Effect of intensive training on immune system cells in elite female weightlifters

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of intense weightlifting training on lymphocyte and natural killer cell subgroups, which are the major cells of the immune system, in elite female weightlifters. METHODS: A total of 20 elite female weightlifters were evaluated using flow cytometry before training (pre-T), immediately after training (post-T), and after a 120-min rest period (rest-T). RESULTS: Post-T and rest-T showed significant decreases in helper T (Th) and cytotoxic T compared with pre-T (p=0.045, p<0.001 and p=0.05, p<0.001, respectively). B and natural killer cells were higher in post-T and rest-T than in pre-T. The increase in B cells was significant in pre-T/rest-T (p<0.001) but not in pre-T/post-T (p=0.122). Intense training significantly increased natural killer cells in both post-T and rest-T (p<0.001). CD56bright and CD56dim natural killer cell subgroups were significantly lower in post-T and rest-T than in pre-T (p=0.005, p=0.006 and p<0.001, p=0.004, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study shows that intense weightlifting alters peripheral lymphocyte and natural killer subgroup ratios, being the first investigation in this field.

Could a reduced hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet (HALP) score predict autoimmune hepatitis and degree of liver fibrosis?

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Autoimmune hepatitis is a rare inflammatory disease of the liver that is characterized by elevated liver enzymes. The hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet score, which is derived from hemoglobin, serum albumin, circulating lymphocyte count, and platelet count, is also associated with inflammatory conditions. The aim was to examine the hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet score of patients with autoimmune hepatitis and to compare it to that of healthy individuals in this retrospective analysis. METHODS: Subjects diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis were enrolled in the study, and healthy individuals were enrolled as controls. Moreover, autoimmune hepatitis subjects were grouped into mild or moderate/advanced fibrosis. Furthermore, aspartate to platelet ratio index, Fibrosis-4, and hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet scores of the autoimmune hepatitis patients and controls were compared. In addition, the hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet score of the autoimmune hepatitis patients with mild fibrosis is compared to that of those with moderate/advanced fibrosis. RESULTS: The mean hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet score of the autoimmune hepatitis patients was 44.2±14.5 while this value was 76.8±15.5 in control subjects. The hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet score was significantly reduced in autoimmune hepatitis patients than healthy controls (p<0.001). The hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet score was significantly and negatively correlated with C-reactive protein, aspartate, alanine transaminase, gamma glutamyl transferase, aspartate to platelet ratio index, and Fibrosis-4 values. A hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet score that was lower than 52.3 had 83% sensitivity and 73% specificity in predicting autoimmune hepatitis. The sensitivity and specificity of the hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet score were higher than the Fibrosis-4 score in predicting moderate/advanced fibrosis in autoimmune hepatitis. CONCLUSION: We suggest that the hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet score be used as an additional noninvasive diagnostic tool for autoimmune hepatitis and to predict moderate/advanced liver fibrosis in patients with autoimmune hepatitis.

Synthesis and evaluation of 2-phenylamino-1,4-naphthoquinones derivatives as potential hypoglycaemic agents

Abstract Due to the severe side effects revealed by most of the currently used antidiabetic medicines, search for finding new and safe drugs to manage diabetes is continued. Naphthoquinones possessing strong antioxidant properties have been employed as candidates for diabetes therapy. Present study is aimed at finding the antioxidant and hypoglycaemic potential of some novel derivatives of 2-phenylamino-1,4-naphthoquinones (PAN) including chloro, nitro, methyl and bromo (5a-d) derivatives synthesized by single pot experiment. Product crystals were purified by TLC and characterized by FT-IR. The antioxidant potential of the compounds was assayed through DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power activities noted as UV-vis. absorbance. The DPPH assay has showed the powerful antioxidant activity of nitro and bromo derivatives, while the nitro derivative showed the significant reduction potential towards FRAP assay. Hypoglycaemic potential of the compounds was studied in rat animal model. All synthesized compounds revealed better hypoglycaemic activity; however, the chloro-derivative exhibited the more potent hypoglycaemic activity showing about 43% reduction in the mean blood glucose levels of the treated animals. As the bioreduction of naphthoquinones may be influenced by changing its redox properties, it has been noticed that the e-donating resonance effect (+R) of chloro group has shown the significant effects on biological activity through stabalization of its imine form which limits the potential of generation of free radicals during bioreduction of quinones and thus has been proposed as the reason of its hypoglycaemic activity. Future studies employing the properties of e-donating groups of PAN may optimize the drug-receptor interaction for better drug designing and drug development strategies against diabetes and also for the clinical trials.

