Objective To investigate the role and possible mechanism of celastrol(Cel)in sodium oxalate(NaOx)-induced acute kidney injury(AKI)and crystal deposition in the kidney tissues in mice.Methods Male C57BL/6 mice(aged 8～12 weeks,weighing 22～24 g)were randomly divided into 3 groups.Saline group(control group,intraperitoneal injection with normal saline and drinking water freely),NaOx group(injured group,intraperitoneal injection of 75 mg/kg NaOx,and drinking water containing 50 μmol/L NaOx),and NaOx+Cel group(treatment group,intraperitoneal injection of 1 mg/kg Cel firstly and then 75 mg/kg NaOx in 24 h later,drinking water containing 50 μmol/L NaOx).All specimens were collected in 24 h after NaOx injection.HK-2 cells were randomly divided into 4 groups:Medium group(no treatment),NaOx group(500 μmol/L NaOx),NaOx+Cel group(400 nmol/L Cel pre-treatment for 2 h followed by 500 μmol/L NaOx treatment),and NaOx+Cel+BA group[8 μmol/L betulinic acid(BA,NF-κB agonist)after the interventions as the NaOx+Cel group].Cells of each group were collected in 24 h after corresponding treatments.Von Koosa and cell adhesion assays were used to observe crystal deposition.HE staining was employed to observe renal histopathology and score the damage.CCK-8 assay was utilized to detect cell viability to obtain the optimal concentrations of NaOx and Cel.Serum urea and creatinine levels were detected.Immunohisotochemical assay was conducted to detect the expression of OPN,CD44,KIM-1,NGAL,p65,IL-1β,BAX,and Caspase-3,and Western blotting was performed for protein levels of OPN,CD44,KIM-1,p65,P-p65 and IL-1β.Results The mice in the NaOx+Cel group showed reduced crystal deposition(P<0.0001),attenuated renal tubular damage(P<0.01),decreased serum urea and creatinine levels(P<0.05),and declined expression levels of the renal adhesion molecules OPN and CD44,the kidney injury molecules KIM-1 and NGAL,the inflammation-associated molecules p65 and IL-1β,and the apoptosis related molecules BAX and Caspase-3 when compared with the NaOx group(P<0.05).In in vitro study,the NaOx+Cel group showed reduced crystal adhesion(P<0.0001),decreased expression of the adhesion molecules OPN and CD44(P<0.05),down-regulation of the inflammatory molecule IL-1β and P-p65/p65 ratio(P<0.05),and down-regulation of the renal injury molecule KIM-1(P<0.05)when compared with the NaOx group.In the NaOx+Cel+BA group,crystal adhesion was significantly increased(P<0.0001),the inflammatory molecule IL-1β and the ratio of P-p65/p65 were increased(P<0.05),and the kidney injury molecule KIM-1 was increased when compared with the NaOx+Cel group(P<0.05).Conclusion Cel may reduce NaOx-induced crystal deposition and AKI by inhibiting NF-κB activation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of sodium valproate (VPA) in inhibiting Erastin-induced ferroptosis in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: BMSCs were isolated from bone marrow of 8-week-old Spragur Dawley rats and identified [cell surface antigens CD90, CD44, and CD45 were analyzed by flow cytometry, and osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation abilities were assessed by alizarin red S (ARS) and oil red O staining, respectively]. Cells of passage 3 were used for the Erastin-induced ferroptosis model, with different concentrations of VPA for intervention. The optimal drug concentration was determined using the cell counting kit 8 assay. The experiment was divided into 4 groups: group A, cells were cultured in osteogenic induction medium for 24 hours; group B, cells were cultured in osteogenic induction medium containing optimal concentration Erastin for 24 hours; group C, cells were cultured in osteogenic induction medium containing optimal concentration Erastin and VPA for 24 hours; group D, cells were cultured in osteogenic induction medium containing optimal concentration Erastin and VPA, and 8 μmol/L EX527 for 24 hours. The mitochondrial state of the cells was evaluated, including the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Osteogenic capacity was assessed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and ARS staining. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expressions of osteogenic-related proteins [Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and osteopontin (OPN)], ferroptosis-related proteins [glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)], and pathway-related proteins [adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)]. RESULTS: The cultured cells were identified as BMSCs. VPA inhibited Erastin-induced ferroptosis and the decline of osteogenic ability in BMSCs, acting through the activation of the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway. VPA significantly reduced the levels of ROS and MDA in Erastin-treated BMSCs and significantly increased GSH levels. Additionally, the expression levels of ferroptosis-related proteins (GPX4, FTH1, and SLC7A11) significantly decreased. VPA also upregulated the expressions of osteogenic-related proteins (RUNX2 and OPN), enhanced mineralization and osteogenic differentiation, and increased the expressions of pathway-related proteins (AMPK and SIRT1). These effects could be reversed by the SIRT1 inhibitor EX527. CONCLUSION VPA inhibits ferroptosis in BMSCs through the AMPK/SIRT1 axis and promotes osteogenesis.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Ferroptosis/drug effects* ; Animals ; Valproic Acid/pharmacology* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sirtuin 1/metabolism* ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Cells, Cultured ; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism* ; Osteogenesis/drug effects* ; Piperazines/pharmacology* ; Bone Marrow Cells/cytology* ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects*

