Anaplastic thyroid cancer: Genetic roles, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) stands as the most formidable form of thyroid malignancy, presenting a persistent challenge in clinical management. Recent years have witnessed a gradual unveiling of the intricate genetic underpinnings governing ATC through next-generation sequencing. The emergence of this genetic landscape has paved the way for the exploration of targeted therapies and immunotherapies in clinical trials. Despite these strides, the precise mechanisms governing ATC pathogenesis and the identification of efficacious treatments demand further investigation. Our comprehensive review stems from an extensive literature search focusing on the genetic implications, notably the pivotal MAPK and PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathways, along with targeted therapies and immunotherapies in ATC. Moreover, we screen and summarize the advances and challenges in the current diagnostic approaches for ATC, including the invasive tissue sampling represented by fine needle aspiration and core needle biopsy, immunohistochemistry, and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography. We also investigate enormous studies on the prognosis of ATC and outline independent prognostic factors for future clinical assessment and therapy for ATC. By synthesizing this literature, we aim to encapsulate the evolving landscape of ATC oncology, potentially shedding light on novel pathogenic mechanisms and avenues for therapeutic exploration.

Multifaceted investigations of PSMB8 provides insights into prognostic prediction and immunological target in thyroid carcinoma

The Proteasome 20S subunit beta 8 (PSMB8) is an integral element of the immunoproteasome complex, playing a pivotal role in antigen processing. Despite its significance, the contributory role of PSMB8 in oncogenesis, particularly in thyroid carcinoma (THCA), has not been well-characterized. To address this gap in knowledge, our study endeavored to delineate the potential associations between PSMB8 and THCA. Transcriptomic profiles and clinical data of patients with THCA were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to facilitate comprehensive analysis. Complementary resources from additional online databases were utilized to augment the study. Logistic regression analysis was employed to elucidate the relationship between PSMB8 and various clinicopathological parameters. Uni/multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to ascertain the independent prognostic factors for THCA patient outcomes. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot assays were employed to verify the expression level of PSMB8 in vitro. Our study demonstrated that PSMB8 was significantly upregulated in THCA, with its overexpression correlating with lymph node metastasis, extrathyroidal extension, and favorable prognosis. Immunohistochemistry substantiated a higher PSMB8 protein presence in THCA tissue compared to the normal, supporting its potential role as a moderately accurate diagnostic biomarker. Logistic regression analysis identified PSMB8 as a significant indicator of the N1 stage, classical histological subtype, and extrathyroidal extension. Age, T stage, and PSMB8 were further determined as independent prognostic factors for THCA. Functional investigations linked PSMB8 to immune processes, evidenced by its association with increased immune cell infiltration and higher stromal/immune scores, as well as a positive co-expression with several immune checkpoints. A constructed predicted competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network implicated PSMB8 in complex post-transcriptional regulation. Finally, in vitro assays confirmed the upregulation of PSMB8, underscoring its relevance in THCA and as a target for future research. Our work has preliminarily appraised PSMB8 as a biomarker with certain prognostic and diagnostic significance, and as a potential target for immunotherapy in THCA.

Nutritional status of elderly hypertensive patients and its relation to the occurrence of cognitive impairment

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is a common chronic disease in the elderly population, and its association with cognitive impairment has been increasingly recognized. Cognitive impairment, including mild cognitive impairment and dementia, can significantly affect the quality of life and independence of elderly individuals. Therefore, identifying risk factors for cognitive impairment in elderly hypertensive patients is crucial for developing effective interventions and improving health outcomes. Nutritional status is one of the potential factors that may influence cognitive function in elderly hypertensive patients. Malnutrition or inadequate nutrition can lead to various health problems, including weakened immune system, increased susceptibility to infections, and impaired physical and mental function. Furthermore, poor nutritional status has been linked to increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia in various populations. In this observational study, we aimed to investigate the nutritional status of elderly hypertensive patients and its relationship to the occurrence of cognitive impairment. By collecting baseline data on general information, body composition, and clinical indicators, we hope to identify risk factors for cognitive impairment in this patient population. The results of this study are expected to provide more scientific basis for the health management of elderly patients with hypertension, particularly in terms of maintaining good nutritional status and reducing the risk of cognitive impairment.

AIM

To explore the differences between clinical data and cognitive function of elderly hypertensive patients with different nutritional status, analyze the internal relationship between nutritional statuses and cognitive impairment, and build a nomogram model for predicting nutritional status in elderly hypertensive patients.

METHODS

The present study retrospectively analyzed 200 elderly patients admitted to our hospital for a hypertension during the period July 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024 as study subjects, and the 200 patients were divided into a modeling cohort (140 patients) and a validation cohort (60 patients) according to the ratio of 7:3. The modeling cohort were divided into a malnutrition group (26 cases), a malnutrition risk group (42 cases), and a normal nutritional status group (72 cases) according to the patients' Mini-Nutritional Assessment Scale (MNA) scores, and the modeling cohort was divided into a hypertension combined with cognitive impairment group (34 cases) and a hypertension cognitively normal group (106 cases) according to the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA) scores, and the validation cohort was divided into a hypertension combined with cognitive impairment group (14 cases) and hypertension cognitively normal group (46 cases). The study outcome was the occurrence of cognitive impairment in elderly hypertensive patients. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between the general information of the elderly hypertensive patients and the influence indicators and the occurrence of cognitive impairment, the roadmap prediction model was established and validated, the patient work receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the predictive efficacy of the model, the calibration curve was used to assess the consistency between the predicted events and the actual events, and the decision curve analysis was used to evaluate the validity of the model. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between nutrition-related indicators and MoCA scores.

RESULTS

In this research, the modeling cohort comprised 140 cases, while the verification cohort consisted of 60 cases, with no notable discrepancy in the data between the two groups. In the modeling cohort, there were significant differences in body mass index (BMI), albumin (ALB), hemoglobin (Hb) and homocysteine levels among the malnourished group, the malnourished risk group and the normal nutritional status group. The results of univariate and multivariate analysis showed that BMI [odds ratio (OR) = 0.830, P = 0.014], ALB (OR = 0.860, P = 0.028), Hb (OR = 0.939, P = 0.035) and MNA score (OR = 0.640, P = 0.000) were independent protective factors for patients without cognitive impairment, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (OR = 1.074, P = 0.000) was an independent risk factor for patients with cognitive impairment. In this study, the prediction nomogram tailored for cognitive deterioration in elderly patients with hypertension demonstrated robust predictive power and a close correspondence between predicted and observed outcomes. This model offers significant potential as a means to forestall cognitive decline in hypertensive elderly patients. ALP was negatively correlated with MoCA score, while BMI, MNA score, Hb and ALB were positively correlated with MoCA score.

CONCLUSION

BMI, MNA score, Hb and ALB were independent protective factors for cognitive impairment in elderly hypertensive patients and were positively correlated with MoCA score. ALP was an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment in elderly hypertensive patients and was negatively correlated with the MoCA score. The column line graph model established in the study has a good predictive value.

Systems biology approach delineates critical pathways associated with papillary thyroid cancer: a multi-omics data analysis

BACKGROUND

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most prevalent follicular cell-derived subtype of thyroid cancer. A systems biology approach to PTC can elucidate the mechanism by which molecular components work and interact with one another to decipher a panoramic view of the pathophysiology.

METHODOLOGY

PTC associated genes and transcriptomic data were retrieved from DisGeNET and Gene Expression Omnibus database respectively. Published proteomic and metabolomic datasets in PTC from EMBL-EBI were used. Gene Ontology and pathway analyses were performed with SNPs, differentially expressed genes (DEGs), proteins, and metabolites linked to PTC. The effect of a nucleotide substitution on a protein's function was investigated. Additionally, significant transcription factors (TFs) and kinases were identified. An integrated strategy was used to analyse the multi-omics data to determine the key deregulated pathways in PTC carcinogenesis.

RESULTS

Pathways linked to carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism, along with the immune response, signaling, apoptosis, gene expression, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and disease onset, were identified as significant for the clinical and functional aspects of PTC. Glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism and citrate cycle were the most common pathways among the PTC omics datasets. Commonality analysis deciphered five TFs and fifty-seven kinases crucial for PTC genesis and progression. Core deregulated pathways, TFs, and kinases modulate critical biological processes like proliferation, angiogenesis, immune infiltration, invasion, autophagy, EMT, and metastasis in PTC.

CONCLUSION

Identified dysregulated pathways, TFs and kinases are critical in PTC and may help in systems level understanding and device specific experiments, biomarkers, and drug targets for better management of PTC.

