Objective To investigate the effect of bone metabolic markers on sarcopenia in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods A total of 412 patients with T2DM in the department of endocrinology of Nanjing Central Hospital from May 2020 to June 2025 were selected as the research subjects. According to Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) in 2019, these patients were evaluated for skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), muscle strength, and muscle function, and were divided into a sarcopenia group (84 cases) and a non-sarcopenia group (328 cases). The glucolipid metabolic indexes were detected in both groups of patients, and the bone metabolic markers were evaluated, including procollagen type 1 N-terminal peptide (P1NP), beta-C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (β-CTX), and 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25-(OH)D]. The factors influencing the occurrence of sarcopenia in T2DM patients were analyzed by logistic regression analysis, and the diagnostic values of bone metabolic markers on sarcopenia in patients with T2DM were assessed by ROC curve. Results The levels of P1NP and 25-(OH)D were lower, while β-CTX level was higher in the sarcopenia group compared to the non-sarcopenia group, with statistical differences (P<0.05). After logistic correlation analysis, it was found that P1NP, β-CTX and 25-(OH)D were all influencing factors for the occurrence of sarcopenia in T2DM patients. ROC curve analysis suggested that combined detection of PINP, β-CTX, and 25-(OH)D had higher diagnostic value, with an area under the curve up to 0.805. Conclusion The abnormal expression of bone metabolic markers is associated with the increased risk of sarcopenia in patients with T2DM. The detection of serum bone metabolic markers expression level is of certain significance for the assessment of diabetes-related sarcopenia.

Background Air pollution remains a critical public health issue, with persistent exposure to air pollutants continuing to pose significant health risks. Currently, research investigating the association between air pollution and myocardial infarction mortality in Shenzhen remains inadequate. Objective To quantitatively assess the association between air pollutants and myocardial infarction mortality in residents. Methods Based on the mortality surveillance system of Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, we conducted a time-stratified case-crossover study of 10089 permanent residents who died from myocardial infarction in Shenzhen between 2013 and 2022. Using residential address information, we obtained individual-level exposure data for air pollutants from the China High Air Pollutants dataset and meteorological factors from the China Meteorological Administration Land Data Assimilation System. A time-stratified case-crossover study design was employed to construct a conditional logistic regression model to assess the association between short-term exposure to air pollutants and myocardial infarction mortality. The exposure-response relationship was visualized, and a comprehensive health risk assessment was performed. Results This study included a total of 10 089 cases of myocardial infarction deaths in Shenzhen. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), inhalable particulate matter (PM₁₀), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O₃) in Shenzhen from 2013 to 2022 were 24.59 (20.19) μg·m⁻³, 42.85 (28.42) μg·m⁻³, 8.53 (3.39) μg·m⁻³, 29.47 (13.56) μg·m⁻³, 0.77 (0.27) mg·m⁻³, and 86.53 (51.39) μg·m⁻³, respectively. The moving average concentrations of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ over the current day and the previous 2 days (lag02) showed the highest risk of myocardial infarction mortality, with an odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) of 1.004 (1.001, 1.007) and 1.004 (1.002, 1.006), respectively. At lag05, SO₂ demonstrated the strongest association with the risk of myocardial infarction mortality, with an OR (95%CI) of 1.042 (1.019, 1.065). The exposure-response