A recombinant adenovirus(rAd)for expression of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(M.tb)c-di-AMP phosphodiesterase CnpB was constructed,and its induced humoral immune response was detected.The codon-optimized gene of M.tb CnpB was cloned into the adenoviral plasmid pcADV.The recombinant plasmid pcADV-CnpB was transfected into HEK293T cells,and expression was detected with Western blot.The recombinant plasmid pcADV-CnpB and the backbone plasmid were co-transfected into HEK293T cells to obtain the recombinant adenovirus rAd-CnpB.rAd-CnpB was amplified in HEK293T cells,and the target protein expression of rAd-CnpB was detected with Western blot and immunofluorescence.Mice were immunized with rAd-CnpB intranasally,and their sera and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)were collected.ELISA was used to detect levels of antigen-specific antibodies.Restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing indicated that the recombinant plasmid pcADV-CnpB was successfully constructed and led to protein expression in eukaryotic cells.rAd-CnpB was packaged and produced in HEK293T cells.After amplification and purification,rAd-CnpB with a titer of 5.53×1010 PFU/mL was obtained.rAd-CnpB led to CnpB expression in HEK293T cells.Intranasal immunization with rAd-CnpB increased levels of IgG and secretory IgA in BALF and led to high levels of IgG in sera.rAd-CnpB,the recombinant adenovirus for expression of c-di-AMP phosphodiesterase CnpB was successfully constructed,and was found to induce antigen-specific humoral and mucosal immune responses through mucosal immunization.Thus,rAd-CnpB may be used in further research on new TB vaccine strategies.

Aim To establish the cells co-expressing 5-HT2C re-ceptor(5-HT2C R)and enhanced green fluorescent protein(EG-FP)-tagged nuclear factor of activated T cells 2(NFAT2)in U2OS cells.Methods The 5-HT2CR stably expressed U2OS-EGFP-NFAT2-5-HT2CR cells were screened by hygromycin B af-ter 5-HT2C plasmid was transfected into U2OS-EGFP-NFAT2 cells.The mRNA and protein expression of 5-HT2CR in the se-lected U2OS-EGFP-NFAT2-5-HT2CR cells were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot.The activation of U2OS-EGFP-NFAT2-5-HT2CR cells was verified by nuclear translocation level assay.The effects of 5-HT,LSD,DOM,DOI,psilocybin(PSI),lisuride(LIS)on the U2OS-EGFP-NFAT2-5-HT2CR cells were detected by the high throughout screening assay.Results Among these cells,No 56 had the highest nuclear translocation function.5-HT2CR mRNA and protein were stably expressed in U2OS-EG-FP-NFAT2-5-HT2CR transfected cell line for 1-15 generations by RT-qPCR and Western blot.Vabicaserin increased the EGFP-NFAT2 nuclear translocation in U2OS-EGFP-NFAT2-5-HT2C R during 1-15 generations.The 5-HT2CR antagonist SB242084 significantly decreased EGFP-NFAT2 nuclear translocation in-duced by Vabicaserin in U2OS-EGFP-NFAT2-5-HT2CR cells.5-HT,LIS,PSI slightly increased the EGFP-NFAT2 nuclear trans-location in U2OS-EGFP-NFAT2-5-HT2C R cells,whereas LSD,DOI,DOM had no effect.Conclusions U2OS-EGFP-NFAT2-5-HT2CR cells co-expressing 5-HT2CR and EGFP-NFAT2 are es-tablished,which can be used for high throughout screening of chemicals and the study on the mechanism of the5-HT2CR.

Aim To establish the cells co-expressing 5-HT2C re-ceptor(5-HT2C R)and enhanced green fluorescent protein(EG-FP)-tagged nuclear factor of activated T cells 2(NFAT2)in U2OS cells.Methods The 5-HT2CR stably expressed U2OS-EGFP-NFAT2-5-HT2CR cells were screened by hygromycin B af-ter 5-HT2C plasmid was transfected into U2OS-EGFP-NFAT2 cells.The mRNA and protein expression of 5-HT2CR in the se-lected U2OS-EGFP-NFAT2-5-HT2CR cells were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot.The activation of U2OS-EGFP-NFAT2-5-HT2CR cells was verified by nuclear translocation level assay.The effects of 5-HT,LSD,DOM,DOI,psilocybin(PSI),lisuride(LIS)on the U2OS-EGFP-NFAT2-5-HT2CR cells were detected by the high throughout screening assay.Results Among these cells,No 56 had the highest nuclear translocation function.5-HT2CR mRNA and protein were stably expressed in U2OS-EG-FP-NFAT2-5-HT2CR transfected cell line for 1-15 generations by RT-qPCR and Western blot.Vabicaserin increased the EGFP-NFAT2 nuclear translocation in U2OS-EGFP-NFAT2-5-HT2C R during 1-15 generations.The 5-HT2CR antagonist SB242084 significantly decreased EGFP-NFAT2 nuclear translocation in-duced by Vabicaserin in U2OS-EGFP-NFAT2-5-HT2CR cells.5-HT,LIS,PSI slightly increased the EGFP-NFAT2 nuclear trans-location in U2OS-EGFP-NFAT2-5-HT2C R cells,whereas LSD,DOI,DOM had no effect.Conclusions U2OS-EGFP-NFAT2-5-HT2CR cells co-expressing 5-HT2CR and EGFP-NFAT2 are es-tablished,which can be used for high throughout screening of chemicals and the study on the mechanism of the5-HT2CR.

