1.A prospective cohort study on glycolipid metabolic abnormalities and incident colorectal cancer risk
Qiaoyi XU ; Ruilin CHEN ; Yijing XIE ; Shuo WANG ; Renjia ZHAO ; Siqi TANG ; Linyao LU ; Huangbo YUAN ; Tiejun ZHANG ; Yanfeng JIANG ; Kelin XU ; Zhenqiu LIU ; Xingdong CHEN ; Chen SUO
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(6):409-417
ObjectiveTo investigate the associations of multiple glycolipid metabolic indicators and their cumulative abnormality burden with incident colorectal cancer risk in a general population-based prospective cohort, and to examine the mediating role of glycolipid metabolic abnormalities in the relationships between smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and colorectal cancer incidence. MethodsA total of 17 897 eligible participants recruited from the Taizhou Cohort between 2011 and 2014 were included. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the associations of conventional and derived glycolipid indicators, as well as a glycolipid abnormality index constructed from total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, and insulin, with incident colorectal cancer risk. Restricted cubic spline models were applied to evaluate dose-response relationships for major indicators. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to compare predictive performance across indicators. Mediation analyses were conducted to assess the mediating effects of the glycolipid abnormality index on the associations of smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity with colorectal cancer incidence. ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 11.2 years, 102 incident colorectal cancer cases were identified, with an incidence density of 51.2 per 100 000 person-years. After adjustment for potential confounders, Cox proportional hazards regression analyses showed that decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was associated with a 1.74-fold higher risk of colorectal cancer (HR=1.74, 95%CI: 1.03‒2.95), elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was associated with a 1.78-fold higher risk (HR=1.78, 95%CI: 1.05‒3.02), and abnormal fasting plasma glucose was associated with a 1.86-fold higher risk (HR=1.86, 95%CI: 1.15‒3.02). Triglycerides and fasting plasma glucose showed an approximately linear increasing association with colorectal cancer risk in multivariable restricted cubic spline models. The glycolipid abnormality index showed a clear gradient association with colorectal cancer risk; participants with three or more abnormal indicators had a 3.08-fold higher risk than those without abnormalities (HR=3.08, 95%CI: 1.60‒5.92). The area under the curve was 0.795, higher than that of individual glycolipid indicators and other combined indices, and gender-stratified analyses showed generally consistent patterns. Glycolipid metabolic abnormalities partially mediated the associations of smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity with colorectal cancer incidence, with mediation proportions of 8.33%, 9.45%, and 9.04%, respectively. ConclusionGlycolipid metabolic abnormalities are associated with an increased risk of incident colorectal cancer. The glycolipid abnormality index shows an increasing relationship with colorectal cancer risk and demonstrates better discrimination, and it partially mediates the associations of smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity with colorectal cancer incidence in the overall population.
2.Disease burden of chronic kidney disease attributable to high BMI in China and trend prediction in 1992-2021
Hong LIU ; Guimao YANG ; Yan SUI ; Xia ZHANG ; Xuebing CHENG ; Yaxing WU ; Xu GUO ; Yanfeng REN
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(1):27-31
Objective To analyze the disease burden of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) attributed to high body mass index (BMI) in China from 1992 to 2021 and predict the disease burden for the next decade, and to provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of CKD. Methods Using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database and the Joinpoint model, the average annual percentage rate change (AAPC) of the mortality rate and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rate was calculated to describe and analyze the CKD disease burden attributed to high BMI in China from 1992 to 2021. The ARIMA model was employed to predict and analyze the change trend of the CKD disease burden. Results From 1992 to 2021, the mortality rate and DALY rate attributed to high BMI-induced chronic kidney disease showed an upward trend. Compared to 1992, the attributed number of deaths increased by 324.38%, and DALYs increased by 268.56%; the mortality rate increased by 64.00%, and the DALY rate grew by 51.62%. From 1992 to 2021, the mortality rate and DALY rate for males were lower than those for females, but the growth rate for males exceeded that of females. From 1992 to 2021, the mortality rate and DALY rate of chronic kidney disease attributed to high BMI in China increased with age. The average annual change rate of chronic kidney disease attributed to high BMI in China from 1992 to 2021 (mortality rate: 1.40 per 100,000 (95% CI: 1.04–1.76), DALY rate: 1.43 per 100 000 (95% CI: 1.17–1.70)) was higher than thHuaiyin Normal University, Huai'anher social demographic index (SDI) regions. The ARIMA model predicted that the age-standardized mortality rate increased from 2.91 per 100 000 in 2022 to 3.05 per 100 000 in 2026, and the age-standardized DALY rate increased from 69.65 per 100 000 in 2022 to 73.58 per 100 000 in 2026. Conclusion Chronic kidney disease attributed to high BMI in China is on the rise, and it will continue to grow in the future. The focus of CKD prevention and control should be on males and the elderly, while active measures should be taken to reduce the occurrence and progression of chronic kidney disease.
