Issue 3-The occupational burden of respiratory diseases, an update

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

Workplace exposures are widely known to cause specific occupational diseases such as silicosis and asbestosis, but they also can contribute substantially to causation of common respiratory diseases. In 2019, the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS) published a joint statement on the occupational burden of respiratory diseases. Our aim on this narrative review is to summarise the most recent evidence published after the ATS/ERS statement as well as to provide information on traditional occupational lung diseases that can be useful for clinicians and researchers.

RESULTS

Newer publications confirm the findings of the ATS/ERS statement on the role of workplace exposure in contributing to the aetiology of the respiratory diseases considered in this review (asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, infectious pneumonia). Except for COPD, chronic bronchitis and infectious pneumonia, the number of publications in the last 5 years for the other diseases is limited. For traditional occupational lung diseases such as silicosis and asbestosis, there are old as well as novel sources of exposure and their burden continues to be relevant, especially in developing countries.

CONCLUSIONS

Occupational exposure remains an important risk factor for airways and interstitial lung diseases, causing occupational lung diseases and contributing substantially in the aetiology of common respiratory diseases. This information is critical for public health professionals formulating effective preventive strategies but also for clinicians in patient care. Effective action requires shared knowledge among clinicians, researchers, public health professionals, and policy makers.

Biomarker urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as a predictor of acute kidney injury in neonates

AIM

To evaluate urinary Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (uNGAL) as a predictive biomarker for Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in neonates undergoing gastrointestinal surgery.

MATERIALS & METHODS

A prospective cohort study included 45 neonates with gastrointestinal congenital malformations who underwent abdominal surgery within the first 28 days of life at two pediatric centers in Almaty, Kazakhstan. AKI was diagnosed using modified neonatal KDIGO criteria, dividing neonates into AKI[+] and AKI[-] groups. uNGAL levels were measured pre-surgery and on postoperative days 1, 3, and 7. Statistical analysis, including ROC curve analysis, was performed using SPSS to evaluate uNGAL's sensitivity and specificity as a biomarker.

RESULTS

AKI was diagnosed in 42.2% of neonates. Pre-surgery uNGAL levels were significantly higher in the AKI group (184.4 ng/ml vs. 56.5 ng/ml). Post-surgery, uNGAL peaked at 493.9 ng/ml on day 1, with sensitivities of 89.5% and 94.7% on days 1 and 7. Specificity was highest on days 1 and 3 (96.2% and 100%). The mortality rate among AKI-affected neonates was 31.5%.

CONCLUSION

uNGAL is a sensitive and specific biomarker for early AKI detection in neonates post-gastrointestinal surgery, enabling timely interventions and potentially reducing mortality.

Exploring the relationship between experience of vaccine adverse events and vaccine hesitancy: A scoping review

Fear of side effects is the main motive for vaccine refusal. However, before the COVID-19 pandemic, little attention had been paid to the actual experience of adverse events and its relationship with vaccine hesitancy. This scoping review aimed to analyze the impact of VH on EAE and vice versa. We reviewed 55 articles. Most of the studies focused on COVID-19 vaccination and employed cross-sectional surveys with self-reported indicators. These studies identified significant correlations between EAE and VH. Social cognitive models shed some light on the influence of EAE on VH, while the converse is usually explained by the nocebo effect that predominately accounts for the converse. This emerging research field is hampered by significant inconsistencies in theoretical explanations, assessments of the relationship, and measurements of these two phenomena. A more comprehensive consideration of individual experience, both objective and subjective, would help develop more effective vaccine communication strategies and improve pharmacological surveillance.

Targeting oxidative stress in preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a complex condition characterized by elevated blood pressure and organ damage involving kidneys or liver, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality for both the mother and the fetus. Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress, often caused by mitochondrial dysfunction within fetal trophoblast cells may play a major role in the development and progression of preeclampsia. Oxidative stress occurs as a result of an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the capacity of antioxidant defenses, which can lead to placental cellular damage and endothelial cell dysfunction. Targeting oxidative stress appears to be a promising therapeutic approach that has the potential to improve both short- and long-term maternal and fetal outcomes, thus reducing the global burden of preeclampsia. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive account of the mechanisms of oxidative stress in preeclampsia. Furthermore, it also examines potential interventions for reducing oxidative stress in preeclampsia, including natural antioxidant supplements, lifestyle modifications, mitochondrial targeting antioxidants, and pharmacological agents.A better understanding of the mechanism of action of proposed therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative stress is essential for the identification of companion biomarkers and personalized medicine approaches for the development of effective treatments of preeclampsia.

Evaluating the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant efficacy of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) used for management of inflammatory bowel disease: a comprehensive review

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic autoimmune condition whose pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated, and current treatments are not definitive and often carry several side effects. The Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) offers a new approach to conventional medicine. However, their clinical application and mechanisms remain limited.Objective: The aim of this review is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, impact on microbiota and antioxidant efficacy of currently available CAM for IBD.Methods: The literature collection was obtained from Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PubMed and Web of Science (WOS). Studies in both human and animal models, published in English language between 2018 and 2024, were selected. Sixty-seven studies were included in the current review after inclusion and exclusion screening processes.Results: Mostly, studies showed significant anti-inflammatory, gut microbiota restoring, antioxidant effects of polyphenols, polysaccharides, emodin, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA; including butyrate, propionate and acetate), and probiotics although some contrasting results were noted. Current evidence shows that polyphenols exhibit the most consistent result in alleviating IBD pathophysiology, primarily due to their significant SCFA-elevating effect.Discussion: Future studies may focus on human studies, narrowing down on individual factors which may change natural product's metabolism. Further research studies are also essential to obtain therapeutic recommendations.

Relevance of RNA to the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells extracellular vesicles

Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells (MSCs) are among the most frequently studied cell types in clinical trials, and their small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are now being extensively investigated for therapeutic applications. The RNA cargo of MSC-sEVs, particularly miRNAs and mRNAs, is widely believed to be a key therapeutic component of these vesicles. In this review, we critically examine using first principles and peer-reviewed literature, whether MSC- extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) can deliver sufficient quantity of functional miRNA or mRNA to target compartments within recipient cells to elicit a pharmacological response. Several RNA sequencing studies reveal that miRNAs are underrepresented in the small RNA population of MSC-sEVs compared to the parent MSCs. Additionally, the majority of miRNAs are mature forms that are not associated with Argonaute (AGO) proteins, essential for their function in RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISCs). Compounding this, cellular uptake of EVs is generally inefficient, with less than 1% being internalized, and only a fraction of these reaching the cytosol. This suggests that EVs may not deliver miRNAs in sufficient quantities to meaningfully interact with AGO proteins, either through canonical or non-canonical pathways, or with other proteins like Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Further, MSC-sEV RNAs are generally small, with sizes less than 500 nucleotides indicating that any mRNA present is likely fragmented as the average mammalian mRNA is approximately 2000 nucleotides, a fact confirmed by RNA sequencing data. Together, these findings challenge the notion that RNA, particularly miRNAs and mRNAs, are primary therapeutic attributes of MSC-sEVs.

Research hotspots and trends of immunotherapy and melanoma: A bibliometric analysis during 2014-2024

Over the last decade, the increasing global prevalence of melanoma has sparked growing interest in immunotherapies, which show significant potential against this form of skin cancer. This research aims to offer a framework to guide future studies and inspire new research directions. In this study, we used the Web of Science Core Collection to collect papers on immunotherapy and melanoma published between 2014 and 2024. With Excel and visualization tools like VOSviewer, COOC 13.2, Citespace, and Bibliometrix (R-Tool of R-Studio), we analyzed the data to spot trends and new focuses in the research. Our findings indicate a substantial surge in research activity concerning immunotherapy and melanoma between 2014 and 2024. The USA and China emerged as leading contributors, engaging in extensive and close collaborative efforts with European counterparts. Furthermore, seven of the top 10 research institutions are located in the USA, with the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas being the most productive. In addition, the Journal of Cancer Immunotherapy is the journal with the most articles published in the field. Professor Georgina V. Long from the Melanoma Institute at the University of Sydney was one of the most productive scholars. Keyword analysis shows that immune checkpoint inhibitors, tumor microenvironment and targeted therapies are key areas of interest for the research community. This paper uses bibliometric analysis to outline research trends and key points in immunotherapy and melanoma from 2014 to 2024, which helps understand the current research and guides future research directions.

