Objective:To explore the effects of Liuwei Dihuang Wan on the behaviors and Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa-B(TLR4/NF-κB) signal transduction pathway of amyloid β-precursor protein/presenilin-1(APP/PS1) double transgenic mice.Methods:Forty 3-month-old female APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into model group, low-dose group(0.59 g/kg), medium-dose group(1.18 g/kg), high-dose group(2.36 g/kg)of Liuwei Dihuang Wan(gavaged according to grouped doses), and ibuprofen group(0.04 g/kg, gavage) using a random number table method, with 8 mice in each group.Eight 3-month-old wild-type female C57BL/6 mice with matched body weight were used as the control group.The mice in control group and model group were given an equal volume of 0.9% sodium chloride solution by gavage.The gavage administration was twice a day for a continuous period of 3 months.Morris water maze test was used to detect the learning and memory abilities of mice. ELISA was used to detect the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β) and immunohistochemistry was used to detect the levels of amyloid β-protein (Aβ), glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP) and NF-κB in hippocampal tissue.Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of TLR4, myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88(MyD88), and phosphorylated NF-κB(p-NF-κB) proteins in hippocampal tissue.The SPSS 20.0 software was used for data analysis. Multiple group comparisons were conducted by repeated measure ANOVA or one-way ANOVA.Results:The results of repeated measure ANOVA showed that as for the escape latency of the 6 groups of mice, the interaction effect between time and group was significant ( Finteraction=117.219, P<0.001). The escape latencies of mice in the 6 groups on the 5th day were all lower than those on the 1st day (all P<0.05). The escape latencies of mice in the ibuprofen group and the medium-dose and high-dose groups of Liuwei Dihuang Wan were lower than that in the model group from 1st day to 5th day(all P<0.05). On the 3rd to 5th day, the escape latencies of mice in the medium-dose and high-dose groups of Liuwei Dihuang Wan were lower than those in the low-dose group of Liuwei Dihuang Wan (all P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the percentage of residence time in the platform quadrant and the numbers of crossing platform among the 6 groups of mice ( F=5.451, 4.824, both P<0.05). The percentage of residence time in the platform quadrant (50.77±5.49)%, (54.39±5.71)%, (51.98±6.12)%), and the numbers of crossing platform((5.9±1.1) times, (6.0±1.3) times, (5.1±0.8) times) in the high-dose and medium-dose groups of Liuwei Dihuang Wan and the ibuprofen group were all higher than those in the model group ((27.32±3.22)%, (2.2±1.0) times )(all P<0.05). The immunohistochemical results showed that there were statistically significant differences in the integrated optical density values of Aβ, GFAP and NF-κB in the hippocampal tissues of 6 groups of mice ( F=57.52, 45.37, 79.10, all P<0.05). The integrated optical density values of Aβ, GFAP and NF-κB in the high-dose and medium-dose groups of Liuwei Dihuang Wan and the ibuprofen group were all lower than those in the model group (all P<0.05). And the integrated optical density values of Aβ, GFAP, and NF-κB in the high-dose and medium-dose groups of Liuwei Dihuang Wan were all lower than those in the low-dose group of Liuwei Dihuang Wan (all P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the levels of serum TNF-α and IL-1β detected by ELISA ( F=3.996, 6.395, both P<0.05) and the proteins levels of TLR4, MyD88, and p-NF-κB in hippocampal tissue detected by Western blot among the 6 groups( F=15.710, 3.522, 4.119, all P<0.05). The serum TNF-α and IL-1β levels in the high-dose and medium-dose groups of Liuwei Dihuang Wan and ibuprofen group were all lower than those in the model group (all P<0.05). The serum TNF-α ((18.90±2.33) ng/L, (21.56±2.49) ng/L) and IL-1β ((5.88±0.80) ng/L, (6.75±0.83) ng/L) levels in the high-dose and medium-dose groups of Liuwei Dihuang Wan were lower than those in the low-dose group ((30.77±2.89) ng/L, (9.11±1.27) ng/L) (all P<0.05). The protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, and p-NF-κB in the hippocampus of the high-dose and medium-dose groups of Liuwei Dihuang Wan and ibuprofen group were lower than those of the model group (all P<0.05). The protein expression levels of TLR4 ((0.254±0.091), (0.318±0.122)), MyD88 ((0.229±0.077), (0.386±0.119)), and p-NF-κB ((0.412±0.188), (0.358±0.119)) in the hippocampus of the high-dose and medium-dose groups of Liuwei Dihuang Wan were lower than those of the low-dose group ((0.617±0.172), (0.672±0.166), (0.799±0.227)) (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Liuwei Dihuang Wan can significantly alleviate learning and memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease model mice, possibly by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signal pathway, reducing TNF-α and IL-1β expression, thereby alleviate central immune inflammatory response and exert anti Alzheimer's disease effects.

