Ketamine induces reactive oxygen species and enhances autophagy in SV-HUC-1 human uroepithelial cells

IGFBP1 stabilizes Umod expression through m6A modification to inhibit the occurrence and development of cystitis by blocking NF-κB and ERK signaling pathways

Cystitis is a common disease closely associated with urinary tract infections, and the specific mechanisms underlying its occurrence and development remain largely unknown. In this study, we discovered that IGFBP1 suppresses the occurrence and development of cystitis by stabilizing the expression of Umod through m6A modification, inhibiting the NF-κB and ERK signaling pathways. Initially, we obtained a bladder cystitis-related transcriptome dataset from the GEO database and identified the characteristic genes Umod and IGFBP1. Further exploration revealed that IGFBP1 in primary cells of cystitis can stabilize the expression of Umod through m6A modification. Overexpression of both IGFBP1 and Umod significantly inhibited cell apoptosis and the NF-κB and ERK signaling pathways, ultimately suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory factors. Finally, using a rat model of cystitis, we demonstrated that overexpression of IGFBP1 stabilizes the expression of Umod, inhibits the NF-κB and ERK signaling pathways, reduces the production of pro-inflammatory factors, and thus prevents the occurrence and development of cystitis. Our study elucidates the crucial role of IGFBP1 and Umod in cystitis and reveals the molecular mechanisms that inhibit the occurrence and development of cystitis. This research holds promise for offering new insights into the treatment of cystitis in the future.

Immunotherapy for depression: Recent insights and future targets

Depression stands as a prominent contributor to global disability, entailing an elevated risk of suicide. Substantial evidence supports the notion that immune dysregulation may play a role in the development of depression and impede responses to antidepressant treatments. Immune dysregulation may cause depression in susceptible individuals through raising inflammatory responses. Differences in immune cell types and the release of pro-inflammatory mediators are observed in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with major depressive disorder, which is associated with neuroimmune dysfunction. Therefore, the interaction of peripheral and central immune targets in depression needs to be understood. Urgent attention is required for the development of innovative therapeutics directed at modulating immune responses for the treatment of depression. This review delineates the immune mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of depression, assesses the therapeutic potential of immune system targeting for depression treatment, and deliberates on the merits and constraints of employing immunotherapy in the management of depression.

Effects of the PAM of mGluR2, JNJ-46356479, on brain apoptotic protein levels in a mouse model of schizophrenia

Current treatment for schizophrenia (SZ) ameliorates the positive symptoms, but is inefficient in treating the negative and cognitive symptoms. The SZ glutamatergic dysfunction hypothesis has opened new avenues in the development of novel drugs targeting the glutamate storm, an inducer of progressive neuropathological changes. Positive allosteric modulators of metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (mGluR2), such as JNJ-46356479 (JNJ), reduce the presynaptic release of glutamate, which has previously been demonstrated to attenuate glutamate- and dopamine-induced apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cell cultures. We hypothesised that JNJ treatment would modify the brain levels of apoptotic proteins in a mouse model of ketamine (KET)-induced schizophrenia. We analysed the levels of proapoptotic (caspase-3 and Bax) and antiapoptotic (Bcl-2) proteins by western blot in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of JNJ-treated mice. JNJ attenuated apoptosis in the brain by partially restoring the levels of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein, which is significantly reduced in animals exposed to KET. Additionally, a significant inverse correlation was observed between proapoptotic protein levels and behavioural deficits in the mice. Our findings suggest that JNJ may attenuate brain apoptosis in vivo, as previously described in cell cultures, providing a link between neuropathological deficits and SZ symptomatology.