OBJECTIVE To explore the possible mechanism of Qingchang Huashi Formula in the treatment of ulcerative colitis(UC).METHODS Fifty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into a control(Ctrl)group,a model group,a low-dose Qingchang Huashi Formula group,a high-dose Qingchang Huashi Formula group,and a 5-aminosalicylic acid(5-ASA)group based on body weight.The UC model was established in mice by drinking 3%dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)for 6 d.On d7 and d8,DSS was withdrawn and ultrapure water was given daily.Ultrapure water or different drugs were administered orally throughout the experiment:Ctrl and model groups received 0.2 mL of ultrapure water,while the low-dose and high-dose Qingchang Huashi Formula groups re-ceived 6 and 12 g·kg-1,respectively,and the concentration of 5-ASA was 100 mg·kg-1.Body weight and fecal characteristics of the mice were recorded daily,and the experiment ended on d9.Serum was collected from mice for serum metabolomics and inflam-matory factor expression analysis.The colons of the mice were isolated and their lengths were measured,and the distal colon was ob-tained for pathological analysis.The livers and colons of the mice were isolated for subsequent total bile acid analysis.RESULTS Compared with the Ctrl group,the model group mice showed a significant decrease in body weight and colon length(P<0.000 1),a remarkable increase in disease activity index(P<0.000 1).The concentration of inflammatory factors IL-1β and TNF-α was signifi-cantly increased(P<0.000 1).High-dose and low-dose Qingchang Huashi Formula,as well as 5-ASA could significantly alleviate the loss of body weight,increased DAI,colon shortening,and disappearance of colon tissue morphology in mice.Through ELISA tes-ting,it was found the concentration of IL-1β and TNF-α was remarkably decreased after Qingchang Huashi Formula and 5-ASA treat-ment(P<0.01,P<0.000 1).Through LC-MS analysis of serum metabolites and KEGG enrichment analysis,we found that interven-tion with Qingchang Huashi Formula could significantly affect the primary bile acid synthesis,secondary bile acid synthesis and bile se-cretion.Using total bile acid reagent kit,we found that the total bile acid in the liver of colitis mice did not show significant changes when compared with the Ctrl group of mice,and the concentration of total bile acid in the serum was significantly reduced,the concen-tration of TBA in the colon was significantly increased(P<0.05).After intervention with the Qingchang Huashi Formula,the concen-tration of total bile acid in the serum of mice was significantly increased,while the concentration of total bile acid in the colon was re-duced(P<0.05).Compared with mice in Ctrl group,the levels of deoxycholic acid(DCA)and taurine deoxycholic acid(TDCA)in serum of colitis mice were significantly reduced(P<0.05).After intervention with Qingchang Huashi Formula,the levels of DCA,TD-CA and Ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA)in serum of mice were restored(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Qingchang Huashi Formula can effectively relieve DSS-induced colitis in mice,reducing immune inflammatory response,reregulating the disorder of serum metabolism and enterohepatic circulation.

