Cancer remains a leading cause of global mortality, necessitating the development of advanced therapeutic strategies with enhanced efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity. Among promising bioactive agents, lactoferrin (LF)—a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein abundantly found in mammalian milk and exocrine secretions—has garnered significant interest for its potent and multifaceted anti-cancer properties. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of LF’s role in oncology, encompassing its structural biology, diverse mechanisms of action, and groundbreaking advancements in its application through nano-engineering. LF exerts anti-tumor effects through multiple pathways, including extracellular action, intracellular action, and immune regulation. It demonstrates a remarkable affinity for cancer cell membranes, binding to overexpressed anionic components such as glycosaminoglycans and sialic acids, as well as to specific receptors including the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1). This selective binding facilitates targeted uptake. Upon internalization, LF orchestrates a direct assault by inducing cell-cycle arrest in phases such as G0/G1 or S phase through the modulation of key regulators including cyclins, CDKs, and p53. Furthermore, it promotes programmed cell death via apoptotic pathways, involving caspase activation and downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins such as survivin. A more recently elucidated mechanism is the induction of ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death characterized by overwhelming lipid peroxidation. Beyond direct cytotoxicity, LF acts as a potent immunomodulator. It enhances natural killer (NK) cell activity, modulates T-lymphocyte populations, and crucially reprograms tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) from a pro-tumor M2 state to an anti-tumor M1 state, thereby reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The translation of LF’s potential has been significantly accelerated by nanotechnology. The inherent biocompatibility and natural tumor-targeting capabilities of LF make it an ideal platform for sophisticated drug-delivery systems. This review details various fabrication strategies for LF-based nanoparticles (NPs), including self-assembly, sol-in-oil emulsion, and electrostatic nanocomplexes, among others. Research demonstrates that nano-formulations not only protect LF from degradation but also enhance its bioactivity and anti-cancer potency. More importantly, LF NPs serve as versatile carriers for a wide array of therapeutic agents, including conventional chemotherapeutics, natural compounds, and imaging agents. These engineered systems enable synergistic therapy and facilitate site-specific delivery. Notably, the ability of LF to bind to receptors on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been leveraged to develop nano-systems for glioblastoma treatment. Other innovative designs utilize LF to modulate the TME—for instance, by alleviating tumor hypoxia to sensitize cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite compelling pre-clinical evidence, the clinical translation of LF and its nano-formulations remains nascent. While early-phase trials have established a favorable safety profile for recombinant human LF, larger Phase III studies have yielded mixed results, underscoring the complexity of its action in humans. Key challenges include enhancing drug targeting, optimizing loading efficiency, ensuring batch-to-batch reproducibility, and achieving deep tumor penetration. Future research must focus on the rational design of next-generation LF-NPs. This entails developing standardized manufacturing protocols, engineering “smart” stimuli-responsive systems for targeted drug release in the TME, and constructing multi-targeting platforms. A concerted interdisciplinary effort is paramount to bridge the gap between bench and bedside. In conclusion, LF, particularly in its nano-engineered forms, represents a highly promising and versatile agent in the oncological arsenal, holding immense potential for precise and effective cancer therapy.

