BACKGROUND:It has been proved clinically that adhesion of fibrous scar with the dura mater or nerve root after lumbar operation is an important factor for postoperative symptoms,such as postoperative pain and numbness. OBJECTIVE:To verify the inhibitory effect of autologous ligamentum flavum on the formation of epidural fibrous scar after lumbar surgery and explore the possible molecular biological mechanism. METHODS:Forty-eight Japanese white rabbits(6-8 months old)were randomly divided into three groups:a ligamentum flavum preservation group,a ligamentum flavum non-preservation group,and an autologous fat reposition group.A lumbar laminectomy model was established in all the three groups of rabbits,and rabbit epidural tissues were collected at 3 and 6 weeks after modeling.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe histological changes and the number and density of fibroblasts,VG staining was used to observe the percentage of collagen fiber area,and immunohistochemistry was used to observe the expression of transforming growth factor β1 and Smad3 proteins. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Hematoxylin-eosin staining results revealed that fibroblasts in the ligamentum flavum preservation group were few and loosely arranged,while the cells in the ligamentum flavum non-preservation and autologous fat reposition groups were more numerous and closely arranged.The number density of fibroblasts in the ligamentum flavum preservation group was lower than that in the ligamentum flavum non-preservation and autologous fat reposition groups at 3 and 6 weeks after surgery(P＜0.05);however,there was no significant difference between the latter two groups.VG staining results showed that the collagen fibers in the ligamentum flavum preservation group were sparse and distributed unevenly,while a lot of red collagen fibers were gathered in the ligamentum flavum non-preservation and autologous fat reposition groups.The area percentage of collagen fibers in the ligamentum flavum preservation group was lower than that in the ligamentum flavum non-preservation and autologous fat reposition groups at 3 and 6 weeks after surgery(P＜0.05),but there was no significant difference between the latter two groups.The results of immunohistochemistry showed that the degree of positive staining of retained histone the ligamentum flavum preservation group was significantly lower than that of the other two groups.The absorbance value of transforming growth factor β1 and Smad3 in the ligamentum flavum preservation group was significantly lower than that in the other two groups at 3 and 6 weeks after surgery(P＜0.05),but there was no significant difference between the latter two groups.To conclude,there are different degrees of epidural fibrous scar formation after lumbar surgery.If the ligamentum flavum is preserved,it can help to reduce the number of epidural fibroblasts as well as the formation of collagen fibers,thus reducing the adhesion of the fibrous scar tissue to the dural sac and nerve root.The mechanism is not only a purely mechanical blockade,but also to reduce the formation of epidural fibrous scar by interfering with the transforming growth factor β1/Smad3 signaling pathway.

AIM:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of 0.05% cyclosporine eye drops(Ⅱ)combined with sodium hyaluronate eye drops in treating patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and moderate-to-severe dry eye.METHODS:A total of 120 T2DM patients(120 eyes)with moderate-to-severe dry eye, treated at the endocrinology and ophthalmology departments at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from January 2024 to September 2024, were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: combination group [0.05% cyclosporine eye drops(Ⅱ)+ sodium hyaluronate eye drops] and control group(sodium hyaluronate eye drops alone), with 60 cases(60 eyes)in each group. Assessments were conducted at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3 mo post-treatment, including the ocular surface disease index(OSDI), non-contact tear meniscus height(NITMH), first non-invasive tear breakup time(NIBUTf), meibomian gland loss score, lipid layer thickness grade, conjunctival hyperemia grade, and corneal fluorescein staining(FL)score. At 3 mo after treatment, changes in tear inflammatory factors were observed, and corneal subbasal nerve plexus(SBN)morphology/density were analyzed using in vivo confocal microscopy(IVCM).RESULTS:At 1, 2, and 3 mo post-treatment, both groups showed statistically significant increases in NITMH and NIBUTf compared to baseline(all P<0.05), with greater improvement observed in the combination group(both P<0.05). OSDI and FL scores significantly decreased from baseline(all P<0.05), with more pronounced reductions in the combination group(both P<0.05). Meibomian gland loss scores showed no significant improvement in either group(all P>0.05). At 3 mo after treatment, tear levels of interleukin 6(IL-6)and matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9)significantly decreased in both groups(all P<0.001), with a greater reduction noted in the combination group(both P<0.001). The combination group displayed increased corneal nerve branch density and nerve fiber density, along with decreased nerve tortuosity and dendritic cell(DC)density compared to baseline(all P<0.001), while the control group did not show significant changes(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION: The combination of 0.05% cyclosporine eye drops(Ⅱ)and sodium hyaluronate eye drops significantly improves clinical outcomes in T2DM patients with moderate-to-severe dry eye. This treatment effectively alleviates ocular surface inflammation, restores corneal nerve morphology and density, and demonstrates a favorable safety profile.

