Ageing - Oxidative stress, PTMs and disease

Targeting Osteoblast-Osteoclast Cross-Talk Bone Homeostasis Repair Microcarriers Promotes Intervertebral Fusion in Osteoporotic Rats

Balancing osteoblast-osteoclast (OB-OC) cross-talk is crucial for restoring bone tissue structure and function. Current clinical drugs targeting either osteogenesis or osteoclastogenesis fail to effectively regulate cross-talk, impeding efficient bone repair in osteoporosis patients. Ubiquitin-specific protease 26 (USP26) is shown to coordinate OB-OC cross-talk by independently regulating β-catenin and Iκb-α. However, effective drugs for activating USP26 are still lacking. Here, they constructed bone homeostasis repair microcarriers (BHRC) that encapsulate Usp26 mRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles (mRNA@LNP) within MMPs-responsive GelMA hydrogel microspheres. These microcarriers target the osteoporotic microenvironment and regulate OB-OC cross-talk, thereby facilitating intervertebral fusion in osteoporotic rats. Results demonstrate that mRNA@LNP exhibits uniform particle size and high transfection efficiency, while GelMA hydrogel microspheres possess excellent biocompatibility and MMP responsiveness, providing favorable cell survival space and controllable release of mRNA@LNP. The released LNP upregulates USP26 protein expression, effectively promoting osteogenesis while suppressing osteoclast formation. In vivo experiments show that injecting BHRC into the defect site of intervertebral discs in osteoporotic rats significantly promotes tail vertebrae fusion by responding to the microenvironment and regulating cell-to-cell cross-talk. Thus, the BHRC holds great potential in regulating osteoporotic homeostasis, particularly in challenging bone defects such as intervertebral fusion in osteoporotic environments.

The role of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), including chronic glomerulonephritis, IgA nephropathy and diabetic nephropathy, are common chronic diseases characterized by structural damage and functional decline of the kidneys. The current treatment of CKD is symptom relief. Several studies have reported that the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinases (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway is a pathway closely related to the pathological process of CKD. It can ameliorate kidney damage by inhibiting this signal pathway which is involved with inflammation, oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and autophagy. This review highlights the role of activating or inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in CKD-induced inflammatory response, apoptosis, autophagy and EMT. We also summarize the latest evidence on treating CKD by targeting the PI3K/Akt pathway, discuss the shortcomings and deficiencies of PI3K/Akt research in the field of CKD, and identify potential challenges in developing these clinical therapeutic CKD strategies, and provide appropriate solutions.

Post-translational modifications in kidney diseases and associated cardiovascular risk

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at an increased cardiovascular risk compared with the general population, which is driven, at least in part, by mechanisms that are uniquely associated with kidney disease. In CKD, increased levels of oxidative stress and uraemic retention solutes, including urea and advanced glycation end products, enhance non-enzymatic post-translational modification events, such as protein oxidation, glycation, carbamylation and guanidinylation. Alterations in enzymatic post-translational modifications such as glycosylation, ubiquitination, acetylation and methylation are also detected in CKD. Post-translational modifications can alter the structure and function of proteins and lipoprotein particles, thereby affecting cellular processes. In CKD, evidence suggests that post-translationally modified proteins can contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis, and induce vascular damage or prothrombotic effects, which might contribute to CKD progression and/or increase cardiovascular risk in patients with CKD. Consequently, post-translational protein modifications prevalent in CKD might be useful as diagnostic biomarkers and indicators of disease activity that could be used to guide and evaluate therapeutic interventions, in addition to providing potential novel therapeutic targets.

KDM4B mutations in human cancers

Homologous recombination (HR) is essential for repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and restart of stalled or collapsed replication forks. Most cancers are characterized by mutations in components of the DSB repair pathways. Redundant DSB repair pathways exist in eukaryotes from yeast to humans and recent evidence has shown that complete loss of HR function appears to be lethal. Recent evidence has also shown that cancer cells with mutations in one DSB repair pathway can be killed by inhibiting one or more parallel pathways, a strategy that is currently aggressively explored as a cancer therapy. KDM4B is a histone demethylase with pleiotropic functions, which participates in preparing DSBs for repair by contributing to chromatin remodeling. In this report we carried out a pan-cancer analysis of KDM4B mutations with the goal of understanding their distribution and interaction with other DSB genes. We find that although KDM4B mutations co-occur with DSB repair genes, most KDM4B mutations are not drivers or pathogenic. A sequence conservation analysis from yeast to humans shows that highly conserved residues are resistant to mutation. Finally, all mutations occur in a heterozygous state. A single mutation, R986L, was predicted to significantly affect protein structure using computational modeling. This analysis suggests that KDM4B makes contributions to DSB repair but is not a key player.

Sitetack: A Deep Learning Model that Improves PTM Prediction by Using Known PTMs

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) increase the diversity of the proteome and are vital to organismal life and therapeutic strategies. Deep learning has been used to predict PTM locations. Still, limitations in datasets and their analyses compromise success. Here we evaluate the use of known PTM sites in prediction via sequence-based deep learning algorithms. Specifically, PTM locations were encoded as a separate amino acid before sequences were encoded via word embedding and passed into a convolutional neural network that predicts the probability of a modification at a given site. Without labeling known PTMs, our model is on par with others. With labeling, however, we improved significantly upon extant models. Moreover, knowing PTM locations can increase the predictability of a different PTM. Our findings highlight the importance of PTMs for the installation of additional PTMs. We anticipate that including known PTM locations will enhance the performance of other proteomic machine learning algorithms.

