Abstract:
Objective To investigate the relationship between the vasodilation and hydrogen sulfide（H2S）mecha_ nism of total flavonoids of chrysanthemum（TFCC）and the large conductance Ca2+- activated K+（BKCa）channels on vascular smooth muscle cells（VSMCs）of the middle cerebral artery in rats. In addition，this study will also in_ vestigate the effect of TFCC on the expression of BKCa channel alpha protein in rat middle cerebral artery VSMCs. Methods The primary method employed was acute digestion to isolate VSMCs from the middle cerebral artery of rats；whole-cell patch-clamp techniques were used to measure BKCa channel currents；primary tissue adherence culture was utilized to cultivate VSMCs from the middle cerebral artery of rats；Western blot were employed to de_ termine protein expression levels. Results In whole-cell patch-clamp experiments，both the H2S donor NaHS （100 μmol/L）and endogenous H2S enhanced BKCa channel currents. TFCC（30，90，and 270 mg/L）also activat_ edBKCa channels and exhibited a certain concentration-dependent effect. Even after blocking endogenous H2S production，TFCC（270 mg/L）still activated BKCa channels in VSMCs of the middle cerebral artery in rats. In Western blot experiments，the α-subunit of BKCa channel proteins was expressed in all groups of cells，but TFCC （30，90，and 270 mg/L）and inhibitor IBTX group did not affect the expression of channel protein content. Con ⁃ clusion TFCC can promote the opening of BKCa channels by promoting the generation of endogenous H2S，or di_ rectly activate BKCa channels，thereby playing a role in relaxing cerebral blood vessels. However，TFCC had no sig_ nificant effect on the expression of BKCa channel proteins.

Abstract:
Objective　To investigate the mechanism of action of remifentanil （RMZL） in alleviating lung ischemia-reperfusion injury （LIRI） in rats by inhibiting pyroptosis through modulating hypoxia inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α）/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 （NLRP3） pathway.Methods　Rats were stochastically assigned into Control group， LIRI group， RMZL low-dose group， RMZL medium-dose group， RMZL high-dose group， and RMZL high-dose+HIF-1α activator dimethyloxallyl glycine （DMOG） group， with 18 rats in each group. Rats in Control group only had their left pulmonary hilum free and did not undergo ischemia-reperfusion treatment. Except for the Control group，LIRI models were constructed in all other groups. Rats in LIRI group were intraperitoneally injected with an equal amount of physiological saline 15 minutes before constructing LIRI model； rats in Control group were intraperitoneally injected with an equal amount of physiological saline 15 minutes before freeing left pulmonary hilum； rats in other groups were intraperitoneally injected with corresponding dose of drug 15 minutes before constructing LIRI model. The wet/dry weight ratio of lungs was calculated. HE staining was used to study lung tissue pathology. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the relative fluorescence intensity of gasdermin D （GSDMD） and NLRP3 double positive cells in lung tissue. ELISA was used to detect interleukin-1β and IL-18 in lung tissue. Western blot was used to detect HIF-1α， NLRP3， cysteine-aspartic protease-1 （Cleaved caspase-1）， and gasdermin D-N （GSDMD-N） proteins in lung tissue.Results　Compared to the Control group， the LIRI group showed disordered alveolar structure， thickened alveolar septa， and abundant inflammatory cell infiltration in rats. The lung wet/dry weight ratio， relative fluorescence intensity of GSDMD and NLRP3 double positive cells in lung tissue， IL-1β， IL-18 levels， and HIF-1α， NLRP3， Cleaved caspase-1， and GSDMD-N proteins increased （P0.05）. For the LIRI group， rats in the RMZL low， medium， and high-dose groups displayed attenuated alveolar septal thickening and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. The lung wet/dry weight ratio， relative fluorescence intensity of GSDMD and NLRP3 double positive cells in lung tissue， IL-1β， IL-18 levels， and HIF-1α， NLRP3， Cleaved caspase-1， and GSDMD-N proteins declined， and the RMZL high-dose group showed the most prominent trend （P0.05）. Compared with the RMZL high-dose group， rats in the RMZL high-dose+DMOG group exhibited thickened alveolar septa and more inflammatory cell infiltration， along with increased lung wet/dry weight ratio， relative fluorescence intensity of GSDMD and NLRP3 double positive cells in lung tissue， levels of IL-1β and IL-18， and protein expression of HIF-1α， NLRP3， Cleaved caspase-1， and GSDMD-N （P0.05）.Conclusion　RMZL may inhibit pyroptosis in LIRI rats by suppressing HIF-1α/NLRP3 pathway.

Abstract:
Objective　To investigate the ability of clinically isolated， Helicobacter pylori （H. pylori）-specific gene polymerase chain reaction （PCR）-positive gastric， vaginal， and fecal Candida to release H. pylori.Methods　Resuscitate 4 strains of H. pylori -specific 16S rDNA and ureA gene PCR-positive Candida strains isolated in laboratory from clinical sources， including 1 strain of gastric Candida， 1 strain of fecal Candida， 2 strains of vaginal Candida and the standard Candida albicans strain ATCC10231 （Ca10231）. The presence of H. pylori-specific ureA in the 5 strains of Candida isolates was confirmed by PCR. The aforementioned strains of Candida and H.pylori were inoculated into urea medium and cultured in a constant temperature incubator at 37 ℃. The color change of the medium was observed daily. A change in the medium's color from yellow to red indicated the presence of urease activity. Then， the five strains of Candida and H. pylori were co-incubated with the magnetic beads coated with H. pylori antibodies respectively. Scanning electron microscopy （SEM） was employed to observe the presence of bacilli adsorbed on the surface of the magnetic beads. PCR was used to detect the presence of H.pylori-specific 16S rDNA and ureA genes on magnetic beads.Results　The PCR analysis of the ureA gene in the four Candida isolates was positive， whereas the Ca10231 strain tested negative. Upon culturing the four Candida isolates on urea medium， the medium color changed from yellow to red which was determined to be urease positive， while the medium containing Ca10231 remained unchanged， which was urease negative. SEM revealed that bacilli could be observed on the surface of magnetic beads co-incubated with the 4 strains of Candida of clinical origin and H.pylori isolate. Specifically， PCR testing of the magnetic beads co-incubated with one vaginal Candida， one gastric Candida and H.pylori isolate showed positive results for the 16S rDNA and ureA genes of H. pylori； however， the PCR tests for the two genes were negative for the magnetic beads co-incubated with the other two Candida isolate.Conclusion　This study demonstrates that H. pylori-specific genes Candida can release H. pylori.

