ObjectiveTo clarify whether epigallocatechin gallate （EGCG） is involved in the clearance of amyloid β-protein （Aβ） and autophagy induction by microglia， so as to explore the potential mechanisms of EGCG in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease （AD）. MethodsSix-month-old APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into model and EGCG groups， with some additional wild type （WT） mice as the control group， each group consisting of 15 mice. The EGCG group received continuous gavage administration［5 mg/（kg·d）］ for 8 weeks， followed by the open field test and Y-maze to assess the learning and memory abilities of the mice. Thioflavin-S staining was used to evaluate the content and distribution of amyloid β-protein （Aβ）in the brain parenchyma of the mice， and immunofluorescence was employed to detect the expression levels of Aβ_1-42， glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP）， and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 （Iba1） in the hippocampal tissue of the mice. Additionally， N9 mouse microglial cells were induced with 20 µmol/L Aβ_1-42， and the cell viability was measured after treatment with different concentrations of EGCG （5 µmol/L， 10 µmol/L， 20 µmol/L）. Western blotting was used to detect the levels of Aβ_1-42， low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1（LRP1）， receptor for advanced glycation endproducts （RAGE）， amyloid precursor protein （APP）， insulin degrading enzyme （IDE）， neprilysin （NEP）， microtubule associated protein 1 hydrogen chain 3（LC3）-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ， phosphatidylinositol 3-hydroxy kinase（PI3K）， p-PI3K， protein kinase B （AKT）， p-AKT， mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR）， p-mTOR， and histone deacetylase 6（HDAC6）. Finally， through the co-culture of microglial cells and neuronal SH-SY5Y cells， cell viability and Caspase-3 levels were measured to verify the protective effect of EGCG-mediated Aβ clearance on neurons. ResultsEGCG increased the activity time and frequency of APP/PS1 mice in the central area of the open field （P<0.05）， and enhanced the percentage of alternation in the Y-maze test （P<0.01）； EGCG reduced Aβ deposition in the hippocampal tissue of APP/PS1 mice and increased the number of microglia； in vitro experiments showed that EGCG improved the survival rate of Aβ-induced N9 cells （P<0.01）， upregulated RAGE activity （P<0.05）， and promoted the internalization and phagocytosis of Aβ （P<0.01）. ECGC activated microglial autophagy by downregulating the level of HDAC6 （P<0.05）， inhibiting the phosphorylation of PI3K， AKT， mTOR （P<0.001）， and increasing the LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-I ratio （P<0.001）； EGCG improved the survival rate of SH-SY5Y cells （P<0.05） and reduced the activity of Caspase-3 （P<0.01） by clearing Aβ_1-42 through microglia， and had a protective effect on neurons. ConclusionEGCG activates microglial autophagy to clear Aβ by targeting and inhibiting the HDAC6-PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis.

Objective To explore the biological mechanisms of isorhamnetin(ISO)inhibition of breast cancer(BC)progression and effects on paclitaxel sensitivity by in vivo and in vitro experiments.Methods The effects of ISO on MDA-MB-231 cell viability,migration,invasion and apoptosis were explored by CCK-8,scratch,Transwell invasion and apoptosis assays.ISO biological functions were analyzed and core target genes were identified by genome-wide microarrays,functional enrichment and protein-protein interactions(PPI).CYP1B1 expression characterization and prognosis in BC were assessed by quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR),Western blotting(WB),and Kaplan-Meier plotter database.The effects of CYP1B1 overexpression on MDA-MB-231 cell viability,migration,invasion and apoptosis were explored by CCK-8,scratch,Transwell invasion and apoptosis assays.The effects of ISO and CYP1B1 on BC tumor growth were analyzed by establishing a subcutaneous graft tumor animal model and verified by histological analysis with immunohistochemistry(IHC)and hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining.The effects of ISO and CYP1B1 on NF-κB signaling were analyzed by qRT-PCR and WB.The effect of ISO combined with paclitaxel on BC progression was analyzed by in vitro and in vivo experiments.Results The results of CCK-8 assay showed that ISO inhibited the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells with an IC50 value of 11.93 μmol/L;the scratch,Transwell invasion and apoptosis assays confirmed that ISO inhibited the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells and promoted apoptosis(P＜0.05).Volcano plot showed a total of 80 differentially expressed genes(DEGs),of which ISO promoted the expression of 27 genes and inhibited the expression of 53 genes.Gene set enrichment analyses showed that DEGs were mainly enriched in the signaling of organic hydroxyl compound metabolic process,inflammatory response,sterol metabolic process,and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB).qRT-PCR,WB,and Kaplan-Meier plotter results showed that CYP1B1 mRNA and protein expression was increased in BC and mediated worse prognosis(P＜0.05).CCK-8,scratch,Transwell invasion and apoptosis assays showed that CYP1B1 overexpression enhanced MDA-MB-231 cell viability,migration and invasion,and inhibited apoptosis,which was reversed by the addition of ISO(P＜0.05).The results of in vivo experiments showed that ISO downregulated CYP1B1 expression and attenuated NF-κB signaling(P＜0.05).The results of in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that ISO combined with paclitaxel significantly inhibited BC cell viability and tumor growth(P＜0.05).Conclusion ISO inhibits BC malignant biological behavior by modulating the CYP1B1/NF-κB signaling axis,and ISO enhances paclitaxel sensitivity.

