Computational fluid dynamics modeling of coronary artery blood flow using OpenFOAM: Validation with the food and drug administration benchmark nozzle model.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), a global health concern, particularly coronary artery disease (CAD), poses a significant threat to well-being. Seeking safer and cost-effective diagnostic alternatives to invasive coronary angiography, noninvasive coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) gains prominence. This study employed OpenFOAM, an open-source Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software, to analyze hemodynamic parameters in coronary arteries with serial stenoses. Patient-specific three-dimensional (3D) models from CCTA images offer insights into hemodynamic changes. OpenFOAM breaks away from traditional commercial software, validated against the FDA benchmark nozzle model for reliability. Applying this refined methodology to seventeen coronary arteries across nine patients, the study evaluates parameters like fractional flow reserve computed tomography simulation (FFRCTS), fluid velocity, and wall shear stress (WSS) over time. Findings include FFRCTS values exceeding 0.8 for grade 0 stenosis and falling below 0.5 for grade 5 stenosis. Central velocity remains nearly constant for grade 1 stenosis but increases 3.4-fold for grade 5 stenosis. This research innovates by utilizing OpenFOAM, departing from previous reliance on commercial software. Combining qualitative stenosis grading with quantitative FFRCTS and velocity measurements offers a more comprehensive assessment of coronary artery conditions. The study introduces 3D renderings of wall shear stress distribution across stenosis grades, providing an intuitive visualization of hemodynamic changes for valuable insights into coronary stenosis diagnosis.

MicroRNA bmo-miR-31-5p inhibits apoptosis and promotes BmNPV proliferation by targeting the CYP9e2 gene of Bombyx mori.

BACKGROUND: Bombyx mori nuclear polyhedrosis virus (BmNPV), as a typical baculovirus, is the primary pathogen that infects the silkworm B. mori, a lepidopteran species. Owing to the high biological safety of BmNPV in infecting insects, it is commonly utilized as a biological insecticide for pest control. Apoptosis is important in the interaction between the host and pathogenic microorganisms. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) influence immune responses and promote stability of the immune system via apoptosis. Therefore, the study of apoptosis-related miRNA in silkworms during virus infection can not only provide support for standardizing the prevention and control of diseases and insect pests, but also reduce the economic losses to sericulture caused by the misuse of biological pesticides. RESULTS: Through transcriptome sequencing, we identified a miRNA, miR-31-5p, and demonstrated that it can inhibit apoptosis in silkworm cells and promote the proliferation of BmNPV in BmE-SWU1 cells. We identified a target gene of miR-31-5p, B. mori cytochrome P450 9e2 (BmCYP9e2), and demonstrated that it can promote apoptosis in silkworm cells and inhibit the proliferation of BmNPV. Moreover, we constructed transgenic silkworm strains with miR-31-5p knockout and confirmed that they can inhibit the proliferation of BmNPV. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that miR-31-5p may exert functions of inhibiting apoptosis and promoting virus proliferation by regulating BmCYP9e2. The findings demonstrate how miRNAs influence host cell apoptosis and how they are involved in the host immune system response to viruses, providing important insights into the applications of biological insecticides for pest control. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Bombyx moriSuppressor of Hairless is involved in the regulation of the silkworm cell cycle and endoreplication of the silk glands.

The Notch signaling pathway is important in cell cycle regulation and cell proliferation. The transcriptional repressor Suppressor of Hairless [Su(H)] is a molecular switch for downstream target genes of the Notch signaling pathway but the regulatory mechanism of the Su(H) gene in the cell cycle is unclear. We determined the function of the Notch signaling pathway and Bombyx mori Su(H) [BmSu(H)] in the regulation of the silkworm cell cycle. Inhibition of Notch signaling promoted the replication of DNA in silkworm gland cells and expression of the BmSu(H) gene was significantly reduced. Overexpression of the BmSu(H) gene inhibited DNA replication and cell proliferation of silkworm cells, whereas knockout of the BmSu(H) gene promoted DNA replication and cell proliferation. Knockout of the BmSu(H) in silkworms improved the efficiency of silk gland cell endoreplication and increased important economic traits. We demonstrated that BmSu(H) protein can directly bind to the promoters of BmCyclinA, BmCyclinE and BmCDK1 genes, inhibiting or promoting their transcription at the cell and individual level. This study identified molecular targets for genetic improvement of the silkworm and also provided insights into the regulatory mechanism of the cell cycle.