Abstract:
Objective　To establish a C-C motif chemokine receptor 6 （CCR6） homozygous knockout mouse model in order to provide a crucial animal model foundation for subsequent in vivo functional studies.Methods　Ccr6-/- mice were generated using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Genomic DNA was extracted from mouse tails， with genotyping performed by PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis. Pathological morphology of major organs （heart， liver， lung， kidney） was assessed through HE staining. Western blot was used to analyze CCR6 protein expression in blood， spleen， and bone marrow. To analyze the impact of CCR6 gene knockout on the proportion of major immune cell populations， the ratio of T cells and macrophages in the mouse spleen was detected using flow cytometry.Results　The results of agarose gel electrophoresis demonstrated that mice exhibiting a single specific band at the 307 bp position upon primer-based identification were confirmed as Ccr6-/- mice. HE staining revealed no significant histopathological differences between Ccr6+/+and Ccr6-/- mice. Western blot demonstrated near-complete absence of CCR6 protein in target tissues. Flow cytometry results demonstrated that CCR6 gene deletion significantly increased the proportion of CD8⁺T cells， while the ratios of both CD4⁺T cells and macrophages remained unaltered.Conclusion　A Ccr6-/- mouse model is established using CRISPR-Cas9 technology， serving as an essential tool for elucidating CCR6′s regulatory role in tumor proliferation.

Abstract:
Objective　To investigate the role and mechanism of ribosomal DNA （rDNA） transcription and ribosome biogenesis in muscle atrophy induced by acute kidney injury （AKI）.Methods　Eight male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a control group （Ctrl） and a model group （AKI）. An AKI model was established via intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin. Muscle atrophy was phenotypically assessed by measuring muscle mass， myofiber cross-sectional area （HE staining）， and mRNA expression levels of atrophy-related genes （Murf-1， Atrogin-1， Igf-1） using qRT-PCR. In vivo protein synthesis rates were determined via the SUnSET assay （puromycin incorporation）. Ribosome biogenesis was evaluated by assessing rRNA content and 47S pre-rRNA expression levels. Myotubes differentiated from mouse skeletal muscle cell lines （C2C12 myotubes） were treated with serum from AKI mice， and the effects on rDNA transcription， ribosome biogenesis， and protein metabolism were analyzed using chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction （ChIP-qPCR） and Western blot. Results AKI successfully induced muscle atrophy， as evidenced by a significant reduction in skeletal muscle mass. The most pronounced decrease occurred in the extensor digitorum longus muscle （21.0%， P 0.01）， along with a trend toward reduced myofiber cross-sectional area. At the molecular level， AKI inhibited muscle protein synthesis （83.14% reduction in puromycin incorporation， P 0.000 1） and impaired ribosome biogenesis， manifested by suppressed rDNA transcription elongation （52.62% decrease in 47S pre-rRNA ITS-1 levels， P 0.01） and reduced total rRNA content （65.29%， P 0.000 1）. In contrast， serum from AKI mice promoted rDNA transcription initiation and protein synthesis in C2C12 myotubes in vitro. Conclusion AKI induces muscle atrophy by suppressing rDNA transcription and ribosome biogenesis in skeletal muscle， leading to impaired protein synthesis. Dysregulated ribosome biogenesis may play a critical role in AKI-induced muscle atrophy.

Abstract:
Objective　To investigate how vitamin B12 eye drops regulate MMP-9 and TNF-α expression levels in the corneas of dry eye disease （DED） mouse model induced by a combination of an artificially simulated dry environment （air humidity 30%） and subcutaneous injection of hyoscine hydrobromide.Methods　Fifty C57BL/6 female mice were used in the study. 10 mice formed A group （blank control）， while the remaining 40 mice were subjected to dry eye disease induction through subcutaneous injection of scopolamine hydrobromide in a controlled environment with 30% air humidity. All mice underwent schirmer I test （SIT）， tear break-up time （TBUT）， and corneal fluorescence staining score（CFS）evaluations. Mice meeting modeling criteria were randomly assigned to three groups： B group （model group）， C group （PBS control）， and D group （vitamin B12 group）. 0， 7， 14， and 21 days after treatment， each group received TBUT， SIT， CFS， and corneal inflammation assessments. Macroscopic analysis evaluated the efficacy of vitamin B12 eye drops in treating dry eye. After 21 days of treatment， all mice were euthanized via cervical dislocation and their corneas analyzed using HE staining to examine morphological changes. ELISA and immunohistochemical methods were employed to detect MMP-9 and TNF-α expression levels in corneal tissues across groups.Results　In dry environments （air humidity 30%）， subcutaneous injection of scopolamine hydrobromide induced changes in dry eye-related indicators in mice： SIT significantly decreased， TBUT significantly shortened， corneal fluorescein staining increased， and CFS all significantly elevated （P 0.05）， indicating successful establishment of the dry eye model. A total of 30 dry eye mice were enrolled. When the dry eye model was successfully established without drug intervention， no statistically significant differences were observed between B group， C group and D group in terms of TBUT， SIT， corneal fluorescein staining， or CFS. Compared with A group， B group， C group and D group showed statistically significant differences in reduced SIT， shortened TBUT， increased corneal fluorescein staining， and elevated CFS （P 0.05）. After drug intervention， D group （vitamin B12 group） exhibited significantly increased SIT， prolonged TBUT， reduced corneal fluorescein staining， clearer corneas， decreased fluorescein staining， and lower CFS compared with B and C groups（P 0.05）. ELISA and immunohistochemical staining results showed that compared with A group， B and C groups exhibited significantly increased expression of MMP-9 and TNF-α in corneal tissues （P 0.05）. D group showed decreased expression of MMP-9 and TNF-α compared with B and C groups but remained higher than A group （P 0.05）.Conclusion　The expression of MMP-9 and TNF-α in the corneal tissues of mice with dry eye is elevated， suggesting that both inflammatory factors， MMP-9 and TNF-α， are involved in the development of dry eye. Vitamin B12 eye drops may improve the symptoms of ocular surface discomfort by promoting the repair of the corneal epithelium. Vitamin B12 eye drops may increase tear secretion， prolong tear film break up time， reduce corneal fluorescein staining， and alleviate the inflammatory reaction of the cornea by decreasing the expression of MMP-9 and TNF-α in the corneal tissues of the mice， thus playing a therapeutic role in the treatment of dry eye disease.

