Current Medical Science最新文献

{"title":"Increased Hepatorenal Index Is Associated with the Risk of Developing Stroke in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.","authors":"Yang Li, Yi-Bin Wang, Min Zhu, Xiao-Ying Du, Ying-Ying Hou, Ban-Ban Wu, Yi-Xue Sun","doi":"10.1007/s11596-025-00051-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11596-025-00051-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the sonographic hepatorenal index and stroke risk in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>From December 2023 to July 2024, 72 NAFLD patients with stroke, 53 stroke-free NAFLD patients, and 54 healthy controls were enrolled in our study. The hepatorenal index was calculated as the ratio of the echo intensity of the liver to that of the renal cortex. The mean brightness values for one region of interest within the right hepatic lobe and the other size-matched region at the same depth of field within the right kidney were obtained with two-dimensional ultrasound and a 1- to 6-MHz convex array probe. Laboratory tests were performed with a Cobas 8000 automatic biochemical analyzer. Univariate and multivariate analyses were adopted to analyze the risk factors for stroke in NAFLD patients.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>NAFLD patients had a greater hepatorenal index than healthy controls did (P < 0.05). Additionally, NAFLD patients with stroke had an even greater hepatorenal index than did those with stroke-free NAFLD (P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis further revealed that the hepatorenal index was independently associated with stroke risk in NAFLD patients (β = 8.897, P < 0.001) after controlling for age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, and serum glucose, total cholesterol, alanine transaminase, and creatinine concentrations. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed a sensitivity of 62.5% and specificity of 95.3% for the hepatorenal index, with a cutoff value of 1.255 and an area under the curve of 0.80.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The increased sonographic hepatorenal index could be an independent predictor of stroke development in patients with NAFLD.</p>","PeriodicalId":10820,"journal":{"name":"Current Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"506-512"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144062576","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rifaximin Inhibits Small Bowel Angiodysplasia-Associated Angiogenesis by Attenuating LncRNA-HIF1A-AS2/miR-153-3p/HIF-1 α/Ang-2 Axis.","authors":"Shuai Peng, An-Ning Yin, Fei Liao, Liang Zhao","doi":"10.1007/s11596-025-00061-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11596-025-00061-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Backgrounds and objective: </strong>Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) is a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for gastrointestinal angiodysplasia (GIAD). We hypothesized that the lncRNA-HIF1A-AS2/miR-153-3p/HIF-1α/Ang-2 axis plays a critical role in small bowel angiodysplasia (SBAD)-associated angiogenesis, which can be blocked by rifaximin. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression and pro-angiogenic effects of the lncRNA-HIF1A-AS2/miR-153-3p/HIF-1α/Ang-2 in SBAD and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of rifaximin on SBAD by targeting this axis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The expression and pro-angiogenic effects of lncRNA-HIF1A-AS2/miR-153-3p/HIF-1α/Ang-2 were analysed in SBAD tissues and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The anti-angiogenic effect of rifaximin and its impact on the lncRNA-HIF1A-AS2/miR-153-3p/HIF-1α/Ang-2 axis were evaluated in HUVECs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Increased expression of lncRNA-HIF1A-AS2 and decreased expression of miR-153-3p were detected in SBAD tissues. LncRNA-HIF1A-AS2/miR-153-3p /HIF-1α were upstream regulators of Ang-2, and this axis was involved in angiogenesis in HUVECs. Rifaximin exerted antiangiogenic effects on HUVECs by blocking this axis.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The lncRNA-HIF1A-AS2/miR-153-3p/HIF-1α/Ang-2 axis is critically involved in SBAD-associated angiogenesis. Rifaximin is a potential therapeutic option for SBAD via blockade of this axis.</p>","PeriodicalId":10820,"journal":{"name":"Current Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"574-584"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144282796","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Epigenetic Modifications in Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Protective Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential.","authors":"Jia-Huan Li, Chang Liu, Si-Yu Qiu, Shi-Mei Zheng, Ying-Zi He","doi":"10.1007/s11596-025-00049-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11596-025-00049-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hearing loss, which currently affects more than 430 million individuals globally and is projected to exceed 700 million by 2050, predominantly manifests as sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), for which existing technologies such as hearing aids and cochlear implants fail to restore natural auditory function. Research focusing on protecting inner ear hair cells (HCs) from harmful factors through the regulation of epigenetic modifications has gained significant attention in otology for its role in regulating gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, suggesting potential strategies for preventing and treating SNHL. By synthesizing relevant studies on the inner ear, this review summarizes the emerging roles of histone modifications, DNA methylation, and noncoding RNAs in HC damage, with a focus on their therapeutic potential through epigenetic modulation. Moreover, this review examines the therapeutic potential of epigenetic regulation for the prevention and treatment of SNHL, emphasizing the application of small-molecule epigenetic compounds and their efficacy in modulating gene expression to preserve and restore auditory function.