Pulmonary sarcoidosis is an immune system disease with an unclear etiology. Guided by the yang-reinforcing method， it is believed that the fundamental pathogenesis of pulmonary sarcoidosis lies in the disharmony between water and fire and the reckless movement of the ministerial fire. The failure of the spleen and stomach to maintain warmth， leading to the production of phlegm and blood stasis， is an important pathogenesis. The invasion of external pathogenic toxins， deeply penetrating into the interior， is considered a triggering factor for the disease. The treatment focuses on supplementing the yang， consolidating the kidney， drawing fire back to its source， warming the yang， benefiting the kidney， and nourishing the spleen to generate metal. It also emphasizes unblocking the yang， transforming turbidity， and eliminating phlegm and blood stasis.

Objective To investigate the effects and molecular mechanisms of regenerating islet-derived 3-Alpha(REG3A)on the proliferation,apoptosis and cisplatin(DDP)resistance of ovarian cancer(OC)cells.Methods Cancer tissue and adjacent tissue samples of 97 ovarian cancer patients admitted to Qinghai Fifth People's Hospital from January 2021 to December 2022 were collected.Quantitative reverse transcriptase-mediated PCR(qRT-PCR)and immunohis to chemistry(IHC)were used to detect the expression of REG3A in cancer tissues and adjacent tissues,and the relationship between its expression and the clinical pathological characteristics and prognosis of patients was analyzed.QRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of REG3A in human normal ovarian epithelial cell line OSE and human OC cell lines(ES2,HEY,A2780,and SKOV3).SKOV3 and DDP resistant OC cell lines(SKOV3/DDP)were selected and randomly divided into siNC group and siREG3A group.Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)was used to detect cell proliferation activity.Determination of cell drug resistance by methylthiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT).Flow cytometry was used to detect proliferation cycle and apoptosis.Immunoblotting was used to detect the expression of resistance,proliferation,apoptosis and phsphatidylinostol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)pathway related proteins in OC cells.Results The expression of REG3A mRNA in ovarian cancer tissues was higher than that in adjacent tissues(1.46±0.43 vs 0.52±0.11),and the difference was statistically significant(t=20.858,P<0.001).The 5-year survival rate of patients with high expression of REG3A was 24.49%(12/49),which was lower than the 91.67%(44/48)of patients with low expression of REG3A,and the difference was statistically significant(χ2=44.841,P<0.001).The proportion of patients with FIGO stages III-IV,moderate to high differentiation and tumor size>3cm in the high expression group of REG3A was higher than that in the low expression group of REG3A,and the differences were statistically significant(χ2=4.537～9.972,all P<0.05).Compared with OSE,the mRNA and protein expression of REG3A in ES2,HKY,A2780 and SKOV3 increased significantly(t=6.725～30.234,all P<0.01).Compared with the siNC group,the expression of REG3A was downregulated in SKOV3 cells in the siREG3A group(0.23±0.02 vs 0.99±0.06),cell activity decreased at 24,48 and 72 hours of transfection,the proportion of G1 phase cells increased,while the proportion of S and G2 phase cells and apoptosis rate,MDR-1,Cyclin D1 and Cleaved caspase 3 protein expression,p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt ratios were decreased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=6.584～22.730,all P<0.01).After treatment with DDP at concentrations of 1.25,2.5,5,7.5 and 15 μg/ml,compared with the siNC group,the survival rates of SKOV3 and SKOV3/DDP cells in the siREG3A group gradually decreased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=2.888～11.135,all P<0.05).Conclusion REG3A is highly expressed in OC tissues and is associated with malignant progression and poor prognosis of OC.Its up-regulation promotes cancer cell proliferation and DDP resistance by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway,and inhibits apoptosis.