Abstract:
Objective　To explore the vascular endothelial injury in male mice caused by exposure to polystyrene microplastics （PS-MPs） and the intervention effect of luteolin on vascular remodeling. Additionally， to investigate the mechanism through the oxidative system and metabolomics.Methods　Thirty-two C57BL/6 mice （6-8 weeks old） were randomly divided into the saline group （saline group）， the 0.1 mg/kg PS-MPs exposure group （0.1PS-MPs group）， the 1 mg/kg PS-MPs exposure group （1PS-MPs group）， and the 1 mg/kg PS-MPs + luteolin treatment group （1PS-MPs + Lut group）， with 8 mice in each group. After 8 weeks of intervention， the body weight， blood pressure， aortic organ coefficient， and aortic histopathological changes of mice in each group were detected； the total cholesterol （TC）， triglyceride （TG）， and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C） lipid metabolism-related indicators in the aorta of mice were detected； the reactive oxygen species （ROS）， glutathione （GSH）， and malondialdehyde （MDA） oxidative stress-related indicators were detected； the endothelin （ET-1）， nitric oxide （NO）， vascular endothelial growth factor A （VEGF-A）， vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 （VCAM-1/CD106）， and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 （ICAM-1/CD54） endothelial function-related indicators and serum metabolomics were detected.Results　Compared to the saline group， exposure to PS-MPs resulted in pathological thickening of the mouse aorta， increased aortic organ coefficient， and elevated blood pressure. Lipid metabolism-related indicators， including TC and TG， were elevated， while HDL-C was reduced， indicating lipid metabolism disorder in mice. Oxidative stress markers such as ROS and MDA increased， whereas GSH decreased， demonstrating oxidative damage. Vascular endothelial inflammation and injury markers， including ET-1， VEGF-A， VCAM-1， and ICAM-1， were upregulated， while the vasodilatory substance NO was downregulated， confirming endothelial injury. Furthermore， serum metabolomics results revealed that PS-MPs exposure induced endothelial damage by disrupting metabolic pathways such as the citrate cycle. Compared to the PS-MPs group， luteolin significantly reversed these effects， attenuating oxidative stress and lipid metabolism disorders， and effectively repairing endothelial injury.Conclusion　PS-MPs induce vascular toxicity through oxidative stress and lipid metabolism. Luteolin effectively alleviates endothelial damage and vascular remodeling.

Abstract:
Objective　To investigate the effect of bone morphogenetic protein 3 （BMP3） on the expression of inflammatory factors and joint damage in adjuvant arthritis （AA） induced by Freund′s complete adjuvant （FCA） in rats.Methods　The AIA model was established in SD rats by intradermal injection of FCA into the toes of the left hind limb， and BMP3 overexpressing adenovirus （Ad-BMP3） or control adenovirus （Ad-NC） was injected in situ into the knee joint cavity on day 8 after modeling. Subsequently， HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the synovium， immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of BMP3 in the synovium， and ELISA was used to analyze the expression levels of IL-6， IL-1β and TNF-α in the serum. Primary fibroblast-like synoviocytes （FLS） were isolated from AIA rats， the expression of BMP3 in FLS was knocked down or overexpressed， and Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expression levels of BMP3 and inflammatory factors in FLS.Results　HE staining confirmed the successful establishment of the AIA model. Compared with normal rats， AIA rats showed decreased BMP3 expression in synovial tissue. Knockdown of BMP3 promoted the protein expression of inflammatory factors （IL-6， IL-1β， IL-17A， TNF-α） and the mRNA expression of chemokines ［C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 （CCL2）， C-C motif chemokine ligand 3 （CCL3）， Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 （VCAM-1）］ in FLS. In contrast， overexpression of BMP3 suppressed the expression of these inflammatory factors and chemokines. Intra-articular injection of BMP3-overexpressing adenovirus in AIA rats upregulated BMP3 expression in synovial tissue and inhibited synovial inflammation and bone erosion.Conclusion　BMP3 suppresses the production of inflammatory factors and chemokines in FLS， thereby alleviating synovial hyperplasia and bone erosion in arthritis.

Abstract:
Objective　To explore the clinical significance of artemin （ARTN） expression in prostate cancer （PCa） tissues and its impact on the malignant behavior of PCa cell lines.Methods　Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of ARTN protein in 40 benign prostate tissues and 91 PCa tissues， and its relationship with the clinical and pathological characteristics of PCa was analyzed. PCa stable cell lines with ARTN knockdown were constructed， and the effects of ARTN on the proliferation， migration， and invasion ability of PCa cells were detected via CCK-8 cell proliferation assay and Transwell assay. Western blot assay was used to detect the effect of ARTN on the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT） related markers E-cadherin， N-cadherin， Vimentin， and Snail family transcription inhibitory factor 1 （Snail-1）.Results　ARTN was highly expressed in PCa and correlated with Gleason score， local lymph node metastasis， and local nerve invasion （P0.05）. Survival analysis showed a statistically significant difference in survival rates between ARTN positive and negative patients （P=0.027）. The results of CCK-8 and Transwell assay showed that the knockdown of ARTN could inhibit the proliferation， migration， and invasion ability of PCa cells （all P0.05）. Western blot results showed that the knockdown of ARTN upregulated the epithelial marker E-cadherin in PCa cells， while the mesenchymal markers N-cadherin， Snail-1， and Vimentin were downregulated.Conclusion　ARTN is highly expressed in PCa and can promote the proliferation， migration， invasion ability of PCa cells， as well as increasing EMT levels in PCa cells， suggesting it may be a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of PCa.

