; Peptide Library

Objective To investigate the prevalence of scoliosis and congenital heart disease(CHD)and their correlation among children and adolescents of Drung nationality in Yunnan Province.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in November 2022 among all Drung school-aged children and adolescents aged 5-18 years in Gongshan Drung and Nu Autonomous County,Yunnan Province.Visual inspection,Adams for-ward flexion test,and trunk rotation angle(ATR)measurement were comprehensively used for school prelim-inary screening of scoliosis.Individuals who tested positive in the school preliminary screening underwent fur-ther X-ray examination for auxiliary diagnosis.Cardiac auscultation and echocardiography were used for school preliminary screening of CHD.The personal information of the screening subjects,the screening results,etc.were recorded.The prevalence of scoliosis and CHD among children and adolescents of the Drung nationality and the relationship between the two diseases were statistically analyzed,and the positive predictive value of school-based scoliosis screening and its influencing factors were also analyzed.Results A total of 1 036 chil-dren and adolescents of Drung nationality were enrolled,with a mean age of(10.72±3.75)years,icluding 542 males and 494 females.A total of 45 subjects tested positive for scoliosis in the school preliminary screening,with a preliminary positive rate of 4.34%.A total of 22 cases were finally diagnosed with scoliosis,with a prevalence rate of 2.12%.Among them,21 cases were idiopathic scoliosis(accounting for 95.45%),and 1 case was congenital scoliosis(accounting for 4.55%).The prevalence rate was higher in females(2.83%)than that in males(1.48%),higher in the 10 to 18-year-old group(2.30%)than that in the 5 to<10-year-old group(1.87%),and higher in the secondary school group(2.78%)than that in the primary school group(1.78%),hut there were no statistically significant differences(P>0.05).Most idiopathic scoliosis cases were mild(Cobb angle 10° to<20°,90.48%)and classified as Lenke type Ⅴ(57.14%).Two cases of CHD were confirmed,both of which were atrial septal defects,with a prevalence rate of 0.19%.The co-occurrence rate of idiopathic scoliosis and CHD was 4.76%(1/21).The positive predictive value of school-based scoliosis pre-liminary screening was only 48.89%.When the BMI was<18.5 kg/m2,the positive predictive value was sig-nificantly higher than that for BMI≥18.5 kg/m2(P<0.05).Conclusion The prevalence rate of scoliosis a-mong adolescents of the Drung ethnic group in Yunnan Province is 2.12%,predominantly idiopathic scoliosis,with Lenke type V being the most common classification.The prevalence rate of congenital heart disease is 0.19%.BMI is a significant influencing factor for the positive predictive value of school-based scoliosis prelimi-nary screening.

Objective:To establish a quality control method for Aiye standard decoction.Methods:The ultra performance liquid chromatogrphy (UPLC) column Waters ACQUITY HSS T3 C18 (2.1 mm×150 mm,1.8 μm) was used to gradient elution by acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid in water. 16 batches of Aiye standard decoction fingerprints were established by UPLC and the common peaks were determined in the fingerprints. The contents of 12 components were determined. The 16 batches of Aiye standard decoction were analyzed by similarity calculation, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) for analysis of differential components of Artemisiae Argyi Folium from different origins.Results:A total of 13 common peaks were marked in the fingerprints of 16 batches of Aiye standard decoction, 12 of which were identified by comparison with reference substance, including chlorogenic acid, sochlorogenic acid A, neochlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid,1,3-O-Dicaffeoylquinic acid, schaftoside, isochlorogenic acid B,1,5-O-Dicaffeoylquinic acid, isochlorogenic acid C, jaceosidin and eupatilin. Similarity evaluation, PCA and HCA all classified the 16 batches of Aiye standard decoction into 2 categories. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis screened 5 differential biomarkers from 13 common peaks. The content determination results showed that the phenolic compounds and flavonoids in samples from Hubei were significantly higher than that in samples from other areas.Conclusion:This method can effectively analyze the differences in the quality of Aiye standard decoction from different origins, and provide reference for the formulation of quality standards for Aiye standard decoction and related preparations.

