Nervous system in hepatocellular carcinoma: Correlation, mechanisms, therapeutic implications, and future perspectives

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly heterogeneous and complex cancer influenced by both the tumor microenvironment and multi-level regulation of the nervous system. Increasing evidence highlights critical roles of the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) in modulating HCC progression. Psychological stress and emotional disturbances, representing CNS dysregulation, directly accelerate tumor growth, metastasis, and impair anti-tumor immunity in HCC. PNS involvement, particularly autonomic innervation, extensively reshapes the hepatic tumor microenvironment. Specifically, sympathetic activation promotes immune suppression, tumor cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and cancer stemness via β-adrenergic signaling and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) stabilization, whereas parasympathetic signals generally exert anti-inflammatory and tumor-suppressive effects mediated by acetylcholine. Neurotransmitters including epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine precisely regulate critical pathways such as AKT/mTOR, ERK, and NF-κB, thereby driving malignant cell behaviors, immune evasion, and chemoresistance. Neuro-targeted pharmacological interventions (e.g., SSRIs, β-blockers, dopamine antagonists) and behavioral therapies have shown efficacy in preclinical studies, underscoring their therapeutic potential. Additionally, neural-associated biomarkers like NEDD9, CNTN1, and nerve growth factor (NGF) exhibit prognostic significance, supporting their future clinical application. By systematically integrating neuroscience with oncology, this review identifies innovative neural-based therapeutic strategies, highlights key mechanistic insights, and outlines promising directions for future research and personalized clinical management of HCC.

New insights into therapeutic strategies for targeting hepatic macrophages to alleviate liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing response induced by persistent liver damage, resulting from complex multicellular interactions and multifactorial networks. Without intervention, it can progress to cirrhosis and even liver cancer. Current understanding suggests that liver fibrosis is reversible, making it crucial to explore effective therapeutic strategies for its alleviation. Chronic inflammation serves as the primary driver of liver fibrosis, with hepatic macrophages playing a dual role depending on their polarization state. This review summarizes various prevention and therapeutic strategies targeting hepatic macrophages in the context of liver fibrosis. These strategies include inhibition of macrophage recruitment, modulation of macrophage activation and polarization, regulation of macrophage metabolism, and induction of phagocytosis and autophagy in hepatic macrophages. Additionally, we discuss the communication between hepatic macrophages, hepatocytes, and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), as well as the current clinical application of anti-fibrotic drugs targeting macrophages. The goal is to identify effective therapeutic targets at each stage of macrophage participation in liver fibrosis development, with the aim of using hepatic macrophages as a target for liver fibrosis treatment.

Baicalein disrupts TGF-β-induced EMT in pancreatic cancer by FTO-dependent m6A demethylation of ZEB1

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive malignancy associated with poor prognosis. Baicalein, a flavonoid extracted from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis, traditionally used in Chinese medicine, has demonstrated potential in inhibiting cancer development and progression. However, its mechanism of action remains poorly understood, particularly regarding epigenetic gene regulation through m6A RNA methylation. In this study, three human PDAC cell lines and one nonmalignant cell line were employed. The effects of baicalein were examined using multiple assays, including RT-qPCR, MeRIP-qPCR, Western blotting, spheroid formation, RNA stability, and MTT, to evaluate cellular functions and m6A regulation. Baicalein significantly reduced cell viability, migration, invasion, and colony formation. It also downregulated FTO, an enzyme critical for m6A RNA demethylation. Knockdown of FTO replicated the effects of baicalein, underscoring its oncogenic role in PDAC. Bioinformatic analysis identified ZEB1-a key transcription factor in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-as an m6A-modified target regulated by FTO. Both baicalein treatment and FTO knockdown enhanced m6A modification and decreased ZEB1 mRNA stability, thereby suppressing stemness-related features. Rescue experiments further confirmed that baicalein disrupts the TGF-β/FTO/ZEB1 signaling axis, highlighting its therapeutic potential in PDAC. This study offers fundamental insights for the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting PDAC.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, and 24 gastrointestinal diseases: Evidence from Mendelian randomization analysis

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are common mental illnesses. Observational studies have indicated that these conditions often co-occur with gastrointestinal diseases. However, the causal relationship between PTSD and ADHD with gastrointestinal diseases remain unclear. We conducted Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate these associations. We selected genetic instrument data with genome-wide significance levels for PTSD and ADHD from the psychiatric genomics consortium open genome-wide association study platform. Summary statistics for the 24 gastrointestinal diseases were obtained from the FinnGen study. We used the "TwoSampleMR" package in R to perform a 2-sample MR analysis and conducted sensitivity analysis of the results. We found that genetic susceptibility to PTSD was associated with 1 gastrointestinal disease, specifically pancreatic cancer (P = .003; odds ratios [OR] = 1.295; 95% CI, 1.094-1.531). Genetic susceptibility to ADHD was associated with 4 gastrointestinal diseases: gastroesophageal reflux (P = .014; OR = 1.100; 95% CI, 1.020-1.186), gastric ulcer (P = .004; OR = 1.208; 95% CI, 1.061-1.376), duodenal ulcer (P = .020; OR = 1.206; 95% CI, 1.029-1.413), and chronic gastritis (P = .021; OR = 1.122; 95% CI, 1.018-1.237). This study provides MR evidence supporting causal relationship between PTSD and ADHD with specific gastrointestinal diseases.

Improving bleomycin electrochemotherapy with gold nanoparticles: first in vivo study on intra-tumoral field amplification

Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a cancer treatment approach that utilizes the application of electroporation (EP) with standard chemotherapeutic drugs, resulting in a locally enhanced chemotherapy effect due to enhanced intracellular drug delivery. The aim of this study was to demonstrate (for the first time) that microsecond-range bleomycin electrochemotherapy (1.5 kV/cm × 100 μs × 8 pulses, 1 Hz), when combined with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs, 13 and 46 nm), can be efficiently utilized for in vivo carcinoma tumor treatment. It was anticipated that AuNPs would promote a better treatment response due to local electric field amplification within the tumor as predicted by available in vitro research. We focus the attenuation of tumor progression and reduction of the frequency of metastasis incl. the immune response in the murine BALB/C and 4T1 cancer model. It is shown that the application of 13 nm AuNPs hardly influenced the dynamics of tumor progression (when compared to ECT alone), the synergistic effects are not statistically significant by the end of experiment, which is not the case in vitro. However, the application of 46 nm AuNPs significantly potentiated the efficacy of ECT, which confirms the promising alliance of conductive nanoparticles for local intra-tumoral electric field amplification and ECT.

Exploring the mechanism of baicalein on breast cancer based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and in vivo experiments

Breast cancer ranks among the most deadly gynecological cancers and presents a significant risk to women's health. Baicalein, a flavonoid extracted from Radix Scutellariae, has garnered significant interest due to its potential anti-cancer properties. However, further research is required to determine the precise anti-cancer mechanisms of baicalein. Hence, we investigated the anti-tumor properties and underlying mechanisms of baicalein in breast cancer, utilizing both network pharmacology and experimental approaches. The effects of baicalein on cellular proliferation, the cell cycle, and apoptosis were assessed through MTT assays, plate cloning, and flow cytometry techniques. Furthermore, network pharmacology was employed to identify the primary target and pathway associated with baicalein in the context of breast cancer. The validation of these target and the elucidation of baicalein anti-breast cancer mechanisms were carried out using Western blotting, qRT-PCR, molecular docking, CETSA assays, and IHC. Behavioral experiments were conducted to assess the physical changes and toxicity of baicalein in model mice. Our findings demonstrated that baicalein significantly reduced the growth of both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, inhibited cell proliferation, induced G0/G1 phase arrest, and triggered apoptosis. Notably, SRC serves as a therapeutic target for baicalein, with the Hippo pathway identified as a crucial mechanism of action in this context. Intraperitoneal injection of baicalein has been demonstrated to effectively inhibit tumor growth, while concurrently ameliorating splenomegaly and enhancing the fatigue resistance of the model mice. The findings confirm that baicalein was a potential drug for the treatment of breast cancer.