The alternation of halobenzoquinone disinfection byproduct on toxicogenomics of DNA damage and repair in uroepithelial cells

Halobenzoquinones (HBQs) were recently discovered as an emerging class of drinking water disinfection byproducts with carcinogenic concern. However, the molecular mechanism underlying HBQs-induced DNA damage is not clear. In this study, we integrated in vitro genotoxicity, computational toxicology, and the quantitative toxicogenomic analysis of HBQs on DNA damage/repair pathways in human bladder epithelial cells SV-HUC-1. The results showed that HBQs could induce cytotoxicity with the descending order as 2,6-DIBQ > 2,6-DCBQ ≈ 2,6-DBBQ. Also, HBQs can increase DNA damage in SV-HUC-1 cells and thus generate genotoxicity. However, there is no significant difference in genotoxicity among the three HBQs. The results of molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation further confirmed that HBQs had high binding fractions and stability to DNA. Toxicogenomic analysis indicated that HBQs interfered with DNA repair pathways, mainly affecting base excision repair, nucleotide excision repair and homologous recombination repair. These results have provided new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of HBQs-induced DNA damage, and contributed to the understanding of the relationship between exposure to DBPs and risks of developing bladder cancer.

Downregulation of PDCD4 through STAT3/ATF6/autophagy mediates MIF-induced PASMCs proliferation/migration and vascular remodeling

To address the molecular mechanisms underlying macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) induced pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) proliferation, migration and vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension (PH), primary cultured rat PASMCs and monocrotaline (MCT)-induced rats with PH were applied in the present study. The results showed that MIF increased signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation, and then stimulated activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) activation, subsequently triggered autophagy activation, which further led to programmed cell death factor 4 (PDCD4) lysosomal degradation, and eventually promoted PASMCs proliferation/migration. In lung tissues of MCT rats, MIF protein expression was elevated, phosphorylation of STAT3 and activation of ATF6 were increased, activation of autophagy was evident, and reduction of PDCD4 was observed. Intervention with MIF inhibitor 4-Iodo-6-phenylpyrimidine (4-IPP), ATF6 blocker melatonin or autophagy inhibitor chloroquine, confirmed the in vitro interaction among MIF, STAT3, ATF6, autophagy and PDCD4 in MCT induced rats with PH. Targeting MIF/STAT3/ATF6/autophagy/PDCD4 axis effectively prevented the development of PH by suppressing PASMCs proliferation and vascular remodeling. In conclusions, we demonstrate that MIF activates the STAT3/ATF6/autophagy cascade and then degrades PDCD4 leading to PASMCs proliferation/migration and pulmonary vascular remodeling, suggesting that intervention this axis might have potential value in management of PH.

Lipoxin A4 methyl ester attenuated ketamine-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells via regulating leptin pathway

Ketamine, the widely used intravenous anesthetic, has been reported to cause neurotoxicity and disturbs normal neurogenesis. However, the efficacy of current treatment strategies targeting ketamine's neurotoxicity remains limited. Lipoxin A4 methyl ester (LXA4 ME) is relatively stable lipoxin analog, which serves an important role in protecting against early brain injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of LXA4 ME on ketamine-caused cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Cell viability, apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) were detected by adopting experimental techniques including CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, western blotting and transmission electron microscope. Furthermore, examining the expression of leptin and its receptor (LepRb), we also measured the levels of activation of the leptin signaling pathway. Our results showed that LXA4 ME intervention promoted the cell viability, inhibited cell apoptosis, and reduced the expression of ER stress related protein and morphological changes induced by ketamine. In addition, inhibition of leptin signaling pathway caused by ketamine could be reversed by LXA4 ME. However, as the specific inhibitor of leptin pathway, leptin antagonist triple mutant human recombinant (leptin tA) attenuated the cytoprotective effect of LXA4 ME against ketamine-induced neurotoxicity. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated LXA4 ME could exert a neuroprotective effect on ketamine-induced neuronal injury via activation of the leptin signaling pathway.

Ketamine induces rapid antidepressant effects via the autophagy-NLRP3 inflammasome pathway

BACKGROUND

Sub-anesthetic ketamine has rapid-onset effects for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the mechanism underlying ketamine's antidepressant properties remains unclear. Recent studies have reported an interrelationship between autophagy and the inflammasome, both of which are involved in the pathophysiology of MDD. In this study, we assess whether ketamine exerts its antidepressant effects via an association with the autophagy-NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.

