Humans ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein/metabolism* ; Histones ; Methyltransferases

Objective:To investigate the effect of estrogen-related receptor α (ESRRA)-mediated lipophagy on the proliferation and migration abilities of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells.Methods:A total of 16 clinical samples diagnosed by pathology in the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from 2021 to 2023 were selected, including 8 normal nasopharyngeal mucosa tissues and 8 nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues. Immortalized normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cell line NP69 and nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines C666-1, CNE2, TW03-EBV and TW03 were selected. The cell lines C666-1 and CNE2 were divided into the siR-NC group (transfected with small interfering RNA negative control sequence) and siR-ESRRA group (transfected with small interfering RNA against ESRRA gene). The relative expression levels of ESRRA were detected by Western blotting and immunohistochemical assay. EdU assay was used to detect the proliferation ability of C666-1 and CNE2 cells, and Transwell assay was used to detect the migration ability. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the relative expression levels of ESRRA and perilipin 3 (PLIN3) mRNA. The formation of lipophagy in C666-1 and CNE2 cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The co-localization of LC3, PLIN3 and LAMP2 with lipid droplets labeling with Bodipy was detected by immunofluorescence assay. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was used to verify the targeting relationship between ESRRA and PLIN3.Results:The relative expression level of ESRRA in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues was higher than that in normal nasopharyngeal mucosa tissues(1.15±0.75 vs. 0.32±0.21, t = 3.02, P = 0.009). The relative expression level of ESRRA in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines C666-1 (1.539±0.044), CNE2 (1.420±0.030), TW03-EBV (2.867±0.044), and TW03 (1.323±0.022) were higher than that in normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cell line NP69 (0.094±0.002), and the difference was statistically significant ( F = 34.08, P < 0.001).The results of EdU assay showed that the proportions of EdU labeled positive cells in CNE2 cells of siR-NC group and siR-ESRRA group were (70.44±4.06)% and (51.51±0.92)% ( t = 7.88, P = 0.001), and the proportions in C666-1 cells were (62.25±3.89)% and (54.91±0.27)% ( t = 3.26, P = 0.031). The results of Transwell assay showed that the number of migrating cells in CNE2 and C666-1 cells was less than that in siR-NC group [CNE2 cells: (181±7) cells vs. (261±21) cells; C666-1 cells: (201±16) cells vs. (256±7) cells], and the differences were statistically significant ( t = 6.30, P = 0.003; t = 5.43, P = 0.006). According to qRT-PCR results, the relative expression level of PLIN3 mRNA in the siR-ESRRA group was higher than that in the siR-NC group (CNE2 cells: 1.58±0.16 vs. 0.83±0.17, t = 5.59, P = 0.005; C666-1 cells: 1.37±0.12 vs. 1.06±0.06, t = 3.86, P = 0.018). The dual-luciferase reporter gene assay results indicated a targeted binding interaction between PLIN3 and ESRRA. Transmission electron microscopy observation showed that the lipid droplets in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells increased and the binding to autophagosomes decreased after knockdown of ESRRA. The results of immunofluorescence assay demonstrated that, in contrast to the siR-NC group, there was a decrease in the co-localization of LC3 and LAMP2 and an increase in the co-localization of lipid droplets with PLIN3. Conclusions:ESRRA is highly expressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues and cells. As a transcription repressor, ESRRA may work to prevent PLIN3 from being transcribed, decrease lipid droplet stability, mediate lipophagy, and promote proliferation and migration of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells.

