Ischemic stroke is a major cause of neurological deficits and high disability rate.As the primary immune cells of the central nervous system,microglia play dual roles in neuroinflammation and tissue repair following a...Ischemic stroke is a major cause of neurological deficits and high disability rate.As the primary immune cells of the central nervous system,microglia play dual roles in neuroinflammation and tissue repair following a stroke.Their dynamic activation and polarization states are key factors that influence the disease process and treatment outcomes.This review article investigates the role of microglia in ischemic stroke and explores potential intervention strategies.Microglia exhibit a dynamic functional state,transitioning between pro-inflammatory(M1)and anti-inflammatory(M2)phenotypes.This duality is crucial in ischemic stroke,as it maintains a balance between neuroinflammation and tissue repair.Activated microglia contribute to neuroinflammation through cytokine release and disruption of the blood-brain barrier,while simultaneously promoting tissue repair through anti-inflammatory responses and regeneration.Key pathways influencing microglial activation include Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa B,mitogen-activated protein kinases,Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription,and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathways.These pathways are targets for various experimental therapies aimed at promoting M2 polarization and mitigating damage.Potential therapeutic agents include natural compounds found in drugs such as minocycline,as well as traditional Chinese medicines.Drugs that target these regulatory mechanisms,such as small molecule inhibitors and components of traditional Chinese medicines,along with emerging technologies such as single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics,offer new therapeutic strategies and clinical translational potential for ischemic stroke.展开更多
Border-associated macrophages are located at the interface between the brain and the periphery, including the perivascular spaces, choroid plexus, and meninges. Until recently, the functions of border-associated macro...Border-associated macrophages are located at the interface between the brain and the periphery, including the perivascular spaces, choroid plexus, and meninges. Until recently, the functions of border-associated macrophages have been poorly understood and largely overlooked. However, a recent study reported that border-associated macrophages participate in stroke-induced inflammation, although many details and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we performed a comprehensive single-cell analysis of mouse border-associated macrophages using sequencing data obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO) database(GSE174574 and GSE225948). Differentially expressed genes were identified, and enrichment analysis was performed to identify the transcription profile of border-associated macrophages. CellChat analysis was conducted to determine the cell communication network of border-associated macrophages. Transcription factors were predicted using the ‘pySCENIC' tool. We found that, in response to hypoxia, borderassociated macrophages underwent dynamic transcriptional changes and participated in the regulation of inflammatory-related pathways. Notably, the tumor necrosis factor pathway was activated by border-associated macrophages following ischemic stroke. The pySCENIC analysis indicated that the activity of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(Stat3) was obviously upregulated in stroke, suggesting that Stat3 inhibition may be a promising strategy for treating border-associated macrophages-induced neuroinflammation. Finally, we constructed an animal model to investigate the effects of border-associated macrophages depletion following a stroke. Treatment with liposomes containing clodronate significantly reduced infarct volume in the animals and improved neurological scores compared with untreated animals. Taken together, our results demonstrate comprehensive changes in border-associated macrophages following a stroke, providing a theoretical basis for targeting border-associated macrophages-induced neuroinflammation in stroke treatment.展开更多
Spinal cord injury represents a severe form of central nervous system trauma for which effective treatments remain limited.Microglia is the resident immune cells of the central nervous system,play a critical role in s...Spinal cord injury represents a severe form of central nervous system trauma for which effective treatments remain limited.Microglia is the resident immune cells of the central nervous system,play a critical role in spinal cord injury.Previous studies have shown that microglia can promote neuronal survival by phagocytosing dead cells and debris and by releasing neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory factors.However,excessive activation of microglia can lead to persistent inflammation and contribute to the formation of glial scars,which hinder axonal regeneration.Despite this,the precise role and mechanisms of microglia during the acute phase of spinal cord injury remain controversial and poorly understood.To elucidate the role of microglia in spinal cord injury,we employed the colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor PLX5622 to deplete microglia.We observed that sustained depletion of microglia resulted in an expansion of the lesion area,downregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor,and impaired functional recovery after spinal cord injury.Next,we generated a transgenic mouse line with conditional overexpression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor specifically in microglia.We found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor overexpression in microglia increased angiogenesis and blood flow following spinal cord injury and facilitated the recovery of hindlimb motor function.Additionally,brain-derived neurotrophic factor overexpression in microglia reduced inflammation and neuronal apoptosis during the acute phase of spinal cord injury.Furthermore,through using specific transgenic mouse lines,TMEM119,and the colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor PLX73086,we demonstrated that the neuroprotective effects were predominantly due to brain-derived neurotrophic factor overexpression in microglia rather than macrophages.In conclusion,our findings suggest the critical role of microglia in the formation of protective glial scars.Depleting microglia is detrimental to recovery of spinal cord injury,whereas targeting brain-derived neurotrophic factor overexpression in microglia represents a promising and novel therapeutic strategy to enhance motor function recovery in patients with spinal cord injury.展开更多
Lactate serves as a key energy metabolite in the central nervous system,facilitating essential brain functions,including energy supply,signaling,and epigenetic modulation.Moreover,it links epigenetic modifications wit...Lactate serves as a key energy metabolite in the central nervous system,facilitating essential brain functions,including energy supply,signaling,and epigenetic modulation.Moreover,it links epigenetic modifications with metabolic reprogramming.Nonetheless,the specific mechanisms and roles of this connection in astrocytes remain unclear.Therefore,this review aims to explore the role and specific mechanisms of lactate in the metabolic reprogramming of astrocytes in the central nervous system.The close relationship between epigenetic modifications and metabolic reprogramming was discussed.Therapeutic strategies for targeting metabolic reprogramming in astrocytes in the central nervous system were also outlined to guide future research in central nervous system diseases.In the nervous system,lactate plays an essential role.However,its mechanism of action as a bridge between metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic modifications in the nervous system requires future investigation.The involvement of lactate in epigenetic modifications is currently a hot research topic,especially in lactylation modification,a key determinant in this process.Lactate also indirectly regulates various epigenetic modifications,such as N6-methyladenosine,acetylation,ubiquitination,and phosphorylation modifications,which are closely linked to several neurological disorders.In addition,exploring the clinical applications and potential therapeutic strategies of lactic acid provides new insights for future neurological disease treatments.展开更多
Regulatory T cells,a subset of CD4^(+)T cells,play a critical role in maintaining immune tolerance and tissue homeostasis due to their potent immunosuppressive properties.Recent advances in research have highlighted t...Regulatory T cells,a subset of CD4^(+)T cells,play a critical role in maintaining immune tolerance and tissue homeostasis due to their potent immunosuppressive properties.Recent advances in research have highlighted the important therapeutic potential of Tregs in neurological diseases and tissue repair,emphasizing their multifaceted roles in immune regulation.This review aims to summarize and analyze the mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential of Tregs in relation to neurological diseases and neural regeneration.Beyond their classical immune-regulatory functions,emerging evidence points to non-immune mechanisms of regulatory T cells,particularly their interactions with stem cells and other non-immune cells.These interactions contribute to optimizing the repair microenvironment and promoting tissue repair and nerve regeneration,positioning non-immune pathways as a promising direction for future research.By modulating immune and non-immune cells,including neurons and glia within neural tissues,Tregs have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in enhancing regeneration in the central and peripheral nervous systems.Preclinical studies have revealed that Treg cells interact with neurons,glial cells,and other neural components to mitigate inflammatory damage and support functional recovery.Current mechanistic studies show that Tregs can significantly promote neural repair and functional recovery by regulating inflammatory responses and the local immune microenvironment.However,research on the mechanistic roles of regulatory T cells in other diseases remains limited,highlighting substantial gaps and opportunities for exploration in this field.Laboratory and clinical studies have further advanced the application of regulatory T cells.Technical advances have enabled efficient isolation,ex vivo expansion and functionalization,and adoptive transfer of regulatory T cells,with efficacy validated in animal models.Innovative strategies,including gene editing,cell-free technologies,biomaterial-based recruitment,and in situ delivery have expanded the therapeutic potential of regulatory T cells.Gene editing enables precise functional optimization,while biomaterial and in situ delivery technologies enhance their accumulation and efficacy at target sites.These advancements not only improve the immune-regulatory capacity of regulatory T cells but also significantly enhance their role in tissue repair.By leveraging the pivotal and diverse functions of Tregs in immune modulation and tissue repair,regulatory T cells–based therapies may lead to transformative breakthroughs in the treatment of neurological diseases.展开更多
