Healthy dental pulp is essential for preserving teeth and maintaining their normal function. Vital pulp therapy (VPT) is widely used in clinical applications because it aims to preserve vital pulp and enhance the long-term survival of teeth. An accurate diagnosis of pulp vitality is a prerequisite for successful VPT. However, accurately assessing pulp viability remains challenging in clinical practice. Pulp viability is influenced by various factors, including the type of pulp exposure, caries status, periodontitis, trauma, treatment factors, patient age, and individual differences. Assessing pulp viability requires a comprehensive consideration of medical history and clinical manifestations, along with a combination of various auxiliary methods, such as pulp sensibility tests, pulp blood flow tests, imaging techniques and molecular diagnostics. In the future, the technology for assessing pulp vitality should evolve toward chairside, visualization, and precision techniques, to achieve consistency between clinical and histological diagnoses, thereby providing patients with the most effective treatment.

Objective To study the chemical constituents of Fallopia aubertii L.Henry Holub. Methods The chemical constituents of Fallopia aubertii L.Henry Holub. were separated and purified by online two-dimensional preparative liquid chromatography and identified by physical and chemical constants and spectral analysis. The inhibitory activities on xanthine oxidase were determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. Results Ten compounds were isolated from the extract of Fallopia aubertii L.Henry Holub, including isotachioside（1）, 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl-（6'-O-galloyl）-O-β-D-Glucopyranoside（2）, 1-hydroxy-,4,5-1-O-[6'-O-（4''-carboxy-1'',3'',5'trihydrotrimethoxyphenylxy）-phenyl]-β-D-glucopyranoside（3）, myricetrin（4）, myricetin（5）, rutin（6）, quercetin-3-O-β-D-galactoside（7）, quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside（8）, lyciumideA（9）, and N-trans-Feruloyltyramine（10）. The inhibitory activity test results showed that the IC₅₀ of compound 5 was 15.92 μmol/L, and the IC₅₀ of compound 6 was 87.36 μmol/L. Conclusion Compounds 1,2,3,4 and 8 were isolated from Medicago polymorpha for the first time. Compounds 5 and 6 had xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, causing dementia and affecting millions of individuals. One prominent characteristic in the brains of AD patients is glucose hypometabolism. In the context of galactose metabolism, intracellular glucose levels are heightened. Galactose mutarotase (GALM) plays a crucial role in maintaining normal galactose metabolism by catalyzing the conversion of β-D-galactose into α-D-galactose (α-D-G). The latter is then converted into glucose-6-phosphate, improving glucose metabolism levels. However, the involvement of GALM in AD progression is still unclear. In the present study, we found that the expression of GALM was significantly increased in AD patients and model mice. Genetic knockdown of GALM using adeno-associated virus did not change the expression of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and APP-cleaving enzymes including a disintegrin and metalloprotease 10 (ADAM10), β-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), and presenilin-1 (PS1). Interestingly, genetic overexpression of GALM reduced APP and Aβ deposition by increasing the maturation of ADAM10, although it did not alter the expression of BACE1 and PS1. Further electrophysiological and behavioral experiments showed that GALM overexpression significantly ameliorated the deficits in hippocampal CA1 long-term potentiation (LTP) and spatial learning and memory in AD model mice. Importantly, direct α-D-G (20 mg/kg, i.p.) also inhibited Aβ deposition by increasing the maturation of ADAM10, thereby improving hippocampal CA1 LTP and spatial learning and memory in AD model mice. Taken together, our results indicate that GALM shifts APP processing towards α-cleavage, preventing Aβ generation by increasing the level of mature ADAM10. These findings indicate that GALM may be a potential therapeutic target for AD, and α-D-G has the potential to be used as a dietary supplement for the prevention and treatment of AD.
Animals ; ADAM10 Protein/metabolism* ; Alzheimer Disease/pathology* ; Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Humans ; Mice ; Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism* ; Male ; Mice, Transgenic ; Membrane Proteins/metabolism* ; Cognitive Dysfunction/pathology* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor/metabolism* ; Female ; Hippocampus/metabolism* ; Long-Term Potentiation/physiology*

