Effects of sodium intake, age, gender, blood sampling time on distribution of plasma aldosterone, renin activity, deoxycorticosterone, cortisol, cortisone, and 24 h urinary aldosterone levels in normotensive individuals based on LC-MS/MS

PURPOSE

This study aims to analyze the distribution of plasma aldosterone, renin activity, deoxycorticosterone (DOC), cortisol, cortisone, and 24 h urinary aldosterone (24 h-uAld) levels based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Plasma and 24 h urine were collected from 129 healthy volunteers in Northeast China. The effect of sodium intake, age, gender, blood sampling time on plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), plasma renin activity (PRA), PAC to PRA ratio (ARR), DOC, cortisol, cortisone, cortisol to cortisone ratio, and 24 h-uAld were investigated by nonparametric test, multiple linear regression and Harris-Boyd's standard deviate test.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference observed in 24 h-uAld, PAC (AM), PRA(AM), ARR (AM), DOC (AM), cortisol (AM), cortisone (AM), and cortisol to cortisone (AM) between high and low sodium intake group. Significant differences were observed between morning and afternoon sampling groups in terms of PAC, ARR, DOC, cortisol, and cortisone. Reference intervals (RIs) of 24 h-uAld, PAC (AM) were recommended to be partitioned by gender. RI of PRA was recommended age stratification.

CONCLUSION

We recommend that the same reference interval could be used regardless of sodium intake. Gender is the main influence factor for 24 h-uAld, PAC, and ARR. Age is key influence factor for PRA.

Increased endothelial sclerostin caused by elevated DSCAM mediates multiple trisomy 21 phenotypes

Trisomy 21 (T21), a recurrent aneuploidy occurring in 1:800 births, predisposes to congenital heart disease (CHD) and multiple extracardiac phenotypes. Despite a definitive genetic etiology, the mechanisms by which T21 perturbs development and homeostasis remain poorly understood. We compared the transcriptome of CHD tissues from 49 patients with T21 and 226 with euploid CHD (eCHD). We resolved cell lineages that misexpressed T21 transcripts by cardiac single-nucleus RNA sequencing and RNA in situ hybridization. Compared with eCHD samples, T21 samples had increased chr21 gene expression; 11-fold-greater levels (P = 1.2 × 10-8) of SOST (chr17), encoding the Wnt inhibitor sclerostin; and 1.4-fold-higher levels (P = 8.7 × 10-8) of the SOST transcriptional activator ZNF467 (chr7). Euploid and T21 cardiac endothelial cells coexpressed SOST and ZNF467; however, T21 endothelial cells expressed 6.9-fold more SOST than euploid endothelial cells (P = 2.7 × 10-27). Wnt pathway genes were downregulated in T21 endothelial cells. Expression of DSCAM, residing within the chr21 CHD critical region, correlated with SOST (P = 1.9 × 10-5) and ZNF467 (P = 2.9 × 10-4). Deletion of DSCAM from T21 endothelial cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells diminished sclerostin secretion. As Wnt signaling is critical for atrioventricular canal formation, bone health, and pulmonary vascular homeostasis, we concluded that T21-mediated increased sclerostin levels would inappropriately inhibit Wnt activities and promote Down syndrome phenotypes. These findings imply therapeutic potential for anti-sclerostin antibodies in T21.

Multi-cell-line learning for the data-driven construction of mechanistic metabolic models

Mammalian cells are commonly used as hosts in cell culture for biologics production in the pharmaceutical industry. Structured mechanistic models of metabolism have been used to capture complex cellular mechanisms that contribute to varying metabolic shifts in different cell lines. However, little research has focused on the impact of temporal changes in enzyme abundance and activity on the modeling of cell metabolism. In this work, we present a framework for constructing mechanistic models of metabolism that integrate growth-signaling control of enzyme activity and transcript dynamics. The proposed approach is applied to build models for three Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines using fed-batch culture data and time-series transcript profiles. Leveraging information from the transcriptome data, we develop a parameter estimation approach based on multi-cell-line (MCL) learning, which combines data sets from different cell lines and trains the individual cell-line models jointly to improve model accuracy. The computational results demonstrate the important role of growth signaling and transcript variability in metabolic models as well as the virtue of the MCL approach for constructing cell-line models with a limited amount of data. The resulting models exhibit a high level of accuracy in predicting distinct metabolic behaviors in the different cell lines; these models can potentially be used to accelerate the process and cell-line development for the biomanufacturing of new protein therapeutics.