METHODS

We established a depressive-like rat model by treating Wistar Kyoto rats with chronic restraint stress (CRS) for 28 days. Microglial cells from newborn Sprague-Dawley rats were used for in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

We found sub-anesthetic ketamine treatment reversed depressive-like behavior in CRS rats. Ketamine triggered autophagy in the microglia of prefrontal cortex (PFC) and (hippocampus) HPC, with increased levels of LC3B, decreased levels of p62 protein, and elevated autophagosomes both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, NLRP3 inflammasome activation was also inhibited by ketamine, with reduced expression of NLRP3-ASC-CASP1 assembly and decreased IL-1β levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as well as in the serum. Increased BDNF levels and synaptophysin levels were detected in the ketamine-treated group. The rapid anti-depressive effects, elevation of autophagy, reduction in NLRP3, and neuroplasticity-related factors induced by ketamine could be significantly blocked by the autophagy inhibitor Baf A1 (0.1 mg/kg).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate that sub-anesthetic doses of ketamine exert their antidepressant-like effects by inhibiting inflammation and initiating neuroprotection via autophagy activation. These data might help expand future investigations on the antidepressant properties of ketamine.

Norketamine, the Main Metabolite of Ketamine, Induces Mitochondria-Dependent and ER Stress-Triggered Apoptotic Death in Urothelial Cells via a Ca2+-Regulated ERK1/2-Activating Pathway

Ketamine-associated cystitis is characterized by suburothelial inflammation and urothelial cell death. Norketamine (NK), the main metabolite of ketamine, is abundant in urine following ketamine exposure. NK has been speculated to exert toxic effects in urothelial cells, similarly to ketamine. However, the molecular mechanisms contributing to NK-induced urothelial cytotoxicity are almost unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the toxic effects of NK and the potential mechanisms underlying NK-induced urothelial cell injury. In this study, NK exposure significantly reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis in human urinary bladder epithelial-derived RT4 cells that NK (0.01–0.5 mM) exhibited greater cytotoxicity than ketamine (0.1–3 mM). Signals of mitochondrial dysfunction, including mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) loss and cytosolic cytochrome c release, were found to be involved in NK-induced cell apoptosis and death. NK exposure of cells also triggered the expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related proteins including GRP78, CHOP, XBP-1, ATF-4 and -6, caspase-12, PERK, eIF-2α, and IRE-1. Pretreatment with 4-phenylbutyric acid (an ER stress inhibitor) markedly prevented the expression of ER stress-related proteins and apoptotic events in NK-exposed cells. Additionally, NK exposure significantly activated JNK, ERK1/2, and p38 signaling and increased intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca²⁺]_i). Pretreatment of cells with both PD98059 (an ERK1/2 inhibitor) and BAPTA/AM (a cell-permeable Ca²⁺ chelator), but not SP600125 (a JNK inhibitor) and SB203580 (a p38 inhibitor), effectively suppressed NK-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, ER stress-related signals, and apoptotic events. The elevation of [Ca²⁺]_i in NK-exposed cells could be obviously inhibited by BAPTA/AM, but not PD98059. Taken together, these findings suggest that NK exposure exerts urothelial cytotoxicity via a [Ca²⁺]_i-regulated ERK1/2 activation, which is involved in downstream mediation of the mitochondria-dependent and ER stress-triggered apoptotic pathway, consequently resulting in urothelial cell death. Our findings suggest that regulating [Ca²⁺]_i/ERK signaling pathways may be a promising strategy for treatment of NK-induced urothelial cystitis.

Neonatal Anesthesia and Oxidative Stress

Neonatal anesthesia, while often essential for surgeries or imaging procedures, is accompanied by significant risks to redox balance in the brain due to the relatively weak antioxidant system in children. Oxidative stress is characterized by concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are elevated beyond what can be accommodated by the antioxidant defense system. In neonatal anesthesia, this has been proposed to be a contributing factor to some of the negative consequences (e.g., learning deficits and behavioral abnormalities) that are associated with early anesthetic exposure. In order to assess the relationship between neonatal anesthesia and oxidative stress, we first review the mechanisms of action of common anesthetic agents, the key pathways that produce the majority of ROS, and the main antioxidants. We then explore the possible immediate, short-term, and long-term pathways of neonatal-anesthesia-induced oxidative stress. We review a large body of literature describing oxidative stress to be evident during and immediately following neonatal anesthesia. Moreover, our review suggests that the short-term pathway has a temporally limited effect on oxidative stress, while the long-term pathway can manifest years later due to the altered development of neurons and neurovascular interactions.