3.Effects of long non-coding RNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 on the proliferation,apoptosis and migration of keloid fibroblasts
Yanfeng ZHANG ; Huimin ZHANG ; Xiang HE ; Yuping ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(2):347-354
BACKGROUND:It has been elucidated that downregulation of nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1(NEAT1)inhibits the progression of keloid fibroblasts,but the exact mechanism is not fully understood. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the influences of long non-coding RNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1(lncRNA NEAT1)on the proliferation,apoptosis and migration of keloid fibroblasts by regulating the miR-136-5p/ubiquitin-specific protease 4(USP4)axis. METHODS:Keloid fibroblasts were divided into five groups:si-NC group,control check group,si-NEAT1 group,si-NEAT1+miR-136-5p inhibitor group,and si-NEAT1+inhibitor-NC group.qRT-PCR was performed to measure the expressions of NEAT1 and miR-136-5p;cell counting kit-8 assay and EDU staining were performed to measure cell proliferation;flow cytometry was performed to measure apoptosis;scratch-healing experiment was performed to measure cell migration;western blot assay was performed to measure the protein expressions of USP4,p27,Bax,matrix metalloproteinase-9,α-smooth muscle actin,and type I collagen α1 chain;dual-luciferase assay was performed to examine the relationship of NEAT1 with miR-136-5p as well as the relationship of miR-136-5p with USP4. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the si-NC group,the NEAT1 expression,absorbance value at 450 nm,percentage of EDU positive cells,scratch-healing rate,the protein expressions of USP4,matrix metalloproteinase-9,α-smooth muscle actin,and type I collagen α1 chain decreased in the si-NEAT1 group(P<0.05),while the expression of miR-136-5p,apoptosis rate,and the protein expressions of p27 and Bax increased(P<0.05).miR-136-5p inhibitor reversed the effect of silencing NEAT1 on the biological behavior of keloid fibroblasts.There was a targeted regulatory relationship between NEAT1 and miR-136-5p as well as between miR-136-5p and USP4.To conclude,silencing NEAT1 may inhibit the proliferation and migration of keloid fibroblasts and induce apoptosis by regulating the miR-136-5p/USP4 axis..
4.Sulodexide alleviates renal fibrosis following prolonged ischemia-reperfusion injury by protecting vascular endothelial glycocalyx
Chaoyu HU ; Peng ZHANG ; Chao SUN ; Shuyong MO ; Yanfeng WANG
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(3):404-415
Objective To investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of sulodexide on renal fibrosis induced by prolonged warm ischemia. Methods An in vivo ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) model was established in rats, which were randomly divided into Sham group, IRI 60 min group (IRI group), and IRI 60 min + sulodexide group (IRI+SDX group), with 20 rats in each group. Pathological examination was used to evaluate renal tissue injury and fibrosis levels in each group. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression levels of kidney injury molecule (KIM)-1, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, von Willebrand factor (vWF), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), and type I collagen (COL-1). Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect CD31 expression. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed to measure the expression of KIM-1, ICAM-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 in renal tissues. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the structure of the renal glycocalyx. Evans blue dye was injected to assess renal vascular permeability. Rat survival was recorded, and serum levels of syndecan (SDC)-1, heparan sulfate (HS) and serum creatinine were measured. An ex vivo perfusion model was also established, with rats randomly assigned to either the hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion (HOPE) group or the HOPE+SDX group (five rats per group). Perfusion parameters were recorded after 2 hours of ex vivo perfusion. Results One day after reperfusion, compared with the Sham group, the IRI group exhibited more severe renal tissue injury, higher tubular injury scores, increased expression of KIM-1, ICAM-1 and vWF, decreased CD31 expression, elevated serum levels of SDC-1 and HS, increased vascular permeability, and higher expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. Compared with the IRI group, the IRI+SDX group showed reduced renal tissue injury, lower tubular injury scores, decreased expression of KIM-1, ICAM-1 and vWF, increased CD31 expression, lower serum levels of SDC-1 and HS, decreased vascular permeability, and reduced expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 (all P < 0.05). Ten days after reperfusion, renal tissue injury was further alleviated in the IRI+SDX group. Twenty-five days after reperfusion, the IRI+SDX group exhibited decreased expression of TGF-β, α-SMA, and COL-1, as well as reduced collagen deposition area (all P < 0.05). Compared with the HOPE group, the HOPE+SDX group showed increased renal perfusion flow and decreased intrarenal vascular resistance (both P < 0.01). Conclusions Sulodexide may alleviates renal IRI and fibrosis caused by prolonged warm ischemia by inhibiting inflammatory responses and protecting vascular endothelial glycocalyx.