Cancer remains a leading cause of global mortality, necessitating the development of advanced therapeutic strategies with enhanced efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity. Among promising bioactive agents, lactoferrin (LF)—a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein abundantly found in mammalian milk and exocrine secretions—has garnered significant interest for its potent and multifaceted anti-cancer properties. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of LF’s role in oncology, encompassing its structural biology, diverse mechanisms of action, and groundbreaking advancements in its application through nano-engineering. LF exerts anti-tumor effects through multiple pathways, including extracellular action, intracellular action, and immune regulation. It demonstrates a remarkable affinity for cancer cell membranes, binding to overexpressed anionic components such as glycosaminoglycans and sialic acids, as well as to specific receptors including the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1). This selective binding facilitates targeted uptake. Upon internalization, LF orchestrates a direct assault by inducing cell-cycle arrest in phases such as G0/G1 or S phase through the modulation of key regulators including cyclins, CDKs, and p53. Furthermore, it promotes programmed cell death via apoptotic pathways, involving caspase activation and downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins such as survivin. A more recently elucidated mechanism is the induction of ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death characterized by overwhelming lipid peroxidation. Beyond direct cytotoxicity, LF acts as a potent immunomodulator. It enhances natural killer (NK) cell activity, modulates T-lymphocyte populations, and crucially reprograms tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) from a pro-tumor M2 state to an anti-tumor M1 state, thereby reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The translation of LF’s potential has been significantly accelerated by nanotechnology. The inherent biocompatibility and natural tumor-targeting capabilities of LF make it an ideal platform for sophisticated drug-delivery systems. This review details various fabrication strategies for LF-based nanoparticles (NPs), including self-assembly, sol-in-oil emulsion, and electrostatic nanocomplexes, among others. Research demonstrates that nano-formulations not only protect LF from degradation but also enhance its bioactivity and anti-cancer potency. More importantly, LF NPs serve as versatile carriers for a wide array of therapeutic agents, including conventional chemotherapeutics, natural compounds, and imaging agents. These engineered systems enable synergistic therapy and facilitate site-specific delivery. Notably, the ability of LF to bind to receptors on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been leveraged to develop nano-systems for glioblastoma treatment. Other innovative designs utilize LF to modulate the TME—for instance, by alleviating tumor hypoxia to sensitize cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite compelling pre-clinical evidence, the clinical translation of LF and its nano-formulations remains nascent. While early-phase trials have established a favorable safety profile for recombinant human LF, larger Phase III studies have yielded mixed results, underscoring the complexity of its action in humans. Key challenges include enhancing drug targeting, optimizing loading efficiency, ensuring batch-to-batch reproducibility, and achieving deep tumor penetration. Future research must focus on the rational design of next-generation LF-NPs. This entails developing standardized manufacturing protocols, engineering “smart” stimuli-responsive systems for targeted drug release in the TME, and constructing multi-targeting platforms. A concerted interdisciplinary effort is paramount to bridge the gap between bench and bedside. In conclusion, LF, particularly in its nano-engineered forms, represents a highly promising and versatile agent in the oncological arsenal, holding immense potential for precise and effective cancer therapy.

Objective: To identify early clinical predictors associated with dysphagia and delayed swallowing recovery in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods: In this retrospective study, we enrolled adult TBI patients admitted to the rehabilitation unit of a tertiary medical center between June 2019 and June 2023. Data on baseline characteristics, neurological status, imaging findings, and rehabilitation-related variables were collected. Swallowing function was assessed using two indicators: (1) nasogastric (NG) tube retention and (2) the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) scores at 1, 4, and 12 weeks post-injury. Regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors associated with dysphagia and swallowing recovery. Results: A total of 160 patients were included. At 1 week post-injury, longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay, poor initial sitting balance and use of sedative medication in ICU were associated with NG tube retention. At 4 weeks, lower initial Rancho Los Amigos Scale (RLAS) scores, immobility-related complications, longer hospitalization, and temporal lobe hematomas were associated with persistent NG tube dependence. By 12 weeks, older age, delayed ability to follow commands, and poor initial sitting balance remained associated with NG tube retention. FOIS outcomes were also associated with older age, delayed time to follow commands, impaired initial sitting balance, prolonged ICU stay, temporal lobe hematomas, lower initial RLAS scores, immobility-related complications, prolonged endotracheal tube placement and extended hospital stays. Conclusion Impaired cognitive status, poor physical function, immobility-related complications, and temporal lobe hematomas were key factors associated with dysphagia and delayed oral intake in individuals with TBI.