New Molecular Targets for Antidepressant Drugs

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common and severe mental disorder that is usually recurrent and has a high risk of suicide. This disorder manifests not only with psychological symptoms but also multiple changes throughout the body, including increased risks of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Peripheral markers of oxidative stress and inflammation are elevated. MDD is therefore best described as a multisystem whole-body disease. Pharmacological treatment with antidepressants usually requires several weeks before the desired effects manifest. Previous theories of depression, such as the monoamine or neurogenesis hypotheses, do not explain these characteristics well. In recent years, new mechanisms of action have been discovered for long-standing antidepressants that also shed new light on depression, including the sphingolipid system and the receptor for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

Ketamine enhances autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress in rats and SV-HUC-1 cells via activating IRE1-TRAF2-ASK1-JNK pathway

Background Ketamine-related cystitis (KC) has been researched in many clinical studies, but its exact mechanism is ambiguous and needs further research. Methods We established a KC rat model and analyzed physiological, biochemical, and urodynamic parameters of ketamine (KET)-related bladder injury. Bladder histologic feature, reactive oxygen species (ROS), autophagy-, apoptosis-, and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related markers were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson staining, ROS kit, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blot. In vitro, effects of 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mM KET on cell vitality, apoptosis, ROS level, autophagy-, apoptosis-, and ERS-related markers were examined again. Effects of KET-1 and salubrinal on complex formation, autophagy-, apoptosis-, and ERS-related markers were examined by Co-Immunoprecipitation and western blot. After transfection with shIRE1, complex formation, cell biological behaviors, ROS level, autophagy-, apoptosis-, and ERS-related markers were examined again. Results KET induced bladder hyperactivity and injury. KET facilitated urinary frequency, ROS production, and induced bladder histologic injury by activating autophagy-, apoptosis-, and ERS-related markers in rats. In vitro, KET (0.01, 0.1, and 1 mM) restrained cell vitality and elevated apoptosis and ROS level via activating autophagy-, apoptosis-, and ERS-related markers. Moreover, salubrinal reversed the promotion of KET-1 on complex formation, autophagy-, apoptosis-, and ERS-related marker expressions. After transfection with shIRE1, shIRE1 weakened complex formation induced by KET-1, and the effects of KET-1 on cells were offset by shIRE1. Conclusion KET enhanced autophagy and ERS in vivo and in vitro via restraining IRE1-TRAF2-ASK1-JNK pathway.

Molecular pathways underlying tissue injuries in the bladder with ketamine cystitis

Ketamine cystitis (KC) is a chronic bladder inflammation leading to urinary urgency, frequency, and pain. The pathogenesis of KC is complicated and involves multiple tissue injuries in the bladder. Recent studies indicated that urothelium disruption, lamina propria fibrosis and inflammation, microvascular injury, neuropathological alterations, and bladder smooth muscle (BSM) abnormalities all contribute to the pathogenesis of KC. Ketamine has been shown to induce these tissue injuries by regulating different signaling pathways. Ketamine can stimulate antiproliferative factor, adenosine triphosphate, and oxidative stress to disrupt urothelium. Lamina propria fibrosis and inflammation are associated with the activation of cyclooxygenase-2, nitric oxide synthase, immunoglobulin E, and transforming growth factor β1. Ketamine contributes to microvascular injury via the N-methyl-D aspartic receptor (NMDAR), and multiple inflammatory and angiogenic factors such as tumor necrosis factor α and vascular endothelial growth factor. For BSM abnormalities, ketamine can depress the protein kinase B, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, Cav1.2, and muscarinic receptor signaling. Elevated purinergic signaling also plays a role in BSM abnormalities. In addition, ketamine affects neuropathological alterations in the bladder by regulating NMDAR- and brain-derived neurotrophic factor-dependent signaling. Inflammatory cells also contribute to neuropathological changes via the secretion of chemical mediators. Clarifying the role and function of these signaling underlying tissue injuries in the bladder with KC can contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease and to the design of effective treatments for KC.