Mediterranean Dietary Pattern for Healthy and Active Aging: A Narrative Review of an Integrative and Sustainable Approach

The global population is on a trajectory of continuous growth, with estimates projecting an increase from 7.7 billion in 2019 to approximately 9.7 billion by 2050. Longevity is also expected to rise rapidly, with advancements in healthcare contributing to increased life expectancies and an increase in the maximum lifespan. The aging process is accompanied by different changes, often leading to a decline in daily life activities and an increased susceptibility to disease. Age-related changes can cause cellular damage and subsequent cellular death. Oxidative stress and inflammation play significant roles in this process contributing to molecular damage and mitochondrial dysfunction. Active aging has been associated with improved quality of life and a reduced risk of morbidity and premature mortality. In this context, the Mediterranean diet has emerged as a promising approach to promoting healthy aging and sustainability. The phytochemical compounds within the Mediterranean diet have been linked to a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The findings of peer-reviewed articles regarding the use of the Mediterranean diet as a healthy and sustainable dietary pattern written in Portuguese, Spanish or English were included in this narrative literature review. This dietary pattern's emphasis on the consumption of fresh and local food aligns with both health and environmental sustainability goals. This work provides a comprehensive review of the benefits of the Mediterranean diet and its components in a healthy aging process and highlights the importance of this dietary pattern as a sustainable approach.

Puzzle of Proteoform Variety-Where Is a Key?

One of the human proteome puzzles is an imbalance between the theoretically calculated and experimentally measured amounts of proteoforms. Considering the possibility of combinations of different post-translational modifications (PTMs), the quantity of possible proteoforms is huge. An estimation gives more than a million different proteoforms in each cell type. But, it seems that there is strict control over the production and maintenance of PTMs. Although the potential complexity of proteoforms due to PTMs is tremendous, available information indicates that only a small part of it is being implemented. As a result, a protein could have many proteoforms according to the number of modification sites, but because of different systems of personal regulation, the profile of PTMs for a given protein in each organism is slightly different.

VRK1 Regulates Sensitivity to Oxidative Stress by Altering Histone Epigenetic Modifications and the Nuclear Phosphoproteome in Tumor Cells

The chromatin organization and its dynamic remodeling determine its accessibility and sensitivity to DNA damage oxidative stress, the main source of endogenous DNA damage. We studied the role of the VRK1 chromatin kinase in the response to oxidative stress. which alters the nuclear pattern of histone epigenetic modifications and phosphoproteome pathways. The early effect of oxidative stress on chromatin was studied by determining the levels of 8-oxoG lesions and the alteration of the epigenetic modification of histones. Oxidative stress caused an accumulation of 8-oxoG DNA lesions that were increased by VRK1 depletion, causing a significant accumulation of DNA strand breaks detected by labeling free 3'-DNA ends. In addition, oxidative stress altered the pattern of chromatin epigenetic marks and the nuclear phosphoproteome pathways that were impaired by VRK1 depletion. Oxidative stress induced the acetylation of H4K16ac and H3K9 and the loss of H3K4me3. The depletion of VRK1 altered all these modifications induced by oxidative stress and resulted in losses of H4K16ac and H3K9ac and increases in the H3K9me3 and H3K4me3 levels. All these changes were induced by the oxidative stress in the epigenetic pattern of histones and impaired by VRK1 depletion, indicating that VRK1 plays a major role in the functional reorganization of chromatin in the response to oxidative stress. The analysis of the nuclear phosphoproteome in response to oxidative stress detected an enrichment of the phosphorylated proteins associated with the chromosome organization and chromatin remodeling pathways, which were significantly decreased by VRK1 depletion. VRK1 depletion alters the histone epigenetic pattern and nuclear phosphoproteome pathways in response to oxidative stress. The enzymes performing post-translational epigenetic modifications are potential targets in synthetic lethality strategies for cancer therapies.

Redox Biomarkers - An Effective Tool for Diagnosing COVID-19 Patients and Convalescents

Aim

COVID-19 triggers the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which, in combination with a weakened antioxidant barrier, can lead to protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation. The aim of this study was to evaluate enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, the overall redox potential, and protein and lipid peroxidation products in COVID-19 patients, convalescents, and healthy subjects, and to the determine the diagnostic applicability of these parameters in COVID-19 patients.

Materials and Methods

The study involved 218 patients with COVID-19, 69 convalescents, and 48 healthy subjects who were selected for the research based on age and sex. The study was conducted between 20 February 2021 and 20 November 2021 in Białystok, Poland. The antioxidant barrier, redox status, and oxidative damage products were assessed in serum/plasma samples with the use of colorimetric and spectrophotometric assays.

Results

Glutathione reductase (GR) activity was higher, whereas total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was lower in COVID-19 patients than in convalescents (p<0.0001) and the control group (p<0.0001). The concentrations of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were higher in COVID-19 patients (p<0.0001) and convalescents (p<0.0001) than in the control group. AGEs were the most effective diagnostic biomarker for differentiating COVID-19 patients from the control group (AUC=0.9971) and convalescents from the control group (AUC=1.000).

Conclusion

An infection with the SARS-CoV-2 disrupts the redox balance and increases protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation. AGEs fulfill the criteria for a potential diagnostic biomarker in COVID-19 patients and convalescents.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) micro- and nanoplastic particles affect the mitochondrial efficiency of human brain vascular pericytes without inducing oxidative stress

