Jun Yu

T-2 toxin can induce the development of cartilage diseases. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification mediated by methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) is involved in the occurrence and progression of bone-related diseases. However, the mechanism of action of METTL3 in T-2 toxin-caused cartilage injury has not been fully revealed. It is unclear whether METTL3 regulates cartilage injury by modulating its downstream target macrophage colony-stimulating factor (Csf1). Here, we aimed to investigate the mechanism by which the T-2 toxin induces cartilage damage. We performed histological staining, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, RNA-seq, MeRIP-seq, and qRT-PCR. T-2 toxin was found to down- and upregulate METTL3 and Csf1 expression levels in the articular cartilage tissue of mice, respectively. According to the in vitro experiments, the knockdown of METTL3 exacerbates the extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation associated with the HT-2 toxin (the deacetylated form of the T-2 toxin). Based on bioinformatics analysis and related experiments, we found that Csf1 interacts with METTL3 through m6A modification, serving as a METTL3 target to promote the degradation of the cartilage extracellular matrix of chondrocytes. Summarily, gene regulation of the METTL3/m6A/Csf1 axis in the extracellular matrix of chondrocytes can promote the development of T-2 toxin-induced cartilage damage, providing a reference for the effective treatment of cartilage-related diseases. These findings reveal the regulatory mechanism of METTL3/m6A/Csf1 axis as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of cartilage-associated diseases.

Purpose Kashin–Beck disease (KBD) is a chronic, deformative disorder that significantly reduces quality of life (QoL), yet the internal heterogeneity of QoL among individuals with KBD remains unclear. This study applied latent class analysis (LCA) to identify distinct subgroups of QoL. It explored their associations with health literacy and social support, aiming to provide evidence for improving QoL among people affected by KBD. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 485 adult patients diagnosed with KBD in Mishan City, Heilongjiang Province, using a cluster sampling method. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, including the EQ-5D-5 L, a health literacy scale, and a social support scale. Using the scores of the five EQ-5D-5 L dimensions as input variables, LCA was performed to identify the optimal number of subgroups. Multivariable logistic regression was then applied to examine factors associated with subgroup membership. Results The QoL among patients with KBD was categorized into three latent classes: a well-adapted group (66.4%), a moderately restricted group (20.2%), and a severely impaired group (13.4%). Significant differences were observed among the groups in terms of health literacy, social support, annual household income, education level, type of medical insurance, and the frequency of dairy and egg consumption in the past seven days. These factors were significantly associated with the distribution of QoL classes. Conclusion Income, education level, type of medical insurance, frequency of dairy and egg consumption, social support, and health literacy significantly influence the QoL of patients with KBD.

What is already known about this topic? Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is a chronic and degenerative osteoarthropathy characterized by cartilage degeneration. It is an endemic disease that is highly prevalent among the Chinese population and poses a significant health risk. What is added by this report? This is the first national report on the economic burden of KBD in China. According to the data from 2021, KBD has caused significant disease and economic burdens. The most substantial reduction in healthy life expectancy was observed among patients with degree II severity and those aged 60 years and older, resulting in a total indirect economic burden of 112.74 million Chinese Yuan (CNY). What are the implications for public health practice? The results of this study will contribute to informing the development of tailored prevention and control strategies by the government. These strategies will include targeted policies and recommendations for appropriate healthcare and financial subsidies, which will be based on the demographic characteristics of the endemic areas.