Downregulation of the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir4.1 is a key step for inducing retinal Müller cell activation and interaction with other glial cells,which is involved in retinal ganglion cell apopt...Downregulation of the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir4.1 is a key step for inducing retinal Müller cell activation and interaction with other glial cells,which is involved in retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma.Modulation of Kir4.1 expression in Müller cells may therefore be a potential strategy for attenuating retinal ganglion cell damage in glaucoma.In this study,we identified seven predicted phosphorylation sites in Kir4.1 and constructed lentiviral expression systems expressing Kir4.1 mutated at each site to prevent phosphorylation.Following this,we treated Müller glial cells in vitro and in vivo with the m Glu R I agonist DHPG to induce Kir4.1 or Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression.We found that both Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression inhibited activation of Müller glial cells.Subsequently,we established a rat model of chronic ocular hypertension by injecting microbeads into the anterior chamber and overexpressed Kir4.1 or Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp in the eye,and observed similar results in Müller cells in vivo as those seen in vitro.Both Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression inhibited Müller cell activation,regulated the balance of Bax/Bcl-2,and reduced the m RNA and protein levels of pro-inflammatory factors,including interleukin-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α.Furthermore,we investigated the regulatory effects of Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression on the release of pro-inflammatory factors in a co-culture system of Müller glial cells and microglia.In this co-culture system,we observed elevated adenosine triphosphate concentrations in activated Müller cells,increased levels of translocator protein(a marker of microglial activation),and elevated interleukin-1βm RNA and protein levels in microglia induced by activated Müller cells.These changes could be reversed by Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression in Müller cells.Kir4.1 overexpression,but not Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression,reduced the number of proliferative and migratory microglia induced by activated Müller cells.Collectively,these results suggest that the tyrosine residue at position nine in Kir4.1 may serve as a functional modulation site in the retina in an experimental model of glaucoma.Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression attenuated Müller cell activation,reduced ATP/P2X receptor–mediated interactions between glial cells,inhibited microglial activation,and decreased the synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory factors,consequently ameliorating retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma.展开更多
BACKGROUND:Breast hyperplasia is a common benign breast disease mainly caused by endocrine disorders,manifested as abnormal hyperplasia of breast tissue.In recent years,traditional Chinese medicine compounds and probi...BACKGROUND:Breast hyperplasia is a common benign breast disease mainly caused by endocrine disorders,manifested as abnormal hyperplasia of breast tissue.In recent years,traditional Chinese medicine compounds and probiotics have shown good potential in regulating the endocrine system and improving the intestinal microecology,providing new ideas for the treatment of breast hyperplasia.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine compounds and fermented probiotic compounds on breast hyperplasia in mice,providing new theoretical and experimental bases for the clinical treatment and prevention of breast hyperplasia.METHODS:(1)Network pharmacology tools were used to predict the anti-breast-hyperplasia activity of Herba Gueldenstaedtiae(Euphorbia humifusa),as well as its potential targets and signaling pathways.The databases included:TCMSP,OMIM,GeneCards database,UniProt website,Venny2.1.0 website,Metascape,HERB website,and STRING database,all of which are open-access databases.Network pharmacology can predict and screen key information such as the targets corresponding to the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine,disease targets,and action pathways through network analysis and computer-system analysis.Therefore,it has been increasingly widely used in the research of traditional Chinese medicine.(2)A breast hyperplasia model was induced in mice by injecting estrogen and progesterone.Mice in the normal blank group were injected intraperitoneally with normal saline every day.Mice in the model group and drugadministration groups were injected intraperitoneally with estradiol benzoate injection at a concentration of 0.5 mg/kg every day for 25 days.From the 26th day,the injection of estradiol benzoate injection was stopped.Mice in the normal blank group were injected intramuscularly with normal saline every day,and mice in the model group and drug-administration groups were injected intramuscularly with progesterone injection at a concentration of 5 mg/kg for 5 days.After the model was established,each group was given drugs respectively.The normal blank group and the model group were gavaged with 0.2 mL/d of normal saline;the positive blank group(Xiaozheng Pill group)was gavaged with an aqueous solution of Xiaozheng Pill at 0.9 mg/g;the low-,medium-and high-dose groups of Compound Herba Gueldenstaedtiae were gavaged with an aqueous solution of the compound medicine at 0.75,1.5,and 3.0 mg/(g·d)respectively;the low-,medium-and high-dose groups of traditional Chinese medicine-bacteria fermentation were gavaged with an aqueous solution of the compound medicine at 0.75,1.5,and 3.0 mg/(g·d)respectively.The administration was continuous for 30 days.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The results of network pharmacology research showed that the Compound Herba Gueldenstaedtiae(Euphorbia humifusa)contained 46 active ingredients,which were related to 1213 potential targets.After comparison with 588 known breast-hyperplasia targets,it was speculated that 50 of these targets might be related to the direct effect of the compound on breast hyperplasia.(2)After drug intervention,there was no significant change in the high-dose group of Compound Herba Gueldenstaedtiae compared with the normal blank group.The liver indicators of the other intervention groups all significantly decreased(P<0.05).(3)In terms of kidney and uterine indicators,the medium-dose group of Compound Herba Gueldenstaedtiae decreased significantly compared with the normal blank group(P<0.05).In terms of the uterine index,the model group increased significantly compared with the normal blank group(P<0.01).(4)After 1-month drug treatment,the number of lobules and acini in the breast tissue of the Xiaozheng Pill group,the low,medium,and high-dose group of Compound Herba Gueldenstaedtiae,the low,medium,and highdose groups of traditional Chinese medicine-bacteria fermentation decreased,and the duct openings narrowed.With the increase of drug dose,diffuse hyperplasia of breast tissue was significantly improved.(5)The ELISA results showed that compared with the model group,the estrogen level was lower in the medium-dose group of traditional Chinese medicine-bacteria fermentation after the intervention(P<0.05).In addition,the follicle-stimulating hormone level in the low-dose group of Compound Herba Gueldenstaedtiae was lower than that of the model group(P<0.05).(6)The intervention in the mouse model led to changes in the abundance of short chain fatty acids and intestinal flora in all groups.To conclude,the Compound Herba Gueldenstaedtiae and its probiotic fermentation products significantly improved mammary gland hyperplasia in mice by regulating hormone levels,improving the structure of the gut microbiota,and increasing the content of shortchain fatty acids,providing new ideas and potential sources of drugs for the treatment of breast hyperplasia.展开更多
Effective treatment methods for stroke,a common cerebrovascular disease with a high mortality rate,are still being sought.Exosome therapy,a form of acellular therapy,has demonstrated promising efficacy in various dise...Effective treatment methods for stroke,a common cerebrovascular disease with a high mortality rate,are still being sought.Exosome therapy,a form of acellular therapy,has demonstrated promising efficacy in various diseases in animal models;however,there is currently insufficient evidence to guide the clinical application of exosome in patients with stroke.This article reviews the progress of exosome applications in stroke treatment.It aims to elucidate the significant potential value of exosomes in stroke therapy and provide a reference for their clinical translation.At present,many studies on exosome-based therapies for stroke are actively underway.Regarding preclinical research,exosomes,as bioactive substances with diverse sources,currently favor stem cells as their origin.Due to their high plasticity,exosomes can be effectively modified through various physical,chemical,and genetic engineering methods to enhance their efficacy.In animal models of stroke,exosome therapy can reduce neuroinflammatory responses,alleviate oxidative stress damage,and inhibit programmed cell death.Additionally,exosomes can promote angiogenesis,repair and regenerate damaged white matter fiber bundles,and facilitate the migration and differentiation of neural stem cells,aiding the repair process.We also summarize new directions for the application of exosomes,specifically the exosome intervention through the ventricular-meningeal lymphatic system.The review findings suggest that the treatment paradigm for stroke is poised for transformation.展开更多