H2O2/acid self-supplying double-layer electrospun nanofibers based on ZnO2 and Fe3O4 nanoparticles for efficient catalytic therapy of wound infection

Catalytic therapy based on nanozymes is promising for the treatment of bacterial infections. However, its therapeutic efficacy is usually restricted by the limited amount of hydrogen peroxide and the weak acidic environment in infected tissues. To solve these issues, we prepared polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-polyacrylic acid (PAA)-iron oxide (Fe3O4)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-zinc peroxide (ZnO2) double-layer electrospun nanofibers (PPF/PZ NFs). In this design, PVA serves as the carrier for ZnO2 nanoparticles (NPs), Fe3O4 NPs, and PAA. The double-layer structure of nanofibers can spatially separate the PAA and ZnO2 to avoid their reaction with each other during preparation and storage, while in the wet wound bed, PVA can dissolve and PAA can provide H+ ions to promote the generation of hydrogen peroxide and subsequent conversion to hydroxyl radicals for bacteria killing. In vitro experimental results demonstrated that PPF/PZ NFs can reduce the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by 3.1 log (99.92%). Moreover, PPF/PZ NFs can efficiently treat the bacterial infection in a mouse wound model and promote wound healing with negligible toxicity to animals, indicating their potential use as "plug-and-play" antibacterial wound dressings. This work provides a novel strategy for the construction of double-layer electrospun nanofibers as catalytic wound dressings with hydrogen peroxide/acid self-supplying properties for the efficient treatment of bacterial infections.

A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Testing Effects of Lademirsen on Kidney Function Decline in Adults with Alport Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Preclinical models of disease have suggested that targeting microRNA-21 may slow the decline in kidney function in individuals with Alport syndrome. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the anti-microRNA-21 oligonucleotide, lademirsen, on rate of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline in adults with Alport syndrome at risk of rapid disease progression.

METHODS

This study was a phase 2 trial of lademirsen, with a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled period followed by an open-label period. Adults with Alport syndrome, eGFR >35 to <90 mL/min/1.73 m2, and evidence of rapidly progressive kidney dysfunction were randomized 2:1 to lademirsen 110 mg subcutaneously once weekly or placebo for 48 weeks. Following a planned interim analysis (after 24 of 43 randomized participants completed the Week 48 study visit or discontinued prior to Week 48), the trial was terminated for futility.

RESULTS

Forty-three adults with Alport syndrome (26 men, 17 women) participated (mean age 34 years) and 28 (lademirsen: n=19; placebo: n=9) completed 48 weeks of double-blind treatment. All participants in both groups developed treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), mainly respiratory tract infections, headache, dizziness, metabolic/electrolyte disturbances, and anemia. Treatment was discontinued in three lademirsen-treated participants in the double-blind period, and one participant in the open-label period, owing to TEAEs. The least-squares mean eGFR slope (95% confidence interval) over 48 weeks in the lademirsen and placebo groups was -5 (-8.7, -1.1) and -5 (-10.2, 0.8) mL/min/1.73 m2/year, respectively. No significant differences between groups were identified in eGFR at any timepoint or in proportion of participants with prespecified reductions in eGFR at Weeks 24 or 48.

CONCLUSION

While anti-microRNA-21 therapy with lademirsen was generally well-tolerated with an acceptable safety profile, no meaningful improvement in rate of kidney function decline in adults with Alport syndrome at risk of rapidly progressive disease was observed.

Liquid biopsy: An arsenal for tumour screening and early diagnosis

Cancer has become the second leading cause of death in the world, and more than 50% of cancer patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Early diagnosis of tumours is the key to improving patient quality of life and survival time and reducing the socioeconomic burden. However, there is still a lack of reliable early diagnosis methods in clinical practice. In recent years, liquid biopsy technology has developed rapidly. It has the advantages of noninvasiveness, easy access to sample sources, and reproducibility. It has become the main focus of research on the early diagnosis methods of tumours. This review summarises the research progress of existing liquid biopsy markers, such as circulating tumour DNA, circulating viral DNA, DNA methylation, circulating tumour cells, circulating RNA, exosomes, and tumour education platelets in early diagnosis of tumours, and analyses the current advantages and limitations of various markers, providing a direction for the application and transformation of liquid biopsy research in early diagnosis of clinical tumours.

PACSIN1 promotes immunosuppression in gastric cancer by degrading MHC-I

Gastric cancer (GC) is a common gastrointestinal system malignancy. PACSIN1 functions as an oncogene in various cancers. This study aims to investigate the potential of PACSIN1 as a target in GC treatment. Gene expression is determined by RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence staining, and immunohistochemistry assay. FISH is performed to determine the colocalization of PACSIN1 and the major histocompatibility complex (MHC-I). Cytokine release and cell functions are analyzed by flow cytometry. In vivo assays are also conducted. Histological analysis is performed using H&E staining. The results show that PACSIN1 is overexpressed in GC patients, especially in those with immunologically-cold tumors. A high level of PACSIN1 is associated with poor prognosis. PACSIN1 deficiency inhibits autophagy but increases antigen presentation in GC cells. Moreover, PACSIN1 deficiency inhibits the lysosomal fusion and selective autophagy of MHC-I, increases CD8 + T-cell infiltration, and suppresses tumor growth and liver metastasis in vivo. Additionally, PACSIN1 knockout enhances the chemosensitivity of cells to immune checkpoint blockade. In summary, PACSIN1 mediates lysosomal fusion and selective autophagy of MHC-I and suppresses antigen presentation and CD8 + T-cell infiltration, thus inhibiting antitumor immunity in GC.