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with a steadily rising global prevalence, yet effective pharmacological interventions remain notably limited, highlighting an urgent need for safe, accessible, and mechanism-based therapeutic strategies. Physical exercise has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention that ameliorates both core symptoms—social communication deficits and restricted repetitive behaviors—and associated features including cognitive dysfunction and motor impairments, in children and adolescents with ASD. However, the molecular mechanisms mediating these beneficial effects remain incompletely defined, impeding the development of evidence-based exercise prescriptions and biomarker-driven rehabilitation protocols. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved small non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate approximately 60% of protein-coding genes. Within the central nervous system, miRNAs orchestrate diverse neurobiological processes including neural progenitor proliferation, neuronal differentiation, dendritic spine morphogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and neuroinflammatory homeostasis. Notably, miRNAs are remarkably stable in biological fluids and can be packaged into extracellular vesicles, rendering them attractive candidates as both mechanistic mediators and non-invasive peripheral biomarkers. Among the hundreds of miRNAs expressed in the brain, three—miR-132, miR-34a, and miR-146a—have emerged as particularly relevant to ASD pathophysiology. This review focuses on these three miRNAs for the following reasons: miR-132 is a master regulator of activity-dependent synaptic plasticity through its modulation of BDNF/MeCP2/PTEN signaling and has been consistently downregulated in ASD prefrontal cortex; miR-34a functions as a pro-apoptotic factor that suppresses Bcl-2-mediated neuronal survival pathways and is upregulated in ASD cerebellum; and miR-146a serves as a key brake on neuroinflammation via TLR7/IRAK1 signaling and shows region-specific dysregulation in ASD temporal lobe. We first summarize evidence from human post-mortem brain tissues and ASD animal models demonstrating the consistent dysregulation of these three miRNAs. Notably, the pathological consequences of these miRNA alterations—impaired synaptic plasticity, excessive neuronal apoptosis, and sustained neuroinflammation—are interconnected and collectively contribute to the heterogeneous symptomatology of ASD. We then present a synthesis of emerging evidence demonstrating that various exercise modalities, including swimming, treadmill running, and voluntary wheel running, can concurrently reverse these ASD-like behavioral phenotypes and normalize the expression of the three key miRNAs. These data provide the first direct experimental evidence linking exercise-induced miRNA modulation to ASD symptom improvement. On the basis of these findings, we propose an integrative “exercise-miRNA-ASD” framework wherein exercise functions as a multi-targeted modulator—simultaneously enhancing synaptic plasticity, promoting neuronal survival, and attenuating neuroinflammation—through coordinated regulation of the three miRNAs. Importantly, this framework is not merely descriptive but offers testable predictions: exercise-induced miRNA changes should be dose-dependent, show temporal correlation with behavioral improvements, and be blunted by miRNA-specific antagonists or CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout. Beyond its specific application to ASD, this framework has broader implications. The miR-132/BDNF, miR-34a/Bcl-2, and miR-146a/TLR7 pathways are not ASD-specific but represent fundamental neural stress and repair mechanisms that are dysregulated across Alzheimer’s disease (AD), traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease (PD), and major depressive disorder. Exercise has been shown to modulate these same miRNAs in several of these conditions, suggesting that the “exercise-miRNA-neural function” axis may represent a conserved neuroprotective mechanism that transcends diagnostic boundaries. Thus, we propose that ASD serves as an ideal model disease for elucidating this universal mechanism, with findings potentially generalizable to other neurological disorders. We also critically evaluate current translational barriers: the near-absence of human clinical trials with serial miRNA profiling; the undefined dose-response relationships between exercise parameters and miRNA expression; the unresolved causality issue (current evidence demonstrates association, not causation); and the uncertain correlation between peripheral exosomal miRNA levels and brain miRNA dynamics. We argue that future research must prioritize CRISPR/Cas9-based miRNA manipulation in animal models combined with longitudinal exercise interventions to establish causality, and that cross-disease validation studies are essential to determine whether exercise-induced miRNA changes represent a shared neuroprotective signature or disease-specific responses. Ultimately, we envision a paradigm where a simple blood test measuring exosomal miR-132, miR-34a, and miR-146a levels could guide personalized exercise prescriptions, enabling precision rehabilitation for individuals with ASD and potentially other neurological conditions.

