Objective:To explore the expression relationship and significance of long chain non-coding RNA nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1(LncRNA NEAT1)and miR-27a-3p in serum and cerebro-spinal fluid of patients with Alzheimer disease(AD).Methods:Sixty-six AD patients received by the department of neurology of our hospital from October 2019 to September 2021 were gathered,according to the clinical dementia rating scale score,they were grouped into mild group(≤ 1 point,n=41)and moderate-to-severe group(＞1 point,n=25).Another 66 cases of serum and cerebrospinal fluid sam-ples from outpatient physical examination personnel were regarded as the control group.The general infor-mation on all subjects was recorded and cognition was assessed;real-time quantitative PCR was performed to measure the expression levels of miR-27a-3p and NEAT1 in serum and cerebrospinal fluid;enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to measure the protein levels of β-amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1(BACE1),β-amyloid(Aβ)40 and Aβ42 in cerebrospinal fluid;Spearman's method was performed to analyze the correlation of serum miR-27a-3p and NEAT1 levels with mini-mental state examination(MMSE)and montreal cognitive assessment(MoCA)scores;Pearson method was per-formed to analyze the correlation between serum miR-27a-3p and NEAT1 levels and Aβ deposition standard uptake value ratio(SUVR)and cerebrospinal fluid miR-27a-3p,NEAT1,BACE1,Aβ42 and Aβ40 levels.Results:The MMSE score[21(17,25),9(7,11)vs.27(21,34)],MoCA score[17(12,21),10(7,13)vs.27(21,31)],serum miR-27a-3p level(0.55±0.13,0.46±0.06 vs.0.97± 0.22),cerebrospinal fluid miR-27a-3p(0.48±0.10,0.35±0.10 vs.1.03±0.31),Aβ42 levels[(303.55±36.77)ng/L,(231.45±34.14)ng/L vs.(499.99±53.63)ng/L]and Aβ42/Aβ40 ra-tio(0.030±0.008,0.022±0.007 vs.0.048±0.010)of AD patients in mild group and moderate-to-severe group were all lower than those in the control group,and the moderate-to-severe group were lower than the mild group(all P＜0.05);the serum NEAT1 level(2.31±0.64,3.13±0.76 vs.1.05± 0.20),SUVR(1.50±0.29,1.76±0.52 vs.0.74±0.15),and cerebrospinal fluid NEAT1(3.51± 1.24,4.30±1.65 vs.1.01±0.23)and B ACE 1 levels[(55.78±5.98)μg/L,(72.32±16.08)μg/L vs.(21.39±3.73)μg/L]were higher than those in the control group,and the moderate-to-se-vere group were higher than the mild group(all P＜0.05).Serum NEAT1 level in AD patients was posi-tively correlated with SUVR,cerebrospinal fluid NEAT1 and BACE1(r=0.350,0.606,0.341,P＜0.05),and negatively correlated with MMSE score and MoCA score(r=-0.473,-0.482,all P＜0.05);serum miR-27a-3p level was positively correlated with cerebrospinal fluid miR-27a-3p level,MMSE score and MoCA score(r=0.695,0.424,0.412,all P＜0.05),and negatively correlated with SUVR and cerebrospinal fluid BACE1 level(r=-0.521,-0.447,all P＜0.05).Conclusion:The expression trends of NEAT1 and miR-27a-3p in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid of AD patients are con-sistent,the level of NEAT1 is increased,and the level of miR-27a-3p is decreased.The levels of the two are negatively correlated,which is related to the degree of Aβ deposition in the brain of AD patients and is involved in the progression of AD.

