SO2 derivatives induce dysfunction in human trophoblasts via inhibiting ROS/IL-6/STAT3 pathway

Effect of environmental air pollutants on placental function and pregnancy outcomes: a molecular insight

Air pollution has become a major health concern, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and pregnant women. Studies have reported a strong association between prenatal exposure to air pollutants and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including lower birth weight, reduced fetal growth, and an increased frequency of preterm births. This review summarizes the harmful effects of air pollutants, such as particulate matter, on pregnancy and outlines the mechanistic details associated with these adverse outcomes. Particulate pollutant matter may be able to cross the placenta barrier, and alterations in placental functions are central to the detrimental effects of these pollutants. In addition to associations with preeclampsia and gestational hypertension, air pollutants also induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and epigenetic alteration in the placenta. These pollutants can also affect placental homeostasis and endocrine function, contributing to pregnancy complications and possible transgenerational effects. Prenatal air pollution exposure has been linked to reduced cognitive and motor function in infants and newborns, increasing the predisposition to autism spectrum disorders and other neuropsychiatric disorders. This review also summarizes the use of various animal models to study the harmful effects of air pollution on pregnancy and postnatal outcomes. These findings provide valuable insight into the molecular events associated with the process and can aid in risk mitigation and adopting safety measures. Implementing effective environmental protocols and taking appropriate steps may reduce the global disease burden, particularly for developing nations with poor regulatory compliance and large populations of pregnant women.

Preparation and exploration of anti-tumor activity of Poria cocos polysaccharide gold nanorods

With the continuous advancement of nanotechnology, the application of gold nanorods (AuNRs) functionalized with polysaccharides in the realm of cancer photothermal therapy is garnering increasing attention. To harness photothermal therapy for cancer treatment, FLP-MPBA-AuNRs were successfully synthesized in this study for the first time, utilizing Poria cocos polysaccharides (FLP), mercaptophenylboronic acid (MPBA), and gold nanorods (AuNRs). FLP-MPBA-AuNRs is a nanomaterial characterized by a unique rod-shaped structure, featuring a long diameter of 29.3 nm and a short diameter of 6.5 nm, which conferred upon it exceptional photothermal stability and remarkable photothermal conversion efficiency. Under near-infrared light irradiation, FLP-MPBA-AuNRs elicited significant photothermal effects, effectively curtailing the proliferation of various cancer cells. Additionally, it impeded cancer progression by inducing cell apoptosis and releasing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, FLP-MPBA-AuNRs suppressed the metastasis and growth of cancer cells in zebrafish models. In summary, FLP-MPBA-AuNRs showcased immense potential in cancer therapy by inhibiting tumor cell growth through photothermal and photodynamic mechanisms.

Association between ACE1 and missed abortion: ACE1 promotes H2O2-induced trophoblast cell injury in vitro†

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE1) in H2O2-induced trophoblast cell injury and the potential molecular mechanisms. Oxidative stress was modeled by exposing HTR-8/SVneo cells to 200 μM H2O2. Western blot and real-time quantitative PCR methods were used to detect protein and mRNA expression level of ACE1 in chorionic villus tissue and trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo cell. Inhibition of ACE1 expression was achieved by transfection with small interfering RNA. Then flow cytometry, Cell Counting Kit-8, and Transwell assay was used to assess apoptosis, viability, and migration ability of the cells. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by fluorescent probes, and malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) activities were determined by corresponding detection kits. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 expression was upregulated in chorionic villus tissue of patients with missed abortion (MA) compared with individuals with normal early pregnancy abortion. H2O2 induced elevated ACE1 expression in HTR-8/SVneo cells, promoted apoptosis, and inhibited cell viability and migration. Knockdown of ACE1 expression inhibited H2O2-induced effects to enhance cell viability and migration and suppress apoptosis. Additionally, H2O2 stimulation caused increased levels of ROS and MDA and decreased SOD and GSH activity in the cells, whereas knockdown of ACE1 expression led to opposite changes of these oxidative stress indicators. Moreover, knockdown of ACE1 attenuated the inhibitory effect of H2O2 on the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 was associated with MA, and it promoted H2O2-induced injury of trophoblast cells through inhibiting the Nrf2 pathway. Therefore, ACE1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for MA.

