Pancreatic cancer （PC）， a highly malignant tumor of the digestive system， is characterized by extremely high incidence and mortality rates， imposing a severe burden on the healthcare system. Despite significant advancements in comprehensive therapeutic strategies for PC， clinical benefits for patients remain limited due to the high heterogeneity and unique microenvironment of the tumor. Therefore， further elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying PC progression and developing novel， effective therapeutic strategies have become an urgent necessity in the current research. Programmed cell death （PCD） is a genetically orchestrated process of autonomous cell demise that is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Recent studies have demonstrated that tumor cells can remodel the tumor microenvironment by modulating various PCD pathways—including apoptosis， autophagy， pyroptosis， and ferroptosis—thereby driving tumor proliferation， invasion， and drug resistance. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） possesses unique advantages in anti-tumor therapy， characterized by multi-component， multi-target， and multi-pathway regulation. Accumulating evidence suggests that TCM formulas and their natural active compounds can effectively delay the malignant progression of PC by modulating PCD in tumor cells. This article systematically summarizes the molecular mechanisms of PCD in PC progression and reviews the mechanisms by which TCM formulas and natural active compounds intervene in PC through PCD modulation. This review aims to provide theoretical support and future research directions for the prevention and treatment of PC with TCM.

AIM:To investigate the compositional and structural differences in the ocular surface microbiota of patients with primary pterygium during the progressive and stationary stages, and to identify key microbial biomarkers associated with pterygium progression.METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was adopted. Patients with progressive pterygium(PPG group), stationary pterygium(SPG group), and age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers(HCG group)were enrolled. Conjunctival swabs were collected from the affected eye(or the healthy eye in controls)of each participant. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of the V3V4 region was performed. The analytical workflow encompassed rarefaction curve analysis, Alpha/Beta diversity analyses, ASV analysis. LEfSe analysis and the Kruskal-Wallis H test were used to screen differential microbiota.RESULTS: Final enrollment included 28 patients(28 eyes)in each group: PPG(11 males, 17 females; mean age 60.54±8.44 y), SPG(10 males, 18 females; mean age 61.82±10.21 y), and HCG(12 males, 16 females; mean age 64.07±7.27 y). No significant differences were found among the three groups in baseline characteristics(all P>0.05). The number of valid sequences and the rarefaction curves confirmed sufficient sequencing depth. Alpha/Beta diversity analyses showed no statistically significant differences among the three groups(all P>0.05), indicating that the overall structure of the ocular surface microbiota was relatively stable. LEfSe analysis(LDA score>3.0)revealed that the Propionibacteriales, the Propionibacteriaceae, the Cutibacterium and the Comamonadaceae were significantly enriched in the PPG group. Following Kruskal-Wallis H tests with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons, the relative abundances of Propionibacteriales, Propionibacteriaceae, and Cutibacterium were significantly higher in PPG group than in the HCG group(all PSymbol|@@0.05), but did not differ significantly between the PPG and SPG groups(all P>0.05). The abundance of Comamonadaceae was significantly higher in SPG group than in HCG group(PSymbol|@@0.05), whereas PPG group not differ from either group(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION: Cutibacterium, the representative genus of the propionibacterial group, tends to be enriched in eyes with progressive pterygium, indicating a potential association between this genus and pterygium progression.

AIM:To investigate the effect of Jianpi-Huayu decoction(JPHYD)combined with gemcitabine(GEM)on ferroptosis of pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells and its mechanism.METHODS:PANC-1 cells were cultured in vitro,and CCK8 method was used to detect the cell viability after different concentrations of JPHYD and GEM,and ap-propriate concentrations were selected for follow-up experiments.EDU assay and clonogenesis assay were used to detect cell proliferation.The apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry.Intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)were de-tected by DCFH-DA fluorescent probe and lipid peroxidation was detected by BODIPY 581/591C11 staining.The contents of glutathione(GSH),ferrous ion(Fe2+)and malondialdehyde(MDA)in the cells were detected by the kit.The mRNA levels and protein expression levels of Nrf2,HO-1,SLC7A11,GPX4,TFR1 and ACSL4 were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot.RESULTS:Compared with the control group,the cell viability of PANC-1 treated with JPHYD and GEM was significantly decreased in a concentration-dependent manner.And the combined use of the two can significantly im-prove the cytotoxic effect of GEM and have a synergistic effect;Compared with control group,JPHYD group,GEM group and JPHYD+GEM group can significantly reduce EDU positive efficiency,colony formation numbers and promote cell apoptosis,and the combined group has the most obvious effect.After adding JPHYD+GEM into the cells,the cells be-came rounded and the cell viability decreased.The addition of ferrostatin-1(Fer-1),an inhibitor of ferroptosis,had no significant effect on cell morphology and viability,and the co-treatment with JPHYD+GEM and Fer-1 could reverse the ef-fects of JPHYD+GEM on cell morphology and viability.Compared with control group and GEM group,JPHYD+GEM group can significantly increase the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)and lipid peroxidation,increase the levels of Fe2+and MDA,decrease the levels of GSH,further promote lipid peroxidation and induce ferroptosis.JPHYD+GEM also significantly down-regulated the mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2,HO-1,SLC7A11 and GPX4,and up-regulated the mRNA and protein expressions of TFR1 and ACSL4.The addition of Fer-1 significantly reversed the activation of iron death in the combined treatment group and reversed its efficacy,and the difference was statistically signif-icant.CONCLUSION:Jianpi Huayu decoction and gemcitabine may induce ferroptosis of PANC-1 cells by inhibiting Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 axis in vitro,thus playing a synergistic anticancer role.