Peripheral nerve defect repair is a complex process that involves multiple cell types;perineurial cells play a pivotal role.Hair follicle neural crest stem cells promote perineurial cell proliferation and migration vi...Peripheral nerve defect repair is a complex process that involves multiple cell types;perineurial cells play a pivotal role.Hair follicle neural crest stem cells promote perineurial cell proliferation and migration via paracrine signaling;however,their clinical applications are limited by potential risks such as tumorigenesis and xenogeneic immune rejection,which are similar to the risks associated with other stem cell transplantations.The present study therefore focuses on small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells,which preserve the bioactive properties of the parent cells while avoiding the transplantation-associated risks.In vitro,small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells significantly enhanced the proliferation,migration,tube formation,and barrier function of perineurial cells,and subsequently upregulated the expression of tight junction proteins.Furthermore,in a rat model of sciatic nerve defects bridged with silicon tubes,treatment with small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells resulted in higher tight junction protein expression in perineurial cells,thus facilitating neural tissue regeneration.At 10 weeks post-surgery,rats treated with small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells exhibited improved nerve function recovery and reduced muscle atrophy.Transcriptomic and micro RNA analyses revealed that small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells deliver mi R-21-5p,which inhibits mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 7 expression,thereby activating the transforming growth factor-β/mothers against decapentaplegic homolog signaling pathway and upregulating hyaluronan synthase 2 expression,and further enhancing tight junction protein expression.Together,our findings indicate that small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells promote the proliferation,migration,and tight junction protein formation of perineurial cells.These results provide new insights into peripheral nerve regeneration from the perspective of perineurial cells,and present a novel approach for the clinical treatment of peripheral nerve defects.展开更多
Cognitive impairment is a particularly severe non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease that significantly diminishes the quality of life of affected individuals.Identifying reliable biomarkers for cognitive impair...Cognitive impairment is a particularly severe non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease that significantly diminishes the quality of life of affected individuals.Identifying reliable biomarkers for cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease is essential for early diagnosis,prognostic assessments,and the development of targeted therapies.This review aims to summarize recent advancements in biofluid biomarkers for cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease,focusing on the detection of specific proteins,metabolites,and other biomarkers in blood,cerebrospinal fluid,and saliva.These biomarkers can shed light on the multifaceted etiology of cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease,which includes protein misfolding,neurodegeneration,inflammation,and oxidative stress.The integration of biofluid biomarkers with neuroimaging and clinical data can facilitate the development of predictive models to enhance early diagnosis and monitor the progression of cognitive impairment in patients with Parkinson's disease.This comprehensive approach can improve the existing understanding of the mechanisms driving cognitive decline and support the development of targeted therapeutic strategies aimed at modifying the course of cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease.Despite the promise of these biomarkers in characterizing the mechanisms underlying cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease,further research is necessary to validate their clinical utility and establish a standardized framework for early detection and monitoring of cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease.展开更多
BACKGROUND Post-stroke depression(PSD)is associated with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis dysfunction and neurotransmitter deficits.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs)are commonly used,but their effi...BACKGROUND Post-stroke depression(PSD)is associated with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis dysfunction and neurotransmitter deficits.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs)are commonly used,but their efficacy is limited.This study investigated whether combining SSRIs with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)Free San could enhance their therapeutic effects.AIM To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of combining SSRIs with Free San in treating PSD,and to assess its impact on HPA axis function.METHODS Ninety-two patients with PSD were enrolled and randomly divided into control groups(n=46)and study groups(n=46).The control group received the SSRI paroxetine alone,whereas the study group received paroxetine combined with Free San for 4 weeks.Hamilton Depression Scale and TCM syndrome scores were assessed before and after treatment.Serum serotonin,norepinephrine,cortisol,cor-ticotropin-releasing hormone,and adrenocorticotropic hormone were measured.The treatment responses and adverse reactions were recorded.RESULTS After treatment,the Hamilton Depression Scale and TCM syndrome scores were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group(P<0.05).Serum serotonin and norepinephrine levels were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group,whereas cortisol,corticotropin-releasing hormone,and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels were significantly lower(P<0.05).The total efficacy rates were 84.78%and 65.22%in the study and control groups,respectively(P<0.05).No significant differences in adverse reactions were observed between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Combining SSRIs with Free San can enhance therapeutic efficacy,improve depressive symptoms,and regulate HPA axis function in patients with PSD with good safety and clinical application value.展开更多
Debates regarding the specific effects of general anesthesia on developing brains have persisted for over 30 years.A consensus has been reached that prolonged,repeated,high-dose exposure to anesthetics is associated w...Debates regarding the specific effects of general anesthesia on developing brains have persisted for over 30 years.A consensus has been reached that prolonged,repeated,high-dose exposure to anesthetics is associated with a higher incidence of deficits in behavior and executive function,while single exposure has a relatively minor effect on long-term neurological function.In this review,we summarize the dose-dependent neuroprotective or neurotoxic effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor agonists,a representative group of sedatives,on developing brains or central nervous system diseases.Most preclinical research indicates that anesthetics have neurotoxic effects on the developing brain through various signal pathways.However,recent studies on low-dose anesthetics suggest that they may promote neurodevelopment during this critical period.These findings are incomprehensible for the general“dose-effect”principles of pharmacological research,which has attracted researchers'interest and led to the following questions:What is the threshold for the dual effects exerted by anesthetics such as propofol and sevoflurane on the developing brain?To what extent can their protective effects be maximized?What are the underlying mechanisms involved in these effects?Consequently,this issue has essentially become a“mathematical problem.”After summarizing the dose-dependent effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor agonist sedatives in both the developing brain and the brains of patients with central nervous system diseases,we believe that all such anesthetics exhibit specific threshold effects unique to each drug.These effects range from neuroprotection to neurotoxicity,depending on different brain functional states.However,the exact values of the specific thresholds for different drugs in various brain states,as well as the underlying mechanisms explaining why these thresholds exist,remain unclear.Further in-depth exploration of these issues could significantly enhance the therapeutic translational value of these anesthetics.展开更多
Research into lactylation modifications across various target organs in both health and disease has gained significant attention.Many essential life processes and the onset of diseases are not only related to protein ...Research into lactylation modifications across various target organs in both health and disease has gained significant attention.Many essential life processes and the onset of diseases are not only related to protein abundance but are also primarily regulated by various post-translational protein modifications.Lactate,once considered merely a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism,has emerged as a crucial energy substrate and signaling molecule involved in both physiological and pathological processes within the nervous system.Furthermore,recent studies have emphasized the significant role of lactate in numerous neurological diseases,including Alzheimer's disease,Parkinson's disease,acute cerebral ischemic stroke,multiple sclerosis,Huntington's disease,and myasthenia gravis.The purpose of this review is to synthesize the current research on lactate and lactylation modifications in neurological diseases,aiming to clarify their mechanisms of action and identify potential therapeutic targets.As such,this work provides an overview of the metabolic regulatory roles of lactate in various disorders,emphasizing its involvement in the regulation of brain function.Additionally,the specific mechanisms of brain lactate metabolism are discussed,suggesting the unique roles of lactate in modulating brain function.As a critical aspect of lactate function,lactylation modifications,including both histone and non-histone lactylation,are explored,with an emphasis on recent advancements in identifying the key regulatory enzymes of such modifications,such as lactylation writers and erasers.The effects and specific mechanisms of abnormal lactate metabolism in diverse neurological diseases are summarized,revealing that lactate acts as a signaling molecule in the regulation of brain functions and that abnormal lactate metabolism is implicated in the progression of various neurological disorders.Future research should focus on further elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying lactate and lactylation modifications and exploring their potential as therapeutic targets for neurological diseases.展开更多
Neuronal cell death is a common outcome of multiple pathophysiological processes and a key factor in neurological dysfunction after subarachnoid hemorrhage.Neuronal ferroptosis in particular plays an important role in...Neuronal cell death is a common outcome of multiple pathophysiological processes and a key factor in neurological dysfunction after subarachnoid hemorrhage.Neuronal ferroptosis in particular plays an important role in early brain injury.Bromodomain-containing protein 4,a member of the bromo and extraterminal domain family of proteins,participated in multiple cell death pathways,but the mechanisms by which it regulates ferroptosis remain unclear.The primary aim of this study was to investigate how bromodomain-containing protein 4 affects neuronal ferroptosis following subarachnoid hemorrhage in vivo and in vitro.Our findings revealed that endogenous bromodomain-containing protein 4 co-localized with neurons,and its expression was decreased 48 hours after subarachnoid hemorrhage of the cerebral cortex in vivo.In addition,ferroptosis-related pathways were activated in vivo and in vitro after subarachnoid hemorrhage.Targeted inhibition of bromodomain-containing protein 4 in neurons increased lipid peroxidation and intracellular ferrous iron accumulation via ferritinophagy and ultimately led to neuronal ferroptosis.Using cleavage under targets and tagmentation analysis,we found that bromodomain-containing protein 4 enrichment in the Raf-1 promoter region decreased following oxyhemoglobin stimulation in vitro.Furthermore,treating bromodomain-containing protein 4-knockdown HT-22 cell lines with GW5074,a Raf-1 inhibitor,exacerbated neuronal ferroptosis by suppressing the Raf-1/ERK1/2 signaling pathway.Moreover,targeted inhibition of neuronal bromodomain-containing protein 4 exacerbated early and long-term neurological function deficits after subarachnoid hemorrhage.Our findings suggest that bromodomain-containing protein 4 may have neuroprotective effects after subarachnoid hemorrhage,and that inhibiting ferroptosis could help treat subarachnoid hemorrhage.展开更多