Methods for assessing spillover effects between concurrent green initiatives

This research presents the methods that are used to examine the dynamics and potential spillover effects of various global environmental conservation programs. We specifically show the data and models that we use to analyze the interactions and mutual influences between the U.S.'s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), as well as those between China's Grain-to-Green Program (GTGP) and Forest Ecological Benefit Compensation (FEBC). Additionally, this study illustrates information about global initiatives, their interconnected impacts, and the associated policy strategies for environmental conservation. By utilizing multivariate regression, logistic regression, eigenvector spatial filtering, and scenario modeling, the research aims to understand the collective influence of these initiatives on broader environmental objectives. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for improving conservation policy designs and effectiveness.•Multivariate and logistic regression analyses to dissect global environmental conservation program interactions and mutual influences.•Eigenvector spatial filtering to address spatial autocorrelation and enhance the accuracy of the model results and our interpretations.•Scenario modeling to project potential future outcomes and impacts.

The association between O2-pulse slope ratio and functional severity of coronary stenosis: A combined cardiopulmonary exercise testing and quantitative flow ratio study

Background

The role of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) parameters in evaluating the functional severity of coronary disease remains unclear. The aim of this study was to quantify the O2-pulse morphology and investigate its relevance in predicting the functional severity of coronary stenosis, using Murray law-based quantitative flow ratio (μQFR) as the reference.

Methods

CPET and μQFR were analyzed in 138 patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). The O2-pulse morphology was quantified through calculating the O2-pulse slope ratio. The presence of O2-pulse plateau was defined according to the best cutoff value of O2-pulse slope ratio for predicting μQFR ≤ 0.8.

Results

The optimal cutoff value of O2-pulse slope ratio for predicting μQFR ≤ 0.8 was 0.4, with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.632 (95 % CI: 0.505-0.759, p = 0.032). The total discordance rate between O2-pulse slope ratio and μQFR was 27.5 %, with 13 patients (9.4 %) being classified as mismatch (O2-pulse slope ratio > 0.4 and μQFR ≤ 0.8) and 25 patients being classified as reverse-mismatch (O2-pulse slope ratio ≤ 0.4 and μQFR > 0.8). Angiography-derived microvascular resistance was independently associated with mismatch (OR 0.07; 95 % CI: 0.01-0.38, p = 0.002) and reverse-mismatch (OR 9.76; 95 % CI: 1.47-64.82, p = 0.018).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate the potential of the CPET-derived O2-pulse slope ratio for assessing myocardial ischemia in stable CAD patients.

Digital smart internal fixation surgery for coronal process basal fracture with normal joint spaces or radius-shortening: Occult factor of radius-ulna load sharing

BACKGROUND

Reasonable postoperative humeroradial and humeroulnar joint spaces maybe an important indicator in biomechanical stability of smart internal fixation surgery for coronoid process basal fractures (CPBF). The aim of this study is to compare elbow articular stresses and elbow-forearm stability under smart internal fixations for the CPBF between normal elbow joint spaces and radius-shortening, and to determine the occult factor of radius-ulna load sharing.

METHODS

CT images of 70 volunteers with intact elbow joints were retrospectively collected for accurate three-dimensional reconstruction to measure the longitudinal and transverse joint spaces. Two groups of ten finite element (FE) models were established prospectively between normal joint space and radius-shortening with 2.0 mm, including intact elbow joint and forearm, elbow-forearm with CPBF trauma, anterior or posterior double screws-cancellous bone fixation, mini-plate-cancellous bone fixation. Three sets of physiological loads (compression, valgus, varus) were used for FE intelligent calculation, FE model verification, and biomechanical and motion analysis.

RESULTS

The stress distribution between coronoid process and radial head, compression displacements and valgus angles of elbow-forearm in the three smart fixation models of the normal joint spaces were close to those of corresponding intact elbow model, but were significantly different from those of preoperative CPBF models and fixed radius-shortening models. The maximum stresses of three smart fixation instrument models of normal joint spaces were significantly smaller than those of the corresponding fixed radius-shortening models.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of the existing trauma of the elbow-forearm system in clinical practice, which is a dominant factor affecting radius-ulna load sharing, the elbow joint longitudinal space has been found to be the occult factor affecting radius-ulna load sharing. The stability and load sharing of radius and ulna after three kinds of smart fixations of the CPBF is not only related to the anatomical and biomechanical stability principles of smart internal fixations, but also closely related to postoperative elbow joint longitudinal space.

