Objective:To compare the efficacy of drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty and self-expanding stenting in symptomatic middle cerebral artery stenosis (MCAS).Methods:A retrospective study was performed. Patients with symptomatic MCAS admitted to Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Interventional Center, He'nan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2020 to December 2022 were chosen from their prospective study database. They were divided into a DCB group and a stent group based on approaches. Baseline data differences between the two groups were eliminated using 1: 1 propensity score matching (PSM). Then, the technical success rate, immediate restenosis rate, and 6-month restenosis rate, and clinical outcomes within 30 days and 1 year of procedure were compared between the two groups.Results:After PSM, 58 patients were included, with 29 in the stent group and 29 in the DCB group. Technical success rate was 93.1% (27/29) in the DCB group and 96.6% (28/29) in the stent group, without significant difference ( P>0.05). The immediate restenosis rate was 6.9% (2/29) in the DCB group and 3.4% (1/29) in the stent group, without significant difference ( P>0.05). In terms of safety, no stroke or death events were noted in the two groups within 30 days of procedure; ischemic stroke incidence in the offending vessel areas within 1 year of procedure in the DCB group and stent group was 3.7% (1/27) and 11.5% (3/26), without significant difference ( P>0.05); no hemorrhagic stroke or death were noted in the two groups within 1 year of procedure. In terms of efficacy, the modified Rankin scale score of the two groups was both 0 (0, 0) at 1 year of follow-up, without significant difference ( P>0.05); 46 patients in the DCB group and stent group had imaging followe-up for 6 months: the restenosis rate was 8.0% (2/25) and 23.8% (5/21), respectively, without significant difference ( P>0.05). Conclusion:DCB angioplasty is comparable in efficacy and safety with self-expanding stenting in symptomatic MCAS.

Objective:To investigate whether paclitaxel (PTX) can induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and explore the new molecular mechanism of PTX-coated balloon angioplasty in intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis.Methods:(1) Cell culture and identification: VSMCs were induced into synthetic vascular smooth muscle cells (sVSMCs); the mRNA and protein expressions of smooth muscle protein 22-α (SM22-α) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in VSMCsS and sVSMCs were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting, respectively. Human acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 was induced into dendritic cells (DCs); the CD86 and CD83 expressions in THP-1 and DCs were detected by flow cytometry. (2) Cell viability detection: cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect the cell viability of sVSMCs after 0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.5, 5, 10, 50, and 100 μmol/L PTX or under 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 600 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) pressures. (3) ICD marker detection: sVSMCs were collected and divided into blank-control group, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group and PTX group (cultured with 3.2 μmol/L PTX) at normal state and pressure procedure (188 mmHg), respectively; calreticulin (CRT) expression was detected by immunofluorescent staining; adenosine triphosphate (ATP) expression was detected by luciferase assay, and high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) expression was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). (4) ICD-related immune activation assay detection: sVSMCs and DCs were collected and divided into DCs group, PTX+DCs group (cultured with 3.2 μmol/L PTX), DCs+sVSMCs group, and PTX+DCs+sVSMCs group (cultured with 3.2 μmol/L PTX); CD86 and CD83 expressions were detected by flow cytometry; interleukin (IL)-2, IL-10 and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels were detected by ELISA. The sVSMCs, DCs and CD8 +T cells were collected and divided into sVSMCs group, sVSMCs+DCs group, sVSMCs+CD8 +T cell group, sVSMCs+DCs+CD8 +T cell group, PTX+sVSMCs group (cultured with 3.2 μmol/L PTX), and PTX+sVSMCs+DCs+CD8 +T cell group (cultured with 3.2 μmol/L PTX); proliferation of these cells was detected