Alzheimer’s disease,a devastating neurodegenerative disorder,is characterized by progressive cognitive decline,primarily due to amyloid-beta protein deposition and tau protein phosphorylation.Effectively reducing the...Alzheimer’s disease,a devastating neurodegenerative disorder,is characterized by progressive cognitive decline,primarily due to amyloid-beta protein deposition and tau protein phosphorylation.Effectively reducing the cytotoxicity of amyloid-beta42 aggregates and tau oligomers may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.Conventional drugs,such as donepezil,can only alleviate symptoms and are not able to prevent the underlying pathological processes or cognitive decline.Currently,active and passive immunotherapies targeting amyloid-beta and tau have shown some efficacy in mice with asymptomatic Alzheimer’s disease and other transgenic animal models,attracting considerable attention.However,the clinical application of these immunotherapies demonstrated only limited efficacy before the discovery of lecanemab and donanemab.This review first discusses the advancements in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease and active and passive immunotherapies targeting amyloid-beta and tau proteins.Furthermore,it reviews the advantages and disadvantages of various immunotherapies and considers their future prospects.Although some antibodies have shown promise in patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease,substantial clinical data are still lacking to validate their effectiveness in individuals with moderate Alzheimer’s disease.展开更多
Dear Editor,Psoriasis is increasingly recognized as a systemic inflammatory disease associated with several comorbidities,including metabolic syndrome,depression,and malignancies[1].Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the third ...Dear Editor,Psoriasis is increasingly recognized as a systemic inflammatory disease associated with several comorbidities,including metabolic syndrome,depression,and malignancies[1].Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the third most common cancer worldwide and ranks second in mortality among all malignancies.Currently,it has become one of the most severe challenges faced by healthcare systems in many countries[2].A previous study has found that patients with psoriasis have a significantly increased risk of developing CRC[3].展开更多
The neuroinflammatory response mediated by microglial activation plays an important role in the secondary nerve injury of traumatic brain injury.The post-transcriptional modification of N^(6)-methyladenosine is ubiqui...The neuroinflammatory response mediated by microglial activation plays an important role in the secondary nerve injury of traumatic brain injury.The post-transcriptional modification of N^(6)-methyladenosine is ubiquitous in the immune response of the central nervous system.The fat mass and obesity-related protein catalyzes the demethylation of N^(6)-methyladenosine modifications on mRNA and is widely expressed in various tissues,participating in the regulation of multiple diseases’biological processes.However,the role of fat mass and obesity in microglial activation and the subsequent neuroinflammatory response after traumatic brain injury is unclear.In this study,we found that the expression of fat mass and obesity was significantly down-regulated in both lipopolysaccharide-treated BV2 cells and a traumatic brain injury mouse model.After fat mass and obesity interference,BV2 cells exhibited a pro-inflammatory phenotype as shown by the increased proportion of CD11b^(+)/CD86^(+)cells and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines.Fat mass and obesity-mediated N^(6)-methyladenosine demethylation accelerated the degradation of ADAM17 mRNA,while silencing of fat mass and obesity enhanced the stability of ADAM17 mRNA.Therefore,down-regulation of fat mass and obesity expression leads to the abnormally high expression of ADAM17 in microglia.These results indicate that the activation of microglia and neuroinflammatory response regulated by fat mass and obesity-related N^(6)-methyladenosine modification plays an important role in the pro-inflammatory process of secondary injury following traumatic brain injury.展开更多
AIM:To investigate age-related differences in the irislens angle(ILA)among patients with age-related cortical cataracts and elucidate the impact of age on lens stability.METHODS:A prospective observational study was c...AIM:To investigate age-related differences in the irislens angle(ILA)among patients with age-related cortical cataracts and elucidate the impact of age on lens stability.METHODS:A prospective observational study was conducted on patients with age-related cortical cataracts scheduled for phacoemulsification surgery.Preoperative ultrasound biomicroscopy(UBM)images were collected and analyzed.Initially,patients were stratified into two age groups:<60y and≥60y,with no significant intergroup differences in sex or eye laterality.For further analysis,participants were subdivided into three age strata:<60y,60-75y,and>75y.The ILA was measured in four quadrants(superior,inferior,nasal,and temporal).Intergroup differences in ILA were compared,and correlations between age and ILA parameters were analyzed using statistical methods.RESULTS:The sample data were categorized into three groups according to age,<60y(113 patients;55.8%female),60–75y(245 patients;61.0%female),and>75y(70 patients;50.2%female).The superior quadrant ILA increased progressively with age stratification(P=0.02),and the maximum ILA difference(ΔILA)was significantly higher in patients over 75y(P<0.01).Simple linear regression analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between age and ILA in the superior(Y=7.487+0.096X,R=0.191,P<0.001)and temporal(Y=10.254+0.052X,R=0.104,P=0.032)quadrants.Additionally,the mean ILA across all quadrants(ILAmean)andΔILA were positively correlated with age(ILAmean:Y=9.721+0.055X,R=0.138,P=0.004;ΔILA:Y=3.267+0.044X,R=0.006,P<0.05).CONCLUSION:In patients with age-related cortical cataracts,ILA increases with age,particularly in the superior and temporal quadrants,suggesting that advanced age is associated with greater lens deviation and decreased lens stability.UBM imaging can effectively evaluate the status of the zonule and lens stability,providing crucial evidence for personalized surgical planning based on patients’age.展开更多
Diabetic retinopathy(DR),a common complication of diabetes,is characterized by retinal angiogenesis and inflammation.The role of hepatoma-derived growth factor(HDGF)in mediating inflammation during DR remains unclear....Diabetic retinopathy(DR),a common complication of diabetes,is characterized by retinal angiogenesis and inflammation.The role of hepatoma-derived growth factor(HDGF)in mediating inflammation during DR remains unclear.We measured HDGF levels in the aqueous humor and found that HDGF was increased in DR but decreased after anti-angiogenesis treatment.Using public single-cell RNA sequencing datasets,we found that elevated HDGF in DR was mainly produced by Müller cells and targeted microglia.Additionally,integrin beta 2(Itgb2),a target gene of HDGF that induces microglial activation,was significantly upregulated in DR.To verify these results,we performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays,quantitative reverse transcription-PCR,Western blotting,and fluorescence immunostaining in cultured Müller and microglial cells treated with HDGF or anti-HDGF,as well as in DR mice receiving intravitreal injections of HDGF or its antibody.Exogenous HDGF further promoted microglial activation,migration,and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines,while neutralization of HDGF suppressed these effects caused by high glucose.Furthermore,the HDGF receptor nucleolin was overexpressed in microglia under high glucose stimulation.Therefore,blocking HDGF from Müller cells in DR reduced the excessive inflammatory response in microglia,highlighting HDGF as a potential therapeutic target.展开更多
Objectives:Chromobox 4(CBX4),a polycomb protein family member linked to tumor pathogenesis via dysregulation,has an incompletely defined role in gastric cancer(GC).The study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism...Objectives:Chromobox 4(CBX4),a polycomb protein family member linked to tumor pathogenesis via dysregulation,has an incompletely defined role in gastric cancer(GC).The study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of CBX4 in GC progression and evaluate its potential as a therapeutic target.Methods:CBX4 expression was assessed in GC tissues vs.adjacent non-cancerous tissues and in GC cell lines vs.normal gastric mucosal epithelial cells.Clinicopathological correlations were analyzed.Functional impacts of CBX4 were determined using knockdown and overexpression models in vitro(cell proliferation,migration,invasion)and in vivo(xenograft tumorigenesis in nude mice).Mechanistic studies evaluatedβ-catenin levels(total and nuclear)and transcriptional activity following CBX4 modulation.The functional dependency on Wnt/β-catenin signaling was tested using the pharmacological inhibitor XAV939 in CBX4-overexpressing cells.Results:CBX4 expression was significantly upregulated in GC tissues and cell lines.Elevated CBX4 levels strongly correlated with aggressive tumor characteristics,including larger tumor size,lymph node metastasis,and advanced Tumor,Node,Metastasis(TNM)stage.Functionally,CBX4 knockdown suppressed GC cell proliferation,migration,invasion in vitro,and tumorigenesis in vivo.Conversely,CBX4 overexpression enhanced these malignant traits.Mechanistically,CBX4 depletion reduced total and nuclearβ-catenin levels and inhibited its transcriptional activity,while CBX4 overexpression had the opposite effect.Critically,XAV939-mediated inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling attenuated the oncogenic effects induced by CBX4 overexpression.Conclusion:CBX4 upregulation promotes GC progression viaβ-catenin signaling activation.The CBX4/β-catenin axis emerges as a promising therapeutic target,offering potential for the development of precision treatment strategies in GC management.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,82471345(to LC)the Key Research and Development Program for Social Development by the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Science and Technology.No.BE2022668(to LC).