Diabetes Promotes Myocardial Fibrosis via AMPK/EZH2/PPAR-γ Signaling Pathway.

Background: Diabetes-induced cardiac fibrosis is one of the main mechanisms of diabetic cardiomyopathy. As a common histone methyltransferase, enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) has been implicated in fibrosis progression in multiple organs. However, the mechanism of EZH2 in diabetic myocardial fibrosis has not been clarified. Methods: In the current study, rat and mouse diabetic model were established, the left ventricular function of rat and mouse were evaluated by echocardiography and the fibrosis of rat ventricle was evaluated by Masson staining. Primary rat ventricular fibroblasts were cultured and stimulated with high glucose (HG) in vitro. The expression of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) trimethylation, EZH2, and myocardial fibrosis proteins were assayed. Results: In STZ-induced diabetic ventricular tissues and HG-induced primary ventricular fibroblasts in vitro, H3K27 trimethylation was increased and the phosphorylation of EZH2 was reduced. Inhibition of EZH2 with GSK126 suppressed the activation, differentiation, and migration of cardiac fibroblasts as well as the overexpression of the fibrotic proteins induced by HG. Mechanical study demonstrated that HG reduced phosphorylation of EZH2 on Thr311 by inactivating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which transcriptionally inhibited peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) expression to promote the fibroblasts activation and differentiation. Conclusion: Our data revealed an AMPK/EZH2/PPAR-γ signal pathway is involved in HG-induced cardiac fibrosis.

Gut virome in inflammatory bowel disease and beyond.

OBJECTIVE: The gut virome is a dense community of viruses inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract and an integral part of the microbiota. The virome coexists with the other components of the microbiota and with the host in a dynamic equilibrium, serving as a key contributor to the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis and functions. However, this equilibrium can be interrupted in certain pathological states, including inflammatory bowel disease, causing dysbiosis that may participate in disease pathogenesis. Nevertheless, whether virome dysbiosis is a causal or bystander event requires further clarification. DESIGN: This review seeks to summarise the latest advancements in the study of the gut virome, highlighting its cross-talk with the mucosal microenvironment. It explores how cutting-edge technologies may build upon current knowledge to advance research in this field. An overview of virome transplantation in diseased gastrointestinal tracts is provided along with insights into the development of innovative virome-based therapeutics to improve clinical management. RESULTS: Gut virome dysbiosis, primarily driven by the expansion of Caudovirales, has been shown to impact intestinal immunity and barrier functions, influencing overall intestinal homeostasis. Although emerging innovative technologies still need further implementation, they display the unprecedented potential to better characterise virome composition and delineate its role in intestinal diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The field of gut virome is progressively expanding, thanks to the advancements of sequencing technologies and bioinformatic pipelines. These have contributed to a better understanding of how virome dysbiosis is linked to intestinal disease pathogenesis and how the modulation of virome composition may help the clinical intervention to ameliorate gut disease management.

A bivalent inhibitor against TDRD3 to suppress phase separation of methylated G3BP1.

The formation of membrane-less organelles is driven by multivalent weak interactions while mediation of such interactions by small molecules remains an unparalleled challenge. Here, we uncovered a bivalent inhibitor that blocked the recruitment of TDRD3 by the two methylated arginines of G3BP1. Relative to the monovalent inhibitor, this bivalent inhibitor demonstrated an enhanced binding affinity to TDRD3 and capability to suppress the phase separation of methylated G3BP1, TDRD3, and RNAs, and in turn inhibit the stress granule growth in cells. Our result paves a new path to mediate multivalent interactions involved in SG assembly for potential combinational chemotherapy by bivalent inhibitors.

Glucose fluctuations aggravated the late sodium current induced ventricular arrhythmias via the activation of ROS/CaMKII pathway.

