1.Targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 signaling to improve bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis
Haihui HAN ; Lei RAN ; Xiaohui MENG ; Pengfei XIN ; Zheng XIANG ; Yanqin BIAN ; Qi SHI ; Lianbo XIAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1905-1912
BACKGROUND:Although researchers have noted that fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 shows great potential in rheumatoid arthritis bone destruction,there is a lack of reviews related to the potential mechanisms of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 in rheumatoid arthritis bone destruction. OBJECTIVE:To comprehensively analyze the mechanism of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 in bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis by reviewing the relevant literature at both home and abroad. METHODS:We searched the CNKI database using the Chinese search terms"fibroblast growth factor receptor 1,rheumatoid arthritis,bone destruction,bone cells,osteoblasts,osteoclasts,chondrocytes,macrophages,synovial fibroblasts,T cells,vascular endothelial cells."PubMed database was searched using the English search terms"fibroblast growth factor receptor 1,rheumatoid arthritis,bone destruction,osteocytes,osteoblasts,osteoclasts,chondrocytes,macrophages,synovial fibroblasts,T cells,endothelial cells."The search period focused on April 1992 to January 2024.After screening the literature by reading titles,abstracts,and full texts,a total of 82 articles were finally included for review according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 was found to be widely expressed in bone tissue-associated cells,including osteoblasts,osteoclasts,and osteoclasts.Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 affects bone remodeling and homeostasis by regulating the function of these cells,as well as promoting the onset and progression of bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 is involved in the inflammatory response of synovial fibroblasts and macrophages and regulates angiogenesis of endothelial cells in synovial tissues.Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 promotes bone destruction in several ways.Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 may be a potential causative agent of bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis and provides a reference for further research on its therapeutic targets.
2.Effect of Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsules-containing Serum on CircRNA_0001543/NF-κB Expression in Co-cultured PBMCs and Human FLSs from Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Yajun QI ; Jian LIU ; Qiao ZHOU ; Yuedi HU ; Xiang DING ; Chengzhi CONG ; Xu LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):87-95
ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the effects of Huangqin Qingre Chubi capsules-containing serum on the expression of CircRNA_0001543/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in co-cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) from patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). MethodsVenous blood was collected from patients with AS to isolate PBMCs. FLSs were co-cultured with AS patients' PBMCs, and FLSs were harvested after co-culture for subsequent experiments. The normal control group consisted of normal FLSs, while the model group comprised co-cultured AS PBMCs and FLSs to simulate AS pathology. The Huangqin Qingre Chubi capsules group involved adding Huangqin Qingre Chubi capsules-containing serum to the co-cultured cells(6.48 g·kg-1). To investigate the effect of HQC-containing serum on the viability of co-cultured cells, and the experiment was divided into the following groups based on the dilution concentration: blank group, 10% HQC group, 20% HQC group, and 30% HQC group.To study the influence of the optimal concentration of HQC-containing serum on cytokine and pathway indicators in each group, the experiment was divided into three groups: normal group, model group, and optimal concentration HQC-containing serum group.For the validation of the transfection efficiency of the CircRNA_0001543 interference plasmid, the experiment was divided into the following groups: blank group, si-NC group (with transfection reagent), si-circ_0001543-1 group (with transfection reagent and interference plasmid No. 1 targeting circ_0001543), si-circ_0001543-2 group (with transfection reagent and interference plasmid No. 2 targeting circ_0001543), and si-circ_0001543-3 group (with transfection reagent and interference plasmid No. 3 targeting circ_0001543).For the validation of the transfection efficiency of the CircRNA_0001543 overexpression plasmid, the experiment was divided into the following groups: blank group, OE-NC group (with transfection reagent), and OE-circ_0001543 group (with transfection reagent and overexpression plasmid targeting circ_0001543).To study the effects of CircRNA_0001543 interference/overexpression on cytokine and pathway indicators in each group, the experiment was divided into the following groups: si-NC group, si-CircRNA_0001543 group, OE-NC group, and OE-CircRNA_0001543 group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-10, IL-37, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was utilized to measure the expression of CircRNA_0001543, IκBα, and NF-κB p65. ResultsAfter 48 hours, 30% Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsules-containing serum significantly inhibited the proliferation of co-cultured PBMCs and FLSs, which was determined to be the optimal experimental drug-containing serum concentration. Compared with those in the normal group, the expressions of NF-κB p65 mRNA, IκBα mRNA, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), while the expressions of CircRNA_0001543 mRNA, IL-10, and IL-37 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the expressions of NF-κB p65 mRNA, IκBα mRNA, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsules-containing serum group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the expressions of CircRNA_0001543 mRNA, IL-10, and IL-37 were significantly increased (P<0.05), with the most prominent changes in the 30% drug-containing serum group (P<0.01). Compared with that in the si-NC group, the expression of CircRNA_0001543 was significantly reduced in the si-CircRNA_0001543 group (P<0.01). Compared with that in the OE-NC group, the expression of CircRNA_0001543 was significantly increased in the OE-CircRNA_0001543 group (P<0.01), indicating that the si-CircRNA_0001543 and OE-CircRNA_0001543 plasmids were successfully transfected. Based on the optimal drug-containing serum of Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsules, si-CircRNA_0001543 transfection led to significantly increased expressions of NF-κB p65 mRNA, IκBα mRNA, IL-1β, and TNF-α and decreased the expressions of IL-10 and IL-37 (P<0.01). In contrast, OE-CircRNA_0001543 transfection significantly decreased the expressions of NF-κB p65 mRNA, IκBα mRNA, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.01) and increased the expressions of IL-10 and IL-37 (P<0.01). ConclusionHuangqin Qingre Chubi capsules-containing serum can improve immune inflammation in AS by increasing the expression of CircRNA_0001543, regulating the NF-κB pathway, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and enhancing anti-inflammatory cytokine expression.
3.Investigation and analysis of the current status of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt treatment for portal hypertension in China
Haozhuo GUO ; Meng NIU ; Haibo SHAO ; Xinwei HAN ; Jianbo ZHAO ; Junhui SUN ; Zhuting FANG ; Bin XIONG ; Xiaoli ZHU ; Weixin REN ; Min YUAN ; Shiping YU ; Weifu LYU ; Xueqiang ZHANG ; Chunqing ZHANG ; Lei LI ; Xuefeng LUO ; Yusheng SONG ; Yilong MA ; Tong DANG ; Hua XIANG ; Yun JIN ; Hui XUE ; Guiyun JIN ; Xiao LI ; Jiarui LI ; Shi ZHOU ; Changlu YU ; Song HE ; Lei YU ; Hongmei ZU ; Jun MA ; Yanming LEI ; Ke XU ; Xiaolong QI
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2024;58(4):437-443
Objective:To investigate the current situation of the use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for portal hypertension, which should aid the development of TIPS in China.Methods:The China Portal Hypertension Alliance (CHESS) initiated this study that comprehensively investigated the basic situation of TIPS for portal hypertension in China through network research. The survey included the following: the number of surgical cases, main indications, the development of Early-TIPS, TIPS for portal vein cavernous transformation, collateral circulation embolization, intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurement, commonly used stent types, conventional anticoagulation and time, postoperative follow-up, obstacles, and the application of domestic instruments.Results:According to the survey, a total of 13 527 TIPS operations were carried out in 545 hospitals participating in the survey in 2021, and 94.1% of the hospital had the habit of routine follow-up after TIPS. Most hospitals believed that the main indications of TIPS were the control of acute bleeding (42.6%) and the prevention of rebleeding (40.7%). 48.1% of the teams carried out early or priority TIPS, 53.0% of the teams carried out TIPS for the cavernous transformation of the portal vein, and 81.0% chose routine embolization of collateral circulation during operation. Most of them used coils and biological glue as embolic materials, and 78.5% of the team routinely performed intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurements. In selecting TIPS stents, 57.1% of the hospitals woulel choose Viator-specific stents, 57.2% woulel choose conventional anticoagulation after TIPS, and the duration of anticoagulation was between 3-6 months (55.4%). The limitation of TIPS surgery was mainly due to cost (72.3%) and insufficient understanding of doctors in related departments (77.4%). Most teams accepted the domestic instruments used in TIPS (92.7%).Conclusions:This survey shows that TIPS treatment is an essential part of treating portal hypertension in China. The total number of TIPS cases is far from that of patients with portal hypertension. In the future, it is still necessary to popularize TIPS technology and further standardize surgical indications, routine operations, and instrument application.