文摘Ischemic stroke is a major cause of neurological deficits and high disability rate.As the primary immune cells of the central nervous system,microglia play dual roles in neuroinflammation and tissue repair following a stroke.Their dynamic activation and polarization states are key factors that influence the disease process and treatment outcomes.This review article investigates the role of microglia in ischemic stroke and explores potential intervention strategies.Microglia exhibit a dynamic functional state,transitioning between pro-inflammatory(M1)and anti-inflammatory(M2)phenotypes.This duality is crucial in ischemic stroke,as it maintains a balance between neuroinflammation and tissue repair.Activated microglia contribute to neuroinflammation through cytokine release and disruption of the blood-brain barrier,while simultaneously promoting tissue repair through anti-inflammatory responses and regeneration.Key pathways influencing microglial activation include Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa B,mitogen-activated protein kinases,Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription,and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathways.These pathways are targets for various experimental therapies aimed at promoting M2 polarization and mitigating damage.Potential therapeutic agents include natural compounds found in drugs such as minocycline,as well as traditional Chinese medicines.Drugs that target these regulatory mechanisms,such as small molecule inhibitors and components of traditional Chinese medicines,along with emerging technologies such as single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics,offer new therapeutic strategies and clinical translational potential for ischemic stroke.
基金supported by Qingdao Key Medical and Health Discipline ProjectThe Intramural Research Program of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University,No. 4910Qingdao West Coast New Area Science and Technology Project,No. 2020-55 (all to SW)。
文摘Border-associated macrophages are located at the interface between the brain and the periphery, including the perivascular spaces, choroid plexus, and meninges. Until recently, the functions of border-associated macrophages have been poorly understood and largely overlooked. However, a recent study reported that border-associated macrophages participate in stroke-induced inflammation, although many details and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we performed a comprehensive single-cell analysis of mouse border-associated macrophages using sequencing data obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO) database(GSE174574 and GSE225948). Differentially expressed genes were identified, and enrichment analysis was performed to identify the transcription profile of border-associated macrophages. CellChat analysis was conducted to determine the cell communication network of border-associated macrophages. Transcription factors were predicted using the ‘pySCENIC' tool. We found that, in response to hypoxia, borderassociated macrophages underwent dynamic transcriptional changes and participated in the regulation of inflammatory-related pathways. Notably, the tumor necrosis factor pathway was activated by border-associated macrophages following ischemic stroke. The pySCENIC analysis indicated that the activity of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(Stat3) was obviously upregulated in stroke, suggesting that Stat3 inhibition may be a promising strategy for treating border-associated macrophages-induced neuroinflammation. Finally, we constructed an animal model to investigate the effects of border-associated macrophages depletion following a stroke. Treatment with liposomes containing clodronate significantly reduced infarct volume in the animals and improved neurological scores compared with untreated animals. Taken together, our results demonstrate comprehensive changes in border-associated macrophages following a stroke, providing a theoretical basis for targeting border-associated macrophages-induced neuroinflammation in stroke treatment.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82072165 and 82272256(both to XM)the Key Project of Xiangyang Central Hospital,No.2023YZ03(to RM)。
文摘Spinal cord injury represents a severe form of central nervous system trauma for which effective treatments remain limited.Microglia is the resident immune cells of the central nervous system,play a critical role in spinal cord injury.Previous studies have shown that microglia can promote neuronal survival by phagocytosing dead cells and debris and by releasing neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory factors.However,excessive activation of microglia can lead to persistent inflammation and contribute to the formation of glial scars,which hinder axonal regeneration.Despite this,the precise role and mechanisms of microglia during the acute phase of spinal cord injury remain controversial and poorly understood.To elucidate the role of microglia in spinal cord injury,we employed the colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor PLX5622 to deplete microglia.We observed that sustained depletion of microglia resulted in an expansion of the lesion area,downregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor,and impaired functional recovery after spinal cord injury.Next,we generated a transgenic mouse line with conditional overexpression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor specifically in microglia.We found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor overexpression in microglia increased angiogenesis and blood flow following spinal cord injury and facilitated the recovery of hindlimb motor function.Additionally,brain-derived neurotrophic factor overexpression in microglia reduced inflammation and neuronal apoptosis during the acute phase of spinal cord injury.Furthermore,through using specific transgenic mouse lines,TMEM119,and the colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor PLX73086,we demonstrated that the neuroprotective effects were predominantly due to brain-derived neurotrophic factor overexpression in microglia rather than macrophages.In conclusion,our findings suggest the critical role of microglia in the formation of protective glial scars.Depleting microglia is detrimental to recovery of spinal cord injury,whereas targeting brain-derived neurotrophic factor overexpression in microglia represents a promising and novel therapeutic strategy to enhance motor function recovery in patients with spinal cord injury.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82071383,82371392(to BN)the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province of China(Key Project),No.ZR2020KH007(to BN)+1 种基金“Taishan Scholar Distinguished Expert Program”of Shandong Province,No.tstp20231257(to BN)Health Commission Science and Technology Plan Project of Jinan,No.2023-1-8(to YZ).
文摘Lactate serves as a key energy metabolite in the central nervous system,facilitating essential brain functions,including energy supply,signaling,and epigenetic modulation.Moreover,it links epigenetic modifications with metabolic reprogramming.Nonetheless,the specific mechanisms and roles of this connection in astrocytes remain unclear.Therefore,this review aims to explore the role and specific mechanisms of lactate in the metabolic reprogramming of astrocytes in the central nervous system.The close relationship between epigenetic modifications and metabolic reprogramming was discussed.Therapeutic strategies for targeting metabolic reprogramming in astrocytes in the central nervous system were also outlined to guide future research in central nervous system diseases.In the nervous system,lactate plays an essential role.However,its mechanism of action as a bridge between metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic modifications in the nervous system requires future investigation.The involvement of lactate in epigenetic modifications is currently a hot research topic,especially in lactylation modification,a key determinant in this process.Lactate also indirectly regulates various epigenetic modifications,such as N6-methyladenosine,acetylation,ubiquitination,and phosphorylation modifications,which are closely linked to several neurological disorders.In addition,exploring the clinical applications and potential therapeutic strategies of lactic acid provides new insights for future neurological disease treatments.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.32271389,31900987(both to PY)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province,No.BK20230608(to JJ)。
文摘Regulatory T cells,a subset of CD4^(+)T cells,play a critical role in maintaining immune tolerance and tissue homeostasis due to their potent immunosuppressive properties.Recent advances in research have highlighted the important therapeutic potential of Tregs in neurological diseases and tissue repair,emphasizing their multifaceted roles in immune regulation.This review aims to summarize and analyze the mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential of Tregs in relation to neurological diseases and neural regeneration.Beyond their classical immune-regulatory functions,emerging evidence points to non-immune mechanisms of regulatory T cells,particularly their interactions with stem cells and other non-immune cells.These interactions contribute to optimizing the repair microenvironment and promoting tissue repair and nerve regeneration,positioning non-immune pathways as a promising direction for future research.By modulating immune and non-immune cells,including neurons and glia within neural tissues,Tregs have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in enhancing regeneration in the central and peripheral nervous systems.Preclinical studies have revealed that Treg cells interact with neurons,glial cells,and other neural components to mitigate inflammatory damage and support functional recovery.Current mechanistic studies show that Tregs can significantly promote neural repair and functional recovery by regulating inflammatory responses and the local immune microenvironment.However,research on the mechanistic roles of regulatory T cells in other diseases remains limited,highlighting substantial gaps and opportunities for exploration in this field.Laboratory and clinical studies have further advanced the application of regulatory T cells.Technical advances have enabled efficient isolation,ex vivo expansion and functionalization,and adoptive transfer of regulatory T cells,with efficacy validated in animal models.Innovative strategies,including gene editing,cell-free technologies,biomaterial-based recruitment,and in situ delivery have expanded the therapeutic potential of regulatory T cells.Gene editing enables precise functional optimization,while biomaterial and in situ delivery technologies enhance their accumulation and efficacy at target sites.These advancements not only improve the immune-regulatory capacity of regulatory T cells but also significantly enhance their role in tissue repair.By leveraging the pivotal and diverse functions of Tregs in immune modulation and tissue repair,regulatory T cells–based therapies may lead to transformative breakthroughs in the treatment of neurological diseases.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.32271043(to ZW)and 82171047(to YM)the both Science and Technology Major Project of Shanghai,No.2018SHZDZX01 and ZJLabShanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology(to ZW)。
文摘Downregulation of the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir4.1 is a key step for inducing retinal Müller cell activation and interaction with other glial cells,which is involved in retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma.Modulation of Kir4.1 expression in Müller cells may therefore be a potential strategy for attenuating retinal ganglion cell damage in glaucoma.In this study,we identified seven predicted phosphorylation sites in Kir4.1 and constructed lentiviral expression systems expressing Kir4.1 mutated at each site to prevent phosphorylation.Following this,we treated Müller glial cells in vitro and in vivo with the m Glu R I agonist DHPG to induce Kir4.1 or Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression.We found that both Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression inhibited activation of Müller glial cells.Subsequently,we established a rat model of chronic ocular hypertension by injecting microbeads into the anterior chamber and overexpressed Kir4.1 or Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp in the eye,and observed similar results in Müller cells in vivo as those seen in vitro.Both Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression inhibited Müller cell activation,regulated the balance of Bax/Bcl-2,and reduced the m RNA and protein levels of pro-inflammatory factors,including interleukin-1βand tumor necrosis factor-α.Furthermore,we investigated the regulatory effects of Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression on the release of pro-inflammatory factors in a co-culture system of Müller glial cells and microglia.In this co-culture system,we observed elevated adenosine triphosphate concentrations in activated Müller cells,increased levels of translocator protein(a marker of microglial activation),and elevated interleukin-1βm RNA and protein levels in microglia induced by activated Müller cells.These changes could be reversed by Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression in Müller cells.Kir4.1 overexpression,but not Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression,reduced the number of proliferative and migratory microglia induced by activated Müller cells.Collectively,these results suggest that the tyrosine residue at position nine in Kir4.1 may serve as a functional modulation site in the retina in an experimental model of glaucoma.Kir4.1 and Kir4.1 Tyr^(9)Asp overexpression attenuated Müller cell activation,reduced ATP/P2X receptor–mediated interactions between glial cells,inhibited microglial activation,and decreased the synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory factors,consequently ameliorating retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma.
