Natural Biointerface Based on Cancer Cell Membranes for Specific Capture and Release of Circulating Tumor Cells

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are an important part of liquid biopsy as they represent a potentially rich source of information for cancer diagnosis, monitoring, prognosis, and treatment guidance. It has been proved that the nanotopography interaction between cells and the surface of CTC detection platforms can significantly improve the capture efficiency of CTCs, whereas many mature nanostructure substrates have been developed based on chemistry materials. In this work, a natural biointerface with unique biological properties is fabricated for efficient isolation and nondestructive release of CTCs from blood samples using the cancer cell membranes. The cell membrane interfaces are proved to have a good antiadhesion property for nonspecific cells because of their own electronegativity. A natural surface nanostructure is provided by the cancer cell membrane to nicely match with the surface nanotopography of CTCs. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a linker and DNA aptamer against the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) as a specific affinity molecule are then introduced onto the cell membrane interfaces to achieve the highly efficient and specific capture of CTCs. Finally, the captured target cells can be intactly released from the substrate using the complementary DNA sequence with controlling the incubation time. This study provides a smart strategy in the development of a natural biological interface for the isolation and release of CTCs with high purity.

JAK2V617F expressing macrophages stimulate IL-6 production through PKM1 mediated STAT3 activation

The JAK2V617F mutation is intimately involved in the pathogenesis of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) including polycythemia vera and essential thrombocytosis. The thrombotic events are serious complications occurring in individuals with MPNs which affect their prognosis. Interestingly, JAK2V617F is detected in some individuals who developed thrombosis without MPNs and thrombotic risk factors. These observations prompted us to hypothesize that JAK2V617F arising in myeloid cells could contribute to cardiovascular disease by promoting the production of proinflammatory cytokines. To test this, we established JAK2V617F expressing murine macrophages (JAK2V617F macrophages) and explored their function. We found that the levels of p-STAT3, one of downstream targets of JAK2, were markedly elevated in JAK2V617F macrophages in associated with an increase in the production of IL-6 at baseline and following stimulation with LPS, as measured by Western blotting and ELISA, respectively. While, inhibition of STAT3 by C188-9 significantly decreased the production of IL-6 in the culture medium harvested from JAK2V617F macrophages. In further experiments, JAK2V617F endowed macrophages with elevated glycolytic phenotype in parallel with aberrant expression of PKM1. Interestingly, silencing of PKM1 inactivated STAT3. On contrary, ectopic expression of PKM1 activated STAT3. Importantly, JAK2V617F contributed to PKM1 protein stabilization via blockade of lysosomal-dependent degradation via chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA). All of these observations indicated that JAK2V617F could protect PKM1 from CMA-mediated degradation, leading to activation of STAT3, which promoted IL-6 production.

Inhibition of Aurora-A recruited CD8+ T cells infiltration via mediating IL-10 production of cancer cells

It has been shown that approximately 10% of infiltrated CD8+ T cells could be the tumor-specific intratumoral CD8+ T cells in colorectal cancer. While, inhibition of Aurora-A, a member of serine/threonine Aurora kinase family, by alisertib promoted the percentage of infiltrated intratumoral CD8+ T cells. We therefore assumed that targeting Aurora-A could be a therapeutic strategy for recruitment of intratumoral CD8+ T cells.

In CT-26 tumor model, blockade of Aurora-A with alisertib slowed the tumor growth in association with an increased infiltration, activation and expansion of intratumoral CD8+ T cells. We further analyzed the role of Aurora-A in colon cancer associated to colitis using the azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulphate (AOM/DSS) colitis-associated colon cancer model, and found that AURKA deficiency significantly decreased tumor formation, in parallel with an increase in infiltration of intratumoral CD8+ T cells. Gene expression profiling indicated that Il10ra expression was obviously increased in intratumoral CD8+ T cells sorted from alisertib-treated tumors. Antibody-mediated blockade of IL-10Ra dramatically attenuated the anti-tumor ability of alisertib in association with reducing the percentage of intratumoral CD8+ T cells. IL-10Ra was the key mediator of IL-10. We herein examined the levels of IL-10 and found that the levels of IL-10 in the serum of AURKA deficiency mice treated with AOM/DSS were elevated. Additionally, IL-10 obviously promoted migration of CD8+ T cells in vitro. Blockade of Aurora-A increased the transcriptional levels of IL-10.