Exploring the dissociative subtype of PTSD: The role of early-life trauma, cortisol, and inflammatory profiles

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a heterogeneous mental health condition, characterized by diverse symptom profiles and biological underpinnings. A dissociative subtype of PTSD has been identified, though the potential risk factors and underlying neurobiology are yet to be understood. The current study comprised Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Veterans with a history of deployment, and with diagnoses of non-dissociative (n = 31) and dissociative subtypes of PTSD (n = 19), in addition to non-deployed healthy controls (n = 14). Participants completed questionnaires assessing clinical symptoms and experiences of trauma, and provided saliva and blood samples for cortisol and inflammatory marker assessments. Individuals with dissociative PTSD displayed elevated PTSD and depression symptom severity, and greater reports of specific forms of childhood trauma compared to individuals with non-dissociative PTSD and controls. Morning cortisol was elevated in both PTSD groups compared to controls, however the PTSD groups did not differ from one another. Evening cortisol concentrations were elevated in both PTSD groups compared to controls, and in the dissociative PTSD subtype compared to the non-dissociative PTSD subtype when controlling for depression symptoms. PTSD diagnostic group moderated the relationship between awakening cortisol levels and PTSD symptom severity, such that the non-dissociative PTSD group displayed a negative correlation between awakening cortisol levels and PTSD symptom severity, while no significant relation was identified in the dissociative PTSD group. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels did not differ across diagnostic groups when accounting for body mass index (BMI). However, CRP positively correlated with depressive symptoms only among individuals with dissociative PTSD. Together, examining PTSD subtypes may help inform more effective and personalized treatment strategies in the future.

The (neuro)inflammatory system in anxiety disorders and PTSD: Potential treatment targets

Targeting the immune system has recently garnered attention in the treatment of stress- associated psychiatric disorders resistant to existing pharmacotherapeutics. While such approaches have been studied in considerable detail in depression, the role of (neuro)inflammation in anxiety-related disorders, or in anxiety as an important transdiagnostic symptom, is much less clear. In this review we first critically review clinical and in part preclinical evidence of central and peripheral immune dysregulation in anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and briefly discuss proposed mechanisms of how inflammation can affect anxiety-related symptoms. We then give an overview of existing and potential future targets in inflammation-associated signal transduction pathways and discuss effects of different immune-modulatory drugs in anxiety-related disorders. Finally, we discuss key gaps in current clinical trials such as the lack of prospective studies involving anxiety patient stratification strategies based on inflammatory biomarkers. Overall, although evidence is rather limited so far, there is data to indicate that increased (neuro)inflammation is present in subgroups of anxiety disorder patients. Although exact identification of such immune subtypes of anxiety disorders and PTSD is still challenging, these patients will likely particularly benefit from therapeutic targeting of aspects of the inflammatory system. Different anti-inflammatory treatment approaches (microglia-directed treatments, pro-inflammatory cytokine inhibitors, COX-inhibitors, phytochemicals and a number of novel anti-inflammatory agents) have indeed shown some efficacy even in non-stratified anxiety patient groups and appear promising as novel alternative or complimentary therapeutic options in specific ("inflammatory") subtypes of anxiety disorder and PTSD patients.

Natural Products as Modulators of miRNA in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Therapeutic Perspective

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) continues to pose a substantial worldwide health concern, marked by elevated mortality rates and restricted therapeutic alternatives. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of natural compounds as therapeutic agents in cancer management. This review focuses on the diagnostic and prognostic potential of microRNAs (miRNAs) as biomarkers in HCC, alongside the therapeutic promise of natural products. We explore the intricate role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of HCC, detailing their regulatory functions in cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. Additionally, we discuss the emerging evidence supporting the use of natural compounds, including phytochemicals, in modulating miRNA expression and their potential synergistic effects with conventional therapies. Key miRNAs discussed include miR-21, an oncogenic factor that promotes tumor growth by targeting the tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN); miR-34a, which enhances apoptosis and may improve treatment efficacy when combined with c-MET inhibitors; miR-203, whose downregulation correlates with poor outcomes and may serve as a prognostic marker; miR-16, which acts as a tumor suppressor and has diagnostic potential when measured alongside traditional markers like alpha-fetoprotein (AFP); and miR-483-3p, associated with resistance to apoptosis and tumor progression. By integrating insights from recent studies, this review aims to highlight the dual role of miRNAs as both biomarkers and therapeutic targets, paving the way for enhanced diagnostic strategies and novel treatment modalities in HCC management.

Self-promoted tumor-targeting nanomedicine activates STING-driven antitumor immunity via photodynamic DNA damage and PARP inhibition

The activation of antitumor immunity through strategically designed nanomedicine presents a promising approach to overcome the limitations of conventional cancer therapies. In this work, bioinformatic analysis found an abnormal poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) expression in breast cancer, linked to the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of the interferon gene (STING) pathway and immune suppression. PARP-1 inhibitor screening revealed olaparib (Ola) as a promising candidate, enhancing DNA damage and potentiating the immunotherapeutic response. Consequently, a self-promoted tumor-targeting nanomedicine (designated as PN-Ola) was proposed to activate STING-driven antitumor immunity through photodynamic DNA damage and PARP inhibition. PN-Ola was composed of a programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) targeting amphiphilic peptide-photosensitizer conjugate (C16-K(PpIX)-WHRSYYTWNLNT), which effectively encapsulates Ola. Notably, PN-Ola demonstrated selective accumulation in tumor cells that overexpress PD-L1, while concurrently enhancing PD-L1 expression, thereby establishing a self-promoting mechanism for improved drug accumulation within tumor cells. Meanwhile, the photodynamic therapy (PDT) effects of PN-Ola would result in oxidative DNA damage and subsequent accumulation of DNA fragments. Additionally, the PARP inhibition provided by PN-Ola disrupted the DNA repair pathways in tumor cells, leading to a boosted release of DNA fragments that further stimulated STING-driven antitumor immunity. The synergistic mechanism of PN-Ola effectively activates the immunotherapeutic response by enhancing T cell activation and infiltration, leading to the eradication of metastatic tumors without inducing side effects. This study presents a promising strategy to overcome targeting ligand heterogeneity while activating systemic antitumor immunity for the effective eradication of metastatic tumors.

Traditional Chinese medicine and natural products in management of hepatocellular carcinoma: Biological mechanisms and therapeutic potential

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), originating from hepatocytes, is the most common type of primary liver cancer. HCC imposes a significant global health burden with high morbidity and mortality, making it a critical public concern. Surgical interventions, including hepatectomy and liver transplantation, are pivotal in achieving long-term survival for patients with HCC. Additionally, ablation therapy, endovascular interventional therapy, radiotherapy, and systemic anti-tumor therapies are commonly employed. However, these treatment modalities are often associated with considerable challenges, including high postoperative recurrence rates and adverse effects. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and natural products have been utilized for centuries as a complementary approach in managing HCC and its complications, demonstrating favorable clinical outcomes. Various bioactive compounds derived from TCM and natural products have been identified and purified, and their mechanisms of action have been extensively investigated. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date evaluation of the clinical efficacy of TCM, natural products and their active constituents in the treatment and management of HCC. Particular emphasis is placed on elucidating the potential molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets of these agents, including their roles in inhibiting HCC cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis and pyroptosis, suppressing tumor invasion and metastasis, and restraining angiogenesis within HCC tissues.

PACAP a mediator of inflammation following trauma exposure and mild traumatic brain injury: Differential effects in males and females

Individual differences in systemic responses to trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and/or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) may help account for differential risk of adverse sequalae in females and heterogeneity in pathophysiology, symptoms, and treatment responses. Accordingly, this study investigated sex differences in the association between neuroendocrine (pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide [PACAP]) and inflammatory markers following lifespan trauma exposure, PTSD, and mTBI in 71 trauma-exposed veteran and non-veteran males (n = 41) and females (n = 30). Two mediation models were proposed and evaluated, informed by an existing theoretical model. Both mediation models examined elevated PACAP as a key variable that may be associated with elevated inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6). The first model evaluated this effect following psychological trauma exposure and the second following mTBI. Trauma exposure and mTBI accounted for a large proportion of sex differences in PACAP and inflammation independent of the effects of time since the events (M = 8-11 years), PTSD symptom severity and diagnostic status, suggesting potentially long-term impacts of trauma exposure and mTBI on systemic pathophysiological responses regardless of PTSD symptom variations. Specifically, PACAP mediated the relationship between cumulative trauma exposure and IL-6 as well as mTBI history and IL-6, with a stronger mediating effect of PACAP on mTBI (β = 0.352) than trauma exposure (β = 0.149). Sex differences were observed in which males with mTBI histories had significantly elevated PACAP levels (Hedges' g = 0.79) and females with mTBI histories had significantly elevated IL-6 levels (Hedges' g = 1.03). PACAP was uniquely associated with trauma exposure in females (β = 0.56) and mTBI in males (β = 0.35). Conversely, IL-6 was uniquely associated with mTBI in females (β = 0.47-0.61) and trauma exposure in males (β = 0.42-0.54). For both sexes, childhood emotional neglect was uniquely associated with PACAP and inflammation later in life. This study presents preliminary evidence of the association between PACAP and inflammation following both trauma exposure and mTBI, which was differentially related in males and females. Although further study is needed, findings have the potential to help explicate heterogeneous presentations and differential risk of trauma-related pathology and mTBI that could lead to more targeted and effective treatments.

Cell-type-specific and inflammatory DNA methylation patterns associated with PTSD

BACKGROUND

Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation (DNAm), can change in response to traumatic stress exposure, and may help to distinguish between individuals with and without PTSD. Here, we examine the DNAm patterns specific to immune cell types and inflammation in those with PTSD.

METHODS

This study includes 3,277 participants from 11 cohorts participating in the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) PTSD Epigenetics Workgroup. DNAm was assayed from blood with the MethylationEPIC BeadChip. A standardized QC pipeline was applied and used to impute cell composition. Within each cohort, we identified cell-type-specific DNAm patterns associated with PTSD, controlling for sex (if applicable), age, and ancestry. Meta-analyses were performed from summary statistics.

RESULTS

PTSD cases had lower proportions of B cells and NK cells as well as higher proportions of neutrophils when compared to trauma-exposed controls. Overall, we identified 96 PTSD-associated CpGs across six types of immune cells. Most of these differences were identified in B cells, with 95 % exhibiting lower methylation levels in those with PTSD. Interestingly, the PTSD-associated CpGs annotated to a gene in B cells were enriched in a recent GWAS of PTSD (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study identifies novel PTSD-associated CpGs in individual immune cell types and supports the role of immune dysregulation and inflammation in PTSD.

CXCL2: a key player in the tumor microenvironment and inflammatory diseases

CXCL2 (C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 2), a constituent of the C-X-C chemokine subfamily, serves as a powerful chemotactic factor for neutrophils, facilitating leukocyte recruitment and movement while initiating an inflammatory response. Recent investigations have demonstrated the pivotal involvement of CXCL2 in carcinogenesis. Within the tumor microenvironment, CXCL2 modulates cellular activity primarily via its interaction with the CXCR2 receptor. The activation of signaling pathways, including ERK/MAPK, NF-κB/MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and JAK/STAT3, highlights CXCL2's inclination to promote tumorigenesis. Furthermore, the role of CXCL2 encompasses inflammatory conditions like lung inflammation, atherosclerosis, and obesity. This article examines the structural characteristics, biological roles, and molecular foundation of CXCL2 in carcinogenesis and inflammatory disorders.

Targeting the gut microbiota-inflammation-brain axis as a potential therapeutic strategy for psychiatric disorders: A Mendelian randomization analysis

BACKGROUND

Extensive research indicates a link between gut microbiota dysbiosis and psychiatric disorders. However, the causal relationships between gut microbiota and different types of psychiatric disorders, as well as whether inflammatory factors mediate these relationships, remain unclear.

METHODS

We utilized summary statistics from the largest genome-wide association studies to date for gut microbiota (n = 18,340 in MiBioGen consortium), circulating inflammatory factors (n = 8293 for 41 factors and n = 14,824 for 91 factors in GWAS catalog), and six major psychiatric disorders from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC): attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, n = 38,691), anxiety disorder (ANX, n = 2248), bipolar disorder (BIP, n = 41,917), anorexia nervosa (AN, n = 16,992), schizophrenia (SCZ, n = 36,989), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD, n = 18,381). We conducted bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the causal relationships between gut microbiota and psychiatric disorders. Additionally, we performed two-step MR and multivariable MR (MVMR) analyses to identify potential mediating inflammatory factors.

RESULTS

We found significant causal relationships between 11 gut microbiota and ADHD, 2 gut microbiota and ANX, 11 gut microbiota and BIP, 8 gut microbiota and AN, 15 gut microbiota and SCZ, and 5 gut microbiota and ASD. There were 16 positive and 15 negative causal effects between inflammatory factors and psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, MVMR analysis results indicated that the correlation between genus Roseburia and ADHD was mediated by MCSF, with a mediation proportion of 3.3 %; the correlation between genus Erysipelotrichaceae UCG003 and BIP was mediated by GDNF, with a mediation proportion of 3.7 %; and the correlation between family Prevotellaceae and SCZ was mediated by CD40, with a mediation proportion of 8.2 %.

CONCLUSIONS

The MR analysis results supported causal relationships between gut microbiota and six psychiatric disorders, as well as the potential mediating role of inflammatory factors. This study highlights the potential role of the gut microbiota-inflammation-brain axis in psychiatric disorders.

Paeoniflorin inhibits chronic restraint stress-induced progression of hepatocellular carcinoma through suppressing norepinephrine-induced activation of hepatic stellate cells via SRC/AKT/ERK pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Paeoniae Radix Alba (the root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) is a well-known Chinese herb medicine used for alleviating depression and anxiety. Paeoniflorin (PF), an active ingredient of Paeoniae Radix Alba, is usually used in emotion and inflammation-related diseases. In recent years, some studies showed that PF may also possess anti-tumor potential.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to explore the effects of PF on chronic restraint stress (CRS)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ICR male mice bearing H22-Luc orthotopic transplant tumors were subjected to CRS and administrated with PF. To identify the direct target of PF, network pharmacology, RNA sequencing, and molecular docking analyses were employed. CCK8, Western blotting and qRT-PCR assays were performed to explore the molecular mechanisms of PF.

RESULTS

PF mitigated CRS-induced depression-like behaviors in tumor-bearing mice and suppressed the growth of orthotopically transplanted tumors. PF also decreased the number of c-fos positive neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus in CRS-exposed mice and lowered the serum norepinephrine (NE) level. NE treatment promoted the proliferation and αSMA production of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), but did not alter the viability and migration of HCC cells. Furthermore, the conditional medium (CM) from NE-treated HSCs enhanced the proliferation and migration of HCC cells. PF not only inhibited NE-induced activation of HSCs, also reduced HSCs-CM induced viability and migration of HCC cells. Network pharmacology and RNA sequencing showed SRC was a potential target of PF in HSCs, which was further validated by molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay. NE treatment upregulated the phosphorylation of SRC, AKT and ERK1/2 in HSCs, which was inhibited by PF.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study support that PF could ameliorate CRS-induced HCC progression by inhibiting CRS-induced HSCs activation through SRC/AKT/ERK signaling pathway. Our work may provide a new prospect for PF in the treatment of HCC with comorbid psychological stress.

Immunosuppression of spleen in mice treated with erythropoietin: transcriptomic and immunological analysis

Background and aim

Long term high-dose erythropoietin (EPO) had been reported inducing the formation of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in mice. When using this model, we found that EPO treated mice showed significant splenomegaly. This is an interesting phenomenon, and its mechanism has not been reported. Therefore, this study aims to explore its mechanism.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were given intraperitoneal injection of recombinant human EPO at 10000 IU/kg/day, and the control mice were treated with normal saline (vehicle). After 3 weeks, the spleens were harvested. Pathological changes in histology were observed using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining. The differential expression genes (DEGs) were identified using RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq), verified with the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The functional-enrichment analysis including Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Reactome enrichment analysis were performed to reveal the functional characteristics and related biological pathways of DEGs. Immunohistofluorescence (IHF) and flow cytometry (FCM) were used to detect immune cell subsets and proliferation markers.

Results

EPO treatment resulted in splenomegaly, spleen microstructure disorder, splenic corpuscular atrophy, indistinct germinal center, and unclear boundary between white and red pulp structures. RNA-Seq showed that EPO treatment suppressed gene expression associated with immune responses, while promoted cell cycle and DNA replication. IHF and FCM validated that, at the cellular level, T, B, M1 cells were significantly reduced, and M2 cells were significantly decreased after EPO treatment. The proliferation analysis showed that the portion of EDU+ or Ki-67+cells consisted of granulocytes and macrophages, and after EPO treatment, only macrophages showed a significant increase in their number and proportion, while granulocytes did not show a significant response to EPO stimulation.