Hyperhomocysteinaemia aggravates periodontitis by suppressing the Nrf2/HO-1 signalling pathway

Periodontitis, a common dental illness, causes periodontal tissue inflammation and irreversible bone loss, inevitably resulting in tooth loss. Hyperhomocysteinaemia (HHcy), defined as blood total homocysteine (Hcy) levels greater than 15 µmol/L, is linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk. Mounting evidence indicates a connection between HHcy and periodontitis; however, the underlying processes remain unknown. Herein, we explored the mechanisms by which HHcy exacerbates periodontal tissue inflammation and osteoclast formation. In an animal model of periodontitis treated with HHcy, periodontal attachment loss was aggravated, and both systemic and gingival tissue inflammation levels tended to increase; additionally, antioxidant-related proteins were suppressed and expressed at low levels, whereas oxidative damage-related protein expression increased. In RAW264.7 cells treated with LPS or LPS + Hcy, the LPS + Hcy group presented increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) fluorescence intensity, and Nrf2/HO-1 signalling pathway suppression was associated with inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) expression. In monocyte osteoclasts treated with Rankl or Rankl + Hcy, the Rankl + Hcy group presented Nrf2/HO-1 signalling pathway suppression, an increase in osteoclast-related proteins (NFATc-1 and CTSK), and a more pronounced osteoclastic phenotype. Therefore, HHcy may exacerbate inflammation severity and osteoclast generation in periodontitis by promoting ROS production and inhibiting the Nrf2/HO-1 signalling pathway.

Systematic review of pharmacotherapy for atypical facial pain: evaluation of pain reduction, depression, anxiety and quality of life

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Atypical facial pain (AFP) is a chronic condition characterized by persistent facial pain without clear clinical signs, making diagnosis and treatment difficult. Common pharmacological treatments include antidepressants, anticonvulsants and neuromodulators, but their effectiveness remains uncertain, necessitating a systematic review to guide clinical practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating pharmacological treatments for AFP in adults were included. A comprehensive search of five databases without date restrictions was performed. Data on pain reduction, quality of life, and adverse events were extracted. The Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB 2.0) tool assessed bias, and evidence quality was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool.

RESULTS

Out of 196 studies identified, 10 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Pharmacological responses varied significantly across studies. Antidepressants such as dothiepin and clomipramine demonstrated significant pain reduction, whereas venlafaxine showed limited efficacy. However, onabotulinum toxin A and sumatriptan exhibited inconsistent or minimal effects on AFP pain intensity. Adverse events were reported across multiple treatments, ranging from mild side effects such as dry mouth and nausea to severe reactions like diplopia and facial asymmetry, which impacted adherence. Despite some positive outcomes, the heterogeneity in study methodologies, outcome measures, and follow-up durations limited direct comparisons between interventions.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review highlights the mixed efficacy of pharmacological treatments for AFP, with certain medications demonstrating superior pain relief in specific patient subgroups. Given the variability in response and adverse events, a multimodal approach combining pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies may offer the most effective management strategy. Future research should focus on standardized treatment protocols, long-term efficacy, and personalized treatment plans to optimize patient care.

Guanosine enhances the bactericidal effect of ceftiofur sodium on Streptococcus suis by activating bacterial metabolism

The emergence and rapid development of antibiotic resistance poses a serious threat to global public health. Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is an important zoonotic pathogen, and the development of its antibiotic resistance has made the infections difficult to treat. The combination of non-antibiotic compounds with antibiotics is considered a promising strategy against multidrug-resistant bacteria. However, the mechanism by which metabolites act as antibiotic adjuvant remains unclear. Here, we found that guanosine metabolism was repressed in multidrug-resistant S. suis. Exogenous guanosine promoted the antibacterial effects of ceftiofur sodium (CEF) in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrated that exogenous guanosine promoted the biosynthesis of purine pathway, TCA cycle and bacterial respiration, which make bacteria more sensitive to the killing effect of antibacterial. In addition, the function of the cell membrane is affected by guanosine and the accumulation of antimicrobials in the bacteria increased. Bacterial-oxidative stress and DNA damage induced by guanosine is also one of the mechanisms by which the antibacterial effect is enhanced. These results suggest that guanosine is a promising adjuvant for antibacterial drugs and provide new theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of S. suis infection.

Discovery of a selective and reversible LSD1 inhibitor with potent anticancer effects in vitro and in vivo

Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is abnormally overexpressed in various tumour tissues of patients and has been an attractive anticancer target. In this work, a potent LSD1 inhibitor (compound 14) was designed and synthesised by the molecular hybridisation strategy. It displays the potent antiproliferative activity against HepG2, HEP3B, HUH6, and HUH7 cells with IC50 values of 0.93, 2.09, 1.43, and 4.37 μM, respectively. Furthermore, compound 14 is a selective and reversible LSD1 inhibitor with an IC50 value of 0.18 μM and increases the methylation levels of H3K4me1/2. Molecular docking studies showed that it formed hydrogen bonds, hydrophilic interactions and hydrophobic interactions with residues of LSD1. Anticancer mechanisms demonstrated that it suppresses migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition process in HepG2 cells. Importantly, it exhibits potent anti-liver cancer effects in vivo without obvious toxic effects. These interesting findings suggested that compound 14, a novel LSD1 inhibitor, may be a promising therapeutic agent to treat liver cancer.

Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived therapies for regeneration after central nervous system injury

In recent years, the progression of stem cell therapies has shown great promise in advancing the nascent field of regenerative medicine. Considering the non-regenerative nature of the mature central nervous system, the concept that "blank" cells could be reprogrammed and functionally integrated into host neural networks remained intriguing. Previous work has also demonstrated the ability of such cells to stimulate intrinsic growth programs in post-mitotic cells, such as neurons. While embryonic stem cells demonstrated great potential in treating central nervous system pathologies, ethical and technical concerns remained. These barriers, along with the clear necessity for this type of treatment, ultimately prompted the advent of induced pluripotent stem cells. The advantage of pluripotent cells in central nervous system regeneration is multifaceted, permitting differentiation into neural stem cells, neural progenitor cells, glia, and various neuronal subpopulations. The precise spatiotemporal application of extrinsic growth factors in vitro, in addition to microenvironmental signaling in vivo, influences the efficiency of this directed differentiation. While the pluri- or multipotency of these cells is appealing, it also poses the risk of unregulated differentiation and teratoma formation. Cells of the neuroectodermal lineage, such as neuronal subpopulations and glia, have been explored with varying degrees of success. Although the risk of cancer or teratoma formation is greatly reduced, each subpopulation varies in effectiveness and is influenced by a myriad of factors, such as the timing of the transplant, pathology type, and the ratio of accompanying progenitor cells. Furthermore, successful transplantation requires innovative approaches to develop delivery vectors that can mitigate cell death and support integration. Lastly, host immune responses to allogeneic grafts must be thoroughly characterized and further developed to reduce the need for immunosuppression. Translation to a clinical setting will involve careful consideration when assessing both physiologic and functional outcomes. This review will highlight both successes and challenges faced when using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cell transplantation therapies to promote endogenous regeneration.

The sexually dimorphic expression of glutamate transporters and their implication in pain after spinal cord injury

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202511000-00033/figure1/v/2024-12-20T164640Z/r/image-tiff In addition to the loss of motor function, ~ 60% of patients develop pain after spinal cord injury. The cellular-molecular mechanisms are not well understood, but the data suggests that plasticity within the rostral, epicenter, and caudal penumbra of the injury site initiates a cellular-molecular interplay that acts as a rewiring mechanism leading to central neuropathic pain. Sprouting can lead to the formation of new connections triggering abnormal sensory transmission. The excitatory glutamate transporters are responsible for the reuptake of extracellular glutamate which makes them a critical target to prevent neuronal hyperexcitability and excitotoxicity. Our previous studies showed a sexually dimorphic therapeutic window for spinal cord injury after treatment with the selective estrogen receptor modulator tamoxifen. In this study, we investigated the anti-allodynic effects of tamoxifen in male and female rats with spinal cord injury. We hypothesized that tamoxifen exerts anti-allodynic effects by increasing the expression of glutamate transporters, leading to reduced hyperexcitability of the secondary neuron or by decreasing aberrant sprouting. Male and female rats received a moderate contusion to the thoracic spinal cord followed by subcutaneous slow-release treatment of tamoxifen or matrix pellets as a control (placebo). We used von Frey monofilaments and the "up-down method" to evaluate mechanical allodynia. Tamoxifen treatment decreased allodynia only in female rats with spinal cord injury revealing a sex-dependent effect. The expression profile of glutamatergic transporters (excitatory amino acid transporter 1/glutamate aspartate transporter and excitatory amino acid transporter 2/glutamate transporter-1) revealed a sexual dimorphism in the rostral, epicenter, and caudal areas of the spinal cord with a pattern of expression primarily on astrocytes. Female rodents showed a significantly higher level of excitatory amino acid transporter-1 expression while male rodents showed increased excitatory amino acid transporter-2 expression compared with female rodents. Analyses of peptidergic (calcitonin gene-related peptide-α) and non-peptidergic (isolectin B4) fibers outgrowth in the dorsal horn after spinal cord injury showed an increased calcitonin gene-related peptide-α/ isolectin B4 ratio in comparison with sham, suggesting increased receptive fields in the dorsal horn. Although the behavioral assay shows decreased allodynia in tamoxifen-treated female rats, this was not associated with overexpression of glutamate transporters or alterations in the dorsal horn laminae fibers at 28 days post-injury. Our findings provide new evidence of the sexually dimorphic expression of glutamate transporters in the spinal cord. The dimorphic expression revealed in this study provides a therapeutic opportunity for treating chronic pain, an area with a critical need for treatment.

Human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles protect against ischemic stroke by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202511000-00028/figure1/v/2024-12-20T164640Z/r/image-tiff Human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles exhibit analogous functions to their parental cells, and can thus be used as substitutes for stem cells in stem cell therapy, thereby mitigating the risks of stem cell therapy and advancing the frontiers of stem cell-derived treatments. This lays a foundation for the development of potentially potent new treatment modalities for ischemic stroke. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the efficacy and safety of human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles remain unclear, presenting challenges for clinical translation. To promote the translation of therapy based on human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles from the bench to the bedside, we conducted a comprehensive preclinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in the treatment of ischemic stroke. We found that administration of human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles to an ischemic stroke rat model reduced the volume of cerebral infarction and promoted functional recovery by alleviating neuronal apoptosis. The human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles reduced neuronal apoptosis by enhancing phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase, mammalian target of rapamycin, and protein kinase B, and these effects were reversed by treatment with a phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor. These findings suggest that human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles play a neuroprotective role in ischemic stroke through activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway. Finally, we showed that human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles have a good in vivo safety profile. Therefore, human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles are a promising potential agent for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Nanocarrier-mediated siRNA delivery: a new approach for the treatment of traumatic brain injury-related Alzheimer's disease

Traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer's disease share pathological similarities, including neuronal loss, amyloid-β deposition, tau hyperphosphorylation, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and cognitive deficits. Furthermore, traumatic brain injury can exacerbate Alzheimer's disease-like pathologies, potentially leading to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Nanocarriers offer a potential solution by facilitating the delivery of small interfering RNAs across the blood-brain barrier for the targeted silencing of key pathological genes implicated in traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer's disease. Unlike traditional approaches to neuroregeneration, this is a molecular-targeted strategy, thus avoiding non-specific drug actions. This review focuses on the use of nanocarrier systems for the efficient and precise delivery of siRNAs, discussing the advantages, challenges, and future directions. In principle, siRNAs have the potential to target all genes and non-targetable proteins, holding significant promise for treating various diseases. Among the various therapeutic approaches currently available for neurological diseases, siRNA gene silencing can precisely "turn off" the expression of any gene at the genetic level, thus radically inhibiting disease progression; however, a significant challenge lies in delivering siRNAs across the blood-brain barrier. Nanoparticles have received increasing attention as an innovative drug delivery tool for the treatment of brain diseases. They are considered a potential therapeutic strategy with the advantages of being able to cross the blood-brain barrier, targeted drug delivery, enhanced drug stability, and multifunctional therapy. The use of nanoparticles to deliver specific modified siRNAs to the injured brain is gradually being recognized as a feasible and effective approach. Although this strategy is still in the preclinical exploration stage, it is expected to achieve clinical translation in the future, creating a new field of molecular targeted therapy and precision medicine for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease associated with traumatic brain injury.

Aptamer-based and highly sensitive electrochemical label-free gliotoxin biosensor via a dual recycling signal amplification cascade strategy

Gliotoxin (GT), a mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus fumigatus, exerts immunosuppressive and pro-apoptotic effects on mammalian cells, posing severe health threat upon human. Ultrasensitively and selectively detecting GT is therefore of great significance. In this work, on the basis of a new GT-specific aptamer, we describe construction of electrochemical label-free biosensor for GT with high sensitivity via exonuclease III (Exo III)-aided dual recycling signal amplification strategy. Target GT analyte combines with the aptamer recognition probe in the aptamer/ssDNA duplex to liberate the ssDNA, which hybridizes with the assistant hairpin to trigger the dual recycling cleavage of the G-quadruplex strand-containing signal hairpin on the electrode with the presence of Exo III. As a result, a substantial number of free G-quadruplex strands are generated. Consequently, aided by K+ ions, these G-quadruplexes bind and confine many hemin molecules on the electrode, which are subjected by electro-reduction for the generation of highly amplified current for label-free GT assay with 3.14 pM detection limit. In addition, such aptamer biosensor is also demonstrated with high selectivity and amenable for detecting GT in diluted human serums, highlighting its promising potentials for the convenient diagnosis of GT-associated diseases.

High through-put groundwater arsenic speciation analysis using an automated flow analyzer

The occurrence of geogenic arsenic (As) in groundwater is a global public health concern. However, there remain large gaps in groundwater As data, making it difficult to identify non-compliant domestic wells, partly due to lack of low-cost methods capable of rapid As analysis. Therefore, the development of high through-put and reliable on-site determination methods for inorganic As is essential. Herein, a portable automated analyzer was developed for the determination of arsenite (As(III)), arsenate (As(V)) and phosphate in As contaminated groundwater based on a previously adapted method for molybdenum blue spectrophotometry. After the optimization of the chemical reactions and flow manifold, the system demonstrated a high sample through-put (4.8/h for As(III), As(V) and phosphate analysis), allowing this system to screen 125 samples in 24 h. Other advantages include low operational costs (0.3 CNY per sample), appropriate sensitivity for contaminated groundwater (detection limits of 4.7 µg/L, 8.3 µg/L and 5.4 µg/L for As(III), As(V) and phosphate, respectively), good linearity (R2 > 0.9996 at As concentrations up to 1600 µg/L) and high precision (relative standard deviations of 3.5% and 2.8% for As(III) and As(V), respectively). The portable system was successfully used for As speciation analysis in 5 groundwater samples collected from multi-level wells at Yinchuan Plain, northwestern China, with total As concentrations ranging from 75.7 to 295.0 µg/L, independently assessing As speciation, providing a promising novel method for the rapid on-site screening of As in tens of millions of domestic wells worldwide.

Acute and chronic excitotoxicity in ischemic stroke and late-onset Alzheimer's disease

Stroke and Alzheimer's disease are common neurological disorders and often occur in the same individuals. The comorbidity of the two neurological disorders represents a grave health threat to older populations. This review presents a brief background of the development of novel concepts and their clinical potentials. The activity of glutamatergic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated Ca 2+ influx is critical for neuronal function. An ischemic insult induces prompt and excessive glutamate release and drastic increases of intracellular Ca 2+ mainly via N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, particularly of those at the extrasynaptic site. This Ca 2+ -evoked neuronal cell death in the ischemic core is dominated by necrosis within a few hours and days known as acute excitotoxicity. Furthermore, mild but sustained Ca 2+ increases under neurodegenerative conditions such as in the distant penumbra of the ischemic brain and early stages of Alzheimer's disease are not immediately toxic, but gradually set off deteriorating Ca 2+ -dependent signals and neuronal cell loss mostly because of activation of programmed cell death pathways. Based on the Ca 2+ hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease and recent advances, this Ca 2+ -activated "silent" degenerative excitotoxicity evolves from years to decades and is recognized as a unique slow and chronic neuropathogenesis. The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit GluN3A, primarily at the extrasynaptic site, serves as a gatekeeper for the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activity and is neuroprotective against both acute and chronic excitotoxicity. Ischemic stroke and Alzheimer's disease, therefore, share an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor- and Ca 2+ -mediated mechanism, although with much different time courses. It is thus proposed that early interventions to control Ca 2+ homeostasis at the preclinical stage are pivotal for individuals who are susceptible to sporadic late-onset Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease-related dementia. This early treatment simultaneously serves as a preconditioning therapy against ischemic stroke that often attacks the same individuals during abnormal aging.

Engineered cell membrane vesicles loaded with lysosomophilic drug for acute myeloid leukemia therapy via organ-cell-organelle cascade-targeting

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) presents significant treatment challenges due to the severe toxicities and limited efficacy of conventional therapies, highlighting the urgency for innovative approaches. Organelle-targeting therapies offer a promising avenue to enhance therapeutic outcomes while minimizing adverse effects. Herein, inspired that primary AML cells are enriched with lysosomes and sensitive to lysosomophilic drugs (e.g., LLOMe), we developed a smart nanodrug (Cas-CMV@LM) including the engineered cell membrane vesicles (CMVs) nanocarrier and the encapsulated drug cargo LLOMe (LM). Briefly, the nanodrug with organ-cell-organelle cascade-targeting function could firstly home to the bone marrow guided by CMVs derived from CXCR4-overexpressing bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC), subsequently target leukemia cells via CD33 and CD123 aptamers anchored on the vesicles, eventually precisely attack the lysosomes of leukemia cells. Consequently, Cas-CMV@LM specifically inhibited leukemia cell proliferation and triggered necroptosis in vitro. Importantly, the cascade-targeting nanodrug displayed high biosafety and significantly impeded leukemia progression in AML patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model. Collectively, this study provides a paradigm for precision leukemia treatment from the perspective of targeting organelle-lysosome.

Cystic fibrosis and the clinical biofilm revolution A survey of the Danish CF Center's contribution

Biofilm infections are chronic infections which are difficult to diagnose. Biofilm infections are tolerant to antibiotics and the defense mechanisms of the host. Patients with the genetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF) produce viscid mucus in the respiratory tract and therefore suffer from chronic biofilm infections in their lungs and paranasal sinuses. The most important microorganism is the mucoid phenotype of Pseudomonas aeruginosa which causes chronic biofilm infections in the lungs of CF patients and untreated patients succumb as children if they contact this biofilm infection. Since CF patients are treated in CF Centers all over the world, it is possible to do longitudinal studies on epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of P. aeruginosa biofilm infection which is not possible if such patients are not followed in specialized centers. This survey describes the research through several decades in the Danish CF Center in Copenhagen which have changed the epidemiology, treatment, prophylaxis and prognosis of CF patients worldwide. Based on these results ESCMID Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of biofilm infections were published which have influenced biofilm research and treatment in other areas.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of early visual processing, social cognition, and functional outcomes in schizophrenia spectrum disorders

Non-affective psychotic disorders are marked by cognitive and sensory processing abnormalities, including in early visual processing and social cognition. Understanding the relationships between these deficits and their impact on daily-life functional outcomes may help to improve outcomes in affected individuals. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarise the existing evidence on the relationships between early visual processing, social cognition, and functional outcomes, and to assess the evidence regarding the mediating role of social cognition in the association between early visual processing and functional outcomes in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. A comprehensive search across five databases identified 364 potentially eligible studies, with eight articles meeting all inclusion criteria. Meta-analytic techniques were employed to synthesise effect sizes and assess a meta-mediation model. Three random-effects meta-analyses revealed significant associations between all three domains of interest. Social cognition partially mediated the relationship between early visual processing and functional outcomes. The direct effect of early visual processing on functional outcomes remained significant, albeit with a reduced effect size. The findings suggest that interventions targeting both early visual processing and social cognition concurrently may improve functional outcomes more effectively than focusing on either domain alone.

Glycosylation-driven interactions of nanoparticles with the extracellular matrix: Implications for inflammation and drug delivery

Cationic nanoparticles (NPs) are emerging as promising carriers for intra-articular drug delivery, particularly for osteoarthritis (OA) where treatment options are limited. However, the clinical translation is challenged by an incomplete understanding of NP interactions within pathological environments. While the influence of the protein coronas on NP behavior has been extensively studied, the specific role of glycoproteins in the extracellular matrix (ECM) remains underexplored, representing a significant knowledge gap. This study investigates how glycosylation-driven interactions between polymeric NPs and enzyme-degraded cartilage biomolecules such as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) affect NP-ECM aggregate formation and subsequent inflammatory responses. Using an ex vivo model of cartilage degradation induced by catabolic enzymes- hyaluronidase, ADAMTS5 and collagenase- a novel model system was developed to specifically study the behavior of small (<10 nm) and large (∼270 nm) cationic NPs in glycoprotein-enriched environments. Atomic force microscopy and dynamic light scattering revealed distinct mesh-like structures formed by the NP aggregates following different enzymatic treatments, confirming the adsorption of glycosylated fragments onto the particles. While total protein content showed minimal differences between NP samples, smaller NPs demonstrated a prominent association with GAGs such as hyaluronic acid and aggrecan, as demonstrated by circular dichroism. These ECM-NP interactions significantly influenced the immunological response, as evidenced by differential cytokine production from macrophages exposed to the aggregates. Our findings underscore the crucial, yet underappreciated, role of glycoproteins in determining NP behavior in pathological environments. Accounting for glycoprotein interactions into the design of nanomaterial and drug delivery systems could significantly improve therapeutic outcomes by enhanced targeting precision, optimized delivery, and effectively modulating immune responses in OA and other complex diseases.

Hydrogen sulfide reduces oxidative stress in Huntington's disease via Nrf2

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202506000-00028/figure1/v/2024-08-05T133530Z/r/image-tiff The pathophysiology of Huntington's disease involves high levels of the neurotoxin quinolinic acid. Quinolinic acid accumulation results in oxidative stress, which leads to neurotoxicity. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which quinolinic acid contributes to Huntington's disease pathology remain unknown. In this study, we established in vitro and in vivo models of Huntington's disease by administering quinolinic acid to the PC12 neuronal cell line and the striatum of mice, respectively. We observed a decrease in the levels of hydrogen sulfide in both PC12 cells and mouse serum, which was accompanied by down-regulation of cystathionine β-synthase, an enzyme responsible for hydrogen sulfide production. However, treatment with NaHS (a hydrogen sulfide donor) increased hydrogen sulfide levels in the neurons and in mouse serum, as well as cystathionine β-synthase expression in the neurons and the mouse striatum, while also improving oxidative imbalance and mitochondrial dysfunction in PC12 cells and the mouse striatum. These beneficial effects correlated with upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 expression. Finally, treatment with the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 inhibitor ML385 reversed the beneficial impact of exogenous hydrogen sulfide on quinolinic acid-induced oxidative stress. Taken together, our findings show that hydrogen sulfide reduces oxidative stress in Huntington's disease by activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, suggesting that hydrogen sulfide is a novel neuroprotective drug candidate for treating patients with Huntington's disease.

Peripheral mitochondrial DNA as a neuroinflammatory biomarker for major depressive disorder

In the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder, chronic stress-related neuroinflammation hinders favorable prognosis and antidepressant response. Mitochondrial DNA may be an inflammatory trigger, after its release from stress-induced dysfunctional central nervous system mitochondria into peripheral circulation. This evidence supports the potential use of peripheral mitochondrial DNA as a neuroinflammatory biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of major depressive disorder. Herein, we critically review the neuroinflammation theory in major depressive disorder, providing compelling evidence that mitochondrial DNA release acts as a critical biological substrate, and that it constitutes the neuroinflammatory disease pathway. After its release, mitochondrial DNA can be carried in the exosomes and transported to extracellular spaces in the central nervous system and peripheral circulation. Detectable exosomes render encaged mitochondrial DNA relatively stable. This mitochondrial DNA in peripheral circulation can thus be directly detected in clinical practice. These characteristics illustrate the potential for mitochondrial DNA to serve as an innovative clinical biomarker and molecular treatment target for major depressive disorder. This review also highlights the future potential value of clinical applications combining mitochondrial DNA with a panel of other biomarkers, to improve diagnostic precision in major depressive disorder.

Enhancing prostate cancer cells' sensitivity to flutamide by resveratrol: An in-vitro study

BACKGROUND

As the most common cancer in men, and its progression poses a significant challenge. New and effective treatment strategies are needed to improve outcomes for patients with prostate cancer. This study examined if resveratrol, a natural substance, could improve prostate cancer cell lines' response to flutamide, a standard antiandrogenic treatment for untreated prostate cancer, while minimizing adverse effects.

METHOD

MTT assay was used to quantify resveratrol and flutamide IC50 values, Annexin-V/PI staining for apoptosis, PI staining for DNA cell cycle, and real-time PCR for BAX, BCL-2, VEGFC, HIF-1α, Snail1, E-Cadherin, and KLK3 mRNA levels Scratch-wound, colony-forming, and Hoechst staining analyzed cell migration, proliferation, and nucleus morphology. Spheroid creation in 3D was also considered. All tests used LNCaP, DU145, and PC3 prostate cancer cell lines at various stages.

RESULTS

Resveratrol, when combined with flutamide, can reduce malignant cell migration, colony formation, and proliferation and promote apoptosis in prostate cancer cell lines. Even in androgen-unresponsive cell lines (DU145 and PC3), it may benefit flutamide prostate cancer treatment. Apoptosis genes (BAX) were upregulated in LNCaP, DU145, and PC3 cancer cell lines when administered alone or with flutamide. Additionally, flutamide might significantly lower BCL-2 levels in PC3 cells. When combined with flutamide, resveratrol increased apoptosis and altered the expression of genes involved in angiogenesis (VEGFC), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT, Snail1 and E-Cadherin), and prostate cancer biomarker (KLK3) in prostate cancer cell lines.

CONCLUSION

Resveratrol reduced the dose of flutamide in the treatment of prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP, DU145, and PC3) and improved its side effects, as well as increasing the sensitivity of cells to flutamide treatment.

Xenon gas as a potential treatment for opioid use disorder, alcohol use disorder, and related disorders

Xenon gas is considered to be a safe anesthetic and imaging agent. Research on its other potentially beneficial effects suggests that xenon may have broad efficacy for treating health disorders. A number of reviews on xenon applications have been published, but none have focused on substance use disorders. Accordingly, we review xenon effects and targets relevant to the treatment of substance use disorders, with a focus on opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. We report that xenon inhaled at subsedative concentrations inhibits conditioned memory reconsolidation and opioid withdrawal symptoms. We review work by others reporting on the antidepressant, anxiolytic, and analgesic properties of xenon, which could diminish negative affective states and pain. We discuss research supporting the possibility that xenon could prevent analgesic- or stress-induced opioid tolerance and, by so doing could reduce the risk of developing opioid use disorder. The rapid kinetics, favorable safety and side effect profiles, and multitargeting capability of xenon suggest that it could be used as an ambulatory on-demand treatment to rapidly attenuate maladaptive memory, physical and affective withdrawal symptoms, and pain drivers of substance use disorders when they occur. Xenon may also have human immunodeficiency virus and oncology applications because its effects relevant to substance use disorders could be exploited to target human immunodeficiency virus reservoirs, human immunodeficiency virus protein-induced abnormalities, and cancers. Although xenon is expensive, low concentrations exert beneficial effects, and gas separation, recovery, and recycling advancements will lower xenon costs, increasing the economic feasibility of its therapeutic use. More research is needed to better understand the remarkable repertoire of effects of xenon and its potential therapeutic applications.

The structural basis of the G protein-coupled receptor and ion channel axis

Sensory neurons play an essential role in recognizing and responding to detrimental, irritating, and inflammatory stimuli from our surroundings, such as pain, itch, cough, and neurogenic inflammation. The transduction of these physiological signals is chiefly mediated by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and ion channels. The binding of ligands to GPCRs triggers a signaling cascade, recruiting G proteins or β-arrestins, which subsequently interact with ion channels (e.g., GIRK and TRP channels). This interaction leads to the sensitization and activation of these channels, initiating the neuron's protective mechanisms. This review delves into the complex interplay between GPCRs and ion channels that underpin these physiological processes, with a particular focus on the role of structural biology in enhancing our comprehension. Through unraveling the intricacies of the GPCR-ion channel axis, we aim to shed light on the sophisticated intermolecular dynamics within these pivotal membrane protein families, ultimately guiding the development of precise therapeutic interventions.

Dip2a regulates stress susceptibility in the basolateral amygdala

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202506000-00025/figure1/v/2024-08-05T133530Z/r/image-tiff Dysregulation of neurotransmitter metabolism in the central nervous system contributes to mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Monoamines and amino acids are important types of neurotransmitters. Our previous results have shown that disco-interacting protein 2 homolog A (Dip2a) knockout mice exhibit brain development disorders and abnormal amino acid metabolism in serum. This suggests that DIP2A is involved in the metabolism of amino acid-associated neurotransmitters. Therefore, we performed targeted neurotransmitter metabolomics analysis and found that Dip2a deficiency caused abnormal metabolism of tryptophan and thyroxine in the basolateral amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex. In addition, acute restraint stress induced a decrease in 5-hydroxytryptamine in the basolateral amygdala. Additionally, Dip2a was abundantly expressed in excitatory neurons of the basolateral amygdala, and deletion of Dip2a in these neurons resulted in hopelessness-like behavior in the tail suspension test. Altogether, these findings demonstrate that DIP2A in the basolateral amygdala may be involved in the regulation of stress susceptibility. This provides critical evidence implicating a role of DIP2A in affective disorders.

Heme and immunity: The heme oxygenase dichotomy

Heme, an iron containing organic ring, is required for a diverse range of biological processes across all forms of life. Although this nutrient is essential, its pro-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties can lead to cellular damage. Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-anchored enzyme that degrades heme, releasing equimolar amounts of carbon monoxide (CO), biliverdin (BV), and iron. The induction of HO-1 by heme presents an interesting dichotomy in the cell: CO and BV possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties while free iron can be detrimental as it can generate hydroxyl radicals through the Fenton reaction. The heme/HO-1 axis is tightly regulated, and can influence cell fate, local tissue environments, and disease outcomes during pathogen infection. In this review we explore the role of heme during macrophage polarization and its ability to act as an immune activator while also examining the contribution of HO-1 and heme during infections with intracellular and extracellular pathogens. We highlight work from the emerging field of nutritional immunity of heme and iron, and how the substrates and byproducts of heme metabolism via HO-1 can be beneficial to the host or the pathogen depending on the context.

Clonal hematopoiesis, cardiovascular disease and cancer treatment-induced cardiotoxicity

Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) arises when a substantial proportion of mature blood cells is derived from a single hematopoietic stem cell lineage. It is considered to be a premalignant state that predisposes individuals to an increased risk of cancers. Recently, emerging evidence has demonstrated a strong association between CH and both the incidence and mortality of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), with the relative risks being comparable to those attributed to traditional cardiovascular risk factors. In addition, CH has been suggested to play a role in CVD and anti-cancer treatment-related cardiotoxicity amongst cancer survivors. Moreover, certain forms of chemotherapy and radiation therapy have been shown to promote the clonal expansion of specific CH-related mutations. Consequently, CH may play a substantial role in the realm of cardio-oncology. In this review, we discuss the association between CH with cancer and CVD, with a special focus on anti-cancer treatment-related cardiotoxicity, discuss possible future research avenues and propose a systematic approach for clinical practice.

Bacillus clausii spores maintain gut homeostasis in murine ulcerative colitis via modulating microbiota, apoptosis, and the TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome cascade

Ulcerative colitis (UC), a persistent immune-mediated disorder lacking effective treatment, is distinguished by gut microbiota dysbiosis, abnormal activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, and apoptosis. Despite growing attention to these factors, understanding their significance in UC pathogenesis remains a challenge. The present study explores the potential therapeutic impact of Bacillus clausii (Bc) spores in a murine UC model induced by drinking 4 % (w/v) dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in C57BL/6 mice. Subsequently, the DSS-induced mice were orally administered either Bc at varying concentrations (105 and 1010 Colony forming unit, CFU) or sulfasalazine (SSZ) at a dosage of 200 mg/kg for 7 days. The disease-specific activity index (DAI) was calculated daily utilizing parameters such as body weight, diarrhea, and bloody stool. Changes in fecal Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes abundance, colonic TXNIP and NLRP3 contents, as well as colonic caspase-1, IL-1β, Bax, and Bcl-2 expression, were investigated. Additionally, markers related to oxidative stress and inflammation, histopathological changes and caspase-3 immunohistochemistry testing were conducted. DSS-treated mice had significantly higher DAI scores compared to controls, indicating severe colitis. However, SSZ treatment or Bc (105 CFU) dramatically lowered DAI scores, with the highest Bc dosage (1010 CFU) producing the greatest improvement. Furthermore, Bc (1010 CFU) substantially (p < 0.05) boosted fecal Firmicutes while decreased Bacteroidetes, indicating reversal of gut dysbiosis. Bc effectively reduced colonic oxidative stress and inflammation by replenishing GSH and catalase and modulating the NF-κB, Nrf2/HO-1, and TXNIP/NLRP3 pathways. Additionally, Bc (1010 CFU) exhibited histologically almost normal mucosa, with maintained architecture and reduced apoptosis, as seen by normalization of Bcl2 and Bax with decreased caspase-3. Collectively, these findings point to the potential usefulness of Bc spores in preventing and treating DSS-induced colitis, positioning them as a promising candidate for UC management.