Objective:To evaluate the status of, differences in, and factors influencing quality of life (QoL) in patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).Methods:From September 2021 to February 2023, a cross-sectional study of 140 patients with chronic GVHD was conducted at our center. Symptom burden was assessed by the Lee Symptomatology Scale (LSS), and QoL was assessed by the Medical Outcome Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) (version 1) and five-level EuroQoL five-dimensional questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L).Results:Data from 140 respondents, including 32 (22.9%) with mild chronic GVHD, 87 (62.1%) with moderate chronic GVHD, and 21 (15.0%) with severe chronic GVHD, were analyzed. Of the respondents, 61.4% were male, and the median transplantation age was 34 (15-68) years. The primary diagnoses were acute myeloid leukemia (50.0%), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (20.0%), and myelodysplastic syndrome (15.0%). The common chronic GVHD-affected organs included the skin in 74 patients (52.9%), the eyes in 57 patients (40.7%), and the liver in 50 patients (35.7%). Among the whole cohort, the eye (20.48±23.75), psychological (16.13±17.00), and oral (13.66±20.55) scores were highest in the LSS group. The physiological function (36.07±11.13), social function (36.10±10.68), and role-emotional functioning (38.36±11.88) scores were lowest in the SF-36 group. The EQ-5D index was 0.764. The total LSS scores for mild, moderate, and severe chronic GVHD were 6.51±6.15, 10.07±5.61, and 20.90±10.09, respectively. The SF-36 physical component scores (PCSs) were 43.12±6.38, 40.73±7.14, and 36.97±6.97, respectively, and the mental component scores (MCSs) were 43.00±8.47, 38.90±9.52, and 28.96±9.63, respectively. The EQ-5D values were 0.810±0.124, 0.762±0.179, and 0.702±0.198, respectively. The multivariate analysis showed that the overall symptom burden ( β=-0.517), oral symptom burden ( β=-0.456), National Institute of Health (NIH) criteria for the eyes ( β=-0.376), and nutrition-related symptom burden ( β=-0.211) were significantly negatively correlated with the PCS. The NIH score ( β=-0.260) was negatively correlated with the MCS score. Oral symptom burden ( β=-0.400), joint/fascia NIH criteria ( β=-0.332), number of involved systems ( β=-0.253), overall NIH criteria ( β=-0.205), and number of immunosuppressants taken ( β=-0.171) were significantly negatively correlated with the EQ-5D score (all P<0.05). Medium to strong correlations were found between the EQ-5D score and the SF-36 score (| r|=0.384-0.571, P<0.001). Conclusions:The QoL of patients with chronic GVHD is impaired, and the more severe the disease, the poorer the QoL. Overall symptom burden, severity of eyes, and oral symptom burden were the most important factors affecting QoL.

Objective:To investigate the association between cytokines and ocular chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) and identify specific biomarkers for ocular cGVHD to enhance clinical diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation.Methods:A mouse model of cGVHD was established to explore the correlation between cGVHD and serum cytokines. Based on the findings from the animal experiments and literature review, a panel of 16 cytokine combinations was identified. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to compare the cytokine concentrations in the serum and tear samples from patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from June 2017 to March 2022 at the Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University.Results:① Compared with the control group, mice with cGVHD exhibited elevated serum IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, IFN-γ, CX3CL1, CXCL11, CXCL13, CCL11, and CCL19 concentrations (all P<0.05). ② Analysis of the cytokine profiles of the serum and tear samples revealed that compared with patients without ocular cGVHD, those with ocular cGVHD exhibited increased serum IL-8 [ P=0.032, area under the curve (AUC) =0.678]; decreased serum IL-10 ( P=0.030, AUC=0.701) ; elevated IL-8, IFN-γ, CXCL9, and CCL17 in tear samples; and lower IL-10 and CCL19 in tear samples (all P<0.05, all AUC>0.7). Moreover, cytokines in tear samples showed correlations with ocular surface parameters related to ocular cGVHD. Conclusions:Tear fluid demonstrates greater specificity and sensitivity as a biomarker for diagnosing ocular cGVHD than serum biomarkers. Among the identified cytokines in tear samples, IL-8, IL-10, IFN-γ, CXCL9, CCL17, and CCL19 serve as diagnostic biomarkers for ocular cGVHD post-transplantation, offering practical reference value for diagnosis.

