Objective To investigate the relationship between tooth loss and the occurrence of esophageal cancer in a natural village in Wenfeng District, Anyang City, Henan Province. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted to observe the occurrence of tooth loss and esophageal cancer among the asymptomatic residents of the natural village for 16 years from January 2008 to July 2024. Data were analyzed by chi-square test, binary logistic regression, and restricted cubic spline. Results Among the total population of 711 cases, 136 cases were lost to follow-up and 575 cases were included in the final statistics, including 45 cases with esophageal cancer. Significant statistical difference was found between esophageal cancer patients with and without tooth loss (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that tooth loss was associated with the occurrence of esophageal cancer (OR=3.977, 95%CI: 1.543-10.255). After the adjustment for confounders, tooth loss remained significantly associated with the occurrence of esophageal cancer (OR=3.038, 95%CI: 1.035-8.914). A nonlinear dose-response relationship was observed between the number of teeth lost and the incidence of esophageal cancer. When the number of teeth lost was less than 12, the risk of esophageal cancer increased with the number of teeth lost. When more than 12 teeth were lost, the risk of esophageal cancer decreased as the number of teeth lost increased. Conclusion Tooth loss is a risk factor for the occurrence of esophageal cancer in this natural village. When the number of teeth lost is less than 12, the risk of esophageal cancer increases with the number of teeth lost.

Linxian County in Henan Province, Northern China is known as the region with the highest incidence and mortality rate of esophageal cancer worldwide. Since 1959, the Henan medical team has conducted field work on esophageal cancer prevention and treatment in Linxian. Through three generations of effort exerted by oncologists over 65 years of research on esophageal cancer prevention and treatment in Linxian, the incidence rate of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in this area has dropped by nearly 50%, and the 5-year survival rate has increased to 40%, reaching the international leading level. This article aims to summarize the history, present opportunities and new challenges, and explore the experience of esophageal cancer prevention and treatment in Linxian (referred to as the “Linxian experience”), providing reference and guidance to cancer prevention and treatment research in China.

Aim To evaluate the tyrosine nitration modification of specific proteins in vascular endothelial cells and its impact on mitochondria-mediated apoptosis.Methods Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cultured in vitro and divided into three groups:control group(treatment with dimethyl sulfoxide),3-morphansulam(SIN-1)group,and SIN-1+Fe(Ⅲ)5,10,15,20-(tetraphenyl)porphyrin(FeTPP)group.After 24 h,the levels of hexokinase 1(HK1)nitration modification,mitochondrial membrane potential,reactive oxygen species(ROS)production,and endothelial cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed.A human umbilical vein endothelial cell line knockout of HK1 was constructed using gene editing technology,and its proliferation and apoptosis levels were detected.Results After treatment of hu-man umbilical vein endothelial cells with peroxynitrite generator SIN-1,the level of HK1 protein nitration modification sig-nificantly increased(P＜0.01),reactive oxygen species production significantly increased,mitochondrial membrane poten-tial significantly decreased,endothelial cell proliferation ability significantly decreased,and endothelial cell apoptosis level significantly increased(all P＜0.01).Peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst FeTPP could reverse the above effect(P＜0.01).In addition,HK1 gene knockout also exhibited similar antioxidant effects,with a significant decrease in endothe-lial cell proliferation ability and a significant increase in apoptosis levels(P＜0.01).Conclusion Peroxynitrite can induce an increase in the level of nitration modification of HK1 in vascular endothelial cells,which may be achieved by pro-moting the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species,thereby accelerating the process of endothelial cell apoptosis.

Mitochondrial autophagy is a unique mechanism that selectively clears dysfunctional or excess mitochondria,closely related to Alzheimer's disease(AD),which is characterized by aggregated neurotoxic proteins and dysfunctional mitochondria.Numerous recent studies have confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine can have significant therapeutic effects against AD,and its advantages including multi-target,multi-pathway,and multi-action mechanisms have become an important component of AD research.Chinese medicine formulas and monomeric active ingredients,such as Jiannaoyizhi Fang,Danggui Shaoyao Tang,alkaloids,and flavonoids,can regulate mitochondrial autophagy-related signaling pathways and targets,inhibit neuronal mitochondrial autophagy defects,and play a neuroprotective role.This review elaborates on the basic process of mitochondrial autophagy and its related signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of AD,and considers the latest research progress on the use of traditional Chinese medicine to improve AD by regulating mitochondrial autophagy,to provide ideas and references for future basic research and clinical treatment.