文摘BACKGROUND:Breast hyperplasia is a common benign breast disease mainly caused by endocrine disorders,manifested as abnormal hyperplasia of breast tissue.In recent years,traditional Chinese medicine compounds and probiotics have shown good potential in regulating the endocrine system and improving the intestinal microecology,providing new ideas for the treatment of breast hyperplasia.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine compounds and fermented probiotic compounds on breast hyperplasia in mice,providing new theoretical and experimental bases for the clinical treatment and prevention of breast hyperplasia.METHODS:(1)Network pharmacology tools were used to predict the anti-breast-hyperplasia activity of Herba Gueldenstaedtiae(Euphorbia humifusa),as well as its potential targets and signaling pathways.The databases included:TCMSP,OMIM,GeneCards database,UniProt website,Venny2.1.0 website,Metascape,HERB website,and STRING database,all of which are open-access databases.Network pharmacology can predict and screen key information such as the targets corresponding to the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine,disease targets,and action pathways through network analysis and computer-system analysis.Therefore,it has been increasingly widely used in the research of traditional Chinese medicine.(2)A breast hyperplasia model was induced in mice by injecting estrogen and progesterone.Mice in the normal blank group were injected intraperitoneally with normal saline every day.Mice in the model group and drugadministration groups were injected intraperitoneally with estradiol benzoate injection at a concentration of 0.5 mg/kg every day for 25 days.From the 26th day,the injection of estradiol benzoate injection was stopped.Mice in the normal blank group were injected intramuscularly with normal saline every day,and mice in the model group and drug-administration groups were injected intramuscularly with progesterone injection at a concentration of 5 mg/kg for 5 days.After the model was established,each group was given drugs respectively.The normal blank group and the model group were gavaged with 0.2 mL/d of normal saline;the positive blank group(Xiaozheng Pill group)was gavaged with an aqueous solution of Xiaozheng Pill at 0.9 mg/g;the low-,medium-and high-dose groups of Compound Herba Gueldenstaedtiae were gavaged with an aqueous solution of the compound medicine at 0.75,1.5,and 3.0 mg/(g·d)respectively;the low-,medium-and high-dose groups of traditional Chinese medicine-bacteria fermentation were gavaged with an aqueous solution of the compound medicine at 0.75,1.5,and 3.0 mg/(g·d)respectively.The administration was continuous for 30 days.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The results of network pharmacology research showed that the Compound Herba Gueldenstaedtiae(Euphorbia humifusa)contained 46 active ingredients,which were related to 1213 potential targets.After comparison with 588 known breast-hyperplasia targets,it was speculated that 50 of these targets might be related to the direct effect of the compound on breast hyperplasia.(2)After drug intervention,there was no significant change in the high-dose group of Compound Herba Gueldenstaedtiae compared with the normal blank group.The liver indicators of the other intervention groups all significantly decreased(P<0.05).(3)In terms of kidney and uterine indicators,the medium-dose group of Compound Herba Gueldenstaedtiae decreased significantly compared with the normal blank group(P<0.05).In terms of the uterine index,the model group increased significantly compared with the normal blank group(P<0.01).(4)After 1-month drug treatment,the number of lobules and acini in the breast tissue of the Xiaozheng Pill group,the low,medium,and high-dose group of Compound Herba Gueldenstaedtiae,the low,medium,and highdose groups of traditional Chinese medicine-bacteria fermentation decreased,and the duct openings narrowed.With the increase of drug dose,diffuse hyperplasia of breast tissue was significantly improved.(5)The ELISA results showed that compared with the model group,the estrogen level was lower in the medium-dose group of traditional Chinese medicine-bacteria fermentation after the intervention(P<0.05).In addition,the follicle-stimulating hormone level in the low-dose group of Compound Herba Gueldenstaedtiae was lower than that of the model group(P<0.05).(6)The intervention in the mouse model led to changes in the abundance of short chain fatty acids and intestinal flora in all groups.To conclude,the Compound Herba Gueldenstaedtiae and its probiotic fermentation products significantly improved mammary gland hyperplasia in mice by regulating hormone levels,improving the structure of the gut microbiota,and increasing the content of shortchain fatty acids,providing new ideas and potential sources of drugs for the treatment of breast hyperplasia.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing,No.CSTB2023NSCQ-mSX0561(to WL).
文摘Effective treatment methods for stroke,a common cerebrovascular disease with a high mortality rate,are still being sought.Exosome therapy,a form of acellular therapy,has demonstrated promising efficacy in various diseases in animal models;however,there is currently insufficient evidence to guide the clinical application of exosome in patients with stroke.This article reviews the progress of exosome applications in stroke treatment.It aims to elucidate the significant potential value of exosomes in stroke therapy and provide a reference for their clinical translation.At present,many studies on exosome-based therapies for stroke are actively underway.Regarding preclinical research,exosomes,as bioactive substances with diverse sources,currently favor stem cells as their origin.Due to their high plasticity,exosomes can be effectively modified through various physical,chemical,and genetic engineering methods to enhance their efficacy.In animal models of stroke,exosome therapy can reduce neuroinflammatory responses,alleviate oxidative stress damage,and inhibit programmed cell death.Additionally,exosomes can promote angiogenesis,repair and regenerate damaged white matter fiber bundles,and facilitate the migration and differentiation of neural stem cells,aiding the repair process.We also summarize new directions for the application of exosomes,specifically the exosome intervention through the ventricular-meningeal lymphatic system.The review findings suggest that the treatment paradigm for stroke is poised for transformation.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81571211(to FL)the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai,No.22ZR1476800(to CH)。
文摘Peripheral nerve defect repair is a complex process that involves multiple cell types;perineurial cells play a pivotal role.Hair follicle neural crest stem cells promote perineurial cell proliferation and migration via paracrine signaling;however,their clinical applications are limited by potential risks such as tumorigenesis and xenogeneic immune rejection,which are similar to the risks associated with other stem cell transplantations.The present study therefore focuses on small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells,which preserve the bioactive properties of the parent cells while avoiding the transplantation-associated risks.In vitro,small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells significantly enhanced the proliferation,migration,tube formation,and barrier function of perineurial cells,and subsequently upregulated the expression of tight junction proteins.Furthermore,in a rat model of sciatic nerve defects bridged with silicon tubes,treatment with small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells resulted in higher tight junction protein expression in perineurial cells,thus facilitating neural tissue regeneration.At 10 weeks post-surgery,rats treated with small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells exhibited improved nerve function recovery and reduced muscle atrophy.Transcriptomic and micro RNA analyses revealed that small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells deliver mi R-21-5p,which inhibits mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 7 expression,thereby activating the transforming growth factor-β/mothers against decapentaplegic homolog signaling pathway and upregulating hyaluronan synthase 2 expression,and further enhancing tight junction protein expression.Together,our findings indicate that small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells promote the proliferation,migration,and tight junction protein formation of perineurial cells.These results provide new insights into peripheral nerve regeneration from the perspective of perineurial cells,and present a novel approach for the clinical treatment of peripheral nerve defects.