Objective To investigate the effects and molecular mechanisms of regenerating islet-derived 3-Alpha(REG3A)on the proliferation,apoptosis and cisplatin(DDP)resistance of ovarian cancer(OC)cells.Methods Cancer tissue and adjacent tissue samples of 97 ovarian cancer patients admitted to Qinghai Fifth People's Hospital from January 2021 to December 2022 were collected.Quantitative reverse transcriptase-mediated PCR(qRT-PCR)and immunohis to chemistry(IHC)were used to detect the expression of REG3A in cancer tissues and adjacent tissues,and the relationship between its expression and the clinical pathological characteristics and prognosis of patients was analyzed.QRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of REG3A in human normal ovarian epithelial cell line OSE and human OC cell lines(ES2,HEY,A2780,and SKOV3).SKOV3 and DDP resistant OC cell lines(SKOV3/DDP)were selected and randomly divided into siNC group and siREG3A group.Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)was used to detect cell proliferation activity.Determination of cell drug resistance by methylthiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT).Flow cytometry was used to detect proliferation cycle and apoptosis.Immunoblotting was used to detect the expression of resistance,proliferation,apoptosis and phsphatidylinostol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)pathway related proteins in OC cells.Results The expression of REG3A mRNA in ovarian cancer tissues was higher than that in adjacent tissues(1.46±0.43 vs 0.52±0.11),and the difference was statistically significant(t=20.858,P<0.001).The 5-year survival rate of patients with high expression of REG3A was 24.49%(12/49),which was lower than the 91.67%(44/48)of patients with low expression of REG3A,and the difference was statistically significant(χ2=44.841,P<0.001).The proportion of patients with FIGO stages III-IV,moderate to high differentiation and tumor size>3cm in the high expression group of REG3A was higher than that in the low expression group of REG3A,and the differences were statistically significant(χ2=4.537～9.972,all P<0.05).Compared with OSE,the mRNA and protein expression of REG3A in ES2,HKY,A2780 and SKOV3 increased significantly(t=6.725～30.234,all P<0.01).Compared with the siNC group,the expression of REG3A was downregulated in SKOV3 cells in the siREG3A group(0.23±0.02 vs 0.99±0.06),cell activity decreased at 24,48 and 72 hours of transfection,the proportion of G1 phase cells increased,while the proportion of S and G2 phase cells and apoptosis rate,MDR-1,Cyclin D1 and Cleaved caspase 3 protein expression,p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt ratios were decreased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=6.584～22.730,all P<0.01).After treatment with DDP at concentrations of 1.25,2.5,5,7.5 and 15 μg/ml,compared with the siNC group,the survival rates of SKOV3 and SKOV3/DDP cells in the siREG3A group gradually decreased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=2.888～11.135,all P<0.05).Conclusion REG3A is highly expressed in OC tissues and is associated with malignant progression and poor prognosis of OC.Its up-regulation promotes cancer cell proliferation and DDP resistance by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway,and inhibits apoptosis.

This article is based on ZHANG Jingyue's theory of yin-yang holism to explore the etiology， pathogenesis， and treatment of acute exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease （RA-ILD）. It is believed that the foundation of acute exacerbation of RA-ILD lies in real yin insufficiency and yin fail to control yang； external pathogen attacking is a common cause of acute exacerbation of RA-ILD. For treatment， it is important to first suppress ministerial fire by prescribing modified Yinhuo Decoction （引火汤）； if ministerial fire submerged， focus should be on nourishing both yin and yang； if real yin deficiency is the main issue， modified Zuogui Pill （左归丸） should be used； if real yang deficiency is prominent as well， modified Yougui Pill （右归丸） can be chosen. When yin and yang balanced， the disease could be solved.