AIM:To investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)in the silent information regulator 1(SIRT1)gene and breast cancer risk in the Han Chinese population.METHODS:A total of 105 Han Chinese patients with breast cancer and 90 healthy controls were enrolled.Sequenom MassARRAY was used to detect the genotypes of SIRT1 gene loci,rs3740051,rs3758391,rs12778366 and rs2394443.The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium(HWE)was analysed using the chi-square test.Multivariate logistic regression was employed to analyze the correlation be-tween each SNP and breast cancer susceptibility,as well as the relationship between the rs3758391 genotype and the clini-copathological characteristics of breast cancer in Han Chinese women.SHEsis software was used to assess linkage disequi-librium and haplotypes of the selected SNPs.The impact of genotypes at rs3758391 locus on SIRT1 protein expression was examined using Western blot.An additional 150 Han Chinese women with breast cancer and 150 healthy controls were en-rolled,and SIRT1 protein expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry.Logistic regression was performed to as-sess the relationship between high and low SIRT1 expression and the clinical characteristics of breast cancer.Kaplan-Mei-er website was used to determine the association between SIRT1 expression and patient prognosis.RESULTS:All four SNP loci conformed to the HWE test(P>0.05).The TC/TC+CC genotype of the SIRT1 rs3758391 locus significantly re-duced the risk of breast cancer compared with the TT genotype(TT vs TC:ORadj=0.348,95%CI:0.157～0.773,Padj=0.010;TT vs TC+CC:ORadj=0.381,95%CI:0.179～0.811,Padj=0.012),and correlated with earlier disease course(stage I/II),smaller tumor volume,and higher SIRT1 protein expression levels(P<0.05).SIRT1 expression was signifi-cantly lower in breast cancer tissues,and low SIRT1 expression was associated with larger tumor size,lymph node metasta-sis,and reduced recurrence-free survival(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The TC/TC+CC genotype of the SIRT1 rs3758391 locus may be a protective factor for breast cancer in Han Chinese women,potentially reducing the risk of breast cancer and delaying disease progression by regulating SIRT1 expression.In addition,SIRT1 expression level is closely related to the clinical characteristics and prognosis of breast cancer.

AIM:To investigate the function of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species(mtROS)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)signaling pathway in modulating macrophage polarization in liver fibrosis resulting from iron overload.METHODS:Thirty-two male C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated into four groups:control group,model group(iron dextran,50 mg/kg),MitoTEMPO(3 mg/kg)group,and MCC950(10 mg/kg)group,comprising eight mice per group.All mice,with the exception of the control group,were administered daily in-traperitoneal injections of iron dextran for a duration of seven consecutive weeks,whereas the control group received equiv-alent volumes of normal saline.Starting in week four,the MitoTEMPO and MCC950 cohorts received their designated treatments through intraperitoneal injection three times weekly.Serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate ami-notransferase(AST)concentrations were assessed through biochemical analysis.Liver tissues were analyzed utilizing HE,Masson,Sirius red and immunohistochemical staining.The concentrations of mtROS were evaluated utilizing the MitoSOX Red probe.Cytokines and polarization markers,such as interleukin-1β(IL-1β),IL-18,IL-6,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS),IL-10,and arginase-1(Arg-1),were quantified via ELISA.Western blot analysis was performed to quantify the protein expression levels of Arg-1,iNOS,NLRP3,apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain(ASC),and caspase-1.The mRNA expression of NLRP3,ASC,and caspase-1 was assessed using RT-qPCR.Immunofluorescence double labeling was employed to identify M1 and M2 macrophages.RESULTS:(1)In comparison to the control group,the model group demonstrated notable inflammatory cell infiltration,pronounced fibrous tissue hyperplasia,significant disruption of hepatic lobular architecture,and the develop-ment of pseudo-lobules in certain areas.Serum ALT and AST levels were markedly elevated(P<0.01),as were the mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3,ASC,caspase-1,and mtROS(P<0.01).Iron overload resulted in markedly ele-vated serum iron,ferritin,total liver iron,and ferrous iron concentrations(P<0.01).Markers indicative of M1 macrophage polarization,including IL-6,TNF-α,and iNOS,exhibited upregulation(P<0.01),whereas M2 markers such as IL-10,Arg-1,and CD206 were significantly downregulated(P<0.01).(2)Compared with model group,inhibiting mtROS or NL-RP3 substantially reduced inflammation and fibrous tissue hyperplasia.ALT and AST levels were markedly diminished(P<0.01),as were the areas of positive staining for α-smooth muscle actin and collagen type Ⅰ(P<0.01).Markers of iron over-load,such as serum iron,ferritin,total liver iron,and ferrous iron,were significantly ameliorated(P<0.01).M1 polariza-tion markers were significantly downregulated(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:The mtROS/NLRP3 signaling pathway facili-tates liver fibrosis caused by iron overload by enhancing macrophage polarization to the M1 phenotype.