In conclusion, inhibition of Aurora-A could be useful for recruiting infiltration of intratumoral CD8+ T cell by mediating IL-10 production.

Chlorogenic acid rescues zearalenone induced injury to mouse ovarian granulosa cells

Zearalenone (ZEA), a toxic substance produced by Fusarium fungi, accumulated in cereals grain and animal feed, causes injury to humans and animals. ZEA can induce obvious reproductive toxicity with the ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) as the main target. However, the study on exploring the protective compounds against ZEA-induced mouse primary ovarian GCs damage remains less. In the current study, the protective effect of 20 compounds derived from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) on the injury of mouse GCs caused by ZEA were evaluated using MTT assay and the cell morphology. Our results showed that chlorogenic acid (250, 500, and 1000 μg/mL) significantly suppress ZEA-induced GCs death. Western blot analysis suggested chlorogenic acid could rescue the up-regulated apoptosis of GCs induced by ZEA via attenuating the protein expression of cleaved caspase-3, the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and cleaved-PARP. Our results provide strong evidence that chlorogenic acid warrants further optimization for more potent and safer compounds for against the ZEA lead toxicity to humans and animals.

Dual Supramolecular Nanoparticle Vectors Enable CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Knockin of Retinoschisin 1 Gene-A Potential Nonviral Therapeutic Solution for X-Linked Juvenile Retinoschisis

The homology-independent targeted integration (HITI) strategy enables effective CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockin of therapeutic genes in nondividing cells in vivo, promising general therapeutic solutions for treating genetic diseases like X-linked juvenile retinoschisis. Herein, supramolecular nanoparticle (SMNP) vectors are used for codelivery of two DNA plasmids-CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing system and a therapeutic gene, Retinoschisin 1 (RS1)-enabling clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) knockin of the RS1 gene with HITI. Through small-scale combinatorial screenings, two SMNP vectors, with Cas9 and single guide RNA (sgRNA)-plasmid in one and Donor-RS1 and green fluorescent protein (GFP)-plasmid in the other, with optimal delivery performances are identified. These SMNP vectors are then employed for CRISPR/Cas9 knockin of RS1/GFP genes into the mouse Rosa26 safe-harbor site in vitro and in vivo. The in vivo study involves intravitreally injecting the two SMNP vectors into the mouse eyes, followed by repeated ocular imaging by fundus camera and optical coherence tomography, and pathological and molecular analyses of the harvested retina tissues. Mice ocular organs retain their anatomical integrity, a single-copy 3.0-kb RS1/GFP gene is precisely integrated into the Rosa26 site in the retinas, and the integrated RS1/GFP gene is expressed in the retinas, demonstrating CRISPR/Cas9 knockin of RS1/GFP gene.

Delays in care seeking, diagnosis and treatment of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Hubei, China

BACKGROUND

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for effective tuberculosis (TB) control. However, delays in the diagnosis and treatment of TB in central China have not been sufficiently investigated. This cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2013 and March 2014 in Hubei, China to identify risk factors of delays in care seeking, diagnosis and treatment among patients with TB.

METHODS

A total of 1342 patients with TB seen in the designated institutions were included. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse factors associated with delays in TB diagnosis and treatment.

RESULTS

Overall, 21.54%, 23.62% and 42.25% of patients with TB experienced delays in care seeking, diagnosis and treatment, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression showed that medical insurance and monthly household income were significantly associated with delays in care seeking. The time to reach a township hospital or the facility of a patient's first consultation was significantly associated with delays in diagnosis. Sex, education, time to reach a township hospital and the facility where the diagnosis was made were significantly associated with delays in treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Delays in TB diagnosis and treatment in Hubei remain a serious issue. Improvements in the capability and accessibility of health care services are imperative to reduce delays and expedite TB diagnosis and treatment.

