Association analysis of imbalanced interhemispheric functional coordination and early therapeutic efficacy in major depressive disorder: Evidence from resting state fMRI

Introduction

Emerging evidences indicate that the alteration of interhemispheric functional coordination may be involved in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). In present study, we aim to explore the potential marker by using the voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) approach, which may be contributing to predict the clinical prognosis in MDD.

Methods

Eighty-two MDD patients and 50 normal control (NC) subjects participated in this study. We divided the MDD group into unremitted and remitted group according to the reduction rate of Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) within 2 weeks.

Results

The study detected significantly decreased VMHC in bilateral precuneus (pCu), inferior temporal gyrus (ITG) and increased VMHC in middle frontal gyrus (MFG) and caudate nucleus when compared remitted depression (RD) group to unremitted depression (URD) group. Meanwhile, when compared with NC group, the URD group presented reduced VMHC in bilateral cerebellum anterior lobe, thalamus and postcentral gyrus. Furthermore, the VHMC in media frontal gyrus, postcentral gyrus and precentral gyrus were significantly decreased in RD group. Correlation analysis suggested that reduced VMHC in bilateral pCu was negatively correlated with the baseline HAMD score of URD (r = −0.325, P = 0.041). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve indicated that three regional VMHC changes could identify depressed patient with poorer treatment response: ITG [area under curve (AUC) = 0.699, P = 0.002, 95% CI = 0.586–0.812], MFG (AUC = 0.692, P = 0.003, 95% CI = 0.580–0.805), pCu (AUC = 0.714, P = 0.001, 95% CI = 0.603–0.825).

Conclusion

The current study combined with previous evidence indicates that the subdued intrinsic interhemispheric functional connectivity might represents a novel neural trait involved in the pathophysiology of MDD.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Ferroptosis: process and function

Ferroptosis is a recently recognized form of regulated cell death. It is characterized morphologically by the presence of smaller than normal mitochondria with condensed mitochondrial membrane densities, reduction or vanishing of mitochondria crista, and outer mitochondrial membrane rupture. It can be induced by experimental compounds (e.g., erastin, Ras-selective lethal small molecule 3, and buthionine sulfoximine) or clinical drugs (e.g., sulfasalazine, sorafenib, and artesunate) in cancer cells and certain normal cells (e.g., kidney tubule cells, neurons, fibroblasts, and T cells). Activation of mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channels and mitogen-activated protein kinases, upregulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress, and inhibition of cystine/glutamate antiporter is involved in the induction of ferroptosis. This process is characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxidation products and lethal reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from iron metabolism and can be pharmacologically inhibited by iron chelators (e.g., deferoxamine and desferrioxamine mesylate) and lipid peroxidation inhibitors (e.g., ferrostatin, liproxstatin, and zileuton). Glutathione peroxidase 4, heat shock protein beta-1, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 function as negative regulators of ferroptosis by limiting ROS production and reducing cellular iron uptake, respectively. In contrast, NADPH oxidase and p53 (especially acetylation-defective mutant p53) act as positive regulators of ferroptosis by promotion of ROS production and inhibition of expression of SLC7A11 (a specific light-chain subunit of the cystine/glutamate antiporter), respectively. Misregulated ferroptosis has been implicated in multiple physiological and pathological processes, including cancer cell death, neurotoxicity, neurodegenerative diseases, acute renal failure, drug-induced hepatotoxicity, hepatic and heart ischemia/reperfusion injury, and T-cell immunity. In this review, we summarize the regulation mechanisms and signaling pathways of ferroptosis and discuss the role of ferroptosis in disease.

Pdcd4 deficiency enhances macrophage lipoautophagy and attenuates foam cell formation and atherosclerosis in mice

Macrophage foam cells, a major component of the atherosclerotic lesion, have vital roles in the development of atherosclerosis. Lipoautophagy, a type of autophagy characterized by selective delivery of lipid droplet for lysosomal degradation, may impact atherosclerosis by regulating macrophage foam cell formation. Previously, we reported that programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4), a tumor suppressor, negatively regulated autophagy in tumor cells. However, its roles in macrophage lipoautophagy, foam cell formation and atherosclerosis remain to be established. Here we found that Pdcd4 deficiency clearly improved oxidized low-density lipoproteins-impaired autophagy efflux, promoted autophagy-mediated lipid breakdown in murine macrophages and thus prevented macrophage conversion into foam cells. Importantly, Pdcd4 deficiency in mice significantly upregulated macrophage autophagy in local plaques along with attenuated lipid accumulation and atherosclerotic lesions in high-fat-fed Apolipoprotein E knockout mice. Bone marrow transplantation experiment demonstrated that PDCD4-mediated autophagy in hematopoietic cells contributed to the development of atherosclerosis. These results indicate that endogenous PDCD4 promotes for macrophage foam cell formation and atherosclerosis development via inhibiting autophagy and provides new insights into atherogenesis, suggesting that promoting macrophage autophagy through downregulating PDCD4 expression may be beneficial for treating atherosclerosis.

