Dose-response relationship between serum fibroblast growth factor 21 and liver fat content in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND & AIM

Although serum fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) levels are associated with liver fat content in non-alcoholic liver fat disease (NAFLD), the precise nature of the association remains undetermined. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the potential dose-response relationship between FGF21 and liver fat content in NAFLD.

METHODS

For this exploratory study from a randomized trial, 220 NAFLD patients with central obesity were recruited via community-based screening and randomly assigned to either control, moderate or vigorous-moderate exercise groups for 12 months. After this exercise intervention, patients were followed-up for a further 12 months. Serum FGF21 levels were measured by ELISA. Intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG) content was determined by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

RESULTS

Of the 220 patients, 149 (67.7%) were female; mean age was 53.9 ± 7.1 years and mean BMI was 28.0 ± 2.9 kg/m² for all patients. Baseline IHGT increased gradually (P = 0.029 for trend) according to baseline serum FGF21 quartiles 1, 2, 3 and 4 (212.3, 358.9, 538.7 and 793.5 pg/mL, respectively). On grouping the distribution of serum FGF21 level changes into quartiles at month 12, the relative IHTG loss increased as serum FGF21 levels were reduced (P = 0.004 for trend). A similar trend was observed at month 24 (P = 0.006 for trend). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that changes in serum FGF21 levels were independently associated with changes in IHTG at both month 12 [β (SE), 0.136 (0.118); P = 0.048] and month 24 [β (SE), 0.152 (0.139); P = 0.041]. Using restricted cubic spline regression, changes in serum FGF21 were strongly and positively associated with their corresponding relative IHTG loss at both month 12 and follow-up (P_overall = 0.017, P_non-linear = 0.044 and P_overall = 0.020, P_non-linear = 0.361, respectively, for dose-response).

CONCLUSION

Serum FGF21 is strongly associated with liver fat content in a dose-response manner in centrally obese NAFLD patients. These findings support the use of serum FGF21 as a biomarker of liver fat content in NAFLD.

Importance of early detection of juvenile polyposis syndrome: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS) is a rare genetic gastrointestinal disorder with hidden and variable clinical features. Early detection is crucial for good prognosis.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 20-year-old female went to hospital for fever, and was unexpectedly diagnosed as JPS during treatment. She reported no clinical signs or family history of JPS.

DIAGNOSIS

Blood routine examination on hospital admission suggested a moderate anemia. Bone marrow cytology and leukemia fusion gene test were performed to rule out leukemia. Other examinations including ultrasound and computed tomography were also conducted for differential diagnosis. Further electronic colonoscopy identified more than 20 pedicle polyps located at her ileocecum and rectum. Mutation analysis detected a novel de novo pathogenic variant, c.910C>T (p.Gln304Ter) within bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 1A gene, establishing the diagnosis of JPS.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was treated with endoscopic interventions. We also provided a genetic counseling for this family.

OUTCOMES

The patient's polyps were removed, some of which already had adenomatous changes. The patient received surveillance of hereditary colorectal cancer according to guidelines.

LESSONS

Variable features and lack of family history probably lead to a great underestimation of potential JPS population. It is recommended to perform genetic testing by a multigene panel in individuals who have suspected symptoms of polyposis.

Potato peel extracts as an antimicrobial and potential antioxidant in active edible film

Potato peel is phenolic-rich plant byproduct that has multiple biological functions. The study explores the antimicrobial efficiency of the peel and its antioxidant potential incorporated with potato starch film. Antimicrobial sensitivity test using microdilution and diffusion test revealed positive response in Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Staphylococcus aureus with minimum inhibitory concentration, 7.5 ± 2, 5.8 ± 2, and 4.7 ± 1 mg/ml, respectively, but had a negative response for Klebsiella pneumoniae and Listeria monocytogenes. HPLC analysis revealed that caffeic, chlorogenic, and neochlorogenic acids are the main chemical compounds found in potato peel extract and responsible for its antimicrobial property. The scavenging ability and phenolic content in the active film range from 10 to 22 mg GAE/g of the dried film with 24%-55% of inhibition, respectively. The scanning electron microscope of the starch film showed homogeneously and ordered structure; however, some cracks and pores shown in the active film. The simulation experiment of phenols migration from the film into fatty and aqueous foods showed higher concentration in aqueous and less in the fatty foods. Therefore, potato peel extract has antibacterial as well as antioxidant property and incorporating with potato starch produce an active film which can be used as an alternative technology for active food packaging.