Sonophotocatalytic removal of organic dyes in real water environments using reusable BiSI@PVDF-HFP nanocomposite membranes

Focusing on the uncontrolled discharge of organic dyes, a known threat to human health and aquatic ecosystems, this work employs a dual-functional catalyst approach, by immobilizing a synthesized bismuth sulfur iodide (BiSI) into a poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) polymeric matrix for multifunctional water remediation. The resulting BiSI@PVDF nanocomposite membrane (NCM), with 20 wt% filler content, maintains a highly porous structure without compromising morphology or thermal properties. Demonstrating efficiency in natural pH conditions, the NCM removes nearly all Rhodamine B (RhB) within 1 h, using a combined sonophotocatalytic process. Langmuir and pseudo-second-order models describe the remediation process, achieving a maximum removal capacity (Qmax) of 72.2 mg/g. In addition, the combined sonophotocatalysis achieved a degradation rate ten and five times higher (0.026 min-1) than photocatalysis (0.002 min-1) and sonocatalysis (0.010 min-1). Furthermore, the NCM exhibits notable reusability over five cycles without efficiency losses and efficiencies always higher than 90%, highlighting its potential for real water matrices. The study underscores the suitability of BiSI@PVDF as a dual-functional catalyst for organic dye degradation, showcasing synergistic adsorption, photocatalysis, and sonocatalysis for water remediation.

Image detection model construction of Apolygus lucorum and Empoasca spp. based on improved YOLOv5

BACKGROUND

The polyphagous mirid bug Apolygus lucorum (Meyer-Dür) and the green leafhopper Empoasca spp. Walsh are small pests that are widely distributed and important pests of many economically important crops, especially kiwis. Conventional monitoring methods are expensive, laborious and error-prone. Currently, deep learning methods are ineffective at recognizing them. This study proposes a new deep-learning-based YOLOv5s_HSSE model to automatically detect and count them on sticky card traps.

RESULTS

Based on a database of 1502 images, all images were collected from kiwi orchards at multiple locations and times. We trained the YOLOv5s model to detect and count them and then changed the activation function to Hard swish in YOLOv5s, introduced the SIoU Loss function, and added the squeeze-and-excitation attention mechanism to form a new YOLOv5s_HSSE model. Mean average precision of this model in the test dataset was 95.9%, the recall rate was 93.9% and the frames per second was 155, which are higher than those of other single-stage deep-learning models, such as SSD, YOLOv3 and YOLOv4.

CONCLUSION

The proposed YOLOv5s_HSSE model can be used to identify and count A. lucorum and Empoasca spp., and it is a new, efficient and accurate monitoring method. Pest detection will benefit from the broader applications of deep learning. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

The lncRNA TRG-AS1 promotes the growth of colorectal cancer cells through the regulation of P2RY10/GNA13

BACKGROUND

The lncRNA TRG-AS1 and its co-expressed gene P2RY10 are important for colorectal cancer (CRC) occurrence and development. The purpose of our research was to explore the roles of TRG-AS1 and P2RY10 in CRC progression.

METHODS

The abundance of TRG-AS1 and P2RY10 in CRC cell lines (HT-29 and LoVo) and normal colon cells FHC was determined and difference between CRC cells and normal cells was compared. LoVo cells were transfected with si-TRG-AS1 and si-P2RY10 constructs. Subsequently, the viability, colony formation, and migration of the transfected cells were analyzed using cell counting kit-8, clonogenicity, and scratch-wound/Transwell® assays, respectively. Cells overexpressing GNA13 were used to further explore the relationship between TRG-AS1 and P2RY10 along with their downstream functions. Finally, nude mice were injected with different transfected cell types to observe tumor formation in vivo.

RESULTS

TRG-AS1 and P2RY10 were significantly upregulated in HT-29 and LoVo compared to FHC cells. TRG-AS1 knockdown and P2RY10 silencing suppressed the viability, colony formation, and migration of LoVo cells. TRG-AS1 knockdown downregulated the expression of P2RY10, GNA12, and GNA13, while P2RY10 silencing downregulated the expression of TRG-AS1, GNA12, and GNA13. Additionally, GNA13 overexpression reversed the cell growth and gene expression changes in LoVo cells induced by TRG-AS1 knockdown or P2RY10 silencing. In vivo experiments revealed that CRC tumor growth was suppressed by TRG-AS1 knockdown and P2RY10 silencing.

