BACKGROUND:Hydroxy safflower yellow A has anti-ischemia,anti-oxidation,anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory effects.Whether it affects neuronal pyroptosis after glucose-oxygen deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation is still unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the protective effect of hydroxy safflower yellow A on neuronal pyroptosis and its mechanism. METHODS:HT22 cells in logarithmic growth phase were randomly divided into five groups:normal group,model group,hydroxy safflower yellow A group,colivelin group,and colivelin+hydroxy safflower yellow A group.HT22 cells were treated with glucose-oxygen deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation to establish neuronal pyroptosis model,and then treated with STAT3 agonist Colivelin and hydroxy safflower yellow A.JC-1 probe was employed to assess changes in mitochondrial membrane potential.Reactive oxygen species kit was used to determine the content of reactive oxygen species in cells.GSDMD/TUNEL staining was conducted to observe cell pyroptosis.Immunofluorescence analysis was performed to detect STAT3 and GSDMD protein expression.RT-PCR was utilized for assessing mRNA expression levels of STAT3,NLRP3,and Caspase-1.Western blot assay was utilized to measure the protein expression levels of p-STAT3,NLRP3,GSDMD,Cleaved-caspase-1,and interleukin-1β. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the normal group,the number of pyroptotic cells increased in HT22 cells in the model group along with a significant increase in protein expression levels of p-STAT3,NLRP3,Cleaved-caspase-1,GSDMD,and interleukin-1β.Compared with the model group,the number of pyroptotic cells reduced,and the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins significantly decreased in the hydroxy safflower yellow A group.(2)In comparison with the model group,pyroptosis worsened in the colivelin group where mitochondrial membrane potential decreased along with elevated reactive oxygen species content and increased mRNA expression levels of STAT3,NLRP3,and Caspase-1,as well as increased protein expression levels of p-STAT3,NLRP3,GSDMD,Cleaved-caspase-1,and interleukin-1β.Compared with the Colivelin group,above indexes were improved in the colivelin+hydroxy safflower yellow A group.These results suggest that hydroxy safflower yellow A plays a neuroprotective role through STAT3 signaling pathway to inhibit HT22 pyroptosis after glucose-oxygen deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation treatment.

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation) is a specific form of post-translational modification (PTM) predominantly triggered by the activation of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase 1 (PARP1). However, the role and mechanism of PARylation in the advancement of acute kidney injury (AKI) remain undetermined. Here, we demonstrated the significant upregulation of PARP1 and its associated PARylation in murine models of AKI, consistent with renal biopsy findings in patients with AKI. This elevation in PARP1 expression might be attributed to trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3). Furthermore, a reduction in PARylation levels mitigated renal dysfunction in the AKI mouse models. Mechanistically, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry indicated that PARylation mainly occurred in receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1), thereby facilitating its subsequent phosphorylation. Moreover, the phosphorylation of RACK1 enhanced its dimerization and accelerated the ubiquitination-mediated hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) degradation, thereby exacerbating kidney injury. Additionally, we identified a PARP1 proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC), A19, as a PARP1 degrader that demonstrated superior protective effects against renal injury compared with PJ34, a previously identified PARP1 inhibitor. Collectively, both genetic and drug-based inhibition of PARylation mitigated kidney injury, indicating that the PARylated RACK1/HIF-1α axis could be a promising therapeutic target for AKI treatment.

Background::Digestive system cancers constitute a significant number of cancer cases, but their burden is not uniform. As Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) 2022 has recently updated its estimates of cancer burden, we aimed to investigate the burden of six major digestive system cancers both worldwide and in China, along with geographical and temporal variations in cancer-specific incidence and mortality.Methods::We extracted data on primary cancers of the esophagus, stomach, colorectum, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder from the GLOBOCAN database for 2022. Age-standardized incidence and mortality rates were calculated and stratified by sex, country, region, and human development index (HDI). We used the 2022 revision of the World Population Prospects (United Nations) to obtain demographic data for various age groups in China from 1988 to 2012 and used the joinpoint model and the average annual percentage change (AAPC) to analyze cancer incidence trends in China.Results::In 2022, the estimated global incidence of digestive system cancers reached 4,905,882, with an estimated 3,324,774 cancer-related deaths. Colorectal cancer was most prevalent in terms of incidence and mortality. There was a significant correlation between the burden of gastrointestinal cancers and country HDI. From 1988 to 2012, the incidence of esophageal, gastric, and liver cancers declined in China, whereas colorectal and pancreatic cancer incidences continued to increase. By 2050, colorectal and liver cancers are projected to remain the leading cancer types in China in terms of incidence and mortality, respectively.Conclusions::Digestive system cancers remain a significant public health challenge globally and in China. Although progress has been made in the prevention and control of some cancers, the burden of digestive system cancers persists. The implementation of tertiary prevention strategies must be intensified to reduce the incidence and mortality of digestive system cancers, mitigating their impact on public health.

