Fibrosis, the pathological scarring of vital organs, is a severe and often irreversible condition that leads to progressive organ dysfunction. It is particularly pronounced in organs like the liver, kidneys, lungs, and heart. Despite its clinical significance, the full understanding of its etiology and complex pathogenesis remains incomplete, posing substantial challenges to diagnosing, treating, and preventing the progression of fibrosis. Among the various molecular players involved, platelet-derived growth factor-C (PDGF-C) has emerged as a crucial factor in fibrotic diseases, contributing to the pathological transformation of tissues in several key organs. PDGF-C is a member of the PDGFs family of growth factors and is synthesized and secreted by various cell types, including fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells. It acts through both autocrine and paracrine mechanisms, exerting its biological effects by binding to and activating the PDGF receptors (PDGFRs), specifically PDGFRα and PDGFRβ. This binding triggers multiple intracellular signaling pathways, such as JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT and Ras-MAPK pathways. which are integral to the regulation of cell proliferation, survival, migration, and fibrosis. Notably, PDGF-C has been shown to promote the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts, key effector cells in the fibrotic process, thus accelerating the accumulation of extracellular matrix components and the formation of fibrotic tissue. Numerous studies have documented an upregulation of PDGF-C expression in various fibrotic diseases, suggesting its significant role in the initiation and progression of fibrosis. For instance, in liver fibrosis, PDGF-C stimulates hepatic stellate cell activation, contributing to the excessive deposition of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins. Similarly, in pulmonary fibrosis, PDGF-C enhances the migration of fibroblasts into the damaged areas of lungs, thereby worsening the pathological process. Such findings highlight the pivotal role of PDGF-C in fibrotic diseases and underscore its potential as a therapeutic target for these conditions. Given its central role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis, PDGF-C has become an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Several studies have focused on developing inhibitors that block the PDGF-C/PDGFR signaling pathway. These inhibitors aim to reduce fibroblast activation, prevent the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components, and halt the progression of fibrosis. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of such inhibitors in animal models of liver, kidney, and lung fibrosis, with promising results in reducing fibrotic lesions and improving organ function. Furthermore, several clinical inhibitors, such as Olaratumab and Seralutinib, are ongoing to assess the safety and efficacy of these inhibitors in human patients, offering hope for novel therapeutic options in the treatment of fibrotic diseases. In conclusion, PDGF-C plays a critical role in the development and progression of fibrosis in vital organs. Its ability to regulate fibroblast activity and influence key signaling pathways makes it a promising target for therapeutic strategies aiming at combating fibrosis. Ongoing research into the regulation of PDGF-C expression and the development of PDGF-C/PDGFR inhibitors holds the potential to offer new insights and approaches for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of fibrotic diseases. Ultimately, these efforts may lead to the development of more effective and targeted therapies that can mitigate the impact of fibrosis and improve patient outcomes.

Membrane proteins are integral components of cellular membranes, accounting for approximately 30% of the mammalian proteome and serving as targets for 60% of FDA-approved drugs. They are critical to both physiological functions and disease mechanisms. Their functional protein-protein interactions form the basis for many physiological processes, such as signal transduction, material transport, and cell communication. Membrane protein interactions are characterized by membrane environment dependence, spatial asymmetry, weak interaction strength, high dynamics, and a variety of interaction sites. Therefore, in situ analysis is essential for revealing the structural basis and kinetics of these proteins. This paper introduces currently available in situ analytical techniques for studying membrane protein interactions and evaluates the characteristics of each. These techniques are divided into two categories: label-based techniques (e.g., co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, resonance energy transfer, and proximity labeling) and label-free techniques (e.g., cryo-electron