Clinicoradiological evaluation of oxidative stress activity in acute cerebral infarction in the first 24 h and the qualitative importance of dysfunctional HDL in stroke

BACKGROUND

Acute cerebral infarction (ACI) occurs as a result of instant disruption of vascular flow that causes disbalance between oxidative/antioxidative activity. We examined the relationship of serum neuro-oxidative stress parameters with stroke severity and infarct volume in ACI and emphasized the qualitative importance of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) on its relationship with myeloperoxidase (MPO) and paraoxonase-1 (PON1) in the acute period of stroke.

METHODS

One hundred ACI patients applied within the first 24 h and 50 healthy volunteers were included. The patient group was evaluated with demographic data (including arrival serum biochemical assessment), clinical disability scores, infarct volume, serum oxidative/antioxidative parameters (lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH), MPO, PON1, MPO/PON ratio). The relevant serum parameters were compared with the control group. Dysfunctional HDL measurement was based on detecting dysfunctionality as a result of a high positive correlation between the dysfunctional feature of HDL and the MPO/PON ratio. The correlation of serum parameters, clinical disability score, and infarct volume were evaluated, and independent analyses of variability with comorbidities were performed.

RESULTS

A negative correlation between PON1 and arrival NIH score/scale (NIHSS), LOOH and discharge modified rankin scale (mRS), triglyceride level, and infarct volume; a positive correlation between MPO\PON ratio and infarct volume was determined. Logistic regression analyses showed that hypertension, diabetes, and high HbA1C may be predictors of stroke severity, and diabetes mellitus, high HbA1C, infarct volume, and high NIHSS score may be predictors of early disability (p < 0.005). The ROC curve analysis revealed that determining the cut-off value for LOOH is of importance in determining early disability scores (7.2 and 6.2, respectively).

DISCUSSION

The balance between oxidative and antioxidative stress parameters and their quantitative/qualitative changes is of importance, especially in the acute period of ACI. Dysfunctional HDL's evolution and its relationship with other oxidants are significant not only in the cardiovascular aspect but also in the clinicoradiological aspect.

Bioinformatic analysis and clinical diagnostic value of hsa_circ_0004099 in acute ischemic stroke

This study investigates the expression and effect of hsa_circ_0004099 in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We conducted a case-controlled study that included 40 patients with AIS within 24 hours and 40 healthy subjects during the same period as a control group. Differentially expressed circular RNAs (circRNAs) were obtained using GEO2R, and the expression of hsa_circ_0004099 was verified using RT-PCR. Correlation analysis of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) disease severity score and ischemic time with hsa_circ_0004099 expression levels was also performed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of hsa_circ_0004099 was constructed, and bioinformatic analysis of hsa_circ_0004099 was performed. NIHSS scores negatively correlated with hsa_circ_0004099 levels (P<0.001, r = -0.7053), whereas infarct time was negatively correlated with hsa_circ_0004099 levels (P<0.001, r = -0.5130); hsa_circ_0004099 could benefit clinical diagnosis (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.923 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.8680-0.9904]). Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that hsa_circ_0004099 was enriched in several cancer pathways, which were collectively enriched in four genes namely TCF7L2, NRAS, CTNNB1, and KRAS. Eight core proteins were screened using a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network namely SMAD4, HIF1A, CTNNB1, CDKN1B, CDK6, FOXO3, KRAS, and NRAS. hsa_circ_0004099 is a potential clinical diagnostic marker. In addition, the possible role of hsa_circ_0004099 in the pathogenesis of AIS was analyzed using bioinformatics, which provided a new potential molecular target for AIS treatment.

Potential Roles of Selectins in Periodontal Diseases and Associated Systemic Diseases: Could They Be Targets for Immunotherapy?

Periodontal diseases are predisposing factors to the development of many systemic disorders, which is often initiated via leukocyte infiltration and vascular inflammation. These diseases could significantly affect human health and quality of life. Hence, it is vital to explore effective therapies to prevent disease progression. Periodontitis, which is characterized by gingival bleeding, disruption of the gingival capillary's integrity, and irreversible destruction of the periodontal supporting bone, appears to be caused by overexpression of selectins in periodontal tissues. Selectins (P-, L-, and E-selectins) are vital members of adhesion molecules regulating inflammatory and immune responses. They are mainly located in platelets, leukocytes, and endothelial cells. Furthermore, selectins are involved in the immunopathogenesis of vascular inflammatory diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancers, and so on, by mediating leukocyte recruitment, platelet activation, and alteration of endothelial barrier permeability. Therefore, selectins could be new immunotherapeutic targets for periodontal disorders and their associated systemic diseases since they play a crucial role in immune regulation and endothelium dysfunction. However, the research on selectins and their association with periodontal and systemic diseases remains limited. This review aims to discuss the critical roles of selectins in periodontitis and associated systemic disorders and highlights the potential of selectins as therapeutic targets.

Exercise-induced IL-15 acted as a positive prognostic implication and tumor-suppressed role in pan-cancer

Objective: Exercise can produce a large number of cytokines that may benefit cancer patients, including Interleukin 15 (IL-15). IL-15 is a cytokine that has multiple functions in regulating the adaptive and innate immune systems and tumorigenesis of lung and breast cancers. However, the roles of IL-15 in other types of cancer remain unknown. In this article, we try to systematically analyze if IL-15 is a potential molecular biomarker for predicting patient prognosis in pan-cancer and its connection with anti-cancer effects of exercise. Methods: The expression of IL-15 was detected by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, Human protein Atlas (HPA), and Genotype Tissue-Expression (GTEX) database. Analysis of IL-15 genomic alterations and protein expression in human organic tissues was analyzed by the cBioPortal database and HPA. The correlations between IL-15 expression and survival outcomes, clinical features, immune-associated cell infiltration, and ferroptosis/cuproptosis were analyzed using the TCGA, ESTIMATE algorithm, and TIMER databases. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed to evaluate the biological functions of IL-15 in pan-cancer. Results: The differential analysis suggested that the level of IL-15 mRNA expression was significantly downregulated in 12 tumor types compared with normal tissues, which is similar to the protein expression in most cancer types. The high expression of IL-15 could predict the positive survival outcome of patients with LUAD (lung adenocarcinoma), COAD (colon adenocarcinoma), COADREAD (colon and rectum adenocarcinoma), ESCA (esophageal carcinoma), SKCM (skin cutaneous melanoma), UCS (uterine carcinosarcoma), and READ (rectum adenocarcinoma). Moreover, amplification was found to be the most frequent mutation type of IL-15 genomic. Furthermore, the expression of IL-15 was correlated to the infiltration levels of various immune-associated cells in pan-cancer assessed by the ESTIMATE algorithm and TIMER database. In addition, IL-15 is positively correlated with ferroptosis/cuproptosis-related genes (ACSL4 and LIPT1) in pan-cancer. Levels of IL-15 were reported to be elevated in humans for 10-120 min following an acute exercise. Therefore, we hypothesized that the better prognosis of pan-cancer patients with regular exercise may be achieved by regulating level of IL-15. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that IL-15 is a potential molecular biomarker for predicting patient prognosis, immunoreaction, and ferroptosis/cuproptosis in pan-cancer and partly explained the anti-cancer effects of exercise.

Vascular dementia: A microglia's perspective

Vascular dementia (VaD) is a second most common form of age-related dementia. It is characterized by cognitive impairment associated with vascular pathology, symptoms mainly caused by cerebral damage due to inadequate blood flow to the brain. The pathogenesis of VaD is complex, and a growing body of literature emphasizes on the involvement of microglia in disease development and progression. Here, we review the current knowledge on the role of microglia in regulating neuroinflammation under the pathogenesis of VaD. The commonly used animal and cell models for understanding the disease pathogenesis were summarized. The mechanisms by which microglia contribute to VaD are multifactorial, and we specifically focus on some of the predominant functions of microglia, including chemotaxis, secretory property, phagocytosis, and its crosstalk with other neurovascular unit cells. Finally, potential therapeutic strategies targeting microglia-modulated neuroinflammation are discussed.

Integrated analysis and exploration of potential shared gene signatures between carotid atherosclerosis and periodontitis

BACKGROUND

Increasing evidence has suggested an association between carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) and periodontitis (PD); however, the mechanisms have not been fully understood. This study aims to investigate the shared genes and molecular mechanisms underlying the co-pathogenesis of CAS and PD.

METHODS

Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets GSE100927 and GSE10334 were downloaded, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) shared by both datasets were identified. The functional enrichment analysis of these overlapping DEGs was then conducted. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was created using the STRING database and Cytoscape software, and PPI key genes were identified using the cytoHubba plugin. Then, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed on GSE100927 and GSE10334, and the gene modules most correlated with CAS and PD were identified as key modules. The genes in key modules overlapping with PPI key genes were determined to be the key crosstalk genes. Subsequently, the key crosstalk genes were validated in three independent external datasets (GSE43292 [CAS microarray dataset], GSE16134 [PD microarray dataset], and GSE28829 [CAS microarray dataset]). In addition, the immune cell patterns of PD and CAS were evaluated by single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), and the correlation of key crosstalk genes with each immune cell was calculated. Finally, we investigated the transcription factors (TFs) that regulate key crosstalk genes using NetworkAnalyst 3.0 platform.

RESULTS

355 overlapping DEGs of CAS and PD were identified. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted the vital role of immune and inflammatory pathways in CAS and PD. The PPI network was constructed, and eight PPI key genes were identified by cytoHubba, including CD4, FCGR2A, IL1B, ITGAM, ITGAX, LCK, PTPRC, and TNF. By WGCNA, the turquoise module was identified as the most correlated module with CAS, and the blue module was identified as the most correlated module with PD. Ultimately, ITGAM and LCK were identified as key crosstalk genes as they appeared both in key modules and PPI key genes. Expression levels of ITGAM and LCK were significantly elevated in the case groups of the test datasets (GSE100927 and GSE10334) and validation datasets (GSE43292, GSE16134, and GSE28829). In addition, the expression of multiple immune cells was significantly elevated in PD and CAS compared to controls, and the two key crosstalk genes were both significantly associated with CD4 T cells. Finally, SPI1 was identified as a potential key TF, which regulates the two key crosstalk genes.

CONCLUSION

This study identified the key crosstalk genes and TF in PD and CAS, which provides new insights for further studies on the co-morbidity mechanisms of CAS and PD from an immune and inflammatory perspective.

Prevention of polycystic ovary syndrome and postmenopausal osteoporosis by inhibiting apoptosis with Shenling Baizhu powder compound

Objective

Shenling Baizhu powder (SBP) has been shown to reverse the abnormal expression of the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) mediated by air pollution. Our study aimed to understand the main ingredient of SBP and investigate its action mechanism in preventing polycystic ovary syndrome (POCS) and postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO).

Methods

The active ingredients of SBP with the highest binding affinity to AHR were screened using a Chinese medicine database, and their binding mechanism was simulated using molecular dynamics simulation (MDS). Rutin was utilized to treat ovarian granulosa cell lines and osteoblast cell lines. The cell lines were treated with a gradient of rutin concentration (0.01 mmol/L, 0.05 mmol/L and 0.1 mmol/L) to find the optimal drug dose. PCR was used to detect AHR and apoptosis-related proteins, and WB to detect the expression of AHR, caspase-3 and cleaved-caspase-3. Finally, the CCK-8 cell proliferation assay detected the proliferation of cells.

Results

We obtained Rutin through the Chinese medicine database, and dynamics simulation determined its binding sites. Ovarian granulosa cell lines and osteoblast cell lines were treated with Rutin. RT-PCR and western blotting revealed that the expression of apoptosis-associated protein Bcl-2 was elevated, and the expression of AHR, Bax, caspase-3 and PARP were decreased. CCK-8 results showed accelerated proliferation in both cell types.

Conclusion

Rutin, the main ingredient of SBP compound, works by binding to AHR, which can improve POCS and PMO by inhibiting cell apoptosis and by promoting cell proliferation.

Potential mechanism of the Shunaoxin pill for preventing cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective

This study aims to analyze the efficacy and mechanism of action of the Shunaoxin pill in preventing cognitive impairment in diabetic patients using network pharmacology.

Methods

The main active compounds of the Shunaoxin pills and their action targets were identified via the TCMSP and Batman-TCM databases. The GEO database was used to identify the genes in type 2 diabetic individuals associated with cognitive impairment. Subsequently, a common target protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database, and targets associated with diabetes and cognitive impairment were screened by performing a topological analysis of the PPI network. The AutoDock Vina software was used for molecular docking to evaluate the reliability of the bioinformatic analysis predictions and validate the interactions between the active ingredients of the Shunaoxin pill and proteins associated with diabetes and cognitive impairment.

Results

Based on the TCMSP and Batman-Tcm platform, 48 active ingredients of the Shunaoxin pill were identified, corresponding to 222 potential action targets. Further analysis revealed that 18 active components of the Shunaoxin pill might contribute to cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetic patients. Molecular docking simulations demonstrated that the active ingredients of the Shunaoxin pill (hexadecanoic acid, stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol, and angelicin) targeted four core proteins: OPRK1, GABRA5, GABRP, and SCN3B.

Conclusion

Active ingredients of the Shunaoxin pill may alleviate cognitive impairment in diabetic patients by targeting the proteins OPRK1, GABRA5, GABRP, and SCN3B.

LncRNA MALAT1 Targets miR-9-3p to Upregulate SAP97 in the Hippocampus of Mice with Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most common subtype of dementia, but the precise mechanism underlying VaD is not fully understood. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) can act as a key regulator in physiological and pathological processes, including neurological disorders, but whether it is correlated with VaD has not been elucidated. In this study, we established a mouse model of VaD by the transient bilateral common carotid artery occlusion surgery. As expected, the Morris water maze showed that VaD mice had significant deficits in spatial learning and memory. MALAT1 was elevated in the hippocampus of VaD mice. Additionally, we found that microRNA (miR)-9-3p was downregulated in the VaD hippocampus. By performing a dual-luciferase report assay, we verified the binding relationship between MALAT1 and miR-9-3p. Interestingly, synapse-associated protein-97 (SAP97), a well-known gene related to synaptic functions, was found upregulated in the hippocampus of VaD mice. In vitro experiments performed on hippocampal neurons demonstrated that miR-9-3p negatively regulated SAP97 expression. The downregulation of MALAT1 in hippocampal neurons increased miR-9-3p and reduced SAP97, whereas miR-9-3p inhibition rescued the MALAT1 downregulation-mediated SAP97 reduction. In conclusion, the present study reported the alterations in the expression levels of MALAT1, miR-9-3p, and SAP97 in the hippocampus of VaD mice, suggesting that MALAT1 targets miR-9-3p to upregulate SAP97 in the hippocampus of mice with VaD. This work will be helpful for understanding the molecular mechanisms of VaD.

Traditional Chinese medicine promotes the control and treatment of dementia

Dementia is a syndrome that impairs learning and memory. To date, there is no effective therapy for dementia. Current prescription drugs, such as cholinesterase inhibitors, fail to improve the condition of dementia and are often accompanied by severe adverse effects. In recent years, the number of studies into the use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for dementia treatment has increased, revealing a formula that could significantly improve memory and cognitive dysfunctions in animal models. TCM showed fewer adverse effects, lower costs, and improved suitability for long-term use compared with currently prescribed drugs. Due to the complexity of ingredients and variations in bioactivity of herbal medicines, the multi-target nature of the traditional Chinese formula affected the outcome of dementia therapy. Innovations in TCM will create a platform for the development of new drugs for the prevention and treatment of dementia, further strengthening and enhancing the current influence of TCM.

The effects and potential of microglial polarization and crosstalk with other cells of the central nervous system in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Microglia are resident immune cells in the central nervous system. During the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, stimulatory factors continuously act on the microglia causing abnormal activation and unbalanced phenotypic changes; these events have become a significant and promising area of research. In this review, we summarize the effects of microglial polarization and crosstalk with other cells in the central nervous system in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Our literature search found that phenotypic changes occur continuously in Alzheimer's disease and that microglia exhibit extensive crosstalk with astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, neurons, and penetrated peripheral innate immune cells via specific signaling pathways and cytokines. Collectively, unlike previous efforts to modulate microglial phenotypes at a single level, targeting the phenotypes of microglia and the crosstalk with other cells in the central nervous system may be more effective in reducing inflammation in the central nervous system in Alzheimer's disease. This would establish a theoretical basis for reducing neuronal death from central nervous system inflammation and provide an appropriate environment to promote neuronal regeneration in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Endogenous Vasoactive Peptides and Vascular Aging-Related Diseases

Vascular aging is a specific type of organic aging that plays a central role in the morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases among the elderly. It is essential to develop novel interventions to prevent/delay age-related vascular pathologies by targeting fundamental cellular and molecular aging processes. Endogenous vasoactive peptides are compounds formed by a group of amino acids connected by peptide chains that exert regulatory roles in intercellular interactions involved in a variety of biological and pathological processes. Emerging evidence suggests that a variety of vasoactive peptides play important roles in the occurrence and development of vascular aging and related diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, vascular calcification, abdominal aortic aneurysms, and stroke. This review will summarize the cumulative roles and mechanisms of several important endogenous vasoactive peptides in vascular aging and vascular aging-related diseases. In addition, we also aim to explore the promising diagnostic function as biomarkers and the potential therapeutic application of endogenous vasoactive peptides in vascular aging-related diseases.