Abstract:
Objective　To establish a castrated male mouse model and to preliminarily investigate the effects of testosterone replacement therapy （TRT） on behavior， serum indices， and histopathological changes in castrated mice， as well as to explore the role of androgens in cognitive function.Methods　Forty 6-month-old male C57/BL6J mice were randomly divided into sham operation group， castration group， testosterone propionate （0.5，1.0 mg/kg） treated group， with 10 mice in each group. Following castration and subcutaneous administration of testosterone propionate at different doses （0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg） for TRT， learning and memory abilities were assessed using the Morris water maze （MWM） test and the passive avoidance test. Serum testosterone and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） levels were measured by ELISA， and histopathological changes in the hippocampus were examined using hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining.Results　Routine observations： there were no statistically significant differences in body weight among groups at any time point. MWM test： compared with castration group， sham operation group and testosterone propionate-treated groups （0.5， 1.0 mg/kg） showed significantly reduced escape latency on days 4 and 5 （P0.05）， while the number of platform crossings and the time spent in the target quadrant significantly increased （P0.05）. Passive avoidance test： the number of passive avoidance errors significantly decreased in sham operation group and testosterone propionate （1.0 mg/kg）-treated group （P0.05）， and the passive avoidance latency was significantly prolonged in sham-operated group and testosterone propionate-treated groups （0.5， 1.0 mg/kg） （P0.05）. Serum testosterone and serum BDNF assays： serum testosterone levels and serum BDNF concentrations significantly increased in sham operation group and testosterone propionate-treated groups （0.5， 1.0 mg/kg） （P0.01）. HE staining： compared with sham operation group， neuronal density in all hippocampal subregions was slightly reduced in castration group； in the testosterone propionate （0.5 mg/kg）-treated group， neuronal arrangement in the CA1 and CA3 regions was improved and apoptotic cells were reduced compared with castration group； in testosterone propionate （1.0 mg/kg）-treated group， the pyramidal cell layer in the CA3 region was more compactly arranged， with fewer apoptotic cells than in castration group.Conclusion　TRT improves learning and memory performance in castration male mice， potentially through modulation of hippocampal BDNF signaling pathways.

Abstract:
Objective　To investigate the effects of forkhead box protein O4 （FOXO4） expression on gastric precancerous lesions （GPL）， and to clarify its mechanism in mediating the therapeutic effect of Celastrus orbiculatus extract （COE） on GPL by regulating aerobic glycolysis.Methods Referring to the previously established com ‑ bined modeling protocol in our research group，a rat model of gastric precancerous lesions（GPL）was constructed through the following procedures：rats were given free access to 170 μg/mL N-methyl-N ′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine （MNNG）solution for ad libitum drinking，fed with a diet supplemented with 0. 03% ranitidine hydrochloride，and treated with a cycling regimen of“2-day feeding followed by 1-day fasting ”. Specifically，on the afternoon of each fasting day，the rats received intragastric administration of 2% sodium salicylate at a dose of 10 mL/kg body weight. FOXO4-silenced and overexpression model rats were constructed by tail vein injection of plasmids. The rats were randomly divided into control，model，COE，overexpression negative control（OE-NC），FOXO4 overex‑ pression（OE-FOXO4）， OE-FOXO4+COE，silencing negative control（shNC）， FOXO4 silencing（shFOXO4） and shFOXO4+COE groups. Gastric mucosal histopathological changes were observed in each group. Lactic acid content in gastric mucosal tissues was detected by colorimetry. The expression levels of FOXO4，HK2，PKM2， LDHA and GLUT 1 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry（IHC）， and their mRNA levels were determined by RT-PCR. Results Compared with the control group，the COE，OE-FOXO4 and OE-FOXO4+COE groups exhib_ ited significantly improved gastric mucosal lesions，reduced lactic acid levels，weakened expression of aerobic glycolysis-related proteins（PKM2，HK2，LDHA，GLUT 1），and enhanced FOXO4 expression. The OE-FOXO4+ COE group showed the lowest lactic acid level and more pronounced changes in related protein expression com_ pared with the COE and OE-FOXO4 groups. In contrast，the shFOXO4 and shFOXO4+COE groups displayed in_ creased lactic acid levels，enhanced expression of aerobic glycolysis-related proteins，and reduced FOXO4 expres_ sion compared with the model group. Conclusion FOXO4 expression is involved in the inhibitory effect of COE on GPL，possibly by regulating the aerobic glycolysis process.

Abstract:
Objective　To investigate the effects of zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 （ZEB1） on the proliferation， migration， and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma H322 cells， as well as its underlying molecular mechanisms.Methods　The gene expression characteristics of the transcription factor ZEB1 in lung adenocarcinoma were analyzed using data from the GEO and TCGA public databases. RT-qPCR and Western blot were employed to measure mRNA and protein expression levels of ZEB1 in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines （H322， A549， 95-D） and normal human bronchial epithelial cells （BEAS-2B）. Lentiviral transduction was utilized to establish stable ZEB1-overexpressing （Oe-ZEB1） and vector control （Oe-NC） H322 cell lines. Cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8， colony formation， and EdU assays， while apoptosis was evaluated by Hoechst33258/PI double staining. Wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to examine cell migration and invasion capabilities. Cell cycle distribution was determined by flow cytometry， and Western blot was used to analyze protein expression changes in relevant signaling pathways.Results　The findings from GEO and TCGA indicated that ZEB1 expression in lung adenocarcinoma varied with tumor malignancy grade. RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses revealed significantly higher ZEB1 expression in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines compared to BEAS-2B cells （P0.05）. Results from the CCK-8， colony formation， EdU， wound healing， and Transwell assays demonstrated that， compared with the un-transfected control （Control） group， Oe-ZEB1 H322 cells exhibited enhanced proliferation， migration， and invasion capabilities （P0.05）. Hoechst33258/PI double staining and flow cytometry analyses showed that， relative to the Control group， apoptosis was reduced in Oe-ZEB1 H322 cells （P0.05）. Additionally， a decreased proportion of cells in the G1 phase and an increased proportion in the S phase were observed in Oe-ZEB1 cells， indicating accelerated cell cycle progression. Western blot analysis further revealed that， compared with the Control group， Oe-ZEB1 H322 cells exhibited upregulated expression of N-cadherin， mutant p53 （mutp53）， and Cyclin D1 （P0.05）， while expression levels of E-cadherin， murine double minute 2 （MDM2）， and p21 were downregulated （P0.05）.Conclusion　Overexpression of ZEB1 promotes the proliferation， migration， and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma H322 cells and may facilitate cell cycle progression by modulating the MDM2/mutp53/p21 signaling pathway， thereby promoting the transition of cells from the G0/G1 phase to the S phase.