Anillin interacts with RhoA to promote tumor progression in anaplastic thyroid cancer by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway

BACKGROUND

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is the most aggressive thyroid malignancy and has an extremely poor prognosis, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies. This study investigated the role of anillin (ANLN) in ATC, focusing on its impact on tumor growth and metastasis through the RhoA/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

METHODS

TCGA and GEO datasets were analyzed to identify key molecular alterations in thyroid cancer. ANLN expression was assessed in clinical samples. Functional assays, including CCK-8, colony formation, scratch, and Transwell invasion assays, and mouse xenograft models, were conducted to evaluate the biological role of ANLN. Coimmunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and active Rho GTPase pull-down assays, as well as phosphorylation antibody arrays, were used to explore the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

Analysis of TCGA and GEO datasets revealed that ANLN is upregulated in thyroid cancers, including ATC and PTC, with higher ANLN expression correlating with worse survival outcomes. Functional studies demonstrated that ANLN promoted ATC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In vivo, ANLN knockdown inhibited tumor growth in xenograft models. Mechanistically, ANLN directly interacted with RhoA, facilitating its activation and subsequent stimulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The tumorigenic effects of ANLN were suppressed by AKT inhibition with afuresertib or RhoA silencing.

CONCLUSION

ANLN plays a crucial role in ATC progression by activating the RhoA/PI3K/AKT pathway, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target in ATC.

Delving Into Nanoparticle Systems for Enhanced Drug Delivery Technologies

Nanotechnology, based on the utilization of nanoparticles, has revolutionized drug delivery techniques, offering groundbreaking methods for managing and diagnosing intricate ailments over the past four decades. This article aims to underscore how the use of these particles has been used to treat previously incurable diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease. Recently, the integration of diagnostic imaging and targeted therapy using theranostic nanoparticles has improved cancer treatment precision. Moreover, exosome-based drug delivery has demonstrated high in vivo biocompatibility and antigen-carrying ability during vaccine development. The unique properties of these tiny particles enable their transport to specific locations inaccessible to large drug molecules. The development of these nanodrugs by either encapsulation or adsorption of drugs on particles has allowed the loading of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. Innovative engineering approaches have enabled the engineering of shear-sensitive nanoparticles for site-targeted drug release, which eliminates the requirement for frequent doses, which is common in conventional drug delivery. Factors such as size, shape as well as surface modification are considered during the top-down and bottom-up approaches for engineering nanoparticle-based systems. However, issues related to scaling up manufacturing, long-term safety, and regulatory approval for these techniques must be resolved. The use of these drug delivery systems offers many therapeutic advantages. This article examines the application of these systems across various medical domains including cancer treatment, infectious diseases, cardiovascular disorders, central nervous system ailments, and ophthalmic conditions. This fusion of nanotechnology with drug delivery has the potential to elevate healthcare standards in the future by introducing innovative frameworks for revolutionizing therapeutic practices.

COVID-19 and Its Effects on the Hepatobiliary System: A Literature Review

COVID-19 encompasses a wide clinical spectrum, from mild influenza-like illness to severe pneumonia and systemic complications. There is emerging literature on hepatobiliary involvement in COVID-19, especially elevation in liver enzymes as surrogate markers of liver injury. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors within the hepatobiliary system are a portal of entry for SARS-CoV-2, after which injury may be perpetuated through hypoxia and cytokine storms. This literature review covers studies published before 2024 from databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Springer, and BMC Library. The keywords used were "COVID-19", "liver", "SARS-CoV-2", "chronic liver disease", and other relevant terms to ensure a wide scope of investigation. The most common liver enzymes elevated among COVID-19 patients include aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase, all of which are associated with the severity of the disease. Chronic liver disease (CLD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients have worse outcomes with increased ICU admission rates and increased mortality. COVID-19 vaccination in CLD and liver transplant recipients is very often associated with suboptimal antibody responses, adding to the risks. SARS-CoV-2 causes liver involvement through direct viral cytopathic effects, immune-mediated injury, and systemic hypoxia. Individuals with CLD are particularly vulnerable to severe illness.

Fear of Falling Avoidance Behavior on Daily Living Activities and Physical Activity in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of avoidance behavior due to fear of falling on dependency levels in activities of daily living and physical activity levels in older adults. This study is a cross-sectional research design. Data were collected between November 2023 and March 2024. A total of 506 individuals aged 65 years and over participated in the study (mean age 71.26). It was determined that the older adults had low level of fear of falling avoidance behaviors were fully independent in activities of daily living and had low level of physical activity. The multiple linear regression analysis showed that age, marital status, education, living with and fear of falling avoidance behavior affected daily living activities; age, place of residence, gender, income status, chronic disease status, and fear of falling avoidance behavior affected physical activity level (R2 = 0.183; R2 = 0.197, respectively). This study revealed the necessity of interventions to prevent fear of falling avoidance behaviors in order to increase the activities of daily living and physical activity levels among older adults.

PRMT7 in cancer: Structure, effects, and therapeutic potentials

Protein arginine methyltransferase 7 (PRMT7), a type III methyltransferase responsible solely for arginine mono-methylation, plays a critical role in numerous physiological and pathological processes. Recent studies have highlighted its aberrant expression or mutation in various cancers, implicating it in tumorigenesis, cancer progression, and drug resistance. Consequently, PRMT7 has emerged as a promising target for cancer diagnosis and therapeutic intervention. In this review, we present an overview of the molecular structure of PRMT7, discuss its roles and mechanisms in different cancer types, and analyze the binding modes and structure-activity relationships of reported PRMT7 inhibitors. Furthermore, we identify the challenges encountered in functional exploration and drug development targeting PRMT7, propose potential solutions to these challenges, and outline future directions for the development of PRMT7 inhibitors to inform future drug discovery efforts.

Transforming Medicine: Cutting-Edge Applications of Nanoscale Materials in Drug Delivery

Since their inception in the early 1960s, the development and use of nanoscale materials have progressed tremendously, and their roles in diverse fields ranging from human health to energy and electronics are undeniable. The application of nanotechnology inventions has revolutionized many aspects of everyday life including various medical applications and specifically drug delivery systems, maximizing the therapeutic efficacy of the contained drugs by means of bioavailability enhancement or minimization of adverse effects. In this review, we utilize the CAS Content Collection, a vast repository of scientific information extracted from journal and patent publications, to analyze trends in nanoscience research relevant to drug delivery in an effort to provide a comprehensive and detailed picture of the use of nanotechnology in this field. We examine the publication landscape in the area to provide insights into current knowledge advances and developments. We review the major classes of nanosized drug delivery systems, their delivery routes, and targeted diseases. We outline the most discussed concepts and assess the advantages of various nanocarriers. The objective of this review is to provide a broad overview of the evolving landscape of current knowledge regarding nanosized drug delivery systems, to outline challenges, and to evaluate growth opportunities. The merit of the review stems from the extensive, wide-ranging coverage of the most up-to-date scientific information, allowing unmatched breadth of landscape analysis and in-depth insights.

Leveraging zebrafish models for advancing radiobiology: Mechanisms, applications, and future prospects in radiation exposure research

Ionizing radiation (IR) represents a significant risk to human health and societal stability. To effectively analyze the mechanisms of IR and enhance protective strategies, the development of more sophisticated animal models is imperative. The zebrafish, with its high degree of genomic homology to humans and the capacity for whole-body optical visualization and high-throughput screening, represents an invaluable model for the study of IR. This review examines the benefits of utilizing zebrafish as a model organism for research on IR, emphasizing recent advancements and applications. It presents a comprehensive overview of the methodologies for establishing IR models in zebrafish, addresses current challenges, and discusses future development trends. This paper provide theoretical support for elucidating the mechanisms of IR injury and developing effective treatment strategies.

Aldosterone promotes calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells in mice through the AIF-1/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the impact of aldosterone on calcification in murine vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) via the allograft inflammatory factor-1 (AIF-1)/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

METHODS

Mouse VSMCs were cultured in vitro, and calcification was induced by treatment with 100 nM aldosterone. The level of calcification in mouse VSMCs was evaluated using colorimetric assays to assess ALP activity and qRT-PCR to identify the expression of calcification-related markers, such as Runx2, α-SMA, OCN, and ALP mRNA. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the protein expression levels associated with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway (LRP6, p-LRP6, GSK3β, p-GSK3β, β-catenin) and AIF-1. Plasmid transfection techniques were utilized to either knock down or overexpress AIF-1, and the subsequent alterations in these markers were observed.

RESULTS

(1) Compared to the control group, the aldosterone treatment group with exhibited a significant increase in ALP. Concurrently, Runx2, OCN, and ALP mRNA levels increased, as did LRP6, p-LRP6, GSK3β, p-GSK3β, β-catenin, and AIF-1 protein levels. Additionally, a significant decrease in the expression of α-SMA mRNA was observed (P < 0.05). (2) The aldosterone + oe-AIF-1 group showed significant increases in ALP activity compared to the aldosterone + oe-NC group, whereas the aldosterone + sh-AIF-1 group showed significant decreases (P < 0.05). (3) The aldosterone + oe-AIF-1 group exhibited significantly upregulated expression of AIF-1, p-LRP6/LRP6, p-GSK3β/GSK3β, and β-catenin proteins relative to the aldosterone + oe-NC group (P < 0.05). This was concurrent with increased mRNA expression of Runx2, OCN, and ALP, and decreased α-SMA mRNA expression (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Aldosterone affects the calcification process in mouse VSMCs, and the activation of the AIF-1/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is the mechanism behind its action.

