Aim To investigate the effect of metformin on epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)of lung cancer A549 cells and its underlying mechanism.Methods Lung cancer A549 cells were cultured in vitro and treated with metformin.Cell morphology was observed by fluorescence staining.The mRNA expres-sion levels of E-cadherin,N-cadherin,SMA and Vimen-tin were detected by RT-PCR.The regulatory effects of metformin on EMT in A549 cellswere examined by high-throughput sequencing.An EMT model was estab-lished through TGF-β1 induction.Following metformin treatment,the morphology of A549 cells was observed.Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of NGF,E-cadherin,N-cadherin,SMA and Vim-entin.Additionally,si-NGF transfection was performed to evaluate the protein expressions of E-cadherin,N-cadherin,SMA and Vimentin in A549 cells,and a cell scratch assay was conducted to assess cell migration.Results After metformin treatment,A549 cells exhibi-ted a loss of mesenchymal-like morphology,character-ized by a transition to a round shape,a reduction in colony formation,and decreased adherence.RT-PCR and high-throughput sequencing revealed a down-regu-lation in the expression of genes associated with mesen-chymal transition,including N-cadherin,SMA,and Vim-entin,and an up-regulation in the expression of genes associated with epithelial transformation,such as ZO-1 and E-cadherin.Additionally,the expression of nerve growth factor(NGF)was significantly up-regulated.Following transfection with si-NGF,A549 cells treated with metformin exhibited a down-regulation in the ex-pression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin,concomi-tant with an up-regulation in the expression of stromal markers N-cadherin,Vimentin,and SMA.Conclusions Metformin can up-regulate the expression of E-cad-herin and down-regulate the expression of N-cadherin,Vimentin and SMA in lung cancer A549 cells,thereby inhibiting EMT.Additionally,NGF signaling molecules may play a significant role in this process.

Objective:This study constructed a mouse model carrying the human SNCA gene with E46K and A53T double mutations through transgenic technology,providing a suitable experimental animal model for drug screening,safety evaluation,pathogenesis research of Parkinson's disease,and studies on neurodegenerative diseases associated with abnormal α-synuclein aggregation.Methods:Using transgenic techniques,we introduced the human SNCA gene with the E46K and A53T mutations into the C57BL/6J mouse genome.These mutations are associated with familial PD and are known to promote α-Synuclein aggregation and neurotoxicity.The resulting B6-hSNCA E46K/A53T transgenic mice were systematically evaluated through behavioral tests to assess motor dysfunction,immunohistochemistry to characterize α-Synuclein pathology,and Western blotting to quantify molecular changes.Additionally,the therapeutic potential of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF)delivered via adeno-associated virus(AAV)was assessed.Results:The B6-hSNCA E46KA53T double-mutant mice exhibitα-Synuclein aggregation in brain regions such as the cortex,brainstem,and cerebellum starting from 1-months-old.Phosphorylated α-Synuclein protein at serine 129 is detected in regions including the cortex and hippocampus.By 2-months-old,these mice begin to show significant declines in limb strength and motor coordination,as evidenced by grip strength and rotarod tests,displaying motor impairments reminiscent of Parkinson's disease.From 3-months-old,high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)reveals a reduction in dopamine and its metabolites in the striatum.Following treatment with AAV-GDNF injection,the mice demonstrate partial improvement in motor behaviors,as observed in rotarod and grip strength behavioral tests.Conclusion:The B6-hSNCA E46KA53T double-mutant mouse model effectively simulates the onset and progression of Parkinson's disease,demonstrating high clinical relevance.This model not only serves as a valuable tool for investigating the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease but also provides a critical experimental platform for screening and safety evaluation of drugs targeting abnormal α-Synuclein aggregation.It holds significant potential for advancing the development of early diagnostic methods and targeted therapeutic strategies for Parkinson's disease.