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence revealed that glucose fluctuation might be more likely to cause arrhythmia than persistent hyperglycemia, whereas its mechanisms were elusive. We aimed to investigate the effect of glucose fluctuation on the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmia and its mechanism. METHODS: Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats were randomized to five groups: the controlled blood glucose (C-STZ) group, uncontrolled blood glucose (U-STZ) group, fluctuated blood glucose (GF-STZ) group, and GF-STZ rats with 100 mg/kg Tempol (GF-STZ + Tempol) group or with 5 mg/kg KN93 (GF-STZ + KN93) group. Six weeks later, the susceptibility of ventricular arrhythmias and the electrophysiological dysfunctions of ventricular myocytes were evaluated using electrocardiogram and patch-clamp technique, respectively. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidized CaMKII (ox-CaMKII) were determined by fluorescence assay and Western blot, respectively. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and H9C2 cells in vitro were used to explore the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS: The induction rate of ventricular arrhythmias was 10%, 55%, and 90% in C-STZ group, U-STZ group, and GF-STZ group, respectively (P < 0.05). The electrophysiological dysfunctions of ventricular myocytes, including action potential duration at repolarization of 90% (APD90), APD90 short-term variability (APD90-STV), late sodium current (INa-L), early after depolarization (EAD) and delayed after depolarizations (DAD), as well as the levels of ROS and ox-CaMKII, were significantly increased in GF-STZ group. In vivo and ex vivo, inhibition of ROS or ox-CaMKII reversed these effects. Inhibition of INa-L also significantly alleviated the electrophysiological dysfunctions. In vitro, inhibition of ROS increase could significantly decrease the ox-CaMKII activation induced by glucose fluctuations. CONCLUSIONS: Glucose fluctuations aggravated the INa-L induced ventricular arrhythmias though the activation of ROS/CaMKII pathway.

Inhibiting miR-33b-5p Enhances Chemoresistance in Lung Adenocarcinoma by Targeting YWHAH to Regulate Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most malignant type of lung cancer, whose clinical treatment is seriously hindered by chemoresistance. Numerous reports have demonstrated that miR-33b-5p plays an essential role in alleviating the chemoresistance of multiple cancers, but there are currently no reports about the effects of miR-33b-5p on the chemoresistance in LUAD. Our study aimed to investigate the impacts of miR-33b-5p on the chemoresistance in LUAD and the underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bioinformatics analyses were employed to investigate the relation between miR-33b-5p and YWHAH. The MTT assay and flow cytometry were respectively adopted to determine cell viability and apoptosis. A transwell assay was employed to evaluate cellular invasion and migration. qRT-PCR and western blotting were respectively employed to detect the gene expression of miR-33b-5p and the protein expression of YWHAH, MMP2, Snail, and Zeb1. RESULTS: Three bioinformatics analysis approaches predicted that YWHAH was the underlying targeted gene of miR-33b-5p and revealed the associated mechanisms. The concentration of paclitaxel (TAX) and cisplatin (DDP) needed to induce chemoresistance of LUAD cells was determined as 100 µM. Migration and invasion, as well as protein expression of YWHAH, MMP2, MMP8, Snail and Zeb1 were increased, but the apoptosis and levels of miR-33b-5p were reduced in A549 cells with chemoresistance. Knockdown of miR-33b-5p exerted the same effects produced by chemoresistance, but additional knockdown of YWHAH reversed the effects generated by inhibiting miR-33b-5p. CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed that knockdown of miR-33b-5p aggravated chemoresistance in LUAD via targeting YWHAH to regulate EMT.

Glucose fluctuations aggravate myocardial fibrosis via activating the CaMKII/Stat3 signaling in type 2 diabtetes.