Moscatilin inhibits vascular calcification by activating IL13RA2-dependent inhibition of STAT3 and attenuating the WNT3/β-catenin signalling pathway

INTRODUCTION

Vascular calcification, a devastating vascular complication accompanying atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease, increases the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events and compromises the efficacy of vascular interventions. However, effective therapeutic drugs and treatments to delay or prevent vascular calcification are lacking.

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to test the therapeutic effects and mechanism of Moscatilin (also known as dendrophenol) from Dendrobium huoshanense (an eminent traditional Chinese medicine) in suppressing vascular calcification in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6J mice (25-week-old) were subjected to nicotine and vitamin D3 (VD3) treatment to induce vascular calcification. In vitro, we established the cellular model of osteogenesis of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) under phosphate conditions.

RESULTS

By utilizing an in-house drug screening strategy, we identified Moscatilin as a new naturally-occurring chemical entity to reduce HASMC calcium accumulation. The protective effects of Moscatilin against vascular calcification were verified in cultured HASMCs. Unbiased transcriptional profiling analysis and cellular thermal shift assay suggested that Moscatilin suppresses vascular calcification via binding to interleukin 13 receptor subunit A2 (IL13RA2) and augmenting its expression. Furthermore, IL13RA2 was reduced during HASMC osteogenesis, thus promoting the secretion of inflammatory factors via STAT3. We further validated the participation of Moscatilin-inhibited vascular calcification by the classical WNT/β-catenin pathway, among which WNT3 played a key role in this process. Moscatilin mitigated the crosstalk between WNT3/β-catenin and IL13RA2/STAT3 to reduce osteogenic differentiation of HASMCs.

CONCLUSION

This study supports the potential of Moscatilin as a new naturally-occurring candidate drug for treating vascular calcification via regulating the IL13RA2/STAT3 and WNT3/β-catenin signalling pathways.

Integrated Network Pharmacology, Machine Learning and Experimental Validation to Identify the Key Targets and Compounds of TiaoShenGongJian for the Treatment of Breast Cancer

Background

TiaoShenGongJian (TSGJ) decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine for breast cancer, has unknown active compounds, targets, and mechanisms. This study identifies TSGJ's key targets and compounds for breast cancer treatment through network pharmacology, machine learning, and experimental validation.

Methods

Bioactive components and targets of TSGJ were identified from the TCMSP database, and breast cancer-related targets from GeneCards, PharmGkb, and RNA-seq datasets. Intersection of these targets revealed therapeutic targets of TSGJ. PPI analysis was performed via STRING, and machine learning methods (SVM, RF, GLM, XGBoost) identified key targets, validated by GSE70905, GSE70947, GSE22820, and TCGA-BRCA datasets. Pathway analyses and molecular docking were performed. TSGJ and core compounds' effectiveness was confirmed by MTT and RT-qPCR assays.

Results

160 common targets of TSGJ were identified, with 30 hub targets from PPI analysis. Five predictive targets (HIF1A, CASP8, FOS, EGFR, PPARG) were screened via SVM. Their diagnostic, biomarker, immune, and clinical values were validated. Quercetin, luteolin, and baicalein were identified as core components. Molecular docking confirmed their strong affinities with predicted targets. These compounds modulated key targets and induced cytotoxicity in breast cancer cell lines in a similar way as TSGJ.

Conclusion

This study reveals the main active components and targets of TSGJ against breast cancer, supporting its potential for breast cancer prevention and treatment.

The HOX Gene Family's Role as Prognostic and Diagnostic Biomarkers in Hematological and Solid Tumors

The HOX gene family encodes for regulatory transcription factors that play a crucial role in embryogenesis and differentiation of adult cells. This highly conserved family of genes consists of thirty-nine genes in humans that are located in four clusters, A-D, on different chromosomes. While early studies on the HOX gene family have been focused on embryonic development and its related disorders, research has shifted to examine aberrant expression of HOX genes and the subsequent implication in cancer prediction and progression. Due to their role of encoding master regulatory transcription factors, the abnormal expression of HOX genes has been shown to affect all stages of tumorigenesis and metastasis. This review highlights the novel role of the HOX family's clinical relevance as both prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers in hematological and solid tumors.

Macrophage membrane-encapsulated miRNA nanodelivery system for the treatment of hemophilic arthritis

Hemophilic arthritis (HA) is one of the most pathologically altered joint diseases. Specifically, periodic spontaneous hemorrhage-induced hyperinflammation of the synovium and irreversible destruction of the cartilage are the main mechanisms that profoundly affect the behavioral functioning and quality of life of patients. In this study, we isolated and characterized platelet-rich plasma-derived exosomes (PRP-exo). We performed microRNA (miRNA) sequencing and bioinformatics analysis on these exosomes to identify the most abundant miRNA, miR-451a. Following this, we developed an M@ZIF-8@miR nanotherapeutic system that utilizes nanoscale zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) as a carrier for miRNA delivery, encapsulated within M2 membranes to enhance its anti-inflammatory effects. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that M@ZIF-8@miR significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, controlled synovial inflammation, and achieved potent therapeutic efficacy by reducing joint damage. We suggest that the ability of M@ZIF-8@miR nanocomposites to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines, enhance cellular uptake, and exhibit good endosomal escape properties makes them promising carriers for the efficient delivery of therapeutic nucleic acid drugs. This approach delays joint degeneration and provides a promising combinatorial strategy for HA treatment.

Risk Factors for Disseminated Tuberculosis and Associated Survival in Adults Without Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Background

The global resurgence of disseminated tuberculosis (TB) after the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic highlights the necessity of understanding host risk factors, especially in adults without human immunodeficiency virus.

Methods

We reviewed TB cases admitted to Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center from 2017 to 2022. We analyzed baseline characteristics and outcomes. To identify risk factors for disseminated TB, as well as its subsite distribution and mortality, we employed logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Among 1062 patients, including 283 with disseminated TB, 558 with pulmonary TB (PTB), and 221 with extrapulmonary TB, those with disseminated TB had the highest mortality rate. The following factors were associated with disseminated TB: age ≥45 years, body mass index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m², immunosuppressive therapy, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). A BMI <18.5 kg/m² was found to correlate with all subsites of disseminated TB, while aged ≥45 years specifically increased incidence of bone and joint TB. Female patients showed a higher risk for lymphatic, peritoneal, and intestinal TB. Additionally, immunosuppressive therapy and ESRD were linked to various TB subsites. During a 12-month follow-up period, 19.8% of patients with disseminated TB died. Factors contributing to reduced survival included BMI <18.5 kg/m², immunosuppressive therapy, ESRD, pulmonary cavities, and meningeal involvement.

Conclusions

Age, low BMI, immunosuppressive therapy, and ESRD are significant risk factors for disseminated TB and also significantly impact patient survival rates. These findings are of great importance for the development of clinical management and preventive measures.

Regulation of lymphoma in vitro by CLP36 through the PI3K/AKT/CREB signaling pathway

Background

CLP36 is also known as PDZ and LIM Domain 1 (PDLIM1) that is a ubiquitously-expressed α-actinin-binding cytoskeletal protein involved in carcinogenesis, and our current study aims to explore its involvement in lymphoma.

Methods

Accordingly, the CLP36 expression pattern in lymphoma and its association with the overall survival was predicted. Then, qPCR was applied to gauge CLP36 expression in lymphoma cells and determine the knockdown efficiency. The survival, proliferation and apoptosis of CLP36-silencing lymphoma cells were tested. Cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis were assessed based on cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, colony formation assay, EdU staining, and flow cytometry, respectively. Additionally, qPCR was used to calculate the expressions of proteins associated with metastasis and apoptosis, while immunoblotting was employed to determine the phosphorylation status of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB).

Results

CLP36 expression was relatively higher in lymphoma, which was associated with a poor prognosis. Also, CLP36 was highly-expressed in lymphoma cells and the silencing of CLP36 contributed to the suppressed survival and proliferation as well as the enhanced apoptosis of lymphoma cells. Further, CLP36 silencing repressed the expressions of Cadherin 2 (CDH2) and Vimentin (VIM) yet promoted those of Bax and Caspase 3 in lymphoma cells, concurrent with the reduction on the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT and CREB, all of which were confirmed to be positively correlated with CLP36.

Conclusion

This study, so far as we are concerned, provided evidence on the involvement of CLP36/PI3K/AKT/CREB axis in lymphoma, which may be contributive for the identification on the relevant molecular targets of lymphoma.