Alzheimer's disease(AD)is a preva-lent neurodegenerative disorder,characterized by the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques,the phosphorylation of Tau proteins,and neuronal loss.As the global population ages,the incidence of AD is rising,and there is currently no effective cure.Herbal monomers have garnered interest due to their multifaceted pharmacological effects and low toxicity.This paper aims to provide a comprehen-sive overview of the mechanisms of Nrf2,NF-κB,PI3K/Akt,MAPK and other signalling pathways in the pathogenesis of AD.It also explores the modu-lation of these pathways by various TCM mono-mers,such as leptomeningine and tanshinone ⅡA,and details the research progress to date.For in-stance,Leptosine has been shown to activate Nrf2,thereby reducing oxidative stress,while Tanshinone ⅡA has been observed to inhibit the NF-κB path-way,leading to a reduction in inflammation.Not-withstanding the encouraging indications for the treatment of AD with TCM monomers,there are several challenges that must be addressed.Firstly,the precise mechanism of action remains to be ful-ly elucidated.Secondly,there are significant chal-lenges related to pharmacokinetics and bioavailabil-ity.Thirdly,the sample size of clinical studies is lim-ited and of variable quality.Fourthly,the quality control process is complex.Finally,interactions with other drugs must be taken into account.

Mitochondrial autophagy is a unique mechanism that selectively clears dysfunctional or excess mitochondria,closely related to Alzheimer's disease(AD),which is characterized by aggregated neurotoxic proteins and dysfunctional mitochondria.Numerous recent studies have confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine can have significant therapeutic effects against AD,and its advantages including multi-target,multi-pathway,and multi-action mechanisms have become an important component of AD research.Chinese medicine formulas and monomeric active ingredients,such as Jiannaoyizhi Fang,Danggui Shaoyao Tang,alkaloids,and flavonoids,can regulate mitochondrial autophagy-related signaling pathways and targets,inhibit neuronal mitochondrial autophagy defects,and play a neuroprotective role.This review elaborates on the basic process of mitochondrial autophagy and its related signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of AD,and considers the latest research progress on the use of traditional Chinese medicine to improve AD by regulating mitochondrial autophagy,to provide ideas and references for future basic research and clinical treatment.

Alzheimer's disease(AD)is a preva-lent neurodegenerative disorder,characterized by the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques,the phosphorylation of Tau proteins,and neuronal loss.As the global population ages,the incidence of AD is rising,and there is currently no effective cure.Herbal monomers have garnered interest due to their multifaceted pharmacological effects and low toxicity.This paper aims to provide a comprehen-sive overview of the mechanisms of Nrf2,NF-κB,PI3K/Akt,MAPK and other signalling pathways in the pathogenesis of AD.It also explores the modu-lation of these pathways by various TCM mono-mers,such as leptomeningine and tanshinone ⅡA,and details the research progress to date.For in-stance,Leptosine has been shown to activate Nrf2,thereby reducing oxidative stress,while Tanshinone ⅡA has been observed to inhibit the NF-κB path-way,leading to a reduction in inflammation.Not-withstanding the encouraging indications for the treatment of AD with TCM monomers,there are several challenges that must be addressed.Firstly,the precise mechanism of action remains to be ful-ly elucidated.Secondly,there are significant chal-lenges related to pharmacokinetics and bioavailabil-ity.Thirdly,the sample size of clinical studies is lim-ited and of variable quality.Fourthly,the quality control process is complex.Finally,interactions with other drugs must be taken into account.