OBJECTIVE To explore the possible mechanism of Qingchang Huashi Formula in the treatment of ulcerative colitis(UC).METHODS Fifty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into a control(Ctrl)group,a model group,a low-dose Qingchang Huashi Formula group,a high-dose Qingchang Huashi Formula group,and a 5-aminosalicylic acid(5-ASA)group based on body weight.The UC model was established in mice by drinking 3%dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)for 6 d.On d7 and d8,DSS was withdrawn and ultrapure water was given daily.Ultrapure water or different drugs were administered orally throughout the experiment:Ctrl and model groups received 0.2 mL of ultrapure water,while the low-dose and high-dose Qingchang Huashi Formula groups re-ceived 6 and 12 g·kg-1,respectively,and the concentration of 5-ASA was 100 mg·kg-1.Body weight and fecal characteristics of the mice were recorded daily,and the experiment ended on d9.Serum was collected from mice for serum metabolomics and inflam-matory factor expression analysis.The colons of the mice were isolated and their lengths were measured,and the distal colon was ob-tained for pathological analysis.The livers and colons of the mice were isolated for subsequent total bile acid analysis.RESULTS Compared with the Ctrl group,the model group mice showed a significant decrease in body weight and colon length(P<0.000 1),a remarkable increase in disease activity index(P<0.000 1).The concentration of inflammatory factors IL-1β and TNF-α was signifi-cantly increased(P<0.000 1).High-dose and low-dose Qingchang Huashi Formula,as well as 5-ASA could significantly alleviate the loss of body weight,increased DAI,colon shortening,and disappearance of colon tissue morphology in mice.Through ELISA tes-ting,it was found the concentration of IL-1β and TNF-α was remarkably decreased after Qingchang Huashi Formula and 5-ASA treat-ment(P<0.01,P<0.000 1).Through LC-MS analysis of serum metabolites and KEGG enrichment analysis,we found that interven-tion with Qingchang Huashi Formula could significantly affect the primary bile acid synthesis,secondary bile acid synthesis and bile se-cretion.Using total bile acid reagent kit,we found that the total bile acid in the liver of colitis mice did not show significant changes when compared with the Ctrl group of mice,and the concentration of total bile acid in the serum was significantly reduced,the concen-tration of TBA in the colon was significantly increased(P<0.05).After intervention with the Qingchang Huashi Formula,the concen-tration of total bile acid in the serum of mice was significantly increased,while the concentration of total bile acid in the colon was re-duced(P<0.05).Compared with mice in Ctrl group,the levels of deoxycholic acid(DCA)and taurine deoxycholic acid(TDCA)in serum of colitis mice were significantly reduced(P<0.05).After intervention with Qingchang Huashi Formula,the levels of DCA,TD-CA and Ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA)in serum of mice were restored(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Qingchang Huashi Formula can effectively relieve DSS-induced colitis in mice,reducing immune inflammatory response,reregulating the disorder of serum metabolism and enterohepatic circulation.

Objective:To investigate whether there is a causal relationship between atopic dermatitis(AD)and ankylosing spondylitis(AS).Methods:Genetic data of AD and AS were extracted from genome-wide association studies(GWAS)by Mendelian randomization(MR),and inverse variance-weighted(IVW)analysis was used as main analysis,supplemented by weighted median,MR-Egger,weighted mode,etc,and verified by a series of sensitivity analyses.Results:IVW analysis of AD by AS:OR=1.015,95％CI:1.005～1.025,P=0.004.IVW analysis of AD for AS:OR=1.001,95％CI:1.000～1.002,P=0.120.Conclusion:AS has a statisti-cally small causal relationship on AD,and AD has no causal effect on AS.

Objective:To investigate whether there is a causal relationship between atopic dermatitis(AD)and ankylosing spondylitis(AS).Methods:Genetic data of AD and AS were extracted from genome-wide association studies(GWAS)by Mendelian randomization(MR),and inverse variance-weighted(IVW)analysis was used as main analysis,supplemented by weighted median,MR-Egger,weighted mode,etc,and verified by a series of sensitivity analyses.Results:IVW analysis of AD by AS:OR=1.015,95％CI:1.005～1.025,P=0.004.IVW analysis of AD for AS:OR=1.001,95％CI:1.000～1.002,P=0.120.Conclusion:AS has a statisti-cally small causal relationship on AD,and AD has no causal effect on AS.