Cardiomyocyte peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α prevents septic cardiomyopathy via improving mitochondrial function

Clinically, cardiac dysfunction is a key component of sepsis-induced multi-organ failure. Mitochondria are essential for cardiomyocyte homeostasis, as disruption of mitochondrial dynamics enhances mitophagy and apoptosis. However, therapies targeted to improve mitochondrial function in septic patients have not been explored. Transcriptomic data analysis revealed that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway in the heart was the most significantly decreased in the cecal ligation puncture-treated mouse heart model, and PPARα was the most notably decreased among the three PPAR family members. Male Pparafl/fl (wild-type), cardiomyocyte-specific Ppara-deficient (PparaΔCM), and myeloid-specific Ppara-deficient (PparaΔMac) mice were injected intraperitoneally with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce endotoxic cardiac dysfunction. PPARα signaling was decreased in LPS-treated wild-type mouse hearts. To determine the cell type in which PPARα signaling was suppressed, the cell type-specific Ppara-null mice were examined. Cardiomyocyte- but not myeloid-specific Ppara deficiency resulted in exacerbated LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction. Ppara disruption in cardiomyocytes augmented mitochondrial dysfunction, as revealed by damaged mitochondria, lowered ATP contents, decreased mitochondrial complex activities, and increased DRP1/MFN1 protein levels. RNA sequencing results further showed that cardiomyocyte Ppara deficiency potentiated the impairment of fatty acid metabolism in LPS-treated heart tissue. Disruption of mitochondrial dynamics resulted in increased mitophagy and mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in Ppara△CM mice. Moreover, mitochondrial dysfunction caused an increase of reactive oxygen species, leading to increased IL-6/STAT3/NF-κB signaling. 3-Methyladenine (3-MA, an autophagosome formation inhibitor) alleviated cardiomyocyte Ppara disruption-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiomyopathy. Finally, pre-treatment with the PPARα agonist WY14643 lowered mitochondrial dysfunction-induced cardiomyopathy in hearts from LPS-treated mice. Thus, cardiomyocyte but not myeloid PPARα protects against septic cardiomyopathy by improving fatty acid metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction, thus highlighting that cardiomyocyte PPARα may be a therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiac disease.

The role of FGF9-mediated TGF-β1/Smad signaling in enamel hypoplasia induced by exposure to fluoride and SO2 in rats

Many geographical areas of the world are polluted by both fluoride and sulfur dioxide (SO2). However, the effects of simultaneous exposure to fluoride and SO2 on teeth are unknown. Fibroblast growth factor-9 (FGF9) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) are key signaling molecules in enamel development. The purpose of the study was to explore the effects of co-exposure to fluoride and sulfur dioxide on enamel and to investigate the role and mechanism of FGF9 and TGF-β1. First, sodium fluoride (NaF) and SO2 derivatives were used to construct rat models and evaluate the enamel development of rats. Then, TGF-β1 (cytokine) treatment, SIS3 (inhibitor) treatment and FGF9 gene knockdown were used to explore the mechanism of enamel damage in vitro. The results showed that enamel column crystals in the exposed group were characterized by enamel hypoplasia, as indicated by alterations such as disarrangement of enamel column crystals, space widening and breakage. Ameloblasts also showed pathological changes such as ribosome loss, mitochondrial swelling, nuclear fragmentation and chromatin aggregation. The protein expression of FGF9 was higher and the protein expression of AMBN, TGF-β1 and p-Smad2/3 protein was lower in the groups treated with fluoride and SO2 individually or in combination compared with the control group. Further studies showed that TGF-β1 significantly upregulated p-Smad2/3 and AMBN protein expression and reduced the inhibitory effects of fluoride and SO2; furthermore, SISI blocked the effect of TGF-β1. In addition, knockdown of FGF9 upregulated TGF-β1 protein expression, further activated Smad2/3 phosphorylation, eliminated the inhibitory effects of fluoride and SO2, and increased the protein expression of AMBN. In brief, the study confirms that co-exposure to fluoride and SO2 can result in enamel hypoplasia in rats and indicates that the underlying mechanism may be closely related to the effect of FGF9 on enamel matrix protein secretion through inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.

The impact of early pregnancy metabolic disorders on pregnancy outcome and the specific mechanism

Miscarriage is the most common complication of pregnancy. The most common causes of early miscarriage are chromosomal abnormalities of the embryo, maternal endocrine abnormalities, organ malformations, and abnormal immune factors. Late miscarriages are mostly caused by factors such as cervical insufficiency. However, the causes of 50% of miscarriages remain unknown. Recently, increasing attention has been given to the role of metabolic abnormalities in miscarriage. In this review, we mainly discuss the roles of four major metabolic pathways (glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism, and oxidation‒reduction balance) in miscarriage and the metabolism-related genes that lead to metabolic disorders in miscarriage. Depending on aetiology, the current treatments for miscarriage include hormonal and immunological drugs, as well as surgery, while there are few therapies for metabolism. Therefore, we also summarize the drugs for metabolism-related targets. The study of altered metabolism underlying miscarriage not only helps us to understand the mechanisms involved in miscarriage but also provides an important basis for clinical research on new therapies.

Effects of the apricot diets containing sulfur dioxide at different concentrations on rat testicles

Due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is widely used in foods and beverages to prevent the growth of microorganisms and to preserve the color and flavor of fruits. However, the amount of SO₂ used in fruit preservation should be limited due to its possible adverse effects on human health. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of different SO₂ concentrations in apricot diets on rat testes. Animals were randomly divided into six groups. The control group was fed a standard diet, and the other groups were fed apricot diet pellets prepared with (w/w) 10% dried apricots containing SO₂ at different concentrations (1500 ppm, 2000 ppm, 2500 ppm, 3000 ppm, and 3500 ppm/kg) for 24 weeks. After sacrification, testicles were evaluated biochemically, histopathologically, and immunohistopathologically. Our results showed that an apricot diet containing 1500 ppm and 2000 ppm SO₂ did not cause significant changes in testis. However, it was determined that tissue testosterone levels decreased as the amount of SO₂ (2500 ppm and above) increased. Apricot diet containing 3500 ppm SO₂ caused a significant increase in spermatogenic cell apoptosis, oxidative damage, and histopathological changes. In addition, a decrease in the expression of connexin-43, vimentin, and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) was observed in the same group. In summary, the results show that sulfurization of apricot at high concentrations such as 3500 ppm may lead to male fertility problems in the long term through mechanisms such as oxidative stress, spermatogenic cell apoptosis, and inhibition of steroidogenesis.

Outdoor air pollution exposure and the risk of asthma and wheezing in the offspring

According to the "fetal origin of disease" hypothesis, air pollution exposure in pregnancy may play an important role in stimulating the early programming of asthma and allergies. However, previous studies reported inconsistent findings. The aim of this meta-analysis was to provide higher grade evidence and quantitatively analyze the link between prenatal exposure to outdoor air pollutants and childhood asthma and wheezing. Databases (Web of Science and PubMed) were extensively searched for articles published from the start of the database to September 15, 2021. Either random-effect model or fixed-effect model was used to estimate the disease-specific relative risks (RR) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to estimate the association. Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Score (NOS) was used to assess the quality of studies. This study finally included 13 cohort studies, and the findings showed that NO₂ and SO₂ exposure during entire pregnancy was significantly associated with wheezing (RR = 1.032, 95% CI: 1.000, 1.066) and asthma (RR = 1.114, 95% CI: 1.066, 1.164), respectively. Further analyses showed that PM_2.5 were positively associated with asthma in the second (RR = 1.194, 95% CI: 1.143, 1.247) and third trimester (RR = 1.050, 95% CI: 1.007, 1.094), while NO₂ (RR = 1.060, 95% CI: 1.021, 1.101) and SO₂ (RR = 1.067, 95% CI: 1.013, 1.123) were shown positively associated with asthma only in the second trimester. The relationship between wheezing and outdoor air pollutants was not significant in any of the pregnancy subgroups. This study suggests that prenatal exposure of outdoor air pollution may increase the asthma and wheezing risk in the offspring and that the second trimester may be a sensitive period for air pollution exposure. But the interpretation of the causal association is hampered by limited number of studies on dose response.

Sodium Fluoride and Sulfur Dioxide Derivatives Induce TGF-β1-Mediated NBCe1 Downregulation Causing Acid-Base Disorder of LS8 Cells