</p>","PeriodicalId":10820,"journal":{"name":"Current Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"415-429"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144109836","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mixed Infections in the Female Lower Genital Tract: Unlocking the Current Landscape and Future Directions.","authors":"Wen-Hua Jiang, Xin-Wei Zhao, Xi-Ming Jin, Wen-Jia Wang, Zhuo Chen","doi":"10.1007/s11596-025-00058-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11596-025-00058-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Understanding mixed infections in the female lower genital tract is a critical challenge in modern infection research. The interplay of multiple pathogens complicates disease progression, often resulting in treatment failure, recurrent infections, and significant public health and economic burdens. These infections are further exacerbated by disrupted host immune responses, which hinder the recovery of the vaginal microecosystem. Additionally, microbial biofilms-a fundamental mode of pathogen coexistence-contribute to the persistence and drug resistance of these infections, complicating management strategies. This review examines the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of mixed infections in the female lower genital tract while exploring potential avenues for future research. These findings emphasize the need for greater focus on these infections and offer insights to enhance further research in this area.</p>","PeriodicalId":10820,"journal":{"name":"Current Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"438-448"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143962654","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for AML Patients with Persistent Molecular MRD.","authors":"Shan Jiang, Ao Zhang, Ya-Jie Ding, Ruo-Wen Wei, Xuan Lu, Fen Chen, Wei Shi, Ling-Hui Xia","doi":"10.1007/s11596-025-00054-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11596-025-00054-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The combined use of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) to detect molecular measurable residual disease (mMRD) has been shown to have prognostic value for patients undergoing matched-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, there have been no related studies in the context of haploidentical HSCT (haplo-HSCT).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We included 148 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients who were in first complete remission (CR1) and underwent HSCT at Union Hospital (Wuhan, China) between 2019 and 2023. Among them, 28 patients were mMRD (+) before transplantation according to PCR/NGS. Then, on the basis of the 2017 European Leukemia Net (ELN) risk stratification, we randomly enrolled 56 mMRD (-) patients at a 1:2 ratio. Finally, we compared the outcomes, including overall survival (OS), cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR), leukemia-free survival (LFS), and nonrelapse mortality (NRM), between the two groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Persisting mMRD predicts worse long-term clinical outcomes in AML patients who received haplo-HSCT. The 2-year OS and LFS between the mMRD (+) and mMRD (-) groups were 77.1% (95%CI 62.5-95.2) versus 92.3% (95%CI 85.3-99.9) (P = 0.044) and 72.7% (95%CI 56.9-92.8) versus 90.7% (95%CI 83.2-98.8) (P = 0.003), respectively. The results of multivariate analysis revealed that mMRD (+) patients had worse OS and LFS than control patients did and that the mMRD (+) score was an independent prognostic factor for OS and LFS.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Pre-HSCT mMRD has predictive value for haplo-HSCT outcomes in AML patients. Patients who are mMRD (+) before transplantation have poorer OS and LFS. For these patients, intensified myeloablative conditioning (MAC), rapid reduction in immunosuppressive agents after 30 days, and pro-donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) can improve post-transplant outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":10820,"journal":{"name":"Current Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"513-524"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143967668","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Histological Evidence of the Great Obstetrical Syndromes and Short-Term Neonatal Outcomes.","authors":"Dan Lv, Xu-Fang Li, Shi-Yao Chen, Praseth Leakana, Jia-Qi Han, Jun-Rong Xian, Fan-Fan Li, Meng-Zhou He, Yao Fan, He-Ze Xu, Li Liu, Wei Li, Xing-Guang Lin, Fang Ye, Dong-Rui Deng","doi":"10.1007/s11596-025-00062-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11596-025-00062-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Great obstetrical syndrome (GOS) represents a group of pregnancy-related diseases that result in inadequate placentation. Most GOS cases end in preterm, either spontaneously or indicatively, and the use of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) is inevitably discussed. The placenta is an important, transient fetal-derived organ and is the embodiment of maternal or fetal well-being. However, few studies provide histological evidence of the placenta in GOS. This study aims to address these issues.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 831 pregnant women were prospectively recruited. Placenta tissue was collected immediately and fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde solution for future H&E analysis. A novel checklist was devised to evaluate maternal vascular malperfusion sections on the basis of the commonly accepted Amsterdam placental workshop group consensus statement.