Based on the interleukin-17(IL-17) signaling pathway, this study explores the effect and mechanism of Bufei Decoction on Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumonia in rats. SD rats were randomly divided into the control group, model group, Bufei Decoction low-dose group(6.68 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), Bufei Decoction high-dose group(13.36 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and dexamethasone group(1.04 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), with 10 rats in each group. A pneumonia model was established by tracheal drip injection of K. pneumoniae. After successful model establishment, the improvement in lung tissue damage was observed following drug administration. Core targets and signaling pathways were screened using transcriptomics techniques. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the mRNA expression of core targets interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and chemokine CXC ligand 6(CXCL6). Western blot was used to assess key proteins in the IL-17 signaling pathway, including interleukin-17A(IL-17A), nuclear transcription factor-κB activator 1(Act1), tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6(TRAF6), and downstream phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(p-p38 MAPK), and phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65). Apoptosis of lung tissue cells was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling(TUNEL). The results showed that, compared with the control group, the model group exhibited significant pathological damage in lung tissue. The mRNA expression of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and CXCL6, as well as the protein levels of IL-17A, Act1, TRAF6, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65, were significantly increased, and the number of apoptotic cells was notably higher, indicating successful model establishment. Compared with the model group, both low-and high-dose groups of Bufei Decoction showed reduced pathological damage in lung tissue. The mRNA expression levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and CXCL6, and the protein levels of IL-17A, Act1, TRAF6, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65, were significantly decreased, with a significant reduction in apoptotic cells in the high-dose group. In conclusion, Bufei Decoction can effectively improve lung tissue damage and reduce inflammation in rats with K. pneumoniae. The mechanism may involve the regulation of the IL-17 signaling pathway and the reduction of apoptosis.
Animals ; Interleukin-17/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Rats ; Male ; Klebsiella pneumoniae/physiology* ; Klebsiella Infections/immunology* ; Humans ; Lung/drug effects*

Investigating the correlation between micronucleus formation and male infertility has the potential to improve clinical diagnosis and deepen our understanding of pathological progression. Our study enrolled 2252 male patients whose semen was analyzed from March 2023 to July 2023. Their clinical data, including semen parameters and age, were also collected. Genetic analysis was used to determine whether the sex chromosome involved in male infertility was abnormal (including the increase, deletion, and translocation of the X and Y chromosomes), and subsequent semen analysis was conducted for clinical grouping purposes. The participants were categorized into five groups: normozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, oligoasthenozoospermia, and azoospermia. Patients were randomly selected for further study; 41 patients with normozoospermia were included in the control group and 117 patients with non-normozoospermia were included in the study group according to the proportions of all enrolled patients. Cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) screening was conducted through peripheral blood. Statistical analysis was used to determine the differences in micronuclei (MNi) among the groups and the relationships between MNi and clinical data. There was a significant increase in MNi in infertile men, including those with azoospermia, compared with normozoospermic patients, but there was no significant difference between the genetic and nongenetic groups in azoospermic men. The presence of MNi was associated with sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility, immotile spermatozoa, malformed spermatozoa, total sperm count, and total sperm motility. This study underscores the potential utility of MNi as a diagnostic tool and highlights the need for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of male infertility.
Humans ; Male ; Infertility, Male/genetics* ; Adult ; Micronucleus Tests ; Semen Analysis ; Oligospermia/genetics* ; Azoospermia/genetics* ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Sperm Count ; Micronuclei, Chromosome-Defective ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) load in different lymphocyte subsets, as well as clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with hematologic malignancies experiencing EBV reactivation. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples from patients were collected. B, T, and NK cells were isolated sorting with magnetic beads by flow cytometry. The EBV load in each subset was quantitated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Clinical data were colleted from electronic medical records. Survival status was followed up through outpatient visits and telephone calls. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0. RESULTS: A total of 39 patients with hematologic malignancies were included, among whom 35 patients had undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The median time to EBV reactivation was 4.8 months (range: 1.7-57.1 months) after allo-HSCT. EBV was detected in B, T, and NK cells in 20 patients, in B and T cells in 11 patients, and only in B cells in 4 patients. In the 35 patients, the median EBV load in B cells was 2.19×10⁴ copies/ml, significantly higher than that in T cells (4.00×10³ copies/ml, P <0.01) and NK cells (2.85×10² copies/ml, P <0.01). Rituximab (RTX) was administered for 32 patients, resulting in EBV negativity in 32 patients with a median time of 8 days (range: 2-39 days). Post-treatment analysis of 13 patients showed EBV were all negative in B, T, and NK cells. In the four non-transplant patients, the median time to EBV reactivation was 35 days (range: 1-328 days) after diagnosis of the primary disease. EBV was detected in one or two subsets of B, T, or NK cells, but not simultaneously in all three subsets. These patients received a combination chemotherapy targeting at the primary disease, with 3 patients achieving EBV negativity, and the median time to be negative was 40 days (range: 13-75 days). CONCLUSION In hematologic malignancy patients after allo-HSCT, EBV reactivation commonly involves B, T, and NK cells, with a significantly higher viral load in B cells compared to T and NK cells. Rituximab is effective for EBV clearance. In non-transplant patients, EBV reactivation is restricted to one or two lymphocyte subsets, and clearance is slower, highlighting the need for prompt anti-tumor therapy.
Humans ; Hematologic Neoplasms/virology* ; Herpesvirus 4, Human/physiology* ; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Virus Activation ; Lymphocyte Subsets/virology* ; Flow Cytometry ; Killer Cells, Natural/virology* ; Male ; Female ; B-Lymphocytes/virology* ; Viral Load ; Adult ; T-Lymphocytes/virology* ; Middle Aged