The aim of the present work was to assess whether the combination of sodium fluoride (NaF) and sulfur dioxide derivatives (SO₂ derivatives) affects the expression of the electrogenic sodium bicarbonate cotransporter NBCe1 (SLC4A4), triggering an acid-base imbalance during enamel development, leading to enamel damage. LS8 cells was taken as the research objects and fluorescent probes, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blot, and factorial analysis were used to clarify the nature of the fluoro-sulfur interaction and the potential signaling pathway involved in the regulation of NBCe1. The results showed that exposure to fluoride or SO₂ derivatives resulted in an acid-base imbalance, and these changes were accompanied by inhibited expression of NBCe1 and TGF-β1; these effects were more significant after fluoride exposure as compared to exposure to SO₂ derivatives. Interestingly, in most cases, the toxic effects during combined exposure were significantly reduced compared to the effects observed with fluoride or sulfur dioxide derivatives alone. The results also indicated that activation of TGF-β1 signaling significantly upregulated the expression of NBCe1, and this effect was suppressed after the Smad, ERK, and JNK signals were blocked. Furthermore, fluoride and SO₂ derivative-dependent NBCe1 regulation was found to require TGF-β1. In conclusion, this study indicates that the combined effect of fluorine and sulfur on LS8 cells is mainly antagonistic. TGF-β1 may regulate NBCe1 and may participate in the occurrence of dental fluorosis through the classic TGF-β1/Smad pathway and the unconventional ERK and JNK pathways.

NINJ1 triggers extravillous trophoblast cell dysfunction through blocking the STAT3 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Trophoblasts are the most important parts of the placenta in early pregnancy. Trophoblast cell dysfunction can induce embryo implantation insufficiency, thereby resulting in multiple diseases, including recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). A previous study indicates higher nerve injury-induced protein 1 (NINJ1) RNA levels in the villi tissues of RSA patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effect of NINJ1 on trophoblast behaviors and pregnancy loss.

METHODS

Fresh villi tissues were obtained from with RSA patients and patients with artificial selective abortion for personal reasons, and NINJ1 expression in these tissues was detected. Extravillous trophoblast cell line HTR-8/SVneo was transfected with small-interfering RNA targeting NINJ1 or NINJ1 overexpression vector to perform loss-/gain-of-function experiments. Spontaneous abortion (SA) was induced by mating CBA/J females with DBA/2 males and the pregnant females were intraperitoneally injected with adenovirus vector carrying NINJ1 short hairpin RNA.

RESULTS

NINJ1 mRNA and protein levels were higher in the villi tissues of RSA patients than those of artificial selective abortion patients. NINJ1 knockdown promoted trophoblast cell proliferation, migration and invasion but inhibited cell apoptosis. Moreover, conditioned medium from NINJ1-depleted trophoblasts promoted the angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. NINJ1 knockdown also promoted activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway in trophoblasts, and STAT3 inhibitor reversed NINJ1 knockdown-induced effects on trophoblast behaviors. Furthermore, pregnancy loss was attenuated by NINJ1 inhibition.

CONCLUSION

NINJ1 contributes to the development of SA and triggers trophoblast cell dysfunction through inhibiting the STAT3 pathway.

SKAP2 is downregulated in the villous tissues of patients with missed abortion and regulates growth and migration in trophoblasts through the WAVE2-ARP2/3 signaling pathway

INTRODUCTION

Abnormal placental trophoblast function is the main cause of missed abortion (MA). Src kinase-associated phosphoprotein 2 (SKAP2) indirectly affects actin reunion, which is significantly associated with cell migration.

METHODS

Twenty women with MA and 20 healthy women who underwent voluntarily induced abortion were included in this study. Immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, and western blotting were used to determine SKAP2, WAVE2, and ARP2 expression in the villous tissues. We investigated the effects of SKAP2 and the W336K mutant (blocked SKAP2 Src homology 3 function) on growth and migration in HTR8/SVneo cells using the CCK8 assay, flow cytometry, and transwell assay. The effects of SKAP2 on the WAVE2-ARP2/3 signaling pathway in HTR8/SVneo cells were evaluated by western blotting and immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

Compared to the women in the voluntary abortion group, SKAP2 and WAVE2 expression levels were downregulated in the villous of patients with MA. In HTR8/SVneo cells, SKAP2 siRNA silencing regulated the growth and migration, while SKAP2 overexpression promoted growth and migration, and inhibited apoptosis. Additionally, SKAP2 regulated the expression of WAVE2 and ARP2, as well as the colocalization of actin with WAVE2. The SKAP2 W336K mutant could not alter WAVE2 and ARP2 expression, nor HTR8/SVneo cell growth and migration, with or without SKAP2 siRNA transfection.

DISCUSSION

SKAP2 could activate the WAVE2-ARP2/3 pathway resulting in an increase of growth and migration in trophoblasts. SKAP2 probably played an important role in MA by affecting the growth and migration of trophoblasts.