Resumo Em razão dos graves efeitos colaterais causados pela maioria dos medicamentos antidiabéticos atualmente utilizados, continua a busca por novos medicamentos seguros para o controle do diabetes. As naftoquinonas, que possuem fortes propriedades antioxidantes, têm sido empregadas como candidatas à terapia do diabetes. O presente estudo visa encontrar o potencial antioxidante e hipoglicemiante de alguns novos derivados de 2-fenilamino-1,4-naftoquinonas (PAN), incluindo derivados de cloro, nitro, metil e bromo (5a-d) sintetizados por experimento em pote único. Os cristais do produto foram purificados por TLC e caracterizados por FT-IR. O potencial antioxidante dos compostos foi testado por meio de atividades de sequestro de radicais DPPH e redução de energia observada como absorção no UV-vis. O ensaio DPPH mostrou a poderosa atividade antioxidante dos derivados nitro e bromo, enquanto o derivado nitro mostrou o potencial de redução significativo para o ensaio FRAP. O potencial hipoglicêmico dos compostos foi estudado em modelo animal de rato. Todos os compostos sintetizados revelaram melhor atividade hipoglicemiante; no entanto, o derivado cloro apresentou atividade hipoglicêmica mais potente, com redução de 43% nos níveis médios de glicose no sangue dos animais tratados. Como a biorredução de naftoquinonas pode ser influenciada pela alteração de suas propriedades redox, notou-se que o efeito da doação eletrônica por ressonância (+R) do grupo cloro tem sido significativo na atividade biológica por meio da estabilização de sua forma imina, que limita o potencial de geração de radicais livres durante a biorredução de quinonas, e, portanto, tem sido proposto como a razão de sua atividade hipoglicemiante. Estudos futuros empregando as propriedades de grupos de doação eletrônica de PAN podem otimizar a interação droga-receptor para melhor planejamento de medicamentos e estratégias de desenvolvimento de medicamentos contra o diabetes e também para os ensaios clínicos.

Synthesis and evaluation of 2-phenylamino-1, 4-naphthoquinones derivatives as potential hypoglycaemic agents / Síntese e avaliação de derivados de 2-fenilamino-1, 4-naftoquinonas como potenciais agentes hipoglicemiantes

Due to the severe side effects revealed by most of the currently used antidiabetic medicines, search for finding new and safe drugs to manage diabetes is continued. Naphthoquinones possessing strong antioxidant properties have been employed as candidates for diabetes therapy. Present study is aimed at finding the antioxidant and hypoglycaemic potential of some novel derivatives of 2-phenylamino-1,4-naphthoquinones (PAN) including chloro, nitro, methyl and bromo (5a-d) derivatives synthesized by single pot experiment. Product crystals were purified by TLC and characterized by FT-IR. The antioxidant potential of the compounds was assayed through DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power activities noted as UV-vis. absorbance. The DPPH assay has showed the powerful antioxidant activity of nitro and bromo derivatives, while the nitro derivative showed the significant reduction potential towards FRAP assay. Hypoglycaemic potential of the compounds was studied in rat animal model. All synthesized compounds revealed better hypoglycaemic activity; however, the chloro-derivative exhibited the more potent hypoglycaemic activity showing about 43% reduction in the mean blood glucose levels of the treated animals. As the bioreduction of naphthoquinones may be influenced by changing its redox properties, it has been noticed that the e-donating resonance effect (+R) of 'chloro' group has shown the significant effects on biological activity through stabalization of its imine form which limits the potential of generation of free radicals during bioreduction of quinones and thus has been proposed as the reason of its hypoglycaemic activity. Future studies employing the properties of e-donating groups of PAN may optimize the drug-receptor interaction for better drug designing and drug development strategies against diabetes and also for the clinical trials.

Em razão dos graves efeitos colaterais causados pela maioria dos medicamentos antidiabéticos atualmente utilizados, continua a busca por novos medicamentos seguros para o controle do diabetes. As naftoquinonas, que possuem fortes propriedades antioxidantes, têm sido empregadas como candidatas à terapia do diabetes. O presente estudo visa encontrar o potencial antioxidante e hipoglicemiante de alguns novos derivados de 2-fenilamino-1,4-naftoquinonas (PAN), incluindo derivados de cloro, nitro, metil e bromo (5a-d) sintetizados por experimento em pote único. Os cristais do produto foram purificados por TLC e caracterizados por FT-IR. O potencial antioxidante dos compostos foi testado por meio de atividades de sequestro de radicais DPPH e redução de energia observada como absorção no UV-vis. O ensaio DPPH mostrou a poderosa atividade antioxidante dos derivados nitro e bromo, enquanto o derivado nitro mostrou o potencial de redução significativo para o ensaio FRAP. O potencial hipoglicêmico dos compostos foi estudado em modelo animal de rato. Todos os compostos sintetizados revelaram melhor atividade hipoglicemiante; no entanto, o derivado cloro apresentou atividade hipoglicêmica mais potente, com redução de 43% nos níveis médios de glicose no sangue dos animais tratados. Como a biorredução de naftoquinonas pode ser influenciada pela alteração de suas propriedades redox, notou-se que o efeito da doação eletrônica por ressonância (+R) do grupo "cloro" tem sido significativo na atividade biológica por meio da estabilização de sua forma imina, que limita o potencial de geração de radicais livres durante a biorredução de quinonas, e, portanto, tem sido proposto como a razão de sua atividade hipoglicemiante. Estudos futuros empregando as propriedades de grupos de doação eletrônica de PAN podem otimizar a interação droga-receptor para melhor planejamento de medicamentos e estratégias de desenvolvimento de medicamentos contra o diabetes e também para os ensaios clínicos.

