Objective:Investigate key genes influencing vascular calcification through bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation.Methods:Three vascular calcification datasets (GSE159832, GSE229679 and GSE37558) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Subsequently, gene ontology (GO), Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG), and conventional gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed on the common differential expressed genes(DEGs). For in vitro validation, a vascular smooth muscle cell calcification model was established by stimulating mouse primary vascular smooth muscle cells with high phosphate and calcium chloride (Pi+CaCl 2). Cells were divided into a control group and a Pi+CaCl 2 group. To investigate the role of TK1, cells were transfected with TK1-targeting siRNA (siTK1) or control siRNA (siControl) prior to Pi+CaCl 2 stimulation, creating siControl+Pi+CaCl 2 and siTK1+Pi+CaCl 2 groups. The association between key DEGs and vascular calcification was assessed at the protein and mRNA levels using Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively. Changes in the phosphorylation of the downstream effector, AKT (p-AKT/AKT), were also measured. Results:A total of 2275, 449, and 381 DEGs were identified from the three vascular calcification datasets (GSE159832, GSE229679, and GSE37558), respectively. Two common DEGs-phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 and thymidine kinase 1 (TK1)-were identified across all datasets. GO enrichment analysis revealed that TK1 was significantly enriched in pathways related to ribosome biogenesis, assembly, and rRNA processing and maturation. GSEA-KEGG analysis indicated significant enrichment in the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, pathways in cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, cytoskeleton, and smooth muscle contraction. Conventional GSEA of TK1 further confirmed significant enrichment in pathways including dynein, epithelial tight junctions, axon guidance, and vascular smooth muscle contraction pathways. At the experimental level, both protein and mRNA expression of TK1, along with the p-AKT/AKT ratio, were significantly lower in the Pi+CaCl 2 group compared to the control group (all P<0.05). Furthermore, compared to the siControl+Pi+CaCl 2 group, the siTK1+Pi+CaCl 2 group exhibited decreased expression of differentiation markers, increased expression of calcification markers, and a further reduced p-AKT/AKT ratio (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Integrated bioinformatics and cellular validation demonstrate a correlation between TK1 expression and vascular calcification, suggesting a potential protective role for TK1 in this pathological process.

Objective:To investigate the effects of baicalin on ferroptosis of mouse fibroblasts (Fbs) under high glucose treatment and its mechanism, and to provide a basis for the treatment of diabetic wounds.Methods:The study was an experimental study. Mouse Fbs were collected and divided into control group with conventional culture, high glucose group treated with glucose at final molarity of 30.0 mmol/L, and low baicalin group and high baicalin group pretreated with baicalin at final molarties of 5 and 10 μmol/L respectively and then treated as that in high glucose group. After 48 h of culture, the cell survival rate was detected by the cell counting kit-8, the reactive oxygen species level in cells was detected by the fluorescent probe method, the levels of malondialdehyde, glutathione, and ferrous ion in cells were detected by colorimetry, and the protein expression levels of solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in cells and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in cytoplasm and nucleus were detected by Western blotting. Another batch of mouse Fbs were collected and divided into control group, high glucose group, high baicalin group, and high baicalin+ML385 group. The cells in the first three groups were treated as before, the cells in the last group were pretreated with baicalin and ML385 of Nrf2 inhibitor at final molarties of 10 μmol/L and then treated as that in high glucose group. After 48 h of culture, the protein expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 in cells and the protein expression level of Nrf2 in cytoplasm and nucleus were detected as before. Except that the sample number in detecting SLC7A11 and GPX4 was 4, the sample number in detecting other indexes was 3.Results:After 48 h of culture, the cell survival rates in control group, high glucose group, low baicalin group, and high baicalin group were (100.0±10.7)%, (70.0±5.0)%, (80.9±3.2)%, and (91.4±1.9)%, respectively. Compared with those in control group, the cell survival rate, the glutathione level, and SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells, and nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level were significantly decreased in high glucose group ( P<0.05), and the levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and ferrous ion in cells, and cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level were significantly increased in high glucose group ( P<0.05). Compared with those in high glucose group, the cell survival rate, glutathione level, SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells, and nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level in low baicalin group and high baicalin group were significantly increased ( P<0.05), the reactive oxygen species and ferrous ion levels in cells, and cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level in low baicalin group and high baicalin group were significantly decreased ( P<0.05), and the malondialdehyde level in cells in high baicalin group was significantly decreased ( P<0.05). Compared with those in low baicalin group, the cell survival rate, glutathione level, SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells, and nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level in high baicalin group were significantly increased ( P<0.05), and the reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and ferrous ion levels in cells, and cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level in high baicalin group were significantly decreased ( P<0.05). After 48 h of culture, compared with those in control group, the nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level and SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells were significantly decreased ( P<0.05), and the cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level was significantly increased in high glucose group ( P<0.05); compared with those in high glucose group, the cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level was significantly decreased ( P<0.05), and the nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level and SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells were significantly increased in high baicalin group ( P<0.05); compared with those in high baicalin group, the cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level was significantly increased ( P<0.05), and the nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level and SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells were significantly decreased in high baicalin+ML385 group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Baicalin can inhibit the occurrence of ferroptosis in cells by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway and up-regulating the expressions of proteins related to SLC7A11/GPX4 axis in Fbs in high glucose treatment, thus increasing the cell survival rate.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.05.019.].