OBJECTIVE: Resveratrol (Res) is a promising anticancer drug against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but whether its anti-HCC effects implicate mitophagy remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to explore the specific role of Res in mitophagy and the related mechanisms during the treatment of HCC. METHODS: HepG2 cells and tumor-grafted nude mice were used to investigate the effects of low-, middle- and high-dose of Res on HCC progression and mitophagy in vitro and in vivo, respectively. A series of approaches including cell counting kit-8, flow cytometry, wound healing and transwell assays were used to evaluate tumor cell functions. Transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence and Western blotting were used to assess mitophagy. Mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate, reactive oxygen species and membrane potential were used to reflect mitochondrial function. After disrupting the expression of metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), miR-143-3p, and ribonucleoside reductase M2 (RRM2), the effects of the MALAT1/miR-143-3p/RRM2 axis on cell function and mitophagy under Res treatment were explored in vitro. Additionally, dual-luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation were used to confirm interactions between target genes. RESULTS: Res significantly inhibited the proliferation and promoted apoptosis of HCC cells in vitro, while significantly suppressing tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner and inducing mitophagy and mitochondrial dysfunction in vivo. Interestingly, MALAT1 was highly expressed in HCC cells and its knockdown upregulated miR-143-3p expression in HCC cells, which subsequently inhibited RRM2 expression. Furthermore, in nude mice grafted with HCC tumors and treated with Res, the expression of MALAT1, miR-143-3p and RRM2 were altered significantly. In vitro data further supported the targeted binding relationships between MALAT1 and miR-143-3p and between miR-143-3p and RRM2. Therefore, a series of cell-based experiments were carried out to study the mechanism of the MALAT1/miR-143-3p/RRM2 axis involved in mitophagy and HCC; these experiments revealed that MALAT1 knockdown, miR-143-3p mimic and RRM silencing potentiated the antitumor effects of Res and its activation of mitophagy. CONCLUSION Res facilitated mitophagy in HCC and exerted anti-cancer effects by targeting the MALAT1/miR-143-3p/RRM2 axis. Please cite this article as: Feng CY, Cai CS, Shi XQ, Zhang ZJ, Su D, Qiu YQ. Resveratrol promotes mitophagy via the MALAT1/miR-143-3p/RRM2 axis and suppresses cancer progression in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(1): 79-91.
Humans ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Liver Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism* ; Mitophagy/drug effects* ; Resveratrol/pharmacology* ; Animals ; Mice, Nude ; RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics* ; Hep G2 Cells ; Mice ; Disease Progression ; Mice, Inbred BALB C

OBJECTIVE: The study aim was to investigate the effects of exposure to multiple environmental organic pollutants on cardiopulmonary health with a focus on the potential mediating role of oxidative stress. METHODS: A repeated-measures randomized crossover study involving healthy college students in Beijing was conducted. Biological samples, including morning urine and venous blood, were collected to measure concentrations of 29 typical organic pollutants, including hydroxy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OH-PAHs), bisphenol A and its substitutes, phthalates and their metabolites, parabens, and five biomarkers of oxidative stress. Health assessments included blood pressure measurements and lung function indicators. RESULTS: Urinary concentrations of 2-hydroxyphenanthrene (2-OH-PHE) ( β = 4.35% [95% confidence interval ( CI): 0.85%, 7.97%]), 3-hydroxyphenanthrene ( β = 3.44% [95% CI: 0.19%, 6.79%]), and 4-hydroxyphenanthrene (4-OH-PHE) ( β = 5.78% [95% CI: 1.27%, 10.5%]) were significantly and positively associated with systolic blood pressure. Exposures to 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OH-PYR) ( β = 3.05% [95% CI: -4.66%, -1.41%]), 2-OH-PHE ( β = 2.68% [95% CI: -4%, -1.34%]), and 4-OH-PHE ( β = 3% [95% CI: -4.68%, -1.29%]) were negatively associated with the ratio of forced expiratory volume in the first second to forced vital capacity. These findings highlight the adverse effects of exposure to multiple pollutants on cardiopulmonary health. Biomarkers of oxidative stress, including 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and extracellular superoxide dismutase, mediated the effects of multiple OH-PAHs on blood pressure and lung function. CONCLUSION Exposure to multiple organic pollutants can adversely affect cardiopulmonary health. Oxidative stress is a key mediator of the effects of OH-PAHs on blood pressure and lung function.
Humans ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Male ; Cross-Over Studies ; Female ; Young Adult ; Environmental Pollutants/toxicity* ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects* ; Biomarkers/blood* ; Adult ; Blood Pressure/drug effects* ; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/urine* ; Beijing