BACKGROUND: Glucose fluctuations (GF) are a risk factor for cardiovascular complications associated with type 2 diabetes. However, there is a lack of adequate research on the effect of GF on myocardial fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms in type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the impact of glucose fluctuations on myocardial fibrosis and explore the potential mechanisms in type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups: the control (Con) group, the type 2 diabetic (DM) group and the glucose fluctuations (GF) group. The type 2 diabetic rat model was established using a high-fat diet combined with low-dose streptozotocin injection and the GF model was induced by using staggered glucose and insulin injections daily. After eight weeks, echocardiography was used to assess the cardiac function of the three groups. Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining were utilized to evaluate the degree of pathological damage and fibrosis. Meanwhile, a neonatal rat cardiac fibroblast model with GF was established. Western and immunofluorescence were used to find the specific mechanism of myocardial fibrosis caused by GF. RESULTS: Compared with rats in the Con and the DM group, cardiac function in the GF group showed significant impairments. Additionally, the results showed that GF aggravated myocardial fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, Ca2+/calmodulin­dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) was activated by phosphorylation, prompting an increase in phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) and induced nuclear translocation. Pretreatment with KN-93 (a CaMKII inhibitor) blocked GF-induced Stat3 activation and significantly suppressed myocardial fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Glucose fluctuations exacerbate myocardial fibrosis by triggering the CaMKII/Stat3 pathway in type 2 diabetes.

Coptidis Rhizoma processed with Evodia Rutaecarpa improves the effect on ulcerative colitis by increasing intestinal energy metabolites alpha-ketoglutarate and Lactobacillus reuteri.

BACKGROUND: Evodia Rutaecarpa-processed Coptidis Rhizoma (ECR) is a traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) in China. However, the mechanisms underlying the ECR processing are not elucidated. PURPOSE: Coptidis Rhizoma (CR) regulates the gut microbiota in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. This study explored the mechanism of action of ECR before and after processing in UC in view of the regulation of gut microecology. STUDY DESIGN: A preclinical experimental investigation was performed using a mouse model of UC to examine the regulatory effect of ECR and its mechanisms through gut microbiota analysis and metabolomic assays. METHODS: Mice received 4% dextran sulfate sodium to establish a UC model and treated with ECR and CR. Colonic histopathology and inflammatory changes were observed. Gut microbiota was analyzed using 16 s rRNA sequencing. Transplants of Lactobacillus reuteri were used to explore the correlation between ECR processing and the gut microbiota. The expression of mucin-2, Lgr5, and PCNA in colonic epithelial cells was measured using immunofluorescence. Wnt3a and ß-catenin levels were detected by western blotting. The metabolites in the colon tissue were analyzed using a targeted energy metabolomic assay. The effect of energy metabolite α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) on L. reuteri growth and UC were verified in mice. RESULTS: ECR improved the effects on UC in mice compared to CR, including alleviating colonic injury and inflammation, and modulating gut microbiota by increasing L. reuteri level. L. reuteri dose-dependently alleviated colonic injury, increased mucin-2 level, and promoted colonic epithelial regeneration by increasing Lgr5 and PCNA expression. This was consistent with the results before and after ECR processing. L. reuteri promoted epithelial regeneration by upregulating Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. Moreover, ECR increased metabolites levels (especially α-KG) to promote energy metabolism in the colon tissue compared to CR. α-KG treatment increased L. reuteri level and alleviated mucosal damage in UC mice. It promoted L. reuteri growth by increasing the energy metabolic status by enhancing α-KG dehydrogenase activity. CONCLUSION: ECR processing improves the therapeutic effects of UC via the α-KG-L. reuteri-epithelial regeneration axis.

Calcineurin/NFATc3 pathway mediates myocardial fibrosis in diabetes by impairing enhancer of zeste homolog 2 of cardiac fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is associated with myocardial fibrosis, while the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. The aim of this study is to investigate the underlying role of calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cell 3 (CaN/NFATc3) pathway and the Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) in diabetes-related myocardial fibrosis. METHODS: Streptozotocin (STZ)-injected diabetic rats were randomized to two groups: the controlled glucose (Con) group and the diabetes mellitus (DM) group. Eight weeks later, transthoracic echocardiography was used for cardiac function evaluation, and myocardial fibrosis was visualized by Masson trichrome staining. The primary neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts were cultured with high-glucose medium with or without cyclosporine A or GSK126. The expression of proteins involved in the pathway was examined by western blotting. The nuclear translocation of target proteins was assessed by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: The results indicated that high glucose treatment increased the expression of CaN, NFATc3, EZH2 and trimethylates lysine 27 on histone 3 (H3K27me3) in vitro and in vivo. The inhibition of the CaN/NFATc3 pathway alleviated myocardial fibrosis. Notably, inhibition of CaN can inhibit the nuclear translocation of NFATc3, and the expression of EZH2 and H3K27me3 protein induced by high glucose. Moreover, treatment with GSK126 also ameliorated myocardial fibrosis. CONCLUSION: Diabetes can possibly promote myocardial fibrosis by activating of CaN/NFATc3/EZH2 pathway.

