BACKGROUND:Prolyl hydroxylase domain 2(PHD2)inhibitors can regulate bone metabolism and relieve osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats.cpd17 is a small molecule oral PHD2 inhibitor newly developed by China Pharmaceutical University.It is effective in the treatment of renal anemia with few side effects,but its effect on bone formation and bone resorption is still unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of cpd17 on mouse osteogenic precursor cells. METHODS:Osteogenic precursor cells were treated with cpd17.Alkaline phosphatase activity and extracellular matrix mineralization were measured,and the expression levels of osteogenesis-and osteoclastogenesis-related markers,as well as PHD2 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α,were detected.After inhibition of the hypoxia-inducible factor 1α pathway using LW6(a hypoxia-inducible factor 1α pathway inhibitor),alkaline phosphatase activity and extracellular matrix mineralization were detected again,as well as the expression levels of osteogenesis-and osteoclastogenesis-related markers,PHD2 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:cpd17 significantly enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity and extracellular matrix mineralization,up-regulated the expression of osteogenesis-related markers,down-regulated the expression of osteoclastogenesis-related markers,up-regulated the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α,down-regulate the expression of PHD2.However,cpd17's effects were significantly attenuated by LW6.To conclude,the PHD2 inhibitor cpd17 promotes osteogenic differentiation and inhibits osteoclastic differentiation through activation of the hypoxia-inducible factor 1α signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the genetic diversity of sandfly populations in endemic areas of visceral leishmaniasis in China, so as to provide references insights into management of visceral leishmaniasis and the vector sandflies. MethodsSixteen sampling sites were selected from main endemic foci of visceral leishmaniasis in China from June to September 2024, including Shanxi Province, Shaanxi Province, Henan Province, Gansu Province, Sichuan Province, and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Sandflies were captured using light traps and manual aspirators from sheep pens, chicken coops, cave dwellings, bovinesheds, and pig pens at each sampling site. A single sandfly sample was washed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and genomic DNA was extracted from sandfly samples. Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene was amplified using PCR assay with universal primers, and analyzed and retrieved with the nucleotide sequence analysis tool (BLAST) software, and the sequence of COI gene was aligned with the ClustalX 1.83 and MEGA 7.0 software. The base composition and variation site of the COI gene sequence were analyzed using the software MEGA 7.0, and the number of haplotypes, total number of segregating sites, haplotype diversity, nucleotide diversity, and average nucleotide differences were calculated in the COI gene sequence using the software DnaSP 5.10, followed by Tajima’s D test for neutrality. Haplotypes were screened using the software DnaSP 5.10, and the haplotype network map of sandfly samples was plotted using the software Network 5.0. MEGA 7.0 software was employed for gene sequence editing and alignment, and calculation of genetic distances among sandfly species sampled from different regions, and a phylogenetic tree was built with a neighbor-joining method. Results A total of 466 sandflies were captured from 16 sampling sites in China from June to September 2024, and 430 gene sequences were yielded following PCR amplification and sequencing of the COI gene, with 652 to 688 bp in the length of amplification fragments. The captured sandfly samples were characterized as Phlebotomus chinensis, Sergentomyia squamirostris, Se. koloshanensis, Ph. sichuanensis, and Ph. longiductus following the COI gene sequence alignment in BLAST. A total of 251 haplotypes were identified in the 430 gene sequences from sandfly samples (50.5%), and the average haplotype diversity, nucleotide diversity and average number of nucleotide difference were 0.885, 0.257 and 160.761, respectively. The Tajima’s D values were -0.92 for sandfly populations from Yangquan City, Shanxi Province and -1.73 for sandfly populations from Sanmenxia City, Henan Province, and were all more than 0 for sandfly populations from other sampling sites. Haplotype analysis identified 50 haplotypes, which were classified into two haplogroups. Heplogroup 1 included 29 haplotypes, which had a high homology, and heplogroup 2 included 21 haplotypes. The average genetic distance was 0.000 to 0.604 among sandfly samples from different sampling sites, and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the five sandfly species were clustered into distinct clades, all with 100% clade confidence. Conclusions There is a high genetic polymorphism in the COI gene from five sandfly populations in main endemic foci of visceral leishmaniasis in China, and COI gene may serve as a marker gene for analysis of the genetic structure of sandfly populations.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease-related death worldwide. Nonetheless, existing therapeutic approaches for MI are hampered by issues such as reliance on pharmacological agents and suboptimal patient adherence. Caffeic acid (CA) is a bioactive polyphenolic compound with important anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant functions. Still, its specific role and mechanism in treating cardiovascular disease remain to be further studied. In recent years, a large number of studies have shown that the kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1/nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Keap1/Nrf2) pathway is a key factor in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress model of H9c2 cells and left anterior descending branch (LAD) conjunctival induced acute myocardial infarction reperfusion (AMI/R) model were used to evaluate the protective effect of CA on the heart. The interaction between CA and Keap1 was analyzed by CA-labeled fluorescence probe, target fishing, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), protein crystallography and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Our results suggested that CA binds Keap1 and degrades Keap1 in a p62-dependent manner, further promoting nuclear transcription of Nrf2 and thus effectively reducing oxidative stress. In addition, based on the three-dimensional eutectic structure, it was confirmed that CA directly targets Keap1 protein by interacting with residues M550 and N532, inducing conformation changes in Keap1 protein. We also found that the CA analog chlorogenic acid (GCA) can bind Keap1. In conclusion, this study elucidates a novel molecular mechanism and structural basis for the protective effects of CA against oxidative damage via the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway.

