In vivo flow cytometry combined with intravital microscopy to monitor kinetics of transplanted bone marrow mononuclear cells in peripheral blood and bone marrow

Advanced flow cytometry for biomedical applications

Flow cytometry (FC) is a versatile tool with excellent capabilities to detect and measure multiple characteristics of a population of cells or particles. Notable advancements in in vivo photoacoustic FC, coherent Raman FC, microfluidic FC, and so on, have been achieved in the last two decades, which endows FC with new functions and expands its applications in basic research and clinical practice. Advanced FC broadens the tools available to researchers to conduct research involving cancer detection, microbiology (COVID-19, HIV, bacteria, etc.), and nucleic acid analysis. This review presents an overall picture of advanced flow cytometers and provides not only a clear understanding of their mechanisms but also new insights into their practical applications. We identify the latest trends in this area and aim to raise awareness of advanced techniques of FC. We hope this review expands the applications of FC and accelerates its clinical translation.

Novel peptide-based inhibitor for targeted inhibition of T cell function

Novel immunosuppressants are sought to overcome the side effects of currently used drugs. T cells play a central role in the functioning of the immune system; hence, drugs that specifically inhibit T cell function are expected to be better immunosuppressants with fewer side effects than the ones currently used. Peptides that interfere with crucial protein-protein interactions (PPIs) have been shown to influence cell physiology and have therapeutic potential. In this study, we designed a peptide, GVITAA, which specifically inhibits the function of lymphocyte-specific protein kinase (LCK), a signaling molecule that is mainly expressed in T cells and is responsible for positively regulating T cell function. Aspartate Histidine -Histidine Cysteine (DHHC21) -LCK is an important PPI present in T cells; DHHC21 interacts with LCK and targets the kinase to membrane rafts by adding a palmitoyl group. GVITAA is a ten amino acid peptide that interferes with the DHHC21-LCK interaction, prevents the membrane localization of LCK, and inhibits LCK-mediated initiation of complex signal transduction pathways required for T cell activation. In this study, we present evidence that the GVITAA peptide when conjugated with a cell-penetrating peptide-human immunodeficiency virus transactivator of transcription (TAT) and incubated with mouse T cells specifically inhibits LCK-mediated T cell receptor signaling, cytokine secretion, and T cell proliferation. This peptide does not affect other non-T cell functions and is non-toxic. A similar strategy was also tested and demonstrated in human peripheral T cells.

Association between long non-coding RNA H19 polymorphisms and breast cancer risk: a meta-analysis

Common genes mutation was demonstrated associating with the risk of breast cancer (BC) recently, while the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) polymorphism is still controversial. A meta-analysis was designed to discuss the association between lncRNA H19 polymorphisms and susceptibility to BC. The related databases were systematically reviewed up to April 13, 2021. Estimates were summarized as ORs and 95 percent CIs for each included study. The heterogeneity was assessed by the I² test and subgroup analysis. Ten studies with 10354 BC patients and 11,177 control cases were included in our study. LncRNA H19 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2839698 C/T significantly increases the susceptibility of BC (OR = 1.717 , 95 percent CI = 1.052-2.803, P = 0.031). LncRNA H19 polymorphism rs3741219 and rs217727 also increase the risk of ER-positive BC (OR = 1.128 , 95 percent CI = 1.010-1.259, P = 0.0032 for rs3741219, and OR = 1.297, 95 percent CI = 1.027-1.639, P = 0.029 for rs217727). Our results demonstrated that lncRNA H19 SNP rs2839698 C/T was significantly associated with the susceptibility of BC. LncRNA H19 SNP rs217727 and rs3741219 were associated with the risks of ER-positive BC. However, further studies are needed to reach a robust conclusion.