The interaction between Mycobacterium tuberculosis and host, as well as the regulation of some signaling pathways in the host, were involved in pathogen latency in macrophages. microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate the gene expression and biological functions, indicating that miRNAs played a regulatory role in bacterial infections. However, whether the host's miRNAs were also involved in the process of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection had not been thoroughly studied. This study infected macrophages with pathogenic Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain H37Rv and low virulence strain H37Ra to explore the functional miRNAs. By identifying the expression profile of miRNAs in host cells after infection, the expression of 17 miRNAs significantly changed (P < 0.05) in the human macrophage THP-1 infected with highly pathogenic H37Rv strain (Rv), H37Rv inactivated strain (Rv-), and non-pathogenic H37Ra (Ra) strains respectively, indicating that host miRNAs may be involved in the interaction of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and host. Meanwhile, 10 types of miRNAs showed significant differences in cells infected with pathogenic and non-pathogenic Mycobacterium tuberculosis, suggesting that host miRNAs may play an important role in the pathogenicity and intracellular survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Further study had found that miR-449a, miR-502-5p, and miR-708 were downregulated in cells infected with Mycobacterium marinum. Overexpression of these three miRNAs displayed the significant inhibitory effect on the growth of Mycobacterium marinum, indicating that miRNAs played a pivotal role in the interaction between the host and Mycobacterium marinum. This study provided the new insights into the pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the treatment of tuberculosis.

Objective To investigate the effectiveness and safety of endoscopic mucosal resection with precutting(EMR-P)for the treatment of rectal neuroendocrine neoplasm(RNEN)smaller than 1 cm in diameter.Methods Clinical data of 177 patients with RNEN smaller than 1 cm in diameter from December 2016 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.According to different treatment protocols,177 patients with RNEN were divided into endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)group(n = 46),EMR-P group(n = 40)and endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)group(n = 91).The en bloc resection rate,complete resection rate,operation time,postoperative hospitalization time and incidence of operative complications among the three groups were compared.Results The complete resection rate in the EMR-P group(95.0%)and ESD group(97.8%)were significantly higher than that in the EMR group(87.0%)(P<0.05);The operation time in the EMR-P group(9.86±2.23)min was longer than that in the EMR group(4.12±0.88)min,EMR-P group and EMR group were shorter than that in the ESD group(19.55±3.67)min,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);Postoperative hospitalization time in the EMR group was(2.45±0.29)d and EMR-P group was(2.43±0.23)d,which were shorter than that in the ESD group(3.30±0.32)d,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).There were no significant difference in the rates of en bloc resection and operative complications among the three groups(P>0.05).Conclusion EMR-P for the treatment of RNEN<1 cm in diameter has the advantages,such as simple operation,short operation time and hospitalization time,high histological complete resection rate and low complication rate,which is worthy of clinical application.