Biological correlates of elevated soluble TREM2 in cerebrospinal fluid

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2 (sTREM2) is an emerging biomarker of neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Yet, sTREM2 expression has not been systematically evaluated in relation to concomitant drivers of neuroinflammation. While associations between sTREM2 and tau in CSF are established, we sought to determine additional biological correlates of CSF sTREM2 during the prodromal stages of AD by evaluating CSF Aβ species (Aβx-40), a fluid biomarker of blood-brain barrier integrity (CSF/plasma albumin ratio), and CSF biomarkers of neurodegeneration measured in 155 participants from the Vanderbilt Memory and Aging Project. A novel association between high CSF levels of both sTREM2 and Aβx-40 was observed and replicated in an independent dataset. Aβx-40 levels, as well as the CSF/plasma albumin ratio, explained additional and unique variance in sTREM2 levels above and beyond that of CSF biomarkers of neurodegeneration. The component of sTREM2 levels correlated with Aβx-40 levels best predicted future cognitive performance. We highlight potential contributions of Aβ homeostasis and blood-brain barrier integrity to elevated CSF sTREM2, underscoring novel biomarker associations relevant to disease progression and clinical outcome measures.

Effects of 24-Form Tai Chi on Cardio-Pulmonary Functions, Exercise Performances, and Cognitive Functions of the Aged

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to discuss the influences of 24-form Tai Chi on cardio-pulmonary functions, exercise performances, and cognitive functions of the aged.

METHODS

Forty old people in Pingdingshan of China were selected through convenient sampling method from 2020 to 2021. They were randomly divided into the observation group (n=20) and the control group (n=20). The observation group exercised 24-form Tai Chi for 8 weeks, three times per week, 45 min per session. The respondents were evaluated by cardiopulmonary exercise testing, sitting-standing test, 6-min walking test, and the Berg balance scale. The P300 test was performed to evaluate the cognitive functions of respondents.

RESULTS

After the intervention, the observation group was significantly (P<0.05) superior to the control group concerning maximal oxygen consumption, anaerobic threshold, vital capacity, stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left end-diastolic velocity (EDV), sitting-standing test, 6-min walking test, and the Breg balance function scores, showing statistically significant differences (P<0.05). The content of body fat and body mass index (BMI) of the observation group decreased significantly, whereas muscle mass and fat-free mass increased dramatically, which were however significantly lower than those of the controlled group (P<0.05). Moreover, the P3b amplitude of the observation group increased significantly (P<0.05) and was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The 24-form Tai Chi not only improves cardio-pulmonary functions and exercise performances of the aged but also increases cognitive functions of the aged.

Development of a prognostic prediction model based on a combined multi-omics analysis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell pyroptosis-related genes

This study aimed to understand the prognosis of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and to develop and validate a prognostic model for HNSCC based on pyroptosis-associated genes (PAGs) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The Cancer Genome Atlas database was used to identify differentially expressed PAGs. These genes were analyzed using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional annotation analyses and Gene Ontology analyses. The NLR family pyrin domain containing 1 (NLRP1) gene, charged multivesicular body protein 7 (CHMP7) gene, and cytochrome C (CYCS) gene were used to create a prognostic model for HNSCC. The results of the Kaplan-Meier (K-M) and Cox regression analyses indicated that the developed model served as an independent risk factor for HNSCC. According to the K-M analysis, the overall survival of high-risk patients was lower than that of low-risk patients. The hazard ratios corresponding to the risk scores determined using the multivariate and univariate Cox regression analyses were 1.646 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.189–2.278) and 1.724 (95% CI: 1.294–2.298), respectively, and the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve was 0.621. The potential mechanisms associated with the functions of the identified genes were then identified, and the tumor microenvironment and levels of immune cell infiltration achieved were analyzed. The immune infiltration analysis revealed differences in the distribution of Th cells, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, regulatory T cells, follicular helper T cells, adipose-derived cells, interdigitating dendritic cells, CD8⁺ T cells, and B cells. However, validating bioinformatics analyses through biological experiments is still recommended. This study developed a prognostic model for HNSCC that included NLRP1, CHMP7, and CYCS.

Alzheimer's disease-associated inflammatory pathways might contribute to osteoporosis through the interaction between PROK2 and CSF3

This study aimed to explore the potential molecular pathways and targets of Alzheimer's disease leading to osteoporosis using bioinformatics tools. The Alzheimer's and osteoporosis microarray gene expression data were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus, and differentially expressed genes in the blood microenvironment related to Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis were identified. The intersection of the three datasets (GSE97760, GSE168813, and GSE62402) was used to obtain 21 co-expressed targets in the peripheral blood samples in patients with Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis. Based on the degree algorithm, the top 10 potential core target genes related to these diseases were identified, which included CLEC4D, PROK2, SIGLEC7, PDGFB, PTCRA, ECH1, etc. Two differentially expressed mRNAs, Prokineticin 2 (PROK2) and three colony-stimulating factor 3 (CSF3), were screened in the GSE62402 dataset associated with osteoporosis. Protein–protein rigid docking with ZDOCK revealed that PROK2 and CSF3 could form a stable protein docking model. The interaction of PROK2 and CSF3, core genes related to osteoporosis inflammation, plays an important role in the mechanism of osteoporosis in patients with Alzheimer's. Therefore, abnormalities or alterations in the inflammatory pathways in the peripheral blood samples of Alzheimer's patients may affect the course of osteoporosis.

Exercise improves choroid plexus epithelial cells metabolism to prevent glial cell-associated neurodegeneration

Recent studies have shown that physical activities can prevent aging-related neurodegeneration. Exercise improves the metabolic landscape of the body. However, the role of these differential metabolites in preventing neurovascular unit degeneration (NVU) is still unclear. Here, we performed single-cell analysis of brain tissue from young and old mice. Normalized mutual information (NMI) was used to measure heterogeneity between each pair of cells using the non-negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) method. Astrocytes and choroid plexus epithelial cells (CPC), two types of CNS glial cells, differed significantly in heterogeneity depending on their aging status and intercellular interactions. The MetaboAnalyst 5.0 database and the scMetabolism package were used to analyze and calculate the differential metabolic pathways associated with aging in the CPC. These mRNAs and corresponding proteins were involved in the metabolites (R)-3-Hydroxybutyric acid, 2-Hydroxyglutarate, 2-Ketobutyric acid, 3-Hydroxyanthranilic acid, Fumaric acid, L-Leucine, and Oxidized glutathione pathways in CPC. Our results showed that CPC age heterogeneity-associated proteins (ECHS1, GSTT1, HSD17B10, LDHA, and LDHB) might be directly targeted by the metabolite of oxidized glutathione (GSSG). Further molecular dynamics and free-energy simulations confirmed the insight into GSSG's targeting function and free-energy barrier on these CPC age heterogeneity-associated proteins. By inhibiting these proteins in CPC, GSSG inhibits brain energy metabolism, whereas exercise improves the metabolic pathway activity of CPC in NVU by regulating GSSG homeostasis. In order to develop drugs targeting neurodegenerative diseases, further studies are needed to understand how physical exercise enhances NVU function and metabolism by modulating CPC-glial cell interactions.

Cognitive Function and Vitamin D Status in the Chinese Hemodialysis Patients

OBJECTIVE

Vitamin D insufficiency and the cognitive function decline are both common in patients receiving hemodialysis (HD). The present study evaluated the relation between cognitive function and circulating vitamin D levels in HD patients in Wannan Medical College Affiliated Yijishan Hospital, China.

METHODS

This study was conducted in 80 patients receiving HD in Wannan Medical College Affiliated Yijishan Hospital. To measure cognitive function, Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic (MoCA-B) Chinese Version was used. The 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], which is applied to assess vitamin D status, was tested. One-way ANOVA, Tukey post hoc test, and the correlation and regression analysis were used in this study.

RESULTS

Based on the MoCA-B, cognitive function decline (the scores below 26) was present in 28 HD patients, accounting for 35% (28/80). The mean age of these patients is 50.5 ± 10.9 years old. The mean level of 25(OH)D was 16.1 ± 7.3 ng/ml in 80 HD patients. In univariate analysis, there was a significant relationship between MoCA-B score and serum 25(OH)D level (p < 0.05). The level of 25(OH)D was positively correlated with MoCA-B score (r = 0.312, p = 0.023), and the association was independent of demographic and clinical features.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D insufficiency may contribute to cognitive function decline in HD patients. Serum level of 25(OH)D is an independent protective factor of cognitive function in the HD patients.

Circulating Ageing Neutrophils as a Marker of Asymptomatic Polyvascular Atherosclerosis in Statin-Naïve Patients without Established Cardiovascular Disease

Background: Current data on the possible involvement of aging neutrophils in atherogenesis are limited. This study aimed to research the diagnostic value of aging neutrophils in their relation to subclinical atherosclerosis in statin-naïve patients without established atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). Methods: The study was carried out on 151 statin-naïve patients aged 40–64 years old without ASCVD. All patients underwent duplex scanning of the carotid arteries, lower limb arteries and abdominal aorta. Phenotyping and differentiation of neutrophil subpopulations were performed through flow cytometry (Navios 6/2, Beckman Coulter, USA). Results: The number of CD62L^loCXCR4^hi-neutrophils is known to be significantly higher in patients with subclinical atherosclerosis compared with patients without atherosclerosis (p = 0.006). An increase in the number of CD62L^loCXCR4^hi-neutrophils above cut-off values makes it possible to predict atherosclerosis in at least one vascular bed with sensitivity of 35.4–50.5% and specificity of 80.0–92.1%, in two vascular beds with sensitivity of 44.7–84.4% and specificity of 80.8–33.3%. Conclusion: In statin-naïve patients 40–64 years old without established ASCVD with subclinical atherosclerosis, there is an increase in circulating CD62L^loCXCR4^hi-neutrophils. It was also concluded that the increase in the number of circulating CD62L^loCXCR4^hi-neutrophils demonstrated moderate diagnostic efficiency (AUC 0.617–0.656) in relation to the detection of subclinical atherosclerosis, including polyvascular atherosclerosis.

Helicobacter pylori infection in the stomach induces neuroinflammation: the potential roles of bacterial outer membrane vesicles in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease

Helicobacter pylori (HP) is a Gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the human stomach chronically. Colonization of HP in the gastric mucosa not only causes gastrointestinal diseases, but also is associated with extra-gastric diseases, such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and neurological diseases. Among neurological diseases, epidemiological studies have shown that HP infection increases the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Since HP does not invade the central nervous system (CNS), it has been considered that systemic immunological changes induced by HP infection may play pathogenic roles in AD and PD. Here, we investigated the effects of HP infection on the CNS in vivo and in vitro. In the CNS, chronically HP-infected mice had microglial activation without HP colonization, although systemic immunological changes were not observed. This led us to explore the possibility that HP-derived outer membrane vesicles (HP-OMVs) could cause neuroinflammation. OMVs are small, spherical bilayer vesicles (20-500 nm) released into the extracellular space from the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria; OMVs contain lipopolysaccharide, proteins, peptidoglycan, DNA, and RNA. OMVs have also been shown to activate both innate and acquired immune cells in vitro, and to disrupt the tight junctions of the gastric epithelium ("leaky gut") as well as cross the blood-brain barrier in vivo. Thus, in theory, OMVs can activate immune responses in the remote organs, including the lymphoid organs and CNS, if only OMVs enter the systemic circulation. From the exosome fraction of sera from HP-infected mice, we detected HP-specific DNA, suggesting the presence of HP-OMVs. We also found that microglia incubated with HP-OMVs in vitro increased the cell proliferation, inflammatory cytokine production, and migration. On the other hand, HP-OMVs suppressed the cell proliferation of neuroblastoma in vitro. Lastly, we found that AD model mice infected with HP had amyloid plaques adjacent to activated microglia and astrocytes in vivo. Based on the literature review and our experimental data, we propose our working hypothesis that OMVs produced in chronic HP infection in the gut induce neuroinflammation in the CNS, explaining the higher prevalence of AD in HP-infected people.

The Nicotinamide/Streptozotocin Rodent Model of Type 2 Diabetes: Renal Pathophysiology and Redox Imbalance Features

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus. While there has been a great advance in our understanding of the pathogenesis of DN, no effective managements of this chronic kidney disease are currently available. Therefore, continuing to elucidate the underlying biochemical and molecular mechanisms of DN remains a constant need. In this regard, animal models of diabetes are indispensable tools. This review article highlights a widely used rodent model of non-obese type 2 diabetes induced by nicotinamide (NA) and streptozotocin (STZ). The mechanism underlying diabetes induction by combining the two chemicals involves blunting the toxic effect of STZ by NA so that only a percentage of β cells are destroyed and the remaining viable β cells can still respond to glucose stimulation. This NA-STZ animal model, as a platform for the testing of numerous antidiabetic and renoprotective materials, is also discussed. In comparison with other type 2 diabetic animal models, such as high-fat-diet/STZ models and genetically engineered rodent models, the NA-STZ model is non-obese and is less time-consuming and less expensive to create. Given that this unique model mimics certain pathological features of human DN, this model should continue to find its applications in the field of diabetes research.

Quercetin targets VCAM1 to prevent diabetic cerebrovascular endothelial cell injury

INTRODUCTION

Endothelial cells play important roles in neurodegenerative diseases caused by diabetes, therefore, we aimed at investigating the mechanisms through which endothelial cells are involved in diabetes development.

METHODS

Single cell analysis was performed to identify the major endothelial cell subtypes in cardiovascular tissues that are involved in diabetes development. A cell-cell communication approach was then used to identify ligand-receptor interaction pairs between these cell types. Differential expression analysis between the two experimental groups [standard chow diet group and diabetogenic diet with cholesterol (DDC) group] was used to identify diabetes-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The upregulated genes were used to identify candidate ligands or receptors, as well as the corresponding cell types. Cell trajectory inference was performed to identify the stage of cell development and changes in expression of candidate ligands or receptors during cell development. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to investigate the biological functions of genes of purpose. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations (MDSs) were used to predict potential drugs with the ability to target the proteins of purpose.

RESULTS

Seven cell types, including five endothelial cell subtypes (EC_1, EC_2, EC_3, EC_4, and EC_EndMT), were identified from endothelial cell-enriched single cell samples from the heart and aorta of mice. Cell-cell communication analysis revealed the potential ligand-receptor interactions between these cell types while five important ligand-receptor-associated genes, including Fn1, Vcam1, Fbn1, Col4a1, and Col4a2, were established by differential expression analysis. Among them, Vcam1 is mainly expressed in EC_EndMT and is involved in interactions between EC_EndMT and other cells. Cell trajectory extrapolation analysis revealed a shift from EC_2/EC_4 to EC_EndMT and a shift from EC_EndMT to EC_3/EC_1 during the progression of diabetes. GSEA analysis revealed that upregulation of VCAM1 may have inhibitory effects on cell growth and energy metabolism.

CONCLUSION

EC_EndMT subtypes have a complex role in neurodegenerative diseases caused by diabetes. Through mechanisms involved in cell-cell communication, Vcam1 may play an important role in dysregulation of biological functions of EC_ EndMT. Molecular docking results of the quercetin-VCAM1 complex suggest that quercetin may be an effective drug for targeting this protein.

Experimental verification and validation of immune biomarkers based on chromatin regulators in ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a disease characterized by rapid progression and high mortality and disability rates. Its pathophysiological process is inseparable from immune dysfunction. Recently, chromatin regulators (CRs) have been described as a class of enzymes that can recognize, form, and maintain the epigenetic state of an organism, and are closely associated with immune regulation. Nevertheless, the role of CR-related genes in IS has not been fully elucidated. In this study, seven CR-related immune biomarkers in the GSE58294 and GSE22255 datasets were identified by combining differential gene expression analysis, weighted correlation network analysis, and single sample gene set enrichment analysis. After experimental validation using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, four genes (DPF2, LMNB1, MLLT3, and JAK2) were screened as candidate immune biomarkers. These four biomarkers demonstrated good predictive power in the clinical risk model (area under the curve, 0.775). Molecular docking simulations revealed that mevastatin, WP1066, cladribine, trichostatin A, mequitazine, and zuclomiphene may be potential immunomodulatory drugs for IS. Overall, the results of this study contribute to the identification of CR-related immune therapeutics target in IS and provide an important reference for further research.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Multiple Functions of pBD2 in IPEC-J2 Cells against E. coli

Defensins play an important role in fighting bacteria, and are a good candidate for bactericidal agents. However, the function and mechanism of defensins in regulating host responses against bacteria is unclear. In this study, transcriptome analysis was used to study the comprehensive functions of pBD2 in IPEC-J2 cells against E. coli. In total, 230 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in IPEC-J2 cells between the control and E. coli groups, and were found by KEGG analysis to be involved in many signaling pathways related to immunity. Furthermore, 812 DEGs were observed between E. coli and E. coli +pBD2 groups, involved in the ribosome, oxidative phosphorylation, and certain disease pathways. Among these, 94 overlapping DEGs were in the two DEG groups, and 85 DEGs were reverse expression, which is involved in microRNA in cancer, while PTEN and CDC6 were key genes according to PPI net analysis. The results of qRT-PCR verified those of RNA-seq. The results indicated that pBD2 plays an important role against E. coli by acting on the genes related to immune response, cell cycle, ribosomes, oxidative phosphorylation, etc. The results provide new insights into the potential function and mechanism of pBD2 against E. coli. Meanwhile, this study provides a certain theoretical basis for research and the development of novel peptide drugs.

Activation of TREM2 attenuates neuroinflammation via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to improve postoperative cognitive dysfunction in mice

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common postoperative complication involving the central nervous system, but the underlying mechanism is not well understood. Neuroinflammation secondary to surgery and anesthesia is strongly correlated with POCD. A key aspect of neuroinflammation is microglia activation. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM)2, which is highly expressed in microglia, is an innate immune receptor that modulates microglia function. In this study we investigated the role of TREM2 in cognitive impairment and microglia-mediated neuroinflammation using a mouse model of POCD and in vitro systems. We found that hippocampus-dependent learning and memory were impaired in POCD mice, which was accompanied by activation of microglia and downregulation of TREM2. Pretreatment with the TREM2 agonist heat shock protein (HSP)60 inhibited surgery-induced microglia activation and alleviated postoperative cognitive impairment. In BV2 microglial cells, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 significantly reversed the attenuation of TREM2 activation on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation and abrogated the protective effect of activated TREM2 against LPS-induced neuronal injury in a microglia/neuron coculture system. Accordingly, the beneficial effects of TREM2 activation on cognitive function were reversed by preoperative administration of LY294002 in the POCD mouse model. These results demonstrate that TREM2 is involved in the regulation of the inflammatory response mediated by microglia and cognitive impairment following surgery. Activation of TREM2 can attenuate neuroinflammation by modulating PI3K/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling, thereby alleviating postoperative learning and memory deficits.

Association between physical exercise, executive function, and cerebellar cortex: A cross-sectional study among the elderly in Chinese communities

Background

Previous studies have confirmed that physical exercise may be beneficial for brain health, but there is little data on this among older Chinese.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between physical exercise and cognitive impairment, and to explore the possible mechanism by which physical exercise prevents cognitive decline.

Materials and methods

192 older adults with dementia, 610 older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 2,218 healthy older adults were included in the study. Through standardized questionnaires, we obtained their general demographic information (such as gender, age, education, etc.), disease-related information (hypertension and diabetes) and physical exercise information (such as whether they did physical exercise and the frequency of physical exercise, etc.). The mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were used to assess their overall cognitive function, while the Wechsler block diagram was used to assess their executive function. Moreover, 164 healthy, randomly selected older adults also underwent brain MRI scans at the same time, and the target brain regions included hippocampus, gray matter, and cerebellar cortex.

Results

By using stepwise multiple logistics regression analysis, we found that physical exercise was associated with both MCI (p = 0.001*, OR = 0.689, 95%CI: 0.553–0.859) and dementia (p < 0.001*, OR = 0.501, 95%CI: 0.354–0.709), independent of gender, age, education, and other factors. The results of ROC curve showed that the area under the curve of physical exercise in predicting MCI and dementia was 0.551 (p < 0.001*, 95%CI: 0.525–0.577) and 0.628 (p = 0.001*, 95%CI: 0.585–0.671), respectively. The results of partial correlation analysis showed that physical exercise was associated with left cerebellar cortex (r = 0.163, p = 0.023), right cerebellar cortex (r = 0.175, p = 0.015) and Wechsler block diagram score (r = 0.235, p = 0.011). Moreover, the results of linear regression analysis mediation model showed that physical exercise may affect Wechsler block diagram score through influencing the thickness of right cerebellum cortex, and the latter may play a partial mediation effect (indirect B = 0.001, p = 0.045).

Conclusion

Physical exercise might be a protective factor for mild cognitive impairment and dementia among the Chinese elderly, and there might be an association among physical exercise, executive function, and the thickness of the cerebellar cortex.

miR-214-3p Deficiency Enhances Caspase-1-Dependent Pyroptosis of Microglia in White Matter Injury

White matter injury (WMI) is the most frequent impairment of neurodevelopment in preterm infants. Here, we report that the caspase-1 inflammasome is abundantly activated in the microglia of WMI mice and results in increased pyroptosis of microglia. Pharmacology inhibition of caspase-1 cleavage alleviated the pathogenesis of WMI mice. The expression of microRNA miR-214-3p was largely reduced in the microglia of WMI mice compared to controls. Compromised expression of miR-214-3p on microglia gives rise to the inflammasome activation and microglial pyroptosis. Treatment with miR-214-3p agomir is sufficient to relieve the white matter lesion and demyelination in WMI mice. miR-214-3p is able to bind to the 3' region of the NLRP-3 inflammasome compartment NEK7, preventing the transcription of NEK7 mRNA. As a result, in WMI mice, the lack of miR-214-3p leads to the accumulation of NEK7 which supports NLRP 3 inflammasome activation, microglial pyroptosis, and white matter pathogenesis.

Effects of Different Surgical Procedures on the Therapeutic Effects, Prognosis, and Major Complications of Acetabular Fractures in the Elderly of China: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective. Different surgical approaches were systematically evaluated to provide an evidence-based medical rationale for the application and promotion of acetabular fractures in the elderly of China. Methods. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) of different surgical methods in the treatment of elderly acetabular fractures were searched in the PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, China Knowledge Network Database (CNKI), China VIP Database, Wanfang Database, and China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM). The search time threshold was set from the time the database was created to the current time. Investigators obtained data independently, and the bias risk of each included writing was reviewed using the Cochrane Manual 5.1.0 criterion. The meta data was analyzed using RevMan 5.4 statistical package. Results. 6 RCT articles were included in the end. A total of 445 samples were analyzed by meta. All the six RCT literatures included in this meta-analysis reported the baseline status of patients, only 3 RCT mentioned “random assignment” without any explanation, and the rest did not mention “random” information. The five studies included all gave detailed intervention measures. The number and reasons of blind method and lost follow-up or withdrawal were not described in detail in 6 RCT articles. Through the meta-analysis excellent and good rate between the experimental group and the control group through 6 RCT studies, the heterogeneity test results were $\text{ch}{\text{i}}^2=6.11$ , $\text{df}=4$ , $\text{P}=0.19>0.05$ , and ${\text{I}}^2=35\%$ , without obvious heterogeneity at $Z=2.68$ and $P=0.007$ . These results suggested that the total hip arthroplasty application has the same excellent rate as other surgical treatment methods, indicating that total hip arthroplasty has a significant effect on the treatment of elderly acetabular fractures. Through the meta-analysis hip-joint function score, the heterogeneity test results were $\text{ch}{\text{i}}^2=56.16$ , $\text{df}=4$ , $P<0.00001$ , and $I^2=93\%$ , with obvious heterogeneity. The great difference was discovered in hip function score between total hip arthroplasty and other surgical methods, showing that total hip arthroplasty can greatly improve hip-joint function. Then, the incidence of hip complications between the experimental cases and the control cases was calculated by meta. The heterogeneity test results were $\text{ch}{\text{i}}^2=3.17$ , $\text{df}=4$ , $P=0.53>0.05$ , and $I^2=0\%$ , without remarkable heterogeneity at $Z=3.05$ and $P=0.002$ . This demonstrated that a significant difference was observed in the complication incidence, indicating that total hip arthroplasty displayed a lower incidence of hip-joint functional complications. Conclusion. Total hip arthroplasty has a good prognosis and a low complication rate in the treatment of acetabular fractures in the elderly. However, more studies and longer follow-ups are needed to further validate the findings of this study.

Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and neuroplasticity after stroke

Stroke remains a major cause of long-term disability and mortality worldwide. The immune system plays an important role in determining the condition of the brain following stroke. As the resident innate immune cells of the central nervous system, microglia are the primary responders in a defense network covering the entire brain parenchyma, and exert various functions depending on dynamic communications with neurons, astrocytes, and other neighboring cells under both physiological or pathological conditions. Microglia activation and polarization is crucial for brain damage and repair following ischemic stroke, and is considered a double-edged sword for neurological recovery. Microglia can exist in pro-inflammatory states and promote secondary brain damage, but they can also secrete anti-inflammatory cytokines and neurotrophic factors and facilitate recovery following stroke. In this review, we focus on the role and mechanisms of microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and neuroplasticity after ischemia and relevant potential microglia-based interventions for stroke therapy.

The Association of Serum Uric Acid Level, Gout, and Alzheimer's Disease: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study

BACKGROUND

The relationship between serum uric acid (UA) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk still remained ambiguous despite extensive attempts.

OBJECTIVE

Via the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) design, we aimed to examine the bidirectional causal relationships of serum UA, gout, and the risk of AD.

METHODS

Genetic variants of UA, gout, and AD were extracted from published genome-wide association summary statistics. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW, the primary method), and several sensitivity methods (MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode) were used to calculate the effect estimates. Egger regression, MR-PRESSO and leave-one-SNP-out analysis were performed to identify potential violations.

RESULTS

Genetic proxies for serum UA concentration [odds ratio (ORIVW) = 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-1.19, p = 0.031] were related with an increased risk of AD using 25 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This causal effect was confirmed by sensitivity analyses including MR-Egger (1.22, 1.06-1.42, p = 0.014), weighted median (1.18, 1.05-1.33, p = 0.006), and weighted mode (1.20, 1.07-1.35, p = 0.005) methods. No evidence of notable directional pleiotropy and heterogeneity were identified (p >  0.05). Three SNPs (rs2078267, rs2231142, and rs11722228) significantly drove the observed causal effects. Supportive causal effect of genetically determined gout on AD risk was demonstrated using two SNPs (ORIVW = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.00-1.11, p = 0.057). No reverse causal effects of AD on serum UA levels and gout risk were found.

CONCLUSION

The findings revealed a causal relationship between elevated serum UA level and AD risk. However, further research is still warranted to investigate whether serum UA could be a reliable biomarker and therapeutic target for AD.

Engineering Bioactive M2 Macrophage-Polarized, Anti-inflammatory, miRNA-Based Liposomes for Functional Muscle Repair: From Exosomal Mechanisms to Biomaterials

Severe inflammation and myogenic differentiation disorder are the major obstacles to skeletal muscle healing after injury. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role as regulatory molecules during the process of muscle healing, but the detailed mechanism of miRNA-mediated intercellular communication between myoblasts and macrophages remains unclear. Here, it is reported that myoblasts secrete miRNAs-enriched exosomes in the inflammatory environment, through which miR-224 is transferred into macrophages to inhibit M2 polarization. Further data demonstrate that WNT-9a may be a direct target of miR-224 for macrophage polarization. In turn, the secretome of M1 macrophages impairs myogenic differentiation and promotes proliferation. Single-cell integration analysis suggests that the elevation of exosome-derived miR-224 is caused by the activation of the key factor E2F1 in myoblasts and demonstrates the RB/E2F1/miR-224/WNT-9a axis. In vivo results show that treatment with antagomir-224 or liposomes containing miR-224 inhibitors suppresses fibrosis and improves muscle recovery. These findings indicate the importance of the crosstalk between myoblasts and macrophages via miRNA-containing exosomes in the regulation of macrophage polarization and myogenic differentiation/proliferation during muscle healing. This study provides a strategy for treating muscle injury through designing an M2 polarization-enabling anti-inflammatory and miRNA-based bioactive material.

Identification of circulating immune landscape in ischemic stroke based on bioinformatics methods

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a high-incidence disease that seriously threatens human life and health. Neuroinflammation and immune responses are key players in the pathophysiological processes of IS. However, the underlying immune mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we attempted to identify several immune biomarkers associated with IS. We first retrospectively collected validated human IS immune-related genes (IS-IRGs) as seed genes. Afterward, potential IS-IRGs were discovered by applying random walk with restart on the PPI network and the permutation test as a screening strategy. Doing so, the validated and potential sets of IS-IRGs were merged together as an IS-IRG catalog. Two microarray profiles were subsequently used to explore the expression patterns of the IS-IRG catalog, and only IS-IRGs that were differentially expressed between IS patients and controls in both profiles were retained for biomarker selection by the Random Forest rankings. CLEC4D and CD163 were finally identified as immune biomarkers of IS, and a classification model was constructed and verified based on the weights of two biomarkers obtained from the Neural Network algorithm. Furthermore, the CIBERSORT algorithm helped us determine the proportions of circulating immune cells. Correlation analyses between IS immune biomarkers and immune cell proportions demonstrated that CLEC4D was strongly correlated with the proportion of neutrophils (r = 0.72). These results may provide potential targets for further studies on immuno-neuroprotection therapies against reperfusion injury.

Isochlorogenic Acid C Alleviates High-Fat Diet-Induced Hyperlipemia by Promoting Cholesterol Reverse Transport

Background: Promoting cholesterol reverse transport (RCT) has been proven to be a promising hyperlipidemia therapy since it is more effective for the treatment of atherosclerosis (AS) caused by hyperlipidemia. Liver X receptor (LXR) agonists can accelerate RCT, but most of them trigger undesirable liver steatosis due to the activation of liver LXRα.

Aim: We aim to figure out whether isochlorogenic acid C (ICAC) facilitates RCT without causing hepatic steatosis.

Methods:In vitro study, we established foam macrophages and macrophages with loaded NBD-cholesterol models to investigate the competence of RCT promoting ICAC. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to verify ICAC’s regulation of RCT and NF-κB inflammatory pathways. In this in vivo study, male 6-week-old C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) to investigate ICAC’s anti-hyperlipidemic effect and its functions in regulating RCT. The anti-hyperlipidemic effect of ICAC was evaluated by blood and liver lipid levels, liver hematoxylin, oil red o staining, and liver coefficient. Finally, mRNA levels of genes involved in RCT and inflammation pathways in the liver and intestine were detected by RT-qPCR.

Results: ICAC prevented macrophages from foaming by up-regulating the LXRα mediated RCT pathway and down-regulating expression of the cholesterol absorption genes LDLR and CD36, as well as suppressing iNOS, COX2, and IL-1β inflammatory factors. In HFD-fed mice, ICAC significantly lowered the lipid level both in the serum and the liver. Mechanistic studies showed that ICAC strengthened the RCT pathway in the liver and intestine but didn’t affect liver LXRα. Furthermore, ICAC impeded both adipogenesis and the inflammatory response in the liver.

Conclusion: ICAC accelerated RCT without affecting liver LXRα, thus resulting in a lipid-lowering effect without increasing liver adipogenesis. Our results indicated that ICAC could be a new RCT promoter for hyperlipidemia treatment without causing liver steatosis.

Peptide therapeutics in the management of metastatic cancers

Cancer remains a leading health concern threatening lives of millions of patients worldwide. Peptide-based drugs provide a valuable alternative to chemotherapeutics as they are highly specific, cheap, less toxic and easier to synthesize compared to other drugs. In this review, we have discussed various modes in which peptides are being used to curb cancer. Our review highlights specially the various anti-metastatic peptide-based agents developed by targeting a plethora of cellular factors. Herein we have given a special focus on integrins as targets for peptide drugs, as these molecules play key roles in metastatic progression. The review also discusses use of peptides as anti-cancer vaccines and their efficiency as drug-delivery tools. We hope this work will give the reader a clear idea of the mechanisms of peptide-based anti-cancer therapeutics and encourage the development of superior drugs in the future.

Restorative therapy using microglial depletion and repopulation for central nervous system injuries and diseases

Microglia are important resident immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and play an important role in its development, homeostasis, and disease treatments. Activated microglia perform diverse functions in mouse models of CNS neurodegenerative diseases or deficits. In humans, microglia have been linked to various neurodegenerative diseases. Following brain or spinal cord injury, microglia express pro- and anti-inflammatory phenotypes at different stages of recovery. With the development of pharmacological and genetic tools for microglial depletion, studies have demonstrated that microglial depletion exerts both positive and negative effects in the treatment of CNS diseases. Notably, microglial depletion provides an empty niche that stimulates production of new microglia. Microglial depletion and repopulation can not only treat diseases by eliminating dysfunctional microglia but can also provide an indication of the molecular mechanisms of diseases. Although this approach has shown impressive results, its use is still in its infancy. In this review, we summarize the current pharmacological and genetic tools for microglial depletion and highlight recent advances in microglial repopulation therapy for the treatment and functional recovery of neurological diseases and deficits. Finally, we briefly discuss the therapeutic challenges and prospective uses of microglial repopulation therapy.

Cervical Cancer Imaging Features Associated With ADRB1 as a Risk Factor for Cerebral Neurovascular Metastases

Bioinformatics tools are used to create a clinical prediction model for cervical cancer metastasis and to investigate the neurovascular-related genes that are involved in brain metastasis of cervical cancer. One hundred eighteen patients with cervical cancer were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of metastases, and the clinical data and imaging findings of the two groups were compared retrospectively. The nomogram-based model was successfully constructed by taking into account four clinical characteristics (age, stage, N, and T) as well as one imaging characteristic (original_glszm_GrayLevelVariance Rad-score). In patients with cervical cancer, headaches and vomiting were more often reported in the brain metastasis group than in the other metastasis groups. According to the TCGA data, mRNA differential gene expression analysis of patients with cervical cancer revealed an increase in the expression of neurovascular-related gene Adrenoceptor Beta 1 (ADRB1) in the brain metastasis group. An analysis of the correlation between imaging features and ADRB1 expression revealed that ADRB1 expression was significantly higher in the low Rad-score group compared with the high Rad-score group (P = 0.025). Therefore, ADRB1 expression in cervical cancer was correlated with imaging features and was associated as a risk factor for cerebral neurovascular metastases. This study developed a nomogram prediction model for cervical cancer metastasis using age, stage, N, T and original_glszm_GrayLevelVariance. As a risk factor associated with the development of cerebral neurovascular metastases of cervical cancer, ADRB1 expression was significantly higher in brain metastases from cervical cancer.

J, Ma D, Zhang GQ, Yang LR, Bao X, Zheng YL. TFP5-Mediated CDK5 Activity Inhibition Improves Diabetic Nephropathy via NGF/Sirt1 Regulating Axis

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD), during which hyperglycemia is composed of the major force for the deterioration to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, the underlying mechanism triggering the effect of hyperglycemia on DN is not very clear and the clinically available drug for hyperglycemia-induced DN is in need of urgent development. Here, we found that high glucose (HG) increased the activity of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) dependent on P35/25 and which upregulated the oxidative stress and apoptosis of mouse podocytes (MPC-5). TFP5, a 25-amino acid peptide inhibiting CDK5 activity, decreased the secretion of inflammation cytokines in serum and kidney, and effectively protected the kidney function in db/db mouse from hyperglycemia-induced kidney injuries. In addition, TFP5 treatment decreased HG-induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in MPC-5 cells and kidney tissue of db/db mouse. The principal component analysis (PCA) of RNA-seq data showed that MPC-5 cell cultured under HG, was well discriminated from that under low glucose (LG) conditions, indicating the profound influence of HG on the properties of podocytes. Furthermore, we found that HG significantly decreased the level of NGF and Sirt1, both of which correlated with CDK5 activity. Furthermore, knockdown of NGF was correlated with the decreased expression of Sirt1 while NGF overexpression leads to upregulated Sirt1 and decreased oxidative stress and apoptosis in MPC-5 cells, indicating the positive regulation between NGF and Sirt1 in podocytes. Finally, we found that K252a, an inhibitor of NGF treatment could undermine the protective role of TFP5 on hyperglycemia-induced DN in db/db mouse model. In conclusion, the CDK5-NGF/Sirt1 regulating axis may be the novel pathway to prevent DN progression and TFP5 may be a promising compound to improved hyperglycemia induced DN.

