Salsolinol as an RNA m6A methylation inducer mediates dopaminergic neuronal death by regulating YAP1 and autophagy

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202503000-00032/figure1/v/2024-06-17T092413Z/r/image-tiff Salsolinol (1-methyl-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, Sal) is a catechol isoquinoline that causes neurotoxicity and shares structural similarity with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, an environmental toxin that causes Parkinson's disease. However, the mechanism by which Sal mediates dopaminergic neuronal death remains unclear. In this study, we found that Sal significantly enhanced the global level of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation in PC12 cells, mainly by inducing the downregulation of the expression of m6A demethylases fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) and alkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5). RNA sequencing analysis showed that Sal downregulated the Hippo signaling pathway. The m6A reader YTH domain-containing family protein 2 (YTHDF2) promoted the degradation of m6A-containing Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) mRNA, which is a downstream key effector in the Hippo signaling pathway. Additionally, downregulation of YAP1 promoted autophagy, indicating that the mutual regulation between YAP1 and autophagy can lead to neurotoxicity. These findings reveal the role of Sal on m6A RNA methylation and suggest that Sal may act as an RNA methylation inducer mediating dopaminergic neuronal death through YAP1 and autophagy. Our results provide greater insights into the neurotoxic effects of catechol isoquinolines compared with other studies and may be a reference for assessing the involvement of RNA methylation in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease.

Significant response to pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib in Epstein-Barr-virus-associated intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a case report

BACKGROUND

The prognosis for advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is poor, and there remains an urgent need to develop efficient systemic therapy. The efficacy of Pembrolizumab immunotherapy combined with lenvatinibin in iCCA is still unclear. The role of Epstein-Barr-virus (EBV) as a biomarker in iCCA for response to immunotherapy needs further exploration.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of a 60-year-old female with EBV-associated advanced iCCA (EBVaiCCA) who progressed after first-line therapy. She accomplished an available response to the combination therapy of pembrolizumab with lenvatinib, with overall survival of 20 months.

CONCLUSIONS

As far as we know, this is the first case report about the application of Pembrolizumab with lenvatinib for EBVaiCCA patients. This case indicates that the combination of immunotherapy and antiangiogenic therapy provides a glimmer of hope for advanced EBVaiCCA patients.

AIE paper shred for the detection of evolved amine vapor from putrefaction processes of fish

Seafood plays a major role in the human diet. During transportation, without proper storage and supply chain, its quality deteriorates easily. The post-harvesting processes such as the storage of food play a crucial role in human health. So it is highly imperative to have a technique for identifying food spoilage earlier to ensure the food safety and security of the consumers. Herein we have developed a highly selective and sensitive fluorescent 'Turn-on' probe 2-amino-5-nitrobenzo [d] thiazol-2-yl) imino)methylphenol ANT based on aggregation induced emission (AIE). ANT molecule possesses both restricted intramolecular rotation (RIR) and excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) properties leading to fluorescent enhancement rather than aggregation caused quenching (ACQ). The probe shows high selectivity and sensitivity towards the NH3 vapor. This probe with the AIE property is employed for the real-time detection of NH3 in both aqueous and gaseous phases. ANT molecule is deposited on the paper shred by a physical method is utilized to monitor NH3 vapor from red snapper fish as a real-time sample during its degradation processes. After two days there is a ratiometric color change in the paper shred from yellow to orange for the fish stored at room temperature indicating its rotten and unpalatability nature. Paper shred is reused by immersing it into the tetrahydrofuran (THF), in which it retains its initial color due to deprotonation of NH3, keto to enol tautomerism discloses the reusability of the fluorescent probe. Studies carried out using UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy infer that the ANT probe has high affinity towards NH3 vapor.

Molecular mechanism of Wilms tumour 1-associated protein in diabetes-related dry eye disease by mediating m6A methylation modification of lncRNA NEAT1

Background: Dry eye disease (DED) is often secondary to diabetes mellitus (DM).Purpose: This study is to explore the action of Wilms tumor 1-associated protein (WTAP) in DM-DED via lncRNA NEAT1 m6A methylation.Methods: DM-DED mouse models were treated with sh-WTAP/sh-NEAT1, followed by assessment of corneal epithelial damage/histopathological changes. HCE-2 cells were exposed to hyperosmotic conditions to establish in vitro DED models and treated with oe-NEAT1/sh-NEAT1/sh-WTAP/nigericin (an NLRP3 inflammasome inducer). Cell viability/apoptosis were evaluated by CCK-8/TUNEL. Levels of WTAP/NEAT1/inflammatory factors/NLRP3 inflammasome- and apoptosis-related markers were determined. m6A modification was examined by MeRIP-qPCR and NEAT1 stability was also detected.Results: DM-DED mice exhibited up-regulated WTAP/NEAT1 expression and severe corneal damage, whereas WTAP/NEAT1 knockdown alleviated inflammation/corneal damage. In hyperosmolarity-induced HCE-2 cells, NEAT1 aggravated inflammation and apoptosis, while NEAT1 knockdown suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation and ameliorated cell injury. Hyperosmolarity-induced WTAP expression increased m6A modification and NEAT1 mRNA stability. WTAP mediated m6A methylation of NEAT1 and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in DM-DED mice.

Enhancing the bioavailability and activity of natural antioxidants with nanobubbles and nanoparticles

KEY POLICY HIGHLIGHTSNanobubbles and nanoparticles may enhance the polyphenols' bioavailabilityNanobubbles may stimulate the activation of Nrf2 and detox enzymesArmoured oxygen nanobubbles may enhance radiotherapy or chemotherapy effects.

Real-world status, efficacy and prognosis analysis of first-line treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in patients treated at multiple centres

OBJECTIVE

To present the real-world status and explore the predictors of the efficacy and prognosis of first-line treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC).

METHODS

Real-world data of uHCC patients who underwent first-line treatment at 4 hospitals in Northern Anhui, China, from July 2019 to December 2022 were retrospectively collected. The clinicopathological features, haematological indicators, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), efficacy and safety data were analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 153 patients were enrolled and most of them treated with targeted therapy combined with immunotherapy (TI). Compared to patients treated with TI, patients who were administrated with TI plus locoregional therapy (TIL) showed longer median progression-free survival (mPFS) and median overall survival (mOS) times (both p < 0.05), with manageable safety profiles. Moreover, compared to patients with low baseline serum levels of SOD, patients with high baseline serum SOD levels had a better treatment efficacy and had longer mPFS and mOS times (all p < 0.05). Subgroup analyses indicated that patients with low SOD levels had longer mPFS times when receiving TIL than when receiving TI (p = 0.005), but, among patients with high SOD levels, their prognoses were not substantially different between TIL and TI (p > 0.05). Additionally, patients in the low-VEGF-A group had a longer mOS time than patients in the high-VEGF-A group (p = 0.004). In comparison with TI, TIL can improve the survival time among patients with high VEGF-A levels but not among patients with low VEGF-A levels.

CONCLUSIONS

TI was the most commonly first-line systemic therapy for uHCC patients, with better efficacy and outcomes when combined with locoregional therapy in a certain population. Baseline serum SOD and VEGF-A were found to be potential predictive biomarkers for decision-making, treatment response, and outcome in patients with uHCC in the primary care setting.

Long non-coding RNAs: roles in cellular stress responses and epigenetic mechanisms regulating chromatin

Most of the genome is transcribed into RNA but only 2% of the sequence codes for proteins. Non-coding RNA transcripts include a very large number of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). A growing number of identified lncRNAs operate in cellular stress responses, for example in response to hypoxia, genotoxic stress, and oxidative stress. Additionally, lncRNA plays important roles in epigenetic mechanisms operating at chromatin and in maintaining chromatin architecture. Here, we address three lncRNA topics that have had significant recent advances. The first is an emerging role for many lncRNAs in cellular stress responses. The second is the development of high throughput screening assays to develop causal relationships between lncRNAs across the genome with cellular functions. Finally, we turn to recent advances in understanding the role of lncRNAs in regulating chromatin architecture and epigenetics, advances that build on some of the earliest work linking RNA to chromatin architecture.