Direct spectrofluorimetric methods as alternatives to compendial ones used for the quality control of biopharmaceuticals: development, validation and application

Abstract A simple, rapid, precise, accurate and sustainable spectrofluorimetric method (SFM) was developed, validated and applied for the determination of 4-aminobenzoic acid and aromatic amino acids (phenylalanine, tryptophan and tyrosine). These compounds are used in biopharmaceutical formulations and therefore must be analyzed by quality control laboratories to meet the criteria established in pharmacopoeias. In general, potentiometric titration (PT) is described in the compendia as the official analytical technique. However, this method showed low sensitivity and selectivity, and moreover was performed with a non-aqueous solvent (acetic acid), which led to higher consumption of reagents and consequently to the formation of residues. Therefore, the SFM was developed in aqueous medium at pH 7.2 using phosphate buffer. It was successfully validated according to the ICH guidelines and showed good linearity range (r>0.999), specificity, accuracy and precision (within and between days) and robustness. The test results were compared between the SFM and PT using raw material samples, while according to the F- and t-tests at 95% confidence level, no statistical difference was found between the methods.

Effects of HMGB1/TLR4 on secretion IL-10 and VEGF in human jaw bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells

Abstract Objective: We aimed to investigate the regulatory effects of HMGB1/TLR4 signaling pathway on the expression of IL-10 and VEGF in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Methodology: Human JBMSCs were isolated and cultured. Then, HMGB1 was added into the JBMSCs culture medium, and the protein and mRNA expression levels of IL-10 and VEGF were assessed. Moreover, cells were pretreated with a specific TLR4 inhibitor (TAK-242), and the expression changes of IL-10 and VEGF were compared. Results: Compared with the control group, exposure to HMGB1 in human JBMSCs up-regulated TLR4, IL-10, and VEGF secretion at both protein and mRNA levels (P<0. 05). In addition, the increased expression of IL-10 and VEGF could be restrained in TAK-242 group compared with the HMGB1 group (P<0.05). Conclusions: The results indicated that HMGB1 activate TLR4 signaling pathway in Human JBMSCs, which plays a regulatory role in cytokines expression.

Incomplete recovery of the CD4+/CD8+ ratio is associated with the late introduction of antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV infection

ABSTRACT Despite being subject to lower AIDS-related mortality rates and having a higher life expectancy, patients with HIV are more prone to develop non-AIDS events. A low CD4+/CD8+ ratio during antiretroviral therapy identifies people with heightened immune senescence and increased risk of mortality. In clinical practice, finding determinants of a low CD4+/CD8+ ratio may be useful for identifying patients who require close monitoring due to an increased risk of comorbidities and death. We performed a prospective study on the evolution of the CD4+/CD8+ ratio in 60 patients infected with HIV (80% males), who were subjected to two different antiretroviral regimens: early and deferred therapy. The initial CD4+/CD8+ ratio was ≤1 for 70% of the patients in both groups. Older age, CD4+ cell count at inclusion, Nadir CD8+T-cell count, and Initial CD4+/CD8+ ratio ≤ 1 were risk factors for lack of ratio recovery. In the multivariate analysis, a CD4+/CD8+ ratio > 1 at the start of the treatment was found to be a determinant factor in maintaining a CD4+/CD8+ ratio > 1. The nadir CD4+T-cell count was lower in the deferred therapy group (p=0.004), and the last CD4+/CD8+ ratio ≤1 was not associated with comorbidities. Ratio recovery was not associated with the duration of HIV infection, time without therapy, or absence of AIDS incidence. A greater improvement was observed in patients treated early (p=0.003). In contrast, the slope of increase was slower in patients who deferred treatment. In conclusion, the increase in the CD4+/CD8+ ratio occurred mostly for patients undergoing early strategy treatment and its extension did not seem to be related to previous HIV-related factors.

Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia grade 2 biopsy: Do p16INK4a and Ki-67 biomarkers contribute to the decision to treat? A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Managing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 (CIN2) is challenging, considering the CIN2 regression rate, perinatal risks associated with excisional procedures, and insufficient well-established risk factors to predict progression. OBJECTIVES: To determine the ability of p16INK4a and Ki-67 staining in biopsies diagnosed with CIN2 to identify patients with higher-grade lesions (CIN3 or carcinoma). DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted at a referral center for treating uterine cervical lesions. METHODS: In 79 women, we analyzed the correlation of p16INK4a and Ki-67 expression in CIN2 biopsies with the presence of a higher-grade lesions, as determined via histopathology in surgical specimens from treated women or via two colposcopies and two cytological tests during follow-up for untreated women with at least a 6-month interval. The expression of these two biomarkers was verified by at least two independent pathologists and quantified using digital algorithms. RESULTS: Thirteen (16.8%) women with CIN2 biopsy exhibited higher-grade lesions on the surgical excision specimen or during follow-up. p16INK4a expression positively and negatively predicted the presence of higher-grade lesions in 17.19% and 86.67% patients, respectively. Ki-67 expression positively and negatively predicted the presence of higher-grade lesions in 40% and 88.24% patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Negative p16INK4a and Ki67 immunohistochemical staining can assure absence of a higher-grade lesion in more than 85% of patients with CIN2 biopsies and can be used to prevent overtreatment of these patients. Positive IHC staining for p16INK4a and Ki-67 did not predict CIN3 in patients with CIN2 biopsies.

Genetic diagnosis of congenital hypopituitarism in Turkish patients by a target gene panel: novel pathogenic variants in GHRHR, GLI2, LHX4 and POU1F1 genes

ABSTRACT Objective: Congenital hypopituitarism (CH) is a rare disease characterized by one or more hormone deficiencies of the pituitary gland. To date, many genes have been associated with CH. In this study, we identified the allelic variant spectrum of 11 causative genes in Turkish patients with CH. Materials and methods: This study included 47 patients [21 girls (44.6%) and 26 boys (55.4%)] from 45 families. To identify the genetic etiology, we screened 11 candidate genes associated with CH using next-generation sequencing. To confirm and detect the status of the specific familial variant in relatives, Sanger sequencing was also performed. Results: We identified 12 possible pathogenic variants in GHRHR, GH1, GLI2, PROP-1, POU1F1, and LHX4 in 11 patients (23.4%), of which six were novel variants: two in GHRHR, two in POU1F1, one in GLI2, and one in LHX4. In all patients, these variants were most frequently found in GLI2, followed by PROP-1 and GHRHR. Conclusion: Genetic causes were determined in only 23.4% of all patients with CH and 63% of molecularly diagnosed patients (7/11) from consanguineous families. Despite advances in genetics, we were unable to identify the genetic etiology of most patients with CH, suggesting the effect of unknown genes or environmental factors. More genetic studies are necessary to understand the etiology of CH.

circCPA4 induces malignant behaviors of prostate cancer via miR-491-5p/ SHOC2 feedback loop

ABSTRACT Objective: circCPA4 has been defined to be an oncogenic gene. This study examined whether circCPA4 regulates Prostate Cancer (PC) development and revealed its molecular mechanism. Methods: PC tissues and PC cell lines were collected, in which circCPA4/miR-491-5p/SHOC2 levels were evaluated by RT-qPCR and immunoblot. Colony formation assay and EdU assay assessed cell proliferation, flow cytometry measured apoptosis, and Transwell assessed invasion and migration. Ki-67, cleaved caspase-3, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin were evaluated by immunoblot. Based on the luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay the authors investigated the targeting relationship between circCPA4/miR-491-5p/SHOC2. The effect of circCPA4 on tumor growth was evaluated by xenotransplantation in nude mice. Results: circCPA4 and SHOC2 levels were abundant while miR-491-5p expression was low in PC. Loss of circCPA4 decreased the proliferation and EdU-positive rate of PC cells, enhanced apoptosis, and inhibited invasion, migration, and EMT. Upregulation of circCPA4 forced the malignant behaviors of PC cells, and this promotion could be abolished when miR-491-5p was overexpressed or SHOC2 was silenced. CircCAP4 competitively decoyed miR-491-5p mediating SHOC2 expression. circCAP4 suppression inhibited PC tumor growth. Conclusion: circCAP4 acts as a novel oncogenic factor in PC, accelerating the malignant behavior of PC cells via miR-491-5p/SHOC2 interaction. This novel ceRNA axis may be a potential target for PC drug development and targeted therapy in the future.