Objective To explore the biological mechanisms of isorhamnetin(ISO)inhibition of breast cancer(BC)progression and effects on paclitaxel sensitivity by in vivo and in vitro experiments.Methods The effects of ISO on MDA-MB-231 cell viability,migration,invasion and apoptosis were explored by CCK-8,scratch,Transwell invasion and apoptosis assays.ISO biological functions were analyzed and core target genes were identified by genome-wide microarrays,functional enrichment and protein-protein interactions(PPI).CYP1B1 expression characterization and prognosis in BC were assessed by quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR),Western blotting(WB),and Kaplan-Meier plotter database.The effects of CYP1B1 overexpression on MDA-MB-231 cell viability,migration,invasion and apoptosis were explored by CCK-8,scratch,Transwell invasion and apoptosis assays.The effects of ISO and CYP1B1 on BC tumor growth were analyzed by establishing a subcutaneous graft tumor animal model and verified by histological analysis with immunohistochemistry(IHC)and hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining.The effects of ISO and CYP1B1 on NF-κB signaling were analyzed by qRT-PCR and WB.The effect of ISO combined with paclitaxel on BC progression was analyzed by in vitro and in vivo experiments.Results The results of CCK-8 assay showed that ISO inhibited the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells with an IC50 value of 11.93 μmol/L;the scratch,Transwell invasion and apoptosis assays confirmed that ISO inhibited the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells and promoted apoptosis(P＜0.05).Volcano plot showed a total of 80 differentially expressed genes(DEGs),of which ISO promoted the expression of 27 genes and inhibited the expression of 53 genes.Gene set enrichment analyses showed that DEGs were mainly enriched in the signaling of organic hydroxyl compound metabolic process,inflammatory response,sterol metabolic process,and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB).qRT-PCR,WB,and Kaplan-Meier plotter results showed that CYP1B1 mRNA and protein expression was increased in BC and mediated worse prognosis(P＜0.05).CCK-8,scratch,Transwell invasion and apoptosis assays showed that CYP1B1 overexpression enhanced MDA-MB-231 cell viability,migration and invasion,and inhibited apoptosis,which was reversed by the addition of ISO(P＜0.05).The results of in vivo experiments showed that ISO downregulated CYP1B1 expression and attenuated NF-κB signaling(P＜0.05).The results of in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that ISO combined with paclitaxel significantly inhibited BC cell viability and tumor growth(P＜0.05).Conclusion ISO inhibits BC malignant biological behavior by modulating the CYP1B1/NF-κB signaling axis,and ISO enhances paclitaxel sensitivity.

In neurons and myocytes, selective ion channels in the plasma membrane play a pivotal role in transducing chemical or sensory stimuli into electrical signals, underpinning neural and cardiac functionality. Recent advancements in biomedical research have increasingly spotlighted the interaction between ion channels and electromagnetic fields, especially terahertz (THz) radiation. This review synthesizes current findings on the impact of THz radiation, known for its deep penetration and non-ionizing properties, on ion channel kinetics and membrane fluid dynamics. It is organized into three parts: the biophysical effects of THz exposure on cells, the specific modulation of ion channels by THz radiation, and the potential pathophysiological consequences of THz exposure. Understanding the biophysical mechanisms underlying these effects could lead to new therapeutic strategies for diseases.
Neurons/metabolism* ; Animals ; Ion Channels/radiation effects* ; Humans ; Terahertz Radiation ; Kinetics ; Cell Membrane/radiation effects*