基金supported by Applied Basic Research Foundation of Yunnan Province,Nos.202301AS070045,202101AY070001-115(to XY and BL)National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81960242(to XY)。
文摘Cognitive impairment is a particularly severe non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease that significantly diminishes the quality of life of affected individuals.Identifying reliable biomarkers for cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease is essential for early diagnosis,prognostic assessments,and the development of targeted therapies.This review aims to summarize recent advancements in biofluid biomarkers for cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease,focusing on the detection of specific proteins,metabolites,and other biomarkers in blood,cerebrospinal fluid,and saliva.These biomarkers can shed light on the multifaceted etiology of cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease,which includes protein misfolding,neurodegeneration,inflammation,and oxidative stress.The integration of biofluid biomarkers with neuroimaging and clinical data can facilitate the development of predictive models to enhance early diagnosis and monitor the progression of cognitive impairment in patients with Parkinson's disease.This comprehensive approach can improve the existing understanding of the mechanisms driving cognitive decline and support the development of targeted therapeutic strategies aimed at modifying the course of cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease.Despite the promise of these biomarkers in characterizing the mechanisms underlying cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease,further research is necessary to validate their clinical utility and establish a standardized framework for early detection and monitoring of cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease.
基金Supported by Open Project of Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for the Prevention and Treatment of Geriatric Diseases,No.202232.
文摘BACKGROUND Post-stroke depression(PSD)is associated with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis dysfunction and neurotransmitter deficits.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs)are commonly used,but their efficacy is limited.This study investigated whether combining SSRIs with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)Free San could enhance their therapeutic effects.AIM To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of combining SSRIs with Free San in treating PSD,and to assess its impact on HPA axis function.METHODS Ninety-two patients with PSD were enrolled and randomly divided into control groups(n=46)and study groups(n=46).The control group received the SSRI paroxetine alone,whereas the study group received paroxetine combined with Free San for 4 weeks.Hamilton Depression Scale and TCM syndrome scores were assessed before and after treatment.Serum serotonin,norepinephrine,cortisol,cor-ticotropin-releasing hormone,and adrenocorticotropic hormone were measured.The treatment responses and adverse reactions were recorded.RESULTS After treatment,the Hamilton Depression Scale and TCM syndrome scores were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group(P<0.05).Serum serotonin and norepinephrine levels were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group,whereas cortisol,corticotropin-releasing hormone,and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels were significantly lower(P<0.05).The total efficacy rates were 84.78%and 65.22%in the study and control groups,respectively(P<0.05).No significant differences in adverse reactions were observed between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Combining SSRIs with Free San can enhance therapeutic efficacy,improve depressive symptoms,and regulate HPA axis function in patients with PSD with good safety and clinical application value.
文摘Debates regarding the specific effects of general anesthesia on developing brains have persisted for over 30 years.A consensus has been reached that prolonged,repeated,high-dose exposure to anesthetics is associated with a higher incidence of deficits in behavior and executive function,while single exposure has a relatively minor effect on long-term neurological function.In this review,we summarize the dose-dependent neuroprotective or neurotoxic effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor agonists,a representative group of sedatives,on developing brains or central nervous system diseases.Most preclinical research indicates that anesthetics have neurotoxic effects on the developing brain through various signal pathways.However,recent studies on low-dose anesthetics suggest that they may promote neurodevelopment during this critical period.These findings are incomprehensible for the general“dose-effect”principles of pharmacological research,which has attracted researchers'interest and led to the following questions:What is the threshold for the dual effects exerted by anesthetics such as propofol and sevoflurane on the developing brain?To what extent can their protective effects be maximized?What are the underlying mechanisms involved in these effects?Consequently,this issue has essentially become a“mathematical problem.”After summarizing the dose-dependent effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor agonist sedatives in both the developing brain and the brains of patients with central nervous system diseases,we believe that all such anesthetics exhibit specific threshold effects unique to each drug.These effects range from neuroprotection to neurotoxicity,depending on different brain functional states.However,the exact values of the specific thresholds for different drugs in various brain states,as well as the underlying mechanisms explaining why these thresholds exist,remain unclear.Further in-depth exploration of these issues could significantly enhance the therapeutic translational value of these anesthetics.
基金supported by Applied Basic Research Joint Fund Project of Yunnan Province,No.202301AY070001-200Middle-aged Academic and Technical Training Project for High-Level Talents,No.202105AC160065+1 种基金Yunnan Clinical Medical Center for Neurological and Cardiovascular Diseases,No.YWLCYXZX2023300077Key Clinical Specialty of Neurology in Yunnan Province,No.300064(all to CL)。
文摘Research into lactylation modifications across various target organs in both health and disease has gained significant attention.Many essential life processes and the onset of diseases are not only related to protein abundance but are also primarily regulated by various post-translational protein modifications.Lactate,once considered merely a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism,has emerged as a crucial energy substrate and signaling molecule involved in both physiological and pathological processes within the nervous system.Furthermore,recent studies have emphasized the significant role of lactate in numerous neurological diseases,including Alzheimer's disease,Parkinson's disease,acute cerebral ischemic stroke,multiple sclerosis,Huntington's disease,and myasthenia gravis.The purpose of this review is to synthesize the current research on lactate and lactylation modifications in neurological diseases,aiming to clarify their mechanisms of action and identify potential therapeutic targets.As such,this work provides an overview of the metabolic regulatory roles of lactate in various disorders,emphasizing its involvement in the regulation of brain function.Additionally,the specific mechanisms of brain lactate metabolism are discussed,suggesting the unique roles of lactate in modulating brain function.As a critical aspect of lactate function,lactylation modifications,including both histone and non-histone lactylation,are explored,with an emphasis on recent advancements in identifying the key regulatory enzymes of such modifications,such as lactylation writers and erasers.The effects and specific mechanisms of abnormal lactate metabolism in diverse neurological diseases are summarized,revealing that lactate acts as a signaling molecule in the regulation of brain functions and that abnormal lactate metabolism is implicated in the progression of various neurological disorders.Future research should focus on further elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying lactate and lactylation modifications and exploring their potential as therapeutic targets for neurological diseases.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82371310(to YJ),82271306(to JP)the Sichuan Science and Technology Support Program,Nos.2023YFH0069(to JP),2023NSFSC0028(to YJ),2023NSFSC1559(to YJ),2022YFS0615(to JP),2022NSFSC1421(to JP)+1 种基金Scientific Research Project of Sichuan Provincial Health Commission,No.23LCYJ040(to YJ)Youth Foundation of Southwestern Medical University and Southwest Medical University Project,Nos.2020ZRQNA038(to JP),2021ZKZD013(to JP),2021LZXNYD-P01(to YJ),2023QN014(to JP).
文摘Neuronal cell death is a common outcome of multiple pathophysiological processes and a key factor in neurological dysfunction after subarachnoid hemorrhage.Neuronal ferroptosis in particular plays an important role in early brain injury.Bromodomain-containing protein 4,a member of the bromo and extraterminal domain family of proteins,participated in multiple cell death pathways,but the mechanisms by which it regulates ferroptosis remain unclear.The primary aim of this study was to investigate how bromodomain-containing protein 4 affects neuronal ferroptosis following subarachnoid hemorrhage in vivo and in vitro.Our findings revealed that endogenous bromodomain-containing protein 4 co-localized with neurons,and its expression was decreased 48 hours after subarachnoid hemorrhage of the cerebral cortex in vivo.In addition,ferroptosis-related pathways were activated in vivo and in vitro after subarachnoid hemorrhage.Targeted inhibition of bromodomain-containing protein 4 in neurons increased lipid peroxidation and intracellular ferrous iron accumulation via ferritinophagy and ultimately led to neuronal ferroptosis.Using cleavage under targets and tagmentation analysis,we found that bromodomain-containing protein 4 enrichment in the Raf-1 promoter region decreased following oxyhemoglobin stimulation in vitro.Furthermore,treating bromodomain-containing protein 4-knockdown HT-22 cell lines with GW5074,a Raf-1 inhibitor,exacerbated neuronal ferroptosis by suppressing the Raf-1/ERK1/2 signaling pathway.Moreover,targeted inhibition of neuronal bromodomain-containing protein 4 exacerbated early and long-term neurological function deficits after subarachnoid hemorrhage.Our findings suggest that bromodomain-containing protein 4 may have neuroprotective effects after subarachnoid hemorrhage,and that inhibiting ferroptosis could help treat subarachnoid hemorrhage.