Conclusion

Long term high-dose EPO treatment may lead to splenomegaly and immunosuppression of the local immune microenvironment in mice. The mechanism may be related to the increased anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory functions caused by M2 cells. The study provides, for the first time, the transcriptomic characteristics and immunological of the spleens of EPO treated mice, providing a new perspective for the study of the effects of EPO on mice.

Psychedelics in neuroinflammation: Mechanisms and therapeutic potential

Neuroinflammation is a critical factor in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and major depressive disorder. Psychedelics, such as psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and dimethyltryptamine (DMT), have demonstrated promising therapeutic effects on neuroinflammation, primarily through interactions with serotonin (5-HT) receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. Activation of these receptors by psychedelics modulates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, regulates microglial activity, and shifts the balance between neurotoxic and neuroprotective metabolites. Additionally, psychedelics affect critical signaling pathways, including the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways, promoting neuroplasticity and exerting anti-inflammatory effects. Beyond the serotonergic system, other neurotransmitter systems-including the glutamatergic, dopaminergic, noradrenergic, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAergic), and cholinergic systems-also play significant roles in mediating the effects of psychedelics. This review examines the intricate mechanisms by which psychedelics modulate neuroinflammation and underscores their potential as innovative therapeutic agents for treating neuroinflammatory and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Harmonizing the mind and body: The interrelationship between traditional Chinese medicine body constitution, mental health and sleep quality

BACKGROUND

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) body constitution is a key factor in determining and influencing the occurrence, development, and variation of diseases. As the mind interact with the body, TCM body constitution is useful in preventing and treating psychiatric disorders and insomnia.

AIM

To investigate the interrelationship between TCM body constitution, psychiatric disorders and sleep quality.

METHODS

A total of 2441 participants were enrolled in our study. TCM body constitution was measured using the Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire, sleep quality was assessed using the Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and psychopathological symptoms were evaluated using Symptom Checklist-90. Logistic regression was used to estimate the interrelationship between TCM body constitution, psychiatric disorders and sleep quality.

RESULTS

The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score and the proportions of participants with Qi-deficiency constitution, Qi-stagnation constitution, and blood-stasis constitution were significantly higher in the psychiatric symptoms group. Additionally, psychiatric symptoms were considerably associated with sleep quality, Qi-deficiency constitution, and Qi-stagnation constitution, but were inversely associated with male sex. Obsessive-compulsive symptoms were considerably associated with sleep quality, Qi-deficiency constitution and Qi-stagnation constitution. Depression was considerably associated with sleep quality, hyperuricemia, and Qi-stagnation constitution. Anxiety was considerably associated with sleep quality, diabetes, and Qi-stagnation constitution. Finally, poor sleep quality was considerably associated with Qi-deficiency constitution, Qi-stagnation constitution, dampness-heat constitution, phlegm-dampness constitution, and blood-stasis constitution but was inversely associated with male sex and body mass index > 23.9.

CONCLUSION

TCM body constitutions are strongly associated with psychiatric symptoms and sleep quality. Further research is needed to verify whether TCM body constitution can be used to treat and prevent psychiatric conditions as well as enhance sleep quality.

New insights on extramedullary granulopoiesis and neutrophil heterogeneity in the spleen and its importance in disease

Neutrophils are traditionally viewed as uncomplicated exterminators that arrive quickly at sites of infection, kill pathogens, and then expire. However, recent studies employing modern transcriptomics coupled with novel imaging modalities have discovered that neutrophils exhibit significant heterogeneity within organs and have complex functional roles ranging from tissue homeostasis to cancer and chronic pathologies. This has revised the view that neutrophils are simplistic butchers, and there has been a resurgent interest in neutrophils. The spleen was described as a granulopoietic organ more than 4 decades ago, and studies indicate that neutrophils are briefly retained in the spleen before returning to circulation after proliferation. Transcriptomic studies have discovered that splenic neutrophils are heterogeneous and distinct compared with those in blood. This suggests that a unique hematopoietic niche exists in the splenic microenvironment, i.e., capable of programming neutrophils in the spleen. During severe systemic inflammation with an increased need of neutrophils, the spleen can adapt by producing neutrophils through emergency granulopoiesis. In this review, we describe the structure and microanatomy of the spleen and examine how cells within the splenic microenvironment help to regulate splenic granulopoiesis. A focus is placed on exploring the increase in splenic granulopoiesis to meet host needs during infection and inflammation. Emerging technologies such as single-cell RNA sequencing, which provide valuable insight into splenic neutrophil development and heterogeneity, are also discussed. Finally, we examine how tumors subvert this natural pathway in the spleen to generate granulocytic suppressor cells to promote tumor growth.

Production of secondary metabolites in callus cultures of Scutellaria baicalensis L. and assessment of their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant efficacy in ulcerative colitis rats

Baikal skullcap or Chinese (Scutellaria baicalensis L.) is an interesting plant with promising medicinal properties; however, traditional cultivation methods are time-consuming, and yield variations can be significant; callus culture is considered one of the solutions to overcome these limitations because the callus culture provides an effective, alternative for the consistent production of secondary metabolites. For callus production of S. baicalensis L., the in vitro germinating seedlings were cultured on MS medium containing 1.0 mg/L 6-benzyladenine (BAP) and 1.0 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Three culture lines were established, and the best growth index represented in fresh and dry weight was obtained from line No. 1. S. baicalensis L. callus extract was performed on the best callus line in the stationary phase for in vitro assays. The chemical analysis, antioxidant tests, proline, flavonoids, phenolics, and macronutrient content were assessed. Therefore, this paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness of secondary metabolites in S. baicalensis L. callus and to study its biological effect on recurrent ulcerative colitis (UC). Conventional treatment of UC has focused on suppressing immunological responses instead of addressing which are (UC) underlying causes. Recurrent UC is caused by oxidative stress and inflammation that lead to chronic inflammation of the inner lining of the colon and rectum. According to the findings, secondary metabolites in S. baicalensis L. callus cultures increased antioxidant activity. This improvement in oxidative activity was positively correlated with the potential to reduce UC in vivo.

Analysis of mental health of healthcare workers and its influencing factors in three consecutive years

Background: Healthcare workers are an indispensable part of society, and a healthy mind and body are important to them, but today's exacerbation of psychological problems in healthcare, has attracted the attention of society. Objective: This study spans two particular phases: the COVID-19 pandemic phase and the full liberalization of epidemic control. To explore trends in the mental health status of healthcare workers, particularly anxiety, depression and sleep quality, and to analyze the influencing factors and inform the development of interventions through data collection over three consecutive years. Methods: A general information questionnaire, SAS, SDS, and PSQI were used to survey in-service healthcare workers in a regional tertiary care hospital for three consecutive years, and data were collected to cover multiple time points to observe trends in mental health and to synthesize and analyze potential influencing factors such as demographic characteristics. Results: The SAS, SDS, and PSQI scores of the healthcare workers were significantly higher than the national norm. With psychological interventions, the incidence of depression and sleep problems decreased year by year, and the incidence of anxiety problems fluctuated little. Anxiety, depression and sleep problems are affected by a variety of factors, and healthcare workers whose gender is female, whose occupation is nurseing whose age is younger, whose job title is lower, and whose position is on the front line of epidemic prevention are more likely to have mental health problems. Conclusions: This study identifies the severity and complexity of mental health problems among healthcare workers, analyzes their mental health needs and factors affecting mental health, and provides a scientific basis for providing psychological interventions.

Towards Scalable Biomarker Discovery in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Triangulating Genomic and Phenotypic Evidence from a Health System Biobank

Importance

Biomarkers can potentially improve the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, PTSD biomarkers that are scalable and easily integrated into real-world clinical settings have not been identified.

Objective

To triangulate phenotypic and genomic evidence from a health system biobank with a goal of identifying scalable and clinically relevant biomarkers for PTSD.

Design setting and participants

The analysis was conducted between June to November 2024 using genomic samples and laboratory test results recorded in the Mass General Brigham (MGB) Health System. The analysis included 23,743 European ancestry participants from the nested MGB Biobank study.

Exposures

The first exposure was polygenic risk score (PRS) for PTSD, calculated using the largest available European ancestry genome-wide association study (GWAS), employing a Bayesian polygenic scoring method. The second exposure was a clinical diagnosis of PTSD, determined by the presence of two or more qualifying PTSD phecodes in the longitudinal electronic health records (EHR).

Main outcomes and measures

The primary outcomes were the inverse normal quantile transformed, median lab values of 241 laboratory traits with non-zero h 2 SNP estimates.