Objective:To explore the histopathological factors affecting the stiffness of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).Methods:Ninety-six patients with PTC confirmed by surgery and pathology in Shanxi Bethune Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020 were selected, including 101 nodules. Two-dimensional ultrasound and shear-wave elastography (SWE) were performed before surgery and the average Young's modulus (Emean) of PTC nodules were measured. Histopathological examinations on the nodules were conducted after surgery to decide the lesion size, number of lesions, calcification type, presence or absence of capsular and extracapsular invasion, degree of fibrosis, microvessel density, and number of tumor cells. The correlations between the lesion size, degree of fibrosis, microvessel density, and number of tumor cells and the Emean were analyzed. The Emeans of nodules with different numbers of lesions, presence or absence of capsular and extracapsular invasion, and different pathological calcification types were compared. The multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the histopathological factors influencing the Emean.Results:The ranges of the lesion sizes, degrees of fibrosis, microvascular density, numbers of tumor cells, and the Emeans of the 101 investigated PTC nodules were (1.29±0.95) cm, (30.64±18.37)%, (101.64±30.7) vessels per high power field, (373.52±149.87) cells per high power field, and (36.47±19.62) kPa, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that the lesion size of PTC and the degree of fibrosis were positively correlated with the Emean ( r=0.660, P＜0.001; r=0.789, P＜0.001), while the microvessel density was negatively correlated with the Emean ( r=-0.198, P=0.047). The Emean of the group with capsular and extracapsular invasion was higher than that of the group without ( P=0.014). There were statistical differences in the Emeans among different types of pathological calcification ( P＜0.001). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that the lesion size ( β=0.325, P＜0.001), degree of fibrosis ( β=0.563, P＜0.001), psammoma bodies ( β=0.177, P=0.001), stromal calcification ( β=0.164, P=0.003), and mixed calcification of both psammoma bodies and stroma ( β=0.163, P=0.003) were independent influencing factors for the Emean. The degree of fibrosis had the greatest impact on the Emean. Conclusions:The Emean of PTC lesions was correlated with the histopathological characteristics of PTC. The lesion size, degree of fibrosis, and calcification had significant impact on the Emean, among which the degree of fibrosis had the greatest impact.

Objective Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species(mtROS)could cause damage to pancreatic β-cells,rendering them susceptible to oxidative damage.Hence,investigating the potential of the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant(Mito-TEMPO)to protect pancreatic β-cells from ferroptosis by mitigating lipid peroxidation becomes crucial. Methods MIN6 cells were cultured in vitro with 100 μmol/L sodium palmitate(SP)to simulate diabetes.FerroOrange was utilized for the detection of Fe2+fluorescence staining,BODIPY581/591C11 for lipid reactive oxygen species,and MitoSox-Red for mtROS.Alterations in mitophagy levels were assessed through the co-localization of lysosomal and mitochondrial fluorescence.Western blotting was employed to quantify protein levels of Acsl4,GPX4,FSP1,FE,PINK1,Parkin,TOMM20,P62,and LC3.Subsequently,interventions were implemented using Mito-TEMPO and Carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone(CCCP)to observe changes in ferroptosis and mitophagy within MIN6 cells. Results We found that SP induced a dose-dependent increase in Fe2+and lipid ROS in MIN6 cells while decreasing the expression levels of GPX4 and FSP1 proteins.Through bioinformatics analysis,it has been uncovered that mitophagy assumes a crucial role within the ferroptosis pathway associated with diabetes.Additionally,SP decreased the expression of mitophagy-related proteins PINK1 and Parkin,leading to mtROS overproduction.Conversely,Mito-TEMPO effectively eliminated mtROS while activating the mitophagy pathways involving PINK1 and Parkin,thereby reducing the occurrence of ferroptosis in MIN6 cells.CCCP also demonstrated efficacy in reducing ferroptosis in MIN6 cells. Conclusion In summary,Mito-TEMPO proved effective in attenuating mtROS production and initiating mitophagy pathways mediated by PINK1 and Parkin in MIN6 cells.Consequently,this decreased iron overload and lipid peroxidation,ultimately safeguarding the cells from ferroptosis.