Effect of electrochemically dealloying Ti6Al4V abutments on human gingival fibroblasts / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To investigate the effects of electrochemically dealloying of Ti6Al4V abutments on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and to provide experimental evidence for surface modification of implant abutments.@*Methods@#The samples were divided into an NC group (negative control, no other treatment on a smooth surface), an NM-1 group (nanomesh-1, electrochemical dealloying treatment in 1 mol/L NaOH 1 h on 2 V voltage), and an NM-2 group (nanomesh-2, electrochemical dealloying treatment in 5 mol/L NaOH 1 h on 2 V voltage). The surface morphologies of the samples and the adhesion of HGFs on the sample surfaces were observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface hydrophilicities of the samples were measured with a contact angle measuring instrument. The proliferation of HGFs on the different samples were evaluated with CCK-8, and the expression of adhesion-related genes, including collagen Ⅰ (COL1A1), collagen Ⅲ (COL3A1), fibronectin 1 (FN1), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), vinculin (VCL), integrin α2 (ITGA2), and integrin β1 (ITGB1), on the different samples was measured with qRT-PCR. The expression of vinculin on the surfaces of HGFs was observed via confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) after immunofluorescent staining. Collagen fiber secretion and syntheses of HGFs from different samples were evaluated via Sirius red staining.@*Results@#SEM revealed the formation of ordered and uniform three-dimensional mesh structures on the surfaces of the NM-1 and NM-2 groups, with grid diameters of approximately 30 nm for the NM-1 group and approximately 150 nm for the NM-2 group. Compared with that of the NC group, the water contact angles of the NM-1 group and NM-2 groups were significantly lower (P<0.000 1). Cell proliferation in the NM-1 group was significantly greater than that in the NC group (P<0.01). Moreover, there was no significant difference in the water contact angles or cell proliferation between the NM-1 group and the NM-2 group. SEM revealed that HGFs were adhered well to the surfaces of all samples, while the HGFs in the NM-1 and NM-2 groups showed more extended areas, longer morphologies, and more developed pseudopodia than did those in the NC group after 24 h. qRT-PCR revealed that the expression levels of the adhesion-related genes COL1A1, COL3A1, FN1, FAK and VCL in the NM-1 group were significantly greater than those in the NC and NM-2 groups (P<0.01). The expression of vinculin protein in the NM-1 group was the highest, and the number of focal adhesions was greatest in the NM-1 group (P<0.01). The results of Sirius red staining showed that the NM-1 group had the highest secretion and syntheses of collagen fibers (P<0.000 1).@*Conclusion@#The three-dimensional nanomechanical structure of Ti6Al4V modified by electrochemical dealloying promoted the adhesion, proliferation, collagen fiber secretion and syntheses of HGFs, and electrochemical dealloying of Ti6Al4V with a grid diameter of approximately 30 nm obviously promoted HGF formation.

Menaquinone-4 exerts a protective effect against carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury in mice by alleviating ferroptosis / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate whether menaquinone-4 （MK-4） can exert a protective effect against carbon tetrachloride （CCl4）-induced acute liver injury （ALI） in mice by alleviating ferroptosis. MethodsAfter adaptive feeding， adult male ICR mice， aged 8 weeks， were divided into Control group， MK-4 group， CCl4 model group （6-hour， 12-hour， and 24-hour）， and MK-4+CCl4 group （6-hour， 12-hour， and 24-hour）， with 6 mice in each group. The mice in the Control group were given intraperitoneal injection of an equal dose of corn oil； the mice in the MK-4 group were given intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg/kg MK-4 solution， followed by an equal dose of corn oil after 1 hour； the mice in the MK-4+CCl4 group （6-hour， 12-hour， and 24-hour） were given intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg/kg MK-4 solution， and after 1 hour， the mice in this group and the CCl4 model group （6-hour， 12-hour， and 24-hour） were given intraperitoneal injection of 0.3 mL/kg CCl4 solution， with samples collected at 6， 12， and 24 hours. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of mouse liver； Prussian blue staining was used to observe iron accumulation in liver tissue； a biochemical analyzer was used to measure the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase （AST） and alanine aminotransferase （ALT）； related kits were used to measure the levels of tissue iron content and the oxidative stress indices malondialdehyde （MDA） and glutathione （GSH） in liver homogenate； RT-PCR was used to measure the expression levels of ferroptosis marker genes （acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 ［ACSL4］， prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 ［PTGS2］， and glutathione peroxidase 4 ［GPX4］） and iron metabolism-related genes （hemojuvelin ［HJV］， transferrin receptor 1 ［TFR1］， and ferroportin ［FPN］）， and Western blot was used to measure the protein expression level of GPX4. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups， and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsIn the aging study， compared with the Control group， the CCl4 model group （6-hour， 12-hour， and 24-hour） had significant increases in liver weight coefficient and the serum levels of ALT and AST （all P<0.05）， and HE staining also showed that liver injury gradually aggravated over time. Meanwhile， compared with the CCl4 model group （6-hour， 12-hour， and 24-hour）， the MK-4+CCl4 （12-hour） group had significant reductions in liver weight coefficient and the serum levels of ALT and AST （all P<0.05）， with a reduction in the necrotic area of liver tissue， and therefore， 12-hour mouse tissue samples were used for detection in the following study. Compared with the Control group， the CCl4 group had a significant increase in MDA and a significant reduction in GSH （both P<0.05）， and compared with the CCl4 group， the MK-4+CCl4 group had a significant reduction in MDA and a significant increase in GSH （both P<0.05）. Compared with the Control group， the CCl4 group had significant increases in the key ferroptosis indices ASCL4 and PTGS2 and a significant reduction in GPX4 （all P<0.05）； compared with the CCl4 group， the MK-4+CCl4 group had significant reductions in the mRNA expression levels of ASCL4 and PTGS2 and a significant increase in the mRNA expression level of GPX4 （all P<0.05）. Western blotting showed that compared with the Control group， the CCl4 group had a significant reduction in the protein expression level of GPX4 （P<0.05）， and compared with the CCl4 group， the MK-4+CCl4 group had a significant increase in the protein expression level of GPX4 （P<0.05）. Prussian blue staining showed that compared with the Control group， the CCl4 group had a significant increase in iron accumulation； after MK-4 intervention， compared with the CCl4 group， the MK-4+CCl4 group had a significant reduction in iron accumulation. As for the measurement of iron metabolism genes in mouse liver， compared with the Control group， the CCl4 group had a significant increase in iron content， significant reductions in the mRNA expression levels of FPN and HJV， and a significant increase in the mRNA expression level of TFR1 （all P<0.05）； after protection with MK-4， there was a significant reduction in iron content， significant increases in the mRNA expression levels of FPN and HJV， and a significant reduction in the mRNA expression level of TFR1 （all P<0.05）. ConclusionMK-4 intervention in advance can alleviate CCl4-induced ALI in mice， possibly by inhibiting ferroptosis and improving the expression of iron metabolism-related genes in mouse liver.