Traditional Chinese medicine combined with western medicine for the treatment of secondary pulmonary tuberculosis: A PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the differences between traditional Chinese medicine combined with western medicine and western medicine alone for the treatment of secondary tuberculosis and its impact on the evaluation of clinical efficacy and safety of patients in randomized controlled trials.

METHODS

A literature search of all major academic databases was conducted (PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP). Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 and Stata 12.0 software for those studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria. Ethical approval was not necessary because no people or animals were selected as subjects in this meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-three randomized controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis. The following indicators in the treatment group (traditional Chinese medicine decoction combined with western medicine chemotherapy) improved in comparison with those in the control group:focus absorption rate (RR:1.18; 95% CI: 1.15-1.22);sputum smear negative rate (RR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.09-1.27);comprehensive clinical effective rate (RR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.14-1.22);cavity closure rate (RR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.12-1.67).The difference of Immune function indicator likes CD4+ level (SMD: 0.76; 95% CI: -0.25 to 1.76) between the treatment group and the control group was not significant. In addition, safety evaluation indicators like the decrease rate of white blood cell (WBC) and platelets (PLT) and the elevation rate of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and uric acid (UA) in the treatment group were reduced compared with those in the control group (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The curative effect of combining traditional Chinese and western medicine for the treatment of secondary tuberculosis is better than that of western medicine alone and is conducive to reducing the incidence of adverse reactions.

Autophagy involved in antiviral activity of sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection in vitro

BACKGROUND

In previous research, we have demonstrated that sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) has anti-porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) activity, but whether autophagy is involved in this process is still unknown. In this study, the autophagy effect of STS against PRRSV infection was investigated in vitro.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot was used to evaluate the inhibition ability of STS on the mRNA expression levels on cell autophagy genes, that is Beclin1, ATG5 and ATG7. Simultaneously, the effect of STS on N protein/gene expression was assessed by indirect immuno-fluorescence assay (IFA), qRT-PCR and western blot.

RESULTS

The results indicated that STS inhibits autophagy induced by PRRSV. In addition, STS effectively suppresses PRRSV's N protein replication and N gene expression in Marc-145 cells infected with PRRSV in a time-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that STS exhibits anti-PRRSV activity in vitro by suppressing autophagy-related genes, which may provide a theoretical basis for further pharmacological agent development regarding PRRSV infection.

LyP-1-Modified Multifunctional Dendrimers for Targeted Antitumor and Antimetastasis Therapy

We designed and synthesized ¹³¹I-labeled dendrimers modified with the LyP-1 peptide as a multifunctional platform for single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging, radionuclide therapy, and antimetastasis therapy of cancer. The multifunctional platform was constructed by modifying amine-terminated generation 5 poly(amidoamine) dendrimers with 33.1 LyP-1 peptide and 9.2 3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid-OSu (HPAO), followed by acetylation of the remaining dendrimer terminal amines and radiolabeling with ¹³¹I via the HPAO moieties. The LyP-1-modified dendrimers showed favorable cytocompatibility in the studied concentration range of 0.1-10 μM for 24 h and could be labeled by ¹³¹I with satisfactory radiochemical purity (>99%) and stability (>90% even at 16 h). The ¹³¹I-labeled LyP-1-modified dendrimers were capable of being utilized as a diagnostic probe for SPECT imaging and as a therapeutic agent for radionuclide therapy and antimetastasis of cancer cells in vitro and in a subcutaneous tumor model in vivo. Based on analyses of the tumor microenvironment, the antitumor and antimetastasis effects could be because of the reduced levels of the molecular markers associated with proliferation and metastasis, improved local hypoxia, and increased apoptosis rate. The developed ¹³¹I-labeled dendrimeric nanodevice may hold great promise to be used as a nanotheranostic platform for cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Active steroid hormone synthesis renders adrenocortical cells highly susceptible to type II ferroptosis induction