Patients suffering from nerve injury often experience exacerbated pain responses and complain of memory deficits. The dorsal hippocampus (dHPC), a well-defined region responsible for learning and memory, displays maladaptive plasticity upon injury, which is assumed to underlie pain hypersensitivity and cognitive deficits. However, much attention has thus far been paid to intracellular mechanisms of plasticity rather than extracellular alterations that might trigger and facilitate intracellular changes. Emerging evidence has shown that nerve injury alters the microarchitecture of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and decreases ECM rigidity in the dHPC. Despite this, it remains elusive which element of the ECM in the dHPC is affected and how it contributes to neuropathic pain and comorbid cognitive deficits. Laminin, a key element of the ECM, consists of α-, β-, and γ-chains and has been implicated in several pathophysiological processes. Here, we showed that peripheral nerve injury downregulates laminin β1 (LAMB1) in the dHPC. Silencing of hippocampal LAMB1 exacerbates pain sensitivity and induces cognitive dysfunction. Further mechanistic analysis revealed that loss of hippocampal LAMB1 causes dysregulated Src/NR2A signaling cascades via interaction with integrin β1, leading to decreased Ca²⁺ levels in pyramidal neurons, which in turn orchestrates structural and functional plasticity and eventually results in exaggerated pain responses and cognitive deficits. In this study, we shed new light on the functional capability of hippocampal ECM LAMB1 in the modulation of neuropathic pain and comorbid cognitive deficits, and reveal a mechanism that conveys extracellular alterations to intracellular plasticity. Moreover, we identified hippocampal LAMB1/integrin β1 signaling as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of neuropathic pain and related memory loss.
Animals ; Laminin/genetics* ; Hippocampus/metabolism* ; Neuralgia/metabolism* ; Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology* ; Male ; Peripheral Nerve Injuries/metabolism* ; Extracellular Matrix/metabolism* ; Integrin beta1/metabolism* ; Pyramidal Cells/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between ABO blood types and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk. METHODS: A prospective birth cohort study was conducted. ABO blood types were determined using the slide method. GDM diagnosis was based on a 75-g, 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) according to the criteria of the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups. Logistic regression was applied to calculate the odds ratios ( ORs) and 95% confidence intervals ( CIs) between ABO blood types and GDM risk. RESULTS: A total of 30,740 pregnant women with a mean age of 31.81 years were enrolled in this study. The ABO blood types distribution was: type O (30.99%), type A (26.58%), type B (32.20%), and type AB (10.23%). GDM was identified in 14.44% of participants. Using blood type O as a reference, GDM risk was not significantly higher for types A ( OR = 1.05) or B ( OR = 1.04). However, women with type AB had a 19% increased risk of GDM ( OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.05-1.34; P < 0.05), even after adjusting for various factors. This increased risk for type AB was consistent across subgroup and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION The ABO blood types may influence GDM risk, with type AB associated with a higher risk. Incorporating it-either as a single risk factor or in combination with other known factors-could help identify individuals at risk for GDM before or during early pregnancy.
Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Diabetes, Gestational/etiology* ; ABO Blood-Group System ; Adult ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND: Without timely and effective rehabilitation, hearing loss may profoundly affect human life quality. China has a large population of hearing-impaired individuals, which imposes a heavy health burden on society. Moreover, this population is projected to increase rapidly owing to China's aging society. METHODS: We used data from a population-representative epidemiological investigation of hearing loss and ear diseases in four Chinese provinces. We estimated the national prevalence using multiple linear regression of the age-group proportions and prevalence in 31 provinces with clustering analysis. We used years lived with disability (YLDs) to analyze the disease burden and forecasted the prevalence of hearing loss by 2060 in China. RESULTS: An estimated 115 million people had moderate-to-complete hearing loss in 2015 across the 31 provinces of China (8.4% of 1.37 billion people). Of these, 85.7% were older than age 50 years (99 million people) and 2.4% were younger than 20 years old (2.8 million people). Of all YLDs attributable to hearing loss, 68.9% were attributable to moderate-to-complete cases. By 2060, a projected 242 million people in China will have moderate-to-complete hearing loss, a 110.0% increase from 2015. CONCLUSIONS The hearing loss prevalence in China is high. Population aging and socioeconomic factors substantially affect the prevalence and severity of hearing loss and the disease burden. The prevalence and severity of hearing loss are unevenly distributed across different provinces. Future public health policies should take these trends and regional variations into account.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Hearing Loss/epidemiology* ; Prevalence ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Aged ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Infant ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cost of Illness