CASC1 Expression in Bladder Cancer Is Regulated by Exosomal miRNA-150: A Comprehensive Pan-Cancer and Bioinformatics Study

This study explored the role of cancer susceptibility 1 (CASC1) in tumorigenesis and development as well as the key pathways affecting bladder cancer progression. CASC1 was examined in various normal tissues in humans using the HPA database to quantify its expression level and subcellular localization. CASC1 is abundantly expressed in tumor tissues, primarily in cytoplasmic vesicles and stroma. TIMER2 was used to analyze the correlation between CASC1 expression levels and the types of infiltrates associated with immune cells and immunosuppressive cells. MDSC, Treg, M2, and CAF were significantly correlated with CASC1 expression in various tumors. Comparing patients with and without CASC1 mutation, those with CASC1 mutation had worse overall survival, progression-free survival, and disease-free survival. The correlation between has-miR-150 and CASC1 (for the case of bladder cancer) was then analyzed, and the related ceRNA network was mapped. A negative relationship between CASC1 expression and has-miR-150 expression was found in cases of bladder cancer. And the presence of miR-150-targeted CASC1 may be associated with bladder cancer progression. CASC1 is expressed at elevated levels in various tumor tissues, and it is associated with tumorigenesis and development. Exosomes containing miR-150-targeted CASC1 may affect the progression of bladder cancer.

Galectin-3 Involvement in Cognitive Processes for New Therapeutic Considerations

Cognitive impairment may be a consequence of the normal aging process, but it may also be the hallmark of various neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. Early identification of individuals at particular risk for cognitive decline is critical, as it is imperative to maintain a cognitive reserve in these neuropsychiatric entities. In recent years, galectin-3 (Gal-3), a member of the galectin family, has received considerable attention with respect to aspects of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The mechanisms behind the putative relationship between Gal-3 and cognitive impairment are not yet clear. Intrigued by this versatile molecule and its unique modular architecture, the latest data on this relationship are presented here. This mini-review summarizes recent findings on the mechanisms by which Gal-3 affects cognitive functioning in both animal and human models. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of Gal-3 in modulating the inflammatory response as a fine-tuner of microglia morphology and phenotype. A review of recent literature on the utility of Gal-3 as a biomarker is provided, and approaches to strategically exploit Gal-3 activities with therapeutic intentions in neuropsychiatric diseases are outlined.

The role and therapeutic implication of protein tyrosine phosphatases in Alzheimer's disease

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are important regulator of neuronal signal transduction and a growing number of PTPs have been implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the brains of patients with AD, there are a variety of abnormally phosphorylated proteins, which are closely related to the abnormal expression and activity of PTPs. β-Amyloid plaques (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau protein are two pathological hallmarks of AD, and their accumulation ultimately leads to neurodegeneration. Studies have shown that protein phosphorylation signaling pathways mediates intracellular accumulation of Aβ and tau during AD development and are involved in synaptic plasticity and other stress responses. Here, we summarized the roles of PTPs related to the pathogenesis of AD and analyzed their therapeutic potential in AD.

Neurovascular Dysfunction in Diverse Communities With Health Disparities-Contributions to Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) are an expanding worldwide crisis. In the absence of scientific breakthroughs, the global prevalence of ADRD will continue to increase as more people are living longer. Racial or ethnic minority groups have an increased risk and incidence of ADRD and have often been neglected by the scientific research community. There is mounting evidence that vascular insults in the brain can initiate a series of biological events leading to neurodegeneration, cognitive impairment, and ADRD. We are a group of researchers interested in developing and expanding ADRD research, with an emphasis on vascular contributions to dementia, to serve our local diverse community. Toward this goal, the primary objective of this review was to investigate and better understand health disparities in Alabama and the contributions of the social determinants of health to those disparities, particularly in the context of vascular dysfunction in ADRD. Here, we explain the neurovascular dysfunction associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) as well as the intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors contributing to dysfunction of the neurovascular unit (NVU). Next, we ascertain ethnoregional health disparities of individuals living in Alabama, as well as relevant vascular risk factors linked to AD. We also discuss current pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical treatment options for neurovascular dysfunction, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD, including relevant studies and ongoing clinical trials. Overall, individuals in Alabama are adversely affected by social and structural determinants of health leading to health disparities, driven by rurality, ethnic minority status, and lower socioeconomic status (SES). In general, these communities have limited access to healthcare and healthy food and other amenities resulting in decreased opportunities for early diagnosis of and pharmaceutical treatments for ADRD. Although this review is focused on the current state of health disparities of ADRD patients in Alabama, future studies must include diversity of race, ethnicity, and region to best be able to treat all individuals affected by ADRD.

Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Dynamics Simulations, Baicalein, an Active Ingredient of Yiqi Qingre Ziyin Method, Potentially Protects Patients With Atrophic Rhinitis From Cognitive Impairment

Cognition may be improved by the active ingredients of the Yiqi Qingre Ziyin method in patients with atrophic rhinitis (AR). This study aimed to identify potential targets of the Yiqi Qingre Ziyin method for the treatment of patients with cognitive impairment. Nasal mucosal tissue samples from patients with AR were subjected to proteomic assays, and differentially expressed proteins were obtained. To explore the mechanism of AR leading to mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a differential analysis of AR related differential proteins in the MCI related GSE140831 dataset was performed. Most AR-related differential proteins are also differentially expressed in peripheral blood tissues of MCI, have similar biological functions and are enriched in similar pathways. These co-expressed differential factors in AR and MCI are known as common differential proteins of AR and MCI (CDPAM). Based on the analysis and validation of the random forest, support vector machine and neural network models, CDPAM acted as a diagnostic marker for MCI risk. Cytochrome C (CYCS) was significantly upregulated in the peripheral blood of patients with MCI. The active ingredients in the Yiqi Qingre Ziqin method were obtained and targeted 137 proteins. Among these targeted proteins, CYCS belong to the CDPAM set. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics analysis revealed that baicalein, an active ingredient in the Yiqi Qingre Ziyin method, stably targeted the CYCS protein. Results of the enrichment analysis revealed that the up-regulation of CYCS expression may have a defensive effect on the cells to resist foreign stimuli. Therefore, baicalein, an active ingredient in the Yiqi Qingre Ziyin method, may prevent the development and progression of MCI by targeting the CYCS protein.

MicroRNAs Promote the Progression of Sepsis-Induced Cardiomyopathy and Neurovascular Dysfunction Through Upregulation of NF-kappaB Signaling Pathway-Associated HDAC7/ACTN4

Introduction

The objective of this study was to determine the NF-kappaB pathway, hub genes, and transcription factors (TFs) in monocytes implicated in the progression of neurovascular-related sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) as well as potential miRNAs with regulatory functions.

Methods

: Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy—and heart failure (HF)-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between SIC and HF groups were identified separately by differential analysis. In addition, DEGs and differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) in monocytes between sepsis and the HC group were identified. Then, common DEGs in SIC, HF, and monocyte groups were identified by intersection analysis. Based on the functional pathways enriched by these DEGs, genes related to the NF-kB-inducing kinase (NIK)/NF-kappaB signaling pathway were selected for further intersection analysis to obtain hub genes. These common DEGs, together with sepsis-related DEmiRNAs, were used to construct a molecular interplay network and to identify core TFs in the network.

Results

: A total of 153 upregulated genes and 25 downregulated genes were obtained from SIC-, HF-, and monocyte-related DEGs. Functional pathway analysis revealed that the upregulated genes were enriched in NF-κB signaling pathway. A total of eight genes associated with NF-κB signaling pathway were then further identified from the 178 DEGs. In combination with sepsis-related DEmiRNAs, HDAC7/ACTN4 was identified as a key transcriptional regulatory pair in the progression of SIC and in monocyte regulation. hsa-miR-23a-3p, hsa-miR-3175, and hsa-miR-23b-3p can regulate the progression of SIC through the regulation of HDAC7/ACTN4. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) suggested that HDAC7/ACTN4 may be associated with apoptosis in addition to the inflammatory response.

Conclusion

: hsa-miR-23a-3p, hsa-miR-3175, and hsa-miR-23b-3p are involved in SIC progression by regulating NF-κB signaling signaling pathway-related HDAC7/ACTN4 in monocytes and cardiac tissue cells. These mechanisms may contribute to sepsis-induced neurovascular damage.