Conditions of impaired adrenal function and tissue destruction, such as in Addison's disease, and treatment resistance of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) necessitate improved understanding of the pathophysiology of adrenal cell death. Due to relevant oxidative processes in the adrenal cortex, our study investigated the role of ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death mechanism and found high adrenocortical expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and long-chain-fatty-acid CoA ligase 4 (ACSL4) genes, key factors in the initiation of ferroptosis. By applying MALDI mass spectrometry imaging to normal and neoplastic adrenocortical tissue, we detected high abundance of arachidonic and adrenic acid, two long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids which undergo peroxidation during ferroptosis. In three available adrenal cortex cell models (H295R, CU-ACC1 and CU-ACC-2) a high susceptibility to GPX4 inhibition with RSL3 was documented with EC50 values of 5.7 × 10-8, 8.1 × 10-7 and 2.1 × 10-8 M, respectively, while all non-steroidogenic cells were significantly less sensitive. Complete block of GPX4 activity by RSL3 led to ferroptosis which was completely reversed in adrenal cortex cells by inhibition of steroidogenesis with ketoconazole but not by blocking the final step of cortisol synthesis with metyrapone. Mitotane, the only approved drug for ACC did not induce ferroptosis, despite strong induction of lipid peroxidation in ACC cells. Together, this report is the first to demonstrate extraordinary sensitivity of adrenal cortex cells to ferroptosis dependent on their active steroid synthetic pathways. Mitotane does not induce this form of cell death in ACC cells.

Alkaline Double-Network Hydrogels with High Conductivities, Superior Mechanical Performances, and Antifreezing Properties for Solid-State Zinc-Air Batteries

For the development of advanced flexible and wearable electronic devices, functional electrolytes with excellent conductivity, temperature tolerance, and desirable mechanical properties need to be engineered. Herein, an alkaline double-network hydrogel with high conductivity and superior mechanical and antifreezing properties is designed and promisingly utilized as the flexible electrolyte in all-solid-state zinc-air batteries. The conductive hydrogel is comprised of covalently cross-linked polyelectrolyte poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid potassium salt) (PAMPS-K) and interpenetrating methyl cellulose (MC) in the presence of concentrated alkaline solutions. The covalently cross-linked PAMPS-K skeleton and interpenetrating MC chains endow the hydrogel with good mechanical strength, toughness, an extremely rapid self-recovery capability, and an outstanding antifatigue property. Gratifyingly, the entrapment of a concentrated alkaline solution in the hydrogel matrix yields an extremely high ionic conductivity (105 mS cm^-1 at 25 °C) and an excellent antifreezing capacity. The hydrogel retains comparable conductivity and eligible strength to withstand various mechanical deformations at -20 °C. The all-solid-state zinc-air batteries using PAMPS-K/MC hydrogels as flexible alkaline electrolytes exhibit comparable values of specific capacity (764.7 mAh g^-1), energy capacity (850.2 mWh g^-1), cycling stability, and mechanical flexibility. The batteries still possess competitive electrochemical performances even when the operating temperature drops to -20 °C.

Photoluminescent polymer hydrogels with stimuli-responsiveness constructed from Eu-containing polyoxometalate and imidazolium zwitterions

Inorganic-organic co-assembly of anionic polyoxometalates (POMs) with zwitterions provides a facile way to fabricate functional soft materials. In this paper, a translucent, photoluminescent polymer hydrogel was fabricated from Weakley-type POM Na9EuW10O36 (EuW10) and polymerizable imidazole-type zwitterion 3-(1-vinyl-3-imidazolio)propanesulfonate (VIPS) via a one-step synthesis method. Detailed characterization indicated that the polymerization of double bonds in VIPS and electrostatic interactions between EuW10 and VIPS play important roles in the formation of the hydrogels. Additionally, the introduction of non-polymerizable zwitterions 3-(1-methyl-3-imidazolio)propanesulfonate (MIPS) or 3-(1-decyl-3-imidazolio)propanesulfonate (C10IPS) can improve the mechanical and luminous performances of the hydrogels. Especially, C10IPS with a long alkyl chain would more significantly alter the coordination environment of EuW10, and consequently resulted in a more efficient energy transfer process. Further investigations revealed that the chemical environment around the Eu3+ can be highly influenced by organic solvents with stronger coordination abilities than water molecules, such as acetone. The translucency and luminescence intensity of the hydrogels can be reversibly transformed after alternately immersing in acetone or H2O for several minutes. Our results provided a useful strategy for the fabrication of luminescent hydrogels by regulating the noncovalent interactions between POMs and zwitterions.