Biodegradable Stent with mTOR Inhibitor-Eluting Reduces Progression of Ureteral Stricture

In this study, we investigated the effect of mTOR inhibitor (mTORi) drug-eluting biodegradable stent (DE stent), a putative restenosis-inhibiting device for coronary artery, on thermal-injury-related ureteral stricture in rabbits. In vitro evaluation confirmed the dose-dependent effect of mTORi, i.e., rapamycin, on fibrotic markers in ureteral component cell lines. Upper ureteral fibrosis was induced by ureteral thermal injury in open surgery, which was followed by insertion of biodegradable stents, with or without rapamycin drug-eluting. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were performed 4 weeks after the operation to determine gross anatomy changes, collagen deposition, expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition markers, including Smad, α-SMA, and SNAI 1. Ureteral thermal injury resulted in severe ipsilateral hydronephrosis. The levels of type III collagen, Smad, α-SMA, and SNAI 1 were increased 28 days after ureteral thermal injury. Treatment with mTORi-eluting biodegradable stents significantly attenuated thermal injury-induced urinary tract obstruction and reduced the level of fibrosis proteins, i.e., type III collagen. TGF-β and EMT signaling pathway markers, Smad and SNAI 1, were significantly modified in DE stent-treated thermal-injury-related ureteral stricture rabbits. These results suggested that intra-ureteral administration of rapamycin by DE stent provides modification of fibrosis signaling pathway, and inhibiting mTOR may result in fibrotic process change.

Inhibitory Effect of Paeonol on Apoptosis, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammatory Response in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells Induced by High Glucose and Palmitic Acid Induced Through Regulating SIRT1/FOXO3a/NF-κB Pathway

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by high glucose and high fat of diabetes mellitus (DM) finally caused the occurrence and progression of atherosclerosis and other macrovascular complications. Paeonol (Pae) exhibits anti-inflammation, antioxidation, and antiatherosclerosis activities. However, the role of Pae in diabetic cardiopathy has not been fully understood. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the role of Pae in diabetic cardiovascular diseases. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to high glucose and palmitic acid (HG/HP), a model DM environment and different doses of Pae. The viability and apoptotic rate of HUVECs were assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and flow cytometry assay, respectively. Oxidative indicators (ROS, malondiadehyde [MDA], superoxide dismutase [SOD]), and inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6) were detected by 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, colorimetry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protein levels of Sirtuin type 1 (SIRT1), Bcl-2, Bax, Cleaved caspase-3, p-p65, and p-65 were detected by Western blot. The mRNA levels of Bcl-2 and Bax were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The acetylation and protein levels of forkhead box O3a (FOXO3a) were detected by immunoprecipitation assay. SIRT1 silencing was used to confirm the role of Pae in the resistance to apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response. Pae increased SIRT1 expression, cell viability, and SOD activity and suppressed apoptosis, the levels of p-p65/p-65, ROS, MDA, and inflammatory cytokines, and the expression of acetylated-FOXO3a induced by HG/HP in HUVECs. SIRT1 silencing abrogated the effect of Pae on HG/HP-mediated HUVECs. Inhibitory effect of Pae on apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response in HUVECs induced by HG/HP induced through regulating SIRT1/FOXO3a/NF-κB pathway.

Role of BDNF-mTORC1 Signaling Pathway in Female Depression

Depression is a common psychological and mental disorder, characterized by low mood, slow thinking and low will, and even suicidal tendencies in severe cases. It imposes a huge mental and economic burden on patients and their families, and its prevention and treatment have become an urgent public health problem. It is worth noting that there is a significant gender difference in the incidence of depression. Studies have shown that females are far more likely to suffer from depression than males, confirming a close relationship between estrogen and the onset of depression. Moreover, recent studies suggest that the brain-derived neurotrophic factor- (BDNF-) mammalian target of rapamycin complex-1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway is a crucial target pathway for improving depression and mediates the rapid antidepressant-like effects of various antidepressants. However, it is not clear whether the BDNF-mTORC1 signaling pathway mediates the regulation of female depression and how to regulate female depression. Hence, we focused on the modulation of estrogen-BDNF-mTORC1 signaling in depression and its possible mechanisms in recent years.