CONCLUSIONS

TRG-AS1 knockdown repressed the growth of HT-29 and LoVo by regulating P2RY10 and GNA13 expression.

Testicular dysfunction and "its recovery effect" after cadmium exposure

In recent years, with the acceleration of industrialization, the decline of male fertility caused by heavy metal pollution has attracted much attention. However, whether the inhibition of testicular function after cadmium exposure is reversible remains to be studied. In this study, we constructed rat models of cadmium exposure and dis-exposure, and collected relative samples to observe the changes of related indicators. The results showed that cadmium exposure could reduce the fertility, inhibit the hypothalamic-pituitary-testis axis and activate hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function, the testicular GR/PI3K-AKT/AMPK signal was abnormal, cell proliferation was inhibited and apoptosis was enhanced. Four weeks after the exposure was stopped, the fertility was still decreased, testicular testosterone synthesis and spermatogenesis were inhibited, cell proliferation was inhibited and apoptosis was enhanced, but all of them were reversed. After eight weeks of cadmium exposure, the above indicators were observed to return to normal. At the same time, by giving different concentrations of corticosterone to spermatogonium, we confirmed that corticosterone may regulate the proliferation and apoptosis of spermatogonium through GR/PI3K-AKT/AMPK signal. In this study, the reproductive toxicity of cadmium, a metal environmental pollutant, was analyzed in depth to provide a new theoretical and experimental basis for ensuring male reproductive health.

Lever-enabled milli-Newton mechanical force detection via a microbottle resonator

We demonstrate a milli-Newton mechanical force sensor based on a whispering gallery mode microbottle resonator (MBR). A lever model is established by coupling the MBR with a tapered fiber, whose ratio of load arm to effort arm (RLE) is flexibly adjusted to enlarge the detection range. The mechanical force is induced by attaching a capillary on the MBR stem and applying the downward displacement, which deforms the MBR's radius and thus shifts the resonance wavelength. The dependence of the capillary displacement on the mechanical force is theoretically deduced and verified. Experimentally, the sensors with different RLEs are built, and the maximum sensitivity of -10.48 pm/mN with a resolution of 40 µN is obtained. The achieved detection range is 0-4 mN, which depends on the capillary displacement and RLE of the lever. With the merits of easy fabrication and flexible structure, the proposed sensor shows great potential in biomedical and structural health monitoring.

MircoRNA-25-3p in skin precursor cell-induced Schwann cell-derived extracellular vesicles promotes axon regeneration by targeting Tgif1

Nerve injury often leads to severe dysfunction because of the lack of axon regeneration in adult mammal. Intriguingly a series of extracellular vesicles (EVs) have the obvious ability to accelerate the nerve repair. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms to describe that EVs switch neuron from a transmitter to a regenerative state have not been elucidated. This study elucidated the microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles of two types of EVs that promote nerve regeneration. The functions of these miRNAs were screened in vitro. Among the 12 overlapping miRNAs, miR-25-3p was selected for further analysis as it markedly promoted axon regeneration both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, knockdown experiments confirmed that PTEN and Klf4, which are the major inhibitors of axon regeneration, were the direct targets of miR-25-3p in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. The utilization of luciferase reporter assays and functional tests provided evidence that miR-25-3p enhances axon regeneration by targeting Tgif1. Additionally, miR-25-3p upregulated the phosphorylation of Erk. Furthermore, Rapamycin modulated the expression of miR-25-3p in DRG neurons. Finally, the pro-axon regeneration effects of EVs were confirmed by overexpressing miR-25-3p and Tgif1 knockdown in the optic nerve crush model. Thus, the enrichment of miR-25-3p in EVs suggests that it regulates axon regeneration, proving a potential cell-free treatment strategy for nerve injury.

BMSC-Exosomes attenuate ALP dysfunction by restoring lysosomal function via the mTOR/TFEB Axis to reduce cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND

The complex pathophysiological changes following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) include the accumulation of defective proteins and damaged organelles, which cause massive neuron demise. To preserve cellular homeostasis, the autophagy-lysosomal pathway (ALP) is crucial for neurons to dispose of these substances. Many studies have shown that bone mesenchymal stem cell exosomes (BMSC-Exos) can reduce CIRI. However, the specific mechanisms have not been well elucidated, a fact that limits its widespread clinical use. This study aimed to clarify whether BMSC-Exos could attenuate ALP dysfunction by restoring lysosomal function after CIRI via inhibiting mTOR and then activating TFEB nucleus translocation.