by cell clone formation assay. Results:(1) The SM22-α and α-SMA mRNA and protein expressions in the sVSMCs group were significantly lower than those in the VSMCs group ( P<0.05); rate of double-positive CD83 and CD86 in the DCs group was significantly higher than that in the THP-1 group ( P<0.05). (2) The sVSMCs viability decreased in a concentration-dependent manner after PTX treatment at concentrations of 0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.5, 5, 10, 50, and 100 μmol/L, respectively, with significant differences ( P<0.05); half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50) of PTX on sVSMCs was 3.2 μmol/L; no significant difference in sVSMCs viability after 3.2 μmol/L PTX treatment was noted under 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 600 mmHg pressures ( P>0.05). (3) Under normal state and pressure procedure, CRT fluorescent intensity of sVSMCs in the PTX group (42.00±3.50, 24.19±2.41) was significantly higher than that in the blank-control group (8.60±1.8, 8.42±1.7) and DMSO group (10.23±1.47, 9.71±1.01), ATP luminescence intensity (17 399.33±2 035.58, 17 445.67±2 449.34) was significantly higher than that in the blank-control group (9 021.33±726.84, 10 271.33±2 194.22) and DMSO group (11 977.33±960.91, 11 683.33±419.50), and HMGB1 concentration ([3 258.31±502.08] pg/mL, [3 265.27±246.06] pg/mL) was significantly higher than that in the blank-control group ([1 156.48±184.96] pg/mL, [1 205.20±196.36] pg/mL) and DMSO group ([1 309.59±75.03] pg/mL, [1 265.51±14.52] pg/mL, P<0.05). (4) The PTX+DCs+sVSMCs group had significantly higher CD83, CD86, IFN-γ and IL-2 expressions and lower IL-10 expression than the DCs group, PTX+DCs group, and DCs+sVSMCs group ( P<0.05); the PTX+sVSMCs group and PTX+sVSMCs+DCs+CD8 +T cell group had significantly lower clone formation rate compared with the sVSMCs group, sVSMCs+DCs group, sVSMCs+CD8 +T cell group, and sVSMCs+DCs+CD8 +T cell group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:PTX can promote ICD in VSMCs by promoting DCs activation and enhancing CD8 +T cell toxicity.

Objective To discuss the application of one-stop stroke treatment platform in mechanical recanalization of acute anterior circulation large artery occlusive cerebral infarction.Methods The clinical data and imaging materials of patients with acute occlusion of the end of internal carotid artery and M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery,who were admitted to the Zhengzhou University People's Hospital of China within 8 hours of disease onset from August 2018 to December 2020,were collected.All patients received mechanical recanalization of the occluded arteries.A total of 59 patients were treated on a one-stop stroke treatment platform(one-stop group),while other 41 patients were treated in routine operating room(routine group).The baseline data,admission-to-imaging time,imaging-to-femoral artery puncture time,admission-to-femoral artery puncture time,time spent for operation,perioperative complications and 90-day good prognosis rate were compared between the two groups.Results The preoperative median NHISS score of the routine group was 16.0(14.0,20.0)points,which was remarkably higher than 14.0(11.0,16.5)points of the one-stop group,the difference was statistically significant(P=0.003).No statistically significant differences in baseline data,perioperative complications and 90-day good prognosis rate existed between the two groups(all P＞0.05).The median admission-to-imaging time,imaging-to-femoral artery puncture time,admission-to-femoral artery puncture time,and admission-to-reperfusion time in the one-stop group were 15.0(12.0,19.0)min,49.0(36.0,60.0)min,66.0(50.0,82.0)min and 138.0(94.7,161.2)min respectively,which in the routine group were 29.0(24.0,42.0)min,63.0(48.0,85.0)min,99.0(78.0,134.5)min and 161.0(122.5,208.0)min respectively,the differences in the above indexes between the two groups were statistically significant(all P＜0.001).The success rate of vascular recanalization in the one-stop group was 91.5％,which was higher than 70.7％ in the routine group(x2=7.413,P=0.013).Conclusion In mechanical recanalization of acute anterior circulation large artery occlusive cerebral infarction,the use of one-stop stroke treatment platform can significantly shorten the admission-to-femoral artery puncture time and improve the success rate of vascular recanalization.