Clusterin alleviates Cr(VI)-induced mitochondrial apoptosis in L02 hepatocytes via inhibition of Ca2+-ROS-Drp1-mitochondrial fission axis

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is ubiquitous in the environment and is commonly used in various industrial processes. Clusterin (CLU) is an extracellular chaperone protein which exerts the anti-apoptotic function. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of CLU on Cr(VI)-induced mitochondrial fission and apoptosis. We revealed that the apoptosis rate of L02 hepatocytes treated with Cr (VI) was increased. CLU over-expression could protect the hepatocytes from Cr(VI)-induced mitochondrial apoptosis. Furthermore, Cr(VI) triggered the intracellular calcium overload, resulting in the activation of xanthine oxidase (XO). Cr(VI) induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, led to dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) translocation to mitochondria and the subsequent mitochondrial fission, contributing to the caspase-3-dependent mitochondrial apoptosis as evidenced by higher mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening rate, lower mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and more alanine transaminase (ALT)/aspartate transaminase (AST) leakage into the culture medium. However, CLU over-expression could trigger the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, which was followed by the increase of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase (SERCA2a) expression. CLU-induced AMPK/SERCA2a activation attenuated calcium overload, caspase-3 activation, and ultimate mitochondrial apoptosis. All in all, the present study demonstrated that Cr(VI) induced hepatocytes apoptosis via Ca²⁺-ROS-Drp1-mitochondrial fission axis and CLU alleviated the mitochondrial apoptosis through activation of the AMPK/SERCA2a pathway.

Surface domain heterojunction on rutile TiO2 for highly efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Compared with the highly active anatase TiO2, rutile TiO2 usually presents poor photocatalytic performance due to high electron-hole recombination. Herein, we propose a surface domain heterojunction (SDH) structure between adjacent micro-domains with and without chemisorbed chlorine on rutile TiO2, which utilizes the potential difference between these domains to form a built-in field that promotes charge separation. Single-crystal rutile TiO2 nanorods assembled into radial microspheres with SDHs were fabricated, and these exhibited excellent solar-driven photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, ∼8-fold higher than that of the pristine one. Experimental results and density functional theory calculations reveal that the exceptional photocatalytic performance can be attributed to the in situ formation of chemisorbed chlorine, which forms SDHs that separate electrons and holes efficiently and results in surface reconfiguration, exposing the tri-active sites, increasing the O-site active centers and enhancing the catalytic activity of the 4-coordinated (Ti4c) and 5-coordinated Ti sites (Ti5c). This SDH strategy can extend to other halogen elements and thus provides an universal approach for the rational design of high-efficiency TiO2 photocatalysts toward sustainable solar-fuel evolution.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of xenobiotics-induced premature senescence

Premature senescence, which share common features with replicative senescence such as morphology, senescence-associated galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity, cell cycle regulation, and gene expression, can be triggered by the exposure of various xenobiotics including environmental pollutant, peroxides, and anticancer drugs. The exact mechanisms underlying the senescence onset and stabilization are still obscure. In this review, we summarized the possible cellular and molecular mechanisms of xenobiotics-induced premature senescence, including induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), tumor suppressors, and DNA damage; disequilibrium of calcium homeostasis; activation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β); and blockage of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathway. The deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying xenobiotics-induced senescence may shed light on new therapeutic strategies for age-related pathologies and extend healthy lifespan.

[Effect of c-myc gene silence on the expression of oncogenes and apoptotic genes in hepatocytes treated with PM(2).5]