4.Short-term efficacy of surgical treatment for multiple pulmonary nodules: A retrospective study in a single center
Qi ZHANG ; Ling GUO ; Xin GAO ; Shaohua XIE ; Qiang LI ; Xiang ZHUANG ; Run XIANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2024;31(02):255-262
Objective To summarize and analyze the clinical diagnosis, surgical treatment and prognosis of multiple pulmonary nodules (MPNs). Methods The clinical data of lung cancer patients who received surgical treatment in our hospital from 2018 to 2020 were collected. The short-term efficacy of surgical treatment for MPNs was analyzed. Results A total of 97 patients were enrolled, including 30 males and 67 females with an average age of 56.1±10.0 years at onset ill. There were 62 patients with double lesions, 22 patients with three lesions, 4 patients with four lesions, and 9 patients with more than four lesions. A total of 213 lesions were surgically treated, including 88 pure ground-glass nodules, 81 partially solid nodules, and 7 solid nodules. There were 87 simultaneous surgeries and 10 staged surgeries, with an average operation interval of 5.2 months. The pathological combination type included adenocarcinoma-adenocarcinoma in 96 (99.0%) patients, squamous cell carcinoma-squamous cell carcinoma in 1 (1.0%) patient, and no lymph node metastasis was found. The 2-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 92.1%, and the overall survival (OS) rate was 100.0%. Univariate analysis showed that high-risk lesion size>2 cm (P=0.316), residual lesions (P=0.782) and pathological combination type (P=0.913) had statistical effect on the 2-year DFS rate. Conclusion MPNs are mainly diagnosed with multiple primary lung cancers, and the pathological combination is mostly adenocarcinoma-adenocarcinoma combination. Imaging examination is of great help to the surgical approach selection, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of MPNs. During the operation, maximal preservation of lung function and complete resection of high-risk nodules should be taken as the principle, and the prognosis is satisfactory.
5.Clinical characteristics and prognostic analysis of neonatal chylothorax
Yan CHEN ; Xueqi LI ; Zixin YANG ; Xiying XIANG ; Yujie QI ; Mingyan HEI
Chinese Journal of Neonatology 2024;39(4):209-212
Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of neonatal chylothorax.Methods:The clinical data of newborns diagnosed with chylothorax from June 2016 to June 2023 in Neonatal Center of Beijing Children's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed, and divided into congenital group and acquired group according to the pathogenesis of chylothorax. The clinical characteristics, treatment methods and prognosis of the two groups were compared.Results:A total of 23 cases were included, including 17 cases (73.9%) in the congenital group and 6 cases (26.1%) in the acquired group. There was no significant difference in gender, gestational age and birth weight between the two groups ( P>0.05). Compared with the acquired group, the proportion of lymphocytes (97.0% vs. 85.0%), the use of erythromycin (7/17 vs. 1/6) and octreotide (9/17 vs. 1/6) and special formula milk feeding (13/17 vs. 2/6) were higher in the congenital group; the proportion of right hydrothorax (1/17 vs. 3/6), invasive mechanical ventilation (6/17 vs. 6/6) and breastfeeding (0/17 vs. 3/6) were lower in the congenital group ( P<0.05). There were no significant differences in terms of the white blood cell count in pleural fluid and plasma protein content, incidence of bilateral and left pleural fluid, proportion of closed thoracic drainage, maximum daily drainage volume, drainage duration, total drainage volume, albumin utilization rate, length of stay and survival rate between the two groups ( P>0.05). 18 cases of pleural effusion absorption without recurrence after conservative treatment; 5 cases died, of which 4 cases died after their parents abandoned treatment, and 1 case died of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis after thoracic duct ligation surgery. Conclusions:Congenital chylothorax and acquired chylothorax were similar in severity, course of disease and overall prognosis. The utilization rate of erythromycin and octreotide in congenital chylothorax was higher than that in acquired chylothorax. The neonatal chylothorax is usually with an overall good prognosis.