tomography, in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, and structure prediction tools). Each technique is critically assessed in terms of its historical development, strengths, and limitations. Based on the authors’ relevant research, the paper further discusses the key issues and trends in the application of these techniques, providing valuable references for the field of membrane protein research. Label-based techniques rely on molecular tags or antibodies to detect proximity or interactions, offering high specificity and adaptability for dynamic studies. For instance, proximity ligation assay combines the specificity of antibodies with the sensitivity of PCR amplification, while proximity labeling enables spatial mapping of interactomes. Conversely, label-free techniques, such as cryo-electron tomography, provide near-native structural insights, and Raman spectroscopy directly probes molecular interactions without perturbing the membrane environment. Despite advancements, these methods face several universal challenges: (1) indirect detection, relying on proximity or tagged proxies rather than direct interaction measurement; (2) limited capacity for continuous dynamic monitoring in live cells; and (3) potential artificial influences introduced by labeling or sample preparation, which may alter native conformations. Emerging trends emphasize the multimodal integration of complementary techniques to overcome individual limitations. For example, combining in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry with proximity labeling enhances both spatial resolution and interaction coverage, enabling high-throughput subcellular interactome mapping. Similarly, coupling fluorescence resonance energy transfer with nuclear magnetic resonance and artificial intelligence (AI) simulations integrates dynamic structural data, atomic-level details, and predictive modeling for holistic insights. Advances in AI, exemplified by AlphaFold’s ability to predict interaction interfaces, further augment experimental data, accelerating structure-function analyses. Future developments in cryo-electron microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and machine learning are poised to refine spatiotemporal resolution and scalability. In conclusion, in situ analysis of membrane protein interactions remains indispensable for deciphering their roles in health and disease. While current technologies have significantly advanced our understanding, persistent gaps highlight the need for innovative, integrative approaches. By synergizing experimental and computational tools, researchers can achieve multiscale, real-time, and perturbation-free analyses, ultimately unraveling the dynamic complexity of membrane protein networks and driving therapeutic discovery.

Objective To investigate the expression level of basic leucine zipper and W2 domain-containing protein 1(BZW1)in gastric cancer,its impact on patient prognosis and the underlying mechanisms.Methods TIMER,UALCAN and Kaplan-Meier Plotter databases were used for analyzing BZW1 expression level gastric cancer tissues and its correlation with tumor grade and stage and the patients'prognosis.We further analyzed BZW1 expressions,disease progression,and postoperative 5-year survival in 102 patients undergoing radical surgery for gastric cancer at our hospital between January,2014 and December,2016.Gastric cancer MGC803 cells were examined for changes in migration,invasion,and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)following lentivirus-mediated BZW1 overexpression or knockdown.Results The protein and mRNA expressions of BZW1 in gastric cancer tissues were 3.30 and 6.54 times of those in adjacent tissues,respectively(P<0.01).BZW1 expression in gastric cancer tissues were positively correlated with peripheral blood CEA and CA199 levels(P<0.01).A high BZW1 expression was an independent risk factor for 5-year survival of gastric cancer patients after radical surgery(P<0.05,HR=2.070,95%CI:1.021-4.196).At the cut-off value of 3.61,BZW1 expression had a sensitivity of 75.56%and a specificity of 71.93%for predicting postoperative 5-year mortality(P<0.01).In MGC803 cells,BZW1 overexpression obviously promoted cell migration and invasion(P<0.05),enhanced cellular expressions of N-cadherin and vimentin(P<0.05)and inhibited the expression of E-cadherin(P<0.05).Enrichment analysis suggested the involvement of BZW1 in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.Western blotting confirmed that BZW1 overexpression promoted while BZW1 knockdown inhibited the expressions of Wnt3a,β-catenin and C-myc in MGC803 cells(P<0.05).Conclusion BZW1 is highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues to affect the patient prognosis possibly by activation the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to promote EMT of gastric cancer cells.