5.Trends and associated factors of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in Macao from 2005 to 2020
CHEN Jiaxin, ZHAO Deqiang, WANG Yibei, WANG Chunmiao, ZHANG Yanfeng
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(5):751-755
Objective:
To analyze the prevalence trends and associated factors of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in Macao from 2005 to 2020, so as to provide evidence for developing health promotion strategies.
Methods:
Data were obtained from the Macao Citizen Physical Fitness Monitoring Database for the years 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020 for participants aged 6-22 years. The χ 2 test was employed to analyze trends in detection rates, while univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify influencing factors.
Results:
The overweight rate among Macaos children and adolescents increased from 10.4% in 2005 to 14.8% in 2020. The obesity rate rose from 6.8% to 12.1%, with the total detection rate increasing from 17.2% to 26.9%, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ 2 trend =46.7, 87.5, 145.9, P <0.01). Notably, the overweight/obesity rate among boys showed rapid growth ( χ 2 trend = 118.6, P <0.01), while girls exhibited a declining inflection point in 2020. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that children and adolescents with the following characteristics faced higher risks of overweight/obesity: a physical education performance score of 3 points (overweight: OR=2.34, 95%CI =1.10-4.96; obesity: OR=2.39, 95%CI =1.19-4.81), paternal obesity (overweight: OR=2.07, 95%CI =1.38-3.11; obesity: OR=1.51, 95%CI = 1.01-2.27), and maternal obesity (overweight: OR=1.69, 95%CI =1.08-2.63; obesity: OR=1.77, 95%CI =1.16- 2.71 ) ( P <0.05). Conversely, lower risks were observed in those who performed appropriate warm-up activities before exercise (obesity: OR=0.37, 95%CI =0.15-0.95), participated in two academic/non-sports extracurricular classes (obesity: OR=0.46, 95%CI =0.24-0.88), and reported moderate physical exertion during extracurricular exercise (obesity: OR=0.60, 95%CI =0.36-0.98) ( P <0.05) .
Conclusions
Overweight and obesity among Macao s children and adolescents remain severe, particularly among boys, while girls show early signs of improvement. It is recommended to establish a multi-sectoral collaborative prevention and control system to reduce childhood and adolescent obesity.