Results

Sixteen unique laboratory traits across the cardiometabolic, hematologic, hepatic, and immune systems were implicated in both genomic and phenotypic lab-wide association scans (LabWAS). Two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses provided evidence of potential unidirectional causal effects of PTSD liability on five laboratory traits.

Conclusion and relevance

These findings demonstrate the potential of a triangulation approach to uncover scalable and clinically relevant biomarkers for PTSD.

Telomere Dynamics in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Critical Synthesis

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental disorder caused by exposure to traumatic stress, affects 5-10% of the world's population. There is some evidence that PTSD is associated with accelerated cellular aging, leading to an increased risk of medical and neurodegenerative comorbidities. Alterations in telomere length (TL) and telomerase enzyme activity have been proposed as biomarkers of this process. This hypothesis was seemingly confirmed in preliminary research, but more recent studies have yielded mixed results. The current narrative review was conducted to provide a critical synthesis of existing research on telomere length and telomerase in PTSD. Data from 26 clinical studies suggest that TL in PTSD is highly variable and may be influenced by methodological, demographic, trauma-related, and psychosocial factors. There is no evidence for altered telomerase activity in PTSD. In contrast, animal research suggests that exposure to traumatic stress does lead to TL shortening. Overall, it is likely that TL is not, by itself, a reliable biomarker of cellular aging in PTSD. Other markers of cellular senescence, such as epigenetic changes, may prove to be more specific in measuring this process in patients with PTSD.

m7G gene expression and disease risk model construction in patients with herpes zoster

This study investigates the association between mRNA levels of genes involved in 7-methylguanosine (m7G) metabolism and the prognosis of herpes zoster. By analyzing the transcriptional profiles of m7G-related genes in herpes zoster from the GSE242252 dataset, it was found that NSUN2, AGO2, and SNUPN were differentially expressed between herpes zoster and normal controls (p < 0.05). AGO2 and SNUPN were negatively correlated with multiple immune cell infiltrations, while NSUN2 was positively correlated with immature B cell infiltration. A nomogram model based on NSUN2, AGO2, and SNUPN was constructed and showed good predictive ability, validated through clinical impact curve analysis (CICA), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). The results suggest that a nomogram based on NSUN2, AGO2, and SNUPN can predict the risk of herpes zoster, and the relationship between these genes and immune infiltration may influence the prognosis of herpes zoster.Trial registration: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Fujian Medical University Union Hospital (No 2023QH003).

Dysbiotic oral microbiota-derived kynurenine, induced by chronic restraint stress, promotes head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by enhancing CD8+ T cell exhaustion

BACKGROUND

Chronic restraint stress (CRS) is a tumour-promoting factor. However, the underlying mechanism is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate whether CRS promotes head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) by altering the oral microbiota and related metabolites and whether kynurenine (Kyn) promotes HNSCC by modulating CD8+ T cells.

DESIGN

4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO)-treated mice were exposed to CRS. Germ-free mice treated with 4NQO received oral microbiota transplants from either CRS or control mouse donors. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry were performed on mouse saliva, faecal and plasma samples to investigate alterations in their microbiota and metabolites. The effects of Kyn on HNSCC were studied using the 4NQO-induced HNSCC mouse model.

RESULTS

Mice subjected to CRS demonstrated a higher incidence of HNSCC and oral microbial dysbiosis than CRS-free control mice. Pseudomonas and Veillonella species were enriched while certain oral bacteria, including Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus species, were depleted with CRS exposure. Furthermore, CRS-altered oral microbiota promoted HNSCC formation, caused oral and gut barrier dysfunction, and induced a host metabolome shift with increased plasma Kyn in germ-free mice exposed to 4NQO treatment. Under stress conditions, we also found that Kyn activated aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) nuclear translocation and deubiquitination in tumour-reactive CD8+ T cells, thereby promoting HNSCC tumourigenesis.

CONCLUSION

CRS-induced oral microbiota dysbiosis plays a protumourigenic role in HNSCC and can influence host metabolism. Mechanistically, under stress conditions, Kyn promotes CD8+ T cell exhaustion and HNSCC tumourigenesis through stabilising AhR by its deubiquitination.

CD300E+ macrophages facilitate liver regeneration after splenectomy in decompensated cirrhotic patients

Liver cirrhosis is prognostically associated with poor life expectancy owing to subsequent liver failure. Thus, understanding liver regeneration processes during cirrhotic injury is highly important. This study explored the role of macrophage heterogeneity in liver regeneration following splenectomy. We collected detailed clinical information from 54 patients with decompensated cirrhosis before and after splenectomy. Obvious liver regeneration was observed after splenectomy in cirrhotic patients. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed on three paired liver tissues from patients before and after surgery to explore the immune microenvironment map and the characteristics of liver regeneration-associated macrophages (RAMs). scRNA-seq analysis revealed that the composition of hepatic immune cells changed after splenectomy; among these changes, the proportion of CD300E+ RAMs significantly increased after surgery, and high expression levels of functional genes associated with cell proliferation promoted liver regeneration. Moreover, a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride-induced cirrhosis and a coculture system consisting of primary bone marrow-derived macrophages and hepatocytes were established for validation. We observed a similar phenomenon of liver regeneration in cirrhotic mice and further confirmed that CD300E+ monocyte-derived macrophages facilitated hepatocyte NAD+ synthesis via the secretion of NAMPT, which subsequently promoted hepatocyte proliferation. This study characterized the hepatic immune microenvironment in patients with cirrhosis following splenectomy. Our findings demonstrated that CD300E+ macrophages play a crucial role in remodeling the hepatic immune microenvironment after splenectomy, thereby promoting liver regeneration in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. CD300E+ macrophages are anticipated to emerge as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of liver cirrhosis.

Neuroimmunometabolism: how metabolism orchestrates immune response in healthy and diseased brain

Neuroimmunometabolism describes how neuroimmune cells, such as microglia, adapt their intracellular metabolic pathways to alter their immune functions in the central nervous system (CNS). Emerging evidence indicates that neurons also orchestrate the microglia-mediated immune response through neuro-immune cross talk, perhaps through metabolic signaling. However, little is known about how the brain's metabolic microenvironment and microglial intracellular metabolism orchestrate the neuroimmune response in healthy and diseased brains. This review addresses the balance of immunometabolic substrates in healthy and diseased brains, their metabolism by brain-resident microglia, and the potential impact of metabolic dysregulation of these substrates on the neuroimmune response and pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. This review also suggests metabolic reprogramming of microglia as a preventive strategy for the management of neuroinflammation-related brain disorders, including psychiatric diseases.

Structural and functional brain correlates of the neutrophil- and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio in neuropsychiatric disorders

Skews in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) increasingly demonstrate prognostic capability in a range of acute and chronic mental health conditions. There has been a recent uptick in structural and functional magnetic responance imaging data corroborating the role of NLR and MLR in a cluster of neuropsychiatric disorders that are characterized by cognitive, affective, and psychomotor dysfunction. Moreover, these deficits are mostly evident in setting of acute and chronic disease comorbidity implicating aging and immunosenescent processes in the manifestation of these geriatric syndromes. The studies reviewed in this special edition implicate neutrophil and monocyte expansion relative to lymphocytopenia in the sequelae of depression, cognitive and functional decline, as well as provide support from a range of neuroimaging techniques that identify brain alteartions concommitant with expansion of the NLR or MLR and the sequelae of depression, dementia, and functional decline.

Grasping Posttraumatic Stress Disorder From the Perspective of Psychoneuroimmunoendocrinology: Etiopathogenic Mechanisms and Relevance for Integrative Management

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition caused by exposure to traumatic events that affects 5% to 10% of the population, with increased prevalence among women and individuals in war zones. Beyond psychological symptoms, PTSD induces significant physiological changes across systems. Psychoneuroimmunoendocrinology (PNIE) offers a framework to explore these complex interactions between the psyche and the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems. Studies have revealed that PTSD entails disruptions in the central and autonomic nervous, immune, and endocrine systems, including gut microbiota imbalances, which impair organ function. Integrative pathways that connect these parts include the microbiota-gut-brain axis, heart-brain axis, neuroinflammation, and hypothalamic-pituitary dysregulation, highlighting bidirectional links between mental and physical health. Viewing PTSD as an entity comprising both psychological and physiological challenges underscores the importance of integrative care strategies that combine pharmacological treatments, psychotherapy, and lifestyle interventions. These approaches are consistent with PNIE principles, which may help identify biomarkers for treatment efficacy. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiology of PTSD through a PNIE lens and its implications for improving patient care, advocating for personalized, multidisciplinary interventions in mental health.