6.Application research of ultrasound oblique axis plane guidance technique in PICC puncture
Xiaoyan XIANG ; Wei ZHU ; Xiaoying QIN ; Peipei HUANG ; Qi LU ; Ye ZHANG ; Zhiping CUI
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2024;59(4):389-394
Objective To explore the application efficacy and safety of oblique ultrasound-guided techniques in PICC puncture,in order to provide guidance and references for clinical application.Methods Through convenient sampling,654 patients from a tertiary A hospital in Zhejiang Province from March to December 2022 were selected as the study subjects.The random numbers were generated through Excel table functions and they were randomly grouped into 3 groups:A,B,and C.The ultrasound short axis method,long axis method,and oblique axis method were employed to guide PICC puncture catheterization,respectively.The success rate of PICC puncture,the number of subcutaneous adjustments of the puncture needle,puncture time,and the occurrence of puncture complications(such as hematoma,puncture of the posterior wall of blood vessels,accidental injury to arteries,and accidental injury to nerves)were recorded during the catheterization process in 3 groups.Results A total of 654 patients completed the study,including 215 in group A,219 in group B,and 220 in group C.The success rate of first-time puncture in the group C(86.36%)was higher than that in group A(73.95%)and group B(63.93%),and there was a statistically significant difference among 3 groups(P<0.001).The subcutaneous adjustment frequency of the puncture needle was 1(1,1)in group C,1(1,2)in group A,and 1(1,2)in group B.The difference between 3 groups was statistically significant(P<0.001);the puncture time of group C was shorter than that of group A and group B,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.001).There was a statistically significant difference in the puncture time between 3 groups(P<0.017);the pairwise comparison of the number of subcutaneous needle adjustments and the success rate of a puncture between 3 groups showed that there was a statistical difference between group C and group A,and between group C and group B(P<0.017),while there was no statistical difference between group A and group B(P>0.017).There was statistical significance(P<0.05)among 3 groups in terms of complications such as accidental nerve injury and puncture of the contralateral vascular wall by puncture needle,but there was no statistical significance in terms of accidental arterial injury and hematoma occurrence among 3 groups.Conclusion Compared with the short axis approach and the long axis approach,the ultrasound oblique axis approach guided PICC puncture has statistical differences in the success rate of a puncture and the incidence of puncture complications,etc.It is recommended to use the ultrasound oblique axis approach during PICC puncture.
7.A national questionnaire survey on endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in China
Xing WANG ; Bing HU ; Yiling LI ; Zhijie FENG ; Yanjing GAO ; Zhining FAN ; Feng JI ; Bingrong LIU ; Jinhai WANG ; Wenhui ZHANG ; Tong DANG ; Hong XU ; Derun KONG ; Lili YUAN ; Liangbi XU ; Shengjuan HU ; Liangzhi WEN ; Ping YAO ; Yunxiao LIANG ; Xiaodong ZHOU ; Huiling XIANG ; Xiaowei LIU ; Xiaoquan HUANG ; Yinglei MIAO ; Xiaoliang ZHU ; De'an TIAN ; Feihu BAI ; Jitao SONG ; Ligang CHEN ; Yingcai MA ; Yifei HUANG ; Bin WU ; Xiaolong QI
Chinese Journal of Digestive Endoscopy 2024;41(1):43-51
Objective:To investigate the current status of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in China, and to provide supporting data and reference for the development of endoscopic treatment.Methods:In this study, initiated by the Liver Health Consortium in China (CHESS), a questionnaire was designed and distributed online to investigate the basic condition of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in 2022 in China. Questions included annual number and indication of endoscopic procedures, adherence to guideline for preventing esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB), management and timing of emergent EGVB, management of gastric and isolated varices, and improvement of endoscopic treatment. Proportions of hospitals concerning therapeutic choices to all participant hospitals were calculated. Guideline adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals were compared by using Chi-square test.Results:A total of 836 hospitals from 31 provinces (anotomous regions and municipalities) participated in the survey. According to the survey, the control of acute EGVB (49.3%, 412/836) and the prevention of recurrent bleeding (38.3%, 320/836) were major indications of endoscopic treatment. For primary [non-selective β-blocker (NSBB) or endoscopic therapies] and secondary prophylaxis (NSBB and endoscopic therapies) of EGVB, adherence to domestic guideline was 72.5% (606/836) and 39.2% (328/836), respectively. There were significant differences in the adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals in primary prophylaxis of EGVB [71.0% (495/697) VS 79.9% (111/139), χ2=4.11, P=0.033] and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB [41.6% (290/697) VS 27.3% (38/139), χ2=9.31, P=0.002]. A total of 78.2% (654/836) hospitals preferred endoscopic therapies treating acute EGVB, and endoscopic therapy was more likely to be the first choice for treating acute EGVB in tertiary hospitals (82.6%, 576/697) than secondary hospitals [56.1% (78/139), χ2=46.33, P<0.001]. The optimal timing was usually within 12 hours (48.5%, 317/654) and 12-24 hours (36.9%, 241/654) after the bleeding. Regarding the management of gastroesophageal varices type 2 and isolated gastric varices type 1, most hospitals used cyanoacrylate injection in combination with sclerotherapy [48.2% (403/836) and 29.9% (250/836), respectively], but substantial proportions of hospitals preferred clip-assisted therapies [12.4% (104/836) and 26.4% (221/836), respectively]. Improving the skills of endoscopic doctors (84.2%, 704/836), and enhancing the precision of pre-procedure evaluation and quality of multidisciplinary team (78.9%, 660/836) were considered urgent needs in the development of endoscopic treatment. Conclusion:A variety of endoscopic treatments for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension are implemented nationwide. Participant hospitals are active to perform emergent endoscopy for acute EGVB, but are inadequate in following recommendations regarding primary and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB. Moreover, the selection of endoscopic procedures for gastric varices differs greatly among hospitals.
8.Th17/Treg balance and macrophage polarization ratio in lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans
Zhen-Zhen Li ; Min Liu ; Xiong-Hui He ; Zhen-Dong Liu ; Zhan-Xiang Xiao ; Hao Qian ; You-Fei Qi ; Cun-Chuan Wang
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 2024;14(3):127-136
Objective: To explore the balance of peripheral blood T helper 17 cells/regulatory T cell (Th17/Treg) ratio and the polarization ratio of M1 and M2 macrophages in lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO). Methods: A rat model of lower extremity ASO was established, and blood samples from patients with lower extremity ASO before and after surgery were obtained. ELISA was used to detect interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-10, and IL-17. Real-time RCR and Western blot analyses were used to detect Foxp3, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17 expression. Moreover, flow cytometry was applied to detect the Th17/Treg ratio and M1/M2 ratio. Results: Compared with the control group, the iliac artery wall of ASO rats showed significant hyperplasia, and the concentrations of cholesterol and triglyceride were significantly increased (P<0.01), indicating the successful establishment of ASO. Moreover, the levels of IL-6 and IL-17 in ASO rats were pronouncedly increased (P<0.05), while the IL-10 level was significantly decreased (P<0.05). In addition to increased IL-6 and IL-17 levels, the mRNA and protein levels of Foxp3 and IL-10 in ASO rats were significantly decreased compared with the control group. The Th17/Treg and M1/M2 ratios in the ASO group were markedly increased (P<0.05). These alternations were also observed in ASO patients. After endovascular surgery (such as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and arterial stenting), all these changes were significantly improved (P<0.05). Conclusions: The Th17/Treg and M1/M2 ratios were significantly increased in ASO, and surgery can effectively improve the balance of Th17/Treg, and reduce the ratio of M1/M2, and the expression of inflammatory factors.