Transcriptome analysis of human dental pulp cells cultured on a novel cell-adhesive fragment by RNA sequencing

AIM

The aim of the present work was to find an efficient method for safe and reliable expansion of human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) in vitro. Here, we examined the effect of a novel recombinant E8 fragment of Laminin-511 (iMatrix-511) in hDPCs regarding viability and cell spreading. Further, we investigated the underlying mechanisms governing its effects in hDPCs using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq).

METHODOLOGY

hDPCs were obtained from caries-free maxilla third molars (n = 3). CCK-8 assay was conducted to measure the viability of cells cultured on iMatrix-511 and two other ECM proteins. Cell morphology was observed by phase contrast microscope. RNA-seq of hDPCs cultured on iMatrix-511 or noncoated control was performed on Illumina NovaseqTM 6000 platform.

RESULTS

iMatrix-511 (0.5 μg/cm2) enhanced the viability of hDPCs to an extent better than COL-1 and gelatin. Short term culture of hDPCs on iMatrix-511 resulted in 233 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The top 12 most upregulated genes were XIAP, AL354740, MRFAP1, AC012321, KCND3, TMEM120B, AC009812, GET1-SH3BGR, CNTN3, AC090409, GEN1 and PIK3IP1, whereas the top 12 most downregulated genes were SFN, KRT17, RAB4B-EGLN2, CSTA, KCTD11, ATP6V1G2-DDX39B, AC010323, SBSN, LYPD3, FOSB, AC022400 and CHI3L1. qPCR validation confirmed the significant upregulation of GEN1, KCND3, PIK3IP1 and MRFAP1. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed, with genes enriched in various extracellular matrix interaction, estrogen and fat metabolism-related functions and pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

iMatrix-511 facilitated spreading and proliferation of hDPCs. It enhances expression of anti-apoptotic genes, while inhibits expression of epidermis development-related genes.

Babaodan inhibits cell proliferation and metastasis and enhances anti-tumor effects of camrelizumab by inhibiting M2 phenotype macrophages in hepatocellular carcinoma

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Babaodan (BBD) is a unique Chinese medication utilized in traditional Chinese medicine. It can eliminate toxins, induce diuresis, and eliminate yellowish hue. In addition to treating acute and chronic viral hepatitis, cholecystitis, cholangitis, and urinary tract infections, BBD has garnered popularity as a substitution treatment for several malignant cancers, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

AIM OF THE STUDY

To elucidate the efficacy and mechanism of BBD alone and combined with camrelizumab (CLM) for treating HCC.

METHODS

We investigated the effects of BBD on the HCC tumor microenvironment in vivo. Furthermore, we evaluated its effects on tumor growth and metastasis induced by M2 macrophages in vitro.

RESULTS

In a mouse model of orthotopic HCC, BBD decreased tumor growth. Furthermore, it increased the M1/M2 macrophage ratio and CD8+ T-cell abundance in mice. In addition, BBD reversed HCC cell proliferation and metastasis induced by M2 macrophages, increased the anti-HCC effect of low-dose CLM, and attenuated organ damage induced by high-dose CLM. Lastly, BBD enhanced the efficacy of CLM via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

BBD increases the antitumor effect of CLM by modulating the tumor immune microenvironment and attenuating its the toxic side effects of CLM.

Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Liver transplantation (LT) offers the best chance of cure for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as it addresses simultaneously the underlying disease and the tumour. The Milan criteria has been the standard for over 3 decades in selecting patients with HCC who will benefit from LT. While, early studies showed higher recurrence rates for HCC following living donor LT (LDLT), recent series, especially in the past decade have shown LDLT to have equal oncological outcomes as compared to deceased donor LT (DDLT) for HCC, even in patients beyond Milan criteria. Further, the intention to treat analysis data suggests that LDLT may actually provide a survival advantage. In the west, factors such as improved outcomes on par with DDLT, ability to time the LT etc., have led to a steadily increased number of LDLTs being performed for this indication. On the other hand, in the east, given its geo-socio-cultural idiosyncrasies, LDLT has always been the predominant form of LT for HCC, consequently resulting in an increased number of LDLTs being performed for this indication across the world. While LDLT in HCC has its distinctive advantages compared to DDLT, the double equipoise of balancing the donor risk with the recipient outcomes has to be considered while selecting patients for LDLT. There have been several advances including the application of downstaging therapies and the use of biological markers, which have further helped improve outcomes of LDLT for this indication. This review aims to provide an update on the current advances in the field of transplant oncology related to the practice of LDLT in HCC.

Tao-Hong-Si-Wu-Tang improves thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis by reversing ACSL4-mediated lipid accumulation and promoting mitophagy

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Liver fibrosis is a generic fibrous scarring event resulting from accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, easily progressing to end-stage liver diseases. Tao-Hong-Si-Wu-Tang (THSWT) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula applied in clinics to treat gynecological and chronic liver diseases. However, the role of THSWT on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic fibrosis and the specific mechanisms remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the improving effects of THSWT on TAA-insulted hepatic fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

UHPLC-MS/MS was performed to explore the chemical characterization of THSWT. Mice were orally administered with THSWT once daily for 6 weeks along with TAA challenge. Liver function was reflected through serum biomarkers and histopathological staining. RNA sequencing, non-targeted metabolomics and molecular biology experiments were applied to investigate the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

THSWT profoundly repaired lipid metabolism dysfunction and blocked collagen accumulation both in TAA-stimulated mice and in hepatocytes. Results of RNA sequencing and non-targeted metabolomics revealed that the anti-fibrotic effects of THSWT mostly relied on lipid metabolism repairment by increasing levels of acetyl-CoA, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, lysophosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylethanolamine, and decreasing relative abundances of acyl-CoA, total cholesterol, diacylglycerol, triacylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol. Mechanically, long-chain acyl-CoA synthetases 4 (ACSL4) was a key profibrotic target both in human and mice by disrupting lipid oxidation and metabolism in hepatic mitochondria. THSWT effectively blocked ACSL4 and promoted mitophagy to reverse above outcomes, which was verified by mitophagy depletion.

CONCLUSION

THSWT may be a promising therapeutic option for treating hepatic fibrosis and its complications by modulating lipid metabolism and promoting mitophagy in livers.

Transcription factor ETS1‑mediated ECT2 expression promotes the malignant behavior of prostate cancer cells

Prostate cancer remains the most prevalent malignancy diagnosed in men worldwide. Epithelial cell transforming sequence 2 (ECT2) is an oncogene involved in the progression of human tumors. The present study aimed to explore the involvement of ECT2 in prostate cancer and its participation in the malignant progression of prostate cancer. ECT2 expression in prostate cancer cell lines was examined via reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting. The effects of knockdown of ECT2 expression in PC-3 cells on cellular biological behaviors, including proliferation, migration and invasion, were examined using Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, wound healing and Transwell assays. The glycolysis level was determined based on the lactate release, glucose uptake, oxygen consumption rate and extracellular acidification rate. The binding relationship between ECT2 and ETS1 was verified using luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. The results indicated that ECT2 was highly expressed in prostate cancer cell lines. Knockdown of ECT2 expression could inhibit cell proliferation, migration, invasion and glycolysis. In addition, the transcription factor ETS1 could directly bind to the ECT2 promoter and positively regulate ECT2 expression. These data were combined with the results of rescue experiments and demonstrated that the inhibitory effects of the knockdown of ECT2 expression on the malignant behavior and glycolysis of prostate cancer cells were partially reversed by ETS1 overexpression. In conclusion, ETS1 induced transcriptional upregulation of ECT2 and enhanced the malignant biological behaviors of prostate cancer cells, thereby promoting the progression of prostate cancer. This evidence provides a theoretical basis for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Surface energy-induced anti-wetting and anti-fouling enhancement of Janus membrane for membrane distillation

Membrane distillation (MD) presents a promising alternative to conventional desalination systems, particularly for the treatment of hypersaline wastewater. However, the large-scale application of MD is hindered by challenges such as membrane wetting, membrane fouling, and low permeate flux. Herein, we proposed an air/liquid interface deposition method to fabricate a Janus membrane, termed the PVDF-PDA/PEI-Si membrane. The membrane featured a nanosieving, superhydrophilic polydopamine/polyethylenimine (PDA/PEI) layer decorated with silica nanoparticles, coupled with a microporous, hydrophobic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) layer. The introduction of a dense PDA/PEI-Si layer featuring high surface energy significantly enhanced the wetting and fouling resistance of the membrane, with a minor effect on the permeate flux. The performance enhancement was particularly evident when hypersaline water containing sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and oily contaminants was used as the feed. The interactions between the membrane and contaminants were calculated using the XDLVO theory and molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the enhanced anti-wetting and anti-fouling properties, respectively. According to the XDLVO theory, a large energy barrier must be overcome for the SDS to attach onto the PDA/PEI-Si surface. Meanwhile, molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the weak interaction energy between the oily foulants and the PVDF-PDA/PEI-Si membrane due to its high surface energy. This study presents a promising approach for the fabrication of high-performance MD membranes and provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying the enhanced anti-wetting and anti-fouling properties.