RNA modifications in cancer

RNA modifications are emerging as critical cancer regulators that influence tumorigenesis and progression. Key modifications, such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and 5-methylcytosine (m5C), are implicated in various cellular processes. These modifications are regulated by proteins that write, erase, and read RNA and modulate RNA stability, splicing, translation, and degradation. Recent studies have highlighted their roles in metabolic reprogramming, signaling pathways, and cell cycle control, which are essential for tumor proliferation and survival. Despite these scientific advances, the precise mechanisms by which RNA modifications affect cancer remain inadequately understood. This review comprehensively examines the role RNA modifications play in cancer proliferation, metastasis, and programmed cell death, including apoptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis. It explores their effects on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the immune microenvironment, particularly in cancer metastasis. Furthermore, RNA modifications' potential in cancer therapies, including conventional treatments, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies, is discussed. By addressing these aspects, this review aims to bridge current research gaps and underscore the therapeutic potential of targeting RNA modifications to improve cancer treatment strategies and patient outcomes.

10-Hydroxy-2-decenoic acid attenuates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by activating AMPK-α signaling pathway

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) originates from metabolic dysfunctions, is one of the most commonly encountered liver disorders worldwide, characterized by ectopic lipid deposition within hepatocytes, accompanied by hepatocellular injury and necroinflammation. Currently, NAFLD has very few treatment options. Purified from royal jelly, 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA) is the primary bioactive ingredient with a series of beneficial effects against various metabolic diseases. Herein, we investigated the effects of 10-HDA in methionine and choline deficiency (MCD) diet induced NAFLD model and free fatty acids (FFAs) induced lipid-laden hepatocyte model and explored the underlying mechanisms. In the mice fed with MCD diet, 10-HDA treatment significantly reduced hepatic steatosis, hepatocellular injury, apoptosis, inflammatory response and fibrosis. In vitro, 10-HDA treatment reduced lipid accumulation and apoptosis in hepatocytes induced by FFAs. Mechanistically, 10-HDA therapy restored AMPK-α phosphorylation, leading to the phosphorylation and inactivation acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). Consequently, this increased the expression of carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1α(CPT1α), and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors α (PPARα), and lowered the expression of cleavage forms of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) and fatty acid synthetase (FASN). Furthermore, pretreating the cells with the AMPK-α inhibitor, compound C, greatly eliminated these beneficial effects of 10-HDA. Additionally, molecular docking analysis indicated that 10-HDA bound the domain of AMPK-α1 subunit. Based on these findings, 10-HDA suppresses hepatic lipogenesis via AMPK-α-dependent suppression of the ACC pathway, thus inhibiting hepatocellular injury, apoptosis, inflammatory response and fibrosis. 10-HDA may represent a promising candidate drug for the treatment of NAFLD.

Norepinephrine stimulates M2 macrophage polarization via β2-adrenergic receptor-mediated IL-6 production in breast cancer cells

Previous studies have demonstrated that norepinephrine (NE) released during chronic stress promotes breast cancer (BC) metastasis via adrenergic receptors (ARs). However, the effect of NE on tumor-associated macrophage polarization and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of NE on M2 macrophage polarization, with a particular focus on the crosstalk between macrophages and BC cells. Our results demonstrated that, although NE alone did not directly induce the expression of M2 macrophage markers, conditioned medium from NE-treated MDA-MB-231 human BC cells (NE CM) significantly promoted M2 macrophage polarization in THP-1 macrophages. We found that NE stimulated IL-6 production in MDA-MB-231 cells via β2-AR/NF-κB pathway, which activated STAT3 in THP-1 cells to induce M2 macrophage polarization. NE failed to induce IL-6 production and NF-κB activation when ADRB2 was knocked down in MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, ADRB2 knockdown in cancer cells suppressed NE CM-induced M2 macrophage polarization, as well as M2 macrophage-induced cancer cell migration. Taken together, our results suggest that NE stimulates M2 macrophage polarization by inducing IL-6 secretion from BC cells through a β2-AR-dependent mechanism, which subsequently promotes cancer cell migration. Targeting β2-AR may represent a promising strategy to prevent chronic stress-induced BC metastasis.

Baicalein, a natural flavonoid in gastrointestinal cancers treatment: recent trends and future perspectives

Gastrointestinal cancer is a malignant condition of the gastrointestinal tract (GI) which affect multi-organs of digestive system, such as esophagus, stomach, biliary system, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. Gastrointestinal cancer is a 5th most common malignant cancer and 4th major cause in cancer-related mortality rate. Various significant facilities are available that have reduced the radio-resistance, chemo-resistance, and their adverse side effects. However, there are serious side effects associated with chemical and radiations during the process. Baicalein is a natural flavonoid extracted from dried roots of Scutellaria baicalensis, showing anti-cancerous property. It is also participating in inhibiting metastasis, accelerating apoptosis and elevating autophagy through inhibition of inflammation and cell proliferation. In this review, we have focused on Chemistry and pharmacokinetics of Baicalein for drug designing and clinical applications majorly in gastrointestinal cancer. Moreover, various types of cancer related to gastrointestinal, role of nanotechnology, and its synergism for reducing cancer are also discussed. Thus, the review would be beneficial to explore the role of baicalein against gastrointestinal cancer treatment.

Epigenome-wide association studies identify novel DNA methylation sites associated with PTSD: a meta-analysis of 23 military and civilian cohorts

BACKGROUND

The occurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a traumatic event is associated with biological differences that can represent the susceptibility to PTSD, the impact of trauma, or the sequelae of PTSD itself. These effects include differences in DNA methylation (DNAm), an important form of epigenetic gene regulation, at multiple CpG loci across the genome. Moreover, these effects can be shared or specific to both central and peripheral tissues. Here, we aim to identify blood DNAm differences associated with PTSD and characterize the underlying biological mechanisms by examining the extent to which they mirror associations across multiple brain regions.

METHODS

As the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) PTSD Epigenetics Workgroup, we conducted the largest cross-sectional meta-analysis of epigenome-wide association studies (EWASs) of PTSD to date, involving 5077 participants (2156 PTSD cases and 2921 trauma-exposed controls) from 23 civilian and military studies. PTSD diagnosis assessments were harmonized following the standardized guidelines established by the PGC-PTSD Workgroup. DNAm was assayed from blood using Illumina HumanMethylation450 or MethylationEPIC (850 K) BeadChips. Within each cohort, DNA methylation was regressed on PTSD, sex (if applicable), age, blood cell proportions, and ancestry. An inverse variance-weighted meta-analysis was performed. We conducted replication analyses in tissue from multiple brain regions, neuronal nuclei, and a cellular model of prolonged stress.

RESULTS

We identified 11 CpG sites associated with PTSD in the overall meta-analysis (1.44e - 09 < p < 5.30e - 08), as well as 14 associated in analyses of specific strata (military vs civilian cohort, sex, and ancestry), including CpGs in AHRR and CDC42BPB. Many of these loci exhibit blood-brain correlation in methylation levels and cross-tissue associations with PTSD in multiple brain regions. Out of 9 CpGs annotated to a gene expressed in blood, methylation levels at 5 CpGs showed significant correlations with the expression levels of their respective annotated genes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identifies 11 PTSD-associated CpGs and leverages data from postmortem brain samples, GWAS, and genome-wide expression data to interpret the biology underlying these associations and prioritize genes whose regulation differs in those with PTSD.

Exploring baicalein: A natural flavonoid for enhancing cancer prevention and treatment

Despite years of development in cancer therapy, achieving successful cancer treatment remains a major research topic. Primary means of cancer treatment include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. However, these modalities are associated with limitations and adverse effects on normal tissues. Therefore, there is a search for novel therapeutic approaches that will increase the efficacy of the available treatment while minimizing side effects. Naturally occurring bioactive chemicals such as flavonoids have long been used in traditional medicine to treat various illnesses. Baicalein, an active ingredient in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, is utilised in traditional medicine to treat conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and infections. This review focuses on summarizing the data available on cancer prevention and treatment usage of baicalein. Baicalein is thought to prevent cancer progression by inducing apoptosis, autophagy, and genome instability, and its ability to promote chemo-potentiation, anti-metastatic effects, and regulate specific signalling molecules and transcription factors. Baicalein can be a promising option for cancer treatment, either alone or in combination with established anticancer drugs.