Pathological Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2: A Review for Clinicians

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, driven by the novel coronavirus and its variants, has caused over 518 million infections and 6.25 million deaths globally, leading to a significant health crisis. Beyond its primary respiratory impact, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been implicated in various extra-pulmonary complications. Research studies reveal that the virus affects multiple organs, including the kidneys, liver, pancreas, and central nervous system (CNS), largely due to the widespread expression of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptors. Clinical evidence shows that the virus can induce diabetes by disrupting pancreatic and liver functions as well as cause acute kidney injury. Additionally, neurological complications, including cognitive impairments and neuroinflammation, have been observed in a significant number of COVID-19 patients. This review discusses the mechanisms linking SARS-CoV-2 to acute kidney injury, Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM and T2DM), emphasizing its effects on pancreatic beta cells, insulin resistance, and the regulation of gluconeogenesis. We also explore how SARS-CoV-2 induces neurological complications, detailing the intricate pathways of neuro-invasion and the potential to trigger conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). By elucidating the metabolic and neurological manifestations of COVID-19 and the underlying pathogenic mechanisms, this review underscores the imperative for continued research and the development of effective therapeutic interventions to mitigate the long-term and short-term impacts of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Long-term follow-up of brain regional changes and the association with cognitive impairment in quarantined COVID-19 survivors

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the neuropsychiatric symptoms of quarantined COVID-19 survivors 15 months after discharge and explore its potential association with structural and functional brain changes and inflammation.

METHODS

A total of 51 quarantined COVID-19 survivors and 74 healthy controls were included in this study. Cognitive function was assessed using the THINC-integrated tool. Structural brain changes were examined through both surface- and volume-based analyses, and functional changes were assessed using resting-state amplitude low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF). Serum inflammatory markers were measured by a multiplexed flow cytometric assay.

RESULTS

COVID-19 survivors exhibited subjective cognitive decline compared to healthy controls, despite no significant differences in objective cognitive tasks. Structural analysis revealed significantly increased gray matter volume and cortical surface area in the left transverse temporal gyrus (Heschl's gyrus) in quarantined COVID-19 survivors. This enlargement was negatively correlated with cognitive impairment. The ALFF analysis showed decreased neural activity in multiple brain regions. Elevated levels of serum inflammatory markers were also found in COVID-19 survivors, including MIP-1a, MIP-1b, TNF-a, and IL-8, which correlated with functional abnormalities.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate a subjective cognitive decline in quarantined COVID-19 survivors 15 months after discharge, which is associated with brain structural alterations in the left Heschl's gyrus. The observed elevation of inflammatory markers suggests a potential mechanism involving inflammation-induced neurogenesis. These results contribute to our understanding of the possible mechanisms underlying long-term neuropsychiatric consequences of COVID-19 and highlight the need for further research to develop targeted interventions.

Neuro-inflammatory pathways in COVID-19-induced central nervous system injury: Implications for prevention and treatment strategies

This review explores the neuroinflammatory pathways underlying COVID-19-induced central nervous system (CNS) injury, with a focus on mechanisms of brain damage and strategies for prevention. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to summarize current knowledge on the pathways by which SARS-CoV-2 reaches the brain, the neuroinflammatory responses triggered by viral infection, neurological symptoms and long COVID. Results: We discuss the mechanisms of neuroinflammation in COVID-19, including blood-brain barrier disruption, cytokine storm, microglial activation, and peripheral immune cell infiltration. Additionally, we highlight potential strategies for preventing CNS injury, including pharmacological interventions, immunomodulatory therapies, and lifestyle modifications. Conclusively, Understanding the neuroinflammatory pathways in COVID-19-induced CNS injury is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies to protect brain health during and after viral infection.

Deubiquitinases as novel therapeutic targets for diseases

Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) regulate substrate ubiquitination by removing ubiquitin or cleaving within ubiquitin chains, thereby maintaining cellular homeostasis. Approximately 100 DUBs in humans counteract E3 ubiquitin ligases, finely balancing ubiquitination and deubiquitination processes to maintain cellular proteostasis and respond to various stimuli and stresses. Given their role in modulating ubiquitination levels of various substrates, DUBs are increasingly linked to human health and disease. Here, we review the DUB family, highlighting their distinctive structural characteristics and chain-type specificities. We show that DUB family members regulate key signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and MAPK, and play crucial roles in tumorigenesis and other diseases (neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory disorders, and developmental diseases), making them promising therapeutic targets Our review also discusses the challenges in developing DUB inhibitors and underscores the critical role of the DUBs in cellular signaling and cancer. This comprehensive analysis enhances our understanding of the complex biological functions of the DUBs and underscores their therapeutic potential.

HOXD9/APOC1 axis promotes macrophage M1 polarization to exacerbate diabetic kidney disease progression through activating NF-κB signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a complication caused by end-stage diabetes mellitus and usually results in glomerular podocyte injury. Exosomes are important for intercellular information exchange. However, the effect of podocyte exosomes on DKD has not been elucidated.

METHODS

GEO, PROMO, and GSE1009 databases were used to identify the gene APOC1 and transcription factor HOXD9. qRT-PCR, western blot, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were investigated to confirm APOC1 change in high glucose-treated podocytes and exosomes. Flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, qPCR, immunoblotting, wound healing, Transwell invasion assays, dual luciferase assay, and ChIP-PCR assay were performed to detect the effect of APOC1 and HOXD9 on macrophage polarization in high glucose-treated podocytes and exosomes. qRT-PCR and immunoblotting assays were employed to assess the impact of APOC1 knockdown on the M1 polarization of macrophages in response to liraglutide treatment.

RESULTS

The results suggested that the expression of APOC1 in human podocytes (HPC) and exosomes was elevated. High glucose-treated HPC exosomes promoted macrophage M1-type polarization, which was reversed by adding sh-APOC1. Afterward, HOXD9 was identified as a potential transcription factor for APOC1. Knockdown of HOXD9 led to macrophage M2 polarization, and overexpression of APOC1 polarized macrophage M1. In addition, enhanced p65 phosphorylation verified that HOXD9/APOC1 induced macrophage M1-type polarization by activating the NF-κB signaling pathway. Knocking down APOC1 enhanced the inhibitory effect of liraglutide on macrophage M1 polarization.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlighted that HOXD9/APOC1 was a key player in causing podocyte injury in diabetic kidney disease and led to macrophage M1 polarization through the NF-κB signaling pathway.

A narrative review on lung injury: mechanisms, biomarkers, and monitoring

Lung injury is closely associated with the heterogeneity, severity, mortality, and prognosis of various respiratory diseases. Effective monitoring of lung injury is crucial for the optimal management and improved outcomes of patients with lung diseases. This review describes acute and chronic respiratory diseases characterized by significant lung injury and current clinical tools for assessing lung health. Furthermore, we summarized the mechanisms of lung cell death observed in these diseases and highlighted recently identified biomarkers in the plasma indicative of injury to specific cell types and scaffold structure in the lung. Last, we propose an artificial intelligence-driven lung injury monitoring model to assess disease severity, and predict mortality and prognosis, aiming to achieve precision and personalized medicine.

Analysis of the prevalence characteristics and risk factors of pulmonary tuberculosis combined with extrapulmonary tuberculosis in elderly patients

To analyze the clinical features, epidemiological characteristics, risk factors, and complication characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) combined with extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) in elderly patients (aged > 60 years). Clinical data were collected from pathogen positive elderly patients with PTB hospitalized in a teaching hospital in Zhejiang from 2017 to 2023. We retrospectively analyzed the risk factors for complications of EPTB in elderly patients with PTB by univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. We also described the characteristics of complications in PTB with EPTB. A total of 781 PTB elderly patients were enrolled, of whom 86 (11.01%) had complicated EPTB. The most commonly invasive sites for EPTB were thoracic spine (17.53%), cervical lymph nodes (13.40%), and meninges (12.37%). 60 < aged < 80 years (OR = 2.876, 95%CI 1.290-6.412; P = 0.010), anaemia (OR = 2.212, 95%CI 1.135-3.967; P = 0.018) and osteoporosis (OR = 4.925, 95%CI 1.501-16.160; P = 0.009) were the independent risk factors for PTB with EPTB infection. PTB with EPTB had a higher proportion of multiple serous cavity effusion (19.8% vs. 12.2%) and longer hospitalisation (17 vs. 15, P = 0.004). 60 < aged < 80 years, anaemia and osteoporosis were found to be independent risk factors for PTB with EPTB in elderly patients. We compared the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of PTB with EPTB. These results are important for improving the diagnosis of EPTB, reducing complications, and improving prognosis.

DNA methyltransferases-associated long non-coding RNA PRKCQ-AS1 regulate DNA methylation in myelodysplastic syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a group of clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders. DNA hypermethylation is considered to be the key mechanism of pathogenesis for MDS. Studies have demonstrated that DNA methylation can be regulated by the co-effect between long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). The aim of this study was to identify DNMTs-associated differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs, which may be a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target for MDS.