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the influence of micro- and nanoplastic particles composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a significant contributor to plastic pollution, on human brain vascular pericytes. Specifically, we delved into their impact on mitochondrial functionality, oxidative stress, and the expression of genes associated with oxidative stress, ferroptosis and mitochondrial functions. Our findings demonstrate that the exposure of a monoculture of human brain vascular pericytes to PET particles in vitro at a concentration of 50 μg/ml for a duration of 3, 6 and 10 days did not elicit oxidative stress. Notably, we observed a reduction in various aspects of mitochondrial respiration, including maximal respiration, spare respiratory capacity, and ATP production in pericytes subjected to PET particles for 3 days, with a mitochondrial function recovery at 6 and 10 days. Furthermore, there were no statistically significant alterations in mitochondrial DNA copy number, or in the expression of genes linked to oxidative stress and ferroptosis, but an increase of the expression of the gene mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) was noted at 3 days exposure. These outcomes suggest that, at a concentration of 50 μg/ml, PET particles do not induce oxidative stress in human brain vascular pericytes. Instead, at 3 days exposure, PET exposure impairs mitochondrial functions, but this is recovered at 6-day exposure. This seems to indicate a potential mitochondrial hormesis response (mitohormesis) is incited, involving the gene TFAM. Further investigations are warranted to explore the stages of mitohormesis and the potential consequences of plastics on the integrity of the blood-brain barrier and intercellular interactions. This research contributes to our comprehension of the potential repercussions of nanoplastic pollution on human health and underscores the imperative need for ongoing examinations into the exposure to plastic particles.

Kdm6a-CNN1 axis orchestrates epigenetic control of trauma-induced spinal cord microvascular endothelial cell senescence to balance neuroinflammation for improved neurological repair

Cellular senescence assumes pivotal roles in various diseases through the secretion of proinflammatory factors. Despite extensive investigations into vascular senescence associated with aging and degenerative diseases, the molecular mechanisms governing microvascular endothelial cell senescence induced by traumatic stress, particularly its involvement in senescence-induced inflammation, remain insufficiently elucidated. In this study, we present a comprehensive demonstration and characterization of microvascular endothelial cell senescence induced by spinal cord injury (SCI). Lysine demethylase 6A (Kdm6a), commonly known as UTX, emerges as a crucial regulator of cell senescence in injured spinal cord microvascular endothelial cells (SCMECs). Upregulation of UTX induces senescence in SCMECs, leading to an amplified release of proinflammatory factors, specifically the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) components, thereby modulating the inflammatory microenvironment. Conversely, the deletion of UTX in endothelial cells shields SCMECs against senescence, mitigates the release of proinflammatory SASP factors, and promotes neurological functional recovery after SCI. UTX forms an epigenetic regulatory axis by binding to calponin 1 (CNN1), orchestrating trauma-induced SCMECs senescence and SASP secretion, thereby influencing neuroinflammation and neurological functional repair. Furthermore, local delivery of a senolytic drug reduces senescent SCMECs and suppresses proinflammatory SASP secretion, reinstating a local regenerative microenvironment and enhancing functional repair after SCI. In conclusion, targeting the UTX-CNN1 epigenetic axis to prevent trauma-induced SCMECs senescence holds the potential to inhibit SASP secretion, alleviate neuroinflammation, and provide a novel treatment strategy for SCI repair.

Investigating the Neuroprotective and Cognitive-Enhancing Effects of Bacopa monnieri: A Systematic Review Focused on Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Apoptosis

The aging of the global population has increased the prevalence of neurodegenerative conditions. Bacopa monnieri (BM), an herb with active compounds, such as bacosides A and B, betulinic acid, loliolide, asiatic acid, and quercetin, demonstrates the potential for brain health. Limited research has been conducted on the therapeutic applications of BM in neurodegenerative conditions. This systematic review aims to project BM's beneficial role in brain disorders. BM has anti-apoptotic and antioxidant actions and can repair damaged neurons, stimulate kinase activity, restore synaptic function, improve nerve transmission, and increase neuroprotection. The included twenty-two clinical trials demonstrated that BM can reduce Nuclear Factor-κB phosphorylation, improve emotional function, cognitive functions, anhedonia, hyperactivity, sleep routine, depression, attention deficit, learning problems, memory retention, impulsivity, and psychiatric problems. Moreover, BM can reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress. Here, we highlight that BM provides notable therapeutic benefits and can serve as a complementary approach for the care of patients with neurodegenerative conditions associated with brain disorders. This review adds to the growing interest in natural products and their potential therapeutic applications by improving our understanding of the mechanisms underlying cognitive function and neurodegeneration and informing the development of new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.

Trioxidized cysteine in the aging proteome mimics the structural dynamics and interactome of phosphorylated serine

Aging is the primary risk factor for the development of numerous human chronic diseases. On a molecular level, it significantly impacts the regulation of protein modifications, leading to the accumulation of degenerative protein modifications (DPMs) such as aberrant serine phosphorylation (p-Ser) and trioxidized cysteine (t-Cys) within the proteome. The altered p-Ser is linked to abnormal cell signaling, while the accumulation of t-Cys is associated with chronic diseases induced by oxidative stress. Despite this, the potential cross-effects and functional interplay between these two critical molecular factors of aging remain undisclosed. This study analyzes the aging proteome of wild-type C57BL/6NTac mice over 2 years using advanced proteomics and bioinformatics. Our objective is to provide a comprehensive analysis of how t-Cys affects cell signaling and protein structure in the aging process. The results obtained indicate that t-Cys residues accumulate in the aging proteome, interact with p-Ser interacting enzymes, as validated in vitro, and alter their structures similarly to p-Ser. These findings have significant implications for understanding the interplay of oxidative stress and phosphorylation in the aging process. Additionally, they open new venues for further research on the role(s) of these protein modifications in various human chronic diseases and aging, wherein exacerbated oxidation and aberrant phosphorylation are implicated.