N6-methyladenosine dynamics in placental development and trophoblast functions, and its potential role in placental diseases

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant modification controlling RNA metabolism and cellular functions, but its roles in placental development are still poorly understood. Here, we characterized the synchronization of m6A modifications and placental functions by mapping the m6A methylome in human placentas (n = 3, each trimester), revealing that the dynamic patterns of m6A were associated with gene expression homeostasis and different biological pathways in placental development. Then, we generated trophoblast-specific knockout mice of Wtap, a critical component of methyltransferase complex, and demonstrated that Wtap was essential for trophoblast proliferation, placentation and perinatal growth. Further in vitro experiments which includes cell viability assays and series molecular binding assays demonstrated that WTAP-m6A-IGF2BP3 axis regulated the RNA stability and translation of Anillin (ANLN) and VEGFA, promoting trophoblast proliferation and secretion. Dysregulation of this regulatory axis was observed in placentas from pregnancies with fetal growth restriction (FGR) or preeclampsia, revealing the pathogenic effects of imbalanced m6A modifications. Therefore, our findings provide novel insights into the functions and regulatory mechanisms of m6A modifications in placental development and placental-related gestational diseases.

ALKBH5 deficiency attenuates oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced injury in mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells in an m6A dependent manner

Structural and functional alterations in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) caused by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) are involved in the pathogenesis of various brain disorders. AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5) is a primary m6A demethylase that regulates various cell processes, but its distinct roles in BMEC function remain to be clarified. In the present study, in mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model, knockout of ALKBH5 reduced neurological deficits, infarct volumes and tissue apoptosis caused by ischemia/reperfusion injury. Evans blue leakage and decreased expression of the tight junction protein ZO-1 and Occludin were also attenuated by ALKBH5 knockout. During the exploration of the underlying mechanisms of the role of ALKBH5 in BMECs, we found that the expression of ALKBH5 was induced at both the mRNA and protein levels by hypoxia; however, its protein stability was impaired by OGD treatment. Knockdown of ALKBH5 expression increased total m6A levels and alleviated OGD-induced BMEC injury. At the same time, the selective ALKBH5 inhibitor Cpd 20m also exhibited a protective effect on cell injury. In contrast, overexpression of ALKBH5 increased the sensitivity of BMECs to OGD. Interestingly, the m6A sequencing data revealed that knockdown of ALKBH5altered the expression of many genes via m6A upregulation. The gene expression alterations were verified by real-time PCR. Taken together, our results suggest that ALKBH5, as well as its target genes, plays important roles in the regulation of brain microvascular endothelial cell function through its RNA demethylase activity.

Efficient preparation of anisotropic cellulose sponge from cotton stalks: An excellent material for separation applications

Water pollution and solid waste resource reuse demand immediate attention and research. Here, we present a method to create anisotropic cellulose sponges from cotton stalk waste. Using the inherent structure of cotton stalks, we selectively remove lignin and hemicellulose via acid and alkali pretreatment. This process yields cellulose sponges with a natural pore structure. Our findings demonstrate that these sponges retain the original pore configuration of cotton stalks, providing excellent connectivity and compressibility due to their unique anisotropic three-dimensional structure. Moreover, these sponges exhibit exceptional super-hydrophilic and underwater super-oleophobic properties, with underwater oil contact angles exceeding 150° for all tested oils. External pressure can reduce the pore size of the cellulose sponge, facilitating the gravity-driven separation and removal of dyes and emulsions. Remarkably, removal efficiencies for Methylene Blue (MB), Congo Red (CR), water-in-oil (w/o) emulsions, and oil-in-water (o/w) emulsions exceed 99 %, 97 %, 99 %, and 99 %, respectively, highlighting superior removal and recyclability. Further investigation into the mechanisms of dye and emulsion removal employs X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterization and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. These insights lay the groundwork for the efficient recycling and resource utilization of waste cotton stalks, offering promising applications in water purification.

The hsa_circ_0002371/hsa-miR-502-5p/ATG16L1 axis modulates the survival of intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis and autophagy in macrophages

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a critical role in pathological mechanisms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and can be used as a new biomarker for active tuberculosis (ATB) diagnosis. Therefore, we identified significantly dysregulated circRNAs in ATB patients and healthy controls (HC) and explored their molecular mechanism. We found that hsa_circ_0002371 was significantly up-regulated in PBMCs of ATB patients and Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv- or Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG)-infected THP-1 cells. Functional experiments demonstrated that hsa_circ_0002371 inhibited autophagy in BCG-infected THP-1 cells and promoted intracellular BCG survival rate. In terms of mechanism, hsa_circ_0002371 facilitated the expression of hsa-miR-502-5p, as shown by bioinformatics and dual-luciferase reporter gene analysis, respectively. Notably, hsa-miR-502-5p inhibited autophagy via suppressing autophagy related 16 like 1 (ATG16L1) in BCG-infected macrophages and thus promoting intracellular BCG growth. In summation, hsa_circ_0002371 increased the suppression of hsa-miR-502-5p on ATG16L1 and inhibited autophagy to promote Mtb growth in macrophages. In Conclusion, our data suggested that hsa_circ_0002371 was significantly up-regulated in the PBMCs of ATB patients compared with HC. The hsa_circ_0002371/hsa-miR-502-5p/ATG16L1 axis promoted the survival of intracellular Mtb and inhibited autophagy in macrophages. Our findings suggested hsa_circ_0002371 could act as a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target.

Ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma: from bench to bedside

The most widespread type of liver cancer, HCC, is associated with disabled cellular death pathways. Despite therapeutic advancements, resistance to current systemic treatments (including sorafenib) compromises the prognosis of patients with HCC, driving the search for agents that might target novel cell death pathways. Ferroptosis, a form of iron-mediated nonapoptotic cell death, has gained considerable attention as a potential target for cancer therapy, especially in HCC. The role of ferroptosis in HCC is complex and diverse. On one hand, ferroptosis can contribute to the progression of HCC through its involvement in both acute and chronic liver conditions. In contrast, having ferroptosis affect HCC cells might be desirable. This review examines the role of ferroptosis in HCC from cellular, animal, and human perspectives while examining its mechanisms, regulation, biomarkers, and clinical implications.

The cumulative antitumor effects of regorafenib and radiotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma

Regorafenib is a second-line standard treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the efficacy of regorafenib is often limited due to drug resistance, individual differences among patients, and irrational drug use. Radiotherapy (RT) is an important method of localized HCC treatment, and combining RT with other therapies may exert a synergetic antitumor effect. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-like (PDGFRL) is a tumor suppressor in various solid tumors. However, the function of PDGFRL in HCC is still unknown. In this study, we explored whether regorafenib and RT exert a synergetic effect on the treatment of HCC. The antitumor effect and mechanisms of the combination of regorafenib and RT were verified in a xenograft mouse model in vivo and in HCC cells in vitro. The combination treatment significantly inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. PDGFRL, a potential target of regorafenib, was increased after cumulative treatment in HCC cells, and PDGFRL suppressed HCC cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis by inhibiting STAT3 pathway activation. Furthermore, the cumulative antitumor effect was dependent on the upregulated expression of PDGFRL and inhibition of STAT3 signaling pathway activation in HCC cells. This study increased the understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the effect of regorafenib plus RT on HCC and provided a theoretical basis for the clinical practice of HCC.