Role of IL-22/IL-22RA1 pathway in the malignant progression of oral squamous carcinoma and its mechanism / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#[摘 要] 目的：探讨IL-22/IL-22受体A1（IL-22RA1）通路在口腔鳞状细胞癌（OSCC）恶性进展中的作用及其机制。方法：利用GEO数据库和免疫组化法分析IL-22RA1在OSCC组织及配对癌旁组织中的表达水平，采用组织芯片免疫组化法检测并分析IL-22RA1表达水平与OSCC患者临床病理特征的关系，通过EBI ArrayExpress数据库分析IL-22RA1表达水平与患者预后的关系。采用免疫荧光法检测IL-22和IL-22RA1在OSCC组织中表达水平并分析两者间的相关性。用RNA干扰技术敲减OSCC细胞WSU-HN4和CAL27的IL-22RA1表达，用qPCR法验证敲减效率。采用克隆形成实验、Transwell小室法分别检测IL-22对阴性对照（siNC）组和IL-22RA1敲减（siIL-22RA1）组OSCC细胞克隆形成及迁移能力的影响，WB法检测IL-22对OSCC细胞IL-22RA1表达水平及STAT1、STAT3和ERK1/2磷酸化水平的影响。结果：OSCC组织中IL-22RA1 mRNA的表达水平显著高于癌旁组织（P<0.05）。IL-22RA1表达水平与OSCC患者的肿瘤大小（P<0.05）、淋巴结转移（P<0.01）及预后不良（P<0.05）有关联。OSCC组织中的IL-22和IL-22RA1表达水平无明显关联，IL-22对OSCC细胞IL-22RA1表达无影响（均P>0.05）。IL-22可显著增强OSCC细胞的克隆形成和迁移能力（均P<0.01），并可激活OSCC细胞的STAT1、STAT3及ERK1/2信号分子；敲减OSCC细胞的IL-22RA1后，IL-22则无法发挥上述作用。结论：IL-22/IL-22RA1可通过调控细胞增殖和迁移促进OSCC的生长和转移，其下游机制可能是激活ERK1/2-STAT1/3信号通路。

Detection and genotyping of enteroviruses in 3 960 influenza-negativeinfluenza-like illness cases in Chongqing / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics and genotype distribution of enterovirus (EV) in influenza-negative influenza-like illness (ILI) cases in Chongqing, and to provide a scientific basis for EV prevention and control. Methods Throat swab samples of influenza-negative ILI cases were collected from surveillance sites. The samples were detected for EV using real-time RT-PCR. The VP4 regions of positive samples were amplified and sequenced for genotyping. Results A total of 3 960 influenza-negative ILI samples were collected from January to December 2021, and 316 (7.98%) of them were EV-positive. EV could be detected in influenza-negative ILI cases in Chongqing all year round. The months with high EV-positive rates were January (11.60%), April (10.56%), May (11.79%), June (12.62%), and July (10.33%). There was a statistically significant difference in the detection rate of EV in ILI cases in different regions, gender, and age groups (χ2=29.647，χ2=4.192，χ2=69.176，P<0.05). A total of 213 EV-positive cases were successfully genotyped, including 17 genotypes of EV-A, EV-B, and EV-C and 5 genotypes of HRV-B. The dominant genotypes were CV-A4 (32.86%), CV-A2 (23.00%), CA-6 (12.21%), and CA-10 (11.74%). EV-D and novel EV were not identified in this study. Conclusion EV is an important pathogen in ILI cases in Chongqing. The prevalence of EV in ILI cases in Chongqing has typical regional, seasonal and population characteristics. Prevention and control should be carried out in Chongqing according to the epidemic characteristics of EV.