Is medicinal ketamine associated with urinary dysfunction issues? Assessment of both the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the UK Yellow Card Scheme pharmacovigilance database-related reports

OBJECTIVE

A range of ketamine-induced uropathy (KIU) issues have been typically described in ketamine misusers. Conversely, more knowledge is needed in terms of medicinal ketamine-related urological disturbances, since ketamine prescribing is being increasingly considered for a range of medical and psychopathological conditions.

METHODS

To assess medicinal KIU issues, we aimed at analyzing both the 2005-2017 European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the 2006-2018 UK Yellow Card Scheme (YCS) pharmacovigilance databases.

RESULTS

A total number (eg, all categories) of 11 632 EMA ketamine-related adverse drug reaction (ADR) reports were here identified. Out of these, some 9971 ADRs (eg, 85.7% of the total) were judged as "suspect" and were here analyzed. Some 1758 ADRs (17.7% of 9971, corresponding to 194 individual patients) referred to urological issues, relating to either kidney/ureter (922 ADRs) or bladder/urethra (837 ADRs). Ketamine was the sole drug administered in 156/194 (80.4%) cases/patients. Although most cases occurred in the 1 month-1 year time frame following the start of ketamine prescribing, in 30 cases the ADR occurred within 48 hours. Most ADR-related cases resolved, although both sequelae (18 cases) and fatalities (79/1758; 4.5%) were recorded. Overall, YCS data were consistent with EMA findings, with some 50/217 (23%) ADRs referring to renal/urinary disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Current data may only represent a gross underestimate of the KIU real prevalence issues. It is here suggested that chronic treatment involving higher doses/repeated exposure to ketamine be restricted to the context of controlled trials or clinical audits.

Ketamine induces endoplasmic reticulum stress in rats and SV-HUC-1 human uroepithelial cells by activating NLRP3/TXNIP aix

Many clinical studies have been conducted on ketamine-associated cystitis. However, the underlying mechanisms of ketamine-associated cystitis still remain unclear. Bladder tissues of rats were stained by Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE). The viability of human uroepithelial cells (SV-HUC-1 cells) was determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). Apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were examined by flow cytometry. Additionally, the expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β and IL-18 were respectively determined by reverse transcription quantitative (RTq)-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA and protein levels of B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), cleaved caspase 3, glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), NOD-like receptor 3 (NLRP3), thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), Catalase and MnSOD were examined by RT-qPCR and Western blot. Small interfering RNA target TXNIP transfection was performed using Lipofectamine™ 2000. We found that ketamine effectively damaged bladder tissues of rats and promoted apoptosis through regulating the expression levels of GRP78, CHOP, Bcl-2, Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 proteins in vivo and in vitro. NLRP3 inflammatory body and TXNIP were activated by ketamine, which was supported by the changes in TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1 and IL-18 in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, knocking down TXNIP reversed the effects of ketamine on apoptosis and NLRP3 inflammatory body in SV-HUC-1 cells. Meanwhile, the changes of Catalase and MnSOD showed that ROS was enhanced by ketamine, however, such an effect was ameliorated by down-regulation of TXNIP in SV-HUC-1 cells. Ketamine promoted cell apoptosis and induced inflammation in vivo and in vitro by regulating NLRP3/TXNIP aix.

LncRNA CDKN2B-AS1 Promotes Cell Viability, Migration, and Invasion of Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Sponging miR-424-5p

Objective

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) results in high mortality and metastasis. In this study, the effects of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) CDKN2B-AS1 on the progression of HCC were investigated.

Materials and Methods

LncRNA CDKN2B-AS1 expression of HCC cancer and adjacent tissues, and HCC cells were detected. Subsequently, CDKN2B-AS1 was overexpressed and silenced in HCC cells to observe the effects of CDKN2B-AS1 on the cell viability, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HCC cells by performing cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), wound-healing, Transwell, and Western blot. The target gene of CDKN2B-AS1 was predicted and verified to be miR-424-5p, whose expression in HCC cells with up- or down-regulation of CDKN2B-AS1 expression was determined. Moreover, the effects of miR-424-5p on cell viability, migration, and invasion and EMT of HCC cells were investigated with miR-424-5p up-regulation or down-regulation, together with overexpression or silencing of CDKN2B-AS1.