Objective: To construct the c-myc gene silenced hepatocytes, study the effect of c-myc gene silence on expression of oncogenes and apoptosis genes in hepatocytes treated with PM2.5. Methods: According to the c-myc gene mRNA sequence provided by GenBank, three interfering sequences were designed and synthesized, the recombinant lentiviral vector was transfected into L02 hepatocytes. The real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting were used to identify the effect of c-myc gene silencing. L02 cells and c-myc gene silenced cells were used as experimental subjects. The normal L02 cells and c-myc silenced cells were treated with 50 μg/ml PM(2.5) water soluble solution, 10 μM positive control Cr(6+) and a blank control, the treatment period was 24 h. The mRNA levels of oncogenes (c-myc, c-fos, k-ras, p53) and apoptotic genes (Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9) were detected by real-time PCR. The protein levels of oncogenes and apoptotic genes were detected by western blotting. Results: The mRNA level and protein level of c-myc decreased by 81% and 70% in c-myc silenced cells when compared with the normal L02 hepatocytes, the above results indicate that c-myc gene silenced cells were successfully constructed. After c-myc silenced cells were treated with PM2.5 water soluble solution, The mRNA levels of c-myc, c-fos, and k-ras decreased by 84.1%, 45.4%, and 54.6% (P<0.05) , p53 increased by 192.9% (P<0.05) , and the expression of Caspase-3, Caspase-8, and Caspase-9 decreased by 24.4%, 36.1%, 60.9% (P<0.05) . In the Cr(6+) positive control group, the expression of c-myc, c-fos, and k-ras decreased by 72.1%, 82.2%, and 54.0% (P<0.05) , p53 increased by 250.0% (P<0.05) , the expression of Caspase-3, Caspase-8, and Caspase-9 decreased by 34.6%, 36.0%, 68.9% (P<0.05) , respectively, when compared with the normal L02 hepatocytes (P<0.05) . Western blotting results showed that the protein levels of c-myc and c-fos increased, p53 decreased after PM(2.5) exposure; the protein levels of Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9 increased after PM(2.5) exposure (P<0.05) . When in comparison with the c-myc silenced group, the protein levels of c-myc and c-fos decreased, p53 protein increased in PM(2).5 exposed group (P<0.05) . Conclusion: c-myc gene silenced cells were successfully constructed in this paper. PM(2.5) could promote the expression of oncogenes and apoptotic genes in L02 cells, and c-myc gene silencing can inhibit the expression of oncogenes and apoptotic genes after PM(2.5) treatment in L02 cells.

Anti-High Mobility Group Box 1 Neutralizing-Antibody Ameliorates Dextran Sodium Sulfate Colitis in Mice

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a ubiquitous nuclear protein in mammals. When released into the extracellular space, it acts as a damage-associated molecular pattern. This study investigates whether increased HMGB1 levels are found in the intestinal mucosa of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, and whether an anti-HMGB1 neutralizing-antibody (HnAb) can inhibit the intestinal inflammation elicited by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in mice. Because toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is implicated in HMGB1-mediated immune cell activation, DSS colitis was also elicited in TLR4-deficient mice in the presence and absence of HnAb. The expression of HMGB1 in UC patients was examined. HnAb was administered via intraperitoneal injection to TLR4 deficient mice and their wild-type littermates, both being induced to colitis with DSS. Finally, the protective effect of HnAb and TLR4 deficiency were evaluated. In UC patients, HMGB1 was up-regulated in the inflamed colon. When administered during DSS application, HnAb alleviated the severity of colitis with a lower disease activity index, limited histological damages, and reduced production of proinflammatory cytokines. This antibody also limited colonic barrier loss, decreased colonic lamina propria macrophages and partially reversed the DSS treatment-associated dysbiosis. The protective effect of this antibody was enhanced in TLR4-deficient mice in some aspects, indicating that both additional HMGB1-mediated as well as TLR4-mediated inflammatory signaling pathways were involved in the induction of colitis by DSS. HnAb ameliorated colitis via macrophages inhibition and colonic barrier protection. It may therefore be a novel treatment option in colitis.

Trials number, funding support, and intervention type associated with IPDMA data retrieval: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the predictors for high data retrieval and the reporting of individual participant data meta-analyses (IPDMAs).

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library for articles pertaining to IPDMA from 2011 to 2019. Only IPDMA assessing treatment effects, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), were included. Adherence to the PRISMA-IPD guideline was checked.

RESULTS

A total of 210 IPDMA covering 18 diseases were sampled; 80 (38.1%) and 123 (58.6%) of the IPDMA retrieved IPD from all and ≥80% RCTs, respectively. Non-Cochrane reviews, IPDMA on nonpharmacological interventions, analyses of smaller numbers of RCTs, and having funding supports were predictors of complete IPD retrieval. Owners of RCTs had an increased probability of obtaining IPD. Only 4.3% described the eligibility criteria covering all the PICO components, 11.0% reported the methods for assessing risk of bias across studies, 11.4% mentioned the IPD integrity, and 9.0% presented detailed results of syntheses.

