ObjectiveObesity, a global chronic metabolic disease, is closely associated with disruptions in lipid metabolism and gut microbiota. Current intervention strategies still have limitations in terms of safety and microecological regulation, necessitating the exploration of novel natural regulatory approaches. Based on the early pathological characteristics of obesity, this study innovatively employs a rectal delivery method alongside a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model to systematically evaluate the inhibitory effects, safety, and gut microbiota regulation mechanisms of leek-derived and konjac-derived extracellular vesicles on obesity development. By simulating early clinical intervention scenarios, this study aims to explore the preventive potential of plant-derived extracellular vesicles during the initial stages of obesity onset. MethodsExtracellular vesicles from leek and konjac were isolated using ultracentrifugation combined with density gradient centrifugation. Their nanoscale properties were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal control (NC), high-fat diet (HFD), leek-derived extracellular vesicles (LEVs), and konjac-derived extracellular vesicles (KEVs). Beginning simultaneously with HFD feeding, mice in the intervention groups received 20 g/L vesicles rectally every 3 d for 4 weeks. Body mass and body composition were monitored throughout. At endpoint, mouse serum, adipose tissue, and colonic contents were collected. Serum biochemical indices (lipid profile, liver and kidney function, cardiac markers) were assessed to evaluate safety and metabolic efficacy, while 16S rRNA sequencing was employed to analyze gut microbial structure and diversity. ResultsDLS, NTA, and TEM confirmed that both LEVs and KEVs exhibited typical cup-shaped nanostructures with average particle sizes of approximately 284 nm and 223 nm, respectively. LEVs and KEVs treatment significantly suppressed HFD-induced weight gain and elevation of body-fat percentage (P<0.05), and reduced accumulation of abdominal white and epididymal adipose tissue. Serological analyses showed that both vesicles lowered total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol, and ameliorated liver enzyme profiles (ALT, AST), demonstrating lipid-metabolic regulation and hepatoprotective effects. No hepatic, renal or cardiac dysfunction was observed, indicating favorable safety. Gut microbiota analyses revealed that vesicle intervention partially restored HFD-depleted microbial diversity and reshaped community structure. Notably, LEVs markedly increased the relative abundance of the beneficial taxon Lachnospiraceae at the family level, which is known for producing short-chain fatty acids and enhancing intestinal barrier function. Furthermore, Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) functional prediction suggested that LEVs and KEVs modulated gut microbial functions through distinct mechanisms: LEVs downregulated pathways related to ribosomes and DNA replication while enhancing xenobiotic degradation, whereas KEVs tended to upregulate energy metabolism and protein synthesis toward healthy levels. ConclusionRectally administered LEVs and KEVs exhibit excellent safety and pronounced metabolic benefits during the early phase of obesity, suppressing weight gain, correcting lipid dysregulation, and exerting effects via modulation of gut microbial composition and function. This study provides systematic experimental evidence supporting plant-derived exosome-like vesicles as an early intervention strategy against obesity.

ObjectiveObesity, a global chronic metabolic disease, is closely associated with disruptions in lipid metabolism and gut microbiota. Current intervention strategies still have limitations in terms of safety and microecological regulation, necessitating the exploration of novel natural regulatory approaches. Based on the early pathological characteristics of obesity, this study innovatively employs a rectal delivery method alongside a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model to systematically evaluate the inhibitory effects, safety, and gut microbiota regulation mechanisms of leek-derived and konjac-derived extracellular vesicles on obesity development. By simulating early clinical intervention scenarios, this study aims to explore the preventive potential of plant-derived extracellular vesicles during the initial stages of obesity onset. MethodsExtracellular vesicles from leek and konjac were isolated using ultracentrifugation combined with density gradient centrifugation. Their nanoscale properties were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal control (NC), high-fat diet (HFD), leek-derived extracellular vesicles (LEVs), and konjac-derived extracellular vesicles (KEVs). Beginning simultaneously with HFD feeding, mice in the intervention groups received 20 g/L vesicles rectally every 3 d for 4 weeks. Body mass and body composition were monitored throughout. At endpoint, mouse serum, adipose tissue, and colonic contents were collected. Serum biochemical indices (lipid profile, liver and kidney function, cardiac markers) were assessed to evaluate safety and metabolic efficacy, while 16S rRNA sequencing was employed to analyze gut microbial structure and diversity. ResultsDLS, NTA, and TEM confirmed that both LEVs and KEVs exhibited typical cup-shaped nanostructures with average particle sizes of approximately 284 nm and 223 nm, respectively. LEVs and KEVs treatment significantly suppressed HFD-induced weight gain and elevation of body-fat percentage (P<0.05), and reduced accumulation of abdominal white and epididymal adipose tissue. Serological analyses showed that both vesicles lowered total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol, and ameliorated liver enzyme profiles (ALT, AST), demonstrating lipid-metabolic regulation and hepatoprotective effects. No hepatic, renal or cardiac dysfunction was observed, indicating favorable safety. Gut microbiota analyses revealed that vesicle intervention partially restored HFD-depleted microbial diversity and reshaped community structure. Notably, LEVs markedly increased the relative abundance of the beneficial taxon Lachnospiraceae at the family level, which is known for producing short-chain fatty acids and enhancing intestinal barrier function. Furthermore, Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) functional prediction suggested that LEVs and KEVs modulated gut microbial functions through distinct mechanisms: LEVs downregulated pathways related to ribosomes and DNA replication while enhancing xenobiotic degradation, whereas KEVs tended to upregulate energy metabolism and protein synthesis toward healthy levels. ConclusionRectally administered LEVs and KEVs exhibit excellent safety and pronounced metabolic benefits during the early phase of obesity, suppressing weight gain, correcting lipid dysregulation, and exerting effects via modulation of gut microbial composition and function. This study provides systematic experimental evidence supporting plant-derived exosome-like vesicles as an early intervention strategy against obesity.

Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of knee osteoarthritis(KOA)among military personnel in plateau regions and to explore its risk factors.Methods From July 2023 to July 2024,a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method was employed to survey the prevalence of KOA and related risk factors among military personnel in the northwest plateau regions of China,covering different altitudes(1500-4500 m)and geographical areas(Gansu,Qinghai,Tibet,and Xinjiang).All study subjects were divided into KOA and non-KOA groups based on the presence or absence of KOA.Variables including age,gender,body mass index(BMI),education level,smoking status,military rank,military branch,service duration,regional altitude,annual average temperature,training duration,perceived training intensity,and history of knee injury were selected for univariate analyses between groups.Variables with P<0.05 in the univariate analyses were included in the binary multifactor logistic regression to identify risk factors for KOA.Results A total of 3000 questionnaires were distributed,and 2854 valid questionnaires were collected,with a response rate of 95.13%.The sample included 2584 males and 270 females,with 510 cases of KOA,resulting in a prevalence rate of 17.9%.Univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences between KOA and non-KOA groups in terms of age,BMI,smoking status,military rank,military branch,service duration,regional altitude,annual average temperature,training duration,perceived training intensity,and history of knee injury(P<0.05).However,no significant differences were found in gender and education level(P>0.05).Binary multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that older age(OR=1.382,P=0.017),higher BMI(P<0.01),smoking(OR=1.929,P<0.01),higher military rank(OR=1.485,P=0.007),being a member of the Armed Police(P<0.01),longer service duration(P<0.01),higher regional altitude(OR=1.459,P<0.01),lower annual average temperature(OR=1.188,P=0.001),longer training duration(P<0.01),higher perceived training intensity(OR=2.450,P<0.01),and history of knee injury(OR=2.768,P=0.002)were independent risk factors for KOA.Conclusions Older age,overweight/obesity,smoking,higher military rank,being a member of the Armed Police,longer service duration,higher altitude,cold climate,longer training duration,higher training intensity,and history of knee injury are independent risk factors for KOA among military personnel in the northwest plateau regions of China.

Objective To investigate the neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of abscisic acid(ABA)in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)-induced Parkinson's disease(PD)mouse models.Methods Eight-week-old C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into three groups,control group(Ctrl),MPTP group,and MPTP+ABA group,12 mice in each group.Except for the control group,mice in the other groups were intraperitoneally injected with MPTP 25 mg/kg daily for 8 consecutive days to establish a subacute PD model.The MPTP+ABA group received intraperitoneal injections of ABA 25 mg/kg daily for 11 consecutive days,starting 3 days prior to MPTP administration.Behavioral tests were performed 24 hours after the last administration.On day 3,the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)and glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)in the substantia nigra pars compacta(SNc)and striatum(STR)was analyzed by Western blotting,and mRNA levels of inflammatory factors were measured by Real-time PCR.Immunofluorescent staining was used to detect the expression of TH,GFAP,and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(Iba1).Results Compared with the control group,MPTP-treated mice exhibited impaired motor function,a reduced number of TH-positive dopaminergic neurons in the SNc,down-regulated TH protein expression in both the SNc and striatum,up-regulated GFAP protein expression,increased numbers of GFAP-and Iba1-positive cells,and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory factors.In contrast,the MPTP+ABA group showed improved motor function,increased TH-positive neurons in the SNc,up-regulated TH protein expression,down-regulated GFAP protein expression,reduced numbers of GFAP-and Iba1-positive cells,and decreased pro-inflammatory factor levels compared to the MPTP group.Conclusion ABA ameliorates motor dysfunction in MPTP-induced PD model mice,reduces degeneration and death of dopaminergic neurons in the SNc,suppresses the proliferation and activation of astrocytes and microglia in the SNc and striatum,and alleviates neuroinflammation.These results suggest that ABA exerts neuroprotective effects in MPTP-induced PD model mice.