relationships of PM_2.5, PM₁₀, and SO₂ with myocardial infarction mortality were approximately linear, whereas NO₂ exhibited a nonlinear relationship. At lag05, the highest risk of myocardial infarction mortality associated with NO₂ exposure was observed when the NO₂ concentration was ≤21.92 μg·m⁻³, with an OR (95% CI) of 1.024 (1.003, 1.046). The health risk assessment indicated that, using the WHO Air Quality Guidelines as the reference, the local PM_2.5 and NO₂ exposure led to an excess mortality of 398 and 298 cases, respectively. The sensitivity analysis revealed that after adjusting for O₃ and restricting the study period to 2013—2019, the effect estimates for PM_2.5, PM₁₀, NO₂, and SO₂ on myocardial infarction mortality slightly increased. Conclusion Short-term exposure to air pollutants, including PM_2.5, PM₁₀, NO₂, and SO₂, could increase the risk of myocardial infarction mortality. This study provides important scientific evidence for environmental health risk assessment and environmental management in Shenzhen.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the clinical characteristics and influential factors of drug-induced liver injury （DILI） in children caused by intravenous azithromycin. METHODS Clinical data of 157 DILI pediatric cases caused by intravenous azithromycin， reported by the Hengshui Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Center from January 2015 to January 2025， were collected as the observation group. Clinical data of pediatric patients who received intravenous azithromycin but did not develop DILI during the same period at Hengshui People’s Hospital were collected in a 1∶1 ratio to serve as the control group. The clinical classification， severity and prognosis of DILI in pediatric patients from the observation group were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were used to screen the independent risk factors for DILI in children caused by intravenous azithromycin. RESULTS Among 157 DILI cases， 92 cases （58.60%） had hepatocellular injury-type， 51 cases （32.48%） had cholestatic-type， and 14 cases （8.92%） had mixed-type. DILI severity was grade 1 in 117 cases （74.52%）， grade 2 in 33 cases （21.02%）， and grade 3 in 7 cases （4.46%）. Liver function had all recovered after stopping medication and symptomatic treatment. Combined with acetaminophen [OR＝3.769， 95%CI （1.615， 8.235）， P＝0.021]， daily dose of azithromycin＞10 mg/kg [OR＝ 2.237， 95%CI （1.075， 4.655）， P＝0.034] were independent risk factors for DILI in children caused by intravenous azithromycin. CONCLUSIONS Hepatocellular injury-type and cholestatic-type are relatively common in children with DILI caused by intravenous azithromycin， with mild severity being predominant and showing a favorable prognosis. Combination with acetaminophen and daily dose＞10 mg/kg are independent risk factors for azithromycin-induced DILI in children.

Intestinal fibrosis is a significant clinical challenge in inflammatory bowel diseases, but no effective anti-fibrotic therapy is currently available. Glucagon receptor (GCGR) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP1R) are both peptide hormone receptors involved in energy metabolism of epithelial cells. However, their role in intestinal fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. Herein GCGR and GLP1R were found to be reduced in the stenotic ileum of patients with Crohn's disease as well as in the fibrotic colon of mice with chronic colitis. The downregulation of GCGR and GLP1R led to the accumulation of the metabolic byproduct lactate, resulting in histone H3K9 lactylation and exacerbated intestinal fibrosis through epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Dual activating GCGR and GLP1R by peptide 1907B reduced the H3K9 lactylation in epithelial cells and ameliorated intestinal fibrosis in vivo. We uncovered the role of GCGR/GLP1R in regulating EMT involved in intestinal fibrosis via histone lactylation. Simultaneously activating GCGR/GLP1R with the novel dual agonist peptide 1907B holds promise as a treatment strategy for alleviating intestinal fibrosis.