Objective To explore the related factors affecting the sensitivity of neoadjuvant immuno-therapy combined with chemotherapy for treating esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).Methods The clinical data of 51 cases of ESCC were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into the neoad-juvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy sensitivity group(n=29)and resistance group(n=22)according to the treatment effects.The statistical methods were employed to analyze the factors affecting the sensitivity of neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy for treating ESCC.Results The uni-variate analysis results showed that the lesion depth detected by CT after treatment had statistical difference between the sensitivity group and resistance group(P＜0.001).The lesion depth also had statistical difference before and after treatment(P=0.002).The endoscopic evaluation showed that the proportion of the patients with pathological remission in the sensitivity group was higher than that in the resistance group with statisti-cal difference(P＜0.001).The multivariate analysis results showed that degree of pathological remission(P=0.042,95％CI:1.096-161.519)and pathological lymph node metastasis(P=0.025,95％CI:0.003-0.670)evaluated by endoscopy were the independent influencing factors of the sensitivity to neoadjuvant im-munotherapy combined with chemotherapy.Meanwhile,the patients with tumor infiltration depth difference≥0.750 cm measured by CT were more sensitive to the immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy(AUC=0.750,sensitivity 41.4％,specificity 55.0％,P=0.002,95％CI:0.618-0.882).Conclusion Preop-erative chest CT calculation of lesion depth and endoscopic assessment of pathological remission degree could predict the sensitivity of ESCC patients to neoadjuvant immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy,which provides reference for formulating the treatment regimen,however,it is necessary to enlarge the sample size and further study the various influencing factors.

Objective To investigate the effects of cannabinoid receptor agonist,WIN55212-2(WIN),on acute kidney injury(AKI)in mice with sepsis and its underlying mechanism.Methods Twenty-four healthy male mice were divided into(n=6):Control group,sepsis group(LPS group),sepsis+WIN55212-2 group(LPS+WIN group)and sepsis+WIN55212-2+mTOR activator MHY1485 group(LPS+WIN+MHY group).The sepsis model was constructed by intraperitoneal injection of LPS.After the tissue and blood samples were harvested in 24 h after modeling,ELISA was used to determine the contents of IL-1β,IL-18 and lactate dehydrogenase A(LDHA)in the renal tissues,as well as Scr,kidney injury molecule-1(KIM-1)and lactic acid(LA)in the serum.HE staining was employed to observe the pathological changes of kidney tissue and Paller score was calculated.The expression of p-AKT,p-Mtor and 6-phosphofructokinase-2/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3(PFKFB3)in the renal tissues was detected by Western blotting.Results Compared with the Control group,the LPS group had obvious kidney tissue damage,increased Paller score(P＜0.05),increased serum contents of lactic acid,Scr and KIM-1(P＜0.05),up-regulated contents of LDHA,IL-1β and IL-18 in the renal tissues(P＜0.05),and elevated expression levels of p-AKT,p-Mtor and PFKFB3 in the renal tissues(P＜0.05).Milder pathological injury in kidney tissue,decreased Paller score(P＜0.05),reduced contents of lactic acid,Scr and KIM-1(P＜0.05),decreased contents of LDHA,IL-1β and IL-18(P＜0.05),and lower expression of p-AKT,p-Mtor and PFKFB3 were observed in the LPS+WIN group than the LPS group(P＜0.05).The LPS+WIN+MHY group had notably higher Paller score(P＜0.05),raised contents of lactic acid,Scr and KIM-1(P＜0.05),increased contents of LDHA,IL-1β and IL-18(P＜0.05),and up-regulated expression of p-AKT,p-Mtor and PFKFB3(P＜0.05)when compared with the LPS+WIN group.Conclusion WIN can alleviate AKI in sepsis,and it may reduce the level of glycolysis in renal tissue,and alleviate inflammation through inhibiting AKT/Mtor/PFKFB3 signaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate the effect of spinopelvic sagittal alignment and lordosis distribution index on adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) after short-segment lumbar interbody fusion.Methods:A total of 234 patients who underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion due to lumbar degenerative diseases in the Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University from January 2009 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 102 males and 132 females, aged 60.1±10.0 years (range, 41-78 years). The patients were divided into ASD group and non-ASD group according to whether ASD occurred after operation. The general data, pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), lumbar lordosis (LL), distal lordosis (DL), segmental lordosis (SL), lordosis distribution index (LDI) and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) before and after operation were compared between the two groups. Independent risk factors for the occurrence of ASD after lumbar fusion were analyzed using binary logistic regression. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was plotted, and the area under the curve was calculated for each independent risk factor.Results:All patients successfully completed the operation and were followed up for 70.6±11.9 months (range, 60-121 months). Among the 234 patients, 116 patients developed ASD after operation. Age ( t=2.697, P=0.008), fusion segment (χ 2=16.439, P<0.001), preoperative PT ( t=2.268, P=0.024), preoperative LL ( t=2.042, P=0.042), preoperative DL ( t=2.724, P=0.007), postoperative DL ( t=3.104, P=0.002), postoperative LDI ( t=2.063, P=0.040) and the difference of SVA before and after operation ( Z=2.001, P=0.045) were statistically significant. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that LDI decreased ( OR=0.971, P=0.002), two-level fusion ( OR=3.477, P<0.001), and increased SVA difference before and after operation ( OR=0.992, P=0.039) were independent risk factors for ASD after lumbar fusion. The ROC curve showed that the area under the curve and 95% CI of the number of fusion segments, postoperative LDI, and the difference of SVA before and after operation were 0.633 (0.561, 0.704), 0.583 (0.510, 0.656) and 0.576 (0.502, 0.649), respectively. The area under the curve of the combined prediction model was 0.702, and the prediction value was medium. Conclusion:Two-level fusion, decreased LDI after operation, and increased SVA difference before and after operation are independent risk factors for ASD after lumbar fusion, and the combined prediction of the three has good predictive efficiency.

Objective:To establish and validate reference intervals of serum vitamin K for healthy children in China.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2020 to May 2023, involving 807 healthy children aged 0 to 14 years, selected by stratified random sampling based on the population distribution of children in eastern, central, western, and northeastern China. Sample collection was carried out in 16 hospitals across 12 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. Basic information of the children was collected using a standardized self-design questionnaire. Serum levels of vitamin K 1 and vitamin K 2 (menaquinone-4 (MK-4), menaquinone-7 (MK-7)) were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The reference intervals was established by direct approach. The children were divided into different groups by age. Inter-group comparisons were conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test, and the reference intervals ( P2.5- P97.5) were determined using non-parametric methods. Screening 40 healthy children for small sample validation based on age groups within the reference range(25 from eastern, 10 from central, and 5 from western regions). Results:The age of the 807 children was 5.00 (2.00, 9.81) years, and 495 (61.3%) were males and 312 (38.7%) females. Reference intervals were established for 795 children, of whom 303 children were aged 1 month to 3 years and 492 were aged 4 to 14 years. The reference intervals for serum vitamin K 1 were 0.09-4.54 μg/L for children aged 1 month to 3 years, and 0.10-1.73 μg/L for 4-14 years. For MK-7, the intervals were 0.07-1.42 μg/L for 1 month to 3 years and 0.19-2.03 μg/L for 4-14 years. The reference intervals for MK-4 in children aged 1 month to 14 years were 0-0.42 μg/L. The measured values of serum vitamin K 1, MK-4, and MK-7 in the validation samples did not exceed the reference limit in more than 2 samples. Conclusion:Reference intervals for vitamin K 1, MK-4, and MK-7 in healthy children aged 1 month to 14 years have been established and validated, and can be used to assess vitamin K nutritional status in children.