Abstract Tumor immune escape represents a pivotal determinant of cancer immunotherapy failure. It's mechanistically linked to immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment(TME). The TME comprises tumor cells, immune cells, stromal components and extracellular matrix. These components interact synergistically to suppress antitumor immunity through multiple pathways, thereby promoting immune evasion. As crucial chromosomal stability regulators, centromere proteins(CENPs) remodel the TME via multifaceted mechanisms to potentiate immune evasion. This review synthesizes current knowledge on CENPs' role in tumor immune evasion, offering novel insights for cancer diagnostics and immunotherapy.

Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by early onset,high prev-alence,and typically lifelong impact.A significant body of empirical research has focused on language impairments,a hall-mark feature of ASD,aiming to identify its potential neuroimaging biomarkers via neuroimaging techniques.This paper systematically reviews international neuroimaging studies on language impairments in ASD over the past 15 years from a life stage perspective.It explores research progress on four potential neuroimaging biomarkers—structure/structural connectivity,function/functional connectivity,neural oscillations,and electroencephalogram(EEG)/magnetoencephalography(MEG)components—related to syllable perception,phonetic perception,lexical comprehension,sentence comprehension,discourse comprehension,lexical production,and overall language abilities in ASD patients across different life stages,including infancy,childhood,adolescence,middle age,and old age.By analyzing these biomarkers in detail across vari-ous age groups,the review not only provides a comprehensive theoretical framework and the latest trends from a neuroimag-ing perspective,deepening the understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying language impairments in ASD,but also offers a scientific basis for developing personalized intervention and treatment strategies.Furthermore,the integration of these neuroimaging biomarkers across different age stages with artificial intelligence technology holds promise for age-spe-cific screening,diagnosis,and prognostic evaluation,thereby improving the accuracy of diagnosis and prognosis.In sum-mary,this review provides valuable input for advancing research on ASD and its application in clinical practice.

Objective:To investigate the role of SiHa cell-derived exosomal hsa-miR-29c-3p in the angiogenesis of cervical cancer(CC).Methods:Cancer tissue specimens from 45 patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma(CSCC)and normal cervical tissue specimens from 15 controls were collected from Department of Gynecology,Hengyang Central Hospital from January 2019 to December 2021.CSCC SiHa cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)were routinely cultured.miRNA-NC,hsa-miR-29c-3p,si-miRNA-NC,and si-hsa-miR-29c-3p were transfected into SiHa cells with Lipofectamine 2000,grouped as miRNA-NC group,hsa-miR-29c-3p group,si-miRNA-NC group and si-hsa-miR-29c-3p group,respectively.HUVECs were transfected with mimic-NC,miR-29c-3p-mimic,pCMV-NC,and pCMV-ATAD2B(ATPase family protein 2B with AAA domain)using Lipofectamine 2000,grouped as the mimic-NC group,miR-29c-3p-mimic group,pCMV-NC group,pCMV-ATAD2B group,and pCMV-ATAD2B+miR-29c-3p-mimic group.The expression of hsa-miR-29c-3p in CSCC tissues was detected by in situ hybridization(ISH),and CD31-positive blood vessels in CSCC tissues and xenograft tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry(IHC).Exosomes from SiHa and C33a cells were isolated and characterized using transmission electron microscopy(TEM)and western blotting(WB).The uptake of exosomes by HUVECs was examined.The expression of hsa-miR-29c-3p and ATAD2B mRNA in SiHa and C33a cells,as well as in their derived exosomes,was detected using qPCR.Tube-forming assay,Transwell assay,and scratch healing assay were performed to detect the effect of exosomes on the ability of HUVEC migration and tube formation.Dual luciferase reporter gene assay verified the interaction between hsa-miR-29c-3p and ATAD2B.Xenograft experiments examined the effects of SiHa cell-derived exosomes on transplanted tumor growth and angiogenesis in each group.Results:hsa-miR-29c-3p was highly expressed in CSCC tissues and was positively correlated with microvessel density(MVD)(all P<0.05).Exosomes derived from SiHa and C33a cells exhibited typical exosomal morphology and protein expression patterns.Exosomal hsa-miR-29c-3p from SiHa and C33a cells were efficiently taken up by HUVECs in vitro.The SiHa cell-derived exosomal hsa-miR-29c-3p promoted not only the tube-forming and migration of HUVECs in vitro but also the xenograft growth and angiogenesis in vivo(all P<0.05).hsa-miR-29c-3p directly targeted ATAD2B and regulated its expression(P<0.05).Overexpression of ATAD2B reversed the promotive effect of hsa-miR-29c-3p on tube-formation,migration,and scratch-healing in HUVECs(all P<0.05).Conclusion:SiHa cell-derived exosomal hsa-miR-29c-3p regulates angiogenesis in CSCC tissues by targeting ATAD2B.Exosomal hsa-miR-29c-3p may be a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for CC diagnosis and treatment.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to reexplore minimum iodine excretion and to build a dietary iodine recommendation for Chinese adults using the obligatory iodine loss hypothesis. METHODS: Data from 171 Chinese adults (19-21 years old) were collected and analyzed based on three balance studies in Shenzhen, Yinchuan, and Changzhi. The single exponential equation was accordingly used to simulate the trajectory of 24 h urinary iodine excretion as the low iodine experimental diets offered (iodine intake: 11-26 μg/day) and to further deduce the dietary reference intakes (DRIs) for iodine, including estimated average requirement (EAR) and recommended nutrient intake (RNI). RESULTS: The minimum iodine excretion was estimated as 57, 58, and 51 μg/day in three balance studies, respectively. Moreover, it was further suggested as 57, 58, and 51 μg/day for iodine EAR, and 80, 81, and 71 μg/day for iodine RNI or expressed as 1.42, 1.41, and 1.20 μg/(day·kg) of body weight. CONCLUSION The iodine DRIs for Chinese adults were established based on the obligatory iodine loss hypothesis, which provides scientific support for the amendment of nutrient requirements.
Humans ; Iodine/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Female ; China ; Young Adult ; Diet ; Adult ; Nutritional Requirements ; East Asian People