Murburn posttranslational modifications of proteins: Cellular redox processes and murzyme-mediated metabolo-proteomics

Murburn concept constitutes the thesis that diffusible reactive species or DRS are obligatorily involved in routine metabolic and physiological activities. Murzymes are defined as biomolecules/proteins that generate/modulate/sustain/utilize DRS. Murburn posttranslational modifications (PTMs) result because murburn/murzyme functionalism is integral to cellular existence. Cells must incorporate the inherently stochastic nature of operations mediated by DRS. Due to the earlier/inertial stigmatic perception that DRS are mere agents of chaos, several such outcomes were either understood as deterministic modulations sponsored by house-keeping enzymes or deemed as unregulated nonenzymatic events resulting out of "oxidative stress". In the current review, I dispel the myths around DRS-functions, and undertake systematic parsing and analyses of murburn modifications of proteins. Although it is impossible to demarcate all PTMs into the classical or murburn modalities, telltale signs of the latter are evident from the relative inaccessibility of the locus, non-specificities and mechanistic details. It is pointed out that while many murburn PTMs may be harmless, some others could have deleterious or beneficial physiological implications. Some details of reversible/irreversible modifications of amino acid residues and cofactors that may be subjected to phosphorylation, halogenation, glycosylation, alkylation/acetylation, hydroxylation/oxidation, etc. are listed, along with citations of select proteins where such modifications have been reported. The contexts of these modifications and their significance in (patho)physiology/aging and therapy are also presented. With more balanced explorations and statistically verified data, a definitive understanding of normal versus pathological contexts of murburn modifications would be obtainable in the future.

Cellular senescence of renal tubular epithelial cells in acute kidney injury

Cellular senescence represents an irreversible state of cell-cycle arrest during which cells secrete senescence-associated secretory phenotypes, including inflammatory factors and chemokines. Additionally, these cells exhibit an apoptotic resistance phenotype. Cellular senescence serves a pivotal role not only in embryonic development, tissue regeneration, and tumor suppression but also in the pathogenesis of age-related degenerative diseases, malignancies, metabolic diseases, and kidney diseases. The senescence of renal tubular epithelial cells (RTEC) constitutes a critical cellular event in the progression of acute kidney injury (AKI). RTEC senescence inhibits renal regeneration and repair processes and, concurrently, promotes the transition of AKI to chronic kidney disease via the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. The mechanisms underlying cellular senescence are multifaceted and include telomere shortening or damage, DNA damage, mitochondrial autophagy deficiency, cellular metabolic disorders, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and epigenetic regulation. Strategies aimed at inhibiting RTEC senescence, targeting the clearance of senescent RTEC, or promoting the apoptosis of senescent RTEC hold promise for enhancing the renal prognosis of AKI. This review primarily focuses on the characteristics and mechanisms of RTEC senescence, and the impact of intervening RTEC senescence on the prognosis of AKI, aiming to provide a foundation for understanding the pathogenesis and providing potentially effective approaches for AKI treatment.

Plant molecules reinforce bone repair: Novel insights into phenol-modified bone tissue engineering scaffolds for the treatment of bone defects

Bone defects have become a major cause of disability and death. To overcome the limitations of natural bone implants, including donor shortages and immune rejection risks, bone tissue engineering (BTE) scaffolds have emerged as a promising therapy for bone defects. Despite possessing good biocompatibility, these metal, ceramic and polymer-based scaffolds are still challenged by the harsh conditions in bone defect sites. ROS accumulation, bacterial infection, excessive inflammation, compromised blood supply deficiency and tumor recurrence negatively impact bone tissue cells (BTCs) and hinder the osteointegration of BTE scaffolds. Phenolic compounds, derived from plants and fruits, have gained growing application in treating inflammatory, infectious and aging-related diseases due to their antioxidant ability conferred by phenolic hydroxyl groups. The prevalent interactions between phenols and functional groups also facilitate their utilization in fabricating scaffolds. Consequently, phenols are increasingly incorporated into BTE scaffolds to boost therapeutic efficacy in bone defect. This review demonstrated the effects of phenols on BTCs and bone defect microenvironment, summarized the intrinsic mechanisms, presented the advances in phenol-modified BTE scaffolds and analyzed their potential risks in practical applications. Overall, phenol-modified BTE scaffolds hold great potential for repairing bone defects, offering novel patterns for BTE scaffold construction and advancing traumatological medicine.

Association between oxidative balance score and prostate specific antigen among older US adults

Objective

Oxidative Balance Score (OBS) is an index affecting the oxidative stress of dietary and lifestyle factors. We aimed to explore the association of OBS with prostate specific antigen (PSA) among older males.

Methods

A total of 5,136 samples were collected in this study to investigate the relationship between OBS and PSA from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline were used to assess the associations between OBS and PSA.

Results

Compared with the Q1 group, the odds ratios for the association between OBS and PSA were 1.005 (1.003, 1.009), 1.003 (1.001, 1.006), and 1.001 (0.978, 1.022) for Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively. In the age-specific analyses, the association was significant among individuals aged 65 years old and over: the odds ratios for the association between OBS and PSA were 1.019 (1.005, 1.028), 1.028 (1.018, 1.039), and 1.038 (1.022, 1.049) for Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively. But it was not significant among individuals aged less than 65 years old: the odds ratios for the association between OBS and PSA were 1.016 (0.995, 1.026), 1.015 (0.985, 1.022), and 0.988 (0.978, 1.016) for Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively. The restricted cubic splines also indicated a nonlinear relationship between OBS and PSA among individuals aged 65 years old and over (Poverall = 0.006, Pnonlinear = 0.021).

Conclusion

Our findings provide evidence that OBS is positively associated with higher levels of PSA among older adults. Further large-scale prospective cohort studies are needed to verify our findings.

Association of dietary inflammatory potential, dietary oxidative balance score and biological aging

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The interaction between diet, inflammation, and oxidative stress significantly influences aging, but the available evidence has been limited. We evaluated potential associations of dietary inflammatory index (DII), dietary oxidative balance score (DOBS), and measures of biological aging.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was performed among 8839 individuals from NHANES 2003-2014. DII and DOBS were determined by aggregating data from 26 to 17 a priori selected dietary components. Biological aging metrics included homeostatic dysregulation (HD), Klemera-Doubal method (KDM), phenotypic age (PA), and allostatic load (AL). Binomial logistic regression models and multivariate linear regression models were conducted.