Objective To explore the characteristics and mechanism of phase separation between TAR DNA binding protein-43(TDP-43)and ubiquitin.Methods The TARDBP gene and its truncated genes were inserted into vectors to construct recombinant plasmids for expression and protein purification.The phase separation system of ubiquitin and TDP-43 was constructed in vitro.The characteristics of the droplets formed via liquid-liquid phase separation were observed by fluorescence microscopy.The plasmids of ubiquitin and TDP-43 were co-transfected into HEK293T cells to observe aggregates containing TDP-43 and ubiquitin and find out whether TDP-43 could be ubiquitinated.Results The GFP-8Ub,TDP-43 full-length(FL)and truncated proteins were purified.TDP-43 FL and C-terminal domain(CTD)proteins were able to form droplets via phase separation with ubiquitin.The droplets changed into solid-like aggregates after prolonged incubation.Insolvable aggregates containing TDP-43 and ubiquitin were formed.TDP-43 was ubiquitinated under stress conditions in HEK293T cells after being co-transfected with ubiquitin and TDP-43 recombinant plasmids.Conclusion TDP-43 undergoes co-phase separation with ubiquitin,mainly driven by the multivalent interaction between TDP-43′s CTD structural domain and ubiquitin.The droplets finally form aggregates with solid-like properties.Under stress conditions,especially when the protein homeostasis is disrupted,TDP-43 and ubiquitin form aggregates while TDP-43 is ubiquitinated.This study reveals the basic mechanism of TDP-43 co-phase separation with ubiquitin and liquid-solid transformation.

Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of domestic bortezomib in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in the treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) .Methods:This multicenter, prospective, single-arm clinical study included 126 patients with NDMM admitted to seven hospitals between December 2019 and January 2022. All patients received domestic bortezomib in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (BLD regimen), and the efficacy, prognostic factors, and safety were analyzed.Results:Among the 126 patients with NDMM, 118 completed four cycles of treatment, with an overall response rate (ORR) of 93.22% (110/118) and a ≥very good partial response (VGPR) rate of 68.64% (81/118). Ultimately, 114 patients completed at least eight cycles of treatment, with an ORR of 92.98% (106/114) and a ≥VGPR rate of 77.19% (88/114). Eighteen patients underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation after completing 6-8 cycles of the BLD regimen, with an ORR of 100% (18/18) and a ≥VGPR rate of 88.9% (16/18). The proportion of patients achieving ≥VGPR increased with the treatment duration, and factors such as staging and age did not significantly affect efficacy. Single-factor analysis showed that R2-ISS stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ, blood calcium >2.27 mmol/L, and failure to achieve VGPR after six cycles were adverse prognostic factors for progression-free survival (PFS) ( P<0.05), whereas failure to achieve VGPR after six cycles was an adverse prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) ( P<0.001). Multifactor analysis demonstrated that failure to achieve VGPR after six cycles is an independent adverse prognostic factor for PFS ( P=0.002). The incidence of hematologic adverse reactions was 16.7% (19/114), and nonhematologic adverse reactions were mainly mild to moderate, with no significant cardiac or renal adverse reactions observed. Conclusion:The BLD regimen is effective in treating NDMM, in which patients with high-risk genetic features are still achieving a high ≥VGPR rate, and the overall safety is good.

Objective To explore the role of β-1,3-galactosyltransferase 2(B3galt2)in mice with cerebral ischemic injury.Methods Adult male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the sham,suture-occluded middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)model,MCAO model+lentiviral vector control(LV-GFP),and MCAO model+lentiviral vector overexpression B3galt2(LV-B3galt2)groups,with six mice in each group.Neurological deficit scoring and rotating rod experiments were performed 24 h after ischemia in each group,and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC)staining was used to determine the infarction volume.The number of neurons in the ischemic cerebral cortex was determined in each group using Nissl staining.The levels of oxidative stress-related factors in the brain tissues were detected using the relevant kits.Results Compared with the sham group,the MCAO model group showed increased infarct volume and neurological deficits(P<0.05),significantly decreased number of neurons in the ischemic cerebral cortex and levels of super-oxide dismutase(SOD)and glutathione peroxidase(GSH)(all P<0.05),and significantly increased levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS)and malondialdehyde(MDA)(all P<0.05).Compared with the MCAO model group,the LV-B3galt2 group had reduced volume of cerebral infarction,significantly improved neurological deficits(all P<0.05),significantly increased number of neurons in the ischemic cerebral cortex of mice,significantly decreased levels of ROS and MDA(P<0.05),and significantly elevated levels of SOD and GSH(all P<0.05).Conclusion B3galt2 overexpression can reduce brain injury in an ischemic damage mouse model,and its mechanism may be through the inhibition of oxidative stress reactions.