A photoactivatable Src homology 2 (SH2) domain

A photoactivatable SH2 domain that can be potentially applied as an optogenetic tool to the photocontrol of phosphotyrosine-associated biological processes.

Understanding Risk in the Oldest Old: Frailty and the Metabolic Syndrome in a Chinese Community Sample Aged 90+ Years

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the relationship between frailty and the metabolic syndrome and to evaluate how these contribute to mortality in very old people.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of data from the Project of Longevity and Aging in Dujiangyan.

SETTING

Community sample from Sichuan Province, China.

PARTICIPANTS

People aged 90+ years (n=767; baseline age=93.7±3.4 years; 68.0% women.

MEASUREMENTS

After a baseline health assessment, participants were followed for four years (54.0% died). A frailty index (FI) was calculated as the sum of deficits present, divided by the 35 health-related deficits considered. Relationships between the FI and the metabolic syndrome were tested; their effect on death was examined.

RESULTS

The mean FI was 0.26 ±0.11. Higher FI scores were associated with a greater risk of death, adjusted for age, sex, education, and metabolic syndrome items. The hazard ratio was 1.03 (95% confidence interval 1.02, 1.04) for each 1% percent increase of the FI. The mortality risk did not change with the metabolic syndrome (odds ratio=0.99; 0.71-1.36).

CONCLUSIONS

In the oldest old, frailty was a significant risk for near-term death, regardless of the metabolic syndrome. Even using age-adjusted models, the epidemiology of late life illness may need to account for frailty routinely.

Association between the AGTR1 A1166C polymorphism and risk of IgA nephropathy: a meta-analysis

Numerous studies have evaluated the association between the A1166C polymorphism in the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AGTR1) gene and immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) risk. However, this relationship remains controversial. Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between this polymorphism and IgAN susceptibility by performing a meta-analysis. Articles were identified in the PubMed, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases, and after selection, five eligible studies were included. Statistical analyses were carried out using Stata 12.0, combining data from all the relevant studies. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) regarding the association between the AGTR1 A1166C polymorphism and IgAN risk were not statistically significant [A vs C: OR = 0.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.24-1.68; AA vs AC+CC: OR = 1.02, 95%CI = 0.74-1.39; CC vs AC+AA: OR = 1.20, 95%CI = 0.48-2.98; AC vs AA+CC: OR = 0.96, 95%CI = 0.70-1.31]. In conclusion, the AGTR1 gene A1166C polymorphism may not be correlated with IgAN susceptibility. However, further studies should be performed to confirm this finding.

Relationship between rs1047763 polymorphism of the C1GALT1 gene and susceptibility to immunoglobulin A nephropathy in Xinjiang Uyghur people

We explored the relationship between rs1047763, a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the C1GALT1 gene, and genetic susceptibility to immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) in Xinjiang Uyghur people. The study comprised 90 patients with IgAN and 90 normal controls recruited from Uyghur people. The distribution of the rs1047763 polymorphism of C1GALT1 in each group was determined by direct sequencing analysis. The gene type, gene frequency, allele type, and allele frequency were calculated by direct counting and the genotype was investigated using the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test. The SPSS17.0 software was used for data processing, and genotype and allele frequencies were compared using the χ2 test. In the IgAN group, the AA, AG, and GG genotype frequencies in the rs1047763 polymorphism of the C1GALT1 gene were 21.10, 47.80, and 31.10%, respectively, while AA, AG, and GG genotype frequencies in the control group were 17.8, 40.0, and 42.2%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). The rs1047763 SNP of the C1GALT1 gene probably has no correlation with genetic susceptibility to IgAN in Xinjiang Uyghur people.