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and recurrent intestinal inflammatory disease, which not only affects the digestive tract, but also involves extraintestinal organs and tissues such as joints and eyes, and ultimately endangers human health and affects the quality of life of patients. With the development of information technology, there is an increasing application of digital therapeutics in the management of IBD. This article aims to comprehensively analyze the characteristics, use, and challenges of digital therapeutics in the management of IBD, and explore its potential to improve treatment adherence, disease surveillance, and improve patients' quality of life.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of coptisine on endogenous metabolites in a dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-in-duced ulcerative colitis(UC)mouse model,and to explore its potential mechanisms of action employing non-targeted metabolomics technology.METHODS SPF-grade male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a control group,a model group,a sulfasalazine group(100 mg·kg-1),and low and high dose groups of coptisine groups(25,50 mg·kg-1).To induce ulcerative colitis(UC),all groups except the control group had free access to a 2.5%DSS solution for 7 days.At the same time,they also received daily intragastric ad-ministration of their corresponding treatments until the 10th day.Body weight changes,stool characteristics,and bloody stool occur-rence were recorded daily,and the disease activity index(DAI)was calculated.After the experiment,colon tissues were collected for pathological examination.Through UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS,non-targeted metabolomic analysis was performed to identify differential metabolites,and metabolic pathway enrichment analysis was conducted using the KEGG database.RESULTS Compared to the model group,coptisine significantly ameliorated weight loss,DAI scores,and pathological damage in colon tissues of UC mice(P<0.05,P<0.01).Metabolomic analysis identified 56 differential metabolites,mainly involved in purine metabolism,tryptophan metabo-lism,niacin and nicotinamide metabolism,glutathione metabolism,and the biosynthesis of phenylalanine,tyrosine,and tryptophan.Coptisine intervention significantly reversed the abnormal expression of these metabolites.CONCLUSION Coptisine can markedly improve metabolic disorders in DSS-induced UC mice by modulating multiple key metabolic pathways,thereby exerting a therapeutic effect.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and recurrent intestinal inflammatory disease, which not only affects the digestive tract, but also involves extraintestinal organs and tissues such as joints and eyes, and ultimately endangers human health and affects the quality of life of patients. With the development of information technology, there is an increasing application of digital therapeutics in the management of IBD. This article aims to comprehensively analyze the characteristics, use, and challenges of digital therapeutics in the management of IBD, and explore its potential to improve treatment adherence, disease surveillance, and improve patients' quality of life.

Objective:To investigate the role of the structural gene vgrG of the type Ⅵ secretion system (T6SS) of Klebsiella pneumoniae ( Kpn), and evaluate the growth ability in vitro and pathogenicity of the bacteria after vgrG was deleted. Methods:Using sequences published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), primers were designed to amplify the upstream and downstream homology arms of vgrG via PCR. These fragments were cloned into the vector pKO3-Km after overlapping, the recombinant vector pKO3-Km- vgrG was transferred into Kpn competent cells, and the vgrG deletion strain Δ vgrG was obtained through homologous recombination. The vgrG promoter with the complete gene fragment was amplify by PCR and cloned into the pBAD33 vector. The pBAD33- vgrG was then transferred into Δ vgrG competent cells to obtain the complemented strain CΔ vgrG. The wild-type strain (WT), Δ vgrG strain and CΔ vgrG strain were cultured in LB (Luria-Bertani) liquid medium to compare growth rates. Adhesion to human lung epithelial A549 cells and intracellular survival in macrophages Raw264.7 cells were assessed. In vivo experiments included mouse survival analysis ( n=10) and lung bacterial load quantification ( n=6). Statistical comparisons were performed using the Student t-test. Results:The Δ vgrG strain was obtained through homologous recombination. It was identified by specific primers that compared with the WT strain, the complete vgrG fragment (2 487 bp) was deleted. On this basis, the CΔ vgrG strain was obtained. Deletion of vgrG did not significantly affect Kpn growth in vitro growth ability of bacteria before on after Kpn deleted vgrG [(1.40±0.10) vs (1.20±0.30), t=0.63, P>0.05]. The viscosity of WT strain was significantly higher than that of the Δ vgrG strain [(0.96±0.04) vs (0.38±0.05), t=9.72, P<0.05], the viscosity of the CΔ vgrG strain was also significantly higher than that of the Δ vgrG strain ( P<0.05). At the cellular level, the amount of adherent bacteria of the WT strain to A549 cells was significantly greater than that of the Δ vgrG strain [(5 367.00±318.00) CFU vs (4 067.00±88.19) CFU, t=3.94, P<0.05], the amount of adherent bacteria of CΔ vgrG strain was also significantly higher