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 131 patients were classified as having GOS. Comparisons between those with and without GOS revealed significant differences, including higher levels of distal villous hypoplasia, increased syncytial knots, accelerated villous maturation, and higher total scores in GOS. We found significant negative associations between GOS and neonatal weight, neonatal height, head circumference, placental surface area, placental volume, and placenta gross examination score. GOS neonates were 1.25 times more likely to have hyperbilirubinemia. Regarding the effect of ACS, a significant reduction in birthweight, height, and head circumference was observed, along with an increased risk of hyperbilirubinemia.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study provides histological evidence of the GOS that supports the defective deep placentation hypothesis. Our research also contributes to benefit-risk consultation in the GOS, such as in cases of PE and FGR, where a balance between fetal lung maturation and short-term neonatal outcomes is crucial.</p>","PeriodicalId":10820,"journal":{"name":"Current Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"585-593"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144157270","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"HNMT Promotes the Occurrence and Progression of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma by Inhibiting the IFN/TXNIP/p53 Axis.","authors":"Sheng Cheng, Xi-Fang Wu, Wei-di Sun, Hong Zhai, Xin Liu, Chao-Wu Jiang, Biao Ruan","doi":"10.1007/s11596-025-00072-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11596-025-00072-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMT) is involved primarily in histamine metabolism, but emerging evidence suggests its potential role in cancer progression. This study investigated the role of HNMT in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and its impact on interferon (IFN) signaling, thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), and p53 tumor suppressor pathways.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>HNMT expression in NPC tissues and cell lines was analyzed via qPCR and Western blotting. Functional assays, including cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis, were performed after HNMT knockdown or overexpression. Transcriptomic sequencing was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). In addition, we examined the relationship between HNMT and the IFN/TXNIP/p53 axis via rescue experiments in vitro and in vivo models via qPCR and Western blotting.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>HNMT knockdown reduced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted apoptosis in NPC tissues and cell lines. TXNIP was the most significantly upregulated gene following HNMT knockdown. Inhibition of the IFN pathway reversed these effects, confirming the role of HNMT in downregulating the IFN/TXNIP/p53 pathway. An in vivo study revealed that HNMT overexpression correlated with reduced expression of TXNIP and p53 in NCG mice.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In NPC, HNMT promotes tumor growth and progression by inhibiting the IFN/TXNIP/p53 axis. These findings suggest that targeting the HNMT axis or restoring its function could provide new therapeutic strategies for NPC.</p>","PeriodicalId":10820,"journal":{"name":"Current Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"661-670"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144265452","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Malperfusion in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection: Development of a Predictive Diagnostic Model.","authors":"Kan-Paatib Barnabo Nampoukime, Adeoumi Esperance Monteiro Igwenandji, You-Min Pan, Lud Merveil Norbely Nouani, Djessica Fortes Gomes, Mustafa Abbas Farhood Sultani, Hai-Hao Wang","doi":"10.1007/s11596-025-00070-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11596-025-00070-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To investigate the clinical predictors of malperfusion in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) and to construct a diagnostic model to identify high-risk individuals.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective analysis of 553 ATAAD patients from Tongji Hospital divided into malperfusion and non-malperfusion groups was conducted. Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of the outcome. Model performance via the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, decision curve analysis (DCA), the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Malperfusion was observed in 28.4% of ATAAD patients. Significant predictors included elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (OR: 1.0019, 95% CI: 1.0002-1.0036, P = 0.027), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (OR: 0.9936, 95% CI: 0.987-1.000, P = 0.046) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (OR: 0.9877, 95% CI: 0.977-0.998, P = 0.021), suggesting roles for tissue ischemia and impaired renal or hepatic function. Other variables, such as D-dimer, uric acid, creatinine, and NT-proBNP, showed trends toward significance but did not reach the 0.05 threshold. The model demonstrated good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow P = 0.318), moderate discriminatory power (AUC = 0.725), high specificity (93.62%), and low sensitivity (26.75%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The model based on routine biochemical markers provides a practical approach for the early identification of malperfusion in ATAAD patients. It shows strong specificity and clinical utility, although its limited sensitivity highlights the need for further refinement. Future improvements should focus on incorporating additional clinical or imaging data to increase diagnostic accuracy.