BACKGROUND:Studies have found that inhibition of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 improves myocardial function and promotes myocardial autophagy in sepsis,but the specific mechanism is not clear.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of inhibiting tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6-regulated mTORC1/ULK1 autophagy signaling pathway on myocardial injury in sepsis mice.METHODS:Thirty male Kunming mice were randomly divided into sham operation group,cecal ligation and puncture group(model group),model+tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 specific inhibitor C25-140(model+C)group,model+C25-140+autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine(model+C+3-MA)group,and model+C25-140+mTORC1-specific agonist MHY1485(model+C+M)group.The cecum of mice in the sham operation group was not ligated or punctured.The mice in the other groups underwent cecum ligation and puncture to establish the mouse sepsis model.C25-140,3-methyladenine,and MHY1485 were intraperitoneally injected 0.5 hours after surgery according to the grouping.Myocardial tissue was obtained 24 hours after surgery.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to evaluate myocardial inflammatory lesions.Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the changes in the autophagic bodies and mitochondrial microstructures of myocardial cells.TUNEL assay was used to detect myocardial cell apoptosis.PCR was used to detect the relative expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 mRNA.Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of related proteins.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with sham operation group,myocardial inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrous edema were observed in the model group.The mitochondria of the cells were obviously swollen,and autophagosomes were occasionally seen;cardiomyocyte apoptosis increased significantly;the expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6,phosphorylated nuclear factor κB P65/P65,p-mTOR/mTOR,p-ULK1/ULK1,P62 and Bax protein increased,and the expression of Bcl2 protein decreased(P＜0.05).(2)Compared with the model group,myocardial inflammation and fibrous edema were alleviated in the model+C group.Myocardial mitochondrial swelling was reduced and autophagosomes increased;cardiomyocyte apoptosis decreased;the expression of phosphorylated nuclear factor κB P65/nuclear factor-κB P65,p-mTOR/mTOR,p-ULK1/ULK1,P62,and Bax protein decreased,while the Beclin-1 and Bcl2 protein increased(P＜0.05).(3)Compared with the model+C group,myocardial autophagosomes decreased and myocardial mitochondrial swelling was more obvious in the model+C+3-MA group.Myocardial inflammation was aggravated;myocardial cell apoptosis increased;the expression of phosphorylated nuclear factor κB P65/nuclear factor κB P65,P62,and Bax protein increased,and the Beclin-1 and Bcl2 protein decreased(P＜0.05).(4)Compared with the model+C group,the expression of p-mTOR/mTOR and p-ULK1/ULK1 in the model+C+M group increased,and the Beclin-1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ protein expression decreased(P＜0.05).It is concluded that inhibition of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 regulates mTORC1/ULK1 autophagy signal to promote myocardial autophagy and participate in the protection of myocardial injury in sepsis.

Hypokalemia,a common clinical electrolyte disorder,can affect multiple systems and can be life-threatening in severe cases.Identifying the cause of hypokalemia is crucial for its prevention and treatment.However,the etiology of hypokalemia is complex and often requires detailed differential diagnosis.This article reports a rare clinical case of hypokalemia caused by long-term excessive consumption of strong tea and discusses its pathogenesis.The aim is to raise clinical awareness and understanding of the etiology of such cases of hypokalemia and reduce misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.