基金supported by the Nature Science Foundation of Liaoning Province,Nos.2022-MS-211,2021-MS-064,and 2024-MS-048(all to YC).
文摘Alzheimer’s disease,a devastating neurodegenerative disorder,is characterized by progressive cognitive decline,primarily due to amyloid-beta protein deposition and tau protein phosphorylation.Effectively reducing the cytotoxicity of amyloid-beta42 aggregates and tau oligomers may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.Conventional drugs,such as donepezil,can only alleviate symptoms and are not able to prevent the underlying pathological processes or cognitive decline.Currently,active and passive immunotherapies targeting amyloid-beta and tau have shown some efficacy in mice with asymptomatic Alzheimer’s disease and other transgenic animal models,attracting considerable attention.However,the clinical application of these immunotherapies demonstrated only limited efficacy before the discovery of lecanemab and donanemab.This review first discusses the advancements in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease and active and passive immunotherapies targeting amyloid-beta and tau proteins.Furthermore,it reviews the advantages and disadvantages of various immunotherapies and considers their future prospects.Although some antibodies have shown promise in patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease,substantial clinical data are still lacking to validate their effectiveness in individuals with moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.82373475).
文摘Dear Editor,Psoriasis is increasingly recognized as a systemic inflammatory disease associated with several comorbidities,including metabolic syndrome,depression,and malignancies[1].Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the third most common cancer worldwide and ranks second in mortality among all malignancies.Currently,it has become one of the most severe challenges faced by healthcare systems in many countries[2].A previous study has found that patients with psoriasis have a significantly increased risk of developing CRC[3].
基金supported by grants from the Major Projects of Health Science Research Foundation for Middle-Aged and Young Scientist of Fujian Province,China,No.2022ZQNZD01010010the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82371390Fujian Province Scientific Foundation,No.2023J01725(all to XC).
文摘The neuroinflammatory response mediated by microglial activation plays an important role in the secondary nerve injury of traumatic brain injury.The post-transcriptional modification of N^(6)-methyladenosine is ubiquitous in the immune response of the central nervous system.The fat mass and obesity-related protein catalyzes the demethylation of N^(6)-methyladenosine modifications on mRNA and is widely expressed in various tissues,participating in the regulation of multiple diseases’biological processes.However,the role of fat mass and obesity in microglial activation and the subsequent neuroinflammatory response after traumatic brain injury is unclear.In this study,we found that the expression of fat mass and obesity was significantly down-regulated in both lipopolysaccharide-treated BV2 cells and a traumatic brain injury mouse model.After fat mass and obesity interference,BV2 cells exhibited a pro-inflammatory phenotype as shown by the increased proportion of CD11b^(+)/CD86^(+)cells and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines.Fat mass and obesity-mediated N^(6)-methyladenosine demethylation accelerated the degradation of ADAM17 mRNA,while silencing of fat mass and obesity enhanced the stability of ADAM17 mRNA.Therefore,down-regulation of fat mass and obesity expression leads to the abnormally high expression of ADAM17 in microglia.These results indicate that the activation of microglia and neuroinflammatory response regulated by fat mass and obesity-related N^(6)-methyladenosine modification plays an important role in the pro-inflammatory process of secondary injury following traumatic brain injury.
文摘AIM:To investigate age-related differences in the irislens angle(ILA)among patients with age-related cortical cataracts and elucidate the impact of age on lens stability.METHODS:A prospective observational study was conducted on patients with age-related cortical cataracts scheduled for phacoemulsification surgery.Preoperative ultrasound biomicroscopy(UBM)images were collected and analyzed.Initially,patients were stratified into two age groups:<60y and≥60y,with no significant intergroup differences in sex or eye laterality.For further analysis,participants were subdivided into three age strata:<60y,60-75y,and>75y.The ILA was measured in four quadrants(superior,inferior,nasal,and temporal).Intergroup differences in ILA were compared,and correlations between age and ILA parameters were analyzed using statistical methods.RESULTS:The sample data were categorized into three groups according to age,<60y(113 patients;55.8%female),60–75y(245 patients;61.0%female),and>75y(70 patients;50.2%female).The superior quadrant ILA increased progressively with age stratification(P=0.02),and the maximum ILA difference(ΔILA)was significantly higher in patients over 75y(P<0.01).Simple linear regression analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between age and ILA in the superior(Y=7.487+0.096X,R=0.191,P<0.001)and temporal(Y=10.254+0.052X,R=0.104,P=0.032)quadrants.Additionally,the mean ILA across all quadrants(ILAmean)andΔILA were positively correlated with age(ILAmean:Y=9.721+0.055X,R=0.138,P=0.004;ΔILA:Y=3.267+0.044X,R=0.006,P<0.05).CONCLUSION:In patients with age-related cortical cataracts,ILA increases with age,particularly in the superior and temporal quadrants,suggesting that advanced age is associated with greater lens deviation and decreased lens stability.UBM imaging can effectively evaluate the status of the zonule and lens stability,providing crucial evidence for personalized surgical planning based on patients’age.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.81900873 to A.Q.)the Jiangsu Provincial Key Research and Development Programme-social development(Grant No.BE2023777 to W.Z.)+1 种基金the Key Medical Research Project of Jiangsu Commission of Health(Grant No.H2022185 to W.Z.)the Clinical Capacity Enhancement Project of Jiangsu Province Hospital(Grant No.JSPH-MB-2023-18 to W.Z.)。
文摘Diabetic retinopathy(DR),a common complication of diabetes,is characterized by retinal angiogenesis and inflammation.The role of hepatoma-derived growth factor(HDGF)in mediating inflammation during DR remains unclear.We measured HDGF levels in the aqueous humor and found that HDGF was increased in DR but decreased after anti-angiogenesis treatment.Using public single-cell RNA sequencing datasets,we found that elevated HDGF in DR was mainly produced by Müller cells and targeted microglia.Additionally,integrin beta 2(Itgb2),a target gene of HDGF that induces microglial activation,was significantly upregulated in DR.To verify these results,we performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays,quantitative reverse transcription-PCR,Western blotting,and fluorescence immunostaining in cultured Müller and microglial cells treated with HDGF or anti-HDGF,as well as in DR mice receiving intravitreal injections of HDGF or its antibody.Exogenous HDGF further promoted microglial activation,migration,and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines,while neutralization of HDGF suppressed these effects caused by high glucose.Furthermore,the HDGF receptor nucleolin was overexpressed in microglia under high glucose stimulation.Therefore,blocking HDGF from Müller cells in DR reduced the excessive inflammatory response in microglia,highlighting HDGF as a potential therapeutic target.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.82473566)the Science and Technology Plan Project of Jiangsu Province(Grant No.BE2022728)+2 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of the Higher Education Institutions of Jiangsu Province(Grant No.24KJB320015)the Postgraduate Research&Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province(Grant Nos.SJCX24_1822 and SJCX21_1354)the Soochow University Open Topic from Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory of Novel Functional Polymeric Materials(Grant No.SDGC2312).
文摘Objectives:Chromobox 4(CBX4),a polycomb protein family member linked to tumor pathogenesis via dysregulation,has an incompletely defined role in gastric cancer(GC).The study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of CBX4 in GC progression and evaluate its potential as a therapeutic target.Methods:CBX4 expression was assessed in GC tissues vs.adjacent non-cancerous tissues and in GC cell lines vs.normal gastric mucosal epithelial cells.Clinicopathological correlations were analyzed.Functional impacts of CBX4 were determined using knockdown and overexpression models in vitro(cell proliferation,migration,invasion)and in vivo(xenograft tumorigenesis in nude mice).Mechanistic studies evaluatedβ-catenin levels(total and nuclear)and transcriptional activity following CBX4 modulation.The functional dependency on Wnt/β-catenin signaling was tested using the pharmacological inhibitor XAV939 in CBX4-overexpressing cells.Results:CBX4 expression was significantly upregulated in GC tissues and cell lines.Elevated CBX4 levels strongly correlated with aggressive tumor characteristics,including larger tumor size,lymph node metastasis,and advanced Tumor,Node,Metastasis(TNM)stage.Functionally,CBX4 knockdown suppressed GC cell proliferation,migration,invasion in vitro,and tumorigenesis in vivo.Conversely,CBX4 overexpression enhanced these malignant traits.Mechanistically,CBX4 depletion reduced total and nuclearβ-catenin levels and inhibited its transcriptional activity,while CBX4 overexpression had the opposite effect.Critically,XAV939-mediated inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling attenuated the oncogenic effects induced by CBX4 overexpression.Conclusion:CBX4 upregulation promotes GC progression viaβ-catenin signaling activation.The CBX4/β-catenin axis emerges as a promising therapeutic target,offering potential for the development of precision treatment strategies in GC management.
