This study investigated the anti-osteoclastic and chondroprotective effects of far-infrared (FIR) therapy in osteoarthritis (OA), focusing on its ability to modulate pathological osteoclast (OC) activation and subchondral bone remodeling. A monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA rat model was used, and FIR's therapeutic potential was evaluated through longitudinal assessment of nociception (von Frey test), cartilage integrity (histomorphometry: H&E, TRAP, and safranin O/fast green staining), and subchondral microstructure (micro-CT). Complementary in vitro analyses of RANKL-stimulated osteoclastogenesis were performed, including transcriptomic profiling, cytoskeletal visualization, and proteomic validation. FIR intervention (30/60 min daily) significantly attenuated OA progression, demonstrating: (1) In vivo assessments demonstrated FIR produced time-dependent pain alleviation, with gradual relief observed over the course of treatment (P < 0.05). Early and mid-term (days 7/14) improvements were more pronounced, particularly in bone mineral density, cartilage integrity, and subchondral bone osteoclastogenesis suppression (P < 0.01). These effects diminished during the late intervention stage (days 28; P < 0.05). (2) Cellular studies showed FIR inhibited RANKL-mediated OC differentiation, as evidenced by reduced TRAP activity and downregulation of OC-specific markers (P < 0.05). (3) Transcriptomic analysis identified actin cytoskeleton reorganization and OC differentiation pathways as primary targets of FIR intervention. This finding was supported by disrupting F-actin ring formation and modulating key regulatory proteins via MAPK/c-Fos/NFATc1 signaling (P < 0.05). Our findings establish FIR therapy as an effective physical pharmacology strategy for OA management. It simultaneously addresses nociception, cartilage degeneration, and pathological bone remodeling through selective targeting of OC cytoskelet.

Breast cancer commonly metastasizes to the lungs, bones, liver, and brain; however, gastrointestinal involvement is uncommon. Simultaneous metastases to both the stomach and colon are extremely rare. We report the case of a 53-year-old woman with bilateral breast cancer (right invasive ductal carcinoma and left invasive lobular carcinoma [ILC]) who developed gastric and colonic metastases, presenting with rare endoscopic findings characterized by multiple polypoid lesions, along with disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow. Biopsies from the stomach and colon revealed poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas that were estrogen receptor-positive and negative for E-cadherin in the colon, consistent with ILC metastases. Endocrine therapy with letrozole led to systemic improvement. However, diarrhea and abdominal pain persisted until palbociclib was initiated, after which both symptoms markedly improved. Follow-up endoscopy demonstrated regression of the gastric and colonic lesions. This case is of educational value because it demonstrates, with high-quality images, subtle mucosal changes with a polypoid appearance that are not widely recognized as typical findings of colonic metastasis from ILC, and includes a review of previously reported cases. In patients with breast cancer, particularly ILC, persistent gastrointestinal symptoms may suggest metastasis. Careful endoscopic evaluation with biopsy is essential for diagnosis and monitoring the treatment response.

The present study aimed to evaluate the incidence of short-term complications and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with breast cancer undergoing breast-conserving surgery (BCS) with intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT), and to identify associated influencing factors. The study prospectively analyzed clinical data from women who underwent BCS with IORT at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital (Tianjin, China) between March 2021 and June 2023. Telephone follow-up was conducted within 3 months post-surgery to assess surgery- and radiotherapy-related complications. HRQoL was evaluated using the BREAST-Q BCS module and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 27.0. Among 102 enrolled patients, common complications included incision site sclerosis (84.3%), pain (58.8%) and skin indentation (44.1%). Severe complications such as infection (7.8%) and delayed healing (12.7%) were less frequent. Grade I-II acute radiation dermatitis occurred in 73.5% of patients. Univariate analysis revealed that larger applicator size was significantly associated with higher-grade skin toxicity, skin indentation and irritation (P<0.01). Older age was a risk factor for incision infection and delayed healing (P<0.05). Larger tumor size (T stage) adversely affected satisfaction with breasts and chest physical well-being scores (P<0.01). The study concluded that, in patients with early-stage breast cancer treated with BCS plus IORT, 3-month postoperative complications are predominantly mild localized tissue reactions with rare severe events. Applicator size, age and tumor stage are significantly associated with early complications and acute-phase QoL, informing preoperative counseling and perioperative management optimization. However, this study only reflects acute recovery outcomes; long-term follow-up of the cohort is ongoing to evaluate late toxicities, cosmetic results and sustained QoL.