Objective: To explore the relationship between processed food consumption and blood pressure level of students in a university in Yunnan Province, so as to provide the reference for preventing hypertension in university students. Methods: In October 2021, a cluster sampling method was used to select 4 781 freshmen from a university in Kunming, Yunnan Province. The frequency of processed food consumption of university students was assessed by using the dietary frequency questionnaire, and height, weight and blood pressure were measured. Mann-Whitney test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare the differences in blood pressure level of university students with different demographic variables, and the association between processed food consumption and blood pressure level was analyzed with a generalized linear model. Results: Among the students of a university in Yunnan Province, the detection rates of systolic prehypertension and hypertension were 33.86% and 1.23%, and the detection rates of diastolic prehypertension were 32.13% and hypertension 7.22%. The results of generalized linear model analysis showed that after controlling for demographic variables and other variables that might affect the blood pressure level of university students, the consumption of processed food (bread and cake: β =0.15, 95% CI =0.01-0.29) and ultra processed food (coffee beverage: β =-0.29, 95% CI =-0.54--0.03) were associated with systolic blood pressure level( P <0.05). The consumption of processed food (salted duck egg: β =0.21, 95% CI =0.01-0.41) was correlated with the diastolic blood pressure of college students ( P <0.05). Conclusions Processed food consumption in university students may increase the risk of high blood pressure.The education of healthy eating among college students should be strengthened to reduce the consumption of processed foods.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the regulatory effects of biofilm associated non-coding small RNA(sRNA)00085 on the survival and environmental fitness of Listeria monocytogenes.Homologous recombination technology was used to construct a deletion mutant strain(△sRNA 00085)and a complementary strain(C △sRNA 00085)of the sRNA00085 target gene.The differences in biological characteristics were compared among the standard strain,△sRNA 00085,and C△sRNA 00085.The deletion of sRNA00085 led to a significant decrease in biofilm formation capacity and sensitivity to several antibiotics,including penicillin,piperacillin,doxycycline,tetracycline,vancomycin,and cotrimoxazole.However,only the minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC)of tetracycline exhibited a significant decrease in △sRNA00085.Meanwhile,the decreased biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance of the sRNA00085 mutant were restored in the C△sRNA00085 strain.Furthermore,we investigated the transcription levels of tetracycline resistance-related genes in L.monocytogenes.Down-regu-lated transcription of the tetS gene but no significant difference in transcription of the tetA gene were observed in △sRNA 00085 compared with the standard strain and C△sRNA00085.Moreover,the elimination of sRNA00085 did not affect bacterial growth ability or sensitivity to disinfectants.These findings highlight that sRNA00085 plays an important role in the environ-mental adaptability of L.monocytogenes by affecting bacterial biofilm formation and resistance.

Objective To investigate the expression level of basic leucine zipper and W2 domain-containing protein 1(BZW1)in gastric cancer,its impact on patient prognosis and the underlying mechanisms.Methods TIMER,UALCAN and Kaplan-Meier Plotter databases were used for analyzing BZW1 expression level gastric cancer tissues and its correlation with tumor grade and stage and the patients'prognosis.We further analyzed BZW1 expressions,disease progression,and postoperative 5-year survival in 102 patients undergoing radical surgery for gastric cancer at our hospital between January,2014 and December,2016.Gastric cancer MGC803 cells were examined for changes in migration,invasion,and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)following lentivirus-mediated BZW1 overexpression or knockdown.Results The protein and mRNA expressions of BZW1 in gastric cancer tissues were 3.30 and 6.54 times of those in adjacent tissues,respectively(P<0.01).BZW1 expression in gastric cancer tissues were positively correlated with peripheral blood CEA and CA199 levels(P<0.01).A high BZW1 expression was an independent risk factor for 5-year survival of gastric cancer patients after radical surgery(P<0.05,HR=2.070,95%CI:1.021-4.196).At the cut-off value of 3.61,BZW1 expression had a sensitivity of 75.56%and a specificity of 71.93%for predicting postoperative 5-year mortality(P<0.01).In MGC803 cells,BZW1 overexpression obviously promoted cell migration and invasion(P<0.05),enhanced cellular expressions of N-cadherin and vimentin(P<0.05)and inhibited the expression of E-cadherin(P<0.05).Enrichment analysis suggested the involvement of BZW1 in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.Western blotting confirmed that BZW1 overexpression promoted while BZW1 knockdown inhibited the expressions of Wnt3a,β-catenin and C-myc in MGC803 cells(P<0.05).Conclusion BZW1 is highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues to affect the patient prognosis possibly by activation the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to promote EMT of gastric cancer cells.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effect of different frequency of acupoint thread-embedding on weight loss in subjects with overweight/obesity of spleen deficiency and dampness retention. METHODS: A total of 126 subjects with overweight/obesity of spleen deficiency and dampness retention were randomized into a 2-week group(63 cases, 13 cases dropped out)and a 3-week group(63 cases, 11 cases dropped out, 1 case was eliminated). The two groups were treated with acupoint thread-embedding once every 2 weeks and once every 3 weeks respectively, Zhongwan(CV 12), Shuifen(CV 9), Qihai(CV 6), Guanyuan(CV 4) and bilateral Zhangmen(LR 13), Tianshu(ST 25), Liangmen(ST 21), Daheng(SP 15), Fujie(SP 14), Pishu(BL 20), Yinlingquan(SP 9)were selected. Four times were required in the two groups. Before and after treatment, follow-up after 2 months of treatment completion, the body mass index(BMI), body weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, obesity degree, fat percentage(F%), skin fold thickness were observed in the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment and in follow-up, the BMI, body weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, obesity degree, F%, skin fold thickness in the two groups were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.001, P<0.01), the changes of BMI, body weight, obesity degree, F%, skin fold thickness in the 2-week group were larger than those in the 3-week group(P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The effect of acupoint thread-embedding once every 2 weeks on weight loss in subjects with overweight/obesity of spleen deficiency and dampness retention is superior to that once every 3 weeks.