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics and prognostic risk factors of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP)in adults across different age groups,providing evidence for age-stratified management strategies.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 80 MPP patients admitted to the Respiratory Department of a hospital between January 2023 and December 2024.Patients were divided into three groups based on age:young adults(18-40 years),middle-aged adults(41-60 years),and elderly adults(≥ 61 years).Demographic features,clinical indicators,and mixed infections were analyzed.Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression were used to identify risk factors for disease severity.Results:The severity rate was significantly higher in the elderly group(41.2％)compared to the young adult group(7.1％)and middle-aged group(20.0％)(P=0.022).Elderly patients also exhibited significantly higher rates of underlying diseases(chronic lung disease:35.3％vs.3.6％in young adults),elevated inflammatory markers(C-reactive protein:68.3±19.5 mg/L vs.32.5±8.4 mg/L in young adults),mixed infections(52.9％vs.14.3％),and prolonged hospital stays(8.61±2.22 days vs.5.01±1.11 days)(P＜0.05).Multivariate analysis identified age(OR=1.79 per 10 years),chronic lung disease(OR=3.25),blood urea nitrogen ≥6 mmol/L(OR=2.44),and mixed infections(OR=4.26)as independent risk factors for severe MPP(P＜0.05).Conclusion:Clinical manifestations and prognoses of MPP in adults vary significantly across age groups.Elderly patients are characterized by high mixed infection rates,intense inflammatory responses,and renal function impairment,necessitating individualized monitoring and intervention strategies.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the chain mediating role of family care and emotional management in the relationship between social support and anxiety among rural primary school students. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted among students in grades 4 to 6 from four counties in Hunan Province. Data were collected using the Social Support Rating Scale, Family Care Index Scale, Emotional Intelligence Scale, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder -7. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of anxiety symptoms. Mediation analysis was conducted to assess the chain mediating effects of family care and emotional management between social support and anxiety. RESULTS: A total of 4 141 questionnaires were distributed, with 3 874 valid responses (effective response rate: 93.55%). The prevalence rate of anxiety symptoms among these students was 9.32% (95%CI: 8.40%-10.23%). Significant differences were observed in the prevalence rates of anxiety symptoms among groups with different levels of social support, family functioning, and emotional management ability (P<0.05). The total indirect effect of social support on anxiety symptoms via family care and emotional management was significant (β=-0.137, 95%CI: -0.167 to -0.109), and the direct effect of social support on anxiety symptoms remained significant (P<0.05). Family care and emotional management served as significant chain mediators in the relationship between social support and anxiety symptoms (β=-0.025,95%CI:-0.032 to -0.018), accounting for 14.5% of the total effect. CONCLUSIONS Social support can directly affect anxiety symptoms among rural primary school students and can also indirectly influence anxiety symptoms through the chain mediating effects of family care and emotional management. These findings provide scientific evidence for the prevention of anxiety in primary school students from multiple perspectives.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Social Support ; Anxiety/etiology* ; Child ; Students/psychology* ; Emotions ; Logistic Models