This study investigates the pharmacokinetics and metabolic characteristics of three marine-derived piericidins as potential drug leads for kidney disease: piericidin A (PA) and its two glycosides (GPAs), glucopiericidin A (GPA) and 13-hydroxyglucopiericidin A (13-OH-GPA). The research aims to facilitate lead selection and optimization for developing a viable preclinical candidate. Rapid absorption of PA and GPAs in mice was observed, characterized by short half-lives and low bioavailability. Glycosides and hydroxyl groups significantly enhanced the absorption rate (13-OH-GPA > GPA > PA). PA and GPAs exhibited metabolic instability in liver microsomes due to Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) and uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferases (UGTs). Glucuronidation emerged as the primary metabolic pathway, with UGT1A7, UGT1A8, UGT1A9, and UGT1A10 demonstrating high elimination rates (30%-70%) for PA and GPAs. This rapid glucuronidation may contribute to the low bioavailability of GPAs. Despite its low bioavailability (2.69%), 13-OH-GPA showed higher kidney distribution (19.8%) compared to PA (10.0%) and GPA (7.3%), suggesting enhanced biological efficacy in kidney diseases. Modifying the C-13 hydroxyl group appears to be a promising approach to improve bioavailability. In conclusion, this study provides valuable metabolic insights for the development and optimization of marine-derived piericidins as potential drug leads for kidney disease.
Animals ; Male ; Mice ; Aquatic Organisms/chemistry* ; Biological Availability ; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/metabolism* ; Glucuronosyltransferase/metabolism* ; Microsomes, Liver/metabolism* ; Molecular Structure ; Biological Products/pharmacokinetics* ; Pyridines/pharmacokinetics*