Grayanane diterpenoid glucosides as potent analgesics from Pieris japonica

A total of fifteen grayanane diterpenoid glucosides including eight undescribed ones, pierisjaponosides A-H, were isolated from the leaves of Pieris japonica (Thunb.) D. Don ex G. Don (Ericaceae). Their structures were established by extensive spectros copic techniques including HRESIMS and NMR, as well as chemical methods. The absolute configurations of pierisjaponosides A, B, and D were finally established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction with Cu Kα radiation. This is the first time to report the crystal structure of a 5,9-epoxygrayanane diterpenoid glucoside. Pierisjaponoside E represents the first example of a 9β-hydroxygrayan-1(10)-ene diterpenoid. All the isolated grayanane diterpenoid glucosides were evaluated for their analgesic activities in the acetic acid-induced writhing models in mice, and showed significant analgesic effects. Pierisjaponosides A and C-H, micranthanoside A, pieroside A, and craiobiosides A and B displayed significant analgesic effects with the writhe inhibition rates over 50% at a dose of 5.0 mg/kg. Pierisjaponoside E exhibited significant analgesic activities with the percentage inhibitions of 81.7%, 70.4%, and 52.1% at the doses of 5.0, 1.0, and 0.2 mg/kg, respectively. The preliminary structure-activity relationships of grayanane diterpenoid glucosides as potent analgesics were discussed, giving some clues to design novel analgesics.

Egg-White-Derived Antioxidant Peptide as an Efficient Nanocarrier for Zinc Delivery through the Gastrointestinal System

An antioxidant peptide derived from egg white, Asp-His-Thr-Lys-Glu (DHTKE), possesses specific amino acids related to zinc delivery. This study aimed to demonstrate the molecular basis of interactions between the egg white peptide (DHTKE) and zinc ions and investigate the effect of the DHTKE-Zn complex on zinc delivery through the gastrointestinal system. Approximately one DHTKE molecule can bind one zinc ion (n = 1.048 ± 0.085) through its carboxyl, amino, and imidazole nitrogen groups on Asp, His, and Glu. The formed DHTKE-Zn complex presented uniformly distributed globular particles with a particle size of 100-500 nm and underwent dissociation and re-chelation during gastrointestinal digestion. Moreover, the DHTKE peptide mostly remained stable, with a retention rate of 98.32% under gastrointestinal digestion, although one degradation product (DHTK) was identified by nanoscale liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry in the gastrointestinal digests; the effectiveness of DHTKE-Zn digests on enhancing absorption of zinc was comparable to that of the initial complex.

Strategic measurement for the axis-orientation and electro-optic coefficient of BaTiO3 crystal thin-film grown on MgO crystal with polarization modulations: erratum

In this erratum the set of Eqs. (2a) and (2b), Eqs. (4) and (5), and the corresponding figure and values in the text of Opt. Lett.45, 4215 (2019)OPLEDP0146-959210.1364/OL.44.004215 have been updated.