Objective: To investigate the effects and mechanisms of Astragalus Polysacharin(APS) on the proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer cells by regulating miR-107 and miR-346-mediated macrophage polarization in breast cancer-derived exosomes. Methods: Forty 8-week-old female BALB/c mice were selected and breast cancer xenograft models and 4T1 transplanted tumor models were established. The mice were divided into the control group and the APS group. The APS group mice received daily intragastric administration of APS for 25 days, while the control group mice were given the same amount of normal saline. After all treatments were completed, the mice were euthanized, and tumor tissues were isolated. Western blot and flow cytometry were used to detect the expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA), Ki-67, CD206, CD163, inducible nitric-oxide synthase(iNOS), and CD86. The apoptosis of single-cell suspensions in tumor tissues was analyzed. Human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 was cultured and stimulated with APS, and exosomes from the cell culture medium were collected. The proliferation, migration, and invasion of cells were detected by CCK-8 assay, scratch assay, permeability chamber cell invasion assay, and qRT-PCR. Differentially expressed genes were screened by bioinformatics. Results : By measuring the expressions of molecules related to breast cancer cell proliferation and metastasis, it was shown that APS treatment reduced the expressions of proliferation-related proteins(PCNA and Ki-67) and metastasis-related proteins(Vimentin) in MDA-MB-231 xenograft tumor tissues; and the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages was observed. APS treatment of 4T1 transplanted tumor tissues could reduce the number of M2 macrophages and increase the number of M1 macrophages, resulting in a decrease in the ratio of M2/M1 macrophages and an increase in cell apoptosis in 4T1 transplanted tumor tissues. The expressions of related proteins iNOS and CD86 increased, and CD206 and CD163 decreased. After APS treatment, the exosomes produced by MDA-MB-231 reduced the polarization of M2 macrophages and affected the expressions of miR-107 and miR-346. Conclusion APS inhibits the polarization of M2 macrophages by regulating the expression of miR-107 or miR-346 in breast cancer cell-derived exosomes, ultimately inhibiting the proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer cells.

Nitric oxide(NO)is an endothelial-derived relaxing factor produced by endothelial cells and catalyzed by nitric oxide synthase(NOS), which is present in many organs and tissues of the human body. NO is a key gaseous signaling molecule that mediates a variety of physiopathological processes in organisms. NO and NOS have many functions including the regulation of vascular tone, the relaxation of smooth muscle, activation of immune responses and modulation of neuro-transmission. They have been used in the treatment of diseases in a certain field. In recent years, the incidence of ophthalmic diseases has been on the rise, and the quality of life of patients has been reduced. However, treatment for most diseases is limited. It is find that NO and NOS can be detected in various tissue of ocular parts, and they are involved in the occurrence and transformation of many ocular surface and fundus diseases. This article reviews the correlation between them and ocular diseases, analyzes the mechanism and principle of the occurrence and development of diseases, and provides new ideas for the clinical treatment of ophthalmic diseases in the future.

Objective:The evidence on the use of bedside ultrasound to assess muscle mass in critically ill adults was retrieved and screened, and the best evidence was summarized.Methods:A computer search was conducted for relevant literature on ultrasound measurement of muscle mass in critically ill adults in domestic and foreign databases such as BMJ Best Clinical Practice, UpToDate, PubMed, CNKI, and guide website and professional association website. The search time limit was from the establishment of the database to August 30, 2023. Literature quality was evaluated by four researchers trained in systematic evidence-based courses according to literature type.Results:A total of 15 literatures were included, including 2 guideline, 4 expert consensus, 5 systematic reviews and 4 randomized controlled studies. A total of 22 pieces of evidence were summarized, including 6 aspects: position and patient preparation, feasibility of implementation by nursing staff, selection of probe and matters needing attention, muscle positioning, evaluation of muscle structure by ultrasound and the guiding significance of ultrasound evaluation of muscle mass.Conclusions:The best evidence summary of bedside ultrasound assessment of muscle mass in critically ill adults summarized in this study is scientific and systematic, and provides evidence-based basis for establishing standardized ultrasound assessment procedures in clinic.