An inflammatory liquid fingerprint predicting tumor recurrence after liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma

Tumor recurrence is a life-threatening complication after liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Precise recurrence risk stratification before transplantation is essential for the management of recipients. Here, we aimed to establish an inflammation-related prediction model for posttransplant HCC recurrence based on pretransplant peripheral cytokine profiling. Two hundred and ninety-three patients who underwent LT in two independent medical centers were enrolled, and their pretransplant plasma samples were sent for cytokine profiling. We identified four independent risk factors, including alpha-fetoprotein, systemic immune-inflammation index, interleukin 6, and osteocalcin in the training cohort (n = 190) by COX regression analysis. A prediction model named inflammatory fingerprint (IFP) was established based on the above factors. The IFP effectively predicted posttransplant recurrence (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC]: 0.792, C-index: 0.736). The high IFP group recipients had significantly worse 3-year recurrence-free survival rates (37.9 vs. 86.9%, p < 0.001). Simultaneous T-cell profiling revealed that recipients with high IFP were characterized by impaired T cell function. The IFP also performed well in the validation cohort (n = 103, AUROC: 0.807, C-index: 0.681). In conclusion, the IFP efficiently predicted posttransplant HCC recurrence and helped to refine pretransplant risk stratification. Impaired T cell function might be the intrinsic mechanism for the high recurrence risk of recipients in the high IFP group.

Non-coding RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis: Remarkable indicators and potential oncogenic mechanism

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), as key regulators involving in intercellular biological processes, are more prominent in many malignancies, especially for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, we conduct a comprehensive review to summarize diverse ncRNAs roles in HCC metastatic mechanism. We focus on four signaling pathways that predominate in HCC metastatic process, including Wnt/β-catenin, HIF-1α, IL-6, and TGF-β pathways. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) employed different mechanisms to participate in the regulation of the key genes in these pathways, typical as interaction with DNA to control transcription, with RNA to control translation, and with protein to control stability. Therefore, ncRNAs may become potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC metastasis.

Inhibition of KIAA1429/HK1 axis enhances the sensitivity of liver cancer cells to sorafenib by regulating the Warburg effect

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) serves as the most abundant posttranscription modification. However, the role of m6A in tumorigenesis and chemotherapeutic drugs sensitivity remains largely unclear. Present research focuses on the potential function of the m6A writer KIAA1429 in tumor development and sorafenib sensitivity in liver cancer. We found that the level of KIAA1429 was significantly elevated in liver cancer tissues and cells and was closely associated with poorer prognosis. Functionally, KIAA1429 promoted the proliferation and Warburg effect of liver cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. RNA-seq and MeRIP-seq analysis revealed the glycolysis was one of the most affected pathways by KIAA1429, and m6A-modified HK1 was the most likely targeted gene to regulate the Warburg effect. KIAA1429 depletion decreased Warburg effect and increased sorafenib sensitivity in liver cancer. Mechanistically, KIAA1429 could affect the m6A level of HK1 mRNA through directly binding with it. Moreover, KIAA1429 cooperated with the m6A reader HuR to enhance HK1 mRNA stability, thereby upregulating its expression. These findings demonstrated that KIAA1429/HK1 axis decreases the sensitivity of liver cancer cells to sorafenib by regulating the Warburg effect, which may provide a novel therapeutic target for liver cancer treatment.

Targeting YTHDF2 inhibits tumorigenesis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma through ACER2-mediated ceramide catabolism

INTRODUCTION

Epigenetic alterations play crucial roles in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Disturbances in lipid metabolism contribute to tumor progression. However, studies in epigenetics, especially its critical regulator YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 2 (YTHDF2), on lipid metabolism regulation in DLBCL are unidentified.

OBJECTIVES

Elucidate the prognostic value and biological functions of YTHDF2 in DLBCL and illuminate the underlying epigenetic regulation mechanism of lipid metabolism by YTHDF2 in DLBCL development.

METHODS

The expression and clinical value of YTHDF2 in DLBCL were performed in public databases and clinical specimens. The biological functions of YTHDF2 in DLBCL were determined in vivo and in vitro through overexpression and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of YTHDF2. RNA sequencing, lipidomics, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR, luciferase activity assay, and RNA stability experiments were used to explore the potential mechanism by which YTHDF2 contributed to DLBCL progression.

RESULTS

YTHDF2 was highly expressed in DLBCL, and related to poor prognosis. YTHDF2 overexpression exerted a tumor-promoting effect in DLBCL, and knockdown of YTHDF2 restricted DLBCL cell proliferation, arrested cell cycle in the G2/M phase, facilitated apoptosis, and enhanced drug sensitivity to ibrutinib and venetoclax. In addition, YTHDF2 knockout drastically suppressed tumor growth in xenograft DLBCL models. Furthermore, a regulatory role of YTHDF2 in ceramide metabolism was identified in DLBCL cells. Exogenous ceramide effectively inhibited the malignant phenotype of DLBCL cells in vitro. The binding of YTHDF2 to m6A sites on alkaline ceramidase 2 (ACER2) mRNA promoted its stability and expression. Enhanced ACER2 expression hydrolyzed ceramides, disrupting the balance between ceramide and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), activating the ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways, and leading to DLBCL tumorigenesis.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that YTHDF2 contributed to the progression of DLBCL by regulating ACER2-mediated ceramide metabolism in an m6A-dependent manner, providing novel insights into targeted therapies.

Apoptosis Signal-Regulated Kinase-1 Promotes Nucleus Pulposus Cell Senescence and Apoptosis to Regulate Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

This study investigated the role of apoptosis signal-regulated kinase-1 (ASK1) in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). The nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues of non-IDD and IDD patients were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin, Safranin O-fast green, and immunohistochemical staining. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to assess the ASK1 mRNA level within NP tissue samples and cells. The Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining, and flow cytometry were conducted to assess the viability, senescence, and apoptosis of NP cells, respectively. Extracellular matrix-related factors were detected using Western blot analysis. Furthermore, the effect of ASK1 on the IDD rat model was evaluated. Finally, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitors were used to verify the effect of the JNK/p38 signaling on IDD. ASK1 mRNA and protein were up-regulated within NP tissue samples from the IDD group, IL-1β-stimulated NP cells, and IDD rats. ASK1 inhibition promoted cell viability and repressed the senescence and apoptosis of NP cells, promoted collagen II and aggrecan, inhibited matrix metalloproteinase 3/9 and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4/5 protein levels, and increased NP cells in rat intervertebral disc tissues. ASK1 overexpression exerted the opposite effects of ASK1 inhibition on NP cells. Additionally, JNK/p38 signaling suppression could reverse the ASK1 up-regulation-induced dysfunction. In conclusion, ASK1 facilitated the senescence and apoptosis of NP cells in promoting IDD progression via the JNK/p38 pathway.

Functions and mechanisms of RNA m6A regulators in breast cancer (Review)

Breast cancer (BC) is a major malignant tumor in females and the incidence rate of BC has increased worldwide in recent years. N6‑methyladenosine (m6A) is a methylation modification that occurs extensively in eukaryotic RNA. The abnormal expression of m6A and related regulatory proteins can activate or inhibit certain signal pathways or oncogenes, thus affecting the proliferation, metastasis and prognosis of BC. Numerous studies have shown that m6A regulator disorder exists in BC, and this disorder can be reversed. Therefore, m6A is predicted as a potential therapeutic target for BC. However, the molecular mechanism of m6A RNA methylation regulating the occurrence and development of BC has not been comprehensively elucidated. In this review article, the functions of various m6A regulators and the specific mechanisms of certain regulators of the progress of BC were summarized. Furthermore, the dual role of RNA methylation in tumor progression was discussed, concluding that RNA methylation can not only lead to tumorigenesis but at times give rise to inhibition of tumor formation. In addition, further comprehensive analysis on mechanisms of m6A regulators in BC is conducive to screening effective potential targets and formulating targeted treatment strategies, which will provide new methods for the prevention and treatment of BC.