RESULTS

The associations of dietary inflammation and oxidative stress potential and biological aging metrics were significant among American adults nationwide. Consuming foods with higher DII was significantly associated with accelerated HD 1.26 (1.10, 1.44), KDM 1.24 (1.06, 1.45), and PA 1.54 (1.33, 1.78). Compared with the lowest DOBS, the hazard ratios of accelerated HD, KDM, PA, and AL were 0.74 (0.64, 0.86), 0.80 (0.70, 0.92), 0.61 (0.52, 0.72) and 0.78 (0.63, 0.97), respectively. The adverse effects of pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidative diets on accelerated HD, KDM, and PA were 1.39 (1.18, 1.62), 1.28 (1.08, 1.51), and 1.76 (1.47, 2.10). Serum AST/ALT ratio and globulin were implicated in and mediate the aging effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher DII and/or lower DOBS are associated with higher markers of biological aging. Our research elucidates that diets may mitigate biological aging resulting from inflammation and/or oxidative stress.

Emerging role and therapeutic implications of p53 in intervertebral disc degeneration

Lower back pain (LBP) is a common degenerative musculoskeletal disease that imposes a huge economic burden on both individuals and society. With the aggravation of social aging, the incidence of LBP has increased globally. Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the primary cause of LBP. Currently, IDD treatment strategies include physiotherapy, medication, and surgery; however, none can address the root cause by ending the degeneration of intervertebral discs (IVDs). However, in recent years, targeted therapy based on specific molecules has brought hope for treating IDD. The tumor suppressor gene p53 produces a transcription factor that regulates cell metabolism and survival. Recently, p53 was shown to play an important role in maintaining IVD microenvironment homeostasis by regulating IVD cell senescence, apoptosis, and metabolism by activating downstream target genes. This study reviews research progress regarding the potential role of p53 in IDD and discusses the challenges of targeting p53 in the treatment of IDD. This review will help to elucidate the pathogenesis of IDD and provide insights for the future development of precision treatments.

Phenylacetylglutamine and trimethylamine N-oxide: Two uremic players, different actions

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients exhibit a heightened cardiovascular (CV) risk which may be partially explained by increased medial vascular calcification. Although gut-derived uremic toxin trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is associated with calcium-phosphate deposition, studies investigating phenylacetylglutamine's (PAG) pro-calcifying potential are missing.

METHODS

The effect of TMAO and PAG in vascular calcification was investigated using 120 kidney failure patients undergoing living-donor kidney transplantation (LD-KTx), in an observational, cross-sectional manner. Uremic toxin concentrations were related to coronary artery calcification (CAC) score, epigastric artery calcification score, and markers of established non-traditional risk factors that constitute to the 'perfect storm' that drives early vascular aging in this patient population. Vascular smooth muscle cells were incubated with TMAO or PAG to determine their calcifying effects in vitro and analyse associated pathways by which these toxins may promote vascular calcification.

RESULTS

TMAO, but not PAG, was independently associated with CAC score after adjustment for CKD-related risk factors in kidney failure patients. Neither toxin was associated with epigastric artery calcification score; however, PAG was independently, positively associated with 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine. Similarly, TMAO, but not PAG, promoted calcium-phosphate deposition in vitro, while both uremic solutes induced oxidative stress.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our translational data confirm TMAO's pro-calcifying effects, but both toxins induced free radical production detrimental to vascular maintenance. Our findings suggest these gut-derived uremic toxins have different actions on the vessel wall and therapeutically targeting TMAO may help reduce CV-related mortality in CKD.

Nrf2: A promising therapeutic target in bone-related diseases

Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays an important role in maintaining cellular homeostasis, as it suppresses cell damage caused by external stimuli by regulating the transcription of intracellular defense-related genes. Accumulating evidence has highlighted the crucial role of reduction-oxidation (REDOX) imbalance in the development of bone-related diseases. Nrf2, a transcription factor linked to nuclear factor-erythrocyte 2, plays a pivotal role in the regulation of oxidative stress and induction of antioxidant defenses. Therefore, further investigation of the mechanism and function of Nrf2 in bone-related diseases is essential. Considerable evidence suggests that increased nuclear transcription of Nrf2 in response to external stimuli promotes the expression of intracellular antioxidant-related genes, which in turn leads to the inhibition of bone remodeling imbalance, improved fracture recovery, reduced occurrence of osteoarthritis, and greater tumor resistance. Certain natural extracts can selectively target Nrf2, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for osteogenic arthropathy. In this article, the biological characteristics of Nrf2 are reviewed, the intricate interplay between Nrf2-regulated REDOX imbalance and bone-related diseases is explored, and the potential preventive and protective effects of natural products targeting Nrf2 in these diseases are elucidated. A comprehensive understanding of the role of Nrf2 in the development of bone-related diseases provides valuable insights into clinical interventions and can facilitate the discovery of novel Nrf2-targeting drugs.

Mixed and non-competitive enzyme inhibition: underlying mechanisms and mechanistic irrelevance of the formal two-site model

The formal mechanism of linear mixed and non-competitive enzyme inhibition implies the binding of inhibitors to both the active site of the free enzyme in competition with the substrate, and to an allosteric site on the enzyme-substrate complex. However, it is evident from a review of the scientific literature that the two-site mechanism is frequently mistaken as the actual underlying mechanism of mixed inhibition. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of the mechanistic relevance of this type of inhibition using a statistical approach. By combining a statistical analysis of the inhibition cases documented in the BRENDA database with a theoretical investigation of inhibition models, we conclude that mixed inhibitors exclusively bind to the active site of enzymes. Hence ruling out any implication of allosteric sites and depriving the two-site model of any mechanistic relevance.