CONCLUSION

IPD retrieval and reporting was not satisfactory among the published IPDMA. Encouraging RCT owners to conduct or join in the IPDMA is a potential strategy to maximize the IPD retrieval. IPDMA are suggested to adhere to the PRISMA-IPD guideline during reporting.

Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission contributes to Cr(VI)-induced mitophagy and hepatotoxicity

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is seriously harmful to ecosystems and living organisms due to its strong toxicity. Role of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) and Drp1-associated mitochondrial fragmentation in mitophagy and cytotoxicity after Cr(VI) exposure has not been clarified so far. We confirmed that Cr(VI) caused mitochondrial fission by up-regulating Drp1 expression and enhancing Drp1 mitochondrial translocation. By applying the intracellular Ca²⁺ antagonist BAPTA-AM and mitochondrial Ca²⁺ antagonist Ru360, we demonstrated that Cr(VI)-induced excessive mitochondrial fission was in a Ca²⁺-Drp1 dependent manner. The administration of Drp1 siRNA significantly suppressed the overactivation of mitophagy in Cr(VI)-induced hepatotoxicity. The specific Drp1 inhibitor mitochondrial division inhibitor-1 (Mdivi-1) blocked the overactive mitophagy and subsequently ameliorated hepatotoxicity caused by Cr(VI) in vivo. We reached the conclusion that Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission contributes to Cr(VI)-induced mitophagy and hepatotoxicity, which may provide experimental basis for the study of chromium-associated toxicity, especially for the prevention of health damage in chromium-exposed population.

Research Note: Responses of growth performance, immune traits, and small intestinal morphology to dietary supplementation of chromium propionate in heat-stressed broilers

This study was conducted to investigate the dose responses of growth performance, immune traits, and small intestinal morphology to dietary supplementation of chromium propionate (CrPro) in heat-stressed broilers. A total of 252 1-day-old Cobb 500 male broilers were randomly assigned to 6 treatments with 7 replicate cages of 6 birds per cage. The dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, and 3.2 mg/kg Cr in the form of CrPro. The birds had ad libitum access to feed and tap water for an experimental period of 42 D. For induction of heat stress, the house temperature was set at 35°C ± 2°C from 22 to 42 D of age. No differences were detected among treatments in growth performance during the experimental period (P > 0.05). Serum IgA concentrations were not affected by treatment (P > 0.05). However, a quadratic response was detected for serum IgG (P < 0.01) and IgM (P < 0.01) concentration as dietary Cr supplementation was increased. The highest response of IgG and IgM in serum was observed for broilers fed a diet supplemented with 0.2 mg of Cr/kg. Dietary supplementation of Cr had no impacts on villus height, crypt depth, or the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the jejunum and ileum. A quadratic response of villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth and a linear response of crypt depth to increased dietary Cr supplementation were observed in the duodenum (P < 0.01). The results indicate that CrPro supplementation could modify the intestinal morphology of the duodenum and influence serum IgG and IgM concentrations in heat-stressed broiler chickens. Based on the results of this experiment, the 0.2-mg Cr/kg diet from CrPro increases immune response and intestinal health in heat-stressed broilers.

Dominant regulation of long-term allograft survival is mediated by microRNA-142

Organ transplantation is often lifesaving, but the long-term deleterious effects of combinatorial immunosuppression regimens and allograft failure cause significant morbidity and mortality. Long-term graft survival in the absence of continuing immunosuppression, defined as operational tolerance, has never been described in the context of multiple major histocompatibility complex (MHC) mismatches. Here, we show that miR-142 deficiency leads to indefinite allograft survival in a fully MHC mismatched murine cardiac transplant model in the absence of exogenous immunosuppression. We demonstrate that the cause of indefinite allograft survival in the absence of miR-142 maps specifically to the T cell compartment. Of therapeutic relevance, temporal deletion of miR-142 in adult mice prior to transplantation of a fully MHC mismatched skin allograft resulted in prolonged allograft survival. Mechanistically, miR-142 directly targets Tgfbr1 for repression in regulatory T cells (TREG ). This leads to increased TREG sensitivity to transforming growth factor - beta and promotes transplant tolerance via an augmented peripheral TREG response in the absence of miR-142. These data identify manipulation of miR-142 as a promising approach for the induction of tolerance in human transplantation.