6.Study on the risk factors of hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia symptoms in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy
Weijie LIU ; Jie ZHANG ; Yaolei YE ; Zhenyu WU ; Bolin ZHANG ; Jingjing ZHANG ; Fang LI ; Yanfeng TIAN
Chinese Journal of Postgraduates of Medicine 2025;48(11):980-986
Objective:To investigate the risk factors of hypoparathyroidism (HPT) and hypocalcemia in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy (TT), and to explore the changes of parathyroid hormone and blood calcium after TT.Methods:The clinical data of 101 patients undergoing TT from November 2018 to September 2022 in the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. The basic clinical data were recorded. The blood calcium and parathyroid hormone levels were measured before surgery and 1 d, 1 week after surgery. The occurrence of postoperative hypocalcemia was recorded. According to postoperative parathyroid hormone level, the patients were divided into control group (normal parathyroid function) and HPT group (reduced parathyroid hormone level). The patients with postoperative hypocalcemia symptoms were classified as the hypocalcemia symptoms group, and the patients without postoperative hypocalcemia symptoms were classified as the non-hypocalcemia symptoms group. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors of HPT and hypocalcemia in TT patients.Results:The postoperative parathyroid hormone level decreased in 41 cases (HPT group) and normal in 60 cases (control group). There were 24 patients with postoperative hypocalcemia symptoms (hypocalcemia symptoms group) and 77 patients without postoperative hypocalcemia symptoms (non-hypocalcemia symptoms group). The rate of using bipolar electric coagulation forceps in HPT group was significantly lower than that in control group: 31.71% (13/41) vs. 76.67% (46/60), while the rate of central lymph node dissection was significantly higher than that in control group: 82.93% (34/41) vs. 60.00% (36/60), and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01 and <0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis result showed that TT combined with unilateral or bilateral central lymph node dissection was an independent risk factor for HPT in TT patients ( OR = 1.706 and 1.501, 95% CI 1.019 to 2.856 and 1.052 to 2.140, P<0.05). The preoperative serum calcium, postoperative serum calcium and postoperative parathyroid hormone in hypocalcemia symptoms group were significantly lower than those in hypocalcemia symptoms group: (2.32 ± 0.11) mmol/L vs. (2.37 ± 0.11) mmol/L, (2.16 ± 0.21) mmol/L vs. (2.25 ± 0.18) mmol/L and 3.00 (1.00, 5.45) ng/L vs. 19.90 (8.50, 33.80) ng/L, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.05 or <0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis result showed that postoperative parathyroid hormone was an independent risk factor of hypocalcemia symptoms in TT patients ( OR = 0.927, 95% CI 0.883 to 0.974, P<0.01). In patients with HPT, the blood calcium at 1 week after surgery was significantly lower than that at 1 d after surgery: (2.07 ± 0.19) mmol/L vs. (2.17 ± 0.25) mmol/L, and there was statistical difference ( t = 2.05, P<0.05); the parathyroid hormone at 1 week after surgery was significantly higher than that at 1 d after surgery: 8.30 (3.55, 19.55) ng/L vs. 3.60 (1.00, 6.85) ng/L, and there was statistical difference ( Z = - 3.78, P<0.01). Conclusions:When performing TT, standardizing the surgical techniques, reducing unnecessary central lymph node dissection, and using bipolar electric coagulation forceps as much as possible can help to reduce the occurrence of postoperative HPT. The levels of postoperative parathyroid hormone and blood calcium should be promptly detected, the change of both should be given attention, and do a good job in preventing and treating hypocalcemia.
7.A retrospective study on the impact of the number of examined lymph nodes on the survival prognosis of patients with N3b gastric cancer
Xiaodong WANG ; Zhihao YU ; Xintong SUN ; Zhishuo LI ; Xingtu QIN ; Huimin ZHANG ; Yanrui LIANG ; Jing WU ; Mansheng ZHU ; Weihong GUO ; Guoxin LI ; Yanfeng HU ; Liying ZHAO ; Xinhua CHEN
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2025;28(10):1141-1150
Objective:To investigate the impact of the number of examined lymph nodes (ELN) on survival outcomes in gastric cancer patients with postoperative pathological stage pN3b.Methods:This retrospective cohort study included 279 pN3b gastric cancer patients who underwent D2 gastrectomy at Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University (September 2008 to April 2023), with 35 patients receiving combination chemotherapy and anti-PD-1 therapy (immunotherapy group) and 244 receiving adjuvant chemotherapy alone (nonimmunotherapy group). Additionally, 422 patients with pN3b from the SEER database (2005 to 2020) were collected as an external validation cohort to determine the optimal cutoff value for the number of lymph nodes examined in the nonimmunotherapy group. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in the nonimmunotherapy group of the Nanfang Hospital cohort, stratified by whether the number of examined lymph nodes was above or below the ELN optimal cutoff value. These findings were subsequently validated in the SEER cohort.Results:The optimal ELN cutoff value (34 nodes) was determined using X-tile software and by constructing an ELN-HR fitting model with inflection point identification. In the nonimmunotherapy group, patients with ELN >34 exhibited significantly prolonged survival compared to ELN ≤34 (median OS: 25.0 (95%CI:20.5-29.5) to 17.0 (95%CI:12.7-21.3) months, P=0.004; median RFS: 19.0 (95%CI:15.6-22.4) to 13.0 (95%CI:9.5-16.5) months, P=0.048). Multivariate Cox analysis also showed ELN >34 to be an independent protective factor for both OS (HR=0.576, 95%CI: 0.397-0.836) and RFS (HR=0.701, 95%CI: 0.492-0.998). In the SEER cohort, ELN >34 was associated with a 5-month OS extension (19 to 14 months, P=0.065), with multivariate analysis supporting its independent prognostic significance (HR=0.729, 95%CI: 0.580-0.915, P=0.006). Notably, in the immunotherapy group, patients with ELN >34 ( n=30) achieved a median OS of 41 months, but the median OS had not been reached in the ELN ≤34 group ( n=5) (1 death at 48 months). Conclusion:Higher ELN (>34) correlates with improved survival in nonimmunotherapy-treated pN3b gastric cancer patients. However, in pN3b gastric cancer patients treated with immunotherapy, the optimal ELN threshold requires further exploration to determine.
