Heat shock protein-related diagnostic signature and molecular subtypes in ankylosing spondylitis: new pathogenesis insights.

Heat shock proteins (HSP) have been associated with a range of persistent inflammatory disorders; however, little research has been conducted on the involvement of HSP in the development of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The research aims to identify a diagnostic signature based on HSP-related genes and determine the molecular subtypes of AS. We gathered the transcriptional data of patients with AS from the GSE73754 dataset and conducted a literature search for HSP-related genes (HRGs). The logistic regression model was utilized for the identification of hub HRGs associated with AS. Subsequently, these HRGs were employed in the construction of a nomogram prediction model. We employed a consensus clustering approach to identify novel molecular subgroups. Subsequently, we conducted functional analyses, encompassing GO, KEGG, and GSEA, to elucidate the underlying mechanisms between these subgroups. To assess the immunological landscape, we employed the xCell algorithm. Through logistic regression analysis, the four core HRGs (CCT2, HSPA6, DNAJB14, and DNAJC5) were confirmed as potential biomarkers for AS. Subsequent stratification revealed two distinct molecular phenotypes, designated as Cluster 1 and Cluster 2. Notably, Cluster 2 was characterized by the upregulation of pathways pertinent to immune response and inflammation. Our research suggests that the CCT2, HSPA6, DNAJB14, and DNAJC5 exhibit potential as effective blood-based diagnostic biomarkers for AS. These findings contribute to a deeper comprehension of the underlying mechanisms involved in the development of AS and offer potential targets for personalized therapeutic interventions.

Meta-analysis and systematic review of acupotomy combined with puncture and moxibustion in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to systematically evaluate the therapeutic effects of acupotomy combined with acupuncture and moxibustion on knee osteoarthritis (KOA), which was expected to provide a reference for clinical treatment of KOA using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). METHODS: The databases PubMed, Embase, Medline, Ovid, and Springer were searched to retrieve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on KOA treatment by acupotomy combined with acupuncture and moxibustion. The search time was set as from the date the database was established to 31 December 2020. The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Intervention 5.0.2 was used to conduct bias risk assessment on the included literature, and Review Manager 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 10 RCTs were included in this study, including 1,073 participants. Meta-analysis results showed that compared with the control group, the clinical treatment efficiency of the experimental group was higher [mean difference (MD) =5.72; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.39 to 9.64; Z=6.54; P<0.00001], and the postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were reduced (MD =-1.72; 95% CI: -2.41 to -1.03; Z=4.86; P<0.00001). DISCUSSION: Acupotomy combined with acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for KOA can increase clinical treatment efficiency, and relieve postoperative pain, suggesting that the combination of acupotomy, acupuncture, and moxibustion has better therapeutic effects on KOA and can be promoted clinically.

Stimulation of osteogenic differentiation in bone marrow stromal cells via Wnt/ß-catenin pathway by Qili Jiegu-containing serum.

A capsule of Qili Jiegu, a traditional Chinese medicine with numerous biological activities, may exert a protective eff ;ect against postmenopausal bone loss. However, it remains unclear whether Qili Jiegu-containing serum regulates the osteogenic diff ;erentiation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) in vitro. In this study, BMSCs were treated with medium and Qili Jiegu-containing serum over a 14-day period. We found that Qili Jiegu-containing serum promoted the BMSC proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, as well as stimulated the expression of osteogenic markers and Wnt/ß-catenin pathway-related genes, i.e., runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osteocalcin (OCN), ß-catenin and Wnt4a, in BMSCs. Finally, we found that Qili Jiegu-containing serum activated the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. An addition of Dickkopf-related protein-1 (an inhibitor of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway) to the Qili Jiegu-containing serum could decrease the stimulatory osteogenic effect of Qili Jiegu-containing serum on BMSCs. Therefore, Qili Jiegu-containing serum could promote the osteogenic diff ;erentiation of BMSCs, and the potential mechanism may involve regulation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling.