Near-infrared-triggered plasmonic regulation and cardiomyocyte-based biosensing system for in vitro bradyarrhythmia treatment

Bradyarrhythmia, a life-threatening cardiovascular disease, is an increasing burden for the healthcare system. Currently, surgery, implanted device, and drug are introduced to treat the bradyarrhythmia in clinical practice. However, these conventional therapeutic strategies suffer from the invasive surgery, power supply, or drug side effect, respectively, hence developing the alternative therapeutic strategy is necessarily imperative. Here, a convenient and effective strategy to treat the bradyarrhythmia is proposed using near-infrared-triggered Au nanorod (NR) based plasmonic photothermal effect (PPE). Moreover, electrophysiology of cardiomyocytes is dynamically monitored by the integrated biosensing-regulating system during and after the treatment. Cardiomyocyte-based bradyarrhythmia recover rhythmic for a long time by regulating plasmonic photothermal effect. Furthermore, the regulatory mechanism is qualitatively investigated to verify the significant thermal stimulation in the recovery process. This study establishes a reliable platform for long-term recording and evaluation of mild photothermal therapy for bradyarrhythmia in vitro, offering an efficient and non-invasive strategy for the potential clinical applications.

cellPLATO - an unsupervised method for identifying cell behaviour in heterogeneous cell trajectory data

Advances in imaging, segmentation and tracking have led to the routine generation of large and complex microscopy datasets. New tools are required to process this 'phenomics' type data. Here, we present 'Cell PLasticity Analysis Tool' (cellPLATO), a Python-based analysis software designed for measurement and classification of cell behaviours based on clustering features of cell morphology and motility. Used after segmentation and tracking, the tool extracts features from each cell per timepoint, using them to segregate cells into dimensionally reduced behavioural subtypes. Resultant cell tracks describe a 'behavioural ID' at each timepoint, and similarity analysis allows the grouping of behavioural sequences into discrete trajectories with assigned IDs. Here, we use cellPLATO to investigate the role of IL-15 in modulating human natural killer (NK) cell migration on ICAM-1 or VCAM-1. We find eight behavioural subsets of NK cells based on their shape and migration dynamics between single timepoints, and four trajectories based on sequences of these behaviours over time. Therefore, by using cellPLATO, we show that IL-15 increases plasticity between cell migration behaviours and that different integrin ligands induce different forms of NK cell migration.

Exogenous expression of PGC-1α during in vitro maturation impairs the developmental competence of porcine oocytes

Objectives of the current study were to examine the effects of exogenous expression of PGC-1α, which is a transcription factor responsive for controlling mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication, mitochondria quantity control, mitochondrial biogenesis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) maintenance, in porcine oocytes during in-vitro maturation (IVM) on the developmental competence, as well as mitochondrial quantity and function. Exogenous over-expression of PGC-1α by injection of the mRNA construct into oocytes 20 h after the start of IVM culture significantly increased the copy number of mtDNA in the oocytes, but reduced the incidences of oocytes matured to the metaphase-II stage after the IVM culture for totally 44 h and completely suppressed the early development in vitro to the blastocyst stage following parthenogenetic activation. The exogenous expression of PGC-1α also significantly induced spindle defects and chromosome misalignments. Furthermore, markedly higher ROS levels were observed in the PGC-1α-overexpressed mature oocytes, whereas mRNA level of SOD1, encoded for a ROS scavenging enzyme, was decreased. These results conclude that forced expression of PGC-1α successfully increase mtDNA copy number but led to increased ROS production, evidently by downregulation of SOD1 gene expression, inducement of spindle aberration/chromosomal misalignment, and consequently reduction in the meiotic and developmental competences of porcine oocytes.

A novel 3D imaging approach for quantification of GLUT4 levels across the intact myocardium

Cellular heterogeneity is a well-accepted feature of tissues, and both transcriptional and metabolic diversity have been revealed by numerous approaches, including optical imaging. However, the high magnification objective lenses needed for high-resolution imaging provides information from only small layers of tissue, which can result in poor cell statistics. There is therefore an unmet need for an imaging modality that can provide detailed molecular and cellular insight within intact tissue samples in 3D. Using GFP-tagged GLUT4 as proof of concept, we present here a novel optical mesoscopy approach that allows precise measurement of the spatial location of GLUT4 within specific anatomical structures across the myocardium in ultrathick sections (5 mm×5 mm×3 mm) of intact mouse heart. We reveal distinct GLUT4 distribution patterns across cardiac walls and highlight specific changes in GLUT4 expression levels in response to high fat diet-feeding, and we identify sex-dependent differences in expression patterns. This method is applicable to any target that can be labelled for light microscopy, and to other complex tissues when organ structure needs to be considered simultaneously with cellular detail.

The role of cognition as a factor regulating the diving responses of animals, including humans

The dive response involves three main components - breath holding, reduced heart rate and increased peripheral vasoconstriction - and is ubiquitous during forced dives in air-breathing vertebrates; however, numerous studies in free-diving animals have shown that the heart rate response to diving varies considerably in a manner that suggests cognitive control. Furthermore, studies on free-diving animals and controlled experiments in trained animals both indicate that the dive response can be conditioned, such that the reduction in heart rate begins before submergence and the extent of the reduction is set early in the dive. In addition, numerous species also experience an increase in heart rate and blood flow during ascent at the end of a dive, a phenomenon commonly called 'ascent tachycardia'. Collectively, these data suggest that although the dive response is under autonomic control, many species can vary its magnitude depending on the length and type of the planned dive - an indication of a role for cognition in the overall physiological responses associated with diving. Here, we provide examples of the conditioned cardiac responses - including anticipatory changes in heart rate - in several diving species and propose potential underlying mechanisms. We also discuss how the anticipatory cardiovascular responses not only improve diving capacity, but also prevent diving-related problems, such as decompression sickness or barotrauma, through a mechanism described by the selective gas exchange hypothesis.

Coronary circulation enhances the aerobic performance of wild Pacific salmon

Female Pacific salmon often experience higher mortality than males during their once-in-a-lifetime up-river spawning migration, particularly when exposed to secondary stressors (e.g. high temperatures). However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. One hypothesis is that female Pacific salmon hearts are more oxygen-limited than those of males and are less able to supply oxygen to the body's tissues during this demanding migration. Notably, female hearts have higher coronary blood flow, which could indicate a greater reliance on this oxygen source. Oxygen limitations can develop from naturally occurring coronary blockages (i.e. coronary arteriosclerosis) found in mature salmon hearts. If female hearts rely more heavily on coronary blood flow but experience similar arteriosclerosis levels as males, they will have disproportionately impaired aerobic performance. To test this hypothesis, we measured resting (RMR) and maximum metabolic rate (MMR), aerobic scope (AS) and acute upper thermal tolerance in coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) with an intact or artificially blocked coronary oxygen supply. We also assessed venous blood oxygen and chemistry (cortisol, ions and metabolite concentrations) at different time intervals during recovery from exhaustive exercise. We found that coronary blockage impaired MMR, AS and the partial pressure of oxygen in venous blood (PvO2) during exercise recovery but did not differ between sexes. Coronary ligation lowered acute upper thermal tolerance by 1.1°C. Although we did not find evidence of enhanced female reliance on coronary supply, our findings highlight the importance of coronary blood supply for mature wild salmon, where migration success may be linked to cardiac performance, particularly during warm water conditions.

Longitudinal relationship between weight-adjusted waist index and depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older Chinese adults: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The association between obesity and depressive symptoms remains controversial. The Weight-adjusted waist index (WWI) shows advantages in assessing central obesity. This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal relationship between WWI and depressive symptoms.

METHOD

This prospective cohort study utilized data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) spanning 2011-2020. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depressive Symptoms Scale (CESD-10) scores. Linear mixed models were used to examine longitudinal associations.

RESULTS

A total of 6835 participants over the age of 45 were included. WWI was positively associated with CESD-10 scores (β per 1 SD increase = 0.052SD; 95%CI: 0.021 to 0.083SD) and was linked to a faster increase in CESD-10 scores over time (β = 0.095SD/year; 95%CI: 0.090 to 0.100 SD/year). Conversely, BMI was negatively associated with CESD-10 scores (β per 1 SD increase = -0.067SD; 95%CI: -0.097 to -0.038SD). However, the negative association between BMI and CESD-10 scores weakened over time (β per 1 SD increase = 0.008SD/y; 95%CI: 0.003 to 0.013 SD/y). Nonlinear associations were detected between both WWI and BMI with CESD-10 scores.

LIMITATIONS

Self-reported depressive symptoms assessments may have introduced information bias. The observational design limits ruling out unobserved confounding factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the association between WWI and the long-term progression of depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults. WWI may enhance our understanding of the link between obesity and depressive symptoms and could be superior to BMI in predicting depressive symptom progression.

Ecotoxicological impact of heavy metals on wild mud crabs (Scylla olivacea) in Malaysia: An integrative approach of omics, molecular docking and human risk assessment

Mud crab, one of the aquatic organisms found in estuary areas, has become a significant economic source of seafood for communities due to its delectable taste. However, they face the threat of heavy metal contamination, which may adversely affect their biological traits. This study explored the comparison of the mud crabs collected from Setiu Wetland as a reference site, while Kuala Sepetang is an area that contains a higher concentration of heavy metals than Setiu Wetlands. Heavy metal levels were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), while proteomes were assessed using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics, respectively. Heavy metal contamination affects the proteome, metabolome, and putative molecular targets in mud crabs (Scylla olivacea), leading to oxidative stress. Mud crabs collected from the metal-polluted area of Kuala Sepetang in Perak had considerably elevated concentrations of nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd) in comparison to the reference site of Setiu Wetlands in Terengganu. The proteome analysis revealed an upregulation of the stress-response protein Hsp70, which triggered superoxide dismutase (SOD) and increased arginine kinase expression (5.47 fold) in the muscle tissue, results in the alteration of metabolite regulation in the mud crab from Kuala Sepetang. Additionally, in the muscle tissues of mud crabs obtained from Kuala Sepetang, uncharacterized myosin-tail 1 domain proteins and sarcoplasmic calcium-binding proteins were downregulated. The metabolomic investigation identified changes in metabolites associated with energy metabolism and osmoregulation. Exploration of docking analysis suggests potential connections between methylarsonic acid and essential proteins in mud crabs. These findings suggest that the presence of heavy metals disrupts physiological processes and highlights potential molecular targets that warrant further investigation.

Voltage-dependent anion channel 1 mediates mitochondrial fission and glucose metabolic reprogramming in response to ionizing radiation

The ionizing radiation (IR) represents a formidable challenge as an environmental factor to mitochondria, leading to disrupt cellular energy metabolism and posing health risks. Although the deleterious impacts of IR on mitochondrial function are recognized, the specific molecular targets remain incompletely elucidated. In this study, HeLa cells subjected to γ-rays exhibited concomitant oxidative stress, mitochondrial structural alterations, and diminished ATP production capacity. The γ-rays induced a dose-dependent induction of mitochondrial fission, simultaneously manifested by an elevated S616/S637 phosphorylation ratio of the dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) and a reduction in the expression of the mitochondrial fusion protein mitofusin 2 (MFN2). Knockdown of DRP1 effectively mitigated γ-rays-induced mitochondrial network damage, implying that DRP1 phosphorylation may act as an effector of radiation-induced mitochondrial damage. The mitochondrial outer membrane protein voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) was identified as a crucial player in IR-induced mitochondrial damage. The VDAC1 inhibitor 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS), counteracts the excessive mitochondrial fission induced by γ-rays, consequently rebalancing the glycolytic and oxidative phosphorylation equilibrium. This metabolic shift was uncovered to enhance glycolytic capacity, thus fortifying cellular resilience and elevating the radiosensitivity of cancer cells. These findings elucidate the intricate regulatory mechanisms governing mitochondrial morphology under radiation response. It is anticipated that the development of targeted drugs directed against VDAC1 may hold promise in augmenting the sensitivity of tumor cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Assessing the spatiotemporal evolution and socioeconomic determinants of PM2.5-related premature deaths in China from 2000 to 2021

China's swift socioeconomic development has led to extremely severe ambient PM2.5 levels, the associated negative health outcomes of which include premature death. However, a comprehensive explanation of the socioeconomic mechanism contributing to PM2.5-related premature deaths has not yet to be fully elucidated through long-term spatial panel data. Here, we employed a global exposure mortality model (GEMM) and the system generalized method of moments (Sys-GMM) to examine the primary determinants contributing to premature deaths in Chinese provinces from 2000 to 2021. We found that in the research period, premature deaths in China increased by 46 %, reaching 1.87 million, a figure that decreased somewhat after the COVID-19 outbreak. 62 thousand premature deaths were avoided in 2020 and 2021 compared to 2019, primarily due to the decline in PM2.5 concentrations. Premature deaths have increased across all provinces, particularly in North China, and a discernible spatial agglomeration effect was observed, highlighting effects on nearby provinces. The findings also underscored the significance of determinants such as urbanization, import and export trade, and energy consumption in exacerbating premature deaths, while energy intensity exerted a mitigating influence. Importantly, a U-shaped relationship between premature deaths and economic development was unveiled for the first time, implying the need for vigilance regarding potential health impact deterioration and the implementation of countermeasures as the per capita GDP increases in China. Our findings deserve attention from policymakers as they shed fresh insights into atmospheric control and Health China action.

Regulation of RHOV signaling by interaction with SH3 domain-containing adaptor proteins and phosphorylation by PKA

RHOV and RHOU are considered atypical Rho-family small GTPases because of the existence of N- and C-terminal extension regions, abnormal GDP/GTP cycling, and post-translational modification. Particularly, RHOV and RHOU both have a proline-rich (PR) motif in the N-terminal region. It has been reported that the PR motif of RHOU interacts with GRB2, a SH3 domain-containing adaptor protein, and regulates its activity through EGF receptor signaling. However, it is unknown whether RHOV, like RHOU, interacts with SH3 domain-containing adaptor proteins. In this study, we investigated the interactions between RHOV and SH3 domain-containing adaptor proteins, including GRB2 and NCK2. The RHOV-induced serum response factor (SRF)-dependent gene transcriptional activity was attenuated in cells co-expressing either GRB2 or NCK2 compared to cells expressing RHOV alone. From the results of experiments using various gene mutants of RHOV and GRB2, it appears that the PR motif of the N-terminal region of RHOV is the crucial binding site for the SH3 domain-containing proteins. Furthermore, we found that Ser25 in the N-terminal region of RHOV is phosphorylated by PKA and that its phosphorylation is suppressed by interaction with NCK2 but not GRB2. We have found a novel regulatory mechanism for the phosphorylation of RHOV and its interaction with SH3 domain-containing adaptor proteins.

Rad protein: An essential player in L-type Ca2+ channel localization and modulation in cardiomyocytes

Rad is an emerging key Cav1.2 modulator. In the present issue of JGP, Elmore, Ahern et al. examine how the Rad C-terminus affects its subcellular distribution and Cav1.2 regulation.

Tumor cell-intrinsic Piezo2 drives radioresistance by impairing CD8+ T cell stemness maintenance

Changes in mechanosensitive ion channels following radiation have seldom been linked to therapeutic sensitivity or specific factors involved in antitumor immunity. Here, in this study, we found that the mechanical force sensor, Piezo2, was significantly upregulated in tumor cells after radiation, and Piezo2 knockout in tumor cells enhanced tumor growth suppression by radiotherapy. Specifically, loss of Piezo2 in tumor cells induced their IL-15 expression via unleashing JAK2/STAT1/IRF-1 axis after radiation. This increase in IL-15 activates IL-15Rα on tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells, thereby leading to their augmented effector and stem cell-like properties, along with reduced terminal exhausted feature. Importantly, Piezo2 expression was negatively correlated with CD8 infiltration, as well as with radiosensitivity of patients with rectum adenocarcinoma receiving radiotherapy treatment. Together, our findings reveal that tumor cell-intrinsic Piezo2 induces radioresistance by dampening the IRF-1/IL-15 axis, thus leading to impaired CD8+ T cell-dependent antitumor responses, providing insights into the further development of combination strategies to treat radioresistant cancers.

Cordyceps: Alleviating ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular injury - A comprehensive review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cordyceps has a long medicinal history as a nourishing herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Ischemic cardio-cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs), including cerebral ischemic/reperfusion injury (CI/RI) and myocardial ischemic/reperfusion injury (MI/RI), are major contributors to mortality and disability in humans. Numerous studies have indicated that Cordyceps or its artificial substitutes have significant bioactivity on ischemic CCVDs, however, there is a lack of relevant reviews.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review was conducted to investigate the chemical elements, pharmacological effects, clinical application and drug safety of Cordycepson ischemic CCVDs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted on the Web of Science, PubMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang databases using the keywords "Cordyceps", "Cerebral ischemic/reperfusion injury", and "Myocardial ischemic/reperfusion injury" or their synonyms. The retrieved literature was then categorized and summarized.

RESULTS

The study findings indicated that Cordyceps and its bioactive components, including adenosine, cordycepin, mannitol, polysaccharide, and protein, have the potential to protect against CI/RI and MI/RI by improving blood perfusion, mitigating damage from reactive oxygen species, suppressing inflammation, preventing cellular apoptosis, and promoting tissue regeneration. Individually, Cordyceps could reduce neuronal excitatory toxicity and blood-brain barrier damage caused by cerebral ischemia. It can also significantly improve cardiac energy metabolism disorders and inhibit calcium overload caused by myocardial ischemia. Additionally, Cordyceps exerts a significant preventive or curative influence on the factors responsible for heart/brain ischemia, including hypertension, thrombosis, atherosclerosis, and arrhythmia.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates Cordyceps' prospective efficacy and safety in the prevention or treatment of CI/RI and MI/RI, providing novel insights for managing ischemic CCVDs.

Mitogenome selection shaped the terrestrial adaptation of Grapsidae (Decapoda: Brachyura)

The colonization of aquatic to terrestrial habitats by brachyuran crabs requires genetic innovations as well as morphological adaptations to adapt to terrestrial environments. The genetic basis of such adaptive evolution, however, is largely unknown. This study focuses on terrestrialization in Geograpsus (Grapsidae) the only highly terrestrial genus in this family, which represents a notable example of terrestrial adaptive radiation. Here, we sequenced the mitogenomes of two Geograpsus species and used the mitogenomes of 215 representative crabs to construct phylogenetic and time frameworks that we used to infer terrestrial origins and evolution. Using mitochondrial genomic data, we demonstrated that marine crab ancestors began to settle on land during the early Eocene. Ocean acidification, the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), and mangrove expansion at that time may have driven the diversification and ecological expansion of these terrestrial crabs. Evolutionary analyses reveal strong positive selection signals on monophyletic lineages of Grapsidae, especially the terrestrial species of Geograpsus. Positively selected sites in functionally important regions of ND5 and ND4 may imply enhanced energy metabolism in Grapsidae compared to other crabs, and may have played an important role in their terrestrial adaptation. Overall, our work provides valuable resources and opportunities to reveal the adaptation of crabs to complex terrestrial environments.

Research on traditional Chinese medicine as an effective drug for promoting wound healing

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The incidence of skin trauma is high and the repair process is complex, often leading to poor healing and other issues, which can result in significant economic and social burdens. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a valuable resource with proven effectiveness and safety in wound repair, widely utilized in clinical practice. A systematic analysis of wound healing with a focus on TCM research progress holds both academic and clinical importance.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This article reviews the research progress of TCM in promoting wound healing, and provides basic data for the development of innovative drugs that promote wound healing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This article provides a review of the literature from the past decade and conducts a thorough analysis of various databases that contain reports on the use of TCM for wound repair. The data for this systematic research was gathered from electronic databases including CNKI, SciFinder, and PubMed. The study explores and summarizes the research findings and patterns by creating relevant charts.

RESULTS

This study reviewed the mechanism of wound healing, experimental TCM methods to promote wound healing, the theory and mode of action of TCM to promote wound healing, the active ingredients of TCM that promote wound healing, the efficacy of TCM formulae to promote wound healing, and the potential toxicity of TCM and its antidotes. This study enriched the theory of TCM in promoting wound healing.

CONCLUSION

Skin wound healing is a complex process that can be influenced by various internal and external factors. This article offers a theoretical foundation for exploring and utilizing TCM resources that enhance wound repair. By analyzing a range of TCM that promote wound healing, the article highlights the clinical importance and future potential of these medicines in promoting wound healing.

Mapping cell diversity in human sporadic cerebral cavernous malformations

BACKGROUND

Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is a low-flow, bleeding-prone vascular disease that can cause cerebral hemorrhage, seizure and neurological deficits. Its inheritance mode includes sporadic or autosomal dominant inheritance with incomplete penetrance, namely sporadic CCM (SCCM) and familial CCM. SCCM is featured by single lesion and single affection in a family. Among CCM patients especially SCCM, the pathogenesis of the corresponding phenotypes and pathological features or candidate genes have not been fully elucidated yet.

METHODS

Here, we performed in-depth single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) and bulk assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (ATAC-Seq) in SCCM and control patients. Further validation was conducted for the gene of interest using qPCR and RNA in situ hybridization (RNA FISH) techniques to provide further atlas and evidence for SCCM generative process.

RESULTS

We identified six cell types in the SCCM and control vessels and found that the expression of NEK1, RNPC3, FBRSL1, IQGAP2, MCUB, AP3B1, ESCO1, MYO9B and PVT1 were up-regulated in SCCM tissues. Among the six cell types, we found that compared with control conditions, PVT1 showed a rising peak which followed the pseudo-time axis in endothelial cell clusters of SCCM samples, while showed an increasing trend in smooth muscle cell clusters of SCCM samples. Further experiments indicated that, compared with the control vessels, PVT1 exhibited significantly elevated expression in SCCM samples.

CONCLUSION

In SCCM conditions, We found that in the process of development from control to lesion conditions, PVT1 showed a rising peak in endothelial cells and showed an increasing trend in smooth muscle cells at the same time. Overall, there was a significantly elevated expression of NEK1, RNPC3, FBRSL1, IQGAP2, MCUB, AP3B1, ESCO1, MYO9B and PVT1 in SCCM specimens compared to control samples.

MFN2-dependent mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to Relm-β-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension via USP18/Twist1/miR-214 pathway

Induction of resistin-like molecule β (Relm-β) and mitofusin 2 (MFN2) mediated aberrant mitochondrial fission have been found to be involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying Relm-β regulation of MFN2 therefore mitochondrial fission remain unclear. This study aims to address these issues. Primary cultured PASMCs and monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH rats were applied in this study. The results showed that Relm-β promoted cells proliferation in PASMCs, this was accompanied with the upregulation of USP18, Twist1 and miR-214, and downregulation of MFN2. We found that Relm-β increased USP18 expression which in turn raised Twist1 by suppressing its proteasome degradation. Elevation of Twist1 increased miR-214 expression and then reduced MFN2 expression and mitochondrial fragmentation leading to PASMCs proliferation. In vivo study, we confirmed that Relm-β was elevated in MCT-induced PAH rat model, and USP18/Twist1/miR-214/MFN2 axis was altered similar as in vitro. Targeting this cascade by Relm-β receptor inhibitor Calhex231, proteasome inhibitor MG-132, Twist1 inhibitor Harmine or miR-214 antagomiR prevented the development of pulmonary vascular remodeling and therefore PAH in MCT-treated rats. In conclusion, we demonstrate that Relm-β promotes PASMCs proliferation and vascular remodeling by activating USP18/Twist1/miR-214 dependent MFN2 reduction and mitochondrial fission, suggesting that this signaling pathway might be a promising target for management of PAH.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: The role of inflammation

Heart failure (HF) is a debilitating clinical syndrome affecting 64.3 million patients worldwide. More than 50% of HF cases are attributed to HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), an entity growing in prevalence and mortality. Although recent breakthroughs reveal the prognostic benefits of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in HFpEF, there is still a lack of effective pharmacological therapy available. This highlights a major gap in medical knowledge that must be addressed. Current evidence attributes HFpEF pathogenesis to an interplay between cardiometabolic comorbidities, inflammation, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS) activation, leading to cardiac remodelling and diastolic dysfunction. However, conventional RAAS blockade has demonstrated limited benefits in HFpEF, which emphasises that alternative therapeutic targets should be explored. Presently, there is limited literature examining the use of anti-inflammatory HFpEF therapies despite growing evidence supporting its importance in disease progression. Hence, this review aims to explore current perspectives on HFpEF pathogenesis, including the importance of inflammation-driven cardiac remodelling and the therapeutic potential of anti-inflammatory therapies.

CircLMBR1 inhibits phenotypic transformation of hypoxia-induced pulmonary artery smooth muscle via the splicing factor PUF60

Phenotypic transformation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) contributes to vascular remodeling in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (PH). Recent studies have suggested that circular RNAs (circRNAs) may play important roles in the vascular remodeling of hypoxia-induced PH. However, whether circRNAs cause pulmonary vascular remodeling by regulating the phenotypic transformation in PH has not been investigated. Microarray and RT-qPCR analysis identified that circLMBR1, a novel circRNA, decreased in mouse lung tissues of the hypoxia-SU5416 PH model, as well as in human PASMCs and mouse PASMCs exposed to hypoxia. Overexpression of circLMBR1 in the Semaxinib (SU5416) mouse model ameliorated hypoxia-induced PH and vascular remodeling in the lungs. Notably, circLMBR1 was mainly distributed in the nucleus and bound to the splicing factor PUF60. CircLMBR1 suppressed the phenotypic transformation of human PASMCs and vascular remodeling by inhibiting PUF60 expression. Furthermore, we identified U2AF65 as the downstream regulatory factor of PUF60. U2AF65 directly interacted with the pre-mRNA of the contractile phenotype marker smooth muscle protein 22-α (SM22α) and inhibited its splicing. Meanwhile, hypoxia exposure increased the formation of the PUF60-U2AF65 complex, thereby inhibiting SM22α production and inducing the transition of human PASMCs from a contractile phenotype to a synthetic phenotype. Overall, our results verified the important role of circLMBR1 in the pathological process of PH. We also proposed a new circLMBR1/PUF60-U2AF65/pre-SM22α pathway that could regulate the phenotypic transformation and proliferation of human PASMCs. This study may provide new perspectives for the diagnosis and treatment of PH.

Epidrugs in the clinical management of atherosclerosis: Mechanisms, challenges and promises

Atherosclerosis is a complex and multigenic pathology associated with significant epigenetic reprogramming. Traditional factors (age, sex, obesity, hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, hypertension) and non-traditional factors (foetal indices, microbiome alteration, clonal hematopoiesis, air pollution, sleep disorders) induce endothelial dysfunction, resulting in reduced vascular tone and increased vascular permeability, inflammation and shear stress. These factors induce paracrine and autocrine interactions between several cell types, including vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, monocytes/macrophages, dendritic cells and T cells. Such cellular interactions lead to tissue-specific epigenetic reprogramming regulated by DNA methylation, histone modifications and microRNAs, which manifests in atherosclerosis. Our review outlines epigenetic signatures during atherosclerosis, which are viewed as potential clinical biomarkers that may be adopted as new therapeutic targets. Additionally, we emphasize epigenetic modifiers referred to as 'epidrugs' as potential therapeutic molecules to correct gene expression patterns and restore vascular homeostasis during atherosclerosis. Further, we suggest nanomedicine-based strategies involving the use of epidrugs, which may selectively target cells in the atherosclerotic microenvironment and reduce off-target effects.

Carbon monoxide attenuates cellular senescence-mediated pulmonary fibrosis via modulating p53/PAI-1 pathway

PURPOSE

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal progressive condition often requiring lung transplantation. Accelerated senescence of type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECII) plays a crucial role in pulmonary fibrosis progression through the secretion of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Low-dose carbon monoxide (CO) possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-aging properties. This study aims to explore the preventive effects of CO-releasing molecule 2 (CORM2) in a bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis model.

METHODS

We established an pulmonary fibrosis model in C57BL/6J mice and evaluated the impact of CORM2 on fibrosis pathology using Masson's trichrome staining, fluorescence staining, and pulmonary function tests. Fibrogenic marker expression and SASP secretion in tissues and AECII cells were analyzed using qRT-PCR, Western blot, and ELISA assays both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, we investigated DNA damage and cellular senescence through immunofluorescence and SA-β-gal staining.

RESULTS

CORM2 showed a preventive effect on bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis by improving pulmonary function and reducing the expression of fibrosis-related genes, such as TGF-β, α-SMA, Collagen I/III. CORM2 decreased the DNA damage response by inhibiting γ-H2AX, p53, and p21. We identified PAI-1 as a new target gene that was downregulated by CORM2, and which was associated with cellular senescence and fibrosis. CORM2 effectively inhibited cellular senescence and delayed EMT occurrence in AECII cells.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights the potential of CORM2 in preventing DNA damage-induced cellular senescence in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis through modulation of the p53/PAI-1 signaling pathway. These findings underscore the promising prospects of CORM2 in targeting cellular senescence and the p53/PAI-1 pathway as a potential preventive strategy for IPF.

Transcriptomic analysis reveals the critical role of chemokine signaling in the anti-atherosclerosis effect of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The process of atherosclerosis (AS) is complicated. Transcriptomics technology can assist in discovering the underlying mechanisms and exploring the key targets of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) against atherosclerosis.

AIM

This study aimed to investigate targets and signaling pathways significantly related to AS and the potential intervention targets of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction by transcriptomics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

AS models were established by subjecting ApoE-/-mice to an 8-week high-fat diet. Structural changes and plaque formation in the aortic root were observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE staining), while Oil Red O staining was employed to visualize lipid deposition within the aortic root plaque. Movat staining and immunohistochemical staining were conducted to examine the components present in the aortic root plaque. Macrophage content within the plaque was observed through immunofluorescence. Additionally, mRNA sequencing was performed on aortic tissues to identify differentially expressed genes. Enrichment analysis was performed using GO and KEGG analysis. Visualization of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was achieved using Cytoscape 3.7.1 and STRING. Western blotting (WB) was employed to assess the protein expression of major differentially expressed genes in the aortic tissue. The drug freeze-dried powder of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction was prepared and the RAW264.7 cells were induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to build an in vitro model. Real-time quantitative PCR was employed to measure the mRNA expression of major differential genes.

RESULTS

After ApoE-/- mice were fed with an 8-week high-fat diet, observable changes included the thinning of the aortic root wall, the accumulation of foam cells within the plaque, and the formation of cholesterol crystals in the model group. Treatment with Xuefu Zhuyu (XFZY) decoction for 12 weeks significantly reduced the lipid deposition and the number of macrophages (P < 0.05) and significantly increased the collagen content within the plaque (P < 0.01). Enrichment analysis revealed a high enrichment of the Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway and Chemokine signaling pathway. Noteworthy genes involved in this response included Ccl12, Ccl22, Cx3cr1, Ccr7, Ccr2, Tnfrsf25, and Gdf5. Xuefu Zhuyu decoction significantly downregulated the expression of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 (P < 0.05) and upregulated the expression of GDF5 (P < 0.01). Compared with control group, in cell models, the mRNA expressions of Ccl12, Ccl22, and Ccr2 were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Xuefu Zhuyu decoction significantly downregulated the expression of Ccl12, Ccl22, Cx3cr1, Ccr7 and Ccr2 (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Xuefu Zhuyu decoction demonstrates effective regulation of plaque components, retarding plaque progression and preserving plaque stability by modulating lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses. Subsequent transcriptome analysis identified the Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and Chemokine signaling pathway as potential key pathways for the therapeutic effects of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction. This insight not only provides crucial avenues for further exploration into the mechanisms underlying Xuefu Zhuyu decoction but also offers valuable perspectives and hypotheses for enhancing disease prevention and treatment strategies.

Nitric oxide contributes to rapid sclerostin protein loss following mechanical load

In response to mechanical loading of bone, osteocytes produce nitric oxide (NO•) and decrease sclerostin protein expression, leading to an increase in bone mass. However, it is unclear whether NO• production and sclerostin protein loss are mechanistically linked, and, if so, the nature of their hierarchical relationship within an established mechano-transduction pathway. Prior work showed that following fluid-shear stress (FSS), osteocytes produce NOX2-derived reactive oxygen species, inducing calcium (Ca2+) influx. Increased intracellular Ca2+ results in calcium-calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) activation, which regulates the lysosomal degradation of sclerostin protein. Here, we extend our discoveries, identifying NO• as a regulator of sclerostin degradation downstream of mechano-activated CaMKII. Pharmacological inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in Ocy454 osteocyte-like cells prevented FSS-induced sclerostin protein loss. Conversely, short-term treatment with a NO• donor in Ocy454 cells or isolated murine long bones was sufficient to induce the rapid decrease in sclerostin protein abundance, independent of changes in Sost gene expression. Ocy454 cells express all three NOS genes, and transfection with siRNAs targeting eNOS/Nos3 was sufficient to prevent FSS-induced loss of sclerostin protein, while siRNAs targeting iNOS/Nos2 mildly blunted the loss of sclerostin but did not reach statistical significance. Similarly, siRNAs targeting both eNOS/Nos3 and iNOS/Nos2 prevented FSS-induced NO• production. Together, these data show iNOS/Nos2 and eNOS/Nos3 are the primary producers of FSS-dependent NO•, and that NO• is necessary and sufficient for sclerostin protein control. Further, selective inhibition of elements within this sclerostin-controlling mechano-transduction pathway indicated that NO• production occurs downstream of CaMKII activation. Targeting Camk2d and Camk2g with siRNA in Ocy454 cells prevented NO• production following FSS, indicating that CaMKII is needed for NO• production. However, NO• donation (1min) resulted in a significant increase in CaMKII activation, suggesting that NO• may have the ability to tune CaMKII response. Together, these data support that CaMKII is necessary for, and may be modulated by NO•, and that the interaction of these two signals is involved in the control of sclerostin protein abundance, consistent with a role in bone anabolic responses.

Efficacy of exercise rehabilitation for managing patients with Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and degenerative neurological disease characterized by the deterioration of cognitive functions. While a definitive cure and optimal medication to impede disease progression are currently unavailable, a plethora of studies have highlighted the potential advantages of exercise rehabilitation for managing this condition. Those studies show that exercise rehabilitation can enhance cognitive function and improve the quality of life for individuals affected by AD. Therefore, exercise rehabilitation has been regarded as one of the most important strategies for managing patients with AD. Herein, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the currently available findings on exercise rehabilitation in patients with AD, with a focus on the exercise types which have shown efficacy when implemented alone or combined with other treatment methods, as well as the potential mechanisms underlying these positive effects. Specifically, we explain how exercise may improve the brain microenvironment and neuronal plasticity. In conclusion, exercise is a cost-effective intervention to enhance cognitive performance and improve quality of life in patients with mild to moderate cognitive dysfunction. Therefore, it can potentially become both a physical activity and a tailored intervention. This review may aid the development of more effective and individualized treatment strategies to address the challenges imposed by this debilitating disease, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Advanced biomedical and electronic dual-function skin patch created through microfluidic-regulated 3D bioprinting

Artificial skin involves multidisciplinary efforts, including materials science, biology, medicine, and tissue engineering. Recent studies have aimed at creating skins that are multifunctional, intelligent, and capable of regenerating tissue. In this work, we present a specialized 3D printing ink composed of polyurethane and bioactive glass (PU-BG) and prepare dual-function skin patch by microfluidic-regulated 3D bioprinting (MRBP) technique. The MRBP endows the skin patch with a highly controlled microstructure and superior strength. Besides, an asymmetric tri-layer is further constructed, which promotes cell attachment and growth through a dual transport mechanism based on hydrogen bonds and gradient structure from hydrophilic to superhydrophilic. More importantly, by combining the features of biomedical skin with electronic skin (e-skin), we achieved a biomedical and electronic dual-function skin patch. In vivo experiments have shown that this skin patch can enhance hemostasis, resist bacterial growth, stimulate the regeneration of blood vessels, and accelerate the healing process. Meanwhile, it also mimics the sensory functions of natural skin to realize signal detection, where the sensitivity reached up to 5.87 kPa-1, as well as cyclic stability (over 500 cycles), a wide detection range of 0-150 kPa, high pressure resolution of 0.1 % under the pressure of 100 kPa. This work offers a versatile and effective method for creating dual-function skin patches and provide new insights into wound healing and tissue repair, which have significant implications for clinical applications.

Intestinal flora influences the progression of subarachnoid hemorrhage by affecting peripheral and central inflammatory pathways

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a debilitating condition that leaves survivors with neurological disability for the rest of their lives. No effective treatment for early brain injury (EBI) has been developed. Gut microbiome (GM) impact the host immune system and can influence disease processes in several organs, including the brain. However, it remains unclear whether the GM has an impact on the outcome of SAH brain injury. Here, we wondered whether microbiota could relieve the injury. We changed the microbiota of 8-week-old male rats by administering antibiotic-containing water for 2 weeks. Composition of the GM was profiled by using 16S rRNA. We induced SAH by puncture the internal carotid artery of control rats and rats with altered GM. Additionally, we studied inflammatory cells using HE stains, Intestinal lymphocyte flow cytometry, and Neuroinflammatory factor WB. SAH was significantly averted by alterations in GM using antibiotics. The altered GM significantly increased the intestinal and intracranial inflammation after SAH. This was manifested by Mosin (MSN) inflammatory cytokines. Our findings demonstrated that the brain injury following SAH is associated with GM.

Sex-specific cardiovascular remodeling leads to a divergent sex-dependent development of heart failure in aged hypertensive rats

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is continuously rising and predominantly affects older women often hypertensive and/or obese or diabetic. Indeed, there is evidence on sex differences in the development of HF. Hence, we studied cardiovascular performance dependent on sex and age as well as pathomechanisms on a cellular and molecular level.

METHODS

We studied 15-week- and 1-year-old female and male hypertensive transgenic rats carrying the mouse Ren-2 renin gene (TG) and compared them to wild-type (WT) controls at the same age. We tracked blood pressure and cardiac function via echocardiography. After sacrificing the 1-year survivors we studied vascular smooth muscle and endothelial function. Isolated single skinned cardiomyocytes were used to determine passive stiffness and Ca2+-dependent force. In addition, Western blots were applied to analyse the phosphorylation status of sarcomeric regulatory proteins, titin and of protein kinases AMPK, PKG, CaMKII as well as their expression. Protein kinase activity assays were used to measure activities of CaMKII, PKG and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).

RESULTS

TG male rats showed significantly higher mortality at 1 year than females or WT male rats. Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction was specifically reduced in male, but not in female TG rats, while LV diastolic dysfunction was evident in both TG sexes, but LV hypertrophy, increased LV ACE activity, and reduced AMPK activity as evident from AMPK hypophosphorylation were specific to male rats. Sex differences were also observed in vascular and cardiomyocyte function showing different response to acetylcholine and Ca2+-sensitivity of force production, respectively cardiomyocyte functional changes were associated with altered phosphorylation states of cardiac myosin binding protein C and cardiac troponin I phosphorylation in TG males only. Cardiomyocyte passive stiffness was increased in TG animals. On a molecular level titin phosphorylation pattern was altered, though alterations were sex-specific. Thus, also the reduction of PKG expression and activity was more pronounced in TG females. However, cardiomyocyte passive stiffness was restored by PKG and CaMKII treatments in both TG sexes.

CONCLUSION

Here we demonstrated divergent sex-specific cardiovascular adaptation to the over-activation of the renin-angiotensin system in the rat. Higher mortality of male TG rats in contrast to female TG rats was observed as well as reduced LV systolic function, whereas females mainly developed HFpEF. Though both sexes developed increased myocardial stiffness to which an impaired titin function contributes to a sex-specific molecular mechanism. The functional derangements of titin are due to a sex-specific divergent regulation of PKG and CaMKII systems.

Mitochondrial dysfunction in long COVID: mechanisms, consequences, and potential therapeutic approaches

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has introduced the medical community to the phenomenon of long COVID, a condition characterized by persistent symptoms following the resolution of the acute phase of infection. Among the myriad of symptoms reported by long COVID sufferers, chronic fatigue, cognitive disturbances, and exercise intolerance are predominant, suggesting systemic alterations beyond the initial viral pathology. Emerging evidence has pointed to mitochondrial dysfunction as a potential underpinning mechanism contributing to the persistence and diversity of long COVID symptoms. This review aims to synthesize current findings related to mitochondrial dysfunction in long COVID, exploring its implications for cellular energy deficits, oxidative stress, immune dysregulation, metabolic disturbances, and endothelial dysfunction. Through a comprehensive analysis of the literature, we highlight the significance of mitochondrial health in the pathophysiology of long COVID, drawing parallels with similar clinical syndromes linked to post-infectious states in other diseases where mitochondrial impairment has been implicated. We discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial function, including pharmacological interventions, lifestyle modifications, exercise, and dietary approaches, and emphasize the need for further research and collaborative efforts to advance our understanding and management of long COVID. This review underscores the critical role of mitochondrial dysfunction in long COVID and calls for a multidisciplinary approach to address the gaps in our knowledge and treatment options for those affected by this condition.

Pathophysiological role and potential drug target of NLRP3 inflammasome in the metabolic disorders

NLRP3 plays a role in the development of autoinflammatory diseases. NLRP3, ASC, and Caspases 1 or 8 make up the NLRP3 inflammasome, which is an important part of innate immune system. The NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated inflammatory cytokines may also participate in metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and gout. Hence, an overview of the NLRP3 regulation in these metabolic diseases and the potential drugs targeting NLRP3 is the focus of this review.

Inhibitory effects of Eplerenone on angiogenesis via modulating SGK1/TGF-β pathway in contralateral kidney of CKD pregnancy rats

BACKGROUND

Eplerenone is a selective aldosterone receptor blocker that is effective in preventing the progression of chroinic kidney disease (CKD). However, its mechanism and role in CKD pregnancy still remain uncertain. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether eplerenone could attenuated the fibrosis of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) pregnant rats' contralateral kidney, improved pregnancy outcome and explore its therapeutic mechanisms.

METHODS

A pregnancy rat model of UUO established, female Wistar rats were randomly assigned into sham-operated group (Sham group),sham-operated combined pregnancy group (SP group), unilateral ureteral obstruction combined pregnancy group (UUO + Pregnancy group), unilateral ureteral obstruction combined pregnancy, administered eplerenone (UUO + Pregnancy+Eplerenone group). On the 18th day of pregnancy, the rats were placed in a metabolic cage, 24 h urine was collected and stored at -80 °C. Next day, all animals were euthanized, and serum was collected by centrifugation and stored at -20 °C. Then the right kidney was extracted, a part of the kidney was placed in 4% paraformaldehyde for morphology, immunohistochemical staining, and immunofluorescence staining, and the other part was placed in a - 80 °C refrigerator for RNA and protein extraction. In vitro, HUVECs was treated with aldosterone, progesterone and estradiol, VEGFA and its receptor blocker bevacizumab. The ability of proliferation, migration and tubularization of HUVECs was detected by CCK-8, scratch wound assay and endothelial tube formation assay. And the co-expression of CD34 and α-SMA of HUVECs was detected by Flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Immunofluorescence results showed that the co-expression of CD34 and α-SMA increased in the UUO + Pregnancy group was significantly increased. The expression of SGK-1, TGFβ-1, Smad2, Smad3, VEGF-A, VEGFR2, CD34, α-SMA and Collagen I was significantly higher in the kidneys of the UUO + Pregnancy group compared to the Sham group and SP group. Eplerenone inhibited the expression of those results. In vitro, the ability of proliferation, migration and tubularization was increased after treated with aldosterone, aldosterone with progesterone and estradiol or VEGFA. Similarly, the expression of α-SMA on the surface of HUVECs treated with aldosterone, aldosterone with progesterone and estradiol were increased, while eplerenone supressed its expression.

CONCLUSION

Eplerenone inhibits renal angiogenesis by blocking the SGK-1/TGFβ signal transduction pathway, thereby inhibiting the phenotypic transformation of endothelial cells, slowing down renal fibrosis, and reducing kidney damage caused by pregnancy.

CircATF6 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma progression by suppressing calreticulin-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed, single-stranded RNAs that play critical roles in various biological processes and diseases, including cancers. However, the functions and mechanisms of circRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) need further clarification. Here, we identified and confirmed that circATF6 is downregulated in HCC tissues and negatively associated with the overall survival of HCC patients. Ectopic overexpression of circATF6 inhibits malignant phenotypes of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo, while knockdown of circATF6 had opposite effects. Mechanistically, we found that circATF6 bound to calreticulin (CALR) protein and acted as a scaffold to enhance the interaction of CALR with calpain2 (CAPN2), which promoted the degradation of CALR by its enzymatic activity. Moreover, we found that circATF6 inhibited HCC cells by suppressing CALR-mediated wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Taken together, our findings suggest that circATF6 is a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.

Retrospective analysis of ethnic/racial disparities and excess vascular mortality associated with the COVID-19 pandemic

The Sars coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in increased morbidity and mortality; however, there is limited understanding of how excess mortality is distributed among different racial and ethnic subgroups and vascular diseases.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study design using data from the United States (US) Center for Disease Control (CDC) Wide Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (Wonder) database. The database contains death certificate information for all US residents by cause of death as ascertained by the treating physician. We examined the trends of excess death by vascular disease specific mortality among different racial and ethnicity subgroups. Excess deaths were defined as the difference between observed numbers of deaths in specific time periods and the expected numbers of deaths in the same time periods. We compared mortality rates during the reference period of 2018-2019 (pre-pandemic) with the study period of 2020-2021 (pandemic years). We also compared excess mortality rates among racial and ethnic subgroups (Non-Hispanic white, Non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic individuals). Vascular disease was categorized by administrative diagnostic codes (ICD10): Vascular disease (I26, I82, I70-73, I74) and its subtypes Arterial thrombosis (I74), venous thromboembolism (I26, I82) and atherosclerotic disease (I70-73).

RESULTS

Compared to 2018-2019, there was a 1.3 % excess mortality associated with vascular disease, a 12.2 % excess mortality due to arterial thrombosis mortality, and an 8.0 % excess mortality due to thromboembolism in 2020-2021. Black individuals demonstrated higher excess vascular mortality (6.9 %) compared to white individuals (-0.3 %) P < .001, higher excess venous thromboembolism mortality (14.1 % vs 5.1 % P = 0.002) and higher atherosclerosis mortality (2.1 % vs -2.6 % P = 0.002). Hispanics compared to white individuals had higher excess vascular mortality (5.1 % vs -0.3 % P = 0.03) and excess venous thromboembolism mortality (24.2 % vs 5.1 % P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant and persistent increase in vascular mortality. Excess mortality has disproportionately affected Black and Hispanic individuals compared to white individuals, highlighting the need for further studies to address and eliminate these health care disparities.

Empagliflozin rescues lifespan and liver senescence in naturally aged mice

Empagliflozin is currently known to decrease blood glucose levels, delay renal failure, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes with cardiovascular disease. However, the effects of empagliflozin on the lifespan and health of naturally aged organisms are unclear. This study was designed to investigate the impacts and potential mechanisms of empagliflozin on lifespan and liver senescence in naturally aged mice. Our study revealed that empagliflozin improved survival and health in naturally aged mice. Empagliflozin extended the median survival of male mice by 5.9%. Meanwhile, empagliflozin improved learning memory and motor balance, decreased body weight, and downregulated the hepatic protein expression of P21, P16, α-SMA, and COL1A1. Empagliflozin modulates the structure of the intestinal flora, increasing the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, Lactobacillus, Blautia, and Muribaculaceae and decreasing the relative abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae, Turicibacter, and Dubosiella in naturally aged mice. Further exploration discovered that empagliflozin increased the concentration of SCFAs, decreased the levels of the inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, and CXCL9, and regulated the PI3K/AKT/P21 and AMPK/SIRT1/NF-κB pathways, which may represent the underlying mechanisms involved in these beneficial hepatic effects. Taken together, the above results indicated that empagliflozin intervention could be considered a potential strategy for extending lifespan and slowing liver senescence in naturally aged mice.

SFRP4 contributes to insulin resistance-induced polycystic ovary syndrome by triggering ovarian granulosa cell hyperandrogenism and apoptosis through the nuclear β-catenin/IL-6 signaling axis

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by chronic ovulation dysfunction and overproduction of androgens. Women with PCOS are commonly accompanied by insulin resistance (IR), which can impair insulin sensitivity and elevate blood glucose levels. IR promotes ovarian cysts, ovulatory dysfunction, and menstrual irregularities in women patients, leading to the pathogenesis of PCOS. Secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4), a secreted glycoprotein, exhibits significantly elevated expression levels in obese individuals with IR and PCOS. Whereas, whether it plays a role in regulating IR-induced PCOS still has yet to be understood. In this study, we respectively established in vitro IR-induced hyperandrogenism in human ovarian granular cells and in vivo IR-induced PCOS models in mice to investigate the action mechanisms of SFRP4 in modulating IR-induced PCOS. Here, we revealed that SFRP4 expression levels in both mRNA and protein were remarkably upregulated in the IR-induced hyperandrogenism with elevated testosterone in the human ovarian granulosa cell line KGN. Under normal conditions without hyperandrogenism, overexpressing SFRP4 triggered the remarkable elevation of testosterone along with the increased nuclear translocation of β-catenin, cell apoptosis and proinflammatory cytokine IL-6. Furthermore, we found that phytopharmaceutical disruption of SFRP4 by genistein ameliorated IR-induced increase in testosterone in ovarian granular cells, and IR-induced PCOS in high-fat diet obese mice. Our study reveals that SFRP4 contributes to IR-induced PCOS by triggering ovarian granulosa cell hyperandrogenism and apoptosis through the nuclear β-catenin/IL-6 signaling axis. Elucidating the role of SFRP4 in PCOS may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for IR-related PCOS therapy.

Common Criticisms and Rebuttals of the Best Endovascular Versus Best Surgical Therapy in Patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia (BEST-CLI) Trial

The Best Endovascular Versus Best Surgical Therapy in Patients With Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia trial was a landmark trial which provides high-quality data for the decision-making regarding the treatment of chronic-limb threatening ischemia. Overall, the trial suggests that in patients with adequate greater saphenous vein conduit, bypass surgery should be offered as a first line treatment given superior outcomes. In this article, we outline the common critiques of the trial, followed by responses to provide a deeper understanding of the strengths and limitations of this important trial.

Small extracellular vesicles from hypoxia-preconditioned bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells attenuate spinal cord injury via miR-146a-5p-mediated regulation of macrophage polarization

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202410000-00027/figure1/v/2024-02-06T055622Z/r/image-tiff Spinal cord injury is a disabling condition with limited treatment options. Multiple studies have provided evidence suggesting that small extracellular vesicles (SEVs) secreted by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) help mediate the beneficial effects conferred by MSC transplantation following spinal cord injury. Strikingly, hypoxia-preconditioned bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived SEVs (HSEVs) exhibit increased therapeutic potency. We thus explored the role of HSEVs in macrophage immune regulation after spinal cord injury in rats and their significance in spinal cord repair. SEVs or HSEVs were isolated from bone marrow MSC supernatants by density gradient ultracentrifugation. HSEV administration to rats via tail vein injection after spinal cord injury reduced the lesion area and attenuated spinal cord inflammation. HSEVs regulate macrophage polarization towards the M2 phenotype in vivo and in vitro. MicroRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analyses of SEVs and HSEVs revealed that miR-146a-5p is a potent mediator of macrophage polarization that targets interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1. Reducing miR-146a-5p expression in HSEVs partially attenuated macrophage polarization. Our data suggest that HSEVs attenuate spinal cord inflammation and injury in rats by transporting miR-146a-5p, which alters macrophage polarization. This study provides new insights into the application of HSEVs as a therapeutic tool for spinal cord injury.

Stretch-induced damage in endothelial monolayers

Endothelial cells are constantly exposed to mechanical stimuli, of which mechanical stretch has shown various beneficial or deleterious effects depending on whether loads are within physiological or pathological levels, respectively. Vascular properties change with age, and on a cell-scale, senescence elicits changes in endothelial cell mechanical properties that together can impair its response to stretch. Here, high-rate uniaxial stretch experiments were performed to quantify and compare the stretch-induced damage of monolayers consisting of young, senescent, and aged endothelial populations. The aged and senescent phenotypes were more fragile to stretch-induced damage. Prominent damage was detected by immunofluorescence and scanning electron microscopy as intercellular and intracellular void formation. Damage increased proportionally to the applied level of deformation and, for the aged and senescent phenotype, induced significant detachment of cells at lower levels of stretch compared to the young counterpart. Based on the phenotypic difference in cell-substrate adhesion of senescent cells indicating more mature focal adhesions, a discrete network model of endothelial cells being stretched was developed. The model showed that the more affine deformation of senescent cells increased their intracellular energy, thus enhancing the tendency for cellular damage and impending detachment. Next to quantifying for the first-time critical levels of endothelial stretch, the present results indicate that young cells are more resilient to deformation and that the fragility of senescent cells may be associated with their stronger adhesion to the substrate.

FGF1 attenuates sepsis-induced coagulation dysfunction and hepatic injury via IL6/STAT3 pathway inhibition

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Sepsis, a globally prevalent and highly lethal condition, remains a critical medical challenge. This investigation aims to assess the relevance of FGF1 as a potential therapeutic target for sepsis.

METHODS

Sepsis was induced in C57BL/6 mice through LPS administration to establish an in vivo animal model. Various in vitro assays were conducted using human umbilical vein endothelial cells to elucidate the role of FGF1 in the disruption of the coagulation system and liver injury associated with sepsis, as well as to explore its underlying molecular mechanisms.

RESULTS

In in vivo experiments, FGF1 ameliorated coagulation system disruption in septic mice by reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory and coagulation-related factors in the bloodstream. FGF1 also enhanced liver function in septic mice, mitigating liver inflammation and cell apoptosis, fostering liver vascular regeneration, increasing liver blood perfusion, and improving mouse survival. In vitro experiments demonstrated that FGF1 could inhibit LPS-induced inflammatory responses and apoptosis in endothelial cells, fortify endothelial cell barrier function, decrease endothelial cell permeability, promote endothelial cell proliferation, and restore endothelial cell tube-forming ability. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments substantiated that FGF1 improved sepsis by inhibiting the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

In summary, our study indicates that FGF1 mitigates excessive inflammatory responses in sepsis by suppressing the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway, thereby improving systemic blood circulation and ameliorating liver damage in septic organisms. Consequently, this research identifies FGF1 as a potential clinical target for the treatment of human sepsis.

Generation of a human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC, DVSi001-A) with a heterozygous mutation in KRAS (A209T)

Human varicose veins are commonly claimed to be responsible for lower limb symptoms. Mutation in KRAS gene has been implicated in various diseases, including cancers and vascular diseases. While little known about the novel mutation in KRAS gene and its contribution to the development of varicose veins. Here, we have generated human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line, which harboured a novel mutation in KRAS (c.209A>T) gene. This cell line provided a novel tool for understanding the mechanism of KRAS mutation in the pathogenesis of varicose veins.

Lifelong longitudinal assessment of the contribution of multi-fractal fluctuations to heart rate and heart rate variability in aging mice: role of the sinoatrial node and autonomic nervous system

Aging is a major risk factor for sinoatrial node (SAN) dysfunction, which can impair heart rate (HR) control and heart rate variability (HRV). HR and HRV are determined by intrinsic SAN function and its regulation by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The purpose of this study was to use multi-scale multi-fractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MSMFDFA; a complexity-based approach to analyze multi-fractal dynamics) to longitudinally assess changes in multi-fractal HRV properties and SAN function in ECG time series recorded repeatedly across the full adult lifespan in mice. ECGs were recorded in anesthetized mice in baseline conditions and after autonomic nervous system blockade every three months beginning at 6 months of age until the end of life. MSMFDFA was used to assess HRV and SAN function every three months between 6 and 27 months of age. Intrinsic HR (i.e. HR during ANS blockade) remained relatively stable until 15 months of age, and then progressively declined until study endpoint at 27 months of age. MSMFDFA revealed sudden and rapid changes in multi-fractal properties of the ECG RR interval time series in aging mice. In particular, multi-fractal spectrum width (MFSW, a measure of multi-fractality) was relatively stable between 6 months and 15 months of age and then progressively increased at 27 months of age. These changes in MFSW were evident in baseline conditions and during ANS blockade. Thus, intrinsic SAN function declines progressively during aging and is manifested by age-associated changes in multi-fractal HRV across the lifespan in mice, which can be accurately quantified by MSMFDFA.

Inter-tissue differences in oxidative stress susceptibility reveal a less stable endothelial barrier in the brain than in the retina

Oxidative stress can impair the endothelial barrier and thereby enable autoantibody migration in Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Tissue-specific vulnerability to autoantibody-mediated damage could be explained by a differential, tissue-dependent endothelial susceptibility to oxidative stress. In this study, we aim to investigate the barrier integrity and complement profiles of brain and retinal endothelial cells under oxygen-induced oxidative stress to address the question of whether the pathomechanism of NMOSD preferentially affects the brain or the retina. Primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) and primary human retinal endothelial cells (HREC) were cultivated at different cell densities (2.5*104 to 2*105 cells/cm2) for real-time cell analysis. Both cell types were exposed to 100, 500 and 2500 μM H2O2. Immunostaining (CD31, VE-cadherin, ZO-1) and Western blot, as well as complement protein secretion using multiplex ELISA were performed. HBMEC and HREC cell growth phases were cell type-specific. While HBMEC cell growth could be categorized into an initial peak, proliferation phase, plateau phase, and barrier breakdown phase, HREC showed no proliferation phase, but entered the plateau phase immediately after an initial peak. The plateau phase was 7 h shorter in HREC. Both cell types displayed a short-term, dose-dependent adaptive response to H2O2. Remarkably, at 100 μM H2O2, the transcellular resistance of HBMEC exceeded that of untreated cells. 500 μM H2O2 exerted a more disruptive effect on the HBMEC transcellular resistance than on HREC. Both cell types secreted complement factors H (FH) and I (FI), with FH secretion remaining stable after 2 h, but FI secretion decreasing at higher H2O2 concentrations. The observed differences in resistance to oxidative stress between primary brain and retinal endothelial cells may have implications for further studies of NMOSD and other autoimmune diseases affecting the eye and brain. These findings may open novel perspectives for the understanding and treatment of such diseases.

Risk factors for progression from prediabetes to diabetes among older people with HIV

OBJECTIVE

Risk factors for progression from prediabetes mellitus (pre-DM) to diabetes mellitus (DM) among people with HIV (PWH) receiving modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) require better characterization.

DESIGN

AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) A5322 (HAILO) was an observational cohort study of PWH ≥40 years old. Participants initiated ART through ACTG randomized clinical trials.

METHODS

We used Cox proportional hazards regression models to identify risk factors for development of DM among HAILO participants with pre-DM.

RESULTS

Among 1035 HAILO participants, 74 (7%) had pre-DM at entry and another 679 (66%) developed pre-DM during follow-up. Of 753 PWH with pre-DM, 167 (22%) developed DM. In multivariable models, the risk of developing DM was greater with higher BMI, lower CD4 count (≤200 cells/mm 3 ), hypertriglyceridemia, or higher waist circumference at pre-DM diagnosis ( P  < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Rates of pre-DM and progression to DM remain high among virally suppressed PWH receiving modern ART regimens. Traditional risks for DM, such as higher BMI or waist circumference, are associated with increased risk of incident DM among PWH with pre-DM. The association between lower CD4 + and progression to DM suggests a role for advanced immunodeficiency and inflammation. Further investigation of interventions aimed at preventing DM among PWH with pre-DM is needed. Optimizing prevention and treatment for DM may be an intervenable opportunity to improve long-term outcomes for PWH.

A spotlight on the role of copper in the epithelial to mesenchymal transition

The complex process known as epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a fundamental role in several biological settings, encompassing embryonic development, wound healing, and pathological conditions such as cancer and fibrosis. In recent years, a bulk of research has brought to light the key role of copper, a trace element with essential functions in cellular metabolism, cancer initiation and progression. Indeed, copper, besides functioning as cofactor of enzymes required for essential cellular processes, such as energy production and oxidation reactions, has emerged as an allosteric regulator of kinases whose activity is required to fulfill cancer dissemination through the EMT. In this comprehensive review, we try to describe the intricate relationship between the transition metal copper and EMT, spanning from the earliest foundational studies to the latest advancements. Our aim is to shed light on the multifaceted roles undertaken by copper in EMT in cancer and to unveil the diverse mechanisms by which copper homeostasis exerts its influence over EMT regulators, signaling pathways, cell metabolic reprogramming and transcription factors ultimately contributing to the spread of cancer. Therefore, this review not only may contribute to a deeper comprehension of copper-mediated mechanisms in EMT but also supports the hypothesis that targeting copper may contribute to counteract the progression of EMT-associated pathologies.

Aortic stiffness: an age-related prognostic marker?

Aortic stiffness, a consequence of vascular aging, is an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, the impact of age and sex on its predictive performance remains unclear. We have included 6046 individuals from the population-based Rotterdam study. Survival analyses were performed to investigate the impact of age and sex on the link between aortic stiffness and outcomes, including coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, cardiovascular disease (CVD), cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. The added predictive value of aortic stiffness across age categories and by sex was assessed by using explained variation, Harrell's C index and Integrated Discrimination Improvement (IDI). Aortic stiffness was independently associated with all outcomes [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval; CI): 1.16 (1.04-1.22) for CHD, 1.09 (1.00-1.19) for stroke, 1.11 (1.05-1.18) for CVD, 1.14 (1.05-1.23) for cardiovascular mortality, 1.08 (1.03-1.13) for all-cause mortality]. The strength of the association between aortic stiffness and stroke, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality decreased significantly by advancing age. The variance of the outcome (R2) explained by aortic stiffness alone was noticeable in individuals younger than 60 years and negligible in the other age categories. The association of aortic stiffness and CHD was stronger in women than in men. Similarly, the difference in R2 between women and men was greater for CHD than for the other considered outcomes. Our findings suggest that the gain in explained variation caused by aortic stiffness for CVD and mortality might be limited to individuals younger than 60 years.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment strategies

The prevalence of HF with preserved ejection raction (HFpEF, with EF ≥50%) is increasing across all populations with high rates of hospitalization and mortality, reaching up to 80% and 50%, respectively, within a 5-year timeframe. Comorbidity-driven systemic inflammation is thought to cause coronary microvascular dysfunction and increased epicardial adipose tissue, leading to downstream friborsis and molecular changes in the cardiomyocyte, leading to increased stiffness and diastolic dynsfunction. HFpEF poses unique challenges in terms of diagnosis due to its complex and diverse nature. The diagnosis of HFpEF relies on a combination of clinical assessment, imaging studies, and biomarkers. An additional important step in diagnosing HFpEF involves excluding certain cardiac diagnoses that may be specific underlying causes of HFpEF or may be masquerading as HFpEF and require specific alternative treatment approaches. In addition to administering sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors to all patients, the most effective approach to enhance clinical outcomes may involve tailored therapy based on each patient's unique clinical profile. Exercise should be recommended for all patients to improve the quality of life. Glucagon-like peptide-1 1 agonists are a promising treatment option in obese HFpEF patients. Novel approaches targeting inflammation are also in early phase trials.

Association between patent foramen ovale morphology and clinical outcomes following transcatheter closure

BACKGROUND

Anatomic variations of the patent foramen ovale (PFO) are commonly observed, yet limited research has investigated their impact on clinical outcomes following transcatheter closure. We aimed to explore the association between PFO morphology and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with cryptogenic stroke who underwent PFO closure were prospectively enrolled at a single center from September 2019 to April 2023. Patients were categorized into simple and complex groups based on PFO morphology. Composite events were compared between the two groups during a median follow-up of 24 months, including all-cause mortality, recurrent stroke, residual moderate or severe shunt, and symptomatic atrial fibrillation.

RESULTS

A total of 247 patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 41.9 ± 13.0 years and 45.3% males. Ninety-one (36.8%) patients had complex PFO. These individuals were older (45.4 ± 12.5 years vs. 39.9 ± 12.9 years; P = 0.001), more males (56.0% vs. 39.1%; P = 0.010), had longer procedure times (54 ± 32 min vs 46 ± 29 min; P = 0.044), and had a higher rate of using delivery sheath-assisted crossing of the PFO (22.0% vs 12.8%; P = 0.040) than those with simple PFO. The estimated event rates were 27.9% and 11.3% (P = 0.006) in the complex and simple PFO groups, respectively (12.9 events and 5.2 events per 100 person-years; P = 0.001). After adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, device type, and left atrial diameters, complex PFO remained independently associated with composite events (HR 2.10, 95%CI 1.06-4.17, P = 0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with complex PFO may suffer from a higher risk of adverse events following transcatheter PFO closure.

Feasibility of self-measurement telemonitoring using a handheld heart sound recorder in patients with heart failure - SELPH multicenter pilot study

BACKGROUND

Multi-parametric assessment, including heart sounds in addition to conventional parameters, may enhance the efficacy of noninvasive telemonitoring for heart failure (HF). We sought to assess the feasibility of self-telemonitoring with multiple devices including a handheld heart sound recorder and its association with clinical events in patients with HF.

METHODS

Ambulatory HF patients recorded their own heart sounds, mono‑lead electrocardiograms, oxygen saturation, body weight, and vital signs using multiple devices every morning for six months.

RESULTS

In the 77 patients enrolled (63 ± 13 years old, 84 % male), daily measurements were feasible with a self-measurement rate of >70 % of days in 75 % of patients. Younger age and higher Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire scores were independently associated with lower adherence (p = 0.002 and 0.027, respectively). A usability questionnaire showed that 87 % of patients felt self-telemonitoring was helpful, and 96 % could use the devices without routine cohabitant support. Six patients experienced ten HF events of re-hospitalization and/or unplanned hospital visits due to HF. In patients who experienced HF events, a significant increase in heart rate and diastolic blood pressure and a decrease in the time interval from Q wave onset to the second heart sound were observed 7 days before the events compared with those without HF events.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-telemonitoring with multiple devices including a handheld heart sound recorder was feasible even in elderly patients with HF. This intervention may confer a sense of relief to patients and enable monitoring of physiological parameters that could be valuable in detecting the deterioration of HF.

Phosphodiesterase 9A inhibition improves aging-related increase in pulmonary vascular resistance in mice

As individuals age, there is a gradual decline in cardiopulmonary function, often accompanied by cardiac pump dysfunction leading to increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Our study aims to investigate the changes in cardiac and pulmonary vascular function associated with aging. Additionally, we aim to explore the impact of phosphodiesterase 9A (PDE9A) inhibition, which has shown promise in treating cardiometabolic diseases, on addressing left ventricle (LV) dysfunction and elevated PVR in aging individuals. Young (3 months old) and aged (32 months old) male C57BL/6 mice were used. Aged mice were treated with the selective PDE9A inhibitor PF04447943 (1 mg/kg/day) through intraperitoneal injections for 10 days. LV function was evaluated using cardiac ultrasound, and PVR was assessed in isolated, ventilated lungs perfused under a constant flow condition. Additionally, changes in PVR were measured in response to perfusion of the endothelium-dependent agonist bradykinin or to nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP). PDE9A protein expression was measured by Western blots. Our results demonstrate the development of LV diastolic dysfunction and increased PVR in aged mice. The aged mice exhibited diminished decreases in PVR in response to both bradykinin and SNP compared to the young mice. Moreover, the lungs of aged mice showed an increase in PDE9A protein expression. Treatment of aged mice with PF04447943 had no significant effect on LV systolic or diastolic function. However, PF04447943 treatment normalized PVR and SNP-induced responses, though it did not affect the bradykinin response. These data demonstrate a development of LV diastolic dysfunction and increase in PVR in aged mice. We propose that inhibitors of PDE9A could represent a novel therapeutic approach to specifically prevent aging-related pulmonary dysfunction.

Proteomic analysis reveals the antiviral effects of baicalin on pseudorabies virus

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) poses a significant threat to livestock and even humans. Baicalin, a bioactive flavonoid glycoside with medicinal potential, has been reported to have various biological activities. However, its inhibitory effect on PRV remains poorly understood. In this study, we proved that baicalin effectively inhibits PRV infection. Proteomic analysis revealed that baicalin reduces the expression of 14 viral proteins, which are associated with virus replication, release and immune evasion. Furthermore, the abundance of 116 host proteins was altered by PRV infection, but restored to normal levels after treatment with baicalin. Pathway analysis indicated that baicalin mitigates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and suppresses abnormal mitochondrion by reducing the expression of NFU1 iron‑sulfur cluster scaffold homolog (NFU1) protein induced by PRV. Notably, baicalin also activates the complete coagulation cascade by increasing the expression of coagulation factor III (F3) protein and enhances nucleoplasm by upregulating the expression of solute carrier family 3 member 2 (SLC3A2) and CCAAT enhancer binding protein beta (CEBPB) proteins, contributing to its inhibitory effects on PRV. Our findings implied that baicalin has the potential to be developed as an anti-PRV drug and provide insights into the underlying molecular basis.