Objective:To investigate the incidence of coronary artery tortuosity and its correlation with poor prognosis in patients with septal hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).Methods:This was a retrospective cohort study. Patients with septal HCM who were hospitalized in Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital and Zhengzhou University People′s Hospital between December 1, 2017 and June 10, 2021 were selected. Non-HCM patients were matched by gender, age, and hypertension as control group. Septal HCM was divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of coronary artery tortuosity. Clinical baseline data and coronary angiography findings were compared using a multifactorial logistic analysis of the risk factors for coronary artery tortuosity. Patients were followed up until July 1, 2022, with the primary outcome being the composite endpoint of malignant arrhythmia, ischemic stroke and all-cause death. Incidence densities were compared between the coronary artery tortuosity and non-coronary artery tortuosity groups of septal HCM patients. The Cox risk-ratio model was used to analyze risk factors for primary outcomes in septal HCM patients.Results:There were 156 patients in the septal HCM group and 156 patients in the control group, both aged (57.0±11.4) years, and 75 (48.1%) were female. The incidence of coronary artery tortuosity was significantly higher in the septal HCM group than in the control group (63.5% vs. 36.5%, P<0.01), and the coronary artery tortuosity score was also higher in the septal HCM group than in the control group ( P<0.01). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that septal HCM was a risk factor for coronary artery tortuosity ( OR=3.27, 95% CI: 2.02-5.29, P<0.01). In the septal HCM patients, after (2.5±1.2) years of follow-up, the incidence density of primary outcome was significantly higher in the coronary artery tortuosity group than in the non-coronary artery tortuosity group ( P=0.02), while each on-point in coronary artery tortuosity score increased the risk of primary outcome by 53% for septal HCM patients ( HR=1.53, 95% CI: 1.26-1.86, P<0.01). Conclusions:Patients with septal HCM are more prone to suffer coronary artery tortuosity and suffer from it to a greater extent. Coronary artery tortuosity is an important risk factor for adverse events in patients with septal HCM.

Humans ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein/metabolism* ; Histones ; Methyltransferases

OBJECTIVE To establish the quality standard of Triadica cochinchinensis and to perform the acute toxicity study. METHODS Appearance properties, powder microscopic identification, and thin-layer chromatography(TLC) identification were researched. The specific chromatogram was established by HPLC. The content of cadmium(Cd), lead(Pb), arsenic(As), copper(Cu), and mercury(Hg) was determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry(ICP-MS). Acute toxicity was studied by maximum dose. RESULTS The outer skin of herbs was dark brown, and the inner surface was light yellow brown and fibrous. Besides, crystal sheath fiber was common, and calcium oxalate clusters arranges in rows. In the TLC diagram of the test product, the fluorescent spots of the same color were displayed at the corresponding position of the control product(scopoletin, isofraxidin). Five common peaks were calibrated in the characteristic map and the three characteristic peaks(scopoletin, isofraxidin, dimethylfraxetin) were recognized. The content of the measured heavy metal elements was lower than the national limit standard. The linear correlation coefficient was R2 > 0.999. The precision, stability, repetitive RSD were < 10%. The average recovery rate of the added sample was 80%−120%, and the RSD was < 10%. The maximum dose of the acute toxicity test was 184.09 g·kg−1. The 14 d internal body mass, food intake, organ-body ratios, the serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine were not significantly different by comparing with the normal controls. Therefore, no significant toxicity was observed. CONCLUSION The established standard can provide a reference for evaluating the quality of Triadica cochinchinensis. The heavy metal content of ten batches of medicinal materials is within the safe range. Acute toxicity test show that there is no obvious significant adverse teactions after oral administration, and the safe dose range is large, which can provide a reference for the subsequent development and utilization.