Objective:To compare the effect of a 3D-printed ankle and foot orthosis (AFO) with that of a traditional AFO on the recovery of walking function after a stroke.Methods:Thirty-four hemiplegic stroke survivors were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, each of 17. Both groups were taught good limb placement and given joint mobility, standing and walking training for 4 weeks wearing either a 3D-printed or a conventional AFO. Walking speed, walking endurance, and dynamic balance were evaluated before and after the experiment using the 10-metre walk test (10MWT), the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and the timed up and go test (TUGT). Integrated electromyography (iEMG) was also performed on each subject′s bilateral rectus femoris, anterior tibialis, and gastrocnemius muscles during walking, and their healthy and affected side iEMG results were compared to assess the activation of the affected lower limb muscles.Results:After treatment, the 10MWT, 6MWT, and TUGT results of both groups had improved significantly, but the observation group′s average results were then significantly better than those in the control group. The iEMG disparities between the healthy and affected sides had also decreased significantly, but on average the disparities in the observation group were significantly smaller than in the control group.Conclusion:Both types of AFO can effectively improve the walking speed, walking endurance, and dynamic balance of hemiplegic stroke survivors and promote muscle activation in the affected lower limb. A 3D-printed AFO is relatively more effective.

Objective:To explore the effect of cathepsin L (CTSL) inhibitor on apoptosis of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and mitochondrial oxidative stress.Methods:RPE cells were cultured in vitro and divided into control group, hydrogen peroxide (H 2O 2) group, and H 2O 2+CTSL inhibitor group. The cells of H 2O 2 group and H 2O 2+CTSL inhibitor group were incubated in the medium containing 400 μmol/L H 2O 2 for 24 hours and 10 μmol/L CTSL inhibitor was added in H 2O 2+CTSL inhibitor group at the same time. The cells of normal group were routinely cultured cells. The follow-up experiment was carried out 24 hours after modeling. The rate of apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The expression of CTSL was detected by immunofluorescence staining, Western blot and real time-polymerase chain reaction. The level of mitochondrial super oxide was detected by MitoSOX fluorescent probe, and the mitochondrial structure was observed after MitoTracker staining, the average area, form factors, and branch of mitochondria were quantitatively analyzed. The two groups were compared using two-tailed Student t test, while numerous groups were compared using one-way ANOVA. Results:Compared with control group, the rate of apoptosis in H 2O 2 group was significantly higher ( t=3.307, P=0.029 7), the expression level of CTSL was significantly increased ( t=19.950, 6.916, 14.220; P<0.05). Compared with H 2O 2 group, the expression level of CTSL, the rate of apoptosis and the mitochondrial ROS level in H 2O 2+CTSL inhibitor group were significantly lower ( t=11.940, 4.718, 16.680; P<0.05). The mitochondria of H 2O 2+CTSL inhibitor group were elongated, oval-shaped or rod-shaped, while the mitochondria of H 2O 2 group lost their continuous contour shape and complete structure. The differences of the average area, form factors, and brach of mitochondria among 4 groups were statistically significant ( F=251.700, 34.010, 60.500; P<0.000 1). Conclusions:H 2O 2 can significantly induce apoptosis in RPE cells and increase CTSL expression. CTSL inhibitor can inhibit the H 2O 2-induced apoptosis of RPE cells, lower the mitochondrial super oxide level, and successfully repair the mitochondrial structure.