METHODS

In this study, Flow cytometry, Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Western blot were used to identify the BMSCs and BMSC-Exos used in this experiment as conforming to the requirements. In vivo experiments, SD rats were modeled with temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO), and BMSC-Exos was injected into the tail vein 2 h after modeling. Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, modified neurological severity scores (mNSS), corner turn test, and rotating rod test were used to detect neurological deficits in rats after BMSC-Exos intervention. Western blot and Immunofluorescence were used to detect ALP, transcription factor EB(TFEB) nucleus translocation, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) change at different time points after modeling and after BMSC-Exos intervention. In vitro experiments, pheochromocytoma cells (PC12) cells were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD/R) modeling to mimic CIRI, and were respectively intervened with BMSC-Exos, BMSC-Exos + MHY 1485 (the mTOR agonist), Rapamycin (the mTOR inhibitor). CCK8, Western blot, and Immunofluorescence were used to detect PC12 cell survival, TFEB nucleus translocation, and cathepsin B(CTSB) Immunofluorescence intensity.

RESULTS

We found that ALP dysfunction occurred 72 h after tMCAO, and BMSC-Exos can attenuate ALP dysfunction by restoring lysosomal function. Next, we examined TFEB nucleus translocation and the expression of mTOR, a key regulator of translocation. We found that BMSC-Exos could inhibit mTOR and activate TFEB nucleus translocation. Additional in vitro tests revealed that BMSC-Exos could increase PC12 cell survival after OGD/R, activating TFEB nucleus translocation and enhancing the fluorescence intensity of CTSB, which in turn could be reversed by the mTOR agonist, MHY1485. This effect was similar to another mTOR inhibitor, Rapamycin.

CONCLUSION

BMSC-Exos could attenuate ALP dysfunction by restoring lysosomal function after CIRI by inhibiting mTOR and then promoting TFEB nucleus translocation.

Gut microbiota regulates the ALK5/NOX1 axis by altering glutamine metabolism to inhibit ferroptosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cells

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a kind of hepatobiliary tumor that is increasing in incidence and mortality. The gut microbiota plays a role in the onset and progression of cancer, however, the specific mechanism by which the gut microbiota acts on ICC remains unclear. In this study, feces and plasma from healthy controls and ICC patients were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing or metabolomics analysis. Gut microbiota analysis showed that gut microbiota abundance and biodiversity were altered in ICC patients compared with controls. Plasma metabolism analysis showed that the metabolite glutamine content of the ICC patient was significantly higher than that of the controls. KEGG pathway analysis showed that glutamine plays a vital role in ICC. In addition, the use of antibiotics in ICC animals further confirmed that changes in gut microbiota affect changes in glutamine. Further experiments showed that supplementation with glutamine inhibited ferroptosis and downregulated ALK5 and NOX1 expression in HuCCT1 cells. ALK5 overexpression or NOX1 overexpression increased NOX1, p53, PTGS2, ACSL4, LPCAT3, ROS, MDA and Fe2+ and decreased FTH1, SLC7A11 and GSH. Knockdown of NOX1 suppressed FIN56-induced ferroptosis. In vivo, supplementation with glutamine promoted tumor growth. Overexpression of ALK5 repressed tumor growth and induced ferroptosis in nude mice, which could be reversed by the addition of glutamine. Our results suggested that the gut microbiota altered glutamine metabolism to inhibit ferroptosis in ICC by regulating the ALK5/NOX1 axis.

Hydroxygenkwanin suppresses peritoneal metastasis in colorectal cancer by modulating tumor-associated macrophages polarization

Peritoneal metastasis is an important cause of high mortality and poor prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Therefore, the development of compounds with unique anti-CRC Peritoneal metastasis activities is urgently needed to improve the survival of CRC patients. Hydroxygenkwanin (HGK),a natural flavonoid compound, have been shown to display anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and immunoregulatory effects. Here, we employed CRC peritoneal metastasis mouse model with MC38 cells to examine the antitumor activity of HGK. The result showed that HGK not only inhibited peritoneal metastasis, but also significantly increased the proportion of M1-like macrophages while decreasing the proportion of M2-like macrophages within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, we demonstrated that the inhibitory effect of HGK on peritoneal metastasis of CRC depended on macrophages in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we revealed that HGK promoted the polarization of TAMs into M1-like macrophages and inhibited their polarization into M2-like macrophages in a LPS- or IL-4-induced bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) model and co-culture system. Finally, we also investigated the regulatory mechanism of HGK on TAMs polarization that HGK may active p-STAT5, p-NF-κB signaling in M1-like macrophages and inhibit p-STAT6, JMJD3, PPARγ expression in M2-like macrophages. Taken together, our findings suggest that HGK is a natural candidate for effective prevention of peritoneal metastasis in colorectal cancer, which provides a potential strategy for clinical treatment of colorectal cancer.