Humans ; Acupuncture Points ; Overweight/therapy* ; Spleen ; Obesity/therapy* ; Body Weight ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Weight Loss

AIM: To evaluate the published researches on the efficacy of atropine eye drops with different concentrations in delaying the progression of myopia in children and adolescents.METHODS: Randomized controlled trials(RCT)in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, VIP and WanFang Data databases were retrieved from the creation to May 2022. The quality of the included literature was evaluated by using the bias risk evaluation tool in Cochrane Intervention System Evaluation Manual. Meta-analysis was carried out via Review Manager 5.4.RESULTS: A total of 14 RCT studies, involving 3 946 children and adolescents. Meta-analysis showed that compared with the control group, atropine eye drops with different concentrations could delay the progression of myopia in children and adolescents. The growth of axial length of the groups with 1%, 0.5%, 0.05%, 0.02% and 0.01% atropine eye drops respectively was lower than that of the control group, the difference was statistically significant(MD=-0.34, 95%CI:-0.39～-0.29, P<0.00001; MD=-0.51, 95%CI:-0.79～-0.24, P=0.0003; MD=-0.17, 95%CI:-0.30～-0.04, P=0.01; MD=-0.21, 95%CI:-0.30～-0.11, P<0.0001; MD=-0.09, 95%CI:-0.13～-0.05, P<0.0001), while the growth of axial length of group with 0.1% atropine eye drops was lower than that of control group, the difference was not statistically significant(MD=-0.50, 95%CI:-1.28～0.28, P=0.21).CONCLUSION: Atropine eye drops with different concentrations can effectively delay the progression of myopia in children and adolescents, while 0.01% can delay the progression of myopia with the lowest incidence of adverse reactions.

BACKGROUND: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and prior stroke history have a high risk of cardiovascular events despite anticoagulation therapy. It is unclear whether catheter ablation (CA) has further benefits in these patients. METHODS: AF patients with a previous history of stroke or systemic embolism (SE) from the prospective Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Registry study between August 2011 and December 2020 were included in the analysis. Patients were matched in a 1:1 ratio to CA or medical treatment (MT) based on propensity score. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death or ischemic stroke (IS)/SE. RESULTS: During a total of 4.1 ± 2.3 years of follow-up, the primary outcome occurred in 111 patients in the CA group (3.3 per 100 person-years) and in 229 patients in the MT group (5.7 per 100 person-years). The CA group had a lower risk of the primary outcome compared to the MT group [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.47-0.74, P < 0.001]. There was a significant decreasing risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.31-0.61, P < 0.001), IS/SE (HR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.54-0.97, P = 0.033), cardiovascular mortality (HR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.19-0.54, P < 0.001) and AF recurrence (HR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.30-0.37, P < 0.001) in the CA group compared to that in the MT group. Sensitivity analysis generated consistent results when adjusting for time-dependent usage of anticoagulants. CONCLUSIONS In AF patients with a prior stroke history, CA was associated with a lower combined risk of all-cause death or IS/SE. Further clinical trials are warranted to confirm the benefits of CA in these patients.