Mass Spectrometry Imaging Establishes 2 Distinct Metabolic Phenotypes of Aldosterone-Producing Cell Clusters in Primary Aldosteronism

Aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) are one of the main causes of primary aldosteronism and the most prevalent surgically correctable form of hypertension. Aldosterone-producing cell clusters (APCCs) comprise tight nests of zona glomerulosa cells, strongly positive for CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase) in immunohistochemistry. APCCs have been suggested as possible precursors of APAs because they frequently carry driver mutations for constitutive aldosterone production, and a few adrenal lesions with histopathologic features of both APCCs and APAs have been identified. Our objective was to investigate the metabolic phenotypes of APCCs (n=27) compared with APAs (n=6) using in situ matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded adrenals from patients with unilateral primary aldosteronism. Specific distribution patterns of metabolites were associated with APCCs and classified 2 separate APCC subgroups (subgroups 1 and 2) indistinguishable by CYP11B2 immunohistochemistry. Metabolic profiles of APCCs in subgroup 1 were tightly clustered and distinct from subgroup 2 and APAs. Multiple APCCs from the same adrenal displayed metabolic profiles of the same subgroup. Metabolites of APCC subgroup 2 were highly similar to the APA group and indicated enhanced metabolic pathways favoring cell proliferation compared with APCC subgroup 1. In conclusion, we demonstrate specific subgroups of APCCs with strikingly divergent distribution patterns of metabolites. One subgroup displays a metabolic phenotype convergent with APAs and may represent the progression of APCCs to APAs.

Synthesis, oral bioavailability evaluation and antiplatelet aggregation activity of three derivatives of 3,4‑dihydroxyacetophenone

3,4‑Dihydroxyacetophenone (DHAP) exerts therapeutic effects on cardiovascular disease and pulmonary heart disease. However, it is not utilized as a clinical drug due to its rapid metabolism, short‑acting effect and low oral bioavailability. In the present study, three derivatives of DHAP, including 4‑acetyl‑1,2‑phenylene dipropionate (APDP), 1‑(3‑hydroxy‑4‑phenoxy‑phenyl)‑ethanone (HPPE) and a polymer derivative, PEG‑DHAP, were synthesized via the esterification or etherification of hydroxyls at C3 and C4, which are the prime metabolism sites of DHAP. The physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetic and antiplatelet aggregation activities of these derivatives were measured to determine whether they can improve the defects of DHAP. The results revealed that APDP and HPPE exhibited markedly lower water solubility and higher oil‑water partition coefficients compared to DHAP. APDP rapidly transformed into DHAP in vivo and in vitro, indicating that there were no significant differences in the values of mean residence time in vivo [MRT (0‑t)], half‑life [t1/2], oral bioavailability and antiplatelet aggregation activity in vivo and in vitro between the two agents. HPPE partially released DHAP for a period of time following oral administration. PEG‑DHAP contained 12.47% DHAP dispersed into nanoparticles with a mean particle size of 260.90 nm. This was administered in aqueous solution and was demonstrated to release DHAP slowly following oral administration. These two derivatives significantly prolonged the in vivo acting time and increased the oral bioavailability of DHAP: Following intragastric administration, their MRT (0‑t) and t1/2 values were 3.55‑11.47‑ and 6.63‑11.25‑fold higher compared with those of DHAP, respectively. Additionally, their relative bioavailability was 394.79 and 331.88%, respectively, and they exhibited longer acting times of significant antiplatelet aggregation activity. The results of the present study may thus provide a reference for the development of DHAP as an oral drug. Furthermore, the results if this study may prove to be useful to researchers addressing the issue of the poor bioavailability of phenolic drugs.

Chronic ethanol exposure facilitates facial-evoked MLI-PC synaptic transmission via nitric oxide signaling pathway in vivo in mice