Study on the stability and H+ permeable membrane properties of polymersomes / 药学实践杂志

Objective To prepare polymersomes (PSs) by block copolymers，evaluate their membrane structural stability，investigate the H+ transmembrane permeability of PSs and the impact of 1,4-dioxane and establish a foundation for drug encapsulation within polymersomes. Methods PSs were self-assembled by a block copolymer, PEG-PLGA, in a solvent solution. The pH-sensitive fluorescence probe HPTS was employed to examine the H+ transmembrane properties of PSs and compare them with PSs prepared using PBD-b-PEO, PS-b-PEO, and liposomes. The effect of varying concentrations of 1,4-dioxane on PSs’ membrane permeability properties was also investigated. Results The fluorescence excitation spectra of HPTS exhibited pH dependency, which showed a linear correlation between extravesicular H+ concentration and t1/2. Significant differences were observed in the membrane permeability capabilities of PSs with different membrane wall thicknesses. Compared to liposomes, the H+ transmembrane coefficients for the three types of PSs were reduced by 2.39×104, 3.38×104, and 5.48×108 times, respectively. 1,4-dioxane was found to modulate the permeability of PSs’ membranes, which displayed a concentration-dependent relationship. Conclusion PSs exhibited significantly lower membrane permeability compared to liposomes, indicating superior stability. 1,4-dioxane was identified as a modulator of PSs’ permeability, which offered potential for drug loading and release within PSs.

Research progress of long-term efficacy after implantation of implantable collamer lens V4c / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

With the rapid development of science and technology and the wide application of electronic products, the number of patients with high myopia is gradually increasing. Meanwhile, owing to the continuous optimization of surgical skils and the continuous advancement in materials of posterior chamber intraocular lens and manufacturing processes, implantable collamer lens(ICL)V4c implantation has gradually become one of the main surgeries for the treatment of high myopia. In the rapid era of social information, people pay more attention to the long-term efficacy after ICL V4c implantation, they not only want clear vision, but also the pursuit of visual comfort and durability. Therefore, this paper will specifically discuss the research progress of the post-implantation efficacy of ICL V4c with at least 2 a of follow-up observation within 3 a, aiming to review the latest research progress on the long-term efficacy of ICL V4c implantation from the three dimensions of visual quality, safety, efficacy and stability and possible surgical complications after ICL V4c implantation.

Research progress of TRPV4 in ocular pathophysiological function / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 4(TRPV4)is a non-selective cation channel responsible for sensing changes in cell swelling, temperature, mechanical stretch, shear stress and osmotic pressure by regulating transmembrane calcium signaling and thereby influencing gene expression, cell morphology, and cytoskeletal construction. TRPV4 is widely expressed throughout the body. Intraocularly, TRPV4 is functionally expressed in the cornea, lens, ciliary body, trabecular meshwork and retina. In this article, the expression and physiopathological functions of TRPV4 in various tissues of the eye were described. With the in-depth study of TRPV4 in ocular pathophysiological functions, TRPV4 may become a potential drug target in corneal injury repair, glaucoma and retinal angiogenesis, but further in-depth study is still needed.