Resection is one of the most important treatments for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and routine postoperative follow-up is an effective method for early detection and treatment of recurrent metastases, which can improve patients' quality of life and prognosis. This consensus aims to provide a reference for colleagues responsible for postoperative follow-up of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients in China, and further improve the standardization of the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Enteric nervous system (ENS) is composed of intestinal submucosal and myenteric plexuses. ENS may independently regulate intestinal digestive and absorptive function, and it is also known as "the second brain" or gut brain. ENS has significant specificity relative to central nervous system (CNS) in properties and functional activities of neurons and neural circuits. ENS is connected with CNS through the feedback pathway (brain-gut-axis) of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves and peripheral primary sensory afferent nerves to form the bidirectional brain-gut-axis, which may affect emotion, appetite and behavioral states of individuals. Gastrointestinal functional disorder (GIFD) induced by ENS dysfunction may not only cause abnormal gastrointestinal function but also has been implicated in cognitive and mood disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). GIFD would influence deeply the quality of life in patients. Nevertheless, in the worldwide, ENS has so far received much less attention as compared with CNS. The depth of research and scale of investment in ENS studies have been much lower than those in CNS studies. The situation in China is even more evident. From ENS research history, an outstanding problem is to ignore largely the unique properties of ENS and apply mechanically the hypotheses formed in CNS studies to ENS researches. In this review, the structure and function of ENS are briefly introduced, and the importance of extraordinary characteristics of ENS is illustrated by the problems encountered in our studies.
Brain ; China ; Enteric Nervous System ; Humans ; Quality of Life

Objective:To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and current status of surgical management for esophageal cancer in China.Methods:A national database was setup through a network platform. The clinical data of esophageal cancer treated by surgery was collected from 70 major hospitals in China between January 2009 and December 2014.Results:Complete data of 8 181 cases of esophageal cancer patients who underwent surgery were recorded in the database and recruited in the analysis. Among them, 6 052 cases were male and 2 129 were female, the average age was 60.5 years.The epidemiological investigation results showed that 148 cases (1.8%) had history of psychological trauma, 7 527 cases (92.0%) were lower social economic status, 5 072 cases (62.0%) were short of fresh vegetables and fruits, 6 544 cases (80.0%) ate rough food frequently, 3 722 cases (45.5%) drank untreated water directly from lake or river or shallow well, 3 436 cases (42.0%) had a unhealthy eating habit, including habits of eating food fast (507 cases, 6.2%), eating hot food or drinking hot tea/soup (998 cases, 12.2%), eating fried food (1 939 cases, 23.7%), 4 410 cases (53.9%) had the habits of smoking cigarettes and 2 822 cases (34.5%) drank white wine frequently.The pathological results showed that 7 813 cases (95.5%) were squamous cell carcinoma, 267 cases were adenocarcinoma (3.3%), 25 cases were adenosquamous cell carcinoma (0.3%) and 50 cases were small cell carcinoma (0.6%). A total of 1 800 cases (22.0%) received preoperative neoadjuvant therapy due to locally advanced disease or difficulty of resection. The esophagectomies were performed through left thoracotomy approach in 5 870 cases (71.8%), through right chest approach in 2 215 cases (27.1%), and the remain 96 cases (1.2%) received surgery though other approaches.A total of 8 001 cases (97.8%) underwent radical resection, the other 180 cases (2.2%) received palliative resection. The 30-day postoperative mortality rate was 0.5%, the overall ≥ grade Ⅱ postoperative complication rate was 11.6% (951 cases). The 1-yr, 3-yr, and 5-yr overall actual survival rates were 82.6%, 61.6%, and 52.9%, respectively.Conclusions:The data analysis of the national database for esophageal cancer shows that bad eating habits or eating rough food without enough nutrients, lower social and economic status, drinking white wine and smoking cigarettes frequently may be correlated with tumorigenesis of esophageal cancer. However, strong evidences produced by prospective observation studies are needed. Overall, the long-term survival of esophageal cancer patients has been improved gradually due to the application of advanced surgical techniques and reasonable multimodality treatment.

Objective:To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and current status of surgical management for esophageal cancer in China.Methods:A national database was setup through a network platform. The clinical data of esophageal cancer treated by surgery was collected from 70 major hospitals in China between January 2009 and December 2014.Results:Complete data of 8 181 cases of esophageal cancer patients who underwent surgery were recorded in the database and recruited in the analysis. Among them, 6 052 cases were male and 2 129 were female, the average age was 60.5 years.The epidemiological investigation results showed that 148 cases (1.8%) had history of psychological trauma, 7 527 cases (92.0%) were lower social economic status, 5 072 cases (62.0%) were short of fresh vegetables and fruits, 6 544 cases (80.0%) ate rough food frequently, 3 722 cases (45.5%) drank untreated water directly from lake or river or shallow well, 3 436 cases (42.0%) had a unhealthy eating habit, including habits of eating food fast (507 cases, 6.2%), eating hot food or drinking hot tea/soup (998 cases, 12.2%), eating fried food (1 939 cases, 23.7%), 4 410 cases (53.9%) had the habits of smoking cigarettes and 2 822 cases (34.5%) drank white wine frequently.The pathological results showed that 7 813 cases (95.5%) were squamous cell carcinoma, 267 cases were adenocarcinoma (3.3%), 25 cases were adenosquamous cell carcinoma (0.3%) and 50 cases were small cell carcinoma (0.6%). A total of 1 800 cases (22.0%) received preoperative neoadjuvant therapy due to locally advanced disease or difficulty of resection. The esophagectomies were performed through left thoracotomy approach in 5 870 cases (71.8%), through right chest approach in 2 215 cases (27.1%), and the remain 96 cases (1.2%) received surgery though other approaches.A total of 8 001 cases (97.8%) underwent radical resection, the other 180 cases (2.2%) received palliative resection. The 30-day postoperative mortality rate was 0.5%, the overall ≥ grade Ⅱ postoperative complication rate was 11.6% (951 cases). The 1-yr, 3-yr, and 5-yr overall actual survival rates were 82.6%, 61.6%, and 52.9%, respectively.Conclusions:The data analysis of the national database for esophageal cancer shows that bad eating habits or eating rough food without enough nutrients, lower social and economic status, drinking white wine and smoking cigarettes frequently may be correlated with tumorigenesis of esophageal cancer. However, strong evidences produced by prospective observation studies are needed. Overall, the long-term survival of esophageal cancer patients has been improved gradually due to the application of advanced surgical techniques and reasonable multimodality treatment.