With the increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus in recent years， cardiomyopathy caused by diabetes mellitus has aroused wide concern and this disease is characterized by high insidiousness and high mortality. The early pathological changes of diabetic cardiomyopathy （DCM） are mitochondrial structural disorders and loss of myocardial metabolic flexibility. The turbulence of mitochondrial quality control （MQC） is a key mechanism leading to the accumulation of damaged mitochondria and loss of myocardial metabolic flexibility， which， together with elevated levels of oxidative stress and inflammation， trigger changes in myocardial structure and function. Qi deficiency and stagnation is caused by the loss of healthy Qi， and the dysfunction of Qi transformation results in the accumulation of pathogenic Qi， which further triggers injuries. According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， DCM is rooted in Qi deficiency of the heart， spleen， and kidney. The dysfunction of Qi transformation leads to the generation and lingering of turbidity， stasis， and toxin in the nutrient-blood and vessels， ultimately damaging the heart. Therefore， Qi deficiency and stagnation is the basic pathologic mechanism of DCM. Mitochondria， similar to Qi in substance and function， are one of the microscopic manifestations of Qi. The role of MQC is consistent with the defense function of Qi. In the case of MQC turbulence， mitochondrial structure and function are impaired. As a result， Qi deficiency gradually emerges and triggers pathological changes， which make it difficult to remove the stagnant pathogenic factor and aggravates the MQC turbulence. Ultimately， DCM occurs. Targeting MQC to treat DCM has become the focus of current research， and TCM has the advantages of acting on multiple targets and pathways. According to the pathogenesis of Qi deficiency and stagnation in DCM and the modern medical understanding of MQC， the treatment should follow the principles of invigorating healthy Qi， tonifying deficiency， and regulating Qi movement. This paper aims to provide ideas for formulating prescriptions and clinical references for the TCM treatment of DCM by targeting MQC.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effects of 3，5，6，7，8，3′，4′-heptamethoxyflavone （HMF） of Fructus Aurantii on rats with damp blockage of the middle energizer. METHODS The rats were randomly divided into normal group， model group， positive control group （Raceanisodamine tablet， 1 mg/kg）， HMF low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups （0.3， 0.6， 0.9 mg/kg）， with 7 rats in each group. Except for the normal group， the other groups were modeled by internal and external composite factors. After successful modeling， the rats in each group were given the corresponding drug or normal saline， once a day， for 14 days. The general behavioral states such as dietary intake， water intake and mental state of the rats were observed， and the fecal water content rate and saliva flow rate were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the pathological and morphology in gastric and small intestinal tissues of rats. The plasma content of aldosterone was detected， and the expression of aquaporins （AQP3） in the gastric tissue of rats was determined. RESULTS Compared with the normal group， the dietary intake and water intake of the model group rats were significantly decreased （P＜0.01）， the fecal water content rate， salivary flow rate， plasma content of aldosterone and the expression of AQP3 in gastric tissue were increased significantly （P＜0.01）. Gastric tissue injury invaded the mucosal muscle layer， resulting in mucosal muscle layer rupture； pathological and morphological changes such as small intestinal villous erosion and glandular structure destruction were observed in the small intestine. Compared with the model group， the dietary intake and water intake of rats were increased in HMF groups； fecal water content rate， salivary flow rate， plasma content of aldosterone， the expression of AQP3 in gastric tissue were decreased， most of the above differences were statistically significant （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. The pathological and morphological changes in the gastric and small intestine tissues of rats had been improved to varying degrees. CONCLUSIONS HMF of Fructus Aurantii with dry property HMF could improve the symptoms of rats with damp blockage of middle energizer， the mechanism of which may be associated with reducing the content of plasma aldosterone and down-regulating the expression of gastric AQP3.