Objective:To investigate the mechanism of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) axis in regulating phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).Methods:(1) VSMCs were divided into a control group, a synthetic VSMCs group, and a Drp1 siRNA+synthetic VSMCs group; cells in the Drp1 siRNA+synthetic VSMCs group were transfected with 50 nmol/L Drp1 siRNA for 48 h; cells in the latter two groups were treated with 20 ng/mL platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, while cells in the control group were treated with an equal volume of solvent. After another 24 h of culture, Drp1 expression in VSMCs, and mitochondrial Drp1 and mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) expressions were detected by Western blotting, and changes in mitochondrial morphology were detected by mitochondrial fluorescent staining. (2) VSMCs were divided into a control group, a synthetic VSMCs group, and a mitochondrial fission inhibitor 1 (Mdivi-1)+synthetic VSMCs group; cells in the Mdivi-1+synthetic VSMCs group were pretreated with 50 μmol/L Mdivi-1 for 2 h; and cells in the latter two groups were treated with 20 ng/mL PDGF-BB, while cells in the control group were treated with an equal volume of solvent. After 24 hours of continued culture, expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), smooth muscle protein 22-α (SM22-α), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and Cyclin D1 were detected by Western blotting; invasion and migration abilities of VSMCs were detected by Transwell assay and scratch wound healing assay, respectively. (3) VSMCs were divided into a control group, a synthetic VSMCs group, and a N-acetylcysteine (NAC)+synthetic VSMCs group; cells in the NAC+synthetic VSMCs group were pretreated with 5 mmol/L NAC for 1 h; cells in the latter two groups were treated with 20 ng/mL PDGF-BB, while cells in the control group were treated with an equal volume of solvent. After 24 h of continued culture, expressions of Drp1, phosphorylated (p)-Drp1, α-SMA, SM22-α, PCNA, and Cyclin D1 were detected by Western blotting; changes in mitochondrial morphology were detected by mitochondrial fluorescent staining; intracellular ROS level was detected by 2', 7' -dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) fluorescent probe; cell invasion and migration abilities were detected by Transwell assay and scratch wound healing assay, respectively. (4) VSMCs were divided into a control group, a synthetic VSMCs group, and a 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC)+synthetic VSMCs group; cells in the 5-Aza-dC+synthetic VSMCs group were pretreated with 2 μmol/L 5-Aza-dC for 1 h; and then, cells in the latter two groups were treated with 20 ng/mL PDGF-BB, while cells in the control group were treated with an equal volume of solvent. After 24 h of continued culture, agarose gel electrophoresis was used to analyze the methylation degree in the mitochondrial D-loop region; intracellular ROS level was detected using DCFH-DA fluorescent probe; expressions of mitochondrial DNMT1, α-SMA, SM22-α, PCNA, and Cyclin D1 were detected by Western blotting; invasion and migration abilities were detected by Transwell assay and scratch wound healing assay, respectively.Results:(1) Compared with the control group and synthetic VSMCs group, the Drp1 siRNA+synthetic VSMCs group had significantly decreased Drp1 protein expression ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the synthetic VSMCs group had significantly increased Drp1 protein expression and decreased Mfn2 protein expression in the mitochondria ( P<0.05); compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the Drp1 siRNA+synthetic VSMCs group had statistically decreased Drp1 protein expression and increased Mfn2 protein expression in the mitochondria ( P<0.05). Results of mitochondrial fluorescent staining showed that mitochondria in the control group were with filamentous structure, while mitochondrial fission in the synthetic VSMCs group was enhanced, and morphology of mitochondria in the Drp1 siRNA+synthetic VSMCs group tended to be continuous and complete. (2) Compared with the control group, the synthetic VSMCs group had statistically decreased α-SMA and SM22-α protein expressions and increased PCNA and Cyclin D1 protein expressions ( P<0.05). Compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the Mdivi-1+synthetic VSMCs group had significantly increased α-SMA and SM22-α protein expressions and decreased PCNA and Cyclin D1 protein expressions ( P<0.05). Results of Transwell and scratch wound healing assays showed that compared with