AIM:To investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)in the silent information regulator 1(SIRT1)gene and breast cancer risk in the Han Chinese population.METHODS:A total of 105 Han Chinese patients with breast cancer and 90 healthy controls were enrolled.Sequenom MassARRAY was used to detect the genotypes of SIRT1 gene loci,rs3740051,rs3758391,rs12778366 and rs2394443.The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium(HWE)was analysed using the chi-square test.Multivariate logistic regression was employed to analyze the correlation be-tween each SNP and breast cancer susceptibility,as well as the relationship between the rs3758391 genotype and the clini-copathological characteristics of breast cancer in Han Chinese women.SHEsis software was used to assess linkage disequi-librium and haplotypes of the selected SNPs.The impact of genotypes at rs3758391 locus on SIRT1 protein expression was examined using Western blot.An additional 150 Han Chinese women with breast cancer and 150 healthy controls were en-rolled,and SIRT1 protein expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry.Logistic regression was performed to as-sess the relationship between high and low SIRT1 expression and the clinical characteristics of breast cancer.Kaplan-Mei-er website was used to determine the association between SIRT1 expression and patient prognosis.RESULTS:All four SNP loci conformed to the HWE test(P>0.05).The TC/TC+CC genotype of the SIRT1 rs3758391 locus significantly re-duced the risk of breast cancer compared with the TT genotype(TT vs TC:ORadj=0.348,95%CI:0.157～0.773,Padj=0.010;TT vs TC+CC:ORadj=0.381,95%CI:0.179～0.811,Padj=0.012),and correlated with earlier disease course(stage I/II),smaller tumor volume,and higher SIRT1 protein expression levels(P<0.05).SIRT1 expression was signifi-cantly lower in breast cancer tissues,and low SIRT1 expression was associated with larger tumor size,lymph node metasta-sis,and reduced recurrence-free survival(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The TC/TC+CC genotype of the SIRT1 rs3758391 locus may be a protective factor for breast cancer in Han Chinese women,potentially reducing the risk of breast cancer and delaying disease progression by regulating SIRT1 expression.In addition,SIRT1 expression level is closely related to the clinical characteristics and prognosis of breast cancer.

Aim To elucidate whether Astragaloside Ⅳcould ameliorate pathological myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis via the EGR1-SIRT1-PPARα-SCAD signa-ling pathway in TAC mice.Methods After randomi-zing mice into groups,the Sham+AS-Ⅳ group and TAC+AS-Ⅳ group were intragastrically administered 20 mg·kg-1AS-Ⅳ once daily,whereas the Sham+NS group and TAC+NS group were given equivalent saline.Six weeks post-surgery,an evaluation of cardiac function was conducted,heart weight index was compu-ted,morphological alterations in heart were noted,vari-ations in collagen and myocardial hypertrophy indexes were analyzed,ATP content,free fatty acid content,hydroxyproline content,SCAD expression,and enzyme activity were measured,and an initial investigation into the protein expression of EGR1-SIRT1-PPARα-SCAD in myocardial tissues was undertaken.Results After AS-Ⅳ intervention,the heart weight index of TAC mice decreased(P＜0.01),LVAWd,LVAWs,LVPWd and LVPWs values decreased(P＜0.01,P＜0.05),EF％and FS％values increased(all P＜0.01),myocardial hypertrophy markers and collagen area decreased,FFA content,HYP content and collagen expression de-creased(all P＜0.01),SCAD enzyme activity and ex-pression increased(P＜0.01,P＜0.05),and ATP content increased(P＜0.01).The expression of EGR1 protein decreased,and the expression of SIRT1 and PPARα protein increased(all P＜0.01).Conclu-sions AS-Ⅳ may improve fatty acid oxidation via the EGR1-SIRT1-PPARα-SCAD signaling pathway,thereby ameliorating pathological myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis in TAC model mice.