The rosetta stone of successful ageing: does oral health have a role?

Ageing is an inevitable aspect of life and thus successful ageing is an important focus of recent scientific efforts. The biological process of ageing is mediated through the interaction of genes with environmental factors, increasing the body's susceptibility to insults. Elucidating this process will increase our ability to prevent and treat age-related disease and consequently extend life expectancy. Notably, centenarians offer a unique perspective on the phenomenon of ageing. Current research highlights several age-associated alterations on the genetic, epigenetic and proteomic level. Consequently, nutrient sensing and mitochondrial function are altered, resulting in inflammation and exhaustion of regenerative ability.Oral health, an important contributor to overall health, remains underexplored in the context of extreme longevity. Good masticatory function ensures sufficient nutrient uptake, reducing morbidity and mortality in old age. The relationship between periodontal disease and systemic inflammatory pathologies is well established. Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease are among the most significant disease burdens influenced by inflammatory oral health conditions. Evidence suggests that the interaction is bi-directional, impacting progression, severity and mortality. Current models of ageing and longevity neglect an important factor in overall health and well-being, a gap that this review intends to illustrate and inspire avenues for future research.

DeepMPSF: A Deep Learning Network for Predicting General Protein Phosphorylation Sites Based on Multiple Protein Sequence Features

Phosphorylation, as one of the most important post-translational modifications, plays a key role in various cellular physiological processes and disease occurrences. In recent years, computer technology has been gradually applied to the prediction of protein phosphorylation sites. However, most existing methods rely on simple protein sequence features that provide limited contextual information. To overcome this limitation, we propose DeepMPSF, a phosphorylation site prediction model based on multiple protein sequence features. There are two types of features: sequence semantic features, which comprise protein residue type information and relative position information within protein sequence, and protein background biophysical features, which include global semantic information containing more comprehensive protein background information obtained from pretrained models. To extract these features, DeepMPSF employs two separate subnetworks: the S71SFE module and the BBFE module, which automatically extract high-level semantic features. Our model incorporates a learning strategy for handling imbalanced datasets through ensemble learning during training and prediction. DeepMPSF is trained and evaluated on a well-established dataset of human proteins. Comparing the analysis with other benchmark methods reveals that DeepMPSF outperforms in predicting both S/T residues and Y residues. In particular, DeepMPSF showed excellent generalization performance in cross-species blind test performance, with an average improvement of 5.63%/5.72%, 22.28%/25.94%, 20.11%/17.49%, and 26.40%/28.33% for Mus musculus/Rattus norvegicus test sets in area under curves (AUCs) of ROC curve, AUC of the PR curve, F1-score, and MCC metrics, respectively. Furthermore, it also shows excellent performance in the latest updated case of natural proteins with functional phosphorylation sites. Through an ablation study and visual analysis, we uncover that the design of different feature modules significantly contributes to the accurate classification of DeepMPSF, which provides valuable insights for predicting phosphorylation sites and offers effective support for future downstream research.

Research and publication trends on knee osteoarthritis and cellular senescence: a bibliometric analysis

Background: Cellular senescence is associated with age-related pathological changes, senescent cells promote the development of knee osteoarthritis. A better understanding between knee osteoarthritis and cellular senescence may enhance the effectiveness of therapies that aim to slow or stop the progression of this disease. Purpose: This study aimed to systematically analyze and visualize the publication trends, research frontiers and current research hotspots of knee osteoarthritis and cellular senescence by using bibliometrics. Methods: The publication search was performed on the Web of Science Core Collection database for documents published from 1992 to 2023. VOSviewer, Citespace, R package Bibliometrix and Microsoft Office Excel were used to study the characteristics of the publications. The publication number, countries, institutions, authors, journals, citations and co-citations, keywords were analyzed. Results: A total of 1,074 publications were analyzed, with an average annual growth rate of 29.89%. United States accounted for the biggest contributor, ranked first in publications and citations. Publications of this field were published in 420 journals, OSTEOARTHRITIS and CARTILAGE was the most influential. A total of 5,657 authors contributed to this research. The most productive author was Lotz, MK (n = 31, H-index = 22, Total citation = 2,619), followed by Loeser, R.F (n = 16, H-index = 14, Total citation = 2,825). However, the collaboration between authors was relatively weak. Out of the 1,556 institutions involved, 60% were from the United States. Scripps Research ranked first with 25 papers and a total of 2,538 citations. The hotspots of this field had focused on the pathomechanisms (e.g., expression, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, oxidative stress) and therapeutics (e.g., stem cell, platelet-rich plasma, transplantation, autologous chondrocytes, repair), and the exploration of Senolytics might be the important direction of future research. Conclusion: Research on the cross field of knee osteoarthritis and cellular senescence is flourishing. Age-related pathomechanism maps of various cells in the joint and the targeted medicines for the senescent cells may be the future trends. This bibliometric study provides a comprehensive analysis of this cross field and new insights into future research.

Therapeutic application of traditional Chinese medicine in kidney disease: Sirtuins as potential targets

Sirtuins are a family of NAD+ III-dependent histone deacetylases that consists of seven family members, Sirt1-Sirt7, which regulate various signalling pathways and are involved in many critical biological processes of kidney diseases. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as an essential part of the global healthcare system, has multi-component and multi-pathway therapeutic characteristics and plays a role in preventing and controlling various diseases. Through ongoing collaboration with modern medicine, TCM has recently achieved many remarkable advancements in theoretical investigation, mechanistic research, and clinical applications related to kidney diseases. Therefore, a comprehensive and systematic summary of TCM that focuses on sirtuins as the intervention target for kidney diseases is necessary. This review introduces the relationship between abnormal sirtuins levels and common kidney diseases, such as diabetic kidney disease and acute kidney injury. Based on the standard biological processes, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, autophagy, mitochondrial homeostasis, and fibrosis, which are underlying kidney diseases, comprehensively describes the roles and regulatory effects of TCM targeting the sirtuins family in various kidney diseases.