Objective: To investigate the situation and influencing factors of bowel cleansing in patients before colonoscopy, and to provide reference for guiding patients′ bowel preparation. Methods: The clinical data of 421 patients undergoing electronic colonoscopy in the endoscopy center of the second people′s hospital of Lu′an city in Anhui Province from April to September 2018, Prospective collection by systematic sampling, including general data of patients, clinical data of bowel preparation and score of Boston bowel preparation scale. Univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis were performed on the relevant factors of bowel preparation. Results: Among the 421 patients, 52 cases were not eligible for intestinal cleaning, and the unqualified rate was 12.35%(52/421). Logistic regression analysis showed that: Total amount of drinking water prepared for intestinal tract before colonoscopy (OR=1.674, P=0.018),The total times of defecations after taking the drug (OR=1.270, P=0.014), the characteristics of last stool before colonoscopy (OR=2.211, P=0.042), the diet the day before colonoscopy (OR=0.553, P=0.006) , body mass index (OR=1.111, P=0.042), and intestinal diseases (P=0.022), were all intestinal clearance independent influencing factors of cleaning effect; While took laxative type (mannitol/PEG), drunk water speed (within 3 hours), first defecation time, the site of drinking bowel-clearing drugs, daily activity, none of the above factors affected the bowel preparation effect (P>0.05) . Conclusion Before colonoscopy, there were many factors affecting the cleaning effect of the intestine. The total water intake of intestinal preparation was less than 2 000 ml, the total number of defecation after taking medicine was less than 5 times, the last defecation contained residue, the day before the examination was strictly fasting, the body mass index was less than 18.5 kg/m², and colitis, enterelcosis and occupying lesion are independent risk factors for intestinal cleaning. Attention should be paid to the comfort care and guidance of intestinal preparation, and prospective intervention can effectively improve the cleaning effect of intestinal tract.

Intestinal barrier dysfunction always accompanies cirrhosis in patients with advanced liver disease and is an important contributor facilitating bacterial translocation (BT), which has been involved in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis and its complications. Several studies have demonstrated the protective effect of Vitamin D on intestinal barrier function. However, severe cholestasis leads to vitamin D depletion. This study was designed to test whether vitamin D therapy improves intestinal dysfunction in cirrhosis. Rats were subcutaneously injected with 50% sterile CCl₄ (a mixture of pure CCl₄ and olive oil, 0.3 mL/100 g) twice a week for 6 weeks. Next, 1,25(OH)₂D₃(0.5 µg/100 g) and the vehicle were administered simultaneously with CCl₄ to compare the extent of intestinal histologic damage, tight junction protein expression, intestinal barrier function, BT, intestinal proliferation, apoptosis, and enterocyte turnover. Intestinal heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression and oxidative stress were also assessed. We found that vitamin D could maintain intestinal epithelial proliferation and turnover, inhibit intestinal epithelial apoptosis, alleviate structural damage, and prevent BT and intestinal barrier dysfunction. These were achieved partly through restoration of HO-1 and inhibition of oxidative stress. Taken together, our results suggest that vitamin D ameliorated intestinal epithelial turnover and improved the integrity and function of intestinal barrier in CCl₄-induced liver cirrhotic rats. HO-1 signaling activation was involved in these above beneficial effects.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; Bacterial Translocation ; Cholestasis ; Enterocytes ; Fibrosis ; Heme Oxygenase-1 ; Heme ; Humans ; Liver ; Liver Diseases ; Olive Oil ; Oxidative Stress ; Rats ; Tight Junctions ; Vitamin D ; Vitamins