the control group, the synthetic VSMCs group had larger number of migrating cells and faster cell scratch healing; compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the Mdivi-1+synthetic VSMCs group had smaller number of migrating cells and slower cell scratch healing. (3) Compared with the control group (1.10±0.02), the synthetic VSMCs group (1.53±0.02) had significantly increased p-Drp1 protein expression ( P<0.05). Compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the NAC+synthetic VSMCs group (0.90±0.02) had statistically decreased p-Drp1 protein expression ( P<0.05). Results of mitochondrial fluorescent staining showed that mitochondria in cells of the control group were in a filamentous structure, while mitochondrial fission in cells of the synthetic VSMCs group was enhanced, and morphology of mitochondria in the NAC+synthetic VSMCs group tended to be continuous and complete. Results of DCFH-DA fluorescent probe showed that ROS level in the synthetic VSMCs group was higher than that in the control group, and ROS level in the NAC+synthetic VSMCs group was lower than that in the synthetic VSMCs group. Compared with the control group, the synthetic VSMCs group had significantly decreased α-SMA and SM22-α protein expressions and increased PCNA and Cyclin D1 protein expressions ( P<0.05). Compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the NAC+synthetic VSMCs group had significantly increased α-SMA and SM22-α protein expressions and decreased PCNA and Cyclin D1 protein expressions ( P<0.05). Results of Transwell and scratch wound healing assays showed that compared with the control group, the synthetic VSMCs group had larger number of migrating cells and faster cell scratch healing; compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the NAC+synthetic VSMCs group had smaller number of migrating cells and slower cell scratch healing. (4) Results of agarose gel electrophoresis showed that compared with the control group, the synthetic VSMCs group had significantly increased methylation rate in the mitochondrial D-loop region ( P<0.05); compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the 5-Aza-dC+synthetic VSMCs group had statistically decreased methylation rate in the mitochondrial D-loop region ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the synthetic VSMCs group had statistically increased mitochondrial DNMT1 protein expression (1.03±0.03 vs. 0.55±0.03, P<0.05); and compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the the 5-Aza-dC+synthetic VSMCs group (0.62±0.03) had significantly decreased mitochondrial DNMT1 protein expression ( P<0.05). Results of DCFH-DA fluorescent probe showed that ROS level in the synthetic VSMCs group was higher than that in the control group; ROS level in the 5-Aza-dC+synthetic VSMCs group was lower than that in the synthetic VSMCs group. Compared with the control group, the synthetic VSMCs group had significantly decreased α-SMA and SM22-α protein expressions and increased PCNA and Cyclin D1 protein expressions ( P<0.05). Compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the 5-Aza-dC+synthetic VSMCs group had significantly increased α-SMA and SM22-α protein expressions and decreased PCNA and Cyclin D1 protein expressions ( P<0.05). Results of Transwell and scratch wound healing assays showed that compared with the control group, the synthetic VSMCs group had larger number of migrating cells and faster scratch healing. Compared with the synthetic VSMCs group, the 5-Aza-dC+synthetic VSMCs group had smaller number of migrating cells and slower scratch healing. Conclusion:The mtDNA-ROS-Drp1 axis may regulate the phenotypic transformation of VSMCs by modulating mitochondrial epigenetic modifications.

Non-acute symptomatic intracranial artery occlusion carries a high risk of stroke recurrence and can lead to severe neurological deficits.Although endovascular treatment is a pivotal treatment modality,optimal surgical patient selection criteria remain controversial and as its postoperative outcome varies substantially among individuals.This article addressed these critical issues by exploring imaging-based strategies to identify patients who may benefit from endovascular revascularization,analyzing factors influencing technical success and procedural risks and emphasizing the necessity of individualized treatment approaches.Furthermore,this article discussed the current limitations in endovascular treatment and proposed future research directions to standardize and optimize the clinical application of this technology for non-acute symptomatic intracranial artery occlusion.