Role of Ultrasound Imaging in the Prediction of TRIM67 in Brain Metastases From Breast Cancer

Objectives

Ultrasound (US) imaging is a relatively novel strategy to monitor the activity of the blood–brain barrier, which can facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of neurovascular-related metastatic tumors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of applying a combination of US imaging outcomes and the associated genes. This was performed to construct line drawings to facilitate the prediction of brain metastases arising from breast cancer.

Methods

The RNA transcript data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was obtained for breast cancer, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with tumor and brain tumor metastases were identified. Subsequently, key genes associated with survival prognosis were subsequently identified from the DEGs.

Results

Tripartite motif-containing protein 67 (TRIM67) was identified and the differential; in addition, the survival analyses of the TCGA database revealed that it was associated with brain tumor metastases and overall survival prognosis. Applying independent clinical cohort data, US-related features (microcalcification and lymph node metastasis) were associated with breast cancer tumor metastasis. Furthermore, ultrasonographic findings of microcalcifications showed correlations with TRIM67 expression. The study results revealed that six variables [stage, TRIM67, tumor size, regional lymph node staging (N), age, and HER2 status] were suitable predictors of tumor metastasis by applying support vector machine–recursive feature elimination. Among these, US-predicted tumor size correlated with tumor size classification, whereas US-predicted lymph node metastasis correlated with tumor N classification. The TRIM67 upregulation was accompanied by upregulation of the integrated breast cancer pathway; however, it leads to the downregulation of the miRNA targets in ECM and membrane receptors and the miRNAs involved in DNA damage response pathways.

Conclusions

The TRIM67 is a risk factor associated with brain metastases from breast cancer and it is considered a prognostic survival factor. The nomogram constructed from six variables—stage, TRIM67, tumor size, N, age, HER2 status—is an appropriate predictor to estimate the occurrence of breast cancer metastasis.

Cognitive Status and Nutritional Markers in a Sample of Institutionalized Elderly People

Background

Since many of the risk factors for cognitive decline can be modified by diet, the study of nutrition and its relationships with cognitive status in aging has increased considerably in recent years. However, there are hardly any studies that have assessed cognitive status using a comprehensive set of neuropsychological tests along with measures of functional capacity and mood and that have related it to nutritional status measured from several nutritional parameters that have shown its relationships with cognitive function.

Objective

To test the differences in depressive symptomatology and in several measures of nutritional status between three groups classified according to their cognitive status (CS hereafter).

Method

One hundred thirteen participants from nursing homes in Galicia, Spain, underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological examination, including a general screening test (MMSE) and tests for different cognitive domains along with measures of activities of daily living (ADL) and assessment of depressive symptomatology (GDS-SF). According to established clinical criteria, participants were divided into three CS groups, Cognitively Intact (CI), Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), and All-Cause Dementia (ACD). Nutritional status was also examined using blood-derived measures, body mass index (BMI) and a nutritional screening test (MNA-SF). Differences between CS groups in all nutritional variables were studied by one-way ANOVAs with post-hoc Bonferroni correction or Kruskal-Wallis with Games-Howell post-hoc correction when appropriate. Multinomial logistic regression was also applied to test the association between nutritional variables and CS.

Results

Differences between CS groups were statistically significant for depressive symptomatology, vitamin A and D, albumin, selenium (Se), uric acid (UA), and BMI. The results of multinomial logistic regression found positive associations between groups with better CS and higher concentrations of vitamins A and D, transthyretin (TTR), albumin, Se, and UA, while negative associations were found for BMI.

Conclusion

Higher serum levels of vitamin A, vitamin D, TTR, albumin, Se, and UA could act as protective factors against cognitive decline, whereas higher BMI could act as a risk factor.

Identification of Immune-Related lncRNA Regulatory Network in Pulpitis

Background. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as critical regulators of various biological processes, including immune regulation. Methods. Due to the critical significance of immunological responses in the development and progression of pulpitis, we used an integrated algorithm to identify immune-related lncRNAs and then examined the lncRNA-immunity regulation network in pulpitis. Before identifying immune-related lncRNAs, the data from GEO datasets were precleaned. ConsensusClusterPlus was used to differentiate immune-related pulpitis subgroups. Enrichment analysis using GO and MSigDB databases was employed to determine the differences in molecular function, cellular component, and biological process between the two pulpitis subtypes. Results. An integrated algorithm was designed to filtrate immune-related lncRNAs accurately. 790 immune-related lncRNAs were found in 17 immunological categories, with 38 of them perturbated in pulpitis. The Cytoscape software was used to visualize the relationship between representative immune regulatory pathways and immune-related lncRNAs. Two immune-related pulpitis subtypes were discovered using differentially expressed immune-related lncRNAs. Subtype 2 has a stronger association with immune-related pathways than subtype 1 does. Conclusions. Our study identified many immune-related lncRNAs and investigated potential lncRNA regulation networks; meanwhile, the molecular subtypes of pulpitis were identified, all of which will be relevant for further research into inflammatory and immunological processes in pulpitis.

Intracranial Aneurysms Induced by RUNX1 Through Regulation of NFKB1 in Patients With Hypertension-An Integrated Analysis Based on Multiple Datasets and Algorithms

Objective

The purpose of this study was to identify potential therapeutic targets by examining the hub genes contributing to progression of intracranial aneurysm (IA) in patients with hypertension.

Methods

The bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) datasets of hypertension and IA were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo) database. These data were then used to calculate disease-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at the individual level. An scRNA-seq dataset of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) was used to analyze monocyte/macrophage-related DEGs. On the basis of the DEG data related to monocytes and macrophages, a TF-genes network has been developed. Hub genes and core sub-networks have also been identified. Furthermore, the key genes have been validated in an external cohort.

Results

From combined monocyte and macrophage-derived DEGs from abdominal aortic aneurysms, five hub DEGs were detected, including IFI30, SERPINE1, HMOX1, IL24, and RUNX1. A total of 57 genes were found in the IA bulk RNA-seq dataset. A support vector machine-recursive feature elimination algorithm (SVM-RFE) was applied to further screen the seven genes (RPS4Y1, DDX3Y, RUNX1, CLEC10A, PLAC8, SLA, and LILRB3). RUNX1 was the hub gene that regulated NFKB1 in the monocyte/macrophage-related network. And RUNX1 is implicated in IA progression by regulating hematopoietic stem cell differentiation and abnormal platelet production, according to gene set enrichment analysis.

Conclusion

Among patients with hypertension, RUNX1 in monocytes and macrophages was associated with a higher risk of IA through its regulation of NFKB1.

Exploring the Potential Mechanisms of Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pall. in Chronic Muscle Repair Patterns Using Single Cell Receptor-Ligand Marker Analysis and Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Information regarding the function of Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pall. in skeletal muscles is still unknown. In this study, we explored the possible regulatory targets of M. (L.) Pall. that affects the repair patterns in chronic muscle injury. We analyzed the potential target genes and chemical composition of M. (L.) Pall. and constructed a "drug-component-disease target genes" network analysis. Five active ingredients and 87 corresponding targets were obtained. Muscle-tendon junction (MTJ) cells were used to perform receptor-ligand marker analysis using the CellphoneDB algorithm. Targets of M. (L.) Pall. were screened further for the cellular ligand-receptor protein action on MTJs. Enrichment analysis suggests that those protein-associated ligand receptors may be associated with a range of intercellular signaling pathways. Molecular docking validation was then performed. Five proteins (CCL2, VEGFA, MMP2, MET, and EGFR) may be regulated by the active ingredient luteolin and scoparone. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations revealed that luteolin can stably target binding to MMP2. M. (L.) Pall. influences skeletal muscle repair patterns by affecting the fibroblast interactions in the muscle-tendon junctions through the active ingredients luteolin and scoparone.

Single-Cell Analysis Reveals the Role of the Neuropeptide Receptor FPR2 in Monocytes in Kawasaki Disease: A Bioinformatic Study

Exploring the role of neuropeptides in the communication between monocyte subtypes facilitates an investigation of the pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease (KD). We investigated the patterns of interaction between neuropeptide-associated ligands and receptors in monocyte subpopulations in KD patients. Single-cell analysis was employed for the identification of cell subpopulations in KD patients, and monocytes were classified into 3 subpopulations: classical monocytes (CMs), intermediate monocytes (IMs), and nonclassical monocytes (NCMs). Cell-cell communication and differential analyses were used to identify ligand-receptor interactions in monocytes. Five neuropeptide-related genes (SORL1, TNF, SORT1, FPR2, and ANXA1) were involved in cell-cell interactions, wherein FPR2, a neuropeptide receptor, was significantly highly expressed in KD. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis revealed a significant correlation between the yellow module and FPR2 (p < 0.001, CC = 0.43). Using the genes in the yellow module, we constructed a PPI network to assess the possible functions of the FPR2-associated gene network. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that increased FPR2 levels may be involved in immune system regulation. FPR2 in CMs mediates the control of inflammation in KD. The findings of this study may provide a novel target for the clinical treatment of KD.