Abstract:
Objective　To investigate the effects of metformin on the immune functions of immature dendritic cells （imDCs） and the underlying mechanisms.Methods　Mouse bone marrow-derived imDCs were treated with different concentrations of metformin. The working concentration and treatment time of metformin in this study were determined based on the results of cell apoptosis and cell viability assays. The effects of metformin on the phagocytic capacity of imDCs was evaluated using an antigen endocytosis assay. The expression of cluster of differentiation 205 （CD205）， the polymerization of filamentous actin （F-actin）， and the underlying regulatory mechanisms were investigated through flow cytometry， laser confocal fluorescence microscopy， and Western blot.Results　The working concentrations of metformin were 1， 2， 4 mmol/L for 24 h determined by the apoptosis and cell viability assays.Metformin significantly suppressed the phagocytic capacity of imDCs， down-regulated the expression of the man‑nose receptor CD205 on the cell surface， which was closely associated with phagocytic function； metformin inhib‑ited the RhoA-ROCK1-LIMK1-Cofilin signaling pathway， which inhibited the polymerization of F-actin and dis‑turbed its dynamic remodeling of imDCs. Conclusion Metformin can inhibit the expression of CD205 and disrupt the remodeling of F-actin， thereby suppressing the antigen-capturing capacity of imDCs.

Abstract:
Objective　To explore the function and role of UFL1 in maintaining the genomic stability of prostate cancer （PCa） cells.Methods　The differentially expressed genes in the two groups of data with high and low PCa aneuploidy levels were analyzed using bioinformatics and RNA-seq. Gene set enrichment analysis （GSEA） was conducted to identify biological processes associated with UFL1. Functional assays， including immunofluorescence， CCK-8， colony formation， wound healing， and apoptosis assays， were employed to evaluate the effects of UFL1 on the mitotic progression， proliferation， migration， and apoptosis of PCa cells.Results　Integrated bioinformatics and RNA-seq analyses identified that UFL1 showed low expression in PCa tissues and cell lines with high genomic instability characteristics. GSEA further indicated an association between UFL1 and mitotic biological processes. Subsequent immunofluorescence experiments demonstrated that UFL1 depletion increased the frequency of chromosomal segregation errors during mitosis in PCa cells. Functional in vitro assays， including CCK-8， colony formation， wound healing， and apoptosis analysis， consistently revealed that after the knockdown of UFL1 in PCa cells， the proliferation activity and migration ability of the cells showed a weakened trend， while the apoptosis rate showed an upward trend.Conclusion　UFL1 maintains genomic stability by precisely regulating the mitotic process of PCa cells， thereby promoting the proliferation of PCa cells.

Abstract:
Objective To investigate the expression of prefrontal cortical neurons ，methyltransferase-like 3 （METTL3），fat mass and obesity-associated gene（FTO）， and AlkB homolog 5（ALKBH5）proteins in a mouse model of post-traumatic stress disorder（PTSD）. Methods A PTSD mouse model was established using a single prolonged stress and foot shock stimulation（SPS&S）method. The despair，anxiety，and learning and memory functions of PTSD mice were assessed through the open field test，Y-maze test，and forced swimming test. Neuro_ nal damage was detected via HE and Nissl staining. The expression levels of METTL3，FTO，ALKBH5，and neu_ ronal nuclear protein（NEUN）were assessed by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. Results Com_ pared to control group，PTSD mice subjected to SPS&S exhibited signs of despair，anxiety，and impaired learning and memory. HE and Nissl staining results showed neuronal damage in the prefrontal cortex of PTSD mice. West_ ern blot and immunofluorescence staining results showed that the expression of the m6A-related proteins METTL3 and FTO decreased，while the expression of ALKBH5 increased in the prefrontal cortex. Additionally，NEUN pro_ tein levels showed a declining trend. Conclusion The pathogenesis of PTSD may be associated with neuronal dam_ age in the prefrontal cortex and alterations in m6A methylation proteins.

Abstract:
Objective　To investigate the role of Ras-GTPase-activating protein SH3 domain-binding protein 2 （G3BP2） in regulating the activation， proliferation， and migration of hepatic stellate cells （HSCs）.Methods　The mouse HSCs （JS-1 cell line） were treated with 5 μg/L transforming growth factor-beta 1（TGF-β1） for 24 hours to establish an HSC activation and proliferation model. A G3BP2 knockdown system was constructed using siRNA interference technology. The experiment was divided into four groups： Control， TGF-β1 treatment， TGF-β1+si-NC， and TGF-β1+ G3BP2-siRNA. The expression levels of key fibrosis indicators， including type I collagen （Collagen I）， α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA）， and G3BP2， were detected by Western blot and RT-qPCR. Cell proliferation activity was assessed using the CCK-8 proliferation assay kit and EdU fluorescence labeling technology. Cell migration ability was analyzed by scratch wound healing assay and Transwell migration assay. The formation level of stress granules was quantified by immunofluorescence microscopy to investigate the effects of G3BP2 on stress granule formation in activated HSCs.Results　Stimulation with TGF-β1 upregulated the expression of G3BP2 in JS-1 cells （RT-qPCR： P0.000 1； Western blot： P0.000 1）， while a downward trend in its expression was observed in the G3BP2‑silenced group （RT-qPCR： P0.01； Western blot： P0.000 1）. Compared with the control group， the TGF-β1 group exhibited increased protein expression levels of α-SMA and Collagen I （RT-qPCR： both P0.01； Western blot： P0.01 and P0.05， respectively）， concomitant with an increased number of stress granules and enhanced cell proliferation and migration capacity （all P0.001）. The experimental results demonstrated that G3BP2 knockout effectively reversed the aforementioned phenotypes， with the G3BP2-silenced group showing reduced expression of fibrotic markers （all P0.01）， decreased stress granule formation （P0.01）， and reduced cell proliferation and migration capacity （all P0.05）， compared to the negative control group.Conclusion　G3BP2 enhances the activation， proliferation， and migration of HSCs by promoting the formation of stress granules， thereby accelerating the pathological progression of liver fibrosis. This suggests that stress granules may serve as important regulators in controlling the activation， proliferation， and migration of HSCs.