Correlation Analysis between T790M Status and Clinical Characteristics of Patients with EGFR-sensitive Mutation Advanced NSCLC who Progressed after the First-line EGFR-TKIs Administration: A Real-world Exploratory Study.

AIM: The present study is to investigate the association between T790M status and clinical characteristics of patients with EGFR-sensitive advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who progressed the initial epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) administration. METHODS: A total of 167 patients with EGFR-sensitive mutations advanced NSCLC who had successful genetic tests and progressed the initial EGFR-TKI treatment were included in this study retrospectively. The clinical and demographic characteristics of these patients were collected, which were manifested as pathological type, metastasis location, initial biopsy method, initial genetic test specimens, and baseline gene mutations status. Correlation analysis between T790M status and these characteristics was performed and prognostic analysis regarding the different subgroups was carried out accordingly. RESULTS: The prevalence of secondary T790M after resistance to initial EGFR-TKIs among the 167 patients was 52.7%. Correlation analysis indicated that the median progression-free Survival (PFS) to initial EGFR-TKIs >12 months were more likely to develop secondary T790M in univariate analysis. However, the conclusion failed to show statistically significant in multivariate analysis. Additionally, patients with intracranial progression of initial EGFR-TKIs therapy were associated with secondary EGFR-T790M. However, it should be noted that those whose best overall response was partial response (PR) during the EGFR-TKI therapy were relevant to secondary T790M. Furthermore, The median PFS of the initial EGFR-TKIs administration was longer among patients with T790M positive mutation and patients with PR reaction than those without T790M mutation and patients with stable disease (SD), respectively (median PFS: 13.6 vs 10.9 months, P=0.023) and (median PFS: 14.0 vs 10.1 months, P=0.001). CONCLUSION: This retrospective study highlighted the real-world evidence that the best efficacy and intracranial progression with initial EGFR-TKIs therapy among patients with advanced NSCLC might be the promising indicators to predict the occurrence of EGFR-T790M. Patients with PR reaction and T790M positive mutation conferred longer PFS of the initial EGFR-TKIs administration. Also, the conclusion should be confirmed in more patients with advanced NSCLC subsequently.

Higher glucose fluctuation is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease: Insights from pooled results among patients with diabetes.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between glucose fluctuation and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with diabetes remains elusive. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) variability is a key parameter of glucose fluctuation. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase were searched up to 1 July 2022. Studies reporting associations of HbA1c variability (HbA1c-SD), coefficient of variation of HbA1c (HbA1c-CV), and HbA1c variability score [HVS] with the risk of CVD among patients with diabetes were included. We used three different insights (a high-low value meta-analysis, a study-specific meta-analysis, and a non-linear dose-response meta-analysis) to explore the relationship between HbA1c variability and CVD risk. A subgroup analysis was also performed to screen the potential confounding factors. RESULTS: A total of 14 studies with 254 017 patients with diabetes were eligible. The highest HbA1c variability was significantly associated with increased risks of CVD (HbA1c-SD, risk ratio [RR] 1.45; HbA1c-CV, RR 1.74; HVS, RR 2.46; all p < .001) compared to the lowest HbA1c variability. The RRs of CVD for per HbA1c variability were significantly >1 (all p < .001). The subgroup analysis for per HbA1c-SD found a significant exposure-covariate interaction in the types of diabetes (p = .003 for interaction). The dose-response analysis showed a positive association between HbA1c-CV and CVD risk (P for nonlinearity <.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that the higher glucose fluctuation is significantly associated with the higher CVD risk in diabetes patients based on HbA1c variability. The CVD risk associated with per HbA1c-SD might be higher among patients type 1 diabetes than patients with type 2 diabetes.