8.Preventive effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on chronic pain after lumbar spine surgery
Yanfeng HE ; Xingran TAO ; Ping PING ; Zhigui LI ; Xue ZHANG ; Bocheng DAI ; Shuang CHEN ; Jiajia XIANG ; Na LI
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(6):745-749
Objective:To evaluate the preventive effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on chronic pain after lumbar spine surgery.Methods:This was a secondary analysis conducted on the studies assessing the effect of TEAS on gastrointestinal function in patients undergoing lumbar spinal surgery. Fifty lumbar spinal stenosis patients of either sex, aged 50-75 yr, with a body mass index of 18.5-28.0 kg/m 2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status cassification Ⅰ or Ⅱ, with expected operation time≥3 h, undergoing lumbar spinal surgery under general anesthesia, were enrolled and assigned into 2 groups ( n=25 each) using a random number table method: control group (C group) and TEAS group. In group C, stimulating electrodes were placed at the non-acupoint parts of the limbs, but no electrical stimulation was applied. In group TEAS, the bilateral Neiguan (PC6), Hegu (L14), Zusanli (ST36), Shangjuxu (ST37) and Xiajuxu (ST39) were stimulated with disperse-dense waves at a frequency of 2/100 Hz. The intensity of stimulation was the maximum current that patients could tolerate. The intervention was performed once a day for 30 min per session at 30 min prior to anesthesia induction and on postoperative days 1-7. Telephone follow-ups were conducted at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery to record the occurrence of postoperative moderate-to-severe lower back pain and leg pain (Numerical Rating Scale score ≥4), and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) value and four-item neuropathic pain questionnaire scores. The pain-related medical visits and usage of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were also recorded after surgery. Results:Three patients in each group were lost to follow-up. Compared with group C, the incidence of chronic low back pain was significantly decreased at 6-12 months after surgery, the ODI value and four-item neuropathic pain questionnaire scores were decreased at 12 months after surgery ( P<0.05), ODI value difference reached the minimal clinically important difference, the proportion of patients requiring medical visits due to postoperative pain and usage rate of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were decreased at 6-12 months after surgery ( P<0.05), and no significant change in the incidence of chronic moderate-to-severe leg pain was found at each time period after surgery in group TEAS( P>0.05). Conclusions:TEAS can prevent the occurrence of chronic lower back pain and improve functional impairment in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery.