Universal antifungal prophylaxis effectively prevents fungal bloodstream infection in pediatric liver transplant recipients: a retrospective real-world study

OBJECTIVES

Fungal bloodstream infection (fBSI) following pediatric liver transplantation presents a significant challenge; however, there remains a paucity of guidance regarding antifungal prophylaxis in this population. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of universal antifungal prophylaxis and propose a desirable strategy.

METHODS

We enrolled 604 pediatric patients who underwent liver transplantation between 2020 and 2023, including 242 patients with empirical prophylaxis and 362 patients with universal prophylaxis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent factors for fBSI.

RESULTS

Eight (2.2%) pediatric recipients in the universal prophylaxis group and 13 (5.4%) in the empirical group developed fBSI (P = 0.038). Universal prophylaxis was a protective factor (P = 0.044), while high-volume intraoperative plasma transfusion and deceased donor liver transplantation were independent risk factors for fBSI (P = 0.035 and 0.008, respectively). Universal antifungal strategy showed an increased overall survival trend after liver transplantation although without significant statistical difference (P = 0.217). Patients with fBSI had poorer survival than those without fBSI (P <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Universal prophylaxis strategy for fBSI in pediatrics after liver transplantation is desirable as it could markedly decrease the occurrence of fBSI. Pediatric patients with deceased donors and high-volume intraoperative transfusion should be paid more attention to preventing fBSI.

Intestinal carcinogenicity screening of environmental pollutants using organoid-based cell transformation assay

The high incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is closely associated with environmental pollutant exposure. To identify potential intestinal carcinogens, we developed a cell transformation assay (CTA) using mouse adult stem cell-derived intestinal organoids (mASC-IOs) and assessed the transformation potential on 14 representative chemicals, including Cd, iPb, Cr-VI, iAs-III, Zn, Cu, PFOS, BPA, MEHP, AOM, DMH, MNNG, aspirin, and metformin. We optimized the experimental protocol based on cytotoxicity, amplification, and colony formation of chemical-treated mASC-IOs. In addition, we assessed the accuracy of in vitro study and the human tumor relevance through characterizing interdependence between cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesions, tumorigenicity, pathological feature of subcutaneous tumors, and CRC-related molecular signatures. Remarkably, the results of cell transformation in 14 chemicals showed a strong concordance with epidemiological findings (8/10) and in vivo mouse studies (12/14). In addition, we found that the increase in anchorage-independent growth was positively correlated with the tumorigenicity of tested chemicals. Through analyzing the dose-response relationship of anchorage-independent growth by benchmark dose (BMD) modeling, the potent intestinal carcinogens were identified, with their carcinogenic potency ranked from high to low as AOM, Cd, MEHP, Cr-VI, iAs-III, and DMH. Importantly, the activity of chemical-transformed mASC-IOs was associated with the degree of cellular differentiation of subcutaneous tumors, altered transcription of oncogenic genes, and activated pathways related to CRC development, including Apc, Trp53, Kras, Pik3ca, Smad4 genes, as well as WNT and BMP signaling pathways. Taken together, we successfully developed a mASC-IO-based CTA, which might serve as a potential alternative for intestinal carcinogenicity screening of chemicals.

Dual-Specificity Phosphatase 4 Promotes Malignant Features in Colorectal Cancer Through Cyclic-AMP Response Element Binding Protein/Protein Kinase CAMP-Activated Catalytic Subunit Beta Activation

INTRODUCTION

Previous studies have demonstrated that Dual-specificity phosphatase 4 (DUSP4) plays an important role in the progression of different tumor types. However, the role and mechanism of DUSP4 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear.

AIMS

We investigate the role and mechanisms of DUSP4 in CRC.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry was used to investigate DUSP4 expression in CRC tissues. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration assays were used to validate DUSP4 function in vitro and in vivo. RNA-sequence assay was used to identify the target genes of DUSP4. Human phosphokinase array and inhibitor assays were used to explore the downstream signaling of DUSP4.

RESULTS

DUSP4 expression was upregulated in CRC tissues relative to normal colorectal tissues, and DUSP4 expression showed a significant positive correlation with CRC stage. Consistently, we found that DUSP4 was highly expressed in colorectal cancer cells compared to normal cells. DUSP4 knockdown inhibits CRC cell proliferation, migration and promotes apoptosis. Furthermore, the ectopic expression of DUSP4 enhanced CRC cell proliferation, migration and diminished apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Human phosphokinase array data showed that ectopic expression of DUSP4 promotes CREB activation. RNA-sequencing data showed that PRKACB acts as a downstream target gene of DUSP4/CREB and enhances CREB activation through PKA/cAMP signaling. In addition, xenograft model results demonstrated that DUSP4 promotes colorectal tumor progression via PRKACB/CREB activation in vivo.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that DUSP4 promotes CRC progression. Therefore, it may be a promising therapeutic target for CRC.