METHODS

Two gene expression profile datasets (GSE4619 and GSE19429) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Systematic bioinformatics analysis was conducted. Then we verified the expression of PRKCQ-AS1 in MDS patients and features in SKM-1 cells.

RESULTS

Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the DNMT-associated DE-lncRNA PRKCQ-AS1 was functionally related to DNA methylation. The target genes of PRKCQ-AS1 associated with DNA methylation are mainly methionine synthetase (MTR) and ten-eleven-translocation 1 (TET1). Moreover, the high expression of PRKCQ-AS1 was verified in real MDS cases. Further cellular analysis in SKM-1 cells revealed that overexpressed PRKCQ-AS1 promoted methylation levels of long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE-1) and cell proliferation, and apparently elevated both mRNA and protein levels of MTR and TET1, while knockdown of PRKCQ-AS1 showed opposite trend in SKM-1 cells.

CONCLUSION

DNMT-associated DE-lncRNA PRKCQ-AS1 may affects DNA methylation levels by regulating MTR and TET1.

Novel CD44-Targeted Albumin Nanoparticles: An Innovative Approach to Improve Breast Cancer Treatment

This study introduces novel CD44-targeted and redox-responsive nanoparticles (FNPs), proposed as doxorubicin (DOX) delivery devices for breast cancer. A cationized and redox-responsive Human Serum Albumin derivative was synthesized by conjugating Human Serum Albumin with cystamine moieties and then ionically complexing it with HA. The suitability of FNPs for cancer therapy was assessed through physicochemical measurements of size distribution (mean diameter of 240 nm), shape, and zeta potential (15.4 mV). Nanoparticles possessed high DOX loading efficiency (90%) and were able to trigger the drug release under redox conditions of the tumor environment (55% release after 2 h incubation). The use of the carrier increased the cytotoxic effect of DOX by targeting the CD44 protein. It was shown that, upon loading, the cytotoxic effect of DOX was enhanced in relation to CD44 protein expression in both 2D and 3D models. DOX@FNPs significantly decrease cellular metabolism by reducing both oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification rates. Moreover, they decrease the expression of proteins involved in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway, consequently reducing cellular viability and motility, as well as breast cancer stem cells and spheroid formation, compared to free DOX. This new formulation could become pioneering in reducing chemoresistance phenomena and increasing the specificity of DOX in breast cancer patients.

Enhancement in the Antibacterial Activity of Rifaximin by Delivery through Gelatin Nanoparticles

OBJECTIVES

Bacterial infections are a noteworthy global health concern that necessitates the development of new strategies to enhance the potency and efficacy of antibiotics. Rifaximin (RFX), a broad-spectrum antibiotic, exhibits promising antibacterial activity against several bacterial strains. However, its insolubility and impermeability impede the exploitation of its full potential. The objective of the current study is to overcome the inherent caveats of RFX in order to exploit its maximum potential.

SIGNIFICANCE

The exploitation of the full potential of antibiotics is necessary for reduction in their dosage and to minimize antibiotic pollution. This is a preliminary study aiming for maximum utilization of RFX at the target site and reduction in its release in unmetabolized form.

METHODS

Gelatin is a biopolymer that has gained significant attention for biomedical applications owing to its inherent biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this study, bovine gelatin nanoparticles (BGNPs) were fabricated by the self-assembly method for their application as a carrier of RFX to enhance its antibacterial activity. The study employs a comprehensive range of experimental techniques to characterize the fabricated BGNPs such as DLS, Zeta Potential, FT-IR, AFM, SEM-EDX, and UV-Vis spectrophotometry.

RESULTS

The average size of the fabricated BGNPs was 100 nm with a zeta potential value of -15.3 mV. The loading of RFX on BGNPs rendered an increase in its size to 136 nm with a zeta potential value of -16 mV. In-vitro assays and microscopic analyses were conducted to compare the antibacterial efficacy of RFX and RFX@BGNPs. An excellent loading capacity followed by sustained release of RFX from RFX@BGNPs rendered a significant enhancement in its pharmaceutical efficacy. The release of RFX from RFX@BGNPs followed the Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppasmodels. The antibacterial efficacy of RFX against Staphylococcus aureus has doubled by delivery through RFX@BGNPs, assessed by inhibitory and biofilm inhibitory assays. The enhancement in the antibacterial efficiency was further endorsed by SEM and microscopic imaging of the control and treated bacterial colonies.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrates an enhancement in the antimicrobial efficacy of RFX by its delivery in the form of RFX@BGNPs to exploit its full potential for practical applications.

Modulation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression: the impact of CCR7 on JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Existing studies have already revealed the involvement of C-C chemokine receptor type 7 (CCR7) in diverse human cancers, including esophageal cell squamous carcinoma (ESCA). Our current study, aims to explore the relevant mechanisms implicated.

METHODS

ESCA cell lines were collected for CCR7 expression quantification using western blot. Following the transfection, the viability, migration and invasion of ESCA cells were evaluated via cell counting kit-8 and Transwell assays. The specific molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of CCR7 in ESCA cells were explored via calculating the expressions of proteins related to metastasis and Janus kinase 2/signal transduction and transcription activation 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway via western blot. The correlation between CCR7 and metastasis-related proteins was explored via Pearson's correlation test.

RESULTS

CCR7 was high-expressed in ESCA cells and CCR7 knockdown repressed the viability, migration and invasion of ESCA cells, concurrent with the increased expression of E-cadherin (E-cad, which was also known as CDH1 and lowly expressed in ESCA cells) and the decreased expressions of vimentin (Vim, which was highly expressed in ESCA cells) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9, which was also highly expressed in ESCA cells). Meanwhile, CCR7 was positively correlated with Vim and MMP-9 yet negatively correlated with E-cad in ESCA cells, which indicated that CCR7 has a role in promoting tumor progression in ESCA cells. Besides, the phosphorylation of STAT3 and JAK2 in ESCA cells was elevated, which was diminished following CCR7 knockdown.

CONCLUSION

This study proves the modulation of CCR7 on ESCA in vitro, which was achieved via JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Our discovery will provide new therapeutic basis and insights for ESCA.

Analysis on the epidemiological and drug resistance characteristics of osteoarticular tuberculosis in South-central China

Objective

Osteoarticular tuberculosis (OATB) is one of the most common forms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis; however, limited epidemiological data are available on this public health concern worldwide, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to analyze the clinical epidemiology and drug resistance characteristics of OATB cases in Hunan province which located in South-central China.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled OATB patients with Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture positive at Hunan Chest Hospital from January 2013 through March 31, 2022. The multiple demographic, clinical variables and drug susceptibility data of the patients were collected from the hospital's electronic patient records. Descriptive statistical methods, Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were employed as statistical methods.

Results

Of the 269 OATB cases, 197 (73.23%) were males, 206 (76.85%) were farmers; patients' ages ranged from 5 to 85 years, 57 (21.19%) aged at 20-29 years old and 52 (19.33%) aged at 60-69 years old. In terms of the disease, 177 (65.80%) had spinal TB with most occurrence in lumbar vertebrae (26.02%, 70/269), multiple spinal sites (18.96%, 51/269) and thoracic vertebrae (15.24%, 41/269). Outside of the spine, OATB mainly occurred in the lower limb (13.38%, 36/269). In terms of drug resistance, 40 (14.87%) and 72 (26.77%) were resistant to rifampicin (RFP) and isoniazid (INH) respectively; 38 (14.13%) were multi-drug resistant (MDR), and a total of 78 (29.00%) isolates were drug resistant. OATB patients aged 40-49 years old (compared to those aged ≥70 years) and from the west of Hunan province, China (compared to those from the center of Hunan) were at risk for developing RR/MDR (ORs were 5.057 and 4.942, respectively; 95% CIs were 1.009-25.342 and 1.458-16.750, respectively).

Conclusion

In South-central China, OATB mainly affected males, farmers and those aged 20-29 and 60-69 years old. Spinal TB is prone to occur in the lumbar and multiple spinal sites. The resistance situation of OATB was serious, and people aged 40-49 years old and patients from the west of Hunan were risk factors of RR/MDR. All these findings will help to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment strategies of OATB.