CircPGM5 regulates Foxo3a phosphorylation via MiR-21-5p/MAPK10 axis to inhibit bladder cancer progression

Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors worldwide, and the incidence is especially higher in males. Extensive evidence has demonstrated the pivotal role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in BC progression. However, the exact regulatory mechanism of circRNAs in BC remains incompletely elucidated and warrants further exploration. This study screened a novel circRNA-circPGM5 from thousands of circRNAs by high-throughput sequencing. We found that circPGM5, originating from the PGM5 gene, was significantly lower expressed in BC tissues. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) verified that circPGM5 showed relatively low expression in 50 pairs of BC tissues and EJ and T24 cells. Notably, circPGM5 expression was correlated with stage, grade, and lymphatic metastasis of BC. Through RNA-FISH assay, we confirmed that circPGM5 predominantly localized in the cytoplasm. Functionally, overexpression of circPGM5 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of BC cells in vitro. Remarkably, circPGM5 demonstrated markedly significant tumor growth and metastasis suppression in vivo. Mechanistically, we discovered that circPGM5 upregulated the mitogen-activated protein kinase 10 (MAPK10) expression by influencing the oncogenic miR-21-5p activity through miR-21-5p absorption. This modulation of MAPK10 impacted the phosphorylation of the tumor suppressor Foxo3a in BC. In conclusion, our findings uncovered the tumor-suppressing role of circPGM5 in BC via the miR-21-5p/MAPK10/Foxo3a axis.

Catalase immobilization: Current knowledge, key insights, applications, and future prospects - A review

Catalase (CAT), a ubiquitous enzyme in all oxygen-exposed organisms, effectively decomposes hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a harmful by-product, into water and oxygen, mitigating oxidative stress and cellular damage, safeguarding cellular organelles and tissues. Therefore, CAT plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and function. Owing to its pivotal role, CAT has garnered considerable interest. However, many challenges arise when used, especially in multiple practical processes. "Immobilization", a widely-used technique, can help improve enzyme properties. CAT immobilization offers numerous advantages, including enhanced stability, reusability, and facilitated downstream processing. This review presents a comprehensive overview of CAT immobilization. It starts with discussing various immobilization mechanisms, support materials, advantages, drawbacks, and factors influencing the performance of immobilized CAT. Moreover, the review explores the application of the immobilized CAT in various industries and its prospects, highlighting its essential role in diverse fields and stimulating further research and investigation. Furthermore, the review highlights some of the world's leading companies in the field of the CAT industry and their substantial potential for economic contribution. This review aims to serve as a discerning, source of information for researchers seeking a comprehensive cutting-edge overview of this rapidly evolving field and have been overwhelmed by the size of publications.

Causal relationship between worry, tension, insomnia, sensitivity to environmental stress and adversity, and erectile dysfunction: a study using Mendelian randomization

BACKGROUND

This study aims to investigate the causal relationship between erectile dysfunction (ED) and psychological states including worry, tension, insomnia, sensitivity to environmental stress and adversity (SESA).

METHOD

This study the used two-sample bi-directional Mendelian randomization (MR) method. The study data was obtained from a pooled dataset of genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The bi-directional MR analysis was performed using inverse variance weighting, weighted median method, and MR-Egger regression analysis to assess the causality between ED and psychological states including worry, tension, insomnia, SESA in terms of odd ratios (OR). The study tested for heterogeneity using the Cochran Q method and for multiple validity using the MR-Egger and MR-PRESSO methods.

RESULTS

In forward MR analysis correlating worry, tension, insomnia, and SESA as exposures, no causal relationship was found between worry or tension and ED (p < 0.05). However, insomnia (p = 0.001, OR = 3.441, 95%CI = 1.593-7.435) and SESA (p = 0.004, OR = 1.804, 95%CI = 1.203-2.701) were found to have a significant causal effect on ED risk. The reverse MR analysis with ED as the exposure did not show any significant correlation (all p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Individuals with insomnia and SESA are at higher risk for developing ED. Clinical evaluation should be more thorough for these individuals. Insomnia can be treated simultaneously with psychological counseling to reduce the risk of ED. In addition, there is no evidence to suggest that worry and tension increase the risk of ED.

HuR facilitates miR-93-5p-induced activation of MAP3K2 translation via MAP3K2 3'UTR ARE2 in hepatocellular carcinoma

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can positively regulate gene expression through an unconventional RNA activation mechanism involving direct targeting 3' untranslated regions (UTRs). Our prior study found miR-93-5p activates mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 2 (MAP3K2) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) via its 3'UTR. However, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we identified two candidate AU-rich element (ARE) motifs (ARE1 and ARE2) adjacent to the miR-93-5p binding site located within the MAP3K2 3'UTR using AREsite2. Luciferase reporter and translation assays validated that only ARE2 participated in MAP3K2 activation. Integrative analysis revealed that human antigen R (HuR), an ARE2-associated RNA-binding protein (RBP), physically and functionally interacted with the MAP3K2 3'UTR. Consequently, an HuR-ARE2 complex was shown to facilitate miR-93-5p-mediated upregulation of MAP3K2 expression. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis and studies of HCC cells and specimens highlighted an oncogenic role for HuR and positive HuR-MAP3K2 expression correlation. HuR is also an enhancing factor in the positive feedback circuit comprising miR-93-5p, MAP3K2, and c-Jun demonstrated in our prior study. The newly identified HuR-ARE2 involvement enriches the mechanism of miR-93-5p-driven MAP3K2 activation and suggests new therapeutic strategies warranted for exploration in HCC.

Insights into the m6A demethylases FTO and ALKBH5 : structural, biological function, and inhibitor development

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is dynamically regulated by methyltransferases (termed "writers") and demethylases (referred to as "erasers"), facilitating a reversible modulation. Changes in m6A levels significantly influence cellular functions, such as RNA export from the nucleus, mRNA metabolism, protein synthesis, and RNA splicing. They are intricately associated with a spectrum of pathologies. Moreover, dysregulation of m6A modulation has emerged as a promising therapeutic target across many diseases. m6A plays a pivotal role in controlling vital downstream molecules and critical biological pathways, contributing to the pathogenesis and evolution of numerous conditions. This review provides an overview of m6A demethylases, explicitly detailing the structural and functional characteristics of FTO and ALKBH5. Additionally, we explore their distinct involvement in various diseases, examine factors regulating their expression, and discuss the progress in inhibitor development.

Myosteatosis and muscle loss impact liver transplant outcomes in male patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is associated with unfavourable long-term survival in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the impact of myosteatosis and muscle loss on patient prognosis has not been investigated.

METHODS

Seven hundred fifty-six HCC patients who received LT at 3 transplant centres were included. Computed tomography (CT) images of recipients were collected to measure skeletal muscle index (SMI) and skeletal muscle radiodensity (SMRA). The impact of myosteatosis on the prognosis of sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic patients was studied separately. Muscle status was evaluated based on the presence of sarcopenia and myosteatosis. The muscle loss of 342 males was calculated as the relative change of SMI between pre- and post-LT evaluations. Cox regression models were used to identify predictors of overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS).

RESULTS

The study comprised 673 males and 83 females. The median follow-up time was 31 months (interquartile range, 19-43 months). Prior to LT, 267 (39.7%) and 187 (27.8%) males were defined as sarcopenic (low-SMI) and myosteatotic (low-SMRA), respectively. For sarcopenic recipients, the presence of myosteatosis was followed by a 23.6% decrease in 5 year OS (P < 0.001) and a 15.0% decrease in 5 year RFS (P = 0.014). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that muscle status was an independent predictor of OS [hazard ratio (HR), 1.569; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.317-1.869; P < 0.001] and RFS (HR, 1.369; 95% CI, 1.182-1.586; P < 0.001). Postoperatively, a muscle loss >14.2% was an independent risk factor for poor OS (HR, 2.286; 95% CI, 1.358-3.849; P = 0.002) and RFS (HR, 2.219; 95% CI, 1.418-3.471; P < 0.001) in non-sarcopenic recipients (N = 209).

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-transplant myosteatosis aggravated the adverse impact of sarcopenia on liver transplant outcomes in male HCC patients. Post-transplant muscle loss might assist in prognostic stratification of recipients without pre-existing sarcopenia, intriguing new insights into individualized management.