RNA-binding deficient TDP-43 drives cognitive decline in a mouse model of TDP-43 proteinopathy

TDP-43 proteinopathies including frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are neurodegenerative disorders characterized by aggregation and mislocalization of the nucleic acid-binding protein TDP-43 and subsequent neuronal dysfunction. Here, we developed endogenous models of sporadic TDP-43 proteinopathy based on the principle that disease-associated TDP-43 acetylation at lysine 145 (K145) alters TDP-43 conformation, impairs RNA-binding capacity, and induces downstream mis-regulation of target genes. Expression of acetylation-mimic TDP-43K145Q resulted in stress-induced nuclear TDP-43 foci and loss of TDP-43 function in primary mouse and human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cortical neurons. Mice harboring the TDP-43K145Q mutation recapitulated key hallmarks of FTLD, including progressive TDP-43 phosphorylation and insolubility, TDP-43 mis-localization, transcriptomic and splicing alterations, and cognitive dysfunction. Our study supports a model in which TDP-43 acetylation drives neuronal dysfunction and cognitive decline through aberrant splicing and transcription of critical genes that regulate synaptic plasticity and stress response signaling. The neurodegenerative cascade initiated by TDP-43 acetylation recapitulates many aspects of human FTLD and provides a new paradigm to further interrogate TDP-43 proteinopathies.

Overview of angiogenesis and oxidative stress in cancer

Neoplasms can be considered as a group of aberrant cells that need more vascular supply to fulfill all their functions. Therefore, they promote angiogenesis through the same neovascularization pathway used physiologically. Angiogenesis is a process characterized by a heterogeneous distribution of oxygen caused by the tumor and oxidative stress; the latter being one of the most powerful stimuli of angiogenesis. As a result of altered tumor metabolism due to hypoxia, acidosis occurs. The angiogenic process and oxidative stress can be detected by measuring serum and tissue biomarkers. The study of the mechanisms underlying angiogenesis and oxidative stress could lead to the identification of new biomarkers, ameliorating the selection of patients with neoplasms and the prediction of their response to possible anti-tumor therapies. In particular, in the treatment of patients with similar clinical tumor phenotypes but different prognoses, the new biomarkers could be useful. Moreover, they may lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying drug resistance. Experimental studies show that blocking the vascular supply results in antiproliferative activity in vivo in neuroendocrine tumor cells, which require a high vascular supply.

The role of cannabidiol in aging

Aging is usually considered a key risk factor associated with multiple diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Furthermore, the burden of age-related diseases has become a global challenge. It is of great significance to search for drugs to extend lifespan and healthspan. Cannabidiol (CBD), a natural nontoxic phytocannabinoid, has been regarded as a potential candidate drug for antiaging. An increasing number of studies have suggested that CBD could benefit healthy longevity. Herein, we summarized the effect of CBD on aging and analyzed the possible mechanism. All these conclusions may provide a perspective for further study of CBD on aging.

Cell Survival, Death, and Proliferation in Senescent and Cancer Cells: the Role of (Poly)phenols

Cellular senescence has long been considered a permanent state of cell cycle arrest occurring in proliferating cells subject to different stressors, used as a cellular defense mechanism from acquiring potentially harmful genetic faults. However, recent studies highlight that senescent cells might also alter the local tissue environment and concur to chronic inflammation and cancer risk by secreting inflammatory and matrix remodeling factors, acquiring a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Indeed, during aging and age-related diseases, senescent cells amass in mammalian tissues, likely contributing to the inevitable loss of tissue function as we age. Cellular senescence has thus become one potential target to tackle age-associated diseases as well as cancer development. One important aspect characterizing senescent cells is their telomere length. Telomeres shorten as a consequence of multiple cellular replications, gradually leading to permanent cell cycle arrest, known as replicative senescence. Interestingly, in the large majority of cancer cells, a senescence escape strategy is used and telomere length is maintained by telomerase, thus favoring cancer initiation and tumor survival. There is growing evidence showing how (poly)phenols can impact telomere maintenance through different molecular mechanisms depending on dose and cell phenotypes. Although normally, (poly)phenols maintain telomere length and support telomerase activity, in cancer cells this activity is negatively modulated, thus accelerating telomere attrition and promoting cancer cell death. Some (poly)phenols have also been shown to exert senolytic activity, thus suggesting both antiaging (directly eliminating senescent cells) and anticancer (indirectly, via SASP inhibition) potentials. In this review, we analyze selective (poly)phenol mechanisms in senescent and cancer cells to discriminate between in vitro and in vivo evidence and human applications considering (poly)phenol bioavailability, the influence of the gut microbiota, and their dose-response effects.

Oxidative Stress as a Regulatory Checkpoint in the Production of Antiphospholipid Autoantibodies: The Protective Role of NRF2 Pathway

Oxidative stress is a well-known hallmark of Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS), a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by arterial and venous thrombosis and/or pregnancy morbidity. Oxidative stress may affect various signaling pathways and biological processes, promoting dysfunctional immune responses and inflammation, inducing apoptosis, deregulating autophagy and impairing mitochondrial function. The chronic oxidative stress and the dysregulation of the immune system leads to the loss of tolerance, which drives autoantibody production and inflammation with the development of endothelial dysfunction. In particular, anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL), which target phospholipids and/or phospholipid binding proteins, mainly β-glycoprotein I (β-GPI), play a functional role in the cell signal transduction pathway(s), thus contributing to oxidative stress and thrombotic events. An oxidation-antioxidant imbalance may be detected in the blood of patients with APS as a reflection of disease progression. This review focuses on functional evidence highlighting the role of oxidative stress in the initiation and progression of APS. The protective role of food supplements and Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (NRF2) activators in APS patients will be summarized to point out the potential of these therapeutic approaches to reduce APS-related clinical complications.