Astragaloside IV Ameliorates Colonic Adenomatous Polyps Development by Orchestrating Gut Bifidobacterium and Serum Metabolome

Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), a natural triterpenoid isolated from Astragalus membranaceus, has been used traditionally in Chinese medicine. Previous studies have highlighted its benefits against carcinoma, but its interaction with the gut microbiota and effects on adenomatous polyps are not well understood. This present study investigates the effects of AS-IV on colonic adenomatous polyp (CAP) development in high-fat-diet (HFD) fed [Formula: see text] mice. [Formula: see text] mice were fed an HFD with or without AS-IV or Naringin for 8 weeks. The study assessed CAP proliferation and employed 16S DNA-sequencing and untargeted metabolomics to explore correlations between microbiome and metabolome in CAP development. AS-IV was more effective than Naringin in reducing CAP development, inhibiting colonic proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), tumor associated biomarkers (c-Myc, Cyclin D1), and Wnt/β-catenin pathway proteins (Wnt3a, β-catenin). AS-IV also inhibited the proliferative capabilities of human colon cancer cells (HT29, HCT116, and SW620). Multiomics analysis revealed AS-IV increased the abundance of beneficial genera such as Bifidobacterium pseudolongum and significantly modulated serum levels of certain metabolites including linoleate and 2-trans,6-trans-farnesal, which were significantly correlated with the number of CAP. Finally, the anti-adenoma efficacy of AS-IV alone was significantly suppressed post pseudoaseptic intervention in HFD-fed [Formula: see text] mice but could be reinstated following a combined with Bifidobacterium pseudolongum transplant. AS-IV attenuates CAP development in HFD-fed [Formula: see text] mice by regulating gut microbiota and metabolomics, impacting the Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling pathway. This suggests a potential new strategy for the prevention of colorectal cancer, emphasizing the role of gut microbiota in AS-IV's antitumor effects.

Spatial Distribution of Smear-Positive Pulmonary Tuberculosis Incidence Rates in Iran: A Registry-Based Study (2018-2022)

Background

Smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis (SPPTB) is a significant public health concern in Iran. This registry-based study aimed to investigate the incidence rates of SPPTB in Iran from 2018 to 2022.

Methods

The study analyzed SPPTB cases using the Spatial Lag Model to investigate the spatial distribution of SPPTB incidence rates, income inequality, and delayed diagnosis across the provinces of Iran and mapped the results using GIS maps.

Results

The study found that SPPTB is prevalent among older individuals and males. The analysis identified significant spatial variation in the distribution of SPPTB incidence rates, income inequality, and delayed diagnosis across the provinces. The highest incidence rate of SPPTB was found in Sistan and Baluchestan Province and Golestan provinces. The study found a positive association between income inequalities, measured by the Gini index, and SPPTB incidence rates, indicating that provinces with higher income inequality may have higher incidence rates of SPPTB. The negative correlation with delayed diagnosis implies that predominantly, SPPTB cases are identified in the early months.

Conclusions

The study highlights the need to address socioeconomic disparities in health outcomes and implement targeted interventions in areas with higher income inequality to reduce the burden of SPPTB in Iran. Despite decreased SPPTB incidence rates in Iran over the past decade, some regions, such as Sistan and Baluchestan, still have high incidence rates. The Iranian government has implemented policies and programs to reduce income inequality and delayed diagnosis within the country, which can contribute to reducing the burden of SPPTB.

Recent advances in COVID-19-induced liver injury: causes, diagnosis, and management

Since the start of the pandemic, considerable advancements have been made in our understanding of the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the associated COVID-19 on the hepatic system. There is a broad range of clinical symptoms for COVID-19. It affects multiple systems and has a dominant lung illness depending on complications. The progression of COVID-19 in people with pre-existing chronic liver disease (CLD) has also been studied in large multinational groups. Notably, SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with a higher risk of hepatic decompensation and death in patients with cirrhosis. In this review, the source, composition, mechanisms, transmission characteristics, clinical characteristics, therapy, and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 were clarified and discussed, as well as the evolution and variations of the virus. This review briefly discusses the causes and effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with CLD. As part of COVID-19, In addition, we assess the potential of liver biochemistry as a diagnostic tool examine the data on direct viral infection of liver cells, and investigate potential pathways driving SARS-CoV-2-related liver damage. Finally, we explore how the pandemic has had a significant impact on patient behaviors and hepatology services, which may increase the prevalence and severity of liver disease in the future. The topics encompassed in this review encompass the intricate relationships between SARS-CoV-2, liver health, and broader health management strategies, providing valuable insights for both current clinical practice and future research directions.

Role of tendon-derived stem cells in tendon and ligament repair: focus on tissue engineer

This review offered a comprehensive analysis of tendon and ligament injuries, emphasizing the crucial role of tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs) in tissue engineering as a potential solution for these challenging medical conditions. Tendon and ligament injuries, prevalent among athletes, the elderly, and laborers, often result in long-term disability and reduced quality of life due to the poor intrinsic healing capacity of these avascular structures. The formation of biomechanically inferior scar tissue and a high rate of reinjury underscore the need for innovative approaches to enhance and guide the regenerative process. This review delved into the complexities of tendon and ligament structure and function, types of injuries and their impacts, and the limitations of the natural repair process. It particularly focused on the role of TDSCs within the context of tissue engineering. TDSCs, with their ability to differentiate into tenocytes, are explored in various applications, including biocompatible scaffolds for cell tracking, co-culture systems to optimize tendon-bone healing, and graft healing techniques. The review also addressed the challenges of immunoreactivity post-transplantation, the importance of pre-treating TDSCs, and the potential of hydrogels and decellularized matrices in supporting tendon regeneration. It concluded by highlighting the essential roles of mechanical and molecular stimuli in TDSC differentiation and the current challenges in the field, paving the way for future research directions.

Epigenetic Regulation of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System in Hypertension

Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays an important pathophysiological role in hypertension. Increased mRNA levels of the angiotensinogen angiotensin-converting enzyme, angiotensin type 1 receptor gene, Agtr1a, and the aldosterone synthase gene, CYP11B2, have been reported in the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys in salt-sensitive hypertension. However, the mechanism of gene regulation in each component of the RAAS in cardiovascular and renal tissues is unclear. Epigenetic mechanisms, which are important for regulating gene expression, include DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, and microRNA (miRNA) regulation. A close association exists between low DNA methylation at CEBP-binding sites and increased AGT expression in visceral adipose tissue and the heart of salt-sensitive hypertensive rats. Several miRNAs influence AGT expression and are associated with cardiovascular diseases. Expression of both ACE and ACE2 genes is regulated by DNA methylation, histone modifications, and miRNAs. Expression of both angiotensinogen and CYP11B2 is reversibly regulated by epigenetic modifications and is related to salt-sensitive hypertension. The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) exists in cardiovascular and renal tissues, in which many miRNAs influence expression and contribute to the pathogenesis of hypertension. Expression of the 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (HSD11B2) gene is also regulated by methylation and miRNAs. Epigenetic regulation of renal and vascular HSD11B2 is an important pathogenetic mechanism for salt-sensitive hypertension.

Ligand-conjugated multiwalled carbon nanotubes for cancer targeted drug delivery

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are at the forefront of nanotechnology-based advancements in cancer therapy, particularly in the field of targeted drug delivery. The nanotubes are characterized by their concentric graphene layers, which give them outstanding structural strength. They can deliver substantial doses of therapeutic agents, potentially reducing treatment frequency and improving patient compliance. MWCNTs' diminutive size and modifiable surface enable them to have a high drug loading capacity and penetrate biological barriers. As a result of the extensive research on these nanomaterials, they have been studied extensively as synthetic and chemically functionalized molecules, which can be combined with various ligands (such as folic acid, antibodies, peptides, mannose, galactose, polymers) and linkers, and to deliver anticancer drugs, including but not limited to paclitaxel, docetaxel, cisplatin, doxorubicin, tamoxifen, methotrexate, quercetin and others, to cancer cells. This functionalization facilitates selective targeting of cancer cells, as these ligands bind to specific receptors overexpressed in tumor cells. By sparing non-cancerous cells and delivering the therapeutic payload precisely to cancer cells, this therapeutic payload delivery ability reduces chemotherapy systemic toxicity. There is great potential for MWCNTs to be used as targeted delivery systems for drugs. In this review, we discuss techniques for functionalizing and conjugating MWCNTs to drugs using natural and biomacromolecular linkers, which can bind to the cancer cells' receptors/biomolecules. Using MWCNTs to administer cancer drugs is a transformative approach to cancer treatment that combines nanotechnology and pharmacotherapy. It is an exciting and rich field of research to explore and optimize MWCNTs for drug delivery purposes, which could result in significant benefits for cancer patients.

Analysis of epidemiological characteristics of extrapulmonary tuberculosis from South-Central China

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological and drug resistance (DR) characteristics of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) in South-Central China.

Methods

EPTB inpatients who were culture-positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis were retrospectively included in a study at a provincial TB hospital in Hunan, a province in South-Central China, from January 2013 to December 2021. Demographic, clinical, and drug susceptibility data were retrieved from TB treatment records. Descriptive statistical methods and a Chi-squared test were used to analyze the epidemiological and DR characteristics of EPTB patients. A logistic regression model was used to explore the risk factors of rifampicin-resistant/multidrug-resistant (RR/MDR)-EPTB.