Assembled Wood-Polyester Fabric-Hydrogel Janus Evaporator for Sustainable Seawater Desalination

Solar-driven interfacial evaporation technology is a novel and efficient desalination process that helps alleviate the global shortage of freshwater resources. We developed a Janus evaporator assembled from cotton hydrogel, hydrophilic polyester fabric (PF), and Hydrophobic Wood (PW). By doping graphene oxide and TiO2 as light-absorbing materials within the hydrogel, we achieved a high absorptivity of over 90% across the entire solar spectrum. The hydrophilically modified PF, combined with the PW substrate, provided robust water transport and reduced thermal losses. Subsequent optical path simulations using TracePro74 software verified that the sawtooth light-trapping design of the wood substrate increased multiple light reflections and absorption (compared to a flat structure), enhancing light absorption capabilities. The sawtooth interface also enlarged the evaporation area, further boosting evaporation performance. The cleverly designed evaporator exhibited an evaporation rate of 1.722 kg m-2 h-1 and an efficiency of 83.1% under 1 sun irradiation. Additionally, after applying polydimethylsiloxane to the single surface of the photothermal hydrogel for low surface energy treatment, the resulting Janus structure demonstrated asymmetric wettability that prevented salt ions from accumulating on the irradiated interface. After 8 h of continuous evaporation in saline water (10 wt %), only slight salt crystallization occurred at the edges. The evaporator maintained long-term stability during a 15 day cyclic test, and the produced freshwater fully met the relevant drinking water standards. The components of the evaporator are characterized by simple fabrication, low cost, and eco-friendliness, offering significant application potential in the global context of energy conservation and emission reduction initiatives.

Single-cell transcriptomics reveal the microenvironment landscape of perfluorooctane sulfonate-induced liver injury in female mice

Epidemic and animal studies have reported that perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are strongly associated with liver injury; however, to date, the effects of PFASs on the hepatic microenvironment remain largely unknown. In this study, we established perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)-induced liver injury models by providing male and female C57BL/6 mice with water containing PFOS at varying doses for 4 weeks. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed that PFOS induced liver injury in both sexes. Elevated levels of serum aminotransferases including those of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase were detected in the serum of mice treated with PFOS. Female mice exhibited more severe liver injury than male mice. We collected the livers from female mice and performed single-cell RNA sequencing. In total, 36,529 cells were included and grouped into 10 major cell types: B cells, granulocytes, T cells, NK cells, monocytes, dendritic cells, macrophages, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and hepatocytes. Osteoclast differentiation was upregulated and the T cell receptor signaling pathway was significantly downregulated in PFOS-treated livers. Further analyses revealed that among immune cell clusters in PFOS-treated livers, Tcf7+CD4+T cells were predominantly downregulated, whereas conventional dendritic cells and macrophages were upregulated. Among the fibroblast subpopulations, hepatic stellate cells were significantly enriched in PFOS-treated female mice. CellphoneDB analysis suggested that fibroblasts interact closely with endothelial cells. The major ligand-receptor pairs between fibroblasts and endothelial cells in PFOS-treated livers were Dpp4_Cxcl12, Ackr3_Cxcl12, and Flt1_complex_Vegfa. These genes are associated with directing cell migration and angiogenesis. Our study provides a general framework for understanding the microenvironment in the livers of female mice exposed to PFOS at the single-cell level.

Independent risk factor of drug eruption in immune checkpoint inhibitors treated liver cancer patients: high systemic immune-inflammation index

PURPOSE

The clinical application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has significantly improved the prognosis of liver cancer patients. However, drug eruption associated with ICI monotherapy or combination therapy not only impacts the quality of life and treatment progress of liver cancer patients but also poses a potential threat to their lives. The study aims to investigate the risk factors of drug eruption in liver cancer patients undergoing ICIs in real-world settings.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected data from liver cancer patients who underwent ICI therapies at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between 2021 and 2022. A propensity score matching (PSM) method was employed to match 31 liver cancer patients with ICI-related drug eruption (drug eruption group) to 228 liver cancer patients without immune-related adverse reactions (control group) in a 1:2 ratio, creating two groups of patients with comparable baseline characteristics. Subsequently, logistic regression analysis was then conducted to analyze the clinical risk factors associated with drug eruption caused by ICIs.

RESULTS

Before PSM, there were statistically significant differences between the drug eruption group (31 cases) and the control group (228 cases) in two variables: Child-Pugh liver function classification and presence of vascular invasion (both p < 0.05). However, after PSM, no statistically significant differences were found in the clinical variables between the drug eruption group (28 cases) and the control group (52 cases). Univariate analysis revealed significantly higher levels of aspartate amino-transferase, alanine aminotransferase, glutamyl transpeptidase, and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and a significantly lower rate of liver cancer resection surgery before immunotherapy in liver cancer patients with drug eruption compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that an elevated SII level before immunotherapy was significantly associated with the occurrence of drug eruption in liver cancer patients treated with ICIs (p < 0.05). The predictive performance of SII before immunotherapy in liver cancer patients for ICI-related drug eruption yielded an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.852, with a critical value of 749.189. Sensitivity and specificity were determined as 85.7% and 75%, respectively (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated systemic immune-inflammation index is identified as a risk factor for drug eruption occurrence in liver cancer patients treated with ICI therapies.

Complicated role of ALKBH5 in gastrointestinal cancer: an updated review

Gastrointestinal cancer is the most common malignancy in humans, often accompanied by poor prognosis. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is widely present in eukaryotic cells as the most abundant RNA modification. It plays a crucial role in RNA splicing and processing, nuclear export, translation, and stability. Human AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5) is a type of RNA demethylase exhibiting abnormal expression in various gastrointestinal cancers.It is closely related to the tumorigenesis, proliferation, migration, and other biological functions of gastrointestinal cancer. However, recent studies indicated that the role and mechanism of ALKBH5 in gastrointestinal cancer are complicated and even controversial. Thus, this review summarizes recent advances in elucidating the role of ALKBH5 as a tumor suppressor or promoter in gastrointestinal cancer. It examines the biological functions of ALKBH5 and its potential as a therapeutic target, providing new perspectives and insights for gastrointestinal cancer research.

Chitinase-3 like-protein-1, a prognostic biomarker in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and concomitant myosteatosis

BACKGROUND

Chitinase-3 like-protein-1 (CHI3L1) is a member of the mammalian chitinase-like proteins and elevated serum CHI3L1 level has been proved to be associated with poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum CHI3L1 levels and body composition parameters in patients with HCC after liver transplantation (LT).

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled 200 patients after LT for HCC. Blood samples were collected and serum concentrations of CHI3L1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Computer tomography (CT) were used to estimate skeletal muscle and adipose tissue mass. Spearman's rank correlation test was performed to assess associations between serum CHI3L1 levels and these body composition parameters. A Cox proportional-hazards regression model was performed to identify independent prognostic factors. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) curves were constructed using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test.

RESULTS

Total 71 patients (35.5%) were diagnosed with myosteatosis according to skeletal muscle radiation attenuation (SMRA). The 5-year OS rates were 66.9% in non-myosteatosis group, significantly higher than 49.5% in myosteatosis group (p = 0.025), while the RFS of myosteatosis group (5-year RFS: 52.6%) or non-myosteatosis group (5-year RFS: 42.0%) shown no significant difference (p = 0.068). The serum CHI3L1 level were significantly negative correlated with SMRA (r = -0.3, p < 0.001). Interestingly, in patients with myosteatosis, Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that elevated serum CHI3L1 levels were associated with worse OS (p < 0.001) and RFS (p = 0.047). However, in patients without myosteatosis, Kaplan-Meier analysis found elevated serum CHI3L1 levels were not associated with OS (p = 0.070) or RFS (p = 0.104).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated CHI3L1 was negatively correlated with SMRA, and predicted poorer prognosis in Chinese population after LT for HCC, especially in those patients with concomitant myosteatosis. Monitoring serum CHI3L1 can predict prognosis and effectively guide individual nutrition intervention.

Artificial intelligence-based model for the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Artificial intelligence-based models might improve patient selection for liver transplantation in hepatocellular carcinoma. The objective of the current study was to develop artificial intelligence-based deep learning models and determine the risk of recurrence after living donor liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODS

The study was a single-center retrospective cohort study. Patients who underwent living donor liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma were divided into training and validation cohorts (n = 192). The deep learning models were used to stratify patients in the training cohort into low- and high-risk groups, and 5-year recurrence-free survival was assessed in the validation cohort.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 59.1 (33.9-72.4) months. The artificial intelligence model (pretransplant factors) had an area under the curve of 0.86 in the training cohort and 0.71 in the validation cohort. The largest tumor diameter and alpha-fetoprotein level had the greatest Shapley Additive exPlanations values for recurrence (>0.4). The 5-year recurrence-free survival rates in the low- and high-risk groups were 92.6% and 45% (P < .001). In the second artificial intelligence model (pretransplant factors + grade), the area under the curve for the validation cohort was 0.77, with 5-year recurrence-free survival rates of 96% and 30% in the low- and high-risk groups (P < .001). None of the low-risk patients outside the Milan and University of California San Francisco Criteria had recurrence during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The artificial intelligence-based hepatocellular carcinoma transplant recurrence models might improve patient selection for liver transplantation.