Objective To investigate the screening results and factors affecting abnormal detection rates among high-risk groups of esophageal cancer and to explore effective intervention measures. Methods We investigated and collected the information on gender, education level, age, marital status, symptoms of reflux esophagitis (heartburn, acid reflux, belching, hiccup, foreign body sensation in the pharynx, and difficulty swallowing), consumption of pickled vegetables, salt use, and esophageal cancer incidence of villagers in a natural village in Wenfeng District, Anyang City, Henan Province. Changes in reflux esophagitis symptoms in the high-incidence area of esophageal cancer before and after 16 years were observed, and the relationship of such changes with esophageal cancer was analyzed. Results In 2008, 711 cases were epidemiologically investigated, including 213 cases with one of the symptoms of reflux esophagitis such as heartburn, acid reflux, belching, hiccups, foreign body sensation in the pharynx, and difficulty swallowing (sorted in accordance with the abovementioned symptoms; if there are multiple symptoms, then the former is taken); 55 cases with at least two related symptoms, among which the most symptom was heartburn in 108 cases (15.1%); followed by acid reflux, belching, etc. In 2024, the same group of people was investigated, and eight people were missing because of relocation. A total of 703 people were successfully investigated, of which 189 cases (26.8%) had one of the symptoms of reflux esophagitis, such as heartburn (sorted in accordance with relevant symptoms, if there are multiple symptoms, then the former will be selected); 167 cases (23.7%) had at least two related symptoms, among which the most symptom was heartburn in 139 cases (19.7%); followed by acid reflux. Over 16 years, among the 703 people investigated, 45 cases had esophageal cancer and they had one or more of the abovementioned symptoms. No significant differences in the reflux esophagitis-like symptoms were found between 2008 and 2024 (P=0.26); no significant differences in the composition of reflux esophagitis-like symptoms were found between 2008 and 2024 (P=0.299). Conclusion The detection rate of reflux esophagitis-related symptoms in the population in a high-risk area of esophageal cancer has not decreased in the past 16 years, and the high-risk factors still exist. Esophageal cancer is closely related to reflux esophagitis, and clinical practice can provide early diagnosis and treatment for high-risk population.

Objective To understand the disease spectrum of a natural village in an area with high incidence of esophageal cancer to provide a reference for precise prevention and control. Methods From 2008 to 2024, 711 asymptomatic people over the age of 35 years in a natural village with high incidence of esophageal cancer in China were surveyed, and 171 of them were subjected to gastroscopy, biopsy, and pathological examination. All participants were followed up for a long time, and their disease history was recorded. Results A total of 16 years of follow-up were performed, and 703 people were effectively followed up. In 2008, 171 people underwent gastroscopy, and 160 people had biopsy and pathological results in endoscopic screening. By 2024, 76 people had been diagnosed with malignant tumors of 12 different types, and among these people, 45 had esophageal cancer. Conclusion Esophageal cancer remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality from malignant tumors in this region. Biopsy and pathological examination should be strengthened during gastroscopy, and follow-ups and regular check-ups should be given high importance to reduce the incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer.

Objective To investigatethe relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and clinicopathological characteristics, p53 expression, and survival of Chinese patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma. Methods A total of 3882 patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma, 970 matched patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and 970 matched patients with gastric cardia adenocarcinoma were included to compare the incidence of GERD symptoms. Patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma were divided into two groups according to the presence and absence of GERD symptoms. The differences in clinicopathological characteristics and p53 expression between the two groups were compared by chi-square test, and the differences in survival between the two groups were compared by landmark analysis. Results The incidence of GERD symptoms increased successively in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, esophageal adenocarcinoma, and gastric cardia adenocarcinoma. In patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma, the proportions of male, less than 65 years old, lower thoracic tumors, tumors without squamous cell carcinoma, poorly differentiation, early tumors (stage 0-I), and p53-positive tumors in the group with GERD symptoms were higher than those in the group without GERD symptoms; moreover, the long-term survival (≥15 years) was better. Conclusion GERD symptom is an important clinical sign of esophageal adenocarcinoma. It is closely related to specific clinicopathological characteristics, p53 overexpression, and good long-term prognosis.