Spirulina supplements: an approach moderating aspirin persuaded histological and ultra-structural alterations in albino rats gastric mucosa

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most used drugs. The pathogenesis of aspirin-induced gastric ulceration includes blocking the activities of the cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) leading to reduced mucus and bicarbonate secretion. Spirulina contains many functional bioactive ingredients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, including phenolic phytochemicals and phycobiliprotein C-phycocyanin. To investigate the possible gastroprotective role of spirulina against aspirin-induced gastric mucosal insults. Forty adult male albino rats were randomly divided into four experimental groups. Group I (Control) and group II (Spirulina control) were given spirulina for 3 days, group III (Ulcer model) were given single dose of acetyl salicylic acid to induce ulcer and group IV (Treatment) were given spirulina for 3 days after induction of ulcer formation. Animals were sacrificed, stomachs were collected and processed for examination of light and scanning electron microscope histopathological examination. Statistical difference mucosal mucin area percentage among groups was determined and data were analyzed. Histological examination of the H&E-stained and combined Alcian-blue-PAS-stained sections of Group III rats illustrated severe destruction of the mucosal architecture and reduction of the mucin surface area while those examined for group IV illustrated minor affection of the gastric mucosa and mucin protective layer. Oxidant antioxidant markers: Nitric oxide (NO) is elevated, Glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) are reduced in aspirin treated group. The use of Spirulina restores the normal balance between the oxidant antioxidant system. Spirulina has a great potential in protecting the gastric mucosa against harmful effect of NSAID.

Recent advances in intravital microscopy for preclinical research

Intravital microscopy (IVM) has revolutionized our understanding of single-cell behavior in complex tissues by enabling real-time observation of molecular and cellular processes in their natural environment. In preclinical research, IVM has emerged as a standard tool for mechanistic studies of therapy response and the rational design of new treatment strategies. Technological developments keep expanding the imaging depth and quality that can be achieved in living tissue, and the maturation of imaging modalities such as fluorescence and phosphorescence lifetime imaging facilitates co-registration of individual cell dynamics with metabolic tissue states. Correlation of IVM with mesoscopic and macroscopic imaging modalities further promotes the translation of mechanistic insights gained by IVM into clinically relevant information. This review highlights some of the recent advances in IVM that have made the transition from experimental optical techniques to practical applications in basic and preclinical research.

Using Green Biosynthesized Lycopene-Coated Selenium Nanoparticles to Rescue Renal Damage in Glycerol-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Rats

Purpose

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have recently gained much attention in nanomedicine applications owing to their unique biological properties. Biosynthesis of SeNPs using nutraceuticals as lycopene (LYC) maximizes their stability and bioactivities. In this context, this study aimed to elucidate the renoprotective activity of SeNPs coated with LYC (LYC-SeNPs) in the acute kidney injury (AKI) model.

Methods

Rats were divided into six groups: control, AKI (glycerol-treated), AKI+sodium selenite (Na₂SeO₃; 0.5 mg/kg), AKI+LYC (10 mg/kg), AKI+LYC-SeNPs (0.5 mg/kg) and treated for 14 days.

Results

Glycerol treatment evoked significant increases in rhabdomyolysis-related markers (creatine kinase and LDH). Furthermore, relative kidney weight, Kim-1, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), serum urea, and creatinine in the AKI group were elevated. Glycerol-injected rats displayed declines in reduced glutathione level, and superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activities, paralleled with downregulations in Nfe2l2 and Hmox-1 expressions and high renal MDA and NO contents. Glycerol-induced renal inflammation was evident by rises in TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and upregulated Nos2 expression. Also, apoptotic (elevated caspase-3, Bax, and cytochrome-c with lowered Bcl-2) and necroptotic (elevated Pipk3 expression) changes were reported in damaged renal tissue. Co-treatment with Na₂SeO₃, LYC, or LYC-SeNPs restored the biochemical, molecular, and histological alterations in AKI. In comparison with Na₂SeO₃ or LYC treatment, LYC-SeNPs had the best nephroprotective profile.

Conclusion

Our findings authentically revealed that LYC-SeNPs co-administration could be a prospective candidate against AKI-mediated renal damage via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and anti-necroptotic activities.