AIM: To explore the risk factors associated with diabetic retinopathy(DR)based on ultra-widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography(UWF-SS-OCTA), and to establish a clinical prediction model.METHODS:A total of 235 patients(235 eyes)with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were treated in the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from July to November 2024 were selected as the research objects. According to the presence or absence of DR, they were divided into 120 cases(120 eyes)in non-DR group(NDR group)and 115 cases(115 eyes)in non-proliferative DR group(NPDR group). Data on general characteristics, laboratory tests, and OCTA results were collected for both groups. Univariate analysis was employed to identify DR-related risk factors. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze these risk factors and to establish a DR prediction model. The efficacy of the model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis(DCA).RESULTS: The duration of diabetes, fasting blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen(BUN), history of hypertension, and the choroidal vascular index(CVI)were found to be statistically significant in the model(all P<0.05). Specifically, the duration of diabetes, fasting blood glucose, BUN, and history of hypertension were identified as risk factors for DR among diabetic patients, while CVI was recognized as a protective factor. The area under the curve for the model predicting the probability of DR was 0.898(0.859-0.938), with a diagnostic threshold of 0.438. The corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 87.8% and 78.3%, respectively, indicating that the model possesses high predictive value for the occurrence of DR.CONCLUSION: The duration of diabetes, fasting blood glucose, BUN, history of hypertension, and CVI are significantly correlated with DR. The established prediction model demonstrates a substantial screening capability for DR.

BACKGROUND: Macrophage polarization anomalies and dysfunction play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Itaconate is a Krebs cycle-derived immunometabolite synthesized by myeloid cells to modulate cellular metabolism and inflammatory responses. This study aimed to evaluate the immunoregulatory effects of an itaconate derivative on macrophages in patients with ITP. METHODS: Peripheral blood-derived macrophages from patients with ITP and healthy controls were treated with 4-octyl itaconate (4-OI), a derivative of itaconate that can penetrate the cell membrane. Macrophage polarization, antigen-presenting functions, and phagocytic capability were measured via flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Macrophage glycolysis in patients with ITP and the metabolic regulatory effect of 4-OI were detected using a Seahorse XFe96 Analyzer. An active murine model of ITP was used to evaluate the therapeutic effects of 4-OI in vivo . RESULTS: 4-OI reduced the levels of CD80 and CD86 in M1 macrophages and suppressed the release of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6 pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting that 4-OI could hinder the polarization of macrophages toward an M1 phenotype. We found that 4-OI pretreated M1 macrophages reduced the proliferation of CD4 + T cells and promoted the differentiation of regulatory T cells. In addition, after 4-OI treatment, the phagocytic capacity of M1 macrophages toward antibody-coated platelets decreased significantly in patients with ITP. In addition, the glycolytic function of M1 macrophages was elevated in individuals with ITP compared to those in healthy controls. 4-OI treatment downregulated glycolysis in M1 macrophages. The glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG) also inhibited the polarization of M1 macrophages and restored their functions. In vivo , 4-OI treatment significantly increased platelet counts in the active ITP murine model. CONCLUSIONS Itaconate derivative 4-OI inhibited M1 macrophage polarization and restored impaired functions through metabolic reprogramming. This study provides a novel therapeutic option for ITP.
Macrophages/metabolism* ; Humans ; Animals ; Succinates/pharmacology* ; Mice ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Flow Cytometry ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic/metabolism* ; Glycolysis/drug effects* ; Metabolic Reprogramming

The influenza A virus (IAV), renowned for its high contagiousness and potential to catalyze global pandemics, poses significant challenges due to the emergence of drug-resistant strains. Given the critical role of RNA polymerase in IAV replication, it stands out as a promising target for anti-IAV therapies. In this study, we identified a novel C-3-substituted oleanolic acid benzyl amide derivative, A5, as a potent inhibitor of the PA_C-PB1_N polymerase subunit interaction, with an IC₅₀ value of 0.96 ± 0.21 μmol/L. A5 specifically targets the highly conserved PA_C domain and demonstrates remarkable efficacy against both laboratory-adapted and clinically isolated IAV strains, including multidrug-resistant strains, with EC₅₀ values ranging from 0.60 to 1.83 μmol/L. Notably, when combined with oseltamivir, A5 exhibits synergistic effects both in vitro and in vivo. In a murine model, dose-dependent administration of A5 leads to a significant reduction in IAV titers, resulting in a high survival rate among treated mice. Additionally, A5 treatment inhibits virus-induced Toll-like receptor 4 activation, attenuates cytokine responses, and protects against IAV-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages. In summary, A5 emerges as a novel inhibitor with high efficiency and broad-spectrum anti-influenza activity.