A randomized, double-blind, phase II, exploratory trial evaluating the palliative benefit of either continuing pamidronate or switching to zoledronic acid in patients with high-risk bone metastases from breast cancer

Previous studies suggest switching from pamidronate to a more potent bone-targeted agent is associated with biomarker and palliative response in breast cancer patients with bone metastases. Until now, this has not been addressed in a double-blind, randomized trial. Breast cancer patients with high-risk bone metastases, despite >3 months of pamidronate, were randomized to either continue pamidronate or switch to zoledronic acid every 4 weeks for 12 weeks. Primary outcome was the proportion of patients achieving a fall in serum C-telopeptide (sCTx) at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included difference in mean sCTx, pain scores, quality of life, toxicity, and skeletal-related events (SREs). Seventy-three patients entered the study; median age 61 years (range 37-87). Proportion of patients achieving a fall in sCTx over the 12-week evaluation period was 26/32 (81 %) with zoledronic acid and 18/29 (62 %) with pamidronate (p = 0.095). Mean decrease in sCTx (mean difference between groups = 50 ng/L, 95 % CI 18-84; p = 0.003) was significantly greater in patients who received zoledronic acid. Quality of life, pain scores, toxicity, and frequency of new SREs were comparable between the two arms. While a switch from pamidronate to zoledronic acid resulted in reduction in mean sCTx, there were no significant differences between the arms for proportion of patients achieving a reduction in sCTx, quality of life, pain scores, toxicity or SREs. Given the lack of palliative improvement, the current data do not support a switching strategy.

VCS parameters of neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes may indicate local bacterial infection in cancer patients who accepted cytotoxic chemotherapeutics

Bacterial infections increased greatly in cancer patients who accepted cytotoxic chemotherapeutics. VCS parameters of neutrophils were reported to be an indicator for acute bacterial infection accompanied by increased WBC counts. Here we explored the possibility of VCS parameters of neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes in indicating the local bacterial infection in cancer patients. A total of 310 cancer patients and 90 healthy controls were retrospectively analyzed, and 190 of them were diagnosed as acute local bacterial infection. The VCS parameters acquired from a Beckman Coulter LH750 haematology analyzer were investigated to determine which VCS parameters could indicate local bacterial infection in cancer patients with leucopenia caused by cytotoxic agents. VCS parameters of cancer patients were significantly affected by infection. For diagnosing bacterial infection of cancer patients, the best single indicator was mean monocyte light scatter (MMS) with a sensitivity of 95.12 % and a specificity of 58.82 % and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.792. A combination of the following five parameters: mean neutrophil volume (MNV), MMS, mean lymphocyte conductivity (MLC), mean lymphocyte light scatter (MLS) and neutrophil volume distribution width (NDW) could provide a better index in diagnosing bacterial infection than any single parameter (sensitivity 75.8 %, specificity 64.72 %, AUC 0.763). Taking WBC counts into consideration, VCS parameters could better indicate bacterial infection for cancer patients with abnormal WBC level than that with normal WBC level. Aside from neutrophils, the VCS of monocytes and lymphocytes were also ideal indicators for bacterial infection. The combination of VCS parameters could increase the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of diagnosis of cancer patients.

Downregulation of miR-320a/383-sponge-like long non-coding RNA NLC1-C (narcolepsy candidate-region 1 genes) is associated with male infertility and promotes testicular embryonal carcinoma cell proliferation

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are extensively transcribed from the genome, have been proposed to be key regulators of diverse biological processes. However, little is known about the role of lncRNAs in regulating spermatogenesis in human males. Here, using microarray technology, we show altered expression of lncRNAs in the testes of infertile men with maturation arrest (MA) or hypospermatogenesis (Hypo), with 757 and 2370 differentially down-regulated and 475 and 163 up-regulated lncRNAs in MA and Hypo, respectively. These findings were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assays on select lncRNAs, including HOTTIP, imsrna320, imsrna292 and NLC1-C (narcolepsy candidate-region 1 genes). Interestingly, NLC1-C, also known as long intergenic non-protein-coding RNA162 (LINC00162), was down-regulated in the cytoplasm and accumulated in the nucleus of spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes in the testes of infertile men with mixed patterns of MA compared with normal control. The accumulation of NLC1-C in the nucleus repressed miR-320a and miR-383 transcript and promoted testicular embryonal carcinoma cell proliferation by binding to Nucleolin. Here, we define a novel mechanism by which lncRNAs modulate miRNA expression at the transcriptional level by binding to RNA-binding proteins to regulate human spermatogenesis.