Objective To establish a highly sensitive and specific method for detecting human DNA based on real time quantitative PCR(qPCR)technique for the rapid detection of potential DNA con-tamination sources in DNA laboratories.Methods Primers and probes were designed with Primer Ex-pressTM software using the reference sequence of human 18S rRNA gene as a template,and the opti-mal prime-probe combination was screened by matrix method.The PCR products of the target se-quence of human 18S rRNA gene were used to construct the plasmid,and a plasmid standard was used to draw the standard curve of the qPCR system.According to the Minimum Information for Pub-lication of Quantitative Real-time PCR Experiments(MIQE)guidelines,the specificity,sensitivity,re-peatability and application effect of the qPCR system were evaluated.Results The sensitivity of the qPCR system established in this study was 5.3×10-5 ng/μL,which showed good specificity for human DNA samples.The correlation coefficient of the qPCR system was-0.999,and amplification efficiency was 100％.Both the intra-batch and inter-batch variation coefficients were less than 2％.Conclusion The established human DNA detection method based on qPCR technique has good specificity,high sen-sitivity,and robust stability.It can be used for rapid detection of DNA contamination and daily moni-toring of the accumulated human DNA in the laboratory environment.

Objective:This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms of the maladaptation of H3N2 influenza virus in chicken embryos, provide a theoretical basis for the restoration of H3N2 influenza vaccine production in chicken embryos.Methods:Samples of respiratory secretions from patients with influenza-like symptoms (Influenza-like Illness, ILI) caused by H3N2 influenza virus were inoculated into chicken embryos and Madin-Darby Canine Kidney cells (MDCK), respectively. After isolating the virus, hemagglutination experiments were conducted to detect hemagglutination titers and hemagglutination inhibition experiments were used to compare antigenic differences; further, whole-genome sequencing of H3N2 influenza virus was performed using second-generation high-throughput gene sequencing (Next Generation High-Throughput Gene Sequencing, NGS), and key amino acid sites of mutations were identified through sequence alignment; combined with sialic acid receptor binding experiments, the differences in the binding of wild-type and mutant receptor binding sites (RBS) to sialic acid receptors were compared; finally, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation method were used to explore the specific molecular mechanisms of how mutation sites affect the differences in the affinity of the RBS pocket for sialic acid receptors.Results:The hemagglutination assay result indicated that both chicken embryos and MDCK cells could isolate the influenza virus, and the hemagglutination inhibition test showed that no antigenic differences were produced in the isolated strains. NGS analysis revealed that the H3N2 virus underwent an F195Y mutation in the (RBS) region of the hemagglutinin (HA) protein after adaptation through chicken embryo passages. Receptor-binding experiments demonstrated that the F195Y mutation enhanced the virus′s binding ability to α2, 3-linked sialic acid glycan (Neu5Acα2-3Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ-PAA, 3′SLN), while the mutation did not affect the affinity of the RBS pocket for α2, 6-linked sialic acid glycan (Neu5Acα2-6Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ-PAA, 6′SLN). Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation result indicate that the F195Y mutation, by replacing a hydrophobic amino acid with a hydrophilic one, leads to a significant decrease in the structure of the RBS pocket, enhancing the binding stability of the H3N2 influenza virus with α2, 3-sln. This is specifically manifested by an increase in binding time and an increase in the number of hydrogen bonds at the RBS site with the receptor. Furthermore, the F195Y mutation does not alter the binding of the virus to other receptors.Conclusions:The F195Y mutation in the RBS pocket of H3N2 influenza virus is a key site affecting the viral chicken embryo inadaptability.