Melatonin receptor 1B (MT2, encoded by the MTNR1B gene), a high-affinity receptor for melatonin, is associated with glucose homeostasis including glucose uptake and transport. The rs10830963 variant in the MTNR1B gene is linked to glucose metabolism disorders including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); however, the relationship between MT2-mediated melatonin signaling and a high birth weight of GDM infants from maternal glucose abnormality remains poorly understood. This article aims to investigate the relationship between rs10830963 variants and GDM development, as well as the effects of MT2 receptor on glucose uptake and transport in trophoblasts. TaqMan-MGB (minor groove binder) probe quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays were used for rs10930963 genotyping. MT2 expression in the placenta of GDM and normal pregnant women was detected by immunofluorescence, western blot, and qPCR. The relationship between MT2 and glucose transporters (GLUTs) or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) was established by western blot, and glucose consumption of trophoblasts was measured by a glucose assay kit. The results showed that the genotype and allele frequencies of rs10830963 were significantly different between GDM and normal pregnant women (P<0.05). The fasting, 1-h and 2-h plasma glucose levels of G-allele carriers were significantly higher than those of C-allele carriers (P<0.05). Besides, the protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of MT2 in the placenta of GDM was significantly higher than that of normal pregnant women (P<0.05). Melatonin could stimulate glucose uptake and GLUT4 and PPARγ protein expression in trophoblasts, which could be attenuated by MT2 receptor knockdown. In conclusion, the rs10830963 variant was associated with an increased risk of GDM. The MT2 receptor is essential for melatonin to raise glucose uptake and transport, which may be mediated by PPARγ.
Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Blood Glucose/metabolism* ; Diabetes, Gestational/metabolism* ; Glucose/metabolism* ; Melatonin/metabolism* ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; PPAR gamma ; Receptor, Melatonin, MT2/genetics*

Objective:To observe the effect of high expression of polypyrimidine tract-binding protein-associated splicing factor (PSF) on low concentration of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) induced human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs), and explore the possible mechanism.Methods:The HRMECs cultured in vitro were divided into 4-HNE treated group, PSF overexpression group combined with 4-HNE group (PSF+4-HNE group), PSF overexpression+ML385 treatment combined with 4-HNE group (PSF+ML385+4-HNE group), and 4-HNE induced PSF overexpression group with LY294002 pretreatment (LY294002+4-HNE+PSF group). Cell culture medium containing 10 μmmol/L 4-HNE was added into 4-HNE treatment group, PSF+4-HNE group, PSF+ML385+4-HNE group for 12 hours to stimulate oxidative stress. 1.0 μg of pcDNA-PSF eukaryotic expression plasmid were transfected into PSF+4-HNE group and PSF+ML385+4-HNE group to achieve the overexpression of PSF. Also cells were pretreated with ML385 (5 μmol/L) for 48 hours in the PSF+ML385+4-HNE group, meanwhile within the LY294002+4-HNE+PSF group, after pretreatment with LY294002, cells were treated with plasmid transfection and 4-HNE induction. Transwell detects the migration ability of PSF to HRMECs. The effect of PSF on the lumen formation of HRMECs was detected by using Matrigel in vitro three-dimensional molding method. Flow cytometer was used to detect the effect of PSF overexpression on reactive oxygen (ROS) level in HRMECs. Protein immunoblotting was used to detect the relative expression of PSF, nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein, and phosphoserine threonine protein kinase (pAkt) protein. The comparison between the two groups was performed using a t-test. Results:The number of live cells, migrating cells, and intact lumen formation in the 4-HNE treatment group and the PSF+4-HNE group were 1.70±0.06, 0.80±0.13, 24.00±0.58, 10.00±0.67, and 725.00±5.77, 318.7±12.13, respectively. There were significant differences in the number of live cells, migrating cells, and intact lumen formation between the two groups ( t=12.311, 15.643, 17.346; P<0.001). The results of flow cytometry showed that the ROS levels in the 4-HNE treatment group, PSF+4-HNE group, and PSF+ML385+4-HNE group were 816.70±16.67, 416.70±15.44, and 783.30±17.41, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups ( t=16.311, 14.833, 18.442; P<0.001). Western blot analysis showed that the relative expression levels of pAkt, Nrf2, and HO-1 proteins in HRMECs in the 4-HNE treatment group, PSF+4-HNE group and LY294002+4-HNE+PSF group were 0.08±0.01, 0.57±0.04, 0.35±0.09, 0.17±0.03, 1.10±0.06, 0.08±0.11 and 0.80±0.14, 2.50±0.07, 0.50±0.05, respectively. Compared with the PSF+4-HNE group, the relative expression of pAkt, Nrf2, and HO-1 proteins in the LY294002+4-HNE+PSF group decreased significantly, with significant differences ( t=17.342, 16.813, 18.794; P<0.001). Conclusion:PSF upregulates the expression of HO-1 by activating the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/Akt pathway and inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and lumen formation induced by low concentrations of 4-HNE.