Objective:To discuss the role of angiopoietin-like protein 6(ANGPTL6)in liver fibrosis,and to analyze the improving effect of engineered exosome(Exo)-delivered ANGPTL6 mRNA on liver fibrosis.Methods:A total of 12 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into olive oil group(OIL group)(intraperitoneally injected with olive oil)and carbon tetrachloride(CCl4)group(intraperitoneally injected with a mixture of olive oil and CCl?),with 6 mice in each group;another 12 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group(fed a with methionine-choline sufficient diet)and methionine-choline deficient(MCD)group(fed a with MCD diet),and two kinds of mouse liver fibrosis models were established.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)and Western blotting method were used to detect the ANGPTL6 mRNA and protein expression levels in liver tissue of the mice in various groups.A total of 30 mice were randomly divided into olive oil+phosphate buffered saline(PBS)group(OIL+PBS group)(intraperitoneally injected with olive oil twice a week for 8 weeks,then injected with PBS buffer by tail vein twice a week for 6 weeks),CCl4+Exo-green fluorescent protein(GFP)mRNA group(established liver fibrosis model by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 mixture and were injected by tail vein with engineered Exo loaded with GFP mRNA for 6 weeks),and CCl?+Exo-ANGPTL6 mRNA group(established liver fibrosis model by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 mixture and were injected by tail vein with engineered Exo loaded with ANGPTL6 mRNA for 6 weeks),with 10 mice in each group.The mice in CCl4+Exo-GFP mRNA group and CCl4+Exo-ANGPTL6 mRNA group were injected with engineered Exo twice a week,20 μg per mouse each time(volume 100 μL).ELISA method was used to detect the serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)activities in the mice in various groups;Masson staining and Sirius red staining were used to observe the collagen deposition in liver tissue of the mice in various groups;immunohistochemistry method was used to detect the α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)expression levels in liver tissue of the mice in various groups;RT-qPCR method was used to detect the expression levels of α-SMA,collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 chain(Col1a1),transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1),and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1(TIMP-1)mRNA in liver tissue of the mice in various groups.Results:The bioinformatics analysis results showed that ANGPTL6 expression was significantly down-regulated in activated hepatic stellate cell(aHSC).The ultrasound examination results showed that the liver surface of the mice in OIL group was fine and smooth;compared with OIL group,the liver section of the mice in CCl? group was rough and uneven.The RT-qPCR and Western blotting results showed that compared with OIL group,the ANGPTL6 mRNA and protein expression levels in liver tissue of the mice in CCl? group were significantly decreased(P<0.05).The engineered Exo extracted from the supernatant of HEK293T cells had intact structure and could be largely enriched in the fibrotic liver after tail vein injection,with GFP protein being largely expressed in the liver.The ELISA assay results showed that compared with OIL+PBS group,the ALT and AST activities in CCl4+Exo-GFP mRNA group were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with CCl4+Exo-ANGPTL6 mRNA group,the serum ALT and AST activities in CCl4+Exo-GFP mRNA group were significantly decreased(P<0.05).The Masson staining and Sirius red staining results showed that compared with OIL+PBS group,the collagen deposition in liver tissue of the mice in CCl?+Exo-GFP mRNA group was significantly increased,and the relative collagen area was increased(P<0.05);compared with CCl4+Exo-GFP mRNA group,the collagen deposition in tissue liver of the mice in CCl?+Exo-ANGPTL6 mRNA group was significantly decreased,and the relative collagen area was decreased(P<0.05).The immunohistochemistry results showed that compared with OIL+PBS group,the α-SMA protein expression level in liver tissue of the mice in CCl?+Exo-GFP mRNA group was significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with CCl4+Exo-GFP mRNA group,the α-SMA protein expression level in liver tissue of the mice in CCl?+Exo-ANGPTL6 mRNA group was significantly decreased(P<0.05).The RT-qPCR results showed that compared with OIL+PBS group,the expression levels of Col1a1,α-SMA,TGF-β1,and TIMP-1 mRNA in liver tissue of the mice in CCl?+Exo-GFP mRNA group were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with CCl4+Exo-GFP mRNA group,the expression levels of Col1a1,α-SMA,TGF-β1,and TIMP-1 mRNA in liver tissue of the mice in CCl?+Exo-ANGPTL6 mRNA group were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:Engineered Exo-delivered ANGPTL6 mRNA injected via the tail vein in the mice is mainly enriched in the liver,and engineered Exo delivery of ANGPTL6 mRNA has an improving effect on liver fibrosis in the mice.