Objective Previous studies on the association between lipid profiles and chronic kidney disease(CKD)have yielded inconsistent results and no defined thresholds for blood lipids. Methods A prospective cohort study including 32,351 subjects who completed baseline and follow-up surveys over 5 years was conducted.Restricted cubic splines and Cox models were used to examine the association between the lipid profiles and CKD.A regression discontinuity design was used to determine the cutoff value of lipid profiles that was significantly associated with increased the risk of CKD. Results Over a median follow-up time of 2.2(0.5,4.2)years,648(2.00%)subjects developed CKD.The lipid profiles that were significantly and linearly related to CKD included total cholesterol(TC),triglycerides(TG),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),TC/HDL-C,and TG/HDL-C,whereas low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and LDL-C/HDL-C were nonlinearly correlated with CKD.TC,TG,TC/HDL-C,and TG/HDL-C showed an upward jump at the cutoff value,increasing the risk of CKD by 0.90%,1.50%,2.30%,and 1.60%,respectively,whereas HDL-C showed a downward jump at the cutoff value,reducing this risk by 1.0%.Female and participants with dyslipidemia had a higher risk of CKD,while the cutoff values for the different characteristics of the population were different. Conclusion There was a significant association between lipid profiles and CKD in a prospective cohort from Northwest China,while TG,TC/HDL-C,and TG/HDL-C showed a stronger risk association.The specific cutoff values of lipid profiles may provide a clinical reference for screening or diagnosing CKD risk.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of jujube core-shaped tissue resection technique in the treatment of alar reduction.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of patients who underwent alar reduction from February 2019 to June 2022. A spindle-shaped incision line was designed along the outer edge of the base of the nasal lobule, with a width of 4-5 mm and a length of 8-12 mm. The incision line was 1-2 mm away from the alar groove, and the inner side of the design line was extended to the inside of the nasal vestibule. After the incision was made, the subcutaneous tissue was undermining dissected with curved sharp scissors, and the shape of the extended excision tissue was similar to that of jujube core. After reduction, the incision was closed with vertical mattress suture. The surgical effect and complications were followed up after surgery, and an independent attending plastic surgeon evaluated the outcome and scarring based on photos before and at the last postoperative follow-up using the global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) and the Vancouver scar scale (VSS). GAIS is graded as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 points, and the lower the score, the better the improvement(≤3 points as effective improvement). VSS includes four parameters: color (0-3 points), thickness (0-4 points), vascular distribution (0-3 points), and softness (0-5 points). The higher the score, the more significant the scar is.Results:A total of 20 patients were enrolled, including 6 males and 14 females, aged 20 to 33 years, with an average age of 24.9 years. Before the operation, there were different degrees of alar flare and alar hypertrophy. After surgery, 13 patients had mild swelling, ecchymosis, which resolved after 3 days. There were no major complications as infection, incision dehiscence, and delayed healing. After 3 to 16 months of postoperative follow-up, 2 patients gradually developed cartilage deformation and affected the appearance of the nostrils 6 to 9 months after surgery due to the combination of rib-based rhinoplasty, and the satisfactory results were obtained after revision surgery. The symmetry of the nostrils was significantly improved. The GAIS score of 20 patients was (1.20±0.41) points, of which, 16 patients were rated as 1 point and 4 patients were rated as 2 points, all of which met the improvement criteria, and the VSS score was (1.45±0.60) points, in which the average score for color, thickness, vasculature and compliance are 0.60, 0.05, 0.55 and 0.30 points respectively.Conclusion:The application of jujube core-shaped tissue resection technique for alar reduction can increase the amount of tissue removal with the same incision width, which can not only fully narrow the alar effectively but also correct the hypertrophy of the alar tissue.

Objective:To investigate the clinical outcome of biplanar botulinum toxin type A injection in alleviating platysmal bands.Methods:From November 2022 to May 2023, the clinical data of patients with platysmal bands treated by botulinum toxin type A injection in Department of Face and Neck Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Department of Plastic Surgery, Chengdu Badachu Cosmetic Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The platysmal bands were marked, while patients were grinning, before injection. Using a 13 mm 30 G needle, 20 U/ml botulinum toxin was injected into the muscle layer along the bands from the clavicle direction. The dose was 1 U at a single point every 1.5 cm. Using a 3 mm 30 G needle, 10 U/ml botulinum toxin was injected into the deep surface of dermis along the bands with a single point dose of 0.5 U. Effects were evaluated by overall subjective satisfaction of patients, which were categorized into 4 grades: very satisfied, satisfied, dissatisfied, very dissatisfied. In addition, accessment by a third-party physician with global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) (1-5 points, the lower the score, the more significant the improvement is) and Geister platysmal band scale (0-4 points, the higher the score, the more severe the platysmal band is). Normal distribution data was represented by Mean±SD.Results:A total of 19 patients were included, including 3 males and 16 females, with the average age of 36.1 years. After a mean follow-up of 1.3 months (1-5 months), the overall subjective satisfaction was 100%(19/19). The GAIS score of third-party physicians was 1.12±0.33. 100%(19/19) of patients received a rating over moderate improvement(significant improvement in 17 cases and moderate improvement in 2 cases). The Geister platysmal band score decreased from preoperative 3.65 ± 0.33 to postoperative 0.76 ± 0.44. No serious complications were found except 5 cases of local congestion and 2 cases of injection pain, which were relieved in 1 week and 3 hours respectively. 2 cases felt mild neck weakness, but neck activity was not affected. The adverse symptoms all completely resolved spontaneously within 4 weeks. All patients have no mouth deviation, difficulty speaking, facial paralysis, allergies, or other noticeable complications.Conclusion:The injection of botulinum toxin type A in dual-plane of platysmal intramuscular layer and deep intradermal layer can effectively alleviate platysmal bands and achieve neck rejuvenation.