Identification of key immune-related genes in dilated cardiomyopathy using bioinformatics analysis.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by the left ventricular dilatation and impaired myocardial systolic dysfunction with high mortality and morbidity. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We first identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the DCM and control group using two expression profiles from GSE3585 and GSE84796. Enrichment analysis was conducted to explore the potential mechanisms underlying DCM. A total of four algorithms, including key module of MCODE, degree, maximum neighborhood component (MNC), and maximal clique centrality (MCC), were used to identify the hub genes within Cytoscape. The correlation between hub genes and infiltrated immune cells was evaluated to determine potential immune-related genes. The expression analysis and diagnosis value analysis of potential immune-related genes were performed. Finally, the expression analysis with GSE57338 and relationship analysis with the comparative toxicogenomics database (CTD) were performed to identify the key immune-related genes in DCM. A total of 80 DEGs were screened for DCM. Enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were involved in the immune-related pathological process. Immune infiltration analysis indicated a potentially abnormal immune response in DCM. Four up-regulated genes (COL1A2, COL3A1, CD53, and POSTN) were identified as potential immune-related genes. Finally, three genes (COL1A2, COL3A1, and POSTN) were determined as the key immune-related genes in DCM via expression analysis with a validation set (GSE57338) and relationship analysis with CTD. Our study suggested that the upregulated COL1A2, COL3A1, and POSTN might be the key immune-related genes for DCM. Further studies are needed to validate the underlying mechanisms.

Endoscopic Fenestration for Treating Galassi Type III Middle Cranial Fossa Arachnoid Cysts: Single- and Multiple-stoma have the Same Curative Effect.

BACKGROUND: For endoscopic fenestration of middle cranial fossa arachnoid cysts (MCFACs), the decisions on the location and number of stomas are key issues. However, research on this particular topic has been limited. Thus, this study aimed to compare single- versus multiple-stoma endoscopic fenestration for treating Galassi type III MCFACs. METHODS: This retrospective study included 86 patients with Galassi type III MCFACs treated with endoscopic fenestration. Single-stoma fenestration to the basal cistern was performed in 37 cases, whereas multiple-stoma fenestration to the basal cistern and the carotid cistern was performed in 49 cases. Clinicoradiologic profiles and follow-up data were analyzed. RESULTS: The rate of symptom relief was 83.7% (72/86), and the rate of cyst shrinkage was 96.5% (83/86). Postoperative ipsilateral subdural effusion, which was significant (p = 0.042), and noninfectious fever were the two most common complications in the single- and multiple-stoma groups. No significant differences in intraoperative nerve injury, vascular injury, proportion of cases with cyst reduction, and symptom remission rate were observed between the two groups. The rates of cyst recurrence and secondary surgery in the single-stoma group were higher than those in the multiple-stoma group, although the difference was not significant. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic fenestration is an effective and minimally invasive approach for treating Galassi type III MCFACs. Single- and multiple-stoma endoscopic fenestrations have the same curative effect.

Xianglian pill modulates gut microbial production of succinate and induces regulatory T cells to alleviate ulcerative colitis in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Xianglian pill (XLP), a traditional Chinese formula, is widely used as treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC) in China. However, the mechanism of its therapeutic effect is still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: Our previous studies showed a low oral bioavailability and a predominant distribution of major XLP ingredients in the gut. In the present study, we aimed to explore the mechanism of action of XLP on UC with respect to the regulation of gut microecology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: UC model rats established using 5% dextran sulfate sodium were treated with XLP. After the treatment period, bodyweight, colon length, histopathology, and inflammatory changes were evaluated. Further, changes in gut microbiota structure were detected via 16S rRNA sequencing, and microbial metabolites in feces were analyzed via a metabolomic assay. Antibiotic intervention and fecal microbiota transplantation were also employed to explore the involvement of gut microbiota, while the level of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in mesenteric lymph nodes was determined via flow cytometry. Transcriptome sequencing was also performed to determine colonic gene changes. RESULTS: XLP alleviated colonic injury, inflammation, and gut microbial dysbiosis in UC model rats and also changed microbial metabolite levels. Particularly, it significantly decreased succinate level in the tyrosine pathway. We also observed that fecal microbiota derived from XLP-treated rats conferred resilience to UC model rats. However, this therapeutic effect of XLP on UC was inhibited by succinate. Moreover, XLP increased the level of anti-inflammatory cellular Tregs via gut microbiota. However, this beneficial effect was counteracted by succinate supplementation. Further, XLP induced the differentiation of Treg possibly by the regulation of the PHD2/HIF-1α pathway via decreasing microbial succinate production. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that XLP exerts its therapeutic effects on UC mainly via the gut microbiota-succinate-Treg differentiation axis.