Slc26a3 deletion alters pH-microclimate, mucin biosynthesis, microbiome composition and increases the TNFα expression in murine colon

AIM

SLC26A3 (DRA) mediates the absorption of luminal Cl^- in exchange for HCO₃ ^- in the distal intestine. Its expression is lost in congenital chloride diarrhoea (CLD) and strongly decreased in the presence of intestinal inflammation. To characterize the consequences of a loss of Slc26a3 beyond disturbed electrolyte transport, colonic mucus synthesis, surface accumulation and composition, pH microclimate, microbiome composition and development of inflammation was studied in slc26a3^-/- mice.

METHODS

The epithelial surface pH microclimate and the surface mucus accumulation in vivo was assessed by two photon microscopy in exteriorized mid colon of anaesthetized slc26a3^-/- and wt littermates. Mucus synthesis, composition and inflammatory markers were studied by qPCR and immunohistochemistry and microbiome composition by 16S rRNA sequencing.

RESULTS

Colonic pH microclimate was significantly more acidic in slc26a3^-/- and to a lesser extent in cftr^-/- than in wt mice. Goblet cell thecae per crypt were decreased in slc26a3^-/- and increased in cftr^-/- colon. Mucus accumulation in vivo was reduced, but much less so than in cftr^-/- colon, which is possibly related to the different colonic fluid balance. Slc26a3^-/- colonic luminal microbiome displayed strong decrease in diversity. These alterations preceded and maybe causally related to increased mucosal TNFα mRNA expression levels and leucocyte infiltration in the mid-distal colon of slc26a3^-/- but not of cftr^-/- mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings may explain the strong increase in the susceptibility of slc26a3^-/- mice to DSS damage, and offer insight into the mechanisms leading to an increased incidence of intestinal inflammation in CLD patients.

Acupuncture for pain relief of women undergoing transvaginal oocyte retrieval: A meta analysis and systematic review protocol

BACKGROUND

Pain during oocyte retrieval, which can make the in-vitro fertilization process an unpleasant experience, is becoming a common problem. Although there are many analgesic methods available in the clinical setting, they are not therapeutically equivalent, and some are associated with varying adverse reactions. In recent years, acupuncture analgesia has been used in the perioperative period of oocyte retrieval because of its perceived efficacy and safety. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to provide evidence that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of vaginal oocyte retrieval pain.

METHODS

Electronic searches of the following six databases will be conducted by two qualified reviewers: MEDLINE, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Medicine database, VIP database and Wanfang database. Three clinical trial registries will also be searched: World Health Organization International Clinical Trial Registry Platform, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.Gov. All searches will cover the period from inception of the database/registry to March 2020 and will be limited to publications in English and Chinese. Data identification, data selection, data extraction, and bias risk assessment will be conducted independently by3ν two or more qualified reviewers, including those who selected the studies. Visual analogue scale scores will be calculated as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes will include results of other subjective pain rating scales, including Likert scales or other defined numerical or non-numerical scales, self-assessed by patients before, during, and after oocyte retrieval. We will use STATA software (Version 16) to perform meta-analyses, and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations framework to grade the quality of evidence. If quantitative analysis is not available, a systematic narrative synthesis will be provided.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020170095.

Association of Clinical Phenotypes in Haploinsufficiency A20 (HA20) With Disrupted Domains of A20