than that of Δ vgrG strain ( P<0.05). After 12 h infection, the WT strain survival rate in macrophages was significantly higher than that of the Δ vgrG strain[(69.00±1.00)% vs (47.50±2.50)%, t=7.99, P<0.05]. At the animal level, the survival rate of WT strain group after lethal dose infection of mice was significantly lower than that of Δ vgrG strain group [(16.67±8.82)% vs (53.33±6.67)%, t=3.32, P<0.05]; mice infected with semi-lethal dose and the number of bacteria load in the lungs of WT strain group was significantly higher than that of the Δ vgrG strain group[ (4.97±0.06) lg CFU/g vs (4.05 ±0.04) lg CFU/g, t=12.27, P<0.01], the amount of bacteria in the lungs of mice in CΔ vgrG strain group was also significantly higher than that in Δ vgrG strain group ( P<0.01). Conclusions:The vgrG gene does not affect the growth of Kpn in vitro, but it is involved in the adhesion of Kpn to epithelial cells, resistance to macrophage killing and pathogenicity to mice.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of coptisine on endogenous metabolites in a dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-in-duced ulcerative colitis(UC)mouse model,and to explore its potential mechanisms of action employing non-targeted metabolomics technology.METHODS SPF-grade male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a control group,a model group,a sulfasalazine group(100 mg·kg-1),and low and high dose groups of coptisine groups(25,50 mg·kg-1).To induce ulcerative colitis(UC),all groups except the control group had free access to a 2.5%DSS solution for 7 days.At the same time,they also received daily intragastric ad-ministration of their corresponding treatments until the 10th day.Body weight changes,stool characteristics,and bloody stool occur-rence were recorded daily,and the disease activity index(DAI)was calculated.After the experiment,colon tissues were collected for pathological examination.Through UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS,non-targeted metabolomic analysis was performed to identify differential metabolites,and metabolic pathway enrichment analysis was conducted using the KEGG database.RESULTS Compared to the model group,coptisine significantly ameliorated weight loss,DAI scores,and pathological damage in colon tissues of UC mice(P<0.05,P<0.01).Metabolomic analysis identified 56 differential metabolites,mainly involved in purine metabolism,tryptophan metabo-lism,niacin and nicotinamide metabolism,glutathione metabolism,and the biosynthesis of phenylalanine,tyrosine,and tryptophan.Coptisine intervention significantly reversed the abnormal expression of these metabolites.CONCLUSION Coptisine can markedly improve metabolic disorders in DSS-induced UC mice by modulating multiple key metabolic pathways,thereby exerting a therapeutic effect.

Objective:To investigate the role of the structural gene vgrG of the type Ⅵ secretion system (T6SS) of Klebsiella pneumoniae ( Kpn), and evaluate the growth ability in vitro and pathogenicity of the bacteria after vgrG was deleted. Methods:Using sequences published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), primers were designed to amplify the upstream and downstream homology arms of vgrG via PCR. These fragments were cloned into the vector pKO3-Km after overlapping, the recombinant vector pKO3-Km- vgrG was transferred into Kpn competent cells, and the vgrG deletion strain Δ vgrG was obtained through homologous recombination. The vgrG promoter with the complete gene fragment was amplify by PCR and cloned into the pBAD33 vector. The pBAD33- vgrG was then transferred into Δ vgrG competent cells to obtain the complemented strain CΔ vgrG. The wild-type strain (WT), Δ vgrG strain and CΔ vgrG strain were cultured in LB (Luria-Bertani) liquid medium to compare growth rates. Adhesion to human lung epithelial A549 cells and intracellular survival in macrophages Raw264.7 cells were assessed. In vivo experiments included mouse survival analysis ( n=10) and lung bacterial load quantification ( n=6). Statistical comparisons were performed using the Student t-test. Results:The Δ vgrG strain was obtained through homologous recombination. It was identified by specific primers that compared with the WT strain, the complete vgrG fragment (2 487 bp) was deleted. On this basis, the CΔ vgrG strain was obtained. Deletion of vgrG did not significantly affect Kpn growth in vitro growth ability of bacteria before on after Kpn deleted vgrG [(1.40±0.10) vs (1.20±0.30), t=0.63, P>0.05]. The viscosity of WT strain was significantly higher than that of the Δ vgrG strain [(0.96±0.04) vs (0.38±0.05), t=9.72, P<0.05], the viscosity of the CΔ vgrG strain was also significantly higher than that of the Δ vgrG strain ( P<0.05). At the cellular level, the amount of adherent bacteria of the WT strain to A549 cells was significantly greater than that of the Δ vgrG strain [(5 367.00±318.00) CFU vs (4 067.00±88.19) CFU, t=3.94, P<0.05], the amount of adherent bacteria of CΔ vgrG strain was also significantly higher than that of Δ vgrG strain ( P<0.05). After 12 h infection, the WT strain survival rate in macrophages was significantly higher than that of the Δ vgrG strain[(69.00±1.00)% vs (47.50±2.50)%, t=7.99, P<0.05]. At the animal level, the survival rate of WT strain group after lethal dose infection of mice was significantly lower than that of Δ vgrG strain group [(16.67±8.82)% vs (53.33±6.67)%, t=3.32, P<0.05]; mice infected with semi-lethal dose and the number of bacteria load in the lungs of WT strain group was significantly higher than that of the Δ vgrG strain group[ (4.97±0.06) lg CFU/g vs (4.05 ±0.04) lg CFU/g, t=12.27, P<0.01], the amount of bacteria in the lungs of mice in CΔ vgrG strain group was also significantly higher than that in Δ vgrG strain group ( P<0.01). Conclusions:The vgrG gene does not affect the growth of Kpn in vitro, but it is involved in the adhesion of Kpn to epithelial cells, resistance to macrophage killing and pathogenicity to mice.