Objective This paper intends to compare the efficacy and safety of high-dose dual regimens containing Vonoprazan and proton pump inhibitor in patients infected with Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori).Methods A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted.According to inclusion and exclusion criteria.,243 patients with H.pylori infection admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology,the First Hospital of Lanzhou University from February 2023 to December 2023 were enrolled as the research objects.They were randomly divided into two groups.The high-dose dual therapy containing Vonoprazan group(VPZ-HDDT group)was given Vonoprazan fumarate tablet 20mg twice daily plus amoxicillin 750 mg four times daily for 14 days and the high-dose combination group containing PPI(PPI-HDDT group)was given esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily plus amoxicillin 750 mg four times daily for 14 days.Patients were followed up and recorded by telephone or WeChat on the 7th and 14th day of starting treatment for drug intake and occurrence of adverse reactions.Patients were instructed to recheck the 13C or 14C urea breath test at least 1 month after the end of medication.Treatment by protocol(PP)analysis,modified intention to treat(mITT)and intention-to-treat(ITT)analysis were used for H.pylori eradication rates in both groups,and compliance and incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results The eradication rates of the VPZ-HDDT group and the PPI-HDDT group in the initial treatment were 94.0％and 88.5％(P=0.209)by PP analysis,and 91.8％and 87.5％(P=0.358)86.7％by mITT analysis,and 81.9％(P=0.377)by ITT analysis,respectively.In the retreated patients,the PP analysis and mITT analysis eradication rates in these two groups were consistent,87.0％and 84.2％(P=0.800),respectively,and 83.3％and 76.2％(P=0.550)by ITT analysis.For the refractory H.pylori patients,the PP analysis and mITT analysis eradication rates in these two groups were also consistent,71.4％and 50.0％(P=0.429),and the eradication rates of ITT analysis were 62.5％and 50.0％(P=0.640),respectively.In different stratifications,the eradication rates of the VPZ-HDDT group were higher than those of the PPI-HDDT group,but the differences were not statistically significant.The incidence of adverse reactions and compliance of the VPZ-HDDT group and the PPI-HDDT group were similar,with no statistically significant differences.Conclusion Both two combination regimens can achieve clinically acceptable eradication rates(＞85％)in the first-time treatment patients.For the retreated and refractory patients,the choice of vonoprazan is more beneficial.

Objective To explore the relevant risk factors of H.pylori infection,and provide reference for prevention and treatment of H.pylori in this area,and further provide theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer.Methods A total of 1200 residents in four districts of Haikou city were investigated by questionnaire and urea 14 C breath test by holistic stratified random sampling to calculate the population infection rate and analyze the risk factors of infection.Results The total infection rate was 32.5％,which was lower than the national H.pylori infection rate.No consumption of fruits and vegetables,no habit of washing hands before meals,and people with gastrointestinal symptoms,are independent risk factors of H.pylori infection.No consumption of pickled products is of great significance to prevent H.pylori infection.Conclusion The prevalence of H.pylori infection in the population of Haikou is lower than the national average,and H.pylori infection is closely related to the poor living habits of residents.

Objective To investigate the correlation between the level of N-terminal pro-Brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)and cardiorespiratory fitness following acute exposure to high altitude.Methods Forty-six subjects were recruited from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University in June 2022,including 19 males and 27 females.After completing cardiopulmonary exercise test(CPET),serological detection of myocardial cell-related markers,and multiple metabolites at a plain altitude(300 meters above sea level),all subjects flew to a high-altitude location(3900 meters above sea level).Biomarker testing and CPET were repeated on the second and third days after arrival at high altitude.Changes in serum biomarker and key CPET indicators before and after rapid ascent to high altitude were compared,and the correlation between serum levels of various myocardial cell-related markers and metabolites and high altitude cardiorespiratory fitness was analyzed.Results Compared with the plain altitude,there was a significant decrease in maximal oxygen uptake after rapid ascent to high altitude[(25.41±6.20)ml/(kg.min)vs.(30.17±5.01)ml/(kg.min),P<0.001].Serum levels of NT-proBNP,Epinephrine(E),plasma renin activity(PRA),angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ),angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)and leptin(LEP)significantly increased,with all differences being statistically significant(P<0.05)after acute high altitude exposure.In contrast,no statistically significant differences were observed for creatine kinase MB(CK-MB),cardiac troponin I(cTnI),myoglobin(Myo)and norepinephrine(NE)(P>0.05).Correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between NT-proBNP at plain altitude(r=-0.768,P<0.001)and at high altitude(r=-0.791,P<0.001)with maximal oxygen uptake at high altitude.Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that maximal oxygen uptake at plain altitude(t=2.069,P=0.045),NT-proBNP at plain altitude(t=-2.436,P=0.020)and at high altitude(t=-3.578,P=0.001)were independent influencing factors of cardiorespiratory fitness at high altitude.Conclusion Cardiorespiratory fitness significantly decreases after rapid ascent to high altitude,and the baseline NT-proBNP level at plain altitude is closely related to cardiorespiratory fitness at high altitude,making it a potential predictor indicator for high altitude cardiorespiratory fitness.