Objective:To comprehensively evaluate the performance of the iterative cone beam CT (iCBCT) imaging mode of Varian linear accelerators and to explore its specific advantages in clinical application.Methods:The kV cone beam CT (CBCT) imaging systems of Halcyon 2.0, Edge, and VitalBeam linear accelerators from Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital were selected, among which Halcyon 2.0 and Edge were equipped with the iCBCT imaging mode. The Penta-Guide phantom was used to evaluate the registration accuracy of iCBCT imaging modes. The accuracy of treatment couch position was measured by a ruler. The image quality of the iCBCT and conventional CBCT modes of various imaging devices were analyzed using the CatPhan604 phantom. The imaging beam-on time and reconstruction time were measured to assess image acquisition efficiency. The uniformity, spatial resolution, contrast, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), image acquisition time and reconstruction time between two imaging modes were statistically analyzed by t-test. Results:The maximum deviations of image registration measurement results of the iCBCT mode for Halcyon 2.0 and Edge accelerators compared to the standard values were 0.7 mm and 0.6 mm, respectively. The treatment couch position error of all devices was less than 1 mm. The iCBCT images under head scanning protocol primarily improved the uniformity and CNR. Compared to conventional CBCT images, Halcyon iCBCT increased the uniformity and CNR by 2.50% ( P<0.001) and 78.85% ( P<0.001), respectively, while Edge increased them by 2.18% ( P<0.001) and 86.42% ( P<0.001), both superior to VitalBeam CBCT images. Under pelvis scanning protocols, iCBCT images primarily improved the CNR compared to conventional CBCT images. Halcyon and Edge iCBCT increased the CNR by 113.57% ( P<0.001) and 133.87% ( P<0.001), respectively, both superior to VitalBeam CBCT images. In terms of image acquisition efficiency, the average reconstruction times for Halcyon and Edge iCBCT images increased by 7.28 s and 15.53 s, respectively, and the total image acquisition time of Halcyon accelerator was the shortest. Conclusions:While ensuring the registration accuracy, iCBCT imaging mode can significantly improve the CNR of images and improve the uniformity of images under head scanning protocol. The Halcyon imaging system can enhance image acquisition efficiency.

Food poisoning caused by Nassariidaes has occurred frequently in coastal areas of China, especially in summer and autumn. Nassariidaes poisoning can be manifested as lip and tongue paralysis, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting, arrhythmia and even respiratory failure. We admitted a case of respiratory failure caused by eating Nassariidaes. After timely respiratory support, hemoperfusion and other active treatment, the patient was recovered and was discharged. This paper summarized clinical characteristics and treatment of Nassariidaes poisoning, in order to provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment of similar cases.

Food poisoning caused by Nassariidaes has occurred frequently in coastal areas of China, especially in summer and autumn. Nassariidaes poisoning can be manifested as lip and tongue paralysis, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting, arrhythmia and even respiratory failure. We admitted a case of respiratory failure caused by eating Nassariidaes. After timely respiratory support, hemoperfusion and other active treatment, the patient was recovered and was discharged. This paper summarized clinical characteristics and treatment of Nassariidaes poisoning, in order to provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment of similar cases.

Objective To explore the value of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid(Gd-EOB-DTPA)enhanced MRI T1 mapping,R2*quantitative parameters,and their combined indicators in assessing liver function in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis.Methods The data from 52 patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis who underwent Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI and modified Dixon quantification(mDixon-Quant)scans were analyzed retrospectively.Patients were divided into three groups based on Child-Pugh scores:Child-Pugh A,B,and C.T1 mapping images were obtained pre,mid,and HBP.Quantitative values of T1 relaxation time reduction rates(△T1 mid and △T1 HBP),liver-related T1 relaxation times(T1 pre,T1 mid,and T1 HBP),fat fraction(FF),and R2* were measured and calculated.One-way ANOVA was used to compare the differences in MRI quantitative parameters between different Child-Pugh grading groups.Spearman's rank correlation analysis was performed to assess the correlation between MRI quantitative parameters and Child-Pugh grading.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to evaluate the performance of distinguishing liver function classification by statistically significant MRI parameters.Results Between different Child-Pugh grading groups,the differences in T1 mid,T1 HBP,△T1 mid,△T1 HBP,and R2*were statistically significant(P＜0.05),however T1 pre and FF were not statistically significant(P＞0.05).T1 mid,T1 HBP and R2*were positively correlated with Child-Pugh grading(rs=0.365,0.566,0.597,respectively;P＜0.05),meanwhile △T1 mid and△T1 HBP were negatively correlated with Child-Pugh grading(rs=-0.680,-0.771,respectively;P＜0.05).There were no significant correlations between T1 pre,FF and Child-Pugh grading(P＞0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of T1 HBP,△T1 mid,△T1 HBP,R2*and their combined indicators for distinguishing Child-Pugh A grade from Child-Pugh B grade were about 0.888,0.784,0.955,0.764,and 0.961,respectively(P＜0.05).The AUC of △T1 mid,△T1 HBP,R2* and their combined indicators for distinguishing Child-Pugh B grade from Child-Pugh C grade were about 0.853,0.860,0.797,and 0.941,respectively(P＜0.05).Conclusion Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI T1 mapping and R2*quantitative parameters can be used to independently evaluate the status of liver function in hepatitis B cirrhosis,and the combined evaluation of the two kinds of parameters has a higher diagnostic efficiency.