Objective:This study constructed a mouse model carrying the human SNCA gene with E46K and A53T double mutations through transgenic technology,providing a suitable experimental animal model for drug screening,safety evaluation,pathogenesis research of Parkinson's disease,and studies on neurodegenerative diseases associated with abnormal α-synuclein aggregation.Methods:Using transgenic techniques,we introduced the human SNCA gene with the E46K and A53T mutations into the C57BL/6J mouse genome.These mutations are associated with familial PD and are known to promote α-Synuclein aggregation and neurotoxicity.The resulting B6-hSNCA E46K/A53T transgenic mice were systematically evaluated through behavioral tests to assess motor dysfunction,immunohistochemistry to characterize α-Synuclein pathology,and Western blotting to quantify molecular changes.Additionally,the therapeutic potential of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF)delivered via adeno-associated virus(AAV)was assessed.Results:The B6-hSNCA E46KA53T double-mutant mice exhibitα-Synuclein aggregation in brain regions such as the cortex,brainstem,and cerebellum starting from 1-months-old.Phosphorylated α-Synuclein protein at serine 129 is detected in regions including the cortex and hippocampus.By 2-months-old,these mice begin to show significant declines in limb strength and motor coordination,as evidenced by grip strength and rotarod tests,displaying motor impairments reminiscent of Parkinson's disease.From 3-months-old,high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)reveals a reduction in dopamine and its metabolites in the striatum.Following treatment with AAV-GDNF injection,the mice demonstrate partial improvement in motor behaviors,as observed in rotarod and grip strength behavioral tests.Conclusion:The B6-hSNCA E46KA53T double-mutant mouse model effectively simulates the onset and progression of Parkinson's disease,demonstrating high clinical relevance.This model not only serves as a valuable tool for investigating the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease but also provides a critical experimental platform for screening and safety evaluation of drugs targeting abnormal α-Synuclein aggregation.It holds significant potential for advancing the development of early diagnostic methods and targeted therapeutic strategies for Parkinson's disease.

Aim To investigate the effect of metformin on epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)of lung cancer A549 cells and its underlying mechanism.Methods Lung cancer A549 cells were cultured in vitro and treated with metformin.Cell morphology was observed by fluorescence staining.The mRNA expres-sion levels of E-cadherin,N-cadherin,SMA and Vimen-tin were detected by RT-PCR.The regulatory effects of metformin on EMT in A549 cellswere examined by high-throughput sequencing.An EMT model was estab-lished through TGF-β1 induction.Following metformin treatment,the morphology of A549 cells was observed.Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of NGF,E-cadherin,N-cadherin,SMA and Vim-entin.Additionally,si-NGF transfection was performed to evaluate the protein expressions of E-cadherin,N-cadherin,SMA and Vimentin in A549 cells,and a cell scratch assay was conducted to assess cell migration.Results After metformin treatment,A549 cells exhibi-ted a loss of mesenchymal-like morphology,character-ized by a transition to a round shape,a reduction in colony formation,and decreased adherence.RT-PCR and high-throughput sequencing revealed a down-regu-lation in the expression of genes associated with mesen-chymal transition,including N-cadherin,SMA,and Vim-entin,and an up-regulation in the expression of genes associated with epithelial transformation,such as ZO-1 and E-cadherin.Additionally,the expression of nerve growth factor(NGF)was significantly up-regulated.Following transfection with si-NGF,A549 cells treated with metformin exhibited a down-regulation in the ex-pression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin,concomi-tant with an up-regulation in the expression of stromal markers N-cadherin,Vimentin,and SMA.Conclusions Metformin can up-regulate the expression of E-cad-herin and down-regulate the expression of N-cadherin,Vimentin and SMA in lung cancer A549 cells,thereby inhibiting EMT.Additionally,NGF signaling molecules may play a significant role in this process.