BACKGROUND:Studies have found that inhibition of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 improves myocardial function and promotes myocardial autophagy in sepsis,but the specific mechanism is not clear.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of inhibiting tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6-regulated mTORC1/ULK1 autophagy signaling pathway on myocardial injury in sepsis mice.METHODS:Thirty male Kunming mice were randomly divided into sham operation group,cecal ligation and puncture group(model group),model+tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 specific inhibitor C25-140(model+C)group,model+C25-140+autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine(model+C+3-MA)group,and model+C25-140+mTORC1-specific agonist MHY1485(model+C+M)group.The cecum of mice in the sham operation group was not ligated or punctured.The mice in the other groups underwent cecum ligation and puncture to establish the mouse sepsis model.C25-140,3-methyladenine,and MHY1485 were intraperitoneally injected 0.5 hours after surgery according to the grouping.Myocardial tissue was obtained 24 hours after surgery.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to evaluate myocardial inflammatory lesions.Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the changes in the autophagic bodies and mitochondrial microstructures of myocardial cells.TUNEL assay was used to detect myocardial cell apoptosis.PCR was used to detect the relative expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 mRNA.Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of related proteins.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with sham operation group,myocardial inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrous edema were observed in the model group.The mitochondria of the cells were obviously swollen,and autophagosomes were occasionally seen;cardiomyocyte apoptosis increased significantly;the expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6,phosphorylated nuclear factor κB P65/P65,p-mTOR/mTOR,p-ULK1/ULK1,P62 and Bax protein increased,and the expression of Bcl2 protein decreased(P＜0.05).(2)Compared with the model group,myocardial inflammation and fibrous edema were alleviated in the model+C group.Myocardial mitochondrial swelling was reduced and autophagosomes increased;cardiomyocyte apoptosis decreased;the expression of phosphorylated nuclear factor κB P65/nuclear factor-κB P65,p-mTOR/mTOR,p-ULK1/ULK1,P62,and Bax protein decreased,while the Beclin-1 and Bcl2 protein increased(P＜0.05).(3)Compared with the model+C group,myocardial autophagosomes decreased and myocardial mitochondrial swelling was more obvious in the model+C+3-MA group.Myocardial inflammation was aggravated;myocardial cell apoptosis increased;the expression of phosphorylated nuclear factor κB P65/nuclear factor κB P65,P62,and Bax protein increased,and the Beclin-1 and Bcl2 protein decreased(P＜0.05).(4)Compared with the model+C group,the expression of p-mTOR/mTOR and p-ULK1/ULK1 in the model+C+M group increased,and the Beclin-1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ protein expression decreased(P＜0.05).It is concluded that inhibition of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 regulates mTORC1/ULK1 autophagy signal to promote myocardial autophagy and participate in the protection of myocardial injury in sepsis.

Hypokalemia,a common clinical electrolyte disorder,can affect multiple systems and can be life-threatening in severe cases.Identifying the cause of hypokalemia is crucial for its prevention and treatment.However,the etiology of hypokalemia is complex and often requires detailed differential diagnosis.This article reports a rare clinical case of hypokalemia caused by long-term excessive consumption of strong tea and discusses its pathogenesis.The aim is to raise clinical awareness and understanding of the etiology of such cases of hypokalemia and reduce misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.

Objective:This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms of the maladaptation of H3N2 influenza virus in chicken embryos, provide a theoretical basis for the restoration of H3N2 influenza vaccine production in chicken embryos.Methods:Samples of respiratory secretions from patients with influenza-like symptoms (Influenza-like Illness, ILI) caused by H3N2 influenza virus were inoculated into chicken embryos and Madin-Darby Canine Kidney cells (MDCK), respectively. After isolating the virus, hemagglutination experiments were conducted to detect hemagglutination titers and hemagglutination inhibition experiments were used to compare antigenic differences; further, whole-genome sequencing of H3N2 influenza virus was performed using second-generation high-throughput gene sequencing (Next Generation High-Throughput Gene Sequencing, NGS), and key amino acid sites of mutations were identified through sequence alignment; combined with sialic acid receptor binding experiments, the differences in the binding of wild-type and mutant receptor binding sites (RBS) to sialic acid receptors were compared; finally, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation method were used to explore the specific molecular mechanisms of how mutation sites affect the differences in the affinity of the RBS pocket for sialic acid receptors.Results:The hemagglutination assay result indicated that both chicken embryos and MDCK cells could isolate the influenza virus, and the hemagglutination inhibition test showed that no antigenic differences were produced in the isolated strains. NGS analysis revealed that the H3N2 virus underwent an F195Y mutation in the (RBS) region of the hemagglutinin (HA) protein after adaptation through chicken embryo passages. Receptor-binding experiments demonstrated that the F195Y mutation enhanced the virus′s binding ability to α2, 3-linked sialic acid glycan (Neu5Acα2-3Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ-PAA, 3′SLN), while the mutation did not affect the affinity of the RBS pocket for α2, 6-linked sialic acid glycan (Neu5Acα2-6Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ-PAA, 6′SLN). Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation result indicate that the F195Y mutation, by replacing a hydrophobic amino acid with a hydrophilic one, leads to a significant decrease in the structure of the RBS pocket, enhancing the binding stability of the H3N2 influenza virus with α2, 3-sln. This is specifically manifested by an increase in binding time and an increase in the number of hydrogen bonds at the RBS site with the receptor. Furthermore, the F195Y mutation does not alter the binding of the virus to other receptors.Conclusions:The F195Y mutation in the RBS pocket of H3N2 influenza virus is a key site affecting the viral chicken embryo inadaptability.