Background: Haploinsufficiency A20 (HA20) is a newly described monogenic disease characterized by a wide spectrum of manifestations and caused by heterozygous mutations in TNFAIP3 which encodes A20 protein. TNFAIP3 mutation leads to disruption of the A20 ovarian tumor (OTU) domain and/or the zinc finger (ZnF) domain. This study aims at exploring the association between the various manifestations of HA20 and different domains disruption of A20. Methods: We reviewed the HA20 cases in previous literature and summarized the clinical features, TNFAIP3 mutation loci and the disrupted domains caused by different sites and patterns of mutations. Patients were classified into three groups according to the A20 domains disruption. Results: A total of 89 patients from 39 families with a genetic diagnosis of HA20 were included. Overall, the age at onset of HA20 was early (median:5.92, IQR:1-10). Patients in the ZnF group showed the earliest onset (median:2.5, IQR:0.6-5), followed by patients in the OTU+ZnF group (median:6, IQR:1-10) and patients in the OTU group (median:10, IQR:8-14). The main manifestations of HA20 patients were recurrent oral ulcers (70%), recurrent fever (42%), gastrointestinal ulcers (40%), skin lesion (38%), genital ulcers (36%), and musculoskeletal disorders (34%). The percentage of patients with musculoskeletal disorders was significantly different among the three groups (p = 0.005). Patients in the OTU+ZnF group and ZnF group were more likely to develop musculoskeletal disorders than patients in the OTU group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.035, respectively). Besides, forty-three percent of HA20 patients were initially diagnosed as Behcet's disease (BD). Compared to the ZnF group, the OTU+ZnF group and OTU group had a higher percentage of patients initially diagnosed as BD (p = 0.006 and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: HA20 is characterized by early-onset and the most common symptoms of HA20 are recurrent oral ulcers, fever and gastrointestinal ulcers. The onset of HA20 in patients with the ZnF domain disruption is earlier than patients with the OTU domain disruption. Compared to the OTU domain, the ZnF domain may be more closely related to musculoskeletal disorders.

[Expression, purification and polyclonal antibody preparation of the Schistosoma japonicum SjGrpE protein]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the biological properties of Schistosoma japonicum SjGrpE protein, and to express and purify the recombinant SjGrpE protein and test its immunogenicity.

METHODS

The amino acid composition, molecular weight, hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity, transmembrane region, signal peptide, localization, phosphorylation site, ubiquitination site, glycosylation site, secondary and tertiary structures and B cell epitopes of the SjGrpE protein were predicted using bioinformatics analyses. The SjGrpE gene was amplified using PCR assay using S. japonicum cDNA as a template, double enzyme-digested and linked to the pET28a vector to yield the recombinant plasmid pET28a-SjGrpE. The recombinant plasmid pET28a-SjGrpE was transformed into Escherichia coli BL21, and then IPTG was employed to induce the expression of the target protein, which was purified by nickel ion affinity chromatography. After mice were immunized with the recombinant SjGrpE protein, mouse sera were collected, and the polyclonal antibody against the SjGrpE protein was characterized.

RESULTS

SjGrpE protein, which was identified as a hydrophilic protein, was predicted to have a molecular weight of approximately 24.3 kDa without transmembrane regions or signal peptides, and locate in the mitochondrion. SjGrpE protein contained 18 phosphorylation sites and 2 ubiquitination sites, but had no glycosylation sites. In addition, SjGrpE protein contained 5 B-cell epitopes. The full length of SjGrpE gene was approximately 660 bp. The recombinant pET28a-SjGrpE plasmid was successfully generated, and the recombinant SjGrpE protein was obtained following the affinity chromatography, which stimulated mice to secrete high-titer antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

The recombinant SjGrpE protein has been successfully prepared and this recombinant protein has a high immunogenicity, which provides a basis for evaluating its value as a vaccine candidate for S. japonicum infections.

Increased Mitochondrial Fragmentation Mediated by Dynamin-Related Protein 1 Contributes to Hexavalent Chromium-Induced Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain Complex I-Dependent Cytotoxicity

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) pollution is a severe public health problem in the world. Although it is believed that mitochondrial fragmentation is a common phenomenon in apoptosis, whether excessive fission is crucial for apoptosis remains controversial. We previously confirmed that Cr(VI) mainly targeted mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I (MRCC I) to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated apoptosis, but the related mechanism was unclear. In this study, we found Cr(VI) targeted MRCC I to induce ROS accumulation and triggered mitochondria-related cytotoxicity. Cr(VI)-induced cytotoxicity was alleviated by pretreatment of Glutamate/malate (Glu/Mal; MRCC I substrates), and was aggravated by cotreatment of rotenone (ROT; MRCC I inhibitor). Cr(VI) induced excessive mitochondrial fragmentation and mitochondrial dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) translocation, the application of Drp1-siRNA alleviated Cr(VI)-induced apoptosis. The cytotoxicity in the Drp1-si plus Cr(VI) treatment group was alleviated by the application of Glu/Mal, and was aggravated by the application of ROT. Drp1 siRNA promoted the inhibition of Glu/Mal on Cr(VI)-induced cytotoxicity, and alleviated the aggravation of ROT on Cr(VI)-induced cytotoxicity. Taken together, Cr(VI)-induced Drp1 modulation was dependent on MRCC I inhibition-mediated ROS production, and Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fragmentation contributed to Cr(VI)-induced MRCC I-dependent cytotoxicity, which provided the experimental basis for further elucidating Cr(VI)-induced cytotoxicity.