9.The Role of Mechanical Sensitive Ion Channel Piezo in Digestive System Diseases
Si-Qi WANG ; Xiang-Yun YAN ; Yan-Qiu LI ; Fang-Li LUO ; Jun-Peng YAO ; Pei-Tao MA ; Yu-Jun HOU ; Hai-Yan QIN ; Yun-Zhou SHI ; Ying LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(8):1883-1894
The Piezo protein is a non-selective mechanosensitive cation channel that exhibits sensitivity to mechanical stimuli such as pressure and shear stress. It converts mechanical signals into bioelectric activity within cells, thus triggering specific biological responses. In the digestive system, Piezo protein plays a crucial role in maintaining normal physiological activities, including digestion, absorption, metabolic regulation, and immune modulation. However, dysregulation in Piezo protein expression may lead to the occurrence of several pathological conditions, including visceral hypersensitivity, impairment of intestinal mucosal barrier function, and immune inflammation.Therefore, conducting a comprehensive review of the physiological functions and pathological roles of Piezo protein in the digestive system is of paramount importance. In this review, we systematically summarize the structural and dynamic characteristics of Piezo protein, its expression patterns, and physiological functions in the digestive system. We particularly focus on elucidating the mechanisms of action of Piezo protein in digestive system tumor diseases, inflammatory diseases, fibrotic diseases, and functional disorders. Through the integration of the latest research findings, we have observed that Piezo protein plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various digestive system diseases. There exist intricate interactions between Piezo protein and multiple phenotypes of digestive system tumors such as proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. In inflammatory diseases, Piezo protein promotes intestinal immune responses and pancreatic trypsinogen activation, contributing to the development of ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and pancreatitis. Additionally, Piezo1, through pathways involving co-action with the TRPV4 ion channel, facilitates neutrophil recruitment and suppresses HIF-1α ubiquitination, thereby mediating organ fibrosis in organs like the liver and pancreas. Moreover, Piezo protein regulation by gut microbiota or factors like age and gender can result in increased or decreased visceral sensitivity, and alterations in intestinal mucosal barrier structure and permeability, which are closely associated with functional disorders like irritable bowel sydrome (IBS) and functional consitipaction (FC). A thorough exploration of Piezo protein as a potential therapeutic target in digestive system diseases can provide a scientific basis and theoretical support for future clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies.
10.Identification and functional analysis of pyroptosis-related miRNAs in aortic dissection
Yesitayi GULINAZI ; Qi WANG ; Keyoumu YILIHAMUJIANG ; Xiang MA
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2024;31(08):1181-1189
Objective To screen pyroptosis-related miRNAs of acute aortic dissection (AAD) from the GEO database, and analyze and verify their functions. Methods The microarray data set based on the miRNA chip in the GEO database was downloaded, the differentially expressed miRNAs were screened, and the target genes were predicted by the miRWalk database. Pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) were searched in the PubMed database with "pyroptosis" as the keyword, and the intersection of PRGs and differential miRNAs predicting target genes were taken as AAD PRGs by Venn diagram. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed. CytoHubba was used to screen the critical AAD PRGs and then the AAD pyroptosis-related miRNAs were identified. Aortic tissues were collected from gender- and age-matched AAD patients and healthy people, and the critical PRGs and miRNAs were verified by Western blotting and RT-qPCR. Results A total of 46 AAD differentially expressed miRNAs were screened, and 49 AAD PRGs were obtained by Venn diagram. GO enrichment analysis showed that the genes played a vital role in apoptosis regulated by cysteine endopeptidases. KEGG analysis showed that the genes enriched in Salmonella infection, necroptosis, and Nod-like receptor signaling pathways. CytoHubba screened the critical AAD PRGs such as cysteine aspartase-1 (Caspase-1), tumor necrosis factor (IL)-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), then obtained 12 AAD pyroptosis-related miRNAs. Aortic tissues were collected from 6 AAD patients and 6 healthy people. There were 5 males and 1 females in the AAD group with an average age of 48.70±6.35 years, and 4 males and 2 females in the healty control group with an average age of 45.30±4.58 years. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of gender, age, smoking history, hypertension, diabetes, or coronary heart disease (P>0.05). Western blotting and RT-qPCR results showed that Caspase-1 was up-regulated in the AAD patients' aortic tissues compared with the healthy aorta, and the corresponding miRNAs were miR-198, miR-3202, and miR-514b-5p, which were all down-regulated. Conclusion Through bioinformatics analysis and verification, the critical AAD PRGs are Caspase-1, IL-1β, and TNF, and Caspase-1 is up-regulated and 3 corresponding pyroptosis-related miRNAs are down-regulated, which provides new ideas for the molecular mechanism and targeted therapy of AAD cell pyroptosis.


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