Objective To analyze the predictive value of serum levels of procalcitonin(PCT)and cytokines on the prognosis of patients with COVID-19 at admission.Methods From November 2022 to February 2023,patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who were admitted to Beijing Chest Hospital were enrolled.Chemiluminescence was used to detect serum PCT levels,and flow microsphere array was used to detect serum cytokines IL-1β,IL-2,IL-4,IL-5,IL-6,IL-8,IL-10,IL-12p70,IL-17A,IL-17F,IL-22,TNF-α,TNF-β,IFN-γ level.ICU admission,mechanical ventilation and in-hospital death were defined as poor prognosis.After excluding patients with bacterial infection,the relationship between serum PCT and cytokine levels at admission and the prognosis of COVID-19 patients was analyzed.After excluding patients with bacterial infection,the relationship between serum PCT and cytokine levels at admission and the prognosis of COVID-19 patients was analyzed.Results A total of 176 patients with complete data were included,including 134 in the PCT-normal group and 42 in the PCT-elevated group,with a median age of 71.50 years and 71.59%males.Patients in the PCT elevated-group had significantly higher rates of ICU admission(38.41%vs.13.11%,P<0.05),mechanical ventilation(76.92%vs.24.59%,P<0.001)and in-hospital mortality(38.46%vs.6.56%,P<0.001)were significantly higher than those in the PCT-normal group.Serum levels of cytokines IL-6(7.40 pg/mL vs.4.78 pg/mL,P = 0.033 4)and IL-8(10.97 pg/mL vs.5.92 pg/mL,P<0.001)were significantly higher in patients with poor prognosis than in those with good prognosis.The area under the curve for PCT,IL-6,and IL-8 to predict poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients was 0.687,0.660,and 0.746,respectively;sensitivity was 52.78%,55.17%,and 72.41%,respectively;and specificity was 81.58%,74.19%,and 74.19%,respectively,as calculated from the ROC curve.When PCT,IL-6 and IL-8 jointly predict the prognosis of COVID-19 patients,the area under the curve is 0.764,the sensitivity is 70.00%,and the specificity is 80.00%.Conclusion Serum PCT and cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 could be used as predictive markers for poor prognosis in patients with COVID-19.

Currently, the total ureteral avulsion are mainly secondary to ureteroscopy, and it is rarely caused by uterine evacuation clinically. This paper reported a case of total ureter avulsion after uterine evacuation, treating by ileal replacement for ureter under general anesthesia, and the surgical outcome was good. Uterine evacuation is a routine, less risky procedure, but it also can lead to serious complications such as total ureteral avulsion or bladder rupture. For potential high-risk patients with uterine evacuation, preventive measures such as accurate localization under B-ultrasound guidance or pre-operative ureteral stents indwelling are useful to avoid the occurrence of such serious complications. If total ureteral avulsion occurs, ileal replacement for ureter is a viable and effective treatment.

Objective:To scientifically measure and morphologically evaluate the anatomical shape of the skin in the first web space based on cadavers, and to guide the design of flap in this area.Methods:Sixteen human cadavers fixed with 10% formaldehyde without injury or deformity on the hand were selected in the Department of Hand Surgery, the Third Hospital of Suqian. According to the characteristics of the first web area, marker points were selected for measurement and morphological observation. Morphological characteristics of the first web with thumb radial abduction(r) or palmar abduction(p) were measured and compared. The t-test was used for statistical analysis. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. According to the results of measurement, standardised shapes and parameters of the skin were obtained for flap repair of defect of the first web. Results:When the thumb was in palmar abduction, the maximum distance [a(p)] of the first web of female(F) and male(M) was 5.78/8.42 cm(F/M), and the skin [S(p)] was 17.09/23.63 cm 2(F/M), both were significantly greater than the distance [a(r)] at 4.86/6.28 cm and the area of skin area [S(r)] at 14.39/20.15 cm 2 when thumb was in the radial abduction position( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the length of [b(r)] and [b(p)] alone the long axis of flap between palmar and radial abductions(7.54/9.38 cm and 7.34/9.74 cm, respectively) of the thumb( P>0.05). It was found that the area of first web was not shaped as a symmetrical spindle, but an irregular quadrilateral inclined to the index finger. Conclusion:Design and measurement of a flap for the first web space should take the maximum palmar abduction of a thumb as a reference. The asymmetric quadrilateral flap design is more in line with the anatomical and characteristics in the region.

Platelets buoy up cancer metastasis via arresting cancer cells, enhancing their adhesion, and facilitating their extravasation through the vasculature. When deprived of intracellular and granular contents, platelet decoys could prevent metastatic tumor formation. Inspired by these, we developed nanoplatesomes by fusing platelet membranes with lipid membranes (P-Lipo) to restrain metastatic tumor formation more efficiently. It was shown nanoplateletsomes bound with circulating tumor cells (CTC) efficiently, interfered with CTC arrest by vessel endothelial cells, CTC extravasation through endothelial layers, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of tumor cells as nanodecoys. More importantly, in the mouse breast tumor metastasis model, nanoplateletsomes could decrease CTC survival in the blood and counteract metastatic tumor growth efficiently by inhibiting the inflammation and suppressing CTC escape. Therefore, nanoplatelesomes might usher in a new avenue to suppress lung metastasis.