Metabolomics-based study on the improvement mechanism of the Mongolian drug Sugemule-4 on insomnia rats / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To study the effects of the Mongolian medicine Sugemule-4 on the metabolism of insomnia rats， and to preliminarily explore its possible mechanisms for improving insomnia. METHODS The rat model of chronic stress insomnia was established by tail clipping stimulation and intraperitoneal injection of p-chlorophenyl alanine solution. Twenty-four male rats were randomly divided into the normal group， model group， diazepam group （positive control， 0.92 mg/kg）， and Sugemule-4 group （5.2 g/kg）， with 6 rats in each group. Since the 7th day of tail clipping stimulation， the Sugemule-4 group and diazepam group began to be intragastrically administered with relevant medicine； the normal group and model group were intragastrically administered with an equal volume of distilled water， once a day， for 14 consecutive days. The learning and memory abilities of rats were tested using a water maze experiment， and the non-invasive sleep activity monitoring system was used to monitor the 24- hour sleep time of rats. A metabolomics study was conducted on rat serum and hippocampal tissue by using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The multivariate statistical analysis method was adopted to analyze the differential metabolites in serum and hippocampal tissue of rats， and screen for differential metabolites and metabolic pathways among those groups. RESULTS Compared with the normal group， the escape latency of rats in the model group was significantly increased， the times of crossing platforms were significantly reduced， and the percentage of average 24-hour sleep time was significantly reduced （P＜0.05）. Compared with the model group， the levels of the above indicators were significantly reversed in the diazepam group and Sugemule-4 group （P＜0.05）. Metabolomics studies found that a total of 9 differential metabolites were identified in rat serum and hippocampal tissue， including 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid， canine urate， canine urinary quinolinic acid， 5-hydroxytryptamine， phenol sulfate， 1-carboxyethyltyrosine， 3-（4-hydroxyphenyl） lactate， N-acetyl tyrosine， tyrosine and phenol sulfate， mainly involving 2 metabolic pathways of tryptophan and tyrosine.CONCLUSIONS Sugemule-4 can improve the sleep time and behavioral performance of insomnia rats， and its mechanism may be associated with affecting amino acid metabolic pathways such as tryptophan and tyrosine.

Effect of low concentration of sodium fluoride on osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp cells / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To study the effect of low concentrations of sodium fluoride on the osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) in vitro.@*Methods@#This study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee. hDPCs were cultured using a modified tissue explant technique in vitro. The effects of different concentrations of sodium fluoride on the proliferation of hDPCs were measured by methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Appropriate concentrations were added to the osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation induction medium, and the cells were induced in vitro. Alizarin red S staining was used to detect the osteoblastic/odontogenic differentiation ability of the cells, and the mRNA expression of the key differentiation factors was detected by RT-qPCR. Moreover, the expression of key molecules of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) was detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot. The data were analyzed with the SPSS 18.0 software package.@*Results@#Low concentration of NaF (0.1 mmol/L) could stimulate cell proliferation in vitro, while a high concentration (5-10 mmol/L) could inhibit cell proliferation (P<0.05). According to the literature and the experimental data, 0.1 mmol/L NaF was selected as the following experimental concentration. The levels of alizarin red S staining were increased after NaF induction of mixed osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation in vitro. The mRNA expression levels of key molecules for osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation, dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), bone sialoprotein (BSP) and osteocalcin (OCN), were increased (P<0.05). The mRNA levels of ERS markers (splicing x-box binding protein-1 (sXBP1), glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and activating transcription Factor 4 (ATF4) were increased in NaF-treated cells. The protein expression levels of key ER stress molecules (phosphorylated RNA-activated protein kinase-like ER-resident kinase (p-PERK), phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor-2α (p-eIF2α) and ATF4) were higher in NaF-treated cells.@*Conclusion@#A low concentration of NaF promotes the osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation of hDPCs and increases the level of ER stress.

Protective Effect of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens on LPS-induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice Through TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the protective effect and mechanism of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens alcohol extract on lipopolysaccharide （LPS）-induced acute lung injury in mice. MethodBalb/c mice were randomly divided into normal group， model group， dexamethasone group， and low- and high-dose Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens groups. Mice in the normal group were instilled with normal saline through the nose， and the other groups were instilled with normal saline containing LPS （50 μg）. After 30 minutes of modeling， the dexamethasone group was gavaged with 5 mg·kg-1 of dexamethasone acetate solution， the low- and high-dose Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens groups were gavaged with different doses of （7， 14 g·kg-1） of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens alcohol extract， and the normal group and the model group were gavaged with the same volume of water. After 24 hours of modeling， the total number of white blood cells in bronchoalceolar lavage fluid （BALF） was detected by cell counter， and the levels of the inflammatory factors including tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α， interleukin （IL）-1β， IL-6， and superoxide dismutase （SOD）， and myeloperoxidase （MPO） was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Haematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining method was used to observe the pathological changes of lung tissue in each group， and the Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of nuclear transcription factor （NF）-κB p65， phosphorylation （p）-NF-κB p65， and Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4） in lung tissue. ResultCompared with the normal group， the white blood cell count in BALF and the levels of TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， and MPO in the model group was increased （P<0.01）， and the level of SOD was decreased （P<0.05）. Pathological damage of lung tissue was obvious， and the protein expression of NF-κB p65， p-NF-κB p65， and TLR4 in lung tissue was increased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the white blood cell count in BALF and the levels of TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， and MPO in the treatment group was decreased （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and the level of SOD was increased （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Pathological damage of lung tissue was alleviated， and the protein expression of NF-κB p65， p-NF-κB p65， and TLR4 in lung tissue was decreased （P<0.01）. ConclusionZingiberis Rhizoma Recens alcohol extract may play a protective role in LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.