Objective Fasting hypometabolism regulation technology has broad application potential in long-term space flight and survival in extreme extraterrestrial environments.In-depth research on the substrate conversion of energy metabolism and the formation of new steady states under fasting hypometabolism will provide theoretical basis and experimental data support for formulating effective prolonged fasting application mode.Methods 30 SD rats were randomly divided into control group and fasting group(fasting for 1,2,3,and 5 days).Blood biochemical examination,qRT-PCR,and western blotting were performed to analyze the body weight,blood biochemistry,and expression changes of genes and proteins related to glucose and lipid metabolism during different fasting periods.Results Prolonged fasting significantly reduced the body weight,blood glucose,and triglyceride levels of rats;increased the blood ketone level,and replaced glucose as the main energy substance in the body.There are temporal and tissue-specific changes as a whole.Hepatic and renal gluconeogenesis play major roles respectively during different fasting periods.As the fasting time prolongs,the level of hepatic gluconeogenesis gradually decreases,the content of FFA in the blood increases,the expression level of genes related to fat synthesis decreases,fatty acid oxidation is enhanced,and the expression level of the key gene HMGCS2 for ketone body generation increases.Conclusion During prolonged fasting,there is a significant conversion of glucose-ketone energy supply substrates,and a new steady state of energy metabolism mainly supplied by ketone bodies is formed within 2-5 days of fasting.The body maintains a low metabolic state by regulating changes in key genes in pathways such as glucose and lipid metabolism.

Objective To investigate the impact of 15 days of complete fasting on individuals'risk decision-making abilities and the role of physical exercise in this process.Methods Twenty-four healthy participants completed a 28-day experiment divided into baseline,complete fasting,calorie restriction,and full recovery phases.Participants were randomly assigned to a light exercise group(EL),moderate exercise group(EM),or control group(CN).Risk decision-making capacity was assessed using the Balloon Analogue Risk Task(BART),with data analyzed via Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman tests.Results Fifteen days of complete fasting did not significantly affect the participants'risk decision-making abilities.Additionally,after fasting,the moderate exercise group was more likely to make risky decisions compared to the light exercise group.Conclusion Long-term fasting has no significant impact on risk decision-making ability,but engaging in physical exercise makes people more likely to make high-risk decisions.

Background::Homoharringtonine (HHT) is an effective anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-tumor protein synthesis inhibitor that has been applied clinically. Here, we explored the therapeutic effects of HHT in a mouse heart transplant model.Methods::Healthy C57BL/6 mice were used to observe the toxicity of HHT in the liver, kidney, and hematology. A mouse heart transplantation model was constructed, and the potential mechanism of HHT prolonging allograft survival was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier analysis, immunostaining, and bulk RNA sequencing analysis. The HHT-T cell crosstalk was modeled ex vivo to further verify the molecular mechanism of HHT-induced regulatory T cells (Tregs) differentiation. Results::HHT inhibited the activation and proliferation of T cells and promoted their apoptosis ex vivo. Treatment of 0.5 mg/kg HHT for 10 days significantly prolonged the mean graft survival time of the allografts from 7 days to 48 days ( P <0.001) without non-immune toxicity. The allografts had long-term survival after continuous HHT treatment for 28 days. HHT significantly reduced lymphocyte infiltration in the graft, and interferon-γ-secreting CD4 + and CD8 + T cells in the spleen ( P <0.01). HHT significantly increased the number of peripheral Tregs (about 20%, P <0.001) and serum interleukin (IL)-10 levels. HHT downregulated the expression of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathway-related genes ( CD4, H2-Eb1, TRAT1, and CD74) and upregulated the expression of IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF) -β pathway-related genes and Treg signature genes ( CTLA4, Foxp3, CD74, and ICOS). HHT increased CD4 + Foxp3 + cells and Foxp3 expression ex vivo, and it enhanced the inhibitory function of inducible Tregs. Conclusions::HHT promotes Treg cell differentiation and enhances Treg suppressive function by attenuating the TCR signaling pathway and upregulating the expression of Treg signature genes and IL-10 levels, thereby promoting mouse heart allograft acceptance. These findings may have therapeutic implications for organ transplant recipients, particularly those with viral infections and malignancies, which require a more suitable anti-rejection medication.