Ethanol (EtOH) exposure causes alterations of motor coordination, balance, behavior, speech, and certain cognitive functions are considered to be caused partly by impairment of cerebellar circuits function and modulation of synaptic transmission. The cerebellar cortical molecular layer interneuron-Purkinje cell (MLI-PC) synapses are critical for various information integration and transmission, which are sensitive to acute and chronic EtOH exposure. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of chronic ethanol exposure on the facial stimulation-evoked MLI-PC synaptic transmission in urethane-anesthetized mice, by electrophysiological recording and pharmacological methods. Under current-clamp recording conditions, air-puff stimulation of ipsilateral whisker pad evoked MLI-PC synaptic transmission, which expressed an inhibitory component (P1) followed by a pause of simple spike (SS) firing in cerebellar PCs. Chronic ethanol exposure did not change the latency of the facial stimulation-evoked responses in cerebellar PCs, but induced significant enhancement of the stimulation-evoked MLI-PC synaptic transmission, which expressed increases in amplitude of P1 and pause of SS firing. The amplitude of P1 and pause of SS in ethanol exposure group were significant higher than that in control group. Cerebellar surface application of nitric oxide synthesis (NOS) inhibitor, L-NNA (5 mM) significantly decreased the amplitude of P1 and the pause of SS firing in EtOH exposure group, but did no effect on control group. In contrast, cerebellar surface application of NO donor, SNAP (100 μM) significantly increased the amplitude of P1 and the pause of SS firing in control group, but not in EtOH exposure group. These results indicated that chronic EtOH exposure significantly facilitated the sensory-evoked MLI-PC synaptic transmission via NO signaling pathway in mouse cerebellar cortex.

Prognostic and Immunological Role of FUN14 Domain Containing 1 in Pan-Cancer: Friend or Foe?

Background: FUN14 domain containing 1 (FUNDC1) plays a pivotal role in mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy), which is closely associated with human immunity. However, the role of FUNDC1 in cancers remains unclear. This study aimed to visualize the prognostic landscape of FUNDC1 in pan-cancer and investigate the relationship between FUNDC1 expression and immune infiltration. Methods: In this study, we explored the expression pattern and prognostic value of FUNDC1 in pan-cancer across multiple databases, including ONCOMINE, PrognoScan, GEPIA, and Kaplan-Meier Plotter. Then, using the GEPIA and TIMER databases, we investigated the correlations between FUNDC1 expression and immune infiltration in cancers, especially liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC), and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). Results: In general, compared with that in normal tissue, tumor tissue had a higher expression level of FUNDC1. Although FUNDC1 showed a protective effect on pan-cancer, a high expression level of FUNDC1 was detrimental to the survival of LIHC patients. Although different from what was found for LUSC, for LIHC, there were significant positive correlations between FUNDC1 expression and immune infiltrates, including B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells. Furthermore, markers of infiltrating immune cells, such as tumor-associated-macrophages (TAMs), exhibited different FUNDC1-related immune infiltration patterns. Conclusion: The mitophagy regulator FUNDC1 can serve as a prognostic biomarker in pan-cancer and is correlated with immune infiltrates.

Erythropoietin attenuates vascular calcification by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress in rats with chronic kidney disease

Previous studies suggested that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induced-apoptosis promoted vascular calcification (VC). Interestingly, erythropoietin (EPO), an endogenous glycoprotein, exerts multiple tissue protective effects by inhibiting ER stress and apoptosis. We investigated the role and potential mechanism of EPO on VC in chronic kidney disease (CKD) rats and cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The calcification model was established by subtotal nephrectomy in vivo or phosphate overload in vitro. The protein level of EPO receptor (EPOR) was increased in the calcified aortas of CKD rats. EPO prevented the reduction of VSMC phenotypic markers, and reversed the increased calcium content and calcium salt deposition in the aortas of CKD rats and cultured calcified VSMCs. The protein levels of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and glucose-regulated protein 94 (GRP94) were upregulated in aortas and VSMCs under calcifying conditions, indicating ER stress activation. EPO treatment of CKD rats or calcified VSMCs downregulated the protein levels of ATF4 and GRP94. Furthermore, ER stress-mediated apoptosis, determined by the protein levels of CCAAT⁄enhancer-binding protein-homologous protein and cleaved caspase 12, was increased in tunicamycin or calcification media-treated VSMCs, but the increased effect was reversed in EPO-treated groups. The increased apoptotic cells in calcified VSMCs, as indicated by Hoechst staining and flow cytometry, were downregulated by the co-administration of EPO or 4-phenyl butyric acid. In conclusion, EPO might attenuate VC by inhibiting ER stress mediated apoptosis through EPOR signaling.