Objective To summarize the clinical characteristics of patients with occupational melanosis. Methods Diagnostic data of 69 patients with occupational melanosis was analyzed using retrospective analysis. Results The main occupational hazards for the 69 patients with occupational melanosis were coal tar, petroleum and its fractionated products, pigments and dyes and their intermediates, rubber additives and rubber products. The median length of occupational exposure and disease latency were 8.0 and 6.0 years, respectively, with a highly positive correlation between them (Spearman correlation coefficients=0.962, P<0.01). Skin lesions were mainly found on exposed areas such as the face-to-neck and limbs, prevalence of 94.2% and 75.4% respectively. And 78.3% of patients had skin lesion on more than two sites. The lesions were mostly in the form of irregular flakes (59.4%), with a gray-black color (44.9%). About 43.5% of patients experienced skin itching. Complete blood count, liver function, and kidney function were all within normal ranges. Skin biopsy results showed that epidermal hyperkeratosis, thinning of the spinous layer, liquefaction degeneration of basal cells, increased superficial dermal melanocytes, and infiltration of lymphocytes, histiocytes, and melanocytes around the blood vessels. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) detection showed focal liquefaction degeneration of basal cells in the lesions, with a significant infiltration of melanocytes and inflammatory cells in the dermal papillae and superficial layers. Conclusion The primary target organ of occupational melanocytes is the skin, and no damage to other organs was identified thus far. Results from skin biopsies and RCM examinations can be used for differential diagnosis.

Objective:To understand the thyroid function of the physical examination population in Tangshan area, and analyze the effects of thyroid function on blood lipids, fasting blood glucose (FPG), and serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D].Methods:A population from the Tangshan area who underwent physical examinations at the Kailuan General Hospital from June 2020 to June 2021 was selected as the study subjects and the levels of their thyroid serological indicators [thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), triiodothyronine (TT3), and thyroid hormone (TT4)] were tested. According to thyroid function, they were divided into normal group, hyperthyroidism group, hypothyroidism group, subclinical hyperthyroidism group, and subclinical hypothyroidism group. We compared the blood lipid indicators [triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)], FPG, and 25(OH)D levels in different subgroups, and the Pearson correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between TSH levels and blood lipids, FPG, and 25(OH)D levels.Results:In this study, 2 884 subjects were selected from the physical examination population in Tangshan area. The proportion of people with abnormal thyroid function was 12.03%(347/2 884), among which the proportion of subclinical thyroid function abnormal population in the total thyroid function abnormal population was 80.69%(280/347). As men age, the proportion of thyroid dysfunction in the age groups of 21-<30 years old, 30-<40 years old, 40-<50 years old, and ≥50 years old was 5.06%(4/79), 7.52%(33/439), 8.91%(53/595), and 9.95%(66/663), respectively. The proportion of thyroid dysfunction in the above age group of women was 14.02%(15/107), 15.06%(61/405), 15.47%(67/433), and 29.45%(48/163). The serum TG, TC, LDL-C, and 25(OH)D levels in the hyperthyroidism group were lower than those in the normal group, while HDL-C and FPG levels were higher than those in the normal group, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). The serum TG and TC in the hypothyroidism group were higher than those in the normal group, while FPG and 25(OH)D were lower than those in the normal group, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). TSH levels were positively correlated with TC and LDL-C, while negatively correlated with FPG and 25(OH)D (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Subclinical thyroid dysfunction is the main cause of thyroid dysfunction in the Tangshan area, and TSH levels are correlated with blood lipids, fasting blood glucose, and serum 25(OH)D levels.