Abstract:
Objective　To investigate the role of Krüppel-like factor 4 （KLF4） in type 1 diabetic nephropathy （DN） and to elucidate its underlying mechanisms.Methods　Sixteen male Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were selected and randomly divided into control group and model group， with 8 rats in each group. Rats in model group were intraperitoneally injected with a single dose of 55 mg/kg streptozotocin （STZ） to establish a diabetic nephropathy （DN） model， while those in control group were injected with an equal volume of sodium citrate buffer at the same time. After successful model establishment， the serum levels of blood urea nitrogen （BUN） and serum creatinine （SCR） were determined. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was performed on renal tissues to observe pathological changes， and immunofluorescence staining was conducted to detect the expression of KLF4 in renal tissues. Lipid peroxidation levels were evaluated by measuring malondialdehyde （MDA）， Fe²⁺， and lipid peroxidation products in rat kidneys. A high glucose （HG）-induced cell injury model was established in HK-2 cells， with mitochondrial membrane potential assessed using 5，5'，6，6'-tetrachloro-1，1'，3，3'- tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine io‑dide （JC-1） staining. Lipid peroxidation levels （MDA， Fe²⁺， and lipid peroxides） were measured in HK-2 cells.KLF4-overexpressing HK-2 cells were then constructed， followed by repeated JC-1， MDA， Fe²⁺， and lipid peroxi‑dation assays. Western blot was performed to evaluate the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins including gluta-thione peroxidase 4（GPX4）， nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2（NRF2）， and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1（Keap1）， in renal tissues， HK-2 cells， and KLF4-overexpressing HK-2 cells. Results Compared with the control group， DN rats exhibited elevated serum BUN and SCR levels， glomerular hypertrophy， renal intersti‑tial fibrosis， and decreased KLF4 expression. Additionally， MDA， Fe²⁺， and lipid peroxidation levels increased，indicating enhanced ferroptosis in renal tissues， accompanied by reduced GPX4 and NRF2 expression and elevated Keap1 levels. Similarly， HG-treated HK-2 cells showed decreased KLF4 expression， increased MDA， Fe²⁺ and lipid peroxidation， elevated ferroptosis， and dysregulated GPX4/NRF2/Keap1 expression. However，KLF4 overex‑pression reversed these alterations induced by high glucose treatment. Conclusion In the renal tissues of type 1 diabetic rats， the expression of KLF4 decreases the level of ferroptosis increases， and KLF4 overexpression could alleviate HG-induced HK-2 cell injury.

Abstract:
Objective　To construct an Enterococcus faecium （Ef）-based recombinant Ef-PA0057 vaccine of Pseudomonas aeruginosa（Pa）and to study its protective immune mechanism in mice.Methods　The PA0057 gene was cloned from the genomic DNA of PA01 strain ATCC9027 by PCR and inserted into pGEX-1λT to construct pGEX-PA0057. The recombinant plasmid was electroporated into TX0016 strain to construct rEf-PA0057 vaccine. The plasmid was extracted from rEf for PCR. The rEf vaccine was expressed through IPTG induction， and the expression of protein was analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot. BALB/c mice were immunized intragastrically with 5×108 CFU rEf-PA0057 vaccine 3 times per week for 3 weeks. 4 weeks after the first immunization， mice were challenged intranasally with 5×107 CFU of PA01 strain. 2 weeks after challenge， mice were sacrificed， and their lungs were separated. Bacteria in lungs were incubated and colonies were counted. Sera were collected at 0， 4， and 6 weeks after the first immunization. The IgG and its subclasses， and IgE were detected by ELISA.Results　The 900 bp PA0057 gene was successfully cloned by PCR. PCR showed that PA0057 gene was amplified when the extracted plasmid from rEf as template； the relative molecular mass （Mr） of the expressed PA0057-GST fusion protein was approximately 58 ku， detected by SDS-PAGE. The amount of the expressed protein was 18% of the total bacterial proteins. Western blot showed that the target protein could be recognized by Pa sera. The colony numbers of lung tissue in rEf-PA0057 vaccine group， blank vector group and Ef control group were （0.297±0.011）×108 CFU， （7.576±0.206）×108 CFU and （7.551±0.185）×108 CFU， respectively， the difference was statistically significant （P0.01）. The levels of IgG， IgG1， IgG2b， IgG3 and IgE increased. At the same time point， there was a significant difference compared with the two control groups （P0.01）.Conclusion　The rEf-PA0057 vaccine is successfully constructed. It may induce mice to produce humoral response against challenge with PA01.

Abstract:
Objective　To analyze the expression level and clinical significance of Y‑box binding protein‑1（YB1） in tissues and cells of oral squamous cell carcinoma （OSCC）.Methods　Bioinformatics analysis， immunohistochemistry， Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expression of YB1 in OSCC tissues， and the prognosis and survival analysis were performed. The effects of YB1 on the proliferation， migration and invasion of OSCC cells were evaluated by CCK-8， scratch assay and Transwell assay， and the expression changes of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B （PI3K/AKT） signaling pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT） related markers after YB1 knockdown were detected by Western blot.Results　Bioinformation analysis showed that the expression level of YB1 in OSCC samples was higher than that in normal samples （P0.001）， and its expression was correlated with gender （P=0.022） and tumor differentiation degree （P0.001）. Kaplan-Meier plotter survival analysis showed that the survival rate of YB1 was low （Log-rank P=0.012）. Immunohistochemistry， Western blot and qRT-PCR experiments verified that the expression level of YB1 in OSCC tissues was higher than that of normal tissues. The results of cell experiments showed that knockdown of YB1 inhibited the malignant biological behaviors such as proliferation， migration and invasion of OSCC cells. Western blot results showed that the knockdown of YB1 could reduce the protein expression levels of p-PI3K and p-AKT， and inhibit EMT.Conclusion　YB1 is highly expressed in tissues and cells in OSCC，and reveals the important role of the YB 1/PI3K/AKT axis in the pro_ cess of EMT of OSCC，which is expected to become a new tumor marker for early diagnosis and treatment and prog_ nosis evaluation of OSCC.