Objective To retrospectively analyze the clinical data of skin ulcer patients in Lingnan area,and to explore the distribution of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome types and their related influencing factors.Methods The clinical data of 241 patients with skin ulcer who were hospitalized in the Department of Dermatology,Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine from August 2012 to July 2022 were collected,and their clinical characteristics and distribution of TCM syndrome types were analyzed.Results(1)The analysis of clinical characteristics showed that the age of the 241 patients with skin ulcers ranged from 10 years old to 98 years old,and the patients aged 70-79 years had the high incidence;the course of disease ranged from one week to more than 20 years,and most of the patients had the course of disease being 1-5 year(s);most of the patients were male,and the ratio of male to female was 1.62∶1;a total of 200 cases(82.99%)suffered skin ulcers in the lower limbs,17 cases(7.05%)suffered skin ulcers in the trunk,13 cases(5.39%)suffered multiple skin ulcers in the whole body,9 cases(3.73%)suffered skin ulcers in the upper limbs,and 2 cases(0.83%)suffered skin ulcers in the head and face.There was no significant difference in the gender and foci of the patients(P＞0.05).(2)The distribution of TCM syndrome types showed that among the 241 patients with skin ulcers,damp-heat and stasis obstruction syndrome was the most common(46.89%),followed by spleen deficiency with predominant dampness syndrome(27.39%),qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome(14.11%),and qi and yin deficiency syndrome(11.62%).There was no significant difference in the gender among the four TCM syndrome types(P＞0.05),but there was significant difference in the age of the patients(P＜0.05).Conclusion There were certain differences exert in the distribution of the age,gender,foci and course of disease in the patients with skin ulcers in Lingnan area,and the damp-heat and stasis obstruction syndrome is the most common type of the patients.

Objective:This study aims to compare the antiviral treatment similarities and differences in the population covered by the 2024 version of the World Health Organization's (WHO) hepatitis B prevention and treatment guidelines and the current Chinese hepatitis B prevention and treatment guidelines, so as to explore their impact on the indications for antiviral therapy in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).Methods:The information of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection who did not receive antiviral treatment was collected through the registration database of the China Clinical Research Platform for Hepatitis B Elimination. Descriptive statistics were conducted on the demographic, blood, biochemical, and virological levels of patients according to the treatment recommendations of the two versions of the guidelines. The Mann-Whitney U test and χ2 test were used to compare the differences and proportional distribution of the treatment populations covered by the two guidelines. The χ2 test was used to analyze the coverage rate of different antiviral treatment indications.Results:A total of 21,134 CHB patients without antiviral treatment were enrolled. 69.4% of patients met the 2024 versions of the WHO guidelines' recommendations. 85.0% of patients met the current Chinese hepatitis B prevention and treatment guidelines. The WHO guidelines for antiviral therapy indications were met in younger patients with higher levels of ALT, AST, and APRI scores, as well as greater proportion of patients with higher viral loads (P<0.001). The WHO guidelines recommended a cut-off value of APRI>0.5, which raised the proportion of patients on antiviral therapy from 6.6% to 30.9%. 45.7% of patients met the antiviral indications for HBV DNA >2000 IU/ml with abnormal transaminase (ALT>30 U/L for males and ALT>19 U/L for females). The reduced APRI diagnostic cut-off value and ALT treatment threshold had further increased the treatment coverage rate by 91.6% in patients with chronic HBV infection in line with the 2024 versions of WHO guidelines.Conclusion:The reduction of the APRI diagnostic cut-off value and the ALT treatment threshold, based on the current hepatitis B guidelines of China, will further improve the treatment coverage of CHB patients.