AIM:To investigate the effect of Jianpi-Huayu decoction(JPHYD)combined with gemcitabine(GEM)on ferroptosis of pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells and its mechanism.METHODS:PANC-1 cells were cultured in vitro,and CCK8 method was used to detect the cell viability after different concentrations of JPHYD and GEM,and ap-propriate concentrations were selected for follow-up experiments.EDU assay and clonogenesis assay were used to detect cell proliferation.The apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry.Intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)were de-tected by DCFH-DA fluorescent probe and lipid peroxidation was detected by BODIPY 581/591C11 staining.The contents of glutathione(GSH),ferrous ion(Fe2+)and malondialdehyde(MDA)in the cells were detected by the kit.The mRNA levels and protein expression levels of Nrf2,HO-1,SLC7A11,GPX4,TFR1 and ACSL4 were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot.RESULTS:Compared with the control group,the cell viability of PANC-1 treated with JPHYD and GEM was significantly decreased in a concentration-dependent manner.And the combined use of the two can significantly im-prove the cytotoxic effect of GEM and have a synergistic effect;Compared with control group,JPHYD group,GEM group and JPHYD+GEM group can significantly reduce EDU positive efficiency,colony formation numbers and promote cell apoptosis,and the combined group has the most obvious effect.After adding JPHYD+GEM into the cells,the cells be-came rounded and the cell viability decreased.The addition of ferrostatin-1(Fer-1),an inhibitor of ferroptosis,had no significant effect on cell morphology and viability,and the co-treatment with JPHYD+GEM and Fer-1 could reverse the ef-fects of JPHYD+GEM on cell morphology and viability.Compared with control group and GEM group,JPHYD+GEM group can significantly increase the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)and lipid peroxidation,increase the levels of Fe2+and MDA,decrease the levels of GSH,further promote lipid peroxidation and induce ferroptosis.JPHYD+GEM also significantly down-regulated the mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2,HO-1,SLC7A11 and GPX4,and up-regulated the mRNA and protein expressions of TFR1 and ACSL4.The addition of Fer-1 significantly reversed the activation of iron death in the combined treatment group and reversed its efficacy,and the difference was statistically signif-icant.CONCLUSION:Jianpi Huayu decoction and gemcitabine may induce ferroptosis of PANC-1 cells by inhibiting Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 axis in vitro,thus playing a synergistic anticancer role.