Objective:To investigate the effects of baicalin on ferroptosis of mouse fibroblasts (Fbs) under high glucose treatment and its mechanism, and to provide a basis for the treatment of diabetic wounds.Methods:The study was an experimental study. Mouse Fbs were collected and divided into control group with conventional culture, high glucose group treated with glucose at final molarity of 30.0 mmol/L, and low baicalin group and high baicalin group pretreated with baicalin at final molarties of 5 and 10 μmol/L respectively and then treated as that in high glucose group. After 48 h of culture, the cell survival rate was detected by the cell counting kit-8, the reactive oxygen species level in cells was detected by the fluorescent probe method, the levels of malondialdehyde, glutathione, and ferrous ion in cells were detected by colorimetry, and the protein expression levels of solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in cells and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in cytoplasm and nucleus were detected by Western blotting. Another batch of mouse Fbs were collected and divided into control group, high glucose group, high baicalin group, and high baicalin+ML385 group. The cells in the first three groups were treated as before, the cells in the last group were pretreated with baicalin and ML385 of Nrf2 inhibitor at final molarties of 10 μmol/L and then treated as that in high glucose group. After 48 h of culture, the protein expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 in cells and the protein expression level of Nrf2 in cytoplasm and nucleus were detected as before. Except that the sample number in detecting SLC7A11 and GPX4 was 4, the sample number in detecting other indexes was 3.Results:After 48 h of culture, the cell survival rates in control group, high glucose group, low baicalin group, and high baicalin group were (100.0±10.7)%, (70.0±5.0)%, (80.9±3.2)%, and (91.4±1.9)%, respectively. Compared with those in control group, the cell survival rate, the glutathione level, and SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells, and nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level were significantly decreased in high glucose group ( P<0.05), and the levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and ferrous ion in cells, and cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level were significantly increased in high glucose group ( P<0.05). Compared with those in high glucose group, the cell survival rate, glutathione level, SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells, and nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level in low baicalin group and high baicalin group were significantly increased ( P<0.05), the reactive oxygen species and ferrous ion levels in cells, and cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level in low baicalin group and high baicalin group were significantly decreased ( P<0.05), and the malondialdehyde level in cells in high baicalin group was significantly decreased ( P<0.05). Compared with those in low baicalin group, the cell survival rate, glutathione level, SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells, and nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level in high baicalin group were significantly increased ( P<0.05), and the reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and ferrous ion levels in cells, and cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level in high baicalin group were significantly decreased ( P<0.05). After 48 h of culture, compared with those in control group, the nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level and SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells were significantly decreased ( P<0.05), and the cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level was significantly increased in high glucose group ( P<0.05); compared with those in high glucose group, the cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level was significantly decreased ( P<0.05), and the nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level and SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells were significantly increased in high baicalin group ( P<0.05); compared with those in high baicalin group, the cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein expression level was significantly increased ( P<0.05), and the nuclear Nrf2 protein expression level and SLC7A11 and GPX4 protein expression levels in cells were significantly decreased in high baicalin+ML385 group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Baicalin can inhibit the occurrence of ferroptosis in cells by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway and up-regulating the expressions of proteins related to SLC7A11/GPX4 axis in Fbs in high glucose treatment, thus increasing the cell survival rate.