Effects of neonicotinoid pesticide exposure in the first trimester on gestational diabetes mellitus based on interpretable machine learning

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common pregnancy complications and seriously threatens the health of mothers and offspring. Neonicotinoids (NEOs) is a new class of pesticide and widely used worldwide. Prenatal NEOs exposure had negative effects on fetal growth, but the potential effect of NEOs exposure on pregnancy complications remain unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the individual and jointed effects of serum neonicotinoids (NEOs) pesticide exposure on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and explore the application of NEOs exposure levels as predictor of GDM.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study based on Guangxi Zhuang Birth Cohort, China. A total of 1450 mather-infant pairs were included from 2015 to 2019. Ten NEOs were measured by UPLC-MS. Maternal serum samples were collected during gestational age 0-12 weeks. Individual and jointed effects of NEOs on GDM were assessed through binomial regressions, Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression and quantile g-computation. Prediction of GDM using XGboost machine learning and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP).

RESULTS

A total of 122 (8.4%) mothers were diagnosed with GDM. In the individual exposure models, sulfoxaflor and thiamethoxam exposure in the first trimester significantly increased the risk of GDM (OR = 1.48, 95%CI: 1.21, 1.82; OR = 1.42, 95%CI: 1.14, 1.78). Moreover, GDM risk increased significantly with NEOs mixture concentration was above 75th percentile, compared with the 50th percentile. Sulfoxaflor and thiamethoxam as the main positive contributing factors in NEOs mixture to increase the GDM with a weight of 29.3% and 27.6%, respectively. Furthermore, sulfoxaflor and thiamethoxam were the most important contributing factors for predicting GDM after combining traditional risk factors in machine learning model, with predicted contribution values of 0.79 and 0.46, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggested that elevated maternal serum sulfoxaflor, thiamethoxam and NEOs mixture were positively associated with GDM, and sulfoxaflor, thiamethoxam were the important contributing factors for predicting GDM.

Memory enhancement by unconditioned and conditioned heroin withdrawal: Role of corticotropin-releasing factor in the central amygdala

To test the hypothesis that unconditioned and conditioned opioid withdrawal enhance memory consolidation through shared neurobiological mechanisms, the current study focused on the central amygdala (CeA) and local corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neurotransmission. In the unconditioned withdrawal experiments, male Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with subcutaneous osmotic mini-pumps releasing 3.5 mg/kg/day heroin (or sham surgery) and injected with 3 mg/kg naloxone (NLX) to precipitate withdrawal. In the conditioned withdrawal experiments, rats injected with heroin (2 mg/kg x 2 injections) received 3 mg/kg NLX immediately prior to confinement to one compartment (CS+) of a place conditioning apparatus, or vehicle prior to confinement in the alternative compartment (CS-). Using immunohistochemistry, it was established that both precipitated withdrawal and confinement to the withdrawal-paired CS + compartment elevated c-Fos expression within the CeA. More importantly, using the post-training approach to target consolidation of object memory, it was found that intra-CeA infusions of the CRF1 receptor antagonist ANT (0.2-2 μg/inf) blocked the memory-enhancing effects of both precipitated withdrawal and exposure to the withdrawal-paired CS + compartment. These findings indicate that pharmacological and conditioned opioid withdrawal influence memory consolidation through a common CRF-mediated mechanism within the CeA.

Effect of two novel GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators on neuropathic and inflammatory pain in mice

Loss of GABAergic inhibition in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH) is implicated in central sensitization and chronic pain. Both agonists and positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of GABAA receptor are found to be effective in the management of chronic pain. In addition to benzodiazepines, neuroactive steroids (NASs) also act as PAMs through binding to unique sites of GABAA receptors. Thus, it is worth investigating whether these NASs can attenuate chronic pain. This study tested the antinociceptive properties of two novel NAS PAMs, ganaxolone and zuranolone, in segmental spinal nerve ligation (SNL)-induced neuropathic pain and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammation pain models. Spinally administered ganaxolone and zuranolone both exhibited dose-dependent analgesic effects but with quite different durations. This antinociceptive effect might be generated from elevated GABAergic inhibition, as the PAMs both enhanced GABA-evoked currents in SDH neurons, and the K+-Cl- cotransporter isoform 2 (KCC2) antagonist reversed the analgesic effect of the PAMs. Different from ganaxolone, zuranolone produced a durable increase in the surface expression of GABAA receptors and of the amplitude of spontaneous inhibitory currents, which may contribute to the long-lasting analgesic effect. Furthermore, the PAMs alleviated SNL-induced mechanical allodynia synergistically with diazepam or GABAA receptor activator muscimol at inactive doses, consistent with the non-competitive activity and distinct binding sites from benzodiazepines. In summary, our findings suggest that NASs may not only acutely modulate GABA receptor activity but also induce sustained metabotropic effects on GABAA receptors and thus exert long-lasting antinociceptive effects.

Fabrication of a carboxylesterases-activated near-infrared fluorescence probe for assisting hepatocellular carcinoma surgery in mice and clinical blood serum testing

Carboxylesterases (CES) is a family of hydrolases, which are mainly localized in the endoplasmic reticulum and cytosol in cells and can catalyze the hydrolysis of carboxylic esters to generate acids and alcohols. The changes of CES level are closely related to the liver disease, such as early onset liver injury induced diabetes and advanced liver cancer. Herein, a new activatable near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe PCES (Probe of Carboxylesterases) for imaging CES was rationally designed. The probe can not only specifically sense CES in buffer solution with a 49-fold fluorescence enhancement at 780 nm and a 2.5 mU/mL detection limit, but also can sensitively visualize CES changes with low cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility in living cells. Applying this agent, the fluctuation of CES levels was monitored under high glucose stimulation. The mechanism of ferroptosis in diabetes mellitus has also been preliminarily explored. Besides, PCES was utilized for imaging CES of hepatocellular carcinoma and effectively assisting the tumor surgical operation in vivo. In addition, the practical serum samples were detected from clinical patients suffered diabetes and liver cancer with the help of probe PCES, demonstrating the differentiated CES levels. With the favorable characteristics of fluorescence sensing and practicability of imaging CES in living cells, mice, and clinical serum samples, PCES can help the better understanding for the relationships of liver diseases with CES and has the potential as a useful agent for the diagnosis and treatment of clinical liver diseases.

Synergistic insights into positive allosteric modulator and agonist using Gaussian accelerated and tau random acceleration simulations in the metabotropic glutamate receptor 2

Schizophrenia is a severe brain disorder that usually produces a lifetime of disability. Related research shows activating metabotropic glutamate receptors holds therapeutic potential. Agonist-positive allosteric modulations (ago-PAMs) not only activate metabotropic glutamate receptors but also enhance glutamate-induced responses, offering a promising treatment strategy. However, the molecular mechanisms by which ago-PAM enhances glutamate-induced responses remain unclear, as does the potential influence of glutamate on ago-PAM. In this study, Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics and tau random acceleration molecular dynamics simulations were employed to investigate the molecular mechanism between ago-PAM and glutamate in full-length mGlu2. Results suggest that the ago-PAM JNJ-46281222 enhances the binding affinity and residence time of glutamates in the Venus flytrap (VFT) domains by initiating a variant reverse communication from the heptahelical transmembrane (7TM) domains to VFTs via the cysteine-rich domains. Meanwhile, glutamate facilitates the interaction between Trp676 and Glu701 to further induce the relaxation of TM5, promoting the opening of the PAM-binding pocket. Glutamate can also promote the upward rotation of the cyclopropylmethyl group of the JNJ-46281222 to bring the TM6-TM6 distance closer. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain how the binding between mGlu2 and G protein differs when induced by small molecules binding in allosteric sites, orthosteric sites, or both. In conclusion, this study shed new light on the positive coordination relationship between ago-PAM and glutamate in the full-length mGlu2 receptor, which could help develop novel and more effective ago-PAM to treat schizophrenia.