Objective:To explore the histopathological factors affecting the stiffness of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).Methods:Ninety-six patients with PTC confirmed by surgery and pathology in Shanxi Bethune Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020 were selected, including 101 nodules. Two-dimensional ultrasound and shear-wave elastography (SWE) were performed before surgery and the average Young's modulus (Emean) of PTC nodules were measured. Histopathological examinations on the nodules were conducted after surgery to decide the lesion size, number of lesions, calcification type, presence or absence of capsular and extracapsular invasion, degree of fibrosis, microvessel density, and number of tumor cells. The correlations between the lesion size, degree of fibrosis, microvessel density, and number of tumor cells and the Emean were analyzed. The Emeans of nodules with different numbers of lesions, presence or absence of capsular and extracapsular invasion, and different pathological calcification types were compared. The multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the histopathological factors influencing the Emean.Results:The ranges of the lesion sizes, degrees of fibrosis, microvascular density, numbers of tumor cells, and the Emeans of the 101 investigated PTC nodules were (1.29±0.95) cm, (30.64±18.37)%, (101.64±30.7) vessels per high power field, (373.52±149.87) cells per high power field, and (36.47±19.62) kPa, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that the lesion size of PTC and the degree of fibrosis were positively correlated with the Emean ( r=0.660, P＜0.001; r=0.789, P＜0.001), while the microvessel density was negatively correlated with the Emean ( r=-0.198, P=0.047). The Emean of the group with capsular and extracapsular invasion was higher than that of the group without ( P=0.014). There were statistical differences in the Emeans among different types of pathological calcification ( P＜0.001). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that the lesion size ( β=0.325, P＜0.001), degree of fibrosis ( β=0.563, P＜0.001), psammoma bodies ( β=0.177, P=0.001), stromal calcification ( β=0.164, P=0.003), and mixed calcification of both psammoma bodies and stroma ( β=0.163, P=0.003) were independent influencing factors for the Emean. The degree of fibrosis had the greatest impact on the Emean. Conclusions:The Emean of PTC lesions was correlated with the histopathological characteristics of PTC. The lesion size, degree of fibrosis, and calcification had significant impact on the Emean, among which the degree of fibrosis had the greatest impact.

Objective To establish a Nomogram model for predicting the occurrence of stigma in elderly patients with colostomy after colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. Methods A total of 123 elderly patients with colostomy after CRC surgery in the Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University from June 2022 to December 2023 were selected as research objects, and they were divided into stigma group (n=62) and non-stigma group (n=61) according to the occurrence of stigma. Logistic regression analysis was used to screen risk factors, and a Nomogram was drawn and evaluated for its discrimination and consistency. Results Score of the Social Impact Scale (SIS) in 123 elderly patients with colostomy after CRC surgery ranged from 34 to 90, with an average score of (60.14±12.08) and a median score of 48. Female (95%CI, 2.467 to 20.978, P < 0.001), presence of stoma complications (95%CI, 1.766 to 10.093, P=0.001), moderate to low level of perceived social support (95%CI, 1.654 to 12.710, P=0.003), and moderate to low level of psychosocial adaptation (95%CI, 1.568 to 10.869, P=0.004) were identified as independent risk factors for stigma in elderly patients with colostomy after CRC surgery. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.816 (95% CI, 0.744 to 0.889); the calibration curve had a slope close to 1, and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test showed better results (χ²=7.722, P=0.461). Conclusion Female, presence of stoma complications, moderate to low level of perceived social support, and moderate to low level of psychosocial adaptation are independent risk factors for stigma in elderly patients with colostomy after CRC surgery. Nomogram model established based on these factors can help identify high-risk populations for stigma, so as to obtain individualized precise intervention and reduce the incidence of stigma.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the third most common malignancy with a high recurrence and metastasis rate in South China. Natural compounds extracted from traditional Chinese herbal medicines have been developed and utilized for the treatment of a variety of cancers with modest properties and slight side effects. Maackiain (MA) is a type of flavonoid that was first isolated from leguminous plants, and it has been reported to relieve various nervous system disorders and exert anti-allergic as well as anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we demonstrated that MA inhibited proliferation, arrested cell cycle and induced apoptosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE1 and CNE2 cells in vitro and in vivo. The expression of the related proteins associated with these processes were consistent with the above effects. Moreover, transcriptome sequencing and subsequent Western blot experiments revealed that inhibition of the MAPK/Ras pathway may be responsible to the anti-tumor effect of MA on NPC cells. Therefore, the effects of MA and an activator of this pathway, tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), alone or combination, were investigated. The results showed TBHQ neutralized the inhibitory effects of MA. These data suggest that MA exerts its anti-tumor effect by inhibiting the MAPK/Ras signaling pathway and it has the potential to become a treatment for patients with NPC.
Humans ; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/pathology* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Apoptosis ; Signal Transduction ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/pathology*