Objective In the future,during the landing and exploration of near-Earth planets(e.g.,Mars,Jupiter,etc.),astronauts may take the initiative to start fasting to reduce the amount of load;and it is even more likely that astronauts will take the initiative to fast in the process of manned deep-space exploration in the future,or they may enter a dormant low-metabolism state to save the amount of load to enable the spaceship to fly for a longer period,and to locate in a deeper and farther position.The ability of an individual to maintain cognitive ability and respond appropriately over a period in a long-term fasting state is important for survival.Therefore,the present study focused on investigating the effects of 15 days of complete fasting on dual cognitive control function and its neural mechanisms.Methods Twenty-four healthy volunteers were recruited to participate in the fasting experiment.Behavioral and electroencephalographic data from the AX-CPT Task were collected with event-related potentials(ERP)to assess the effects of 15 days of complete fasting on dual cognitive control in 16 volunteers.Results(1)Behavioral outcomes had significant main effects on response time[F(1,15)=99.41,P?

Long-term spaceflight affects numerous organ systems in the body, including metabolic dysfunction. Recently, ample evidence has demonstrated that the liver is a vulnerable organ during spaceflight. However, the changes in hepatocyte proliferation and cell cycle control under microgravity remain largely unexplored. In the present study, we first confirmed that the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase, biochemical markers of liver function, were altered in rats under tail suspension (TS) conditions to simulate microgravity, as shown in previous reports. Next, we demonstrated that the cell proliferation activity, determined by Ki67, PCNA and PH3, was significantly decreased at the different TS time points (TS for 14, 28 and 42 days) compared with that in the control group. Consistently, the positive cell cycle regulators Ccna2, Ccnd1, Cdk1, Cdk2 and cyclin D3 were also significantly decreased in the TS groups as shown by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting analysis. Subsequent analysis revealed that the aberrant hepatocyte proliferation inhibition under simulated microgravity was associated with the upregulation of miR-223 in the liver. We further found that miR-223 inhibited the proliferation of Hepa1-6 cells and identified CDK2 and CUL1 as its direct targets. In addition, the decreased expression of CDK2 and CUL1 was negatively correlated with the level of p27 in vitro and in vivo, which may have been responsible for retarding hepatocyte proliferation. Collectively, these data indicate that upregulation of miR-223 was associated with the inhibition of liver cell growth and reveal the role of miR-223 in rat hepatocyte proliferation disorders and the pathophysiological process under simulated microgravity.
Alanine Transaminase ; Alkaline Phosphatase ; Animals ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; Biomarkers ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Cycle ; Cell Cycle Checkpoints ; Cell Proliferation ; Cyclin D3 ; Hepatocytes* ; Hindlimb Suspension ; In Vitro Techniques ; Liver* ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; Rats* ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Space Flight ; Up-Regulation* ; Weightlessness*

Objective To investigate the value of magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion weighted imaging(DWI) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer(PCa). Methods Fifty-seven patients with suspected prostate cancer underwent DWI and T_2-weighted imaging (T_2W). These images and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps results were compared with histopathologic findings. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) analysis was used to compare the cancer detection performance of them. The results were rated on a scale of scores Ⅰ (benign) to Ⅴ (malignant) on the basis of ADC maps. Abnormal voxels were overlaid on the corresponding transverse TRUS images and used to perform voxel-guided biopsy. Results DWI had a sensitivity of 85%, specificity of 82%, positive predictive value of 80%, negative predictive value of 86% , and accuracy of 83%. T2WI had a sensitivity of 77%, specificity of 71%, positive predictive value of 69%, negative predictive value of 79%, and accuracy of 74%. The areas under the ROC curves for DWI and T_2WI were 0. 830 and 0. 742, respectively. The performance of DWI in PCa detection was significantly better than of T_2WI (P<0. 05). 6 of 30 patients with negative DWI results also had negative biopsy findings. PCa was detected in 17(85%) of 24 men findings with voxel score Ⅳ , with a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 46%, positive predictive value of 71 %, negative predictive value of 100% , and accuracy of 77%. Conclusions The performance of DWI in PCa detection was better than of T_2 WI. ADC maps can be transferred to TRUS images and used to sample regions of cancer in men with rising PSA levels and negative findings at prior biopsy with good accuracy. DWI appears to be a robust and reliable method to examine the whole prostate within an acceptable scan time in clinical settings.

Recently the maintenance therapy of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who completed required treatment cycles has caused widespread interests in the medical field. Traditional Chinese medicine may be a useful complement in maintenance treatment of mid-to-late stage NSCLC.