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Neuroform EZ self expanding stent for severe symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis(sICAS).Methods Retrospectively enrolled consecutive patients with severe sICAS who underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting(PTAS)with a Neuroform EZ stent in the Department of Cerebrovascular Disease,Henan Provincial People's Hospital,from March 2020 to December 2022.Baseline demographic and clinical data were collected,including age,sex,hypertension,diabetes mellitus,coronary artery disease,dyslipidemia,hyperhomocysteinemia,transient ischemic attack(TIA)and ischemic stroke,smoking history,modified Rankin scale(mRS)score at admission,and National Institutes of Health stroke scale(NIHSS)score.Preoperative imaging data included target vessel(basilar artery,intracranial segment of the internal carotid artery,middle cerebral artery,and intracranial vertebral artery),lesion length,degree of stenosis,and vascular morphology according to the Mori classification(type A,lesion length＜5 mm with concentric or moderately eccentric stenosis;type B,lesion length＜10 mm with severely eccentric stenosis;type C,lesion length＞10 mm or arterial angulation＞90°).Technical success was defined as accurate delivery and deployment of the stent with complete coverage of the target lesion and immediate post deployment residual stenosis＜50%.Postoperative head CT was performed to detect intracranial hemorrhage.Periprocedural complications were recorded,including intracranial hemorrhage,arterial dissection,in stent thrombosis,and perforator occlusion occurring intraoperatively within 72 hours after the procedure.At one-month post-operation,patients were seen through outpatient follow-up for TIA,hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke,and all cause death.At 6 months after surgery,DSA or CT angiography(CTA)was performed to assess in stent restenosis(ISR,defined as＞50%stenosis within the stent or within5mm of its edges,or＞20%luminal loss).At 1 and 2 years postoperatively,ipsilateral ischemic stroke or TIA recurrence was assessed by outpatient visit or telephone follow up.Results A total of 76 patients with severe sICAS underwent PTAS with a Neuroform EZ stent(56 males,20 females,age 47-80 years,with a mean age of[61±10]years).(1)Within all patients enrolled,40 had middle cerebral artery,16 with basilar artery,6 with intracranial vertebral artery and 14 with intracranial internal carotid artery.The preprocedural lesion length was 2-15 mm,with a mean length of(6.2±2.5)mm,and stenosis severity was70%-99%,the mean severity was(83.2±6.9)%,with Mori type B being the most common type(57.9%[44/76]).(2)PTAS was successfully completed on all patients(technical success 100%).Pre dilation with a conventional balloon was performed in all cases(using balloon with diameter of 1.5-3.5mm,and stent with diameter of 2.5-4.5 mm and length of 15-30 mm).Immediate post procedural residual stenosis was(17.4±9.0)%,significantly lower than baseline(t=52.9,P＜0.05),with a mean difference of 65.8%(95%CI63.3%-68.3%).(3)Among all 76patients,one patient developed a flow limiting dissection post balloon angioplasty,which recovered after stent deployment.One patient with basilar artery stenosis experienced recurrent ischemic stroke at 5-day postoperatively,presenting with right sided weakness and coughing on liquids.Imaging showed an acute infarct in the left pons,considered perforator occlusion.The overall periprocedural complication rate was 2.6%(2/76).(4)No deaths occurred within 30 days after surgery.Sixty nine patients(90.8%)underwent 6 month imaging follow up with DSA(52 cases)or CTA(17 cases).ISR occurred in 12 patients(17.4%),including 6 asymptomatic and 6symptomatic cases.The ipsilateral ischemic stroke recurrence rate was 6.6%(5/76)at1 year and13.2%(10/76)at2years.Conclusions Neuroform EZstent assisted PTASappears safe and feasible for the treatment of severe sICAS.The long term effectiveness requires confirmation in large,multicenter,prospective studies.

Non-acute symptomatic intracranial artery occlusion carries a high risk of stroke recurrence and can lead to severe neurological deficits.Although endovascular treatment is a pivotal treatment modality,optimal surgical patient selection criteria remain controversial and as its postoperative outcome varies substantially among individuals.This article addressed these critical issues by exploring imaging-based strategies to identify patients who may benefit from endovascular revascularization,analyzing factors influencing technical success and procedural risks and emphasizing the necessity of individualized treatment approaches.Furthermore,this article discussed the current limitations in endovascular treatment and proposed future research directions to standardize and optimize the clinical application of this technology for non-acute symptomatic intracranial artery occlusion.