Abstract:
Objective　To investigate the effect of interfering with long noncoding RNA （LncRNA） small nucleolar RNA host gene16 （SNHG16） on improving angiogenesis of ectopic endometrial stromal cells （EScs） in adenomyosis （AM） by targeting upregulation of miRNA （miR）-141-3p and inhibition of high mobility group box-1 protein （HMGB1）.Methods　The expression levels of SNHG16， miR-141-3p and HMGB1 mRNA in endometrial tissues of 52 patients with adenomyosis （AM group） and 52 patients who needed hysterectomy due to cervical cancer or ovarian cancer （control group） were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （qRT-PCR）. Y14 cells were divided into small hairpin RNA （shRNA） NC group， shRNA SNHG16 group， shRNA SNHG16+miR-141-3p inhibitor （inhibitor） group， shRNA SNHG16+inhibitor NC group and blank group. The targeting relationship between miR-141-3p and SNHG16 as well as HMGB1 was verified. The expression levels of SNHG16， miR-141-3p and HMGB1 mRNA in Y14 cells were detected by qRT-PCR. CCK-8 and Transwell assay were used to detect cell proliferation， invasion and migration. Microvascular density （MVD） was determined by immunofluorescence. The expressions of hypoxia-inducing factor α （HIF-1α）， cyclooxygenase-2 （Cox-2）， vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） and HMGB1 were detected by Western blot.Results　The expression of SNHG16 and HMGB1 mRNA in AM group was higher than that in control group， but the expression of miR-141-3p was lower than that in control group （P0.05）. The expression of SNHG16， HMGB1 mRNA， proliferation rate， migration， invasion number， MVD， expression of VEGF， HIF-1 α， Cox-2， and HMGB1 proteins in the shRNA SNHG16 group were lower than those in the blank group and shRNA NC group， while the expression of miR-141-3p was higher than that in the blank group and shRNA NC group （P0.05）. Inhibition of miR-141-3p reversed the improvement of EScs angiogenesis by interfering with SNHG16.Conclusion　Interference with LncRNA SNHG16 improves EScs angiogenesis and inhibits proliferation， migration， and invasion of EScs by targeting upregulation of miR-141-3p and inhibition of HMGB1.

Abstract:
Objective　To define hyaluronidase treatment parameters that efficiently remove the extracellular matrix from zygotes without impairing embryo development， thereby providing a basis for standardized assisted reproductive procedures.Methods　Mouse zygotes were treated with hyaluronidase at 40， 80， or 120 IU/mL for 60， 90， or 120 s. Following treatment， embryos were cultured in Krebs-ringer bicarbonate-based solution for organismal media （KSOM） medium， and blastocyst formation was monitored using a Time-lapse imaging system.Results　A concentration of 40 IU/mL was insufficient for effective matrix removal， whereas 120 IU/mL markedly reduced blastocyst formation. In contrast， 80 IU/mL achieved efficient matrix clearance with minimal impact on development. Blastocyst rates were comparable between the 60 s and 90 s groups， with a slight advantage for the 60 s under the experimental conditions.Conclusion　Hyaluronidase treatment at 80 IU/mL for 60 s represents optimal processing conditions for mouse zygotes. These findings provide experimental basis and standardized reference for embryo handling in assisted reproductive technologies.

Abstract:
Objective To prepare a recombinant PETase with a dual-catalytic-triad and to evaluate its efficiency in the biodegradation of polyethylene terephthalate （PET）. Methods Based on the crystal structure of wild-type PETase， point mutations （T88H/L117D） were introduced via site-directed mutagenesis. The recombinant protein was prepared using prokaryotic expression and chromatography purification techniques. The enzymatic hydrolysis of the mutant PETase was assessed by relatively quantifying the products mono （2-hydroxyethyl） terephthalate （MHET） and terephthalic acid （TPA）. Results Both wild-type and mutant PETases accumulated as inclusion bodies， accounting for approximately 20% of the total bacterial protein. After solubilization in urea， the proteins were eluted at 300 mmol/L imidazole during affinity chromatography purification， with concentrations of 1. 824 and 1. 833 mg/mL and purities of 83. 11% and 84. 32%， respectively. Subsequent anion-exchange chromatography yielded highly pure enzymes in the 200 mmol/L NaCl fraction：2. 776 mg/mL （96. 86% purity） for the wild type and 1. 967 mg/mL （95. 13% purity） for the mutant. Following refolding， the final concentrations were 0. 484 mg/mL for the wild type and 0. 991 mg/mL for the mutant. Hydrolysis assays revealed that the mutant released MHET and TPA at （237. 67±17. 00）% and （197. 33±12. 01）% of the wild-type levels， respectively. Conclusion The T88H/L117D dual-catalytic-triad PETase is successfully prepared and it significantly enhanced PET-degrading ac‑ tivity， thus， it′s a promising biocatalyst for PET bioremediation.