Pterygium is a proliferative disorder of the conjunctiva associated with chronic ocular surface inflammation, and the pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. The previous research focusing solely on single pathogens like human papillomavirus(HPV)has shifted towards emphasizing the central role of microbial dysbiosis. Recent studies indicate that ocular surface dysbiosis plays a critical role in the development and progression of pterygium by disrupting ocular surface immune homeostasis. Research has demonstrated that environmental factors(such as ultraviolet radiation, high altitude, and dust exposure)can induce a reduction in microbial diversity and an increased abundance of opportunistic pathogens(such as corynebacterium). This dysbiotic state activates pattern recognition receptors(PRRs), triggering the release of inflammatory cytokines via signaling pathways like NF-κB, thereby initiating chronic ocular surface inflammation. This inflammatory cascade promotes aberrant epithelial proliferation, angiogenesis, and impaired tissue repair, ultimately driving pterygium formation. This review aims to elucidate the pivotal role of the ocular surface microbiota-immune-inflammation axis in pterygium pathogenesis, providing a foundation for exploring more effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Objective To investigate the value of 3D pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (3D-pCASL) magnetic resonance perfusion technique in evaluating posterior circulation ischemia (PCI) of the elderly beyond 80 years old and to offer the evidence of PCI of the elderly for clinical diagnosis. Methods Totally 53 male subjects older than 80 years were recruited in this study,including 20 subjects with clinically diagnosed PCI and 33 normal subjects. All the subjects underwent routine brain magnetic resonance imaging and 3D-pCASL sequence on a 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging system with 8 channel brain coil. Two post-labeling delay (PLD) time (PLD=1525 ms and PLD=2525 ms) of 3D-pCASL were used in this study to increase the accuracy of cerebral blood flow (CBF) change of posterior circulation region. We used SPM12 software to measure mean CBF values of bilateral occipital lobes and bilateral cerebellums. Independent sample t-test and rank-sum test were performed to evaluate the difference of CBF changes of anterior circulation and posterior circulation in two groups at two PLD time,the difference of CBF changes of bilateral occipital lobes and bilateral cerebellums in two groups of two PLD time,and the difference of increment of CBF between two PLD interval between two groups. Results In case group,the CBF value of the anterior circulation was significantly higher than that of posterior circulation at both two PLD time points (PLD=1525 ms and PLD=2525 ms)(P=0.000,P=0.000);in control group,the CBF value of the anterior circulation was significantly higher than that of the posterior circulation only at PLD=1525ms (P=0.025). The CBF values at bilateral occipital lobes and bilateral cerebellums at two PLD time points (PLD=1525 ms and PLD=2525 ms) were significantly higher in case group than in control group(P=0.003,P=0.002,P=0.000,P=0.001,P=0.000,P=0.001,P=0.002,P=0.014,respectively). Compared with the control group,the difference was statistically significant in bilateral occipital lobes and cerebellums with a smaller △CBF between two PLD interval in case group (P=0.004,P=0.001,P=0.001,P=0.025). Conclusion Multiple PLD time points need to be used in 3D-pCASL in diagnosing PCI of the elderly because the posterior circulation is slow in these patients. 3D-pCASL technique is sensitive in detecting decreased CBF in posterior circulation and therefore can be used to predict posterior circulation stroke in the elderly.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of IFIR-FIESTA technique in detecting renal artery stenosis in elderly patients.

METHODSTwenty-seven aged patients underwent both IFIR-FIESTA and 3D CE-MRA examinations. The imaging quality and renal artery stenosis grades were evaluated. Kappa test was used to assess the consistency between the two methods. With CE-MRA as the reference, the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV for IFIR-FIESTA were calculated in detecting renal artery stenosis.

RESULTSThe images by the two methods were 100% qualified for diagnosis, although the image quality of CE-MRA was significantly better. IFIR-FIESTA and CE-MRA showed excellent consistency in detecting renal artery stenosis. With CE-MRA as the reference, the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV for IFIR-FIESTA were 97.1%, 100%, 98.1%, 100%, and 95% in detecting renal artery stenosis, respectively.

CONCLUSIONIFIR-FIESTA is feasible as a routine examination for detecting renal artery stenosis in elderly patients.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Contrast Media ; Feasibility Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Angiography ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Renal Artery Obstruction ; diagnosis ; Sensitivity and Specificity

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of IFIR-FIESTA technique in detecting renal artery stenosis in elderly patients. Methods Twenty-seven aged patients underwent both IFIR-FIESTA and 3D CE-MRA examinations. The imaging quality and renal artery stenosis grades were evaluated. Kappa test was used to assess the consistency between the two methods. With CE-MRA as the reference, the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV for IFIR-FIESTA were calculated in detecting renal artery stenosis. Results The images by the two methods were 100% qualified for diagnosis, although the image quality of CE-MRA was significantly better. IFIR-FIESTA and CE-MRA showed excellent consistency in detecting renal artery stenosis. With CE-MRA as the reference, the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV for IFIR-FIESTA were 97.1%, 100%, 98.1%, 100%, and 95%in detecting renal artery stenosis, respectively. Conclusion IFIR-FIESTA is feasible as a routine examination for detecting renal artery stenosis in elderly patients.

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of IFIR-FIESTA technique in detecting renal artery stenosis in elderly patients. Methods Twenty-seven aged patients underwent both IFIR-FIESTA and 3D CE-MRA examinations. The imaging quality and renal artery stenosis grades were evaluated. Kappa test was used to assess the consistency between the two methods. With CE-MRA as the reference, the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV for IFIR-FIESTA were calculated in detecting renal artery stenosis. Results The images by the two methods were 100% qualified for diagnosis, although the image quality of CE-MRA was significantly better. IFIR-FIESTA and CE-MRA showed excellent consistency in detecting renal artery stenosis. With CE-MRA as the reference, the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV for IFIR-FIESTA were 97.1%, 100%, 98.1%, 100%, and 95%in detecting renal artery stenosis, respectively. Conclusion IFIR-FIESTA is feasible as a routine examination for detecting renal artery stenosis in elderly patients.