Background and objective Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths.Non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)is the most common pathological subtype,with adenocarcinoma being the predominant type.FAT atypical cadherin 1(FAT1)is a receptor-like protein with a high frequency of mutations in lung adenocarcinoma.The protein encoded by FAT1 plays a crucial role in processes such as cell adhesion,proliferation,and differentiation.This study aims to investigate the expression of FAT1 in lung adenocarcinoma and its relationship with immune infiltration.Methods Gene expression levels and relevant clinical information of 513 lung adenocarcinoma samples and 397 adjacent lung samples were obtained through The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)and Genotype-Tissue Expression(GTEx)data.The mRNA expression levels of the FAT1 gene in lung adenocarcinoma tissues were analyzed,along with its association with the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma patients.Pathway enrichment analysis was conducted to explore the signaling pathways regulated by the FAT1 gene.Immu-noblotting was used to detect the differential expression of FAT1 in lung epithelial cells and various lung cancer cell lines,while immunohistochemistry was employed to assess FAT1 expression in lung cancer and adjacent tissues.Results FAT1 gene muta-tions were identified in 14%of lung adenocarcinoma patients.TCGA database data revealed significantly higher FAT1 mRNA expression in lung adenocarcinoma tissues compared to adjacent lung tissues.Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated lower survival rates in lung adenocarcinoma patients with higher FAT gene expression.Pathway enrichment analysis suggested the involve-ment of FAT1 in tumor development pathways,and its expression was closely associated with immune cell infiltration.Immu-nohistochemical validation demonstrated significantly higher expression of FAT1 in cancer tissues compared to adjacent lung tissues.Conclusion FAT1 mRNA is highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma tissues,and elevated FAT1 mRNA expression is associated with poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma patients.FAT1 may serve as a potential biomarker for lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Imatinib mesylate (IM) resistance is an emerging problem for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Previous studies found that connexin 43 (Cx43) deficiency in the hematopoietic microenvironment (HM) protects minimal residual disease (MRD), but the mechanism remains unknown. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry assays were employed to compare the expression of Cx43 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) in bone marrow (BM) biopsies of CML patients and healthy donors. A coculture system of K562 cells and several Cx43-modified bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) was established under IM treatment. Proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and other indicators of K562 cells in different groups were detected to investigate the function and possible mechanism of Cx43. We assessed the Ca 2+ -related pathway by Western blotting. Tumor-bearing models were also established to validate the causal role of Cx43 in reversing IM resistance. RESULTS: Low levels of Cx43 in BMs were observed in CML patients, and Cx43 expression was negatively correlated with HIF-1α. We also observed that K562 cells cocultured with BMSCs transfected with adenovirus-short hairpin RNA of Cx43 (BMSCs-shCx43) had a lower apoptosis rate and that their cell cycle was blocked in G0/G1 phase, while the result was the opposite in the Cx43-overexpression setting. Cx43 mediates gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) through direct contact, and Ca 2+ is the key factor mediating the downstream apoptotic pathway. In animal experiments, mice bearing K562, and BMSCs-Cx43 had the smallest tumor volume and spleen, which was consistent with the in vitro experiments. CONCLUSIONS Cx43 deficiency exists in CML patients, promoting the generation of MRD and inducing drug resistance. Enhancing Cx43 expression and GJIC function in the HM may be a novel strategy to reverse drug resistance and promote IM efficacy.
Animals ; Humans ; Mice ; Apoptosis ; Bone Marrow Cells ; Cell Communication ; Connexin 43/genetics* ; Gap Junctions/metabolism* ; Imatinib Mesylate/therapeutic use* ; K562 Cells ; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/pathology* ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Tumor Microenvironment ; Calcium/metabolism*

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a highly effective and unique medical procedure for the treatment of most hematological malignancies. The first allogeneic transplantation was performed by E. Donnall Thomas in 1957. Since then, the field has evolved and expanded worldwide. The first successful allogenic HSCT (allo-HSCT) in China was conducted in 1981. Although the development of allo-HSCT in China lagged, China has since made considerable contributions to the process of HSCT worldwide, with more than 10,000 HSCTs performed annually. In particular, haploid HSCT (haplo-HSCT) technology represented in the Beijing Protocol has demonstrated similar efficacy to human leukocyte antigen-matched HSCT and has gradually become the pre-dominant choice for allo-HSCT in China. Currently, the number of haplo-HSCT procedures exceeds 5000 per year, and the Beijing Protocol has been greatly improved by implementing updated individualized strategies for controlling complications, relapse, and infection management. In addition, innovative haplo-HSCT technologies developed by different medical transplantation centers, such as Soochow, Zhejiang, Fujian, Chongqing, and Anhui, have emerged, providing inspiration for the refinement of global practice. This review will focus on the current activity in this field and highlight important trends that are vital in China’s allo-HSCT process, examining the current viewpoint and future directions.