Physiological and transcriptomic analyses characterized high temperature stress response mechanisms in Sorbus pohuashanensis

Sorbus pohuashanensis (Hance) Hedl. is a Chinese native alpine tree species, but the problem of introducing S. pohuashanensis to low altitude areas has not been solved. In this study, we aimed to explore the molecular regulatory network of S. pohuashanensis in response to high-temperature stress using RNA-Sequencing technology and physiological and biochemical determination. Based on transcriptomic data, we obtained 1221 genes (752 up-regulated and 469 down-regulated) that were differentially expressed during 8 h 43℃ treatment and candidate genes were related to calcium signaling pathway, plant hormone signal transduction, heat shock factors, chaperones, ubiquitin mediated proteolysis, cell wall modification, ROS scavenging enzymes, detoxification and energy metabolism. The analysis of high temperature response at the physiological level and biochemical level were performed. The chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of leaf cells decreased, the content of osmotic regulators increased, and the activity of ROS scavenging enzymes decreased. The molecular regulatory network of S. pohuashanensis in response to high-temperature stress was preliminarily revealed in this study, which provides fundamental information improving introducing methods and discovering heat-tolerant genes involved in high-temperature stress in this species and provides a reference for other plants of the genus Sorbus.

Genetic Association of rs10757278 on Chromosome 9p21 and Coronary Artery Disease in a Saudi Population

Purpose

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most important leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Few studies have been carried out in the Saudi population regarding the association of rs10757278 polymorphism with CAD. This study aimed to investigate the association of the rs10757278 polymorphism with CAD in Saudi population.

Materials and Methods

In this case-control study, we recruited 437 patients with CAD and 251 cross-matched healthy controls and performed polymorphism genotyping for rs10757278 using a polymerase chain reaction followed by a restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.

Results

The G allele (OR-1.44; 95% CI: 1.15–1.80; p=0.001), as GG (OR-2.13; 95% CI: 1.35–3.36; p=0.0009), in the dominant (OR-1.47; 95% CI: 1.03–2.10; p=0.03) and recessive mode (OR-1.84; 95% CI: 1.26–2.70; p=0.001) of inheritance showed a high-risk association. A disease stratified risk analysis was conducted and comparisons were made using an ANOVA analysis. Diabetes showed a risk association (p=0.001). However, a regression analysis confirmed that for the CAD cases, there was an association between the GG genotype and diabetes (p=0.005).

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that the polymorphism rs10757278 is related to a high risk of CAD in a Saudi population.

Evaluation of Pseudomonas sp. for its multifarious plant growth promoting potential and its ability to alleviate biotic and abiotic stress in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants

1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity is one of the most beneficial traits of plant growth promoting (PGP) rhizobacteria responsible for protecting the plants from detrimental effects of abiotic and biotic stress. The strain S3 with ACC deaminase activity (724.56 nmol α-ketobutyrate mg-1 protein hr-1) was isolated from rhizospheric soil of turmeric (Curcuma longa), a medicinal plant, growing in Motihari district of Indian state, Bihar. The halotolerant strain S3, exhibited optimum growth at 8% (w/v) NaCl. It also exhibited multiple PGP traits such as indole acetic acid production (37.71 μg mL-1), phosphate solubilization (69.68 mg L-1), siderophore, hydrocyanic acid (HCN) and ammonia production as well as revealed antagonism against Rhizoctonia solani. The potential of isolated strain to alleviate salinity stress in tomato plants was investigated through pots trials by inoculating strain S3 through-seed bacterization, soil drenching, root dipping as well as seed treatment + soil drenching. The strain S3 inoculated through seed treatment and soil drenching method led to improved morphological attributes (root/shoot length, root/shoot fresh weight and root/shoot dry weight), photosynthetic pigment content, increased accumulation of osmolytes (proline and total soluble sugar), enhanced activities of antioxidants (Catalase and Peroxidase) and phenolic content in salt stressed tomato plants. The biochemical characterisation, FAMEs analysis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that strain S3 belongs to the genus Pseudomonas. The overall findings of the study revealed that Pseudomonas sp. strain S3 can be explored as an effective plant growth promoter which stimulate growth and improve resilience in tomato plants under saline condition.