Sex-specific alterations in emotional behavior and neurotransmitter systems in LPA1 receptor-deficient mice

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) are critical lipid signaling pathways involved in emotional regulation and behavior. Despite their interconnected roles and shared metabolic pathways, the specific contributions of LPA signaling through the LPA1 receptor to stress-related disorders remain poorly understood. This study investigates the effects of LPA1 receptor deficiency on emotional behavior and neurotransmitter-related gene expression, with a focus on sex-specific differences, using maLPA1-null mice of both sexes. We hypothesized LPA1 receptor loss disrupts the interplay between LPA and the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) signaling, resulting in distinct behavioral and molecular alterations. maLPA1-null mice exhibited increased anxiety-like behaviors and altered stress-coping responses compared to wild-type counterparts, with more pronounced effects observed in females. Female mice also displayed higher corticosterone levels, though no genotype-related differences were observed. Plasma analyses revealed elevated LPA levels in maLPA1-null mice, suggesting a compensatory mechanism, and reduced 2-AG levels, indicating impaired ECS signaling. Gene expression profiling in the amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex showed significant alterations in the gene expression of key components of LPA and 2-AG signaling pathways, as well as neuropeptide systems such as corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and neuropeptide Y (NPY). Glutamatergic signaling components also exhibited sex-specific variations. These findings suggest that LPA1 receptor deficiency impacts behavioral response and disrupts sex-specific neurotransmitter signaling, emphasizing the importance of LPA-ECS crosstalk in emotional regulation. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying stress-related disorders such as depression and anxiety, which may inform the development of sex-specific therapeutic approaches.

In silico evaluation of bisphosphonates identifies leading candidates for SARS-CoV-2 RdRp inhibition

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in 777 million confirmed cases and over 7 million deaths worldwide, with insufficient treatment options. Innumerable efforts are being made around the world for faster identification of therapeutic agents to treat the deadly disease. Post Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 (PASC), also called Long COVID, is still being understood and lacks treatment options as well. A growing list of drugs are being suggested by various in silico, in vitro and ex vivo models, however currently only two treatment options are widely used: the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) inhibitor remdesivir, and the main protease inhibitor nirmatrelvir in combination with ritonavir. Computational drug development tools and in silico studies involving molecular docking, molecular dynamics, entropy calculations and pharmacokinetics can be useful to identify new targets to treat COVID-19 and PASC, as shown in this work and our recent paper that identified alendronate as a promising candidate. In this study, we have investigated all bisphosphonates (BPs) on the ChEMBL database which can bind competitively to nidovirus RdRp-associated nucleotidyl (NiRAN) transferase domain, and systematically down selected seven candidates (CHEMBL608526, CHEMBL196676, CHEMBL164344, CHEMBL4291724, CHEMBL4569308, CHEMBL387132, CHEMBL98211), two of which closely resemble the approved drugs minodronate and zoledronate. This work and our recent paper together provide an in silico mechanistic explanation for alendronate and zoledronate users having dramatically reduced odds of SARS-CoV-2 testing, COVID-19 diagnosis, and COVID-19-related hospitalizations, and indicate that similar observational studies in Japan with minodronate could be valuable.

Bilirubin nanotechnology: An innovative approach in biomedicine

Bilirubin, a product of heme catabolism, is toxic at elevated concentrations (>250-300 μM in blood serum), whereas at therapeutic concentrations (∼20-200 μM) exerts potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, cytoprotective and neuroprotective effects. Despite the therapeutic potential, its use in clinical practice is hampered by poor aqueous solubility, instability, and rapid metabolism. Nanotechnology overcomes these limitations and additionally imparts to bilirubin the advantages characteristic of nanopreparations: targeted action on the desired organ/tissue, increased therapeutic efficacy by delaying drug elimination from the body, improved transportation over biological barriers, the ability to combine therapeutic and diagnostic properties in a single agent. The review analyses the chemical synthesis, therapeutic mechanisms, and preclinical applications of nanosystems comprising bilirubin. In particular, nanostructures obtained by the covalent binding of bilirubin to macromolecules, bilirubin encapsulation in nanocarriers, bilirubin conjugation with metal nanoparticles and nanofunctionalization of inorganic compounds are considered; the data on the therapeutic trials of nanobilirubin are summarized. While studies on animal models and in vitro systems demonstrate improved biodistribution, reduced toxicity, and enhanced efficacy, no clinical trials to date have validated nanobilirubin formulations. Key barriers may include unresolved challenges in scalable synthesis, long-term biocompatibility, reproducible dosing of nanoformulations. Hence, further development of nanotherapeutic bilirubin agents for clinical practice is urgent.

Advancing age and sex modulate antidyskinetic efficacy of striatal CaV1.3 gene therapy in a rat model of Parkinson's disease

We previously demonstrated that viral vector-mediated striatal CaV1.3 calcium channel downregulation in young adult (3mo) male parkinsonian rats provides uniform, robust protection against levodopa-induced dyskinesias (LID). Acknowledging the association of PD with aging and incidence in male and female sexes, we have expanded our studies to include rats of advancing age of both sexes. The current study directly contrasts age and sex, determining their impact on efficacy of intrastriatal AAV-CaV1.3-shRNA to prevent LID induction, removing the variable of levodopa-priming. Considering both sexes together, late-middle-aged ('aged'; 15mo) parkinsonian rats receiving AAV-CaV1.3-shRNA developed significantly less severe LID compared control AAV-scramble(SCR)-shRNA rats, however therapeutic benefit was significantly less robust than observed in young males. When considered separately, females showed significantly less therapeutic benefit than males. Furthermore, aged non-cycling/proestrous-negative female rats were refractory to LID induction, regardless of vector. This study provides novel insight into the impact of age and sex on the variable antidyskinetic responses of CaV1.3-targeted gene therapy, highlighting the importance of including clinically relevant age and sex populations in PD studies.

Obesogenic effects of six classes of emerging contaminants

There is growing concern about the concept that exposure to environmental chemicals may be contributing to the obesity epidemic. However, there is no consensus on the obesogenic effects of emerging contaminants from a toxicological and environmental perspective. The potential human exposure and experimental evidence for obesogenic effects of emerging contaminants need to be systematically discussed. The main objective of this review is to provide recommendations for further subsequent policy development following a critical analysis of the literature for humans and experimental animals exposed to emerging contaminants. This article reviews human exposure to emerging contaminants (with a focus on antimicrobials, preservatives, water and oil repellents, flame retardants, antibiotics and bisphenols) and the impact of emerging contaminants on obesity. These emerging contaminants have been widely detected in human biological samples. Epidemiological studies provide evidence linking exposure to emerging contaminants to the risks of obesity in humans. Studies based on animal models and adipose cells show the obesogenic effects of emerging contaminants and identify modes of action by which contaminants may induce changes in body fat accumulation and lipid metabolic homeostasis. Some knowledge gaps in this area and future directions for further investigation are discussed.

Sex difference of LiCl-induced feeding suppression and, autonomic and HPA axis responses in crows

Visceral sensation is crucial for feeding, emotion, and decision making in humans and non-human animals. Visceral discomforting stimulation activates stress-coping systems, such as the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, with varied responses and thresholds between sexes. Despite these systems working together during visceral discomfort, ANS and HPA have been separately investigated with few studies examining the co-occurrence of the ANS and HPA responses to visceral stimulations. The basic profiles of the ANS and HPA responses to visceral discomfort and sex differences in birds are poorly elucidated. This study investigated the effects of visceral stimulation via intraperitoneal injection of lithium chloride (LiCl) on feeding behavior, ANS and HPA activities, and sex differences in crows. We identified the LiCl dose that suppressed the intake of a preferred food and compared the LiCl-induced feeding suppression between sexes. Changes in heart rate variability (HRV), as a proxy of sympathetic and parasympathetic activities, and serum corticosterone (CORT) levels by LiCl injection were compared. Feeding suppression occurred at higher LiCl doses in males than in females. HRV analysis revealed that LiCl injection reduced HR and increased parasympathetic activity; however, it did not change sympathetic activity, with no sex differences in any variables. In contrast, LiCl injections at lower doses increased serum CORT levels more in males than in females. Our findings provide the first evidence of sex-specific response profiles to feeding suppression and ANS and HPA activities associated with LiCl-induced visceral discomfort in birds.