A20 Haploinsufficiency in a Chinese Patient With Intestinal Behcet's Disease-Like Symptoms: A Case Report

Objective: Intestinal Behcet's disease (iBD) is an autoimmune disorder diagnosed by typical intestinal ulcers and systemic Behcet's disease (BD) manifestations. Haploinsufficiency of A20 (HA20) is a recently described autoinflammatory disease with a phenotype resembling BD, caused by heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in TNFAIP3 gene (encoding A20). Methods: We described a 29-year-old female with iBD-like symptoms including relapsing ulceration of intestinal anastomosis, recurrent oral ulcers and vasculitis in extremities. Due to the atypical intestinal ulcers with long segmental involvement and intestinal obstruction, whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed to screen for the underlying genetic defect and the identified gene was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The expression levels of A20 was evaluated by Western blot. Sanger sequencing and Western blot were also performed in the patient's family members. Results: A heterozygous mutation of TNFAIP3 (c.305A>G, p. Asn 102 Ser) was identified in the patient. The identical TNFAIP3 mutation was also found in her father and brother who had suffered from recurrent oral ulcers since childhood. Functional experiments revealed that the expression of A20 was decreased in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of the patient and her family members who carried the TNFAIP3 mutation. Conclusion: We described a Chinese patient with a novel heterozygous mutation in TNFAIP3 who developed iBD-like symptoms. We proposed that the TNFAIP3 heterozygous mutation (c.305A>G, p. Asn 102 Ser) with an insufficient expression of A20 may be associated with the iBD phenotype in patients.

Questionnaire assessment helps the self-management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease during the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019

Objective: This study aimed to assess the disease conditions of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Hubei Province during the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) by questionnaire online and guide their self-management during this epidemic.

Results: A total of 102 eligible questionnaires were included. No patient we surveyed reported a diagnosis of COVID-19. Our result showed that 67.86% of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 80.43% of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) were in remission, 85.29%of patients had a good quality of life. Part of the patients (21.57%) reported their disease conditions worsening. The reduction in physical exercise was a risk factor for worsening conditions (OR=17.593, p=0.009). Some patients reported an alteration of medication regimens during the epidemic.

Conclusions: The epidemic of COVID-19 might have a certain impact on many aspects of Hubei IBD patients within four weeks after the traffic control. Doctors could utilize the results from our questionnaire to guide IBD patients’ self-management.

Methods: A questionnaire was designed containing the Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI), the 6-point Mayo Score, the short inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (SIBDQ) and distributed to Hubei IBD patients online within four weeks of traffic control after the outbreak, it also included questions about patients’ self-reported disease conditions and their epidemiological features of COVID-19.

Alteration of DNA methylation induced by PM2.5 in human bronchial epithelial cells

This current study explored the effects of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on deoxyribonucleic acid methylation in human bronchial epithelial cells. Human bronchial epithelial cells were exposed to PM2.5 for 24 h after which, deoxyribonucleic acid samples were extracted, and the differences between methylation sites were detected using methylation chips. Subsequent gene ontology functional enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed for the differential methylation sites. Functional epigenetic modules analysis of the overall differential methylation site interactions was also conducted. A total of 127 differential methylation sites in 89 genes were screened in the PM2.5 10 μg/ml group, of which 55 sites demonstrated increased methylation, with methylation levels decreasing in a further 72 sites. Following an exposure of 50 μg/ml PM2.5, a total of 238 differentially methylated sites were screened in 168 genes, of which methylation levels increased in 127 sites, and decreased in 111. KEGG analysis showed that the top 10 enrichment pathways predominantly involve hepatocellular carcinoma pathways and endometrial cancer pathways, whereas functional epigenetic modules analysis screened eight genes (A2M, IL23A, TPIP6, IL27, MYD88, ILE2B, NLRC4, TNF) with the most interactions. Our results indicate that exposure to PM2.5 for 24 h in human bronchial epithelial cells induces marked changes in deoxyribonucleic acid methylation of multiple genes involved in apoptosis and carcinogenesis pathways, these findings can provide a new direction for further study of PM2.5 carcinogenic biomarkers.