With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence(GAI)technologies,their widespread application in academic research and writing is continuously expanding the boundaries of sci-entific inquiry.However,this trend has also raised a series of ethical and regulatory challenges,inclu-ding issues related to authorship,content authenticity,citation accuracy,and accountability.In light of the growing involvement of AI in generating academic content,establishing an open,controllable,and trustworthy ethical governance framework has become a key task for safeguarding research integrity and maintaining trust within the academic community.This expert consensus outlines ethical requirements across key stages of AI-assisted academic writing-including topic selection,data management,citation practices,and authorship attribution.It aims to clarify the boundaries and ethical obligations surrounding AI use in academic writing,ensuring that technological tools enhance efficiency without compromising in-tegrity.The goal is to provide guidance and institutional support for building a responsible and sustainable research ecosystem.

AIM:To investigate the function of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species(mtROS)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)signaling pathway in modulating macrophage polarization in liver fibrosis resulting from iron overload.METHODS:Thirty-two male C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated into four groups:control group,model group(iron dextran,50 mg/kg),MitoTEMPO(3 mg/kg)group,and MCC950(10 mg/kg)group,comprising eight mice per group.All mice,with the exception of the control group,were administered daily in-traperitoneal injections of iron dextran for a duration of seven consecutive weeks,whereas the control group received equiv-alent volumes of normal saline.Starting in week four,the MitoTEMPO and MCC950 cohorts received their designated treatments through intraperitoneal injection three times weekly.Serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate ami-notransferase(AST)concentrations were assessed through biochemical analysis.Liver tissues were analyzed utilizing HE,Masson,Sirius red and immunohistochemical staining.The concentrations of mtROS were evaluated utilizing the MitoSOX Red probe.Cytokines and polarization markers,such as interleukin-1β(IL-1β),IL-18,IL-6,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS),IL-10,and arginase-1(Arg-1),were quantified via ELISA.Western blot analysis was performed to quantify the protein expression levels of Arg-1,iNOS,NLRP3,apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain(ASC),and caspase-1.The mRNA expression of NLRP3,ASC,and caspase-1 was assessed using RT-qPCR.Immunofluorescence double labeling was employed to identify M1 and M2 macrophages.RESULTS:(1)In comparison to the control group,the model group demonstrated notable inflammatory cell infiltration,pronounced fibrous tissue hyperplasia,significant disruption of hepatic lobular architecture,and the develop-ment of pseudo-lobules in certain areas.Serum ALT and AST levels were markedly elevated(P<0.01),as were the mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3,ASC,caspase-1,and mtROS(P<0.01).Iron overload resulted in markedly ele-vated serum iron,ferritin,total liver iron,and ferrous iron concentrations(P<0.01).Markers indicative of M1 macrophage polarization,including IL-6,TNF-α,and iNOS,exhibited upregulation(P<0.01),whereas M2 markers such as IL-10,Arg-1,and CD206 were significantly downregulated(P<0.01).(2)Compared with model group,inhibiting mtROS or NL-RP3 substantially reduced inflammation and fibrous tissue hyperplasia.ALT and AST levels were markedly diminished(P<0.01),as were the areas of positive staining for α-smooth muscle actin and collagen type Ⅰ(P<0.01).Markers of iron over-load,such as serum iron,ferritin,total liver iron,and ferrous iron,were significantly ameliorated(P<0.01).M1 polariza-tion markers were significantly downregulated(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:The mtROS/NLRP3 signaling pathway facili-tates liver fibrosis caused by iron overload by enhancing macrophage polarization to the M1 phenotype.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and immunological mechanisms of pegylated interferon α-2b (Peg-IFNα-2b) antiviral therapy in treatment-naive patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB).Methods:A total of 166 treatment-naive CHB patients, who were treated at Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from March 2021 to March 2023, were enrolled in this study. All the patients received Peg-IFNα-2b therapy for 48 weeks. Serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, HBV serological markers, biochemical parameters, peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets and serum cytokine levels were detected and compared before and after treatment. Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test and paired sample t test were used for statistical comparison. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroconversion by stepwise regression method, and the receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) was used to evaluate the predictive efficacy of immune indicators on HBsAg seroconversion. Results:Among the 166 treatment-naive CHB patients, the rate of HBV DNA negativity following 48 weeks of Peg-IFNα-2b therapy was 71.08%(118/166), the rate of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) negativity was 32.05%(25/78), and the rate of HBsAg negativity was 20.48%(34/166). HBsAg negativity rate was 52.17%(24/46) in patients with baseline HBsAg<200 IU/mL, 10.26%(4/39) in patients with baseline HBsAg 200 to <1 200 IU/mL, and 7.41%(6/81) in patients with baseline HBsAg≥1 200 IU/mL, and the difference was statistically significant( χ2=39.37, P<0.001). After 48 weeks of treatment, serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), total bilirubin (TBil), and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were significantly lower than those before treatment ( Z=9.33, 8.58, 5.99, 2.36, respectively, all P<0.05). lmmune indicators were detected in 58 patients, and the proportion of peripheral blood lymphocytes increased significantly post-treatment, with notable increases in CD3 + CD8 + T/CD3 + T, CD3 + CD4 + DR + /CD3 + CD4 + , CD3 + CD8 + DR + /CD3 + CD8 + , CD3 + CD8 + CD38 + /CD3 + CD8 + , CD3 + CD8 + CD28 + /CD3 + CD8 + , and CD19 + B cells, and the differences were all statistically significant ( t=-2.56, t=-8.65, Z=-3.58, t=-3.66, Z=-3.04, t=-3.62, t=-3.87, respectively, all P<0.05). Conversely, the proportion of CD3 + , CD3 + CD4 + T/CD3 + T, CD3 + CD4 + CD45RO + /CD3 + CD4 + , CD3 + CD8 + CD45RO + /CD3 + CD8 + and the CD4 + /CD8 + ratio decreased significantly post-treatment ( t=3.13, t=5.61, t=3.69, Z=3.95, Z=7.33, respectively, all P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in the proportion of CD16 + CD56 + natural killer (NK) cells, CD3 + CD4 + CD28 + /CD3 + CD4 + , CD3 + CD4 + CD38 + /CD3 + CD4 + cells before and after treatment (all P>0.05). Serum levels of interleukin(IL)-8, IL-12P70, and IL-17 significantly decreased post-treatment ( Z=2.85, 3.26, 4.12, respectively, all P<0.05), while IL-2, IL-1β, and interferon(IFN)-α levels were significantly elevated compared to baseline ( Z=-4.92, -4.85, -9.01, respectively, all P<0.001). There were no significant differences in IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 levels before and after treatment (all P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified CD3 + CD8 + T/CD3 + T(odd ratios ( OR)=1.198, 95%confidence interval( CI) 1.003 to 1.432, P=0.046), CD3 + CD4 + DR + /CD3 + CD4 + ( OR=1.185, 95% CI 1.035 to 1.357, P=0.014), CD3 + CD8 + DR + /CD3 + CD8 + ( OR=0.813, 95% CI 0.690 to 0.958, P=0.013), CD3 + CD4 + CD38 + /CD3 + CD4 + ( OR=0.678, 95% CI 0.488 to 0.940, P=0.020), CD3 + CD8 + CD38 + /CD3 + CD8 + ( OR=1.272, 95% CI 1.069 to 1.512, P=0.007), CD19 + B cells( OR=0.752, 95% CI 0.582 to 0.971, P=0.029), IL-2( OR=8.568, 95% CI 1.927 to 38.087, P=0.005), and IL-17( OR=0.728, 95% CI 0.535 to 0.989, P=0.042) as independent factors influencing HBsAg seroconversion. The area under the curve (AUC) of the proportion of dCD19 + B cells (the reciprocal of CD19 + B cells) for predicting HBsAg seroconversion was 0.716, the sensitivity was 0.636, and the specificity was 0.809. The AUC of IL-2 was 0.657, the sensitivity was 0.818, and the specificity was 0.404. The AUC of dIL-17 (the reciprocal of IL-17 levels) was 0.624, the sensitivity was 0.727, and the specificity was 0.489. The AUC of IL-2 and dIL-17 as a combined predictor was 0.830, the sensitivity was 0.909, and the specificity was 0.787. Conclusions:Peg-IFNα-2b demonstrates significant antiviral, biochemical, and serological responses in treatment-naive CHB patients, with enhanced efficacy in patients exhibiting HBsAg levels <200 IU/mL. In patients with HBsAg<200 IU/mL, the rate of HBsAg negativity reached 52.17%.Peg-IFNα-2b can regulate the immune function of patients with CHB by increasing the proportion of activated T lymphocyte subsets and functional subsets. The proportion of CD19 + B cells, IL-2 levels, and IL-17 levels hold predictive value for achieving HBsAg seroconversion.