Pharmacokinetics of major indigo naturalis indole alkaloids in humans and their association with systemic aryl hydrocarbon receptor activity

Indigo naturalis (IN) is a natural product extensively used as a traditional Chinese medicine due to its pharmacological properties. While IN has been proposed to exert its activity, at least partly, via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), the pharmacokinetics of its known indole alkaloid AhR ligands and their relative contributions to the net AhR agonistic activity in blood is unknown. We conducted an open-label, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation study (0.25-2.0 g) of orally-administered IN in healthy individuals. Blood samples obtained prior and up to 24 h after ingestion were analysed for net AhR activity and pharmacokinetics of circulating IN-derived AhR ligands determined by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Oral administration of IN dose-dependently increased net plasma AhR agonistic activity - initially through the early appearance of tryptanthrin, and later sustained by the more potent AhR agonist indirubin. This first pharmacokinetic study of IN-derived indole alkaloids in humans indicates that the increase in systemic AhR agonistic activity is the result of sequential appearance in blood of highly bioavailable / moderately agonistic (tryptanthrin) and moderately bioavailable / highly agonistic (indirubin and indigo) AhR ligands, challenging the commonly held belief that only highly agonistic indole alkaloids contribute to AhR agonism and therapeutic activity of IN.

Heme oxygenase 1‑overexpressing bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell‑derived exosomes suppress interleukin‑1 beta‑induced apoptosis and aging of nucleus pulposus cells

Exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO‑1) attenuate intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). However, whether BMSC‑derived exosomes attenuate IVDD by delivering HO‑1 to nucleus pulposus (NP) cells remains to be elucidated. Mouse BMSCs were characterized by multilineage differentiation and surface marker molecule detection. Exosomes Exo and Exo‑HO‑1 were isolated from BMSCs and HO‑1‑overexpressing BMSCs by ultracentrifugation and characterized by observing their morphology, detecting the exosome marker proteins, tumor susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101) and CD63 and analyzing their particle size. Interleukin‑1 β (IL‑1β)‑stimulated NP cells were used as the IVDD cell model. The influence of Exo or Exo‑HO‑1 on IL‑1β‑urged apoptosis and senescence in NP cells was determined by flow cytometry, western blotting and senescence‑associated β‑galactosidase (SA‑β‑gal) staining. Exo and Exo‑HO‑1 did not vary in size or morphology. Exo‑HO‑1 markedly repressed IL‑1β‑prompted apoptosis in NP cells, accompanied with a prominent increase in Cleaved caspase 3 and Bax protein levels and a marked decrease in Bcl‑2 protein levels. Exo and Exo‑HO‑1 both decreased the number of SA‑β‑gal‑positive NP cells and arrested NP cells in the G1 phase. Exo‑HO‑1 had stronger effects than Exo, suggesting that Exo‑HO‑1 can weaken IL‑1β‑induced NP cell senescence. In addition, Exo and Exo‑HO‑1 repressed IL‑1β mediating the phosphorylation of p65 and nuclear translocation of p65. In conclusion, HO‑1‑overexpressing BMSC‑derived exosomes blocked the nuclear factor‑kappa B signaling in IL‑1β‑stimulated NP cells, thus impairing cell apoptosis and senescence.

Rational engineering of isoform-specific hSULT1E1 fluorogenic substrates for functional analysis and inhibitor screening

Human estrogen sulfotransferase (hSULT1E1), an important conjugative enzyme, plays crucial roles in both estrogen homeostasis and xenobiotic metabolism. Herein, a rational substrate engineering strategy was adopted to construct highly specific fluorogenic substrates for hSULT1E1. In the 1st round of structure-based virtual screening, 4-hydroxyl-1,8-naphthalimide (4-HN) was identified as a suitable scaffold for constructing hSULT1E1 substrates. Subsequently, structural modifications on the north part of 4-HN generated a panel of derivatives as substrate candidates, in which HN-299 was identified as a highly selective fluorogenic substrate for hSULT1E1. In the 3rd round of structural optimization, a "molecular growth" strategy on the south part of HN-299 was used to develop a highly selective and reactive substrate (HN-375). Under physiological conditions, HN-375 could be readily sulfated by hSULT1E1 to generate a single fluorescent product, which emitted bright green signals at around 510 nm and was fully identified as HN-375 4-O-sulfate (HNS). Further investigations indicated that HN-375 exhibited excellent isoform-specificity, rapid-response, ultrahigh sensitivity, and high signal-to-noise ratio, and as such was subsequently used for sensing SULT1E1 activity in hepatocellular carcinoma specimens and live organs. With HN-375 in hand, a practical fluorescence-based assay was established for high-throughput screening and characterization of hSULT1E1 inhibitors, as such two potent hSULT1E1 inhibitors were identified from in-house compound libraries. Collectively, this study showcases a groundbreaking strategy for engineering highly specific and sensitive fluorogenic substrates for target conjugative enzyme(s), while HN-375 emerges as a practical tool for sensing SULT1E1 activity in a biological context and for the high-throughput screening of inhibitors.

Salidroside alleviates doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity via Sestrin2/AMPK-mediated pyroptotic inhibition

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent anticancer drug, while its toxic side effects involve multi-organ toxicity, including hepatotoxicity. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of salidroside against DOX-induced hepatotoxicity and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. Result showed that salidroside exhibited a liver protective effect in DOX-induced hepatotoxicity in mice, represented by the decreased serum ALT, AST and LDH levels, as well as the rescue of pathological changes in mice livers. Further study showed salidroside reduced the expression level of pyroptosis-associated proteins, including NLRP3, cleaved-caspase 1, gasdermin D (GSDMD-N) and mature IL-1β in mice liver tissues. In vitro study confirmed salidroside exerted a similar effect in AML12 cells. Mechanistically, salidroside alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction by activating the PGC-1α/Mfn2 signaling pathway, and restrained the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, represented by the downregulation of GRP78 and p-PERK/PERK level. Subsequent investigations revealed that salidroside activated the Sestrin2/AMPK pathway, while the application of AMPK inhibitors, PGC-1α siRNA or Sestrain2 siRNA reversed the effects of salidroside on ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress, suggesting salidroside could be a promising therapeutic strategy for alleviating DOX-induced hepatotoxicity.

Pathophysiology of bone remodelling cycle: Role of immune system and lipids

Osteoporosis is the most common skeletal disease worldwide, characterized by low bone mineral density, resulting in weaker bones, and an increased risk of fragility fractures. The maintenance of bone mass relies on the precise balance between bone synthesis and resorption. The close relationship between the immune and skeletal systems, called "osteoimmunology", was coined to identify these overlapping "scientific worlds", and its function resides in the evaluation of the mutual effects of the skeletal and immune systems at the molecular and cellular levels, in both physiological and pathological states. Lipids play an essential role in skeletal metabolism and bone health. Indeed, bone marrow and its skeletal components demand a dramatic amount of daily energy to control hematopoietic turnover, acquire and maintain bone mass, and actively being involved in whole-body metabolism. Statins, the main therapeutic agents in lowering plasma cholesterol levels, are able to promote osteoblastogenesis and inhibit osteoclastogenesis. This review is meant to provide an updated overview of the pathophysiology of bone remodelling cycle, focusing on the interplay between bone, immune system and lipids. Novel therapeutic strategies for the management of osteoporosis are also discussed.

Characterization of a novel oronasal-restricted nicotine vaping self-administration model in mice

Nicotine use remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in the United States and, while the prevalence of combustible cigarette use has declined over the past few years, the popularity of electronic nicotine delivery systems continues to rise. Vaping is not without risks, and its long-term effects, particularly in vulnerable populations, remain largely unknown. This study introduces a novel, oronasal-restricted, nicotine vapor self-administration mouse model to investigate the impact of nicotine concentration, genotype, sex, and age on self-administration and behavioral response to nicotine. Our studies show that male and female young adult mice respond to nicotine, demonstrating notable sex-related differences in intake, locomotor sensitization, and somatic withdrawal signs. In addition, we characterized intake in adolescent mice, showing sex differences as well. Finally, we showed genotype-related differences when using β2 knock-out mice, emphasizing the role of the β2 nAChR in nicotine reward and nicotine intake. This new model offers a more targeted approach to studying the potential risks of nicotine vaping in a more relevant and face-valid model compared to traditional whole-body nicotine vapor exposure in rodents.