Icariin ameliorates TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory response and apoptosis of human immortalized epidermal cells through the WTAP/SERPINB4 axis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by increased sensitivity to environmental allergens and irritants. Icariin, a natural compound extracted from the herb Epimedium, has been traditionally used for its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effects of icariin on AD-like symptoms and to elucidate its underlying mechanisms. The effects of icariin on TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced HaCaT cell injury were assessed using various assays, including cell counting kit-8 for cell viability, flow cytometry for reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and colorimetric assays for malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. In addition, the study performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to assess cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8) and chemokines (MDC, TARC, and RANTES) levels. Flow cytometry was used to quantify apoptotic rate, while a wound-healing assay was conducted to assess cell migration. The expression of WT1 associated protein (WTAP) and serpin family B member 4 (SERPINB4) at the mRNA and protein levels was determined using qRT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. The associations between WTAP and SERPINB4 were analyzed using RNA immunoprecipitation assay and m6A RNA immunoprecipitation assay. Icariin treatment significantly mitigated TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and apoptosis in HaCaT cells, while also reversing the inhibitory effect on cell migration. Icariin reduced the expression of WTAP in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. Overexpression of WTAP reversed the effects of icariin in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. WTAP silencing inhibited the mRNA stability of SERPINB4 through the m6A modification. SERPINB4 overexpression attenuated the effects of WTAP silencing on oxidative stress, inflammatory response, apoptosis, and migration of TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. Icariin treatment downregulated SERPINB4 expression by regulating WTAP in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. Icariin ameliorated TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced human immortalized epidermal cell injury through the WTAP/SERPINB4 axis, highlighting the potential for targeted interventions in AD pathogenesis.

Chemo-photothermal therapy of bacterial infections using metal-organic framework-integrated polymeric network coatings

Surface modification of biomedical materials and devices using versatile nanocomposite coatings holds great promise for improving functionalities to defend against life-threatening bacterial infections. In this study, a one-step surface modification strategy was developed to deposit gold nanorods (AuNRs)- and curcumin (CUR)-encapsulated zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanoparticles (AuNRs-ZIF-CUR NPs or AZC) onto phytic acid (PA)-ε-polylysine (Ply) network coatings. In the solution mixture of PA, Ply and AZC, PA interacted with Ply via electrostatic interactions, and can also bind to AZC via metal chelation. The as-formed AZC-PA-Ply aggregates could be deposited onto various substrates via surface adhesion of PA and gravitational effects. The physicochemical and antibacterial properties of the AZC-PA-Ply network coatings on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates were evaluated. The sustained release of zinc ions and CUR, as well as the contact-killing ability of Ply, endowed the AZC-PA-Ply network coatings with good antibacterial chemotherapeutic effects. In addition, the embedded AuNRs in the AZC-PA-Ply network coatings exhibited excellent photothermal conversion efficiency for the ablation of bacteria. Upon near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation, the AZC-PA-Ply-coated PDMS surfaces exhibited strong antibacterial effects by disrupting the membrane integrity and cellular functions of the adhered bacteria. Thus, the AZC-PA-Ply network coatings displayed combined antibacterial chemotherapeutic and photothermal therapeutic effects. Furthermore, the AZC-PA-Ply-coated PDMS substrates exhibited effective bacterial infection prevention and good biocompatibility in an in vivo implant model. Hence, the versatile AZC-PA-Ply network coatings are potentially useful as a multi-modal antibacterial platform to eliminate infectious bacterial pathogens in biomedical applications.

MiRNA-449 family is epigenetically repressed and sensitizes to doxorubicin through ACSL4 downregulation in triple-negative breast cancer

Despite progress in breast cancer treatment, a significant portion of patients still relapse because of drug resistance. The involvement of microRNAs in cancer progression and chemotherapy response is well established. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the dysregulation of the microRNA-449 family (specifically, microRNA-449a, microRNA-449b-5p, and microRNA-449c-5p) and its impact on resistance to doxorubicin, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. We found that the microRNA-449 family is downregulated in triple-negative breast cancer and demonstrated its potential as a diagnostic biomarker. Besides, our findings indicate that the downregulation of the microRNA-449 family is mediated by the microRNAs-449/SIRT1-HDAC1 negative feedback loop. Moreover, it was found that the microRNA-449 family dysregulates the fatty acid metabolism by targeting ACSL4, which is a potential prognostic biomarker that mediates doxorubicin response through regulation of the drug extrusion pump ABCG2. Altogether, our results suggest that the microRNA-449 family might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer since it is implicated in doxorubicin response through ACSL4/ABCG2 axis regulation. Ultimately, our results also highlight the value of microRNAs-449 and ACSL4 as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in triple-negative breast cancer. Proposed model of miRNAs-449 downregulation in TNBC and doxorubicin response. MiRNAs-449 are downregulated in TNBC through a negative feedback loop with SIRT1 and HDAC1. Moreover, ACSL4 increases ABCG2 expression, thus diminishing the intracellular doxorubicin concentration and promoting doxorubicin resistance. MiRNAs-449 overexpression downregulates the ACSL4/ABCG2 axis and sensitizes doxorubicin-resistant cells to doxorubicin. Created with BioRender. TNBC: triple-negative breast cancer; DOX: doxorubicin; SIRT1: Sirtuin 1; HDAC1: Histone deacetylase 1; ACSL4: Acyl-CoA Synthetase Long-Chain Family Member 4; ABCG2: ATP-binding cassette superfamily G member 2.

Exosomal miRNAs: the tumor's trojan horse in selective metastasis

Organs of future metastasis are not passive receivers of circulating tumor cells, but are instead selectively and actively modified by the primary tumor before metastatic spread has even occurred. Tumors orchestrate a pre-metastatic program by conditioning distant organs to create microenvironments that foster the survival and proliferation of tumor cells before their arrival, thereby establishing pre-metastatic niches. Primary tumor-derived exosomes modulate these pre-metastatic niches, generating a permissive environment that facilitates the homing and expansion of tumor cells. Moreover, microRNAs have emerged as a key component of exosomal cargo, serving not only to induce the formation of pre-metastatic niches but also to prime these sites for the arrival and colonization of specific secondary tumor populations. Against this backdrop, this review endeavors to elucidate the impact of tumor-derived exosomal microRNAs on the genesis of their individualized pre-metastatic niches, with a view towards identifying novel means of specifying cancer metastasis and exploiting this phenomenon for cancer immunotherapy.

Advancements in second-line treatment research for hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors, characterized by high incidence and mortality rates. Due to its insidious onset, most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, often missing the opportunity for surgical resection. Consequently, systemic treatments play a pivotal role. In recent years, an increasing number of drugs have been approved for first-line systemic treatment of HCC. However, their efficacy is limited, and some patients develop drug resistance after a period of treatment. For such patients, there is currently a lack of standard second-line systemic treatment options. This review summarizes the latest advancements in second-line systemic treatment research for HCC patients who have developed resistance to various first-line systemic treatments, aiming to provide more rational and personalized second-line treatment strategies.