HDC downregulation induced by chronic stress promotes ovarian cancer progression via the IL-6/STAT3/S100A9 pathway

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of chronic stress promoting ovarian cancer growth comorbid with depression and evaluate the potential role of histamine (HIS) in treating this comorbidity.

Methods

Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) was used to establish a comorbid mouse model of ovarian cancer and depression. The behavioral phenotypes were assessed using the sucrose preference test (SPT), tail suspension test (TST), forced swimming test (FST), and open field test (OFT). Ovarian cancer growth was monitored by tracking the tumor volume and weight. Histidine decarboxylase (HDC) expression in the tumor tissue was analyzed using Western blot and qRT-PCR techniques. The serum levels of inflammatory factors (IL-6 and IL-17A), stress hormones (norepinephrine, NE and cortisol, and COR), histamine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In vitro experiments were conducted to explore the direct impacts of stress hormones on A2780 and ES-2 ovarian cancer cell lines, as well as the modulation of these effects by histamine. HDC knockdown and overexpression approaches were used to study its regulatory role in the IL-6/STAT3/S100A9 signaling pathway.

Results

Chronic stress not only induced depressive behaviors but also accelerated ovarian cancer growth in mice by downregulating HDC expression in tumors, whereas exogenous HIS treatment alleviated depressive symptoms, suppressed cancer growth, and countered the decreased levels of HIS and increased levels of IL-6, IL-17A, NE, COR, and 5-HT induced by CUMS. Furthermore, HIS positively modulated the immune response by increasing the populations of CD3+T and CD8+ T cells and reducing IL-17A secretion. In vitro experiments revealed that stress hormones downregulated HDC expression, consequently promoting cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via the IL-6/STAT3/S100A9 pathway. Knockdown of HDC activated this pathway, whereas HDC overexpression inhibited its activation.

Conclusion

Chronic stress leads to the downregulation of HDC expression, thereby facilitating the progression of ovarian cancer through the IL-6/STAT3/S100A9 pathway. HIS might serve as a potential molecule for treating the comorbidities of ovarian cancer and depression.

Interpretable deep cross networks unveiled common signatures of dysregulated epitranscriptomes across 12 cancer types

Cancer is a complex and multifaceted group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth that leads to the formation of malignant tumors. Recent studies suggest that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation plays pivotal roles in cancer pathology by influencing various cellular processes. However, the degree to which these mechanisms are shared across different cancer types remains unclear. In this study, we analyze an expansive array of 167 m6A epitranscriptome profiles covering 12 distinct cancer types and their originating normal tissues. We trained 12 distinct, cancer type-specific interpretable deep cross network models, which successfully distinguish between specific pairs of normal and cancer m6A contexts using integrated information from both the sequences and curated genomic knowledge. Interestingly, cross-cancer type testing indicated the existence of shared genomic patterns across various cancers at the epitranscriptome level. A pan-cancer model was subsequently developed to identify these shared patterns that could not be observed in a single cancer type. Our analysis uncovered, for the first time, a common epitranscriptome signature shared across multiple cancer types, particularly associated with RNA hybridization process and aberrant splicing. This highlights the importance of a comprehensive understanding of the pan-cancer epitranscriptome and holding potential implications in the development of RNA methylation-based therapeutics for various cancers.

Embryonic Thermal Programming and Dietary Baicalein Supplementation Post-Hatch: Effects on Broiler Adipose Tissue Deposition

Optimization of growth performance and fat metabolism in broilers are critical for meat quality and overall production efficiency. This experiment investigated the effects of dietary baicalein supplementation and embryonic heat conditioning (EHC) on the growth performance and adipose tissue metabolism of 10-day old broilers. Fertile eggs were divided into control and EHC groups, with EHC eggs exposed to intermittent heating (39.5 °C) from day 7 to day 16 of incubation. Hatched chicks were further divided into four groups: CC (control control), CT (control treatment with baicalein), EC (embryonic heat control), and ET (embryonic heat treatment with baicalein), and were fed ad libitum. On day 10 post-hatch, blood and adipose tissue samples were collected for analysis. C/EBPα mRNA was lower in the ET group compared to the EC group and higher in the CT group compared to the CC group. PPARγ and HSL mRNAs were elevated in both the ET and CT groups relative to their controls. Additionally, plasma non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels were significantly higher in the CT group compared to the CC group. These results indicate that baicalein supplementation, particularly when combined with embryonic heat conditioning, can modulate fat metabolism and potentially improve the growth performance of broilers, thereby offering insights into strategies for enhancing poultry production.

Targeting the mTOR Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products

Despite advancements in cancer treatment through surgery and drugs, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a significant challenge, as reflected by its low survival rates. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in regulating the cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis, and metabolism. Notably, dysregulation leading to the activation of the mTOR signaling pathway is common in HCC, making it a key focus for in-depth research and a target for current therapeutic strategies. This review focuses on the role of the mTOR signaling pathway and its downstream effectors in regulating HCC cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle, and metabolic reprogramming. Moreover, it emphasizes the potential of natural products as modulators of the mTOR signaling pathway. When incorporated into combination therapies, these natural products have been demonstrated to augment therapeutic efficacy and surmount drug resistance. These products target key signaling pathways such as mTOR signaling pathways. Examples include 11-epi-sinulariolide acetate, matrine, and asparagus polysaccharide. Their inhibitory effects on these processes suggest valuable directions for the development of more effective HCC therapeutic strategies. Various natural products have demonstrated the ability to inhibit mTOR signaling pathway and suppress HCC progression. These phytochemicals, functioning as mTOR signaling pathway inhibitors, hold great promise as potential anti-HCC agents, especially in the context of overcoming chemoresistance and enhancing the outcomes of combination therapies.

Novel Pharmacologic and Other Somatic Treatment Approaches for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Adults: State of the Evidence

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly prevalent psychiatric disorder that can become chronic and debilitating when left untreated. The most commonly recommended first-line treatments for PTSD among adults are individual trauma-focused psychotherapies. Other evidence-based treatments include specific antidepressant medications and non-trauma-focused psychotherapies. Despite the effectiveness of these available treatments, many patients' symptoms do not remit. This has led to the search for novel treatments for PTSD. In this review, the authors critically evaluate the data supporting several emerging pharmacological and other somatic interventions in the categories of medication-assisted psychotherapy, novel medication monotherapy strategies, and neuromodulation, selected because of the salience of their mechanisms of action to the pathophysiology of PTSD (e.g., MDMA-assisted psychotherapy, ketamine, cannabidiol, transcranial magnetic stimulation). The authors also evaluate the evidence for treatments that are the focus of increasing scientific or public interest (i.e., hyperbaric oxygen therapy, stellate ganglion block, neurofeedback). To date, the evidence supporting most novel pharmacological and somatic treatments for PTSD is preliminary and highly variable; however, the data for several specific treatments, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation, are encouraging.

Impact of chronic stress on intestinal mucosal immunity in colorectal cancer progression

Chronic stress is a significant risk factor that contributes to the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) and has garnered considerable attention in recent research. It influences the distribution and function of immune cells within the intestinal mucosa through the "brain-gut" axis, altering cytokine and chemokine secretion and creating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. The intestine, often called the "second brain," is particularly susceptible to the effects of chronic stress. Cytokines and chemokines in intestinal mucosal immunity（IMI） are closely linked to CRC cells' proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance under chronic stress. Recently, antidepressants have emerged as potential therapeutic agents for CRC, possibly by modulating IMI to restore homeostasis and exert anti-tumor effects. This article reviews the role of chronic stress in promoting CRC progression via its impact on intestinal mucosal immunity, explores potential targets within the intestinal mucosa under chronic stress, and proposes new approaches for CRC treatment.

The role of IGF/IGF-1R signaling in the regulation of cancer stem cells

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a group of tumor cells with high tumorigenic ability and self-renewal potential similar to those of normal stem cells. CSCs are the key "seeds" for tumor development, metastasis, and recurrence. A better insight into the key mechanisms underlying CSC survival improves the efficiency of cancer therapy via specific targeting of CSCs. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)/IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) signaling plays an important role in the maintenance of cancer stemness. However, the effect of IGF/IGF-1R signaling on stemness and CSCs and the underlying mechanisms are still controversial. Based on the similarity between CSCs and normal stem cells, this review discusses emerging data on the functions of IGF/IGF-1R signaling in normal stem cells and CSCs and dissects the underlying mechanisms by which IGF/IGF-1R signaling is involved in CSCs. On the other hand, this review highlighted the role of IGF/IGF-1R signaling blockade in multiple CSCs as a potential strategy to improve CSC-based therapy.