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are few in bone marrow, and they are easily mingled with other cells, especially red blood cells. Therefore, intervention needs to be depleted in the process of isolation of red blood cells so as to obtain highlypurified BMSCs as many as possible.OBJECTIVE: To isolate and culture BMSCs of rats with red blood cell lysis method, and perform biological identification.DESIGN: Observation and controlled trial.SETTING: Laboratory of Aerospace Cell Molecular Biology, Scientific Research Training Center for Chinese Astronauts.MATERIALS: Fifty 30-day-old male SD rats, weighing about 100 g, of SPF degree, were purchased from Beijing Experimental Animal Center (License No. SCXK (Jing) 2002-0003) and involved in this trial. DAB condensed chromogen (hydrogen dioxide included, Zhongshan Company), rabbit anti-ret polyclonal antibody (Boster Co.,Ltd., Wuhan), fetal calf serum (PAA, Austria) and LG-DMEM medium (Sigma Company, USA) were used in this trial.METHODS: This trial was carried out in the Laboratory of Aerospace Cell Molecular Biology, Scientific Research Training Center for Chinese Astronauts during September 2004 to September 2005. The rats were sacrificed by dislocation to expose bone marrow cavity. Cell suspension was collected. BMSCs were isolated and cultured primarily by whole bonemarrow culture method. ① Red blood cells lysis test: A, B, C and D 4 tubes were chosen and filled with 0.5 mL bonemarrow rinse solution which was filtered and fully beat upon. Then, red blood cell lysis buffer of 2 mL, ammonium chloride of 2 mL, phosphate buffer normal saline of 2 mL and 0.04 volume fraction acetic acid of 0.5 mL were correspondingly added into the 4 tubes. In each tube, absorbance and hemoglobin concentration were measured and cell growth was observed. ② Observation of growth curve, doubling time and surface marker molecule expression of BMSCs: Based on the formula, population doubling time (TD) =t[lg2/(lgNt-lgN0)] (NO and Nt represented the cell number after inoculation and t hours after culture ,respectively), cell population doubling time was calculated and traced and growth curve of the 2nd, 4th and 6th generations of BMSCs were analyzed; The proliferation of BMSCs was measured by methylene blue staining method; Surface marker molecule expression of BMSCs was detected with immunocytochemical staining.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ①Observation of isolation and culture of bone marrowmesenchymal stems of rats. ②Effect of different methods on the lysis of red blood cells and the growth of BMSCs. ③ The growth curve and cell doubling time of the 2nd, 4th and 6th generations of cells. ④Surface marker molecule expression of BMSCs of rats.RESULTS: ① Results of isolation and culture of BMSCs of rats: After 48-hour primary culture, most of the cells had adhered to the wall, and 72 hours later, division growth of the adherent cells presented. Seven to eight days later, cell colonies formed obviously, and then increased quickly, expanded incessantly and fused with each other. On 14 to 16 days, cell clones grew densely. Immediately generative cells presented ball-shape, subsided and adhered the wall verysoon. Some few round cells suspended. Adherent cells distributed evenly and proliferated quickly within 3 to 5 days. Although cell morphology of generative cells did not change after passage, cell proliferation was speeded up obviously and cells covered the bottom of the whole bottom on about 6 days. ② Effect of different methods on red blood cell lysis and the growth of BMSCs: hemoglobin concentration in the red blood cell lysate-treated group, ammonium chloride-treated group and 4％ acetic acid-treated group was significantly higher than that in the phosphate buffer normal saline-treated group, with significant difference (P ＜ 0.01). ③ Observation of growth curve of different generations of BMSCs: The growth curves of the 2nd, 4th and 6th generations of the cells were basically the same: latent period about 1 to 2 days, then logarithmic growth phase, peak on the 5th day and finally plateau phase (about on the 5th to 7th days). The latent period of the 6th generation of BMSCs was not obvious and the population doubling time of BMSCs was about 34 hours. ④ldentification of immunophenotype of different generations of BMSCs: Both CD44 and CD106 staining of each generation of cells were positive, presenting brown granule sediments, and CD34 staining was negative.CONCLUSION: Inoculation of red blood cells lysate-treated bone marrow rinse solution can boost the adherent rate of BMSCs, and does not influence its post-adherent growth, so it is a feasible separation method. Cell surface marker staining confirms that thecells isolated in this study are BMSCs.

Objective To investigate the effect of 5-azacytidine on cardiomyogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Method BMSCs were isolated from the marrow of adult SD rat’s femoral /tibial bones.Different concentration of 5-azacytidine were added to primary BMSCs on 3 d and cultured for different times.Cardiomyogenic differentiation of BMSCs was observed by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. Result After treated with 5-azacytidine, BMSCs proliferated slowly, became spindle-shaped after 10 d and aligned in a striated pattern after 20 d.TnT positive cells were showed by Immunohistochemistry and they expressed two cardiac-marked genes GATA-4 and ?-MHC.Thus 5-azacytidine induced cardiomyogenic differentiation of BMSCs in a time and concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion Our study suggests that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can differentiate into cardiomyocytes in vitro. They are ideal donor cells in cellular cardiomyoplasty for treatment of myocardial infarction.