9.Study on the Clinical and Mechanism of Stomach Disease Involving Intestine in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis from the Correlation of"Qi-Bacteria-Symptom"
Mengting ZHANG ; Suhua XU ; Yan XIONG ; Yimeng CHEN ; Yanfeng SHAO ; Shanshan DING ; Long ZHU ; Xuejuan LIN
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(11):149-155
Objective Chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG)is often accompanied by intestinal flora disorder and intestinal symptoms,forming the phenomenon of"stomach disease involving intestine".This study explored the dynamic correlation between intestinal symptoms and qi-stagnation degree in patients with CAG qi-stagnation syndrome and analyzed the characteristics of gut microbiota from the perspective of"spleen-stomach system serving as the pivotal hub of qi movement"in TCM.Methods According to the syndrome element differentiation method,410 patients with CAG were divided into four groups:non-qi-stagnation group,mild qi-stagnation group,moderate qi-stagnation group and severe qi-stagnation group.Correlation analysis and 16S intestinal flora sequencing technology were used to analyze the correlation and differential flora between the degree of CAG qi-stagnation and intestinal symptoms.Results Patients with CAG qi-stagnation syndrome were often accompanied by intestinal symptoms such as frequent flatulence,poor defecation and alternating loose-constipated stools.The frequency of cases was significantly positively correlated with the degree of qi-stagnation"non-mild-moderate-severe"(P<0.05).There was a difference in the abundance of gut microbiota between the four groups of CAG qi-stagnation none,mild,moderate and severe.The relative abundance of Streptococcus,Subdoligranulum,Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group and Haemophilus was positively correlated with the degree of qi-stagnation.The relative abundance of Ruminococcus_torques_group and Butyricicoccus showed a negative correlation,and Haemophilus was statistically significant among the four groups(P<0.05).Conclusion This study can provide clinical evidence and micro-mechanism for the connotation of"gastrointestinal co-morbidities"and"different diseases with the same syndrome",which may open up new ideas for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
10.Inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome by sonodynamic therapy mediates CACNA1C upregulation to reduce atrial fibrillation susceptibility
Wei WANG ; Yimeng WANG ; Hanwen CUI ; Haozhen YANG ; Shuyuan GUO ; Chuyu ZHANG ; Yu WANG ; Qipin ZHOU ; Yanfeng TIAN ; Dechun YIN ; Ye TIAN
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2025;53(11):1231-1243
Objective:To investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of sonodynamic therapy (SDT) on inflammation-related atrial fibrillation (AF) susceptibility.Methods:Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse and HL-1 mouse atrial myocyte models were used. (1) In vivo study: experimental groups included control, LPS, LPS+SDT, and SDT groups, with 20 mice in each group. Atrial fibrillation inducibility and duration were assessed by electrical stimulation. Western blot was used to analyze atrial expression of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha1 C (CACNA1C) expression. (2) In vitro study: cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and Western blot were used to determine the optimal and safe LPS concentration. The safe incubation condition for the sonosensitizer sinoporphyrin sodium was determined by CCK-8 and fluorometry. An LPS-induced inflammatory model in HL-1 atrial myocytes was used, with experimental groups including control, LPS, LPS+SDT, LPS+sinoporphyrin sodium, and LPS+ultrasound groups. NLRP3 was overexpressed using plasmid transfection, with experimental groups including control, NLRP3 plasmid, negative control plasmid, and NLRP3 plasmid+SDT groups. SDT was applied to LPS-stimulated or NLRP3-overexpressing HL-1 cells. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were used to measure mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), Cleaved Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18, and CACNA1C. The NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 was used to validate the relationship of NLRP3 and CACNA1C. The experimental groups included control, LPS, LPS+MCC950, and MCC950 groups. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected using the probe DCFH-DA, and the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) was used to test if the effects of SDT was ROS-dependent.Results:(1) In vivo: The LPS+SDT group exhibited a lower incidence of atrial fibrillation induction and a shorter duration of atrial fibrillation compared to the LPS group(both P<0.05). Protein expression levels of NLRP3 and IL-1β were lower than those in the LPS group (all P<0.05), while the expression of CACNA1C subunit tended to increase relative to the LPS group ( P>0.05). (2) In vitro: The safe concentration of LPS for administration was ≤20 μg/ml, with an optimal pro-inflammatory concentration of 4 μg/ml. The safe concentration of sinoporphyrin sodium for administration was 0.4 μmol/L, with an optimal incubation time of 4 hours. Compared to the LPS group or NLRP3 plasmid group, the LPS+SDT group or NLRP3 plasmid+SDT group exhibited lower expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, Cleaved Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18, and higher mRNA and protein levels of CACNA1C (all P<0.05). The LPS+MCC950 group had higher CACNA1C protein expression than the LPS group ( P<0.05). SDT increased intracellular ROS levels, and NAC blocked the regulatory effects of SDT on NLRP3 and CACNA1C. Conclusion:SDT reduces atrial fibrillation susceptibility in mice by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation in atrial cardiomyocytes, thereby upregulating the L-type calcium channel subunit CACNA1C.


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