Objective To investigate the potential mechanism by which dihydromyricetin(DHM)ameliorates diabetic nephropathy(DN),and to screen and validate its possible key molecular targets.Methods A DN model was established using db/db mice,and 100 mg/(kg·d)DHM was administered via gavage 5 d per week for totally 10 weeks.Renal morphological changes were observed after staining to evaluate the effects of DHM.GSE161885 and GSE270526 datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database and analyzed in combination with the GeneCards database to screen for DN-related differentially expressed genes(DEGs).Protein-protein interaction(PPI)network and molecular docking were employed to predict potential DHM targets.Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were performed to detect the effects of DHM on pyroptosis-related pathways in the renal tissues of db/db mice and in high glucose(HG)-induced human renal tubular epithelial cells(HK-2).The specific NLR family pyrin domain containing protein 3(NLRP3)inhibitor MCC950 was also used to validate the predicted mechanism.Results In vivo experiments showed that DHM significantly ameliorated renal pathological damage in db/db mice,alleviated glomerular hypertrophy and mesangial expansion,and markedly reduced Paller scores(P<0.001).Immunofluorescence staining revealed significantly weakened fluorescence signals for α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),fibronectin,and collagen Ⅰ in renal tissues.Western blot results showed that the expression levels of collagen Ⅰ,collagen Ⅲ,α-SMA,and transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-β1)were significantly decreased(P<0.05).A total of 16 DN-related DEGs were identified.Enrichment analysis revealed that these genes were primarily enriched in pathways such as viral protein interactions,cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction,and the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications,and were primarily involved in gene functions such as the positive regulation of lymphocyte-mediated immunity,positive regulation of adaptive immune response,and chemokine activity.Molecular docking confirmed NLRP3 as a potential target of DHM.In vivo validation showed that DHM significantly down-regulated gasdermin-D(GSDMD)fluorescence signals and inhibited the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins including NLRP3,Caspase 1,Cleaved-Caspase 1,interleukin 18(IL-18),and GSDMD(P<0.05).In vitro studies further confirmed that both DHM and the specific NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 alleviate high glucose-induced fibrosis and pyroptosis in HIC-2 cells.Conclusion DHM can ameliorate the progression of DN,and its mechanism is related to inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis,thereby alleviating renal inflammation and fibrosis.

Objective To investigate the effects of adiponectin(APN)on the proliferation,migration,and invasion of ovarian cancer cells and its potential association with the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/pro-tein kinase B(Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)signaling pathway.Methods A2780 and SK-OV3 cell lines were selected.AdipoR1 mRNA expression was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).The CCK-8 assay was employed to evaluate APN-induced proliferation,while scratch wound heal-ing and Transwell assays were conducted to assess migration and invasion capabilities.Western blot analysis was performed to measure the expression levels of PI3K,Akt,mTOR,and their phosphorylated forms(p-Akt,p-mTOR)at different time points(0-60 min)after APN treatment and across intervention groups(APN,LY294002,APN+LY294002).Results Both A2780 and SKOV3 cells expressed AdipoR1 mRNA.Compared with the control group,APN significantly enhanced the proliferation,migration,and invasion of o-varian cancer cells(P＜0.05).Under the stimulation of APN,the expression levels of p-Akt and p-mTOR in A2780 and SKOV3 cells showed a significant upward trend.The peak expression of p-Akt and p-mTOR in A2780 cells was observed at 30 minutes,while in SKOV3 cells,it occurred at 60 minutes.The expression lev-els of p-Akt and p-mTOR were significantly reduced in the LY294002 group and APN+LY294002 group(P＜0.001).Conclusion APN enhances the proliferation,migration,and invasion behavior of ovarian cancer cells by activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway,and its effect can be reversed by PI3K inhibitors,providing a theoretical basis for targeted intervention in ovarian cancer progression.