Efficient Oil Spill Cleanup from water: Investigating the Effectiveness of a Sustainable Anti-Swelling Hydrogel for Rapid Water Repellency and Oil Absorption

Considering the significant harm caused to aquatic ecosystems and marine life by oil spills and the discharge of oily wastewater, there is a pressing need to address this issue to protect our environment and prevent the wastage of valuable resources. We introduced a one-step approach to create an anti-swelling, water-repellent sorbent using a green polysaccharide called gum gellan, functionalized with Octadecyl trichlorosilane (OTS) through dip coating method. Natural gums like gellan have high absorption capability due to their large surface area. However, they are hydrophilic, which means they can only absorb water. This property makes them unsuitable for oil spill applications. To make gum gellan suitable for oil spill applications, we have modified it in this study. We have introduced a material called octadecyltrichlorosilane, which has low surface energy and hierarchical roughness. This modification changes the wettability of gellan from hydrophilic to hydrophobic/oleophilic, allowing it to absorb oil and repel water. The sorbent is analyzed using several techniques, such as FTIR, XRD, TGA, FE-SEM, BET, Raman, EDX, and H1-NMR. The hydrophobic sorbent obtained demonstrates low density, high surface area, and high porosity. These characteristics give it excellent floatability and immediate and exceptional selectivity for absorbing oil from water. Additionally, it does not absorb any detectable amount of water. The sorbent exhibited a water contact angle (WCA) of 140 3 and an oil contact angle (OCA) of 0˚ for various oils and organic solvents. It has rapid oil absorption capacity of 3.0 g/g for petrol, and can be easily recovered after use. The BET analysis revealed that after the modification with OTS, the sorbent's total surface area increased from 0.579 m2/g to 4.713 m2/g. This indicates that the OTS modification greatly enhances the surface area and pore volume of the, thus improving its ability to absorb oil. This sorbent efficiently separates oil-in-water emulsions, both surfactant-stabilized and surfactant-free, achieving over 90% separation through gravity alone. Moreover, the sorbent can sustain its wettability even under harsh environmental conditions, including exposure to acids, alkalis, and salts. The absorption data predominantly aligned with the pseudo-2nd-order model. Thus, this sorbent provides a cost-effective alternative for efficiently absorbing and separating oil-water emulsions in households and industries.

Navigating glioblastoma complexity: the interplay of neurotransmitters and chromatin

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive brain cancer with an unfavorable prognosis for patient survival. Glioma stem cells, a subpopulation of cancer cells, drive tumor initiation, self-renewal, and resistance to therapy and, together with the microenvironment, play a crucial role in glioblastoma maintenance and progression. Neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin have contrasting effects on glioblastoma development, stimulating or inhibiting its progression depending on the cellular context and through their action on glioma stem cells, perhaps changing the epigenetic landscape. Recent studies have revealed that serotonin and dopamine induce chromatin modifications related to transcriptional plasticity in the mammalian brain and possibly in glioblastoma; however, this topic still needs to be explored because of its potential implications for glioblastoma treatment. Also, it is essential to consider that neurotransmitters' effects depend on the tumor's microenvironment since it can significantly influence the response and behavior of cancer cells. This review examines the possible role of neurotransmitters as regulators of glioblastoma development, focusing on their impact on the chromatin of glioma stem cells.

A A, Suchita J, Gacche RN. Cancer metastases: Tailoring the targets

Metastasis is an intricate and formidable pathophysiological process encompassing the dissemination of cancer cells from the primary tumour body to distant organs. It stands as a profound and devastating phenomenon that constitutes the primary driver of cancer-related mortality. Despite great strides of advancements in cancer research and treatment, tailored anti-metastasis therapies are either lacking or have shown limited success, necessitating a deeper understanding of the intrinsic elements driving cancer invasiveness. This comprehensive review presents a contemporary elucidation of pivotal facets within the realm of cancer metastasis, commencing with the intricate processes of homing and invasion. The process of angiogenesis, which supports tumour growth and metastasis, is addressed, along with the pre-metastatic niche, wherein the primary tumour prepares for a favorable microenvironment at distant sites for subsequent metastatic colonization. The landscape of metastasis-related genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, involvement of metastasis genes and metastasis suppressor genes, and microRNAs (miRNA) are also discussed. Furthermore, immune modulators' impact on metastasis and their potential as therapeutic targets are addressed. The interplay between cancer cells and the immune system, including immune evasion mechanisms employed by metastatic cells, is discussed, highlighting the importance of targeting immune modulation in arresting metastatic progression. Finally, this review presents promising treatment opportunities derived from the insights gained into the mechanisms of metastasis. Identifying novel therapeutic targets and developing innovative strategies to disrupt the metastatic cascade holds excellent potential for improving patient outcomes and ultimately reducing cancer-related mortality.

Insights gained from computational modeling of YAP/TAZ signaling for cellular mechanotransduction

YAP/TAZ signaling pathway is regulated by a multiplicity of feedback loops, crosstalk with other pathways, and both mechanical and biochemical stimuli. Computational modeling serves as a powerful tool to unravel how these different factors can regulate YAP/TAZ, emphasizing biophysical modeling as an indispensable tool for deciphering mechanotransduction and its regulation of cell fate. We provide a critical review of the current state-of-the-art of computational models focused on YAP/TAZ signaling.

Exploring the role of the immune microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma: Implications for immunotherapy and drug resistance

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver tumor, is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and the incidence of liver cancer is still increasing worldwide. Curative hepatectomy or liver transplantation is only indicated for a small population of patients with early-stage HCC. However, most patients with HCC are not candidates for radical resection due to disease progression, leading to the choice of the conventional tyrosine kinase inhibitor drug sorafenib as first-line treatment. In the past few years, immunotherapy, mainly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has revolutionized the clinical strategy for HCC. Combination therapy with ICIs has proven more effective than sorafenib, and clinical trials have been conducted to apply these therapies to patients. Despite significant progress in immunotherapy, the molecular mechanisms behind it remain unclear, and immune resistance is often challenging to overcome. Several studies have pointed out that the complex intercellular communication network in the immune microenvironment of HCC regulates tumor escape and drug resistance to immune response. This underscores the urgent need to analyze the immune microenvironment of HCC. This review describes the immunosuppressive cell populations in the immune microenvironment of HCC, as well as the related clinical trials, aiming to provide insights for the next generation of precision immunotherapy.

Polydopamine-functionalized polyethersulfone membrane: A paradigm advancement in the field of α-amylase stability and immobilization

Biocatalytic membranes have great potential in various industrial sectors, with the immobilization of enzymes being a crucial stage. Immobilizing enzymes through covalent bonds is a complex and time-consuming process for large-scale applications. Polydopamine (PDA) offers a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative for enzyme immobilization. Therefore, surface modification with polydopamine as mussel-inspired antifouling coatings has increased resistance to fouling. In this study, α-amylase enzyme was covalently bound to a bioactive PDA-coated polyethersulfone (PES) membrane surface using cyanuric chloride as a linker. The optimal activity of α-amylase enzyme immobilized on PES/PDA membrane was obtained at temperature and pH of 55°C and 6.5, respectively. The immobilized enzyme can be reused up to five reaction cycles with 55% retention of initial activity. Besides, it maintained 60% of its activity after being stored for five weeks at 4°C. Additionally, the immobilized enzyme demonstrated increased Michaelis constant and maximum velocity values during starch hydrolysis. The results of the biofouling experiment of various membranes in a dead-end cell demonstrated that the PES membrane's water flux increased from 6722.7 Lmh to 7560.2 Lmh after PDA modification. Although α-amylase immobilization reduced the flux to 7458.5 Lmh due to enhanced hydrophilicity, compared to unmodified membrane. The findings of this study demonstrated that the membrane produced through co-deposition exhibited superior hydrophilicity, enhanced coating stability, and strong antifouling properties, positioning it as a promising candidate for industrial applications.

Sex-specific effects of intermittent fasting on hippocampal neurogenesis via the gut-brain axis

Intermittent fasting (IF) is a widely used dietary strategy that has shown several advantageous impacts on general health and aging. IF has recently been linked to the control of neurogenesis, a crucial process for emotional control, memory, and learning, in the hippocampus. Nevertheless, there is little knowledge about the sex-specific impacts of IF on hippocampal neurogenesis and the related mechanisms, which were investigated in this study among both male and female rats, together with analyzing the involvement of the flora-gut-brain axis in facilitating these effects. Our findings show that IF favorably affects hippocampus neurogenesis in female mice relative to male mice, suggesting a sex-specific mechanism. In addition, IF influenced the diversity of the gut microbiota and decreased the synthesis of fructose-1-phosphate (F-1-P), which is believed together with fructose metabolism to be linked to neurological damage and cognitive decline. Collectively, these data indicate that the connection between the flora-gut-brain axis and hippocampus neurogenesis is significant.