Molecular identification of Echinococcus granulosus on the Tibetan Plateau using mitochondrial DNA markers

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is an important worldwide zoonotic disease that causes large economic losses and human suffering. Echinococcus granulosus, the causative agent of CE, exhibits different genotypes in different locations. In order to identify its genotypes and analyze its genetic structure on the Tibetan Plateau, we collected 72 hydatid cysts from different intermediate hosts and amplified and sequenced their mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2 (cox2) genes. Seventy isolates were identified as the E. granulosus G1 genotype, while two isolates belonged to the G6 genotype. There were 18 haplotypes among the 70 E. granulosus isolates, which exhibited a star-like network pattern and shared a common haplotype (H1). There was little difference between geographical sub-populations. Our results suggest that a recent E. granulosus population expansion occurred on the Tibetan Plateau, suggesting that E. granulosus was introduced into China. This study increases the basic molecular data needed for the molecular diagnosis, epidemiology, prevention, and control of Echinococcus diseases.

MicroRNA-29a promotes apoptosis of monocytes by targeting STAT3 during sepsis

Sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. The sepsis syndrome results from a dysregulated inflammatory response to infection that leads to multiple-organ failure, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. More and more reports show that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in sepsis. In the progression of this syndrome, cells change their behavior in response to cytokines stimulated by sepsis, such as interleukin-10 (IL-10). IL-10 can activate JAK2-STAT3 in the cells to protect them from damage. miR-29a is a potential miRNA directly targeting STAT3. In this study, we investigate the role of miR-29a in targeting STAT3 during sepsis. When cells were treated with IL-10, STAT3 was activated in monocytes, as determined using western blotting. It was verified that STAT3 was a new target gene of miR-29a. miR-29a could inhibit IL-10-induced cytokine release by targeting JAK-STAT3 in monocytes. In conclusion, this study demonstrates for the first time that miR-29a inhibits STAT3 in human monocytes during sepsis.

Foreign Body Emboli following Cerebrovascular Interventions: Clinical, Radiographic, and Histopathologic Features

Foreign material emboli following cerebral, cardiac, and peripheral catheterizations have been reported since the mid-1990s. Catheter coatings have been frequently implicated. The most recent surge of interest in this phenomenon within the neurointerventional community is associated with procedures using flow-diversion devices for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms. Following coil-supported Pipeline embolization in 4 cases and stent-supported coiling in 1, 5 patients developed multiple subcentimeter enhancing lesions, usually with surrounding edema and variable magnetic susceptibility in the vascular territories of the treated aneurysms. Conventional angiography findings were unrevealing. Laboratory work-up showed mild CSF protein elevation with no leukocytosis. Brain biopsy in 2 cases revealed granulomatous angiitis encasing foreign material, identical in stain appearance to a polyvinylpyrrolidone catheter coating. Corticosteroid administration typically produced clinical improvement. A heterogeneous radiographic and clinical course was noted, with rise and fall in the number of enhancing lesions in 2 patients and persistence in others. The etiology may be related to widespread adoption of increasingly sophisticated catheterization techniques.

Magnetic resonance imaging assessment of the ventricular system in the brains of adult and juvenile beagle dogs treated with posaconazole IV Solution

INTRODUCTION

Noxafil® (posaconazole; POS) is a potent, selective triazole antifungal approved for use in adults as an oral suspension, oral tablet and intravenous (IV) Solution. In support of pediatric administration of POS IV Solution to children<two years of age, a nonclinical study in juvenile pre-weaning Beagle dogs was conducted, which showed enlarged lateral ventricles in the brain at the conclusion of a 6 week dosing period.

METHODS

To evaluate the impact of this finding on older age dogs, which would support administration to children>two years of age, two studies were undertaken using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to monitor brain ventricle size longitudinally during three months administration of POS IV in adult and juvenile dogs. Necropsy was performed on all animals at the end of the studies. From the baseline MRI images, great variability in ventricle size was noted in both the adult and juvenile dogs; these images were used to distribute differently sized ventricles between treatment and vehicle groups as to not skew group means during the course of the study.

RESULTS

POS IV Solution had no effect on ventricle volume at any timepoint during dosing in either the adult or the juvenile dogs. Further, no gross or histomorphologic differences between groups were observed in either study. Compared to juvenile dogs, MRI analysis showed that adult dogs had larger ventricles, lower variability in all ventricle volumes, and a greater rate of increase in total ventricle volume.

DISCUSSION

Information on growth and development of brains is one of the few areas in which more detailed information is available about humans than about the standard laboratory animals used to model disease and predict toxicities. The use of MRI helped elucidate large natural variabilities in the dog brain, which could have altered the interpretation of this de-risking study, and provided a valuable noninvasive means to monitor the brain ventricles longitudinally.