Objective:The predictive value of oxidized low density lipoprotein(ox-LDL)and electrocardiogram(ECG)ischaemia grade for major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)was assessed by a retrospective cohort study de-sign.Methods:A total of 336 STEMI patients admitted to Cangzhou People's Hospital between October 2019 and May 2022 were selected,and the medical record information was obtained through the hospital medical record sys-tem,and all patients received PCI and physician-recommended basic treatment.With occurrence of MACE with in 12-month follow-up as the evaluation index,they were divided into MACE group(n=65)and no MACE group(n=271).Multifactorial Logistic regression model was used to study the influencing factors of MACE after PCI in STEMI patients,and Spearman test for association of ox-LDL level,ECG ischaemia grade with MACE after PCI.ROC curve was used to evaluate the predictive efficacy of ox-LDL,ECG ischaemia grade and their combination for MACE after PCI.Results:The overall MACE incidence was 19.35％.Compared with patients in no MACE group,those in MACE group had significant higher ox-LDL level[46.34(29.46,66.29)U/L vs.33.00(23.02,50.03)U/L]and proportion of ECG grade Ⅲ ischaemia(64.62％vs.42.80％)(P＜0.01 all).Multifactorial Logistic re-gression analysis showed that ox-LDL(OR=1.022,95％CI 1.011～1.033,P=0.001)and ECG grade Ⅲ ischae-mia(OR=1.878,95％CI 1.007～3.504,P=0.048)were the independent risk factors of post-PCI MACE in STEMI patients.Spearman test showed that ox-LDL and ECG grade Ⅲ ischaemia were positively correlated with post-PCI MACE(r=0.209,0.173,P＜0.001 all).ROC curve analysis showed that the AUCs of ox-LDL,ECG grade Ⅲ ischaemia and their combination in predicting post-PCI MACE were respectively 0.653(95％CI 0.599～0.704),0.609(95％CI 0.555～0.662)and 0.758(95％CI 0.709～0.803),in which the predictive value of the combination of the two was significantly higher than any single detection(Z=2.030,3.097,P=0.042,0.002).Conclusion:ox-LDL combined with ECG ischaemia grading has a high predictive value for the occurrence of MACE with in 12 months after PCI in STEMI patients.

Objective:To analyze the dual gain effect of hyperbaric oxygen combined with vestibular rehabilitation training on patients with tinnitus and dizziness.Methods:This study was a retrospective analysis,and 90 patients with tinnitus and dizziness who visited the outpatient department of our hospital from January 2022 to January 2025 were selected to carry out the study,and were divided into observation group and control group according to the treatment methods,with 45 cases in each group.The matched group patients were treated with conventional medication,while the observation group received hyperbaric oxygen combined with vestibular rehabilitation training on the basis of the matched group.The clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared,including the concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin in the cerebral cortex,vestibular function,severity of tinnitus,and severity of dizziness before and after treatment.Results:The total effective rate of the observation group was higher than the matched group(P＜0.05);Post-treatment,there was no significant change in the concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin in the parietal and occipital cortex between the two groups(P＞0.05).However,the concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin in the temporal lobe,dorsolateral prefrontal cortex,and frontal polar cortex increased,and the observation group was higher than the matched group(P＜0.05);Post-treatment,the values of hemiparesis,total area of center of gravity movement(CA),and total length of center of gravity movement(PL)in both groups decreased,and the observation group was lower than the matched group(P＜0.05);Post-treatment,the severity score of tinnitus in both groups decreased,and the observation group was lower than that in the matched group(P＜0.05);Post-treatment,the degree score of vertigo in both groups decreased,and the observation group was lower than that in the matched group(P＜0.05).Conclusion:Hyperbaric oxygen combined with vestibular rehabilitation training has a significant dual gain effect on patients with tinnitus and dizziness,which can improve clinical efficacy,promote cortical neural activity,improve vestibular function,and thereby alleviate the severity of tinnitus and dizziness.