Results

CDKN2B-AS1 expression was increased in HCC tissues and cells. Silencing of CDKN2B-AS1 suppressed cell viability, migration, invasion, and EMT, while overexpression of CDKN2B-AS1 produced the opposite results. Furthermore, CDKN2B-AS1 was predicted and verified to target miR-424-5p and was confirmed to negatively modulate miR-424-5p expression. Moreover, overexpression of miR-424-5p partially suppressed the previously high cell viability, migration, and invasion, and activated EMT resulted from up-regulation of CDKN2B-AS1, while silencing of miR-424-5p elevated the cellular processes inhibited by silencing the expression of CDKN2B-AS1.

Conclusion

The present study revealed that high-expressed CDKN2B-AS1 may associate with the progression of HCC by affecting the cell viability, migration, invasion, and EMT of HCC cells by negatively regulating miR-424-5p.

MiR-185-3p mimic promotes the chemosensitivity of CRC cells via AQP5

BACKGROUND

Studies showed that microRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators in drug resistance. The current study investigated the role of miR-185-3p and its predicted target gene AQP5 in 5-FU-insensitive colorectal cancer (CRC) cells.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Spearman's correlation analysis were conducted to determine the correlation of expression levels of miR-185-3p and AQP5 from CRC tissues. HCT-116 and HCT-8 cells were treated by gradient concentration of 5-FU to construct 5-FU-resistant CRC model. The inhibition and viability of 5-FU-resistant cells were detected by MTT assay, and cell migration and invasion ability were determined by wound healing and transwell assay. The expressions of miR-185-3p and AQP5 were measured by qRT-PCR. StarBase and dual-luciferase reporter assay were used to predict and confirm the interaction between miR-185-3p and AQP5. Further experiments were performed to explore the function of miR-185-3p in 5-FU-resistant cells through regulating aquaporin-5 (AQP5). The levels of EMT-associated markers and AQP5 were determined by conducting Western Blot and qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

We found that 5-FU-resistant CRC cells showed a lower inhibition rate, and higher migration and invasion abilities. MiR-185-3p was low-expressed in CRC tissues and 5-FU-resistance cells, and it targeted and regulated the expression of AQP5, which was found up-regulated in CRC and 5-FU-resistance CRC cells (r = -0.29, P < .05). Furthermore, miR-185-3p mimic enhanced the chemo-sensitivity of 5-FU-resistant cells, while overexpressed AQP5 reversed such an effect produced by miR-185-3p mimic.

CONCLUSION

MiR-185-3p mimic enhances the chemosensitivity of CRC cells via AQP5. Our research provides a potential therapeutic target for 5-FU-resistant CRC cells.

Coptisine alleviates ischemia/reperfusion-induced myocardial damage by regulating apoptosis-related proteins

Coptisine is an alkaloid with many biological functions, but studies on its mechanism in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury are less reported. Hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) -treated cardiomyocytes injury and I/R-induced myocardial tissues damage were created in rat models with or without the pre-treatment of coptisine. The proliferation and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes and changes of myocardial tissues were observed after the pre-treatment of coptisine. The pre-treatment of coptisine promoted cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of H/R-injured cardiomyocytes, and alleviated the myocardial tissue injury caused by I/R in rats. Moreover, coptisine promoted the expressions of anti-apoptotic proteins and inhibited the expressions of pro-apoptotic proteins in vivo and in vitro. The current study found that coptisine had protective effects on I/R-induced myocardial damage, which may provide a new insight into the treatment of I/R.

Neonatal ketamine exposure-induced hippocampal neuroapoptosis in the developing brain impairs adult spatial learning ability

Ketamine exposure can lead to selective neuroapoptosis in the developing brain. p66ShcA, the cellular adapter protein expressed selectively in immature neurons, is a known pro-apoptotic molecule that triggers neuroapoptosis when activated. Sprague-Dawley rats at postnatal day 7 were subcutaneously injected in the neck with ketamine 20 mg/kg, six times at 2-hour intervals. At 0, 1, 3, and 6 hours after final injection, western blot assay was used to detect the expression of cleaved caspase-3, p66ShcA, and phosphorylated p66ShcA. We found that the expression of activated p66ShcA and caspase-3 increased after ketamine exposure and peaked at 3 hours. The same procedure was performed on a different group of rats. At the age of 4 weeks, spatial learning and memory abilities were tested with the Morris water maze. Latency to find the hidden platform for these rats was longer than it was for control rats, although the residence time in the target quadrant was similar. These findings indicate that ketamine exposure resulted in p66ShcA being activated in the course of an apoptotic cascade during the neonatal period. This may have contributed to the deficit in spatial learning and memory that persisted into adulthood. The experimental protocol was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at the University of Texas at Arlington, USA (approval No. A13.008) on January 22, 2013.