[Excretion of three alkaloids from Simiao Pills in urine, feces, and bile between normal and type 2 diabetic rats].

This study investigated the differences in excretion kinetics of three alkaloids and their four metabolites from Simiao Pills in normal and type 2 diabetic rats. The diabetes model was established in rats by injection of streptozotocin, and the alkaloids in urine, feces, and bile of normal and diabetic rats were detected by LC-MS/MS to explore the effect of diabetes on alkaloid excretion of Simiao Pills. The results showed that 72 h after intragastric administration of the extract of Simiao Pills, feces were the main excretion route of alkaloids from Simiao Pills. The total excretion rates of magnoflorine and berberine in normal rats were 4.87% and 56.54%, which decreased to 2.35% and 35.53% in diabetic rats, which had statistical significance(P<0.05). The total excretion rates of phellodendrine, magnoflorine, and berberine in the urine of diabetic rats decreased significantly, which were 53.57%, 60.84%, and 52.78% of those in normal rats, respectively. After 12 h of intragastric administration, the excretion rate of berberine in the bile of diabetic rats increased significantly, which was 253.33% of that of normal rats. In the condition of diabetes, the excretion rate of berberine metabolite, thalifendine significantly decreased in urine and feces, but significantly increased in bile. The total excretion rates of jateorrhizine and palmatine in the urine increased significantly, and t_(1/2) and K_e changed significantly. The results showed that diabetes affected the in vivo process of alkaloids from Simiao Pills, reducing their excretion in the form of prototype drug, affecting the biotransformation of berberine, and ultimately increasing the exposure of alkaloids in vivo, which would be conducive to the hypoglycemic effect of alkaloids. This study provides references for the clinical application and drug development of Simiao Pills in diabetes.

Lung Cancer Prevalence among Staff in a Cancer Hospital / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of lung cancer among medical staff in a hospital and promote the level of cancer prevention and treatment. MethodsThe annual physical examination data， follow-up pathology and survival data from 2009 to 2021 in a tertiary cancer hospital were collected and then compared with data of lung cancer in China from the global burden of disease database （GBD database）. ResultsThe age-standardized prevalence of lung cancer have been continuously increasing in both populations in recent years. The age-standardized prevalence of lung cancer among medical staff was higher than that in Chinese population， but the age-standardized mortality was lower. The Average Annual Percent Change （AAPC） of lung cancer prevalence among staff was higher than that in Chinese population （13.0% vs. 4.1%）， indicating a higher growth rate. The proportion of newly diagnosed early-stage lung cancer in 2014-2021 was significantly higher than that before adding plain chest CT scan in routine physical examination （2009-2013）， suggesting the benefit of chest CT scan for early screening of lung cancer. ConclusionThe prevalence and growth rate of lung cancer among the staff were higher than those in Chinese population， but the mortality was lower. Plain chest CT scan is essential for early screening and treatment of lung cancer.

Effects of betulinic acid on epithelial-mesenchymal transition of human gastric cancer MKN-45 cells / 中国药理学通报

Aim To observe the effect of betulinic acid (BA) on the migration and invasion of human gastric cancer MKN-45 cells induced by transforming growth factor-pi (TGF-β1), and to explore the effect of BA on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the potential mechanism. Methods The MKN-45 cells were cultivated in vitro, and the effects of different concentrations of BA on the proliferation of MKN-45 cells at 24, 48 and 72 h were detected using CCK-8 method. The effects of BA (5, 10, 20 jjunol • L) and TGF-01 inhibitor LY2109761 (10