ObjectiveTo analyze the surveillance status of acute respiratory tract infection pathogens in Fengxian District of Shanghai, and to determine the pathogen spectrum and epidemiological characteristics of acute respiratory tract infection in the district. MethodsCase surveillance data from Fengxian Central Hospital were collected through the Shanghai Integrated Surveillance System for Acute Respiratory Infections, and respiratory specimens were collected from the 50^th week of 2022 to the 49^th week of 2023 for nucleic acid detection of 25 pathogens and bacterial culture testing. Case surveillance data from Fengxian Central Hospital were collected through the National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance System, and respiratory specimens were collected for nucleic acid detection of 5 pathogens. ResultsThe percentage seeking for medical visits of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) were 4.74% and 0.81%, respectively, with epidemic peaks in winter and spring. A total of 1 610 samples were detected, among which 354 were SARI cases, whose age of P₂₅ and P₇₅ quartiles were 44 years and 71 years, respectively, with a positive detection rate of 48.31%. Among the 1 256 ILI cases, the age of P₂₅ and P₇₅ quartiles were 21 years and 39 years, respectively. The positive detection rate of pathogens was 65.04% in 123 ILI cases under comprehensive surveillance of respiratory tract infection and 66.11% in 1 133 ILI cases under influenza surveillance. The positive rates of influenza andSARS-CoV-2 in SARI samples were 12.99% and 29.66%, respectively. The positive rates of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 in ILI case samples were 33.20% and 31.53%, respectively. Influenza virus concentrated in the winter and spring. The ILI and SARI cases had the highest positivity rates in the 6‒14 years old group and 15‒24 years old group, respectively. ConclusionThe main pathogens of respiratory tract infection in Fengxian District of Shanghai were SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus. Special efforts should be made to monitor respiratory disease pathogens in the population under 24 years old, and surveillance of SARI cases aged ≥60 years should be strengthened. The influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 are alternating, which is different from the past and requires a change in the previous prevention and control strategies.

Objective To investigate a novel stroke recurrence risk prediction model,which utilized radiomics machine learning methods and specifically combined carotid computed tomography angiography(CT A)with the Essen stroke risk score(ESRS).Methods A total of 136 patients who underwent carotid CT A were analyzed retrospectively.The features of carotid plaque were extrac-ted by machine learning to construct a radiomics feature model,as well as combined with ESRS.Based on clinical outcomes at one-year follow-up,the stroke recurrence risk prediction model was constructed using the logistic regression(LR)machine learning model.To construct an effective and robust model,the dataset was divided into a training set and a validation set in a ratio of 7∶3.The performance of this model was evaluated using area under the curve(AUC)of receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,sensi-tivity and specificity.Results The model had strong predictive value.In the training set,AUC,sensitivity and specificity of this model were 0.903,0.796 and 0.761,respectively.In the validation set,AUC,sensitivity and specificity of this model were 0.869,0.667 and 0.850,respectively.Conclusion The stroke recurrence risk prediction model constructed based on radiomics analysis of carotid plaque characteristics in carotid CTA,in combination with the ESRS,can provide reliable predictions for stroke prognosis.

Objective To observe the intervention effect and mechanism of Chinese herbal compound(Zhenyuan Granules)on overweight in mice caused by estrogen deficiency.Methods An ovariectomized female mouse model was established to observe the effects of intragastric 14 week administration of Zhenyuan Granules on body mass and fat accumulation in mice.The 3T3-L1 mouse preadipocyte model was constructed to observe the effect of Zhenyuan Granules intervention on adipogenic differentiation.The expressions of key genes/proteins regulating adipocyte formation and fat synthesis in mouse adipose tissue and 3T3-L1 cells was detected to explore the mechanism of lipid-lowering effect of Zhenyuan Granules in vivo and in vitro.Results Zhenyuan Granules significantly decreased the body mass gain(P＜0.01),perigonadal and inguinal fat indexes(P＜0.05),significantly inhibited the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes into mature adipocytes(P＜0.01),significantly downregulated the expression levels of transcription factors peroxisome proliferators activated receptor γ(PPARγ)and sterol-regulatory element binding protein 1c(SREBP-1c)and enzymes acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1(ACC1)and fatty acid synthase(FAS)in adipose tissue and 3T3-L1 preadipocytes(P＜0.05),significantly enhanced the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)and ACC1(P＜0.05).Conclusion Zhenyuan Granules can inhibit the formation of adipocytes and improve the overweight of female mice caused by estrogen deficiency.The mechanism is related to the activation of AMPK signaling pathway.It is suggested that Bushen Jianpi Chinese herbal compound Zhenyuan Granules is helpful for body mass control in postmenopausal women.