Post-ingestive stability of a mulberry Kunitz-type protease inhibitor MnKTI-1 in the digestive lumen of silkworm: dual inhibition towards α-amylase and serine protease

BACKGROUND

Adaptation of specialist insects to their host plants and defense responses of plants to phytophagous insects have been extensively recognized while the dynamic interaction between these two events has been largely underestimated. Here, we provide evidence for characterization of an unrevealed dynamic interaction mode of digestive enzymes of specialist insect silkworm and inhibitor of its host plant mulberry tree.

RESULTS

MnKTI-1, a mulberry Kunitz-type protease inhibitor, whose messenger RNA (mRNA) transcription and protein expression in mulberry leaf were severely triggered and up-regulated by tens of times in a matter of hours in response to silkworm, Bombyx mori, and other mulberry pest insects, suggesting a quick response and broad spectrum to insect herbivory. MnKTI-1 proteins were detected in gut content and frass of specialist B. mori, and exhibited significant post-ingestive stability. Recombinant refolded MnKTI-1 (rMnKTI-1) displayed binding affinity to digestive enzymes and a dual inhibitory activity to α-amylase BmAmy and serine protease BmSP2956 in digestive juice of silkworm. Moreover, data from in vitro assays proved that the inhibition of recombinant rMnKTI-1 to BmAmy can be reverted by pre-incubation with BmSP15920, an inactivated silkworm digestive protease that lack of complete catalytic triad.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrate that mulberry MnKTI-1 has the potential to inhibit the digestive enzyme activities of its specialist insect herbivore silkworm, whereas this insect may employ inactivated proteases to block protease inhibitors to accomplish food digestion. The current work provides an insight to better understand the interacting mode between host plant Kunitz protease inhibitors and herbivorous insect digestive enzymes. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

A prediction method of interaction based on Bilinear Attention Networks for designing polyphenol-protein complexes delivery systems

Polyphenol-protein complexes delivery systems are gaining attention for their potential health benefits and food industry development. However, creating an ideal delivery system requires extensive wet-lab experimentation. To address this, we collected 525 ligand-protein interaction data pairs and established an interaction prediction model using Bilinear Attention Networks. We utilized 10-fold cross validation to address potential overfitting issues in the model, resulting in showed higher average AUROC (0.8443), AUPRC (0.7872), and F1 (0.8164). The optimal threshold (0.3739) was selected for the model to be used for subsequent analysis. Based on the model prediction results and optimal threshold, by verifying experimental analysis, the interaction of paeonol with the following proteins was obtained, including bovine serum albumin (lgKa = 6.2759), bovine β-lactoglobulin (lgKa = 6.7479), egg ovalbumin (lgKa = 5.1806), zein (lgKa = 6.0122), bovine α-lactalbumin (lgKa = 3.9170), bovine lactoferrin (lgKa = 4.5380), the first four proteins are consistent with the predicted results of the model, with lgKa >5. The established model can accurately and rapidly predict the interaction of polyphenol-protein complexes. This study is the first to combine open ligand-protein interaction experiments with Deep Learning algorithms in the food industry, greatly improving research efficiency and providing a novel perspective for future complex delivery system construction.

Exploring the Landscape of Hydrogel Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury: A Bibliometric and Visual Analysis (1991-2023)

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the literature on hydrogel therapy for spinal cord injury to visualize the research status, identify hotspots, and explore the development trends in this field.

METHODS

Web of science Core Collection database was searched for relevant studies published between January 1991 and December 2023. Data such as journal title, author information, institutional affiliation, country, citation, and keywords were extracted. Bibliometrix, CiteSpace, and VOSviewer were used to perform bibliometric analysis of the retrieved data.

RESULTS

A total of 1099 articles pertaining to hydrogel therapy for spinal cord injury were retrieved, revealing an upward trajectory in both annual publication volume and cumulative publication volume. Biomaterials emerged as the journal with the highest number of publications and the most rapid cumulative publication growth, contributing 84 articles. Among authors, Shoichet MS stood out with the highest number of publications and citations, totaling 66 articles. The University of Toronto led in institutional contributions with 65 publications, while China dominated in country-specific publications, accounting for 374 articles. However, to foster significant academic achievements, it is imperative for diverse authors, institutions, and countries to enhance collaboration. Current research in this field concentrates on scaffold architecture, nerve growth factor, the fibrotic microenvironment, and guidance channels. Simultaneously, upcoming research directions prioritize 3D bioprinting, injectable hydrogel, inflammation, and nanoparticles within the realm of hydrogel therapy for spinal cord injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, this study provided a comprehensive analysis of the current research status and frontiers of hydrogel therapy for spinal cord injury. The findings provide a foundation for future research and clinical translation efforts of hydrogel therapy in this field.