Objective:To explore the predictive value of serum interleukin-6(IL-6)combined with Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA)score and CHANGE risk score for post-stroke cognitive impairment(PSCI),and to provide a basis for early identification and intervention of high-risk patients.Methods:The general data of 200 patients with acute stroke who were admitted to our hospital from October 2022 to September 2024 were retrospectively analyzed,they were divided into PSCI group(49 cases)and non PSCI group(151 cases)based on whether PSCI occurred 3 months after acute stroke.The general data of two groups were compared,multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of PSCI,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were used to evaluate predictive efficiency of serum IL-6,MoCA score and CHANGE risk score for of PSCI.Results:There was a statistically significant difference in age and education level between the two groups(P＜0.05).The serum IL-6 level and CHANGE risk score in the PSCI group were higher than those in the non PSCI group,while the MoCA score was lower than that in the non PSCI group(P＜0.05).Multivariate logistic regression showed that elevated IL-6 levels(OR=1.851,P=0.001)and elevated CHANGE risk scores(OR=1.076,P=0.016)were independent risk factors of the occurrence of PSCI,while elevated in MoCA score(OR=0.806,P=0.001)was a protective factor(P＜0.05).IL-6 levels,MoCA scores and CHANGE risk scores have high predictive efficiency for the occurrence of PSCI,the area under the curve(AUC)for predicting occurrence of PSCI by the three alone were 0.783,0.825 and 0.857 respectively,the AUC for the combined detection of the three indicators was 0.912,significantly higher than that of each indicator detected separately.Conclusion:Elevated serum IL-6,decreased MoCA score and increased CHANGE risk score are risk factors for PSCI,the combined detection model of the three has the highest predictive efficiency for occurrence of PSCI and can provide scientific basis for early clinical intervention.

Objective To explore the application value of MRI diaphragmatic navigation technology combined with three dimensional liver acquisition with volume acceleration-flexible(3D LAVA-FLEX)sequence in abdominal enhanced imaging of infants and young children.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on imaging data of 84 infants and young children who underwent abdominal enhanced MRI examination in our hospital between January 2021 and December 2023.All 84 infants and young children initially underwent conventional dynamic contrast-enhanced 3D LAVA-FLEX sequence scanning;the delayed phase images obtained were included in the dynamic enhancement group.Subsequently,diaphragmatic navigation combined with 3D LAVA-FLEX sequence examination was implemented,and the obtained images were included in the diaphragm navigation group.Subjective scoring was performed for images in both groups,while the signal to noise ratio(SNR),contrast to noise ratio(CNR),and artifact quantification(AQ)were measured and compared between the two groups.Results The respiratory motion artifacts,the clarity of liver parenchyma enhancement,the clarity of liver vascular enhancement,the clarity of spleen parenchyma enhancement and the overall image quality score in the diaphragm navigation group were higher than those in the dynamic enhancement group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).There were statistically significant differences in SNR and AQ between the two groups of images(P<0.000 1),while there was no statistically significant difference in CNR between the two groups of images(P>0.05).Conclusion Diaphragmatic navigation technology combined with 3D LAVA-FLEX sequence imaging can improve the image quality of abdominal MRI enhanced imaging in infants and young children,and provide a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Objective:To investigate the effect of medical community homogenization management(MCHM)on self-care ability,heart function,vascular endothelial function and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods:This randomized controlled study enrolled 110 CHF patients admitted in Panzhihua Central Hos-pital between April 2021 and April 2023.They were divided into intervention group(n=55)and routine group(n=55).The control group received routine management,while intervention group received additional MCHM,both groups were intervened for 3 months.Self-care ability,heart function,vascular endothelial function,quality of life and incidence of adverse events were compared between two groups.Results:Compared with patients in control group,those in intervention group had significant higher total score of self-care of heart failure index(SCHFI)[(82.30±2.98)points vs.(59.46±3.19)points],stroke volume(SV)[(73.30±2.31)ml vs.(54.66±1.96)ml],left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)[(58.25±2.90)％ vs.(52.41±2.52)％],early diastolic peak flow velocity/late diastolic peak flow velocity(E/A)[(1.95±0.18)vs.(1.30±0.16)]and the level of nitric oxide(NO)[(106.70±4.44)μmol/L vs.(82.36±4.66)μmol/L](P＜0.001 all),and significant lower left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDd)[(49.79±1.58)mm vs.(56.49±2.17)mm],endothelin-1(ET-1)[(36.66±2.65)ng/L vs.(46.88±2.66)ng/L],Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire(MLHFQ)total score[(36.12±3.23)points vs.(54.67±3.35)points](P＜0.001 all).Patients in intervention group had significant lower incidence of adverse events comparing to those in control group(7.27％ vs.25.45％,P=0.010).Conclu-sion:Medical community homogenization management could significantly improve self-care ability,heart func-tion,vascular endothelial function and quality of life with good safety in CHF patients.