Abstract:
Objective　To construct a nomogram prediction model for non-valvular persistent atrial fibrillation （PeAF） patients with left ventricular hypertrophy （LVH） ， followed by prognostic analysis through follow-up.Methods　This study retrospectively enrolled 949 patients with newly diagnosed and hospitalized non-valvular PeAF. Among them， 403 patients presented with LVH. The cohort was randomly stratified into a training set （n=665） and a validation set （n=284）. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were employed to identify independent risk factors for PeAF complicated by LVH. A nomogram prediction model was subsequently constructed and evaluated for discriminative ability， calibration， and clinical utility using receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve analysis， calibration plots， and decision curve analysis （DCA）.Results　Seven independent risk factors were ultimately identified and included in the prediction model： female sex， hypertension， diabetes， red blood cell distribution width-SD （RDW-SD）， body mass index （BMI）， left atrial diameter （LAD）， and left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）. The area under the ROC curve （AUC） in the training set was 0.862 （95% CI： 0.834-0.890）， and in the validation set， it was 0.870 （95% CI： 0.829-0.911）， demonstrating excellent predictive performance.Conclusion　Independent risk factors for LVH in PeAF patients include female， hypertension， diabetes， RDW-SD， BMI， LAD， and LVEF. The prediction model built based on this can help early identification of PeAF patients with high risk of LVH. At the same time， the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events （MACE） is higher in PeAF patients with LVH. Patients with atrial fibrillation combined with LVH may benefit from catheter ablation.

Abstract:
Objective　To investigate the effects of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 （LOX-1） gene G501C on brain structure and cognitive function in patients with white matter hyperintensities （WMH）.Methods　A total of 118 patients with WMH were enrolled. All participants underwent T1-weighted and T2-fluid-attenuated inversion recovery （T2-FLAIR） MRI to assess gray matter structure and WMH burden， and completed the mini-mental state examination （MMSE） and Montreal cognitive assessment （MoCA）. Partial correlation and mediation analyses were performed to explore the impact of LOX-1 polymorphism on cognitive function.Results　Participants were divided into GG+GC group （n = 35） and CC group （n = 83）. The GG+GC group showed lower MMSE and MoCA scores （MMSE： P=0.003； MOCA： P=0.015）， as well as greater WMH burden （all P0.001）， compared with the CC group. Voxel-based morphometry （VBM） analysis revealed reduced left thalamic volume in the GG+GC group， which was correlated with cognitive scores （all P0.05）. Subregional thalamic analysis further showed volume reductions in the lateral， ventral， medial， and pulvinar thalamic regions （all P0.05） in the GG+GC group， all positively associated with cognitive performance （all P0.05）. Mediation analyses indicated that volumes of the medial and pulvinar thalamic regions mediated the association between genotype and cognitive function （MMSE， MoCA）， and that WMH volume mediated the effect on MoCA scores.Conclusion　The LOX-1 G501C polymorphism may indirectly affect cognitive function by influencing specific thalamic subregional volumes and white matter damage， suggesting a potential mediating role of thalamic structures between genetic background and cognitive impairment.

Abstract:
Objective　To develop and validate a nomogram based on the albumin-bilirubin （ALBI） score for predicting the risk of severe perioperative complications in patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatolithiasis.Methods　A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 163 hepatolithiasis patients who underwent hepatectomy. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for severe perioperative complications. A nomogram prediction model was constructed and its performance was evaluated.Results　Among the 163 patients， 66 and 97 were classified into the low-grade and high-grade ALBI groups， respectively. Significant intergroup differences were observed in gender， total bilirubin， albumin levels， and the incidence of severe complications （P0.05）. Severe complications occurred in 40 patients. Independent risk factors included age 60 years （OR=5.49， P0.001）， high-grade ALBI （OR=8.30， P0.001）， history of biliary surgery （OR=2.60， P=0.035）， hepatectomy （segmentectomy）≥3 （OR=2.75， P=0.028）， and open surgical approach （OR=4.00，P=0.009）. A nomogram for predicting severe perioperative complications was successfully established. Internal validation showed that the model had an area under the ROC curve （AUC） of 0.865， which outperformed traditional single predictors. The calibration curve closely aligned with the ideal curve， with a mean absolute error （MAE） of 0.027. Decision curve analysis （DCA） demonstrated a net clinical benefit when the threshold probability exceeded 10%， superior to that of traditional predictors.Conclusion　The ALBI score-based nomogram is successfully developed and validated to predict the risk of severe perioperative complications in hepatolithiasis patients undergoing hepatectomy. The model demonstrated favorable predictive performance and high clinical utility， serving as an effective tool for both preoperative risk assessment and postoperative risk stratification.

Abstract:
Objective To compare the differences in fungal community composition between lesional and non- lesional scalp areas in patients suffering from severe alopecia areata（AA），and compare these with healthy scalp areas in control subjects. Additionally，to preliminarily explore the changes in scalp fungal communities in severe AA patients and their potential underlying immunological mechanisms. Methods A total of 20 severe AA patients and 18 healthy controls were enrolled. Skin swab samples were collected from lesional and non-lesional scalp areas of severe AA patients，as well as from the normal scalp of healthy controls. The fungal internal transcribed spacer （ITS）region was amplified and analyzed using high-throughput sequencing. Results The lesional scalp areas of severe AA patients exhibited higher α-diversity and species richness in fungal communities. Notably，the relative abundance of Ascomycota，along with genera such as Mycosphaerella，Aspergillus，Penicillium，and Wallemia，sig‑ nificantly increased in the bald regions. In contrast，Acremonium and Schizophyllum were more predominant in the non-lesional areas of severe AA patients. Conclusion Distinct region-specific differences in scalp fungal micro ‑ biota in severe AA patients suggests that fungal dysbiosis may play a potential role in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata. These findings provide new insights into the disease characteristics of severe AA from the perspective of scalp microecology.

Abstract:
Cardiovascular diseases（CVD），particularly atherosclerosis，represent a major global health burden. Recent studies have revealed that innate immune cells such as monocytes and macrophages can develop immune memory after an initial stimulus ，a phenomenon termed“trained immunity ”. Growing evidence indicates that trained immunity serves as an underlying mechanism of chronic inflammation in atherosclerotic cardiovascular dis ‑ eases. This review focuses on outlining the key effector cells involved in trained immunity and their mechanisms of formation，including processes such as metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic modifications，which collectively lead to a heightened immune response upon secondary stimulation. Furthermore，this review systematically summa ‑ rizes the role of trained immunity in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis，and elaborates on various therapeutic strategies targeting trained immunity along with their application prospects.