Results

A total of 1,324 cases were included. The majority of EPTB patients were in the age range of 20-29 years, were predominantly men (male-to-female ratio: 2.03), and were farmers (65.63%). Most EPTB cases were found in 2013 and 2017 from 2013 to 2021. The most prevalent subtypes of EPTB were lymphatic TB (29.83%, 395/1,324), multiple EPTB (20.85%, 276/1,324), and musculoskeletal TB (14.65%, 194/1,324). Musculoskeletal TB and genitourinary TB predominantly presented as exclusive EPTB forms, while lymphatic TB and pharyngeal/laryngeal TB often co-occurred with pulmonary TB (PTB). Drug susceptibility testing results showed that total DR rates (resistance to any of RFP, isoniazid [INH], streptomycin [STR], and/or ethambutol [EMB]) and RR/MDR rates in EPTB were 25.23% and 12.39%, respectively. Musculoskeletal TB exhibited the highest rates of total DR (31.40%), INH resistance (28.90%), STR resistance (20.10%), EMB resistance (6.20%), MDR (13.90%), and poly-DR (6.70%). The multivariable logistic regression model showed that patients aged from 20 to 59 years (compared to those aged 10 years), workers (compared to retirees), and EPTB patients from the south and west of Hunan (compared to those from the east of Hunan) were at an increased risk of developing RR/MDR EPTB (all OR values > 1).

Conclusion

Our study provided a detailed account of the epidemiological and DR characteristics of EPTB in Hunan province, China. The significant DR rates, particularly in musculoskeletal TB cases, highlight the need for timely diagnosis, effective drug susceptibility testing, and the development of more effective treatment regimens for EPTB, especially targeting musculoskeletal TB treatments.

Recent advances in carbon monoxide-releasing nanomaterials

As an endogenous signaling molecule, carbon monoxide (CO) has emerged as an increasingly promising option regarding as gas therapy due to its positive pharmacological effects in various diseases. Owing to the gaseous nature and potential toxicity, it is particularly important to modulate the CO release dosages and targeted locations to elucidate the biological mechanisms of CO and facilitate its clinical applications. Based on these, diverse CO-releasing molecules (CORMs) have been developed for controlled release of CO in biological systems. However, practical applications of these CORMs are limited by several disadvantages including low stability, poor solubility, weak releasing controllability, random diffusion, and potential toxicity. In light of rapid developments and diverse advantages of nanomedicine, abundant nanomaterials releasing CO in controlled ways have been developed for therapeutic purposes across various diseases. Due to their nanoscale sizes, diversified compositions and modified surfaces, vast CO-releasing nanomaterials (CORNMs) have been constructed and exhibited controlled CO release in specific locations under various stimuli with better pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. In this review, we present the recent progress in CORNMs according to their compositions. Following a concise introduction to CO therapy, CORMs and CORNMs, the representative research progress of CORNMs constructed from organic nanostructures, hybrid nanomaterials, inorganic nanomaterials, and nanocomposites is elaborated. The basic properties of these CORNMs, such as active components, CO releasing mechanisms, detection methods, and therapeutic applications, are discussed in detail and listed in a table. Finally, we explore and discuss the prospects and challenges associated with utilizing nanomaterials for biological CO release.

d-Pinitol Improves Diabetic Sarcopenia by Regulation of the Gut Microbiome, Metabolome, and Proteome in STZ-Induced SAMP8 Mice

d-Pinitol (DP) is primarily found in Vigna sinensis, which has been shown to have hypoglycemic and protective effects on target organs. However, the mechanism of DP in treating diabetic sarcopenia (DS) is still unclear. To explore the underlying mechanism of DS and the protective targets of DP by high-throughput analysis of 16S rRNA gene, metabolome, and the proteome. Streptozotocin-induced SAMP8 mice were intragastrically administrated DP (150 mg/kg) for 8 weeks. Fecal 16S rRNA gene sequencing and gastrocnemius muscle metabolomic and proteomic analyses were completed to investigate the gut-muscle axis interactions. DP significantly alleviated the muscle atrophy in diabetic mice. Dysfunction of the gut microbiota was observed in the DS mice. DP significantly reduced the Parabacteroides, Akkermansia, and Enterobacteriaceae, while it increased Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136. Metabolome and proteome revealed that 261 metabolites and 626 proteins were significantly changed in the gastrocnemius muscle of diabetic mice. Among these, DP treatment restored 44 metabolites and 17 proteins to normal levels. Functional signaling pathways of DP-treated diabetic mice included nucleotide metabolism, β-alanine, histidine metabolism, ABC transporters, and the calcium signaling pathway. We systematically explored the molecular mechanism of DS and the protective effect of DP, providing new insights that may advance the treatment of sarcopenia.

The biological response of pH-switch-based gold nanoparticle-composite polyamino acid embolic material

With continuous advances in medical technology, non-invasive embolization has emerged as a minimally invasive treatment, offering new possibilities in cancer therapy. Fluorescent labeling can achieve visualization of therapeutic agents in vivo, providing technical support for precise treatment. This paper introduces a novel in situ non-invasive embolization composite material, Au NPs@(mPEG-PLGTs), created through the electrostatic combination of L-cysteine-modified gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and methoxy polyethylene glycol amine-poly[(L-glutamic acid)-(L-tyrosine)] (mPEG-PLGTs). Experiments were undertaken to confirm the biocompatibility, degradability, stability and performance of this tumor therapy. The research results demonstrated a reduction in tumor size as early as the fifth day after the initial injection, with a significant 90% shrinkage in tumor volume observed after a 20-day treatment cycle, successfully inhibiting tumor growth and exhibiting excellent anti-tumor effects. Utilizing near-infrared in vivo imaging, Au NPs@(mPEG-PLGTs) displayed effective fluorescence tracking within the bodies of nude BALB-c mice. This study provides a novel direction for the further development and innovation of in situ non-invasive embolization in the field, highlighting its potential for rapid, significant therapeutic effects with minimal invasiveness and enhanced safety.

Immune landscape in APC and TP53 related tumor microenvironment in colon adenocarcinoma: A bioinformatic analysis

Introduction

APC and TP53 are the two most regularly mutated genes in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD), especially in progressive malignancies and antitumoral immune response. The current bioinformatics analysis investigates the APC and TP53 gene expression profile in colon adenocarcinoma as a prognostic characteristic for survival, particularly concentrating on the correlated immune microenvironment.

Methods

Clinical and genetic data of colon cancer and normal tissue samples were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-COAD and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) online databases, respectively. The genetic differential expressions were analyzed in both groups via the one-way ANOVA test. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were applied to estimate the overall survival (OS). P < 0.05 was fixed as statistically significant. On Tumor Immune Estimation Resource and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis databases, the linkage between immune cell recruitment and APC and TP53 status was assessed through Spearman's correlation analysis.

Results

APC and TP53 were found mutated in 66.74% and 85.71% of the 454 and 7 TCGA-COAD patients in colon and rectosigmoid junction primary sites, respectively with a higher log2-transcriptome per million reads compared to the GTEx group (318 samples in sigmoid and 368 samples in transverse). Survival curves revealed a worse significant OS for the high-APC and TP53 profile colon. Spearman's analysis of immune cells demonstrated a strong positive correlation between the APC status and infiltration of T cell CD4+, T cell CD8+, NK cell, and macrophages and also a positive correlation between status and infiltration of T cell CD4+, T cell CD8+.

Conclusions

APC and TP53 gene mutations prevail in colon cancer and are extremely associated with poor prognosis and shortest survival. The infiltrating T cell CD4+, T cell CD8+, NK cell, and macrophages populate the colon microenvironment and regulate the mechanisms of tumor advancement, immune evasion, and sensitivity to standard chemotherapy. More comprehensive research is needed to demonstrate these results and turn them into new therapeutic outlooks.