Iridium oxide-modified reference screen-printed electrodes for point-of-care portable electrochemical cortisol detection

Cortisol is a well-known stress biomarker; this study focuses on using electrochemical immuno-sensing to measure the concentration of cortisol selectively and sensitively in artificial samples. Anti-cortisol antibodies have been immobilised on polycrystalline Au electrodes via strong covalent thiol bonds, fabricating an electrochemical bio-immunosensor for cortisol detection. IrOx was then anodically electrodeposited as a reference electrode on a commercial screen-printed electrode and electrochemical impedance spectrometry (EIS) studies were used to correlate the electrochemical response to cortisol concentration and the induced changes in charge transfer resistance (Rct). A linear relationship between the Rct and the logarithm of cortisol concentration was found in concentrations ranging from 1 ng/mL to 1 mg/mL with limit of detection at 11.85 pg/mL (32.69 pM). The modification of the reference electrode with iridium oxide has greatly improved the reproducibility of the screen-printed electrode. The sensing system can provide a reliable and sensitive detection approach for cortisol measurements.

A brain-to-liver signal mediates the inhibition of liver regeneration under chronic stress in mice

As the ability of liver regeneration is pivotal for liver disease patients, it will be of high significance and importance to identify the missing piece of the jigsaw influencing the liver regeneration. Here, we report that chronic stress impairs the liver regeneration capacity after partial hepatectomy with increased mortality in male mice. Anatomical tracing and functional mapping identified a neural circuit from noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) to serotonergic neurons in the rostral medullary raphe region (rMR), which critically contributes to the inhibition of liver regeneration under chronic stress. In addition, hepatic sympathetic nerves were shown to be critical for the inhibitory effects on liver regeneration by releasing norepinephrine (NE), which acts on adrenergic receptor β2 (ADRB2) to block the proinflammatory macrophage activation. Collectively, we reveal a "brain-to-liver" neural connection that mediates chronic stress-evoked deficits in liver regeneration, thus shedding important insights into hepatic disease therapy.

Rewired glutamate metabolism diminishes cytostatic action of L-asparaginase

Tumor cells often adapt to amino acid deprivation through metabolic rewiring, compensating for the loss with alternative amino acids/substrates. We have described such a scenario in leukemic cells treated with L-asparaginase (ASNase). Clinical effect of ASNase is based on nutrient stress achieved by its dual enzymatic action which leads to depletion of asparagine and glutamine and is accompanied with elevated aspartate and glutamate concentrations in serum of acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients. We showed that in these limited conditions glutamate uptake compensates for the loss of glutamine availability. Extracellular glutamate flux detection confirms its integration into the TCA cycle and its participation in nucleotide and glutathione synthesis. Importantly, it is glutamate-driven de novo synthesis of glutathione which is the essential metabolic pathway necessary for glutamate's pro-survival effect. In vivo findings support this effect by showing that inhibition of glutamate transporters enhances the therapeutic effect of ASNase. In summary, ASNase induces elevated extracellular glutamate levels under nutrient stress, which leads to a rewiring of intracellular glutamate metabolism and has a negative impact on ASNase treatment.

Network pharmacology and bioinformatic integrative analysis reveals candidate gene targets and potential therapeutic of East Kalimantan propolis against hepatocellular carcinoma

Introduction

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is commonly treated with surgery, liver transplantation, and chemotherapy, but recurrence and metastasis remain challenges. Natural complementary therapies like propolis, known for its hepatoprotective properties, are gaining interest due to limited efficacy and toxicity of conventional chemotherapy. This study aims to identify core targets for HCC, assess the therapeutic potential of East Kalimantan propolis (EKP) from stingless bees, and analyze the molecular interactions.

Methods

EKP compounds were analyzed using target prediction tools related to HCC, alongside clinical data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, to identify overlapping genes with clinical relevance. The selected genes were then subjected to protein-protein interaction (PPI), GO and KEGG enrichment, immunohistochemical comparison and survival analysis to identify potential core targets and related pathways for HCC therapy. Furthermore, molecular docking and dynamics were conducted to verify the molecular interactions and stability of EKP compounds with targets.

Results

108 genes have been selected as HCC potential targets, which mostly associated with MicroRNAs in cancer, chemical carcinogenesis, and viral carcinogenesis pathways. These targets were obtained by overlapping genes from GEO clinical databases and target predictors. PPI network analysis revealed 4 main targets of propolis in HCC. Furthermore, differential expression genes, survival analysis, and Immunohistochemical analysis from databases suggested that AKR1C3 and MAPK1 promote HCC progression and shorten survival rate of HCC patients. Molecular docking and dynamic studies confirmed strong binding affinity and stability of Baicalein, Chrysin, Quercetin, and Myricetin with receptor targets within simulation time.

Conclusions

This study provides insight into the mechanism of action of EKP on HCC and identifies AKR1C3 and MAPK1 as candidate target treatments for future drug development.

Impact of psychological stressors on natural killer cell function: A comprehensive analysis based on stressor type, duration, intensity, and species

Patients with natural killer (NK) cell deficiency or dysfunction are more susceptible to infections by Herpesviridae viruses, herpesvirus-related cancers, and macrophage activation syndromes. This review summarizes research on NK cell dysfunction following psychological stress, focusing on stressor type, duration, age of exposure, and species studied. Psychological stressors negatively affect NK cell activity (NKCA) across species. Prolonged stress leads to more significant decreases in NK cell number and function, with rehabilitation efforts proving ineffective in reversing these effects. Early life and prolonged stress exposure particularly increases the risk of infections and cancer due to impaired NKCA. The review also highlights that stress impacts males and females differently, with females exhibiting a more immunosuppressed NK cell phenotype. Notably, mice respond differently compared to humans and other animals, making them unsuitable for NK cell stress-related studies. Most studies measured NKCA using cytolytic assays against K-562 or YAC-1 cells. Although the exact mechanisms of NK cell dysfunction under stress remain unclear, potential causes include reduced release of secretory lysosomes with perforin or granzyme, impaired NK cell synapse formation, decreased expression of synapse-related molecules like CD2 or LFA-1 (CD11a), altered activating receptor expression, and dysregulated signaling pathways, such as decreased Erk1/2 phosphorylation and NFkB signaling. These mechanisms are not mutually exclusive, and future research is needed to clarify these pathways and develop therapeutic interventions for stress-induced immune dysregulation.

Crosstalk Between the Spleen and Other Organs/Systems: Downstream Signaling Events

The aim of this review was to gather pieces of information from available critically evaluated published articles concerning any interplay in which the spleen could be involved. For many years, the spleen has been alleged as an unnecessary biological structure, even though splenomegaly is an objective finding of many illnesses. Indeed, the previous opinion has been completely changed. In fact, the spleen is not a passive participant in or a simple bystander to a relationship that exists between the immune system and other organs. Recently, it has been evidenced in many preclinical and clinical studies that there are close associations between the spleen and other parts of the body, leading to various spleen–organ axes. Among them, the gut–spleen axis, the liver–spleen axis, the gut–spleen–skin axis, the brain–spleen axis, and the cardio-splenic axis are the most explored and present in the medical literature. Such recent sources of evidence have led to revolutionary new ideas being developed about the spleen. What is more, these observations may enable the identification of novel therapeutic strategies targeted at various current diseases. The time has come to make clear that the spleen is not a superfluous body part, while health system operators and physicians should pay more attention to this organ. Indeed, much work remains to be performed to assess further roles that this biological structure could play.

RNA modifications in long non-coding RNAs and their implications in cancer biology

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) represent the most diverse class of RNAs in cells and play crucial roles in maintaining cellular functions. RNA modifications, being a significant factor in regulating RNA biology, have been found to be extensively present in lncRNAs and exert regulatory effects on their behavior and biological functions. Most common types of RNA modifications in lncRNAs include N6-methyladenosine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), and N1-methyladenosine (m1A). In this review, we summarize the major RNA modification types associated with lncRNAs, the regulatory roles of each modification, and the implications of modified lncRNAs in tumorigenesis and development. By examining these aspects, we aim to provide insights into the role of RNA modifications in lncRNAs and their potential impact on cancer biology.