What urologists need to know about ketamine-induced uropathy: A systematic review

AIMS

Ketamine is a general anesthetic. Dissociative effects and low cost led ketamine becoming an illegal recreational drug in young adults. Ketamine-induced uropathy (KIU) is one of the complications observed in abusers. This study aimed to provide a systematic literature review on KIU clinical presentation, pathophysiology, and treatments.

METHODS

We performed the literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase using the terms ketamine and bladder. English papers on human and animal studies were accepted.

RESULTS

A total of 75 papers were selected. Regular ketamine users complain about severe storage symptoms and pelvic pain. Hydronephrosis may develop in long-term abusers and is correlated to the contracted bladder, ureteral stenosis, or vesicoureteral reflux due to ureteral involvement and/or bladder fibrosis. Cystoscopy shows ulcerative cystitis. Ketamine in urine might exert direct toxicity to the urothelium, disrupting its barrier function and enhancing cell apoptosis. The presence of ketamine/ions in the bladder wall result in neurogenic/IgE-mediated inflammation, stimulation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase-cytokines-cyclooxygenase pathway with persistent inflammation and fibrosis. Abstinence is the first therapeutic step. Anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics and anticholinergics, intravesical instillation of hyaluronic acid, hydrodistension and intravesical injection of botulin toxin-A were helpful in patients with early-stage KIU. In patients with end-stage disease, the control of intractable symptoms and the increase of bladder capacity were the main recommendations to perform augmentation enterocystoplasty.

CONCLUSIONS

KIU is becoming a worldwide health concern, which should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of ulcerative cystitis.

Synergistic effects of ketamine and azole derivatives on Candida spp. resistance to fluconazole

The emergence of Candida spp. with resistance to antifungal molecules, mainly the azole class, is an increasing complication in hospitals around the globe. Aim: In the present research, we evaluated the synergistic effects of ketamine with two azole derivatives, itraconazole and fluconazole, on strains of Candida spp. to fluconazole. Materials & methods: The drug synergy was evaluated by quantifying the fractional inhibitory concentration index and by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry techniques. Results: Our achievements showed a synergistic effect between ketamine in addition to the two antifungal agents (fluconazole and itraconazole) against planktonic cells and biofilms of Candida spp. Conclusion: This combination promoted alteration of membrane integrity, generation of reactive oxygen species, damage to and DNA and externalization of phosphatidylserine.

Is Autophagy Involved in the Diverse Effects of Antidepressants?

Autophagy has received increased attention as a conserved process governing cellular energy and protein homeostasis that is thus relevant in a range of physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Recently, autophagy has also been linked to depression, mainly through its involvement in the action of antidepressants. Some antidepressant drugs and psychotropic medication have been reported to exert beneficial effects in other diseases, for example, in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. This review collates the evidence for the hypothesis that autophagy contributes to the effects of antidepressants beyond depression treatment.

Is There a Role of Autophagy in Depression and Antidepressant Action?

Autophagy has been recognized as evolutionary conserved intracellular pathway that ensures energy, organelle, and protein homeostasis through lysosomal degradation of damaged macromolecules and organelles. It is activated under various stress situations, e.g., food deprivation or proteotoxic conditions. Autophagy has been linked to several diseases, more recently also including stress-related diseases such as depression. A growing number of publications report on the role of autophagy in neurons, also referred to as "neuronal autophagy" on the one hand, and several studies describe effects of antidepressants-or of compounds that exert antidepressant-like actions-on autophagy on the other hand. This minireview highlights the emerging evidence for the involvement of autophagy in the pathology and treatment of depression and discusses current limitations as well as potential avenues for future research.