A natural xanthone suppresses lung cancer growth and metastasis by targeting STAT3 and FAK signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

Nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common malignant tumors, and the current drugs have not achieved ideal therapeutic effects. The abnormal activation of STAT3 and FAK signal transduction in tumor cells is highly correlated with their proliferation and migration ability. Therefore, bioactive compounds that can inhibit STAT3 and FAK activation have the potential to become agents to treat NSCLC.

PURPOSE

This study aims to discover new antitumor compounds from Garcinia xipshuanbannaensis and investigate the molecular mechanism by which they inhibit lung cancer proliferation and metastasis in vivo and in vitro, all of which may lead to obtainment of a potential antitumor agent.

METHODS

Xipsxanthone H was obtained by various chromatography methods (including silica gel, medium pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC), and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)). 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra were used to analyze the structure. Cell viability and wound healing assays were employed to detect changes in the proliferation and migration of cancer cells. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. The protein expression of STAT3 and FAK signaling pathways affected by xipsxanthone H was determined by Western blotting. The zebrafish model was used to evaluate the in vivo effects of xipshantone H on tumor proliferation and metastasis. Molecular docking was utilized to explore the interaction between xipsxanthone H and STAT3. Cellular thermal shift assays (CETSAs) were employed to explore the possible target of xipsxanthone H.

RESULTS

The novel compound xipsxanthone H was purified and characterized from G. xipshuanbannaensis. Xipsxanthone H exhibited strong anti-proliferation activity in a variety of tumor cell lines. In addition to inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and arresting the cell cycle, mechanistic studies demonstrated that xipsxanthone H suppressed STAT3 and FAK phosphorylation and regulated the downstream protein expression of the STAT3 and FAK signaling pathways. The in vivo studies using the zebrafish model revealed that xipsxanthone H inhibited tumor proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

A new xanthone was obtained from G. xipshuanbannaensis, and this compound had the property of inhibiting tumor proliferation and metastasis by targeting STAT3 and FAK signaling pathways in NSCLC. These findings suggested that xipsxanthone H might be a potential candidate agent for NSCLC treatment.

A glutathione-responsive sulfur dioxide polymer prodrug selectively induces ferroptosis in gastric cancer therapy

Nanoparticle-induced ferroptosis has been proven to be an appealing strategy in cancer treatment. Previously, we reported the synthesis of an amphiphilic polymer prodrug of SO₂, mPEG-PLG(DNs), which could self-assemble to formulate nanoparticles (NP-DNs) and trigger cancer cell death by GSH consumption and SO₂ release. In the current study, the potential mechanism of NP-DNs-induced cell death was further investigated. We demonstrated that NP-DNs exhibited efficient antitumor activity against gastric cancer via ferroptosis. NP-DNs could selectively accelerate lipid peroxidation through GSH depletion and SO₂ generation in gastric cancer cells. In addition, the NP-DNs-induced GPX4 reduction played a collaborative role in ferroptosis. Concurrently, in vivo evaluations revealed that NP-DNs not only exhibited excellent antitumor efficiency via ferroptosis but also caused little systemic toxicity in mice. All the results showed that NP-DNs would be a promising prodrug in precision-targeted ferroptosis therapy.

Hemeprotein amplifies the innate immune receptors of Ctenopharyngodon idellus kidney cells through NF-κB- and MAPK-dependent reactive oxygen species generation

Infectious bacterial and viral diseases that cause hemolysis are considered life-threatening to grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus), which is a species used in aquaculture worldwide. After heme and hemeproteins (Hb) are released as a result of hemolysis, the effect of excess Hb and heme on tissues remains to be characterized. To decipher the mechanisms, after incubation with Hb, we showed that lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Hb, and heme increased the cytotoxicity and secretion of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 1 (CCL1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in vitro, which was due to stimulation of the expression of innate immune receptors, such as nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD2), toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), TLR 4, and TLR3. The formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB were important for increasing the cytokine production to induce heme, Hb, and LPS. Moreover, we confirmed that after LPS, Hb, and heme challenge, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) synthetase (GSS) also caused remarkable destruction. However, catalase (CAT) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were strongly activated. In summary, our research findings present a framework through which heme and Hb concentrations amplify the secretions of inflammatory cytokines, which are induced by pattern recognition receptor (PRR) activation and present possible paths for immune intervention during infection with viral diseases and hemolytic bacterial.