</p>","PeriodicalId":10820,"journal":{"name":"Current Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"651-660"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144282794","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"ELMOD2 Overexpression Predicts Adverse Outcomes and Regulates Tumor Progression in Gliomas.","authors":"Rui-Chao Li, Chang Liu, Guo-Jian Wang, Zi Wang, Rong-Lin Li, Hao-Tian Lu, Xiao-Xun Xie, Qing-Mei Zhang, Da-Qin Feng, Xiang Yun, Bin Luo","doi":"10.1007/s11596-025-00057-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11596-025-00057-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Glioma is a highly heterogeneous and malignant intracranial tumor that presents challenges for clinical treatment. ELMO domain containing 2 (ELMOD2) is a GTPase-activating protein that regulates a range of cellular biological processes. However, its specific role and prognostic value in tumorigenesis are still unknown. This study aimed to assess the prognostic relevance and signaling function of ELMOD2 in gliomas.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases were utilized to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the expression profile of ELMOD2 in gliomas, elucidating its associations with clinicopathological parameters and patient prognosis. Single-cell analysis was performed to characterize ELMOD2 expression across distinct glioma cell subpopulations. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses, and Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) were employed to evaluate the potential biological functions of ELMOD2 in gliomagenesis. Specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were used to knock down ELMOD2 in the glioma cell lines U251 and A172 to assess their cellular behaviors and examine the levels of multiple key signaling molecules associated with the occurrence of gliomas.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>ELMOD2 was overexpressed in gliomas, and this upregulation was correlated with tumor grade, isocitrate dehydrogenase mutation, and 1p/19q codeletion status. Notably, ELMOD2 expression was elevated in classical and mesenchymal subtypes, and single-cell resolution analysis revealed predominant enrichment within malignant cells. Functionally, ELMOD2 regulated cell cycle progression, and its overexpression was related to independent adverse outcomes. In vitro experiments revealed that ELMOD2 was located in the cytoplasm and nucleoplasm. Furthermore, ELMOD2 knockdown reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion and increased apoptosis in U251 and A172 cell lines. Finally, ELMOD2 knockdown significantly decreased p-Erk1/2.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>ELMOD2 expression in glioma is positively correlated with tumorigenesis and is a crucial independent prognostic marker. Thus, ELMOD2 is a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for glioma treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":10820,"journal":{"name":"Current Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"549-561"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144109801","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Vitamin D Activates Nrf2 to Prevent Nerve Injury and Reduce Brain Damage in Acute Cerebral Infarction.","authors":"Hong-Min Zhao, Li-Qin Mu, Jing Wang, Run-Zhi Chen, Yang Li, Lin Zhao, Yu Zhao, Li-Na Liu","doi":"10.1007/s11596-025-00043-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11596-025-00043-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of cholecalciferol cholesterol emulsion (CCE), a vitamin D (VD) precursor, in a murine model of acute cerebral infarction (ACI) and to elucidate the role of the Nrf2 signaling pathway in mediating these effects.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Forty C57BL/6J mice (male and female) were divided into five groups (n = 10 per group): control, control + CCE, ACI, ACI + CCE, and ACI + CCE + ML385 (an Nrf2 inhibitor). ACI was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). CCE was administered for three weeks prior to ACI induction, and ML385 was administered intravenously to inhibit Nrf2. Neurological function, brain edema, and infarct size, as well as inflammatory and apoptotic marker levels, were assessed post-ACI. Statistical analyses were conducted via one-way ANOVA and Student's t test, with P < 0.05 considered significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Compared to ACI group, CCE significantly reduced neurological deficits, brain edema, and infarct size (P < 0.01). The ACI + CCE group presented improved short-term memory retention, as evidenced by shorter avoidance latency in shuttle avoidance tests (P < 0.01). CCE administration attenuated the expression of inflammatory markers (IL-6, MIF, Lp-PLA2) while increasing IL-10 levels (P < 0.001). Furthermore, CCE increased Nrf2 and HO-1 expression and reduced apoptosis by decreasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in brain tissue (P < 0.001). ML385 abolished these neuroprotective effects, confirming the role of the Nrf2 pathway in mediating the benefits of VD.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>VD, via VD receptor-mediated activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, reduces inflammation, apoptosis, and neurological damage following ACI. These findings support the therapeutic potential of VD in the treatment of ischemic stroke and highlight the importance of Nrf2 in mediating these effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":10820,"journal":{"name":"Current Medical Science","volume":" ","pages":"469-480"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143983509","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}