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OBJECTIVE To investigate the protective effect proanthocyanidin B2(PC-B2) on oxidative damage and apoptosis of mouse astrocytes(AS) induced by hydrogen peroxide(H2O2) and its mechanism. METHODS AS were isolated and cultured from neonatal C57BL/6 mice(1−3 d). The optimal concentration of H2O2 and PC-B2 was divided into four groups: normal group, normal+PC-B2 group(100 μg·mL‒1 PC-B2 treated for 24 h), H2O2 model group(200 μmol·L‒1 H2O2 treated for 24 h), PC-B2 group(200 μmol·L‒1 H2O2 and 100 μg·mL‒1 PC-B2 treated for 24 h). The cell viability of each group was detected by CCK-8 method. Cytotoxicity was detected by LDH method. The antioxidant capacity was detected by ABTS and DPPH. The content of MDA and the activity of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px were detected by ELISA kit. Detection of apoptosis in each group was done by TUNEL staining. The mRNA and protein expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, Akt/Stat3, p-Akt, p-Stat3 and Nrf2/HO-1 in AS were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS PC-B2 could significantly enhance cell viability and inhibit AS apoptosis. Compared with the H2O2 model group, PC-B2 intervention could significantly reduce the content of LDH and MDA in AS, and increase the activity of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px. PC-B2 intervention could inhibit the mRNA and protein expression of Bax and Caspase-3, and up-regulate the mRNA and protein expression of Akt/Stat3, Bcl-2, Nrf2/HO-1. CONCLUSION PC-B2 can enhance the antioxidant capacity of AS through Akt/Stat3 and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways, therefore reduce H2O2-induced AS oxidative damage and apoptosis.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and further analyze the application prospects of the combined multitarget fecal FIT-DNA assay in the early screening of colorectal cancer.Methods Subjects were selected from a population attending the Inner Mongolia Medical University Hospital.Each subject underwent a combined multi-target fecal FIT-DNA test(experimental group),a serum tumor marker test and enteroscopy(control group).The pathological results were used as the gold standard to evaluate the efficacy of novel fecal molecular testing techniques for colorectal cancer screening with timely intervention given to screen positive individuals.Results The data of 115 individuals were analyzed.Serum tumor markers test had a sensitivity of 63.2%(43/68)and a specificity of 74.5%(35/47).The enteroscopy had a sensitivity of 97.1%(66/68)and a specificity of 80.7%(38/47);the combined multitarget fecal FIT-DNA test had a sensitivity of 89.7%(61/68)and a specificity of 87.2%(41/47).Conclusion The sensitivity and specificity of multitarget fecal FIT-DNA combined detection are better than those of serum tumor marker detection.Although its sensitivity is lower than enteroscopy,its operation is simpler and can be tested at home.

AIM:To establish a model of meibomian gland dysfunction in rats induced by eyeliner tattoo and investigate its potential mechanisms.METHODS:A total of 40 SD rats were selected, with 30 randomly chosen to have eyeliner tattoo applied their right eyes and designated as the eyeliner group. The remaining 10 rats were not given any treatment and served as the normal group. The corneal morphology of both groups was observed using a slit lamp at 1, 2, and 4 wk after establishment, and the tear film break-up time(BUT), Schirmer I test(SIt), corneal fluorescein staining score, and corneal irregularity score were calculated. The corneal Placido rings were examined using an ocular surface analyzer, and the corneal tissue structures of both groups were observed under a confocal microscope. After 4 wk and completion of clinical indicator recording, the eyeballs and upper and lower eyelid tissues were taken for pathological examination. The meibomian gland structures were observed through HE staining, the conjunctival goblet cells were observed using PAS staining, and the lipid droplets were observed with ORO staining.RESULTS:The slit lamp examination results showed that the eyeliner group rats exhibited in situ black pigmentation in the eyelids, with no eyelid deformation or scarring. The corneal epithelium was rough, with positive fluorescein staining, presenting as spotty staining that worsened over time. Compared with the normal group, the BUT was significantly shortened, tear secretion volume was significantly decreased, and the corneal fluorescein staining score and corneal irregularity score were significantly increased at 1, 2, and 4 wk after modeling in the eyeliner group(all P<0.01). The corneal confocal microscopy results showed a decrease in corneal epithelial cells in the eyeliner group, with the appearance of abnormally bright cells, and inflammatory cell infiltration visible in the stromal layer. The ORO staining results revealed a decrease in lipid droplets in the eyeliner group, showing a downward trend with increasing observation time. The HE staining results showed that pigment blocked the meibomian gland openings in the eyeliner group, and the density of meibomian gland acini showed a downward trend over time. The PAS staining results showed a decreasing trend in the number of PAS-positive cells in the eyeliner group.CONCLUSION:Eyeliner tattoo can induce meibomian gland dysfunction, and the blockage of meibomian gland openings caused by the pigment particles used may be an important cause of meibomian gland dysfunction.