In 2018,a consensus on the new international classification of periodontal diseases and peri-implant diseases was jointly published by the American Academy of Periodontology(AAP)and European Federation of Periodontology(EFP),which divided peri-odontitis into stages Ⅰ-Ⅳ.The diagnosis and treatment of stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ periodontitis are the focus and difficulty in clinical practice.De-veloping standardized clinical decision-making for the diagnosis and treatment of stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ periodontitis can help patients with this condition achieve better plaque control,maintain healthy periodontal status and restore chewing function and aesthetics.Based on the EFP S3 level clinical guidelines for the treatment of stage Ⅰ-Ⅲ and stage Ⅳ periodontitis,combined with the new international classi-fication of periodontal diseases and peri-implant diseases in 2018 and the Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis of severe periodon-titis in 2017,this article elaborates clinical diagnosis and treatment decisions for stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ periodontitis,aiming to provide reference for clinical application practice.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) for muscle atrophy in patients with immobilization after surgical fixation of foot and ankle fractures.MethodsThis was a two-arm randomized controlled trial wherein 80 patients were recruited and divided into control (n = 40) and intervention (n = 40) groups. The control group received conventional orthopedic treatment, whereas the intervention group received TEAS and conventional treatment. The intervention group received TEAS 3 times a week for 30 min each time for 8 weeks. The primary outcomes were muscle thickness (MT) and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the rectus femoris and gastrocnemius muscles, whereas the secondary outcome measure was echo intensity (EI). Data were collected before the fixation operations (baseline assessment) and 4 and 8 weeks after intervention.ResultsCompared with baseline, the MT and CSA were reduced in both groups by the end of treatment, whereas EI increased in both groups. At week 4, the reduction in the rectus femoris CSA in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P = .02); however, the between-group differences in the MT and EI (all P .05) were not significant. No serious adverse events were observed in either group.ConclusionOur study showed that TEAS can improve muscle atrophy by attenuating the decline in the muscle CSA. Because this was only a pilot trial, subsequent studies will need longer follow-ups and larger sample sizes.

Background In the Global Burden of Disease research, it has been found that atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) pollution significantly harms human health. Currently, there is limited research on polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) that exhibit high toxicity effects in PM_2.5 . Objective By studying the spatiotemporal distribution and variation characteristics of PCDD/Fs in PM_2.5 in Pudong area of Shanghai, to assess the associated population health risk. Methods This study set up 28 sampling points in Pudong area. One sample of PM_2.5 was collected during winter (February 2022) and summer (July 2022) at each site, with a sampling period lasting 24 h. The concentration of PM_2.5 was measured by membrane filter method, and the content of 17 kinds of 2,3,7,8-substituted chlorinated PCDD/Fs in the samples was analyzed using isotope dilution. Seasonal variations (winter and summer) in the concentrations of PM_2.5 and PCDD/Fs were evaluated, sources of PCDD/Fs pollution were tracing by principal component analysis, and health risks to the population from respiratory exposure to PCDD/Fs were estimated by VLIER-HUMAAN model. Results The PM_2.5 concentrations in the 28 samples ranged from 10 to 126 μg·m⁻³, while the concentrations of PCDD/Fs in PM_2.5 ranged from 58 to 2625 fg·m⁻³. The concentration of PM_2.5 during winter (11-126 μg·m⁻³) was higher than that during summer (10-60 μg·m⁻³). The concentration range of PCDD/Fs in winter was from 58 to 2625 fg·m⁻³, which corresponded to a range of toxic equivalent quantity (WHO-TEQ) concentration from 2.99 to 40.97 fg·m⁻³ when taking World Health Organization's toxic equivalency factor (WHO-TEQ); the concentration range of PCDD/Fs in summer was from 72 to 446 fg·m⁻³, which corresponded to a range of WHO-TEQ concentration from 2.66 to 16.61 fg·m⁻³. This range in summer was significantly lower than that observed in winter. The results of principal component analysis revealed that waste incineration was the primary source of PCDD/Fs in winter PM_2.5 in the area, whereas traffic emissions emerged as the main source in summer. The assessment of Pudong residents' respiratory exposure to PCDD/Fs in PM_2.5 showed significantly higher exposure of children in summer and winter than that of adults, indicating higher susceptibility of children to air pollutants. Both the hazard ratios (HR) for children and adults were below 1, while the cancer risks (CR) ranged from 8.41×10⁻⁸ to 2.35×10⁻⁶. Notably, during winter, the CR at 4 locations slightly exceeds 1×10⁻⁶, indicating a potential carcinogenic risk. Conclusion The overall pollution level of PCDD/Fs in PM_2.5 in Pudong area is relatively low, but it shows clear seasonal patterns. Waste incineration and traffic are the main sources of PCDD/Fs in PM_2.5 in the area. Although the cancer risk of exposure to PCDD/Fs in PM_2.5 for children or adults is relatively low, there is a certain risk at some locations in winter, necessitating additional monitoring and control.