A review of DNA nanoparticles-encapsulated drug/gene/protein for advanced controlled drug release: Current status and future perspective over emerging therapy approaches

In the last ten years, the field of nanomedicine has experienced significant progress in creating novel drug delivery systems (DDSs). An effective strategy involves employing DNA nanoparticles (NPs) as carriers to encapsulate drugs, genes, or proteins, facilitating regulated drug release. This abstract examines the utilization of DNA NPs and their potential applications in strategies for controlled drug release. Researchers have utilized the distinctive characteristics of DNA molecules, including their ability to self-assemble and their compatibility with living organisms, to create NPs specifically for the purpose of delivering drugs. The DNA NPs possess numerous benefits compared to conventional drug carriers, such as exceptional stability, adjustable dimensions and structure, and convenient customization. Researchers have successfully achieved a highly efficient encapsulation of different therapeutic agents by carefully designing their structure and composition. This advancement enables precise and targeted delivery of drugs. The incorporation of drugs, genes, or proteins into DNA NPs provides notable advantages in terms of augmenting therapeutic effectiveness while reducing adverse effects. DNA NPs serve as a protective barrier for the enclosed payloads, preventing their degradation and extending their duration in the body. The protective effect is especially vital for delicate biologics, such as proteins or gene-based therapies that could otherwise be vulnerable to enzymatic degradation or quick elimination. Moreover, the surface of DNA NPs can be altered to facilitate specific targeting towards particular tissues or cells, thereby augmenting the accuracy of delivery. A significant benefit of DNA NPs is their capacity to regulate the kinetics of drug release. Through the manipulation of the DNA NPs structure, scientists can regulate the rate at which the enclosed cargo is released, enabling a prolonged and regulated dispensation of medication. This control is crucial for medications with limited therapeutic ranges or those necessitating uninterrupted administration to attain optimal therapeutic results. In addition, DNA NPs have the ability to react to external factors, including alterations in temperature, pH, or light, which can initiate the release of the payload at precise locations or moments. This feature enhances the precision of drug release control. The potential uses of DNA NPs in the controlled release of medicines are extensive. The NPs have the ability to transport various therapeutic substances, for example, drugs, peptides, NAs (NAs), and proteins. They exhibit potential for the therapeutic management of diverse ailments, including cancer, genetic disorders, and infectious diseases. In addition, DNA NPs can be employed for targeted drug delivery, traversing biological barriers, and surpassing the constraints of conventional drug administration methods.

Discovery of a Novel CSF-1R Inhibitor with Highly Improved Pharmacokinetic Profiles and Superior Efficacy in Colorectal Cancer Immunotherapy

Blocking CSF-1/CSF-1R pathway has emerged as a promising strategy to remodel tumor immune microenvironment (TME) by reprogramming tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). In this work, a novel CSF-1R inhibitor C19 with a highly improved pharmacokinetic profile and in vivo anticolorectal cancer (CRC) efficiency was successfully discovered. C19 could effectively reprogram M2-like TAMs to M1 phenotype and reshape the TME by inducing the recruitment of CD8+ T cells into tumors and reducing the infiltration of immunosuppressive Tregs/MDSCs. Deeper mechanistic studies revealed that C19 facilitated the infiltration of CD8+ T cells by enhancing the secretion of chemokine CXCL9, thus significantly potentiating the anti-CRC efficiency of PD-1 blockade. More importantly, C19 combined with PD-1 mAb could induce durable antitumor immune memory, effectively overcoming the recurrence of CRC. Taken together, our findings suggest that C19 is a promising therapeutic option for sensitizing CRC to anti-PD-1 therapy.

New retinoblastoma (RB) drug delivery approaches: anti-tumor effect of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)-conjugated hyaluronic-acid-coated gold nanoparticles for intraocular treatment of chemoresistant RB

Intraocular drug delivery is a promising approach for treatment of ocular diseases. Chemotherapeutic drugs used in retinoblastoma (RB) treatment often lead to side effects and drug resistances. Therefore, new adjuvant therapies are needed to treat chemoresistant RBs. Biocompatible gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have unique antiangiogenic properties and can inhibit cancer progression. The combination of gold and low-molecular-weight hyaluronan (HA) enhances the stability of GNPs and promotes the distribution across ocular barriers. Attached to HA-GNPs, the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), which diminishes neovascularization in the eye, is a promising new therapeutic agent for RB treatment. In the study presented, we established ANP-coupled HA-GNPs and investigated their effect on the tumor formation potential of chemoresistant RB cells in an in ovo chicken chorioallantoic membrane model and an orthotopic in vivo RB rat eye model. Treatment of etoposide-resistant RB cells with ANP-HA-GNPs in ovo resulted in significantly reduced tumor growth and angiogenesis compared with controls. The antitumorigenic effect could be verified in the rat eye model, including a noninvasive application form via eye drops. Our data suggest that ANP-HA-GNPs represent a new minimally invasive, adjuvant treatment option for RB.

Silica nanoparticles in medicine: overcoming pathologies through advanced drug delivery, diagnostics, and therapeutic strategies

Over the last decades, silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) have been studied for their applications in biomedicine as an alternative used for conventional diagnostics and treatments. Since their properties can be modified and adjusted for the desired use, they have many different potential applications in medicine: they can be used in diagnosis because of their ability to be loaded with dyes and their increased selectivity and sensitivity, which can improve the quality of the diagnostic process. SiNPs can be functionalized by targeting ligands or molecules to detect certain cellular processes or biomarkers with better precision. Targeted delivery is another fundamental use of SiNPs. They could be used as drug delivery systems (DDS) since their structure allows the loading of therapeutic agents or other compounds, and studies have demonstrated their biocompatibility. When SiNPs are used as DDS, the drug's toxicity and the off-target effects are reduced significantly, and they can be used to treat conditions like cancer and neurological diseases and even aid in regenerative processes, such as wound healing or bone repair. However, safety concerns must be considered before SiNPs can be used extensively in clinical practice because NPs can cause toxicity in certain conditions and accumulate at undesired locations. Therefore, an overview of the potential applications that SiNPs could have in medicine, as well as their safety concerns, will be covered in this review paper.

A review on Gaucher disease: therapeutic potential of β-glucocerebrosidase-targeted mRNA/saRNA approach

Gaucher disease (GD), a rare hereditary lysosomal storage disorder, occurs due to a deficiency in the enzyme β-glucocerebrosidase (GCase). This deficiency leads to the buildup of substrate glucosylceramide (GlcCer) in macrophages, eventually resulting in various complications. Among its three types, GD2 is particularly severe with neurological involvements. Current treatments, such as enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), are not effective for GD2 and GD3 due to their inability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Other treatment approaches, such as gene or chaperone therapies are still in experimental stages. Additionally, GD treatments are costly and can have certain side effects. The successful use of messenger RNA (mRNA)-based vaccines for COVID-19 in 2020 has sparked interest in nucleic acid-based therapies. Remarkably, mRNA technology also offers a novel approach for protein replacement purposes. Additionally, self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) technology shows promise, potentially producing more protein at lower doses. This review aims to explore the potential of a cost-effective mRNA/saRNA-based approach for GD therapy. The use of GCase-mRNA/saRNA as a protein replacement therapy could offer a new and promising direction for improving the quality of life and extending the lifespan of individuals with GD.

Nanomedicine for the Treatment of Viral Diseases: Smaller Solution to Bigger Problems

The continuous evolution of new viruses poses a danger to world health. Rampant outbreaks may advance to pandemic level, often straining financial and medical resources to breaking point. While vaccination remains the gold standard to prevent viral illnesses, these are mostly prophylactic and offer minimal assistance to those who have already developed viral illnesses. Moreover, the timeline to vaccine development and testing can be extensive, leading to a lapse in controlling the spread of viral infection during pandemics. Antiviral therapeutics can provide a temporary fix to tide over the time lag when vaccines are not available during the commencement of a disease outburst. At times, these medications can have negative side effects that outweigh the benefits, and they are not always effective against newly emerging virus strains. Several limitations with conventional antiviral therapies may be addressed by nanotechnology. By using nano delivery vehicles, for instance, the pharmacokinetic profile of antiviral medications can be significantly improved while decreasing systemic toxicity. The virucidal or virus-neutralizing qualities of other special nanomaterials can be exploited. This review focuses on the recent advancements in nanomedicine against RNA viruses, including nano-vaccines and nano-herbal therapeutics.

Targeting insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding proteins (IGF2BPs) for the treatment of cancer

Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding proteins (IMPs, IGF2BPs) are RNA-binding proteins that regulate a variety of biological processes. In recent years, several studies have found that IGF2BPs play multiple roles in various biological processes, especially in cancer, and speculated on their mechanism of anticancer effect. In addition, targeting IGF2BPs or their downstream target gene has also received extensive attention as an effective treatment for different types of cancer. In this review, we summarized the recent progress on the role of IGF2BPs in cancers and their structural characteristics. We focused on describing the development of inhibitors targeting IGF2BPs and the prospects for further applications.

Advanced magnetic resonance neuroimaging techniques: feasibility and applications in long or post-COVID-19 syndrome - a review

Long-term or post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) is a condition that affects people infected with SARS‑CoV‑2, the virus that causes COVID-19. PCS is characterized by a wide range of persistent or new symptoms that last months after the initial infection, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction, and pain. Advanced magnetic resonance (MR) neuroimaging techniques can provide valuable information on the structural and functional changes in the brain associated with PCS as well as potential biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis. In this review, we discuss the feasibility and applications of various advanced MR neuroimaging techniques in PCS, including perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), functional MR imaging (fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and tractography. We summarize the current evidence on neuroimaging findings in PCS, the challenges and limitations of these techniques, and the future directions for research and clinical practice. Although still uncertain, advanced MRI techniques show promise for gaining insight into the pathophysiology and guiding the management of COVID-19 syndrome, pending larger validation studies.