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Neuroform EZ self expanding stent for severe symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis(sICAS).Methods Retrospectively enrolled consecutive patients with severe sICAS who underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting(PTAS)with a Neuroform EZ stent in the Department of Cerebrovascular Disease,Henan Provincial People's Hospital,from March 2020 to December 2022.Baseline demographic and clinical data were collected,including age,sex,hypertension,diabetes mellitus,coronary artery disease,dyslipidemia,hyperhomocysteinemia,transient ischemic attack(TIA)and ischemic stroke,smoking history,modified Rankin scale(mRS)score at admission,and National Institutes of Health stroke scale(NIHSS)score.Preoperative imaging data included target vessel(basilar artery,intracranial segment of the internal carotid artery,middle cerebral artery,and intracranial vertebral artery),lesion length,degree of stenosis,and vascular morphology according to the Mori classification(type A,lesion length＜5 mm with concentric or moderately eccentric stenosis;type B,lesion length＜10 mm with severely eccentric stenosis;type C,lesion length＞10 mm or arterial angulation＞90°).Technical success was defined as accurate delivery and deployment of the stent with complete coverage of the target lesion and immediate post deployment residual stenosis＜50%.Postoperative head CT was performed to detect intracranial hemorrhage.Periprocedural complications were recorded,including intracranial hemorrhage,arterial dissection,in stent thrombosis,and perforator occlusion occurring intraoperatively within 72 hours after the procedure.At one-month post-operation,patients were seen through outpatient follow-up for TIA,hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke,and all cause death.At 6 months after surgery,DSA or CT angiography(CTA)was performed to assess in stent restenosis(ISR,defined as＞50%stenosis within the stent or within5mm of its edges,or＞20%luminal loss).At 1 and 2 years postoperatively,ipsilateral ischemic stroke or TIA recurrence was assessed by outpatient visit or telephone follow up.Results A total of 76 patients with severe sICAS underwent PTAS with a Neuroform EZ stent(56 males,20 females,age 47-80 years,with a mean age of[61±10]years).(1)Within all patients enrolled,40 had middle cerebral artery,16 with basilar artery,6 with intracranial vertebral artery and 14 with intracranial internal carotid artery.The preprocedural lesion length was 2-15 mm,with a mean length of(6.2±2.5)mm,and stenosis severity was70%-99%,the mean severity was(83.2±6.9)%,with Mori type B being the most common type(57.9%[44/76]).(2)PTAS was successfully completed on all patients(technical success 100%).Pre dilation with a conventional balloon was performed in all cases(using balloon with diameter of 1.5-3.5mm,and stent with diameter of 2.5-4.5 mm and length of 15-30 mm).Immediate post procedural residual stenosis was(17.4±9.0)%,significantly lower than baseline(t=52.9,P＜0.05),with a mean difference of 65.8%(95%CI63.3%-68.3%).(3)Among all 76patients,one patient developed a flow limiting dissection post balloon angioplasty,which recovered after stent deployment.One patient with basilar artery stenosis experienced recurrent ischemic stroke at 5-day postoperatively,presenting with right sided weakness and coughing on liquids.Imaging showed an acute infarct in the left pons,considered perforator occlusion.The overall periprocedural complication rate was 2.6%(2/76).(4)No deaths occurred within 30 days after surgery.Sixty nine patients(90.8%)underwent 6 month imaging follow up with DSA(52 cases)or CTA(17 cases).ISR occurred in 12 patients(17.4%),including 6 asymptomatic and 6symptomatic cases.The ipsilateral ischemic stroke recurrence rate was 6.6%(5/76)at1 year and13.2%(10/76)at2years.Conclusions Neuroform EZstent assisted PTASappears safe and feasible for the treatment of severe sICAS.The long term effectiveness requires confirmation in large,multicenter,prospective studies.

Objective:To compare the efficacy of drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty and self-expanding stenting in symptomatic middle cerebral artery stenosis (MCAS).Methods:A retrospective study was performed. Patients with symptomatic MCAS admitted to Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Interventional Center, He'nan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2020 to December 2022 were chosen from their prospective study database. They were divided into a DCB group and a stent group based on approaches. Baseline data differences between the two groups were eliminated using 1: 1 propensity score matching (PSM). Then, the technical success rate, immediate restenosis rate, and 6-month restenosis rate, and clinical outcomes within 30 days and 1 year of procedure were compared between the two groups.Results:After PSM, 58 patients were included, with 29 in the stent group and 29 in the DCB group. Technical success rate was 93.1% (27/29) in the DCB group and 96.6% (28/29) in the stent group, without significant difference ( P>0.05). The immediate restenosis rate was 6.9% (2/29) in the DCB group and 3.4% (1/29) in the stent group, without significant difference ( P>0.05). In terms of safety, no stroke or death events were noted in the two groups within 30 days of procedure; ischemic stroke incidence in the offending vessel areas within 1 year of procedure in the DCB group and stent group was 3.7% (1/27) and 11.5% (3/26), without significant difference ( P>0.05); no hemorrhagic stroke or death were noted in the two groups within 1 year of procedure. In terms of efficacy, the modified Rankin scale score of the two groups was both 0 (0, 0) at 1 year of follow-up, without significant difference ( P>0.05); 46 patients in the DCB group and stent group had imaging followe-up for 6 months: the restenosis rate was 8.0% (2/25) and 23.8% (5/21), respectively, without significant difference ( P>0.05). Conclusion:DCB angioplasty is comparable in efficacy and safety with self-expanding stenting in symptomatic MCAS.