Objective: To explore the treatment technique, occurrence and development patterns of such radiation injuries as in a major radiological accident in which a victim suffered mild bone marrow radiation sickness combined grade degree Ⅲ acute radiation induced skin injury, based on his dose estimation, clinical manifestations and disease treatments. Methods: History inquiry in detail, earlier physical dose estimation and biological dose estimation were conducted in conjunction with analyzing the chromosome aberration of peripheral blood lymphocytes. The physical dose was estimated by Monte Carlo method.The systematic laboratory and imaging examination was performed to evaluate the condition. The comprehensive analysis was conducted to determine the diagnosis and treatment plan. Results: At 3d after the exposure, "Ren" felt mild pain and discomfortable on the skin of the right index finger. The body of the right hand index finger was covered with blister at 21 d after exposure.The estimation of biological dose was 0.43 Gy (95%CI: 0.31-0.58 Gy), and the physical dose was estimated to be 36-164 Gy for each part of the right hand finger. The hematopoietic system, immune system and endocrine system were normal. The liver function index value was transiently increased. The liver damage resulted from the use of antibiotic-induced combined with the patient′s past medical history and admission examination result, and the relevant antibiotics were discontinued. The liver function returned to normal after liver protection treatment. At 22 d after irradiation, a right finger incision and decompression surgery were performed. The stem cells were extracted and implanted into the right index finger. After 59 days of hospitalization, there was no obvious discomfort in the body, and the right index finger recovered well, as well as the pain significantly relieved, and the knuckle activity was basically normal. Conclusions The patient with excessive radiation and grade Ⅲ acute radiation skin injury was successfully treated, and local application of autologous adipose-derived stem cell transplantation achieved good result .

Objective To study the effect of endovenous laser ablation combined with subfascial endoscopy therapy for venous ulcer of the lower limbs.Methods Clinical data of 112 patients undergoing endovenous laser ablation combined with subfascial endoscopy therapy for venous ulcer of the lower limbs from Oct 2011 to Feb 2016 was retrospectively evaluated.Results Patients had average 2-6 perforating veins in their affected lower limbs.Procedures were successful in all the patients,all the superficial varicose veins disappeared after 1 month and 1 year of ultrasound follow-up,perforating veins closed,ulcer healed,and chromatosis alleviated.Conclusion Endovenous laser ablation combined with subfascial endoscopy therapy for venous ulcer of the lower limbs is effective,safe and quick recovery.

Objective To investigate the late effects induced by ionizing radiation and the rehabilitation treatment of local radiation injury by medical follow-up of the patient exposed to192 Ir at 5.7 accident in Nanjing,and to provide more experience for the treatments in the medical emergency of nuclear or radiological accident.Methods According to the history inquiry and physical examination of the patient in detail and the record of clinical symptoms and signs,the changes of the blood system,immune system,reproductive system,eyes,nervous system were systematically evaluated.The effects of rehabilitation treatment for the patient with lower limb dysfunction were also assessed.Results After the medical treatments of the patient,the hematopoietic immune system was restored,but the bone marrow aspiration still showed low bone marrow hyperplasia in right ilium.Meanwhile,the level of sex hormones was within the normal range,but semen examination showed sperm motility was 0.The radiation damage also occurred in the eye lens,retina and fundus.Howevcr,the psychological evaluation showed that the patient was stable and the right lower limb skin wound healing was well except for dysfunction and pain in some extent,which was relieved after the rehabilitation treatment.Conclusions The physiological function of the exposed victim with mild bone marrow type acute radiation sickness could be completely or partially restored after the clinical treatment in the early stage.

Objective To explore the shielding effects of 1-4 layers of lead aprons (LPs) and body shielding devices (BSDs) against stray radiation (SR) outside the electron beam field of 6-15 MeV.Methods JR-115B LiF TLDs were used to measure the stray radiation doses (SRDs) to the patient undergoing treatment,before and after being shielding,for different distances,different energies,different applicators,variable layers of LPs,and different thickness of body shielding devices (BSDs),respectively,along long calculating and comparing the shielding ratios of LPs and BSDs against SR.Results When the applicator (10 cm × 10 cm) is unchanged,the shielding ratio increased with the increased distance from measuring point (r =0.717,P ＜ 0.05) and decreased with the increased electron energy (r =-0.678,P ＜ 0.05);when the energy was constant,there was no correlation between the shielding ratio and the size of applicator (P ＞ 0.05);For lower energy electron beam of 6 and 9 MeV,the shielding ratio for 1 mm Pb-BSD was slightly higher than that for 2 layers of LA (t =2.519,2 662,P ＜ 0.05),ranging from 81.5％ to 95.3％ and 55.4％ to 84.6％,respectively.For 12 and 15 MeV higher energy electron beam,the shielding ratio for 2 mm Pb-BSD was slightly higher than that for 4 layers of LA (t=3.768,7.934,P＜0.05),ranging from 64.6％ to 93.4％ and 51.1％ to 92.4％,respectively.Conclusions LAs or BSDs are availavle for effectively reducing the doses from stray radiation,and may help reduce the secondary risks from stray radiation.BSDs have more obvious advantages than LPs with regard to shielding effect.