Objective To investigate the effects of laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation(LRFA)and percutaneous radiofrequency ablation(PRFA)on anti-tumor immunity,complication rate and recurrence rate in patients with primary liver cancer.Methods A total of 81 patients with primary liver cancer treated in Dazhou Central Hospital from January 2020 to August 2022 were selected and divided into observation group(LRFA,n=42)and control group(PRFA,n=39)according to the treatment plan.Compare the total ablation rate,postoperative complication rate,recurrence rate of the two groups,as well as tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),carbohydrate antigen 199(CA199),interleukin-6(IL-6),Golgi protein 73(GP73),C-reactive protein(CRP),alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)and peripheral blood T lymphocyte subpopulation levels before and after surgery.Results There was no significant difference between the observation group(95.24％)and the control group(92.31％)(P＞0.05).At 1 d postoperatively,IL-6 was(124.63±45.41)pg/ml and(168.28±51.26)pg/ml,CRP was(19.14±5.03)ng/L and(28.26±7.47)ng/L,and TNF-α was(94.32±18.49)pg/ml and(108.41±20.11)pg/ml;at 3 d postoperatively,IL-6 was(92.37±24.11)pg/ml and(105.83±27.45)pg/ml in the observation group and the control group,respectively,CRP was(14.87±4.37)ng/L and(17.25±5.06)ng/L,and TNF-α was(75.41±12.10)pg/ml and(82.64±16.83)pg/ml,which were all higher than that of preoperative period(P＜0.05).At 7 d postoperatively,CD3+in the observation group and control group were(66.27±7.82)％and(65.14±7.63)％,AFP was(156.23±30.27)μg/mland(160.84±32.33)μg/ml,GP73 was(65.21±10.26)μg/L and(67.44±11.03)μg/L,CA199 was(44.89±11.41)U/L and(45.12±13.07)U/L,CD4 was(32.02±6.03)％and(31.53±6.11)％,and CD4+/CD8+was(1.31±0.39)and(1.29±0.37)respectively;at 14 d postoperatively,CD3+was(71.25±6.83)％and(70.89±6.76)％,AFP was(48.52±18.31)μg/ml and(50.11±19.12)μg/ml,GP73 was(48.25±8.46)μg/L and(49.12±10.12)μg/L,CA199 was(19.27±5.16)U/L and(20.07±5.39)U/L,and CD4 was(38.25±7.7)U/L and(20.07±5.39)U/L,respectively,in the observation and control groups.g/L,CA199 was(19.27±5.16)U/L and(20.07±5.39)U/L,CD4 was(38.25±7.45)％and(37.61±7.92)％,and CD4+/CD8+was(1.49±0.42)and(1.47±0.45),respectively,which were higher than that of preoperative period(P＜0.05),but the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant(P＞0.05).The postoperative complication rate of 42.86％and recurrence rate of 2.38％in the observation group were lower than 66.67％and 17.95％in the control group(P＜0.05).The 12-month postoperative survival rate of 97.62％in the observation group was not statistically significant compared with 94.87％in the control group(P＞0.05).Conclusion The efficacy of LRFA and PRFA in the treatment of primary hepatocellular carcinoma is comparable,which can effectively improve the body's anti-tumor immunity and reduce the release of serum tumor markers;however,LRFA has less stressful reaction,reduces the occurrence of postoperative complications,and has a lower recurrence rate,which is especially advantageous in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma at special sites.

Image 1.