Objective:To investigate whether paclitaxel (PTX) can induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and explore the new molecular mechanism of PTX-coated balloon angioplasty in intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis.Methods:(1) Cell culture and identification: VSMCs were induced into synthetic vascular smooth muscle cells (sVSMCs); the mRNA and protein expressions of smooth muscle protein 22-α (SM22-α) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in VSMCsS and sVSMCs were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting, respectively. Human acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 was induced into dendritic cells (DCs); the CD86 and CD83 expressions in THP-1 and DCs were detected by flow cytometry. (2) Cell viability detection: cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect the cell viability of sVSMCs after 0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.5, 5, 10, 50, and 100 μmol/L PTX or under 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 600 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) pressures. (3) ICD marker detection: sVSMCs were collected and divided into blank-control group, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group and PTX group (cultured with 3.2 μmol/L PTX) at normal state and pressure procedure (188 mmHg), respectively; calreticulin (CRT) expression was detected by immunofluorescent staining; adenosine triphosphate (ATP) expression was detected by luciferase assay, and high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) expression was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). (4) ICD-related immune activation assay detection: sVSMCs and DCs were collected and divided into DCs group, PTX+DCs group (cultured with 3.2 μmol/L PTX), DCs+sVSMCs group, and PTX+DCs+sVSMCs group (cultured with 3.2 μmol/L PTX); CD86 and CD83 expressions were detected by flow cytometry; interleukin (IL)-2, IL-10 and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels were detected by ELISA. The sVSMCs, DCs and CD8 +T cells were collected and divided into sVSMCs group, sVSMCs+DCs group, sVSMCs+CD8 +T cell group, sVSMCs+DCs+CD8 +T cell group, PTX+sVSMCs group (cultured with 3.2 μmol/L PTX), and PTX+sVSMCs+DCs+CD8 +T cell group (cultured with 3.2 μmol/L PTX); proliferation of these cells was detected by cell clone formation assay. Results:(1) The SM22-α and α-SMA mRNA and protein expressions in the sVSMCs group were significantly lower than those in the VSMCs group ( P<0.05); rate of double-positive CD83 and CD86 in the DCs group was significantly higher than that in the THP-1 group ( P<0.05). (2) The sVSMCs viability decreased in a concentration-dependent manner after PTX treatment at concentrations of 0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.5, 5, 10, 50, and 100 μmol/L, respectively, with significant differences ( P<0.05); half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50) of PTX on sVSMCs was 3.2 μmol/L; no significant difference in sVSMCs viability after 3.2 μmol/L PTX treatment was noted under 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 600 mmHg pressures ( P>0.05). (3) Under normal state and pressure procedure, CRT fluorescent intensity of sVSMCs in the PTX group (42.00±3.50, 24.19±2.41) was significantly higher than that in the blank-control group (8.60±1.8, 8.42±1.7) and DMSO group (10.23±1.47, 9.71±1.01), ATP luminescence intensity (17 399.33±2 035.58, 17 445.67±2 449.34) was significantly higher than that in the blank-control group (9 021.33±726.84, 10 271.33±2 194.22) and DMSO group (11 977.33±960.91, 11 683.33±419.50), and HMGB1 concentration ([3 258.31±502.08] pg/mL, [3 265.27±246.06] pg/mL) was significantly higher than that in the blank-control group ([1 156.48±184.96] pg/mL, [1 205.20±196.36] pg/mL) and DMSO group ([1 309.59±75.03] pg/mL, [1 265.51±14.52] pg/mL, P<0.05). (4) The PTX+DCs+sVSMCs group had significantly higher CD83, CD86, IFN-γ and IL-2 expressions and lower IL-10 expression than the DCs group, PTX+DCs group, and DCs+sVSMCs group ( P<0.05); the PTX+sVSMCs group and PTX+sVSMCs+DCs+CD8 +T cell group had significantly lower clone formation rate compared with the sVSMCs group, sVSMCs+DCs group, sVSMCs+CD8 +T cell group, and sVSMCs+DCs+CD8 +T cell group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:PTX can promote ICD in VSMCs by promoting DCs activation and enhancing CD8 +T cell toxicity.