Histone modifications in cocaine, methamphetamine and opioids

Cocaine, methamphetamine and opioids are leading causes of drug abuse-related deaths worldwide. In recent decades, several studies revealed the connection between and epigenetics. Neural cells acquire epigenetic alterations that drive the onset and progress of the SUD by modifying the histone residues in brain reward circuitry. Histone modifications, especially acetylation and methylation, participate in the regulation of gene expression. These alterations, as well as other host and microenvironment factors, are associated with a serious of negative neurocognitive disfunctions in various patient populations. In this review, we highlight the evidence that substantially increase the field's ability to understand the molecular actions underlying SUD and summarize the potential approaches for SUD pharmacotherapy.

Renal function is a major predictor of circulating acyl-CoA-binding protein/diazepam-binding inhibitor

Objective

Acyl-CoA-binding protein (ACBP)/diazepam-binding inhibitor has lately been described as an endocrine factor affecting food intake and lipid metabolism. ACBP is dysregulated in catabolic/malnutrition states like sepsis or systemic inflammation. However, regulation of ACBP has not been investigated in conditions with impaired kidney function, so far.

Design/methods

Serum ACBP concentrations were investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay i) in a cohort of 60 individuals with kidney failure (KF) on chronic haemodialysis and compared to 60 individuals with a preserved kidney function; and ii) in a human model of acute kidney dysfunction (AKD). In addition, mACBP mRNA expression was assessed in two CKD mouse models and in two distinct groups of non-CKD mice. Further, mRNA expression of mACBP was measured in vitro in isolated, differentiated mouse adipocytes - brown and white - after exposure to the uremic agent indoxyl sulfate.

Results

Median [interquartile range] serum ACBP was almost 20-fold increased in KF (514.0 [339.3] µg/l) compared to subjects without KF (26.1 [39.1] µg/l) (p<0.001). eGFR was the most important, inverse predictor of circulating ACBP in multivariate analysis (standardized β=-0.839; p<0.001). Furthermore, AKD increased ACBP concentrations almost 3-fold (p<0.001). Increased ACBP levels were not caused by augmented mACBP mRNA expression in different tissues of CKD mice in vivo or in indoxyl sulfate-treated adipocytes in vitro.

Conclusions

Circulating ACBP inversely associates with renal function, most likely through renal retention of the cytokine. Future studies need to investigate ACBP physiology in malnutrition-related disease states, such as CKD, and to adjust for markers of renal function.

Accelerated Vascular Aging in Chronic Kidney Disease: The Potential for Novel Therapies

The pathophysiology of vascular disease is linked to accelerated biological aging and a combination of genetic, lifestyle, biological, and environmental risk factors. Within the scenario of uncontrolled artery wall aging processes, CKD (chronic kidney disease) stands out as a valid model for detailed structural, functional, and molecular studies of this process. The cardiorenal syndrome relates to the detrimental bidirectional interplay between the kidney and the cardiovascular system. In addition to established risk factors, this group of patients is subjected to a plethora of other emerging vascular risk factors, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, vitamin K deficiency, cellular senescence, somatic mutations, epigenetic modifications, and increased apoptosis. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms through which the uremic milieu triggers and maintains early vascular aging processes, has provided important new clues on inflammatory pathways and emerging risk factors alike, and to the altered behavior of cells in the arterial wall. Advances in the understanding of the biology of uremic early vascular aging opens avenues to novel pharmacological and nutritional therapeutic interventions. Such strategies hold promise to improve future prevention and treatment of early vascular aging not only in CKD but also in the elderly general population.

Solid lipid nanoparticles cyclodextrin-decorated incorporated into gellan gum-based dry floating in situ delivery systems for controlled release of bioactive compounds of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius. L): A proof of concept study in biorelevant media

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) has been explored as a source of natural antioxidant. However, quercetin 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside and luteolin 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, as its bioactive compounds, possessed poor aqueous solubility, limiting its efficacy. Here, we developed solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) decorated with hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) incorporated into dry floating gel in situ systems to control the release of both compounds. Using Geleol® as a lipid matrix, SLNs were <200 nm in size with >80 % of encapsulation efficiency. Importantly, following the decoration using HPβCD, the stability of SLNs in gastric environment was significantly improved. Furthermore, the solubility of both compounds was also enhanced. The incorporation of SLNs into gellan gum-based floating gel in situ provided desired flow and floating properties, with <30 s gelation time. The floating gel in situ system could control the release of bioactive compounds in FaSSGF (Fasted-State Simulated Gastric Fluid). Furthermore, to assess the effect of food intake on release behavior, we found that the formulation could show a sustained release pattern in FeSSGF (Fed-State Simulated Gastric Fluid) for 24 h after being released in FaSGGF for 2 h. This indicated that this combination approach could be a promising oral delivery for bioactive compounds in safflower.

Prevalence of Dental Caries in Patients on Renal Replacement Therapy-A Systematic Review

Patients under renal replacement therapy (RRT) often show oral problems, including dry mouth, periodontal and dental diseases. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the caries burden in patients on RRT. Therefore, a systematic literature search based on the databases PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus was performed by two independent individuals in August 2022. Search terms were: "caries" AND "dialysis", "caries" AND "renal replacement therapy", "caries" AND "kidney". The systematic process was complemented by manual search. Studies on adult patients (age ≥ 18 years), treated by any form of RRT and explicitly reporting caries prevalence or incidence were checked for their eligibility and subsequently analyzed qualitatively. For all included studies, a quality appraisal was applied. From the systematic search, 653 studies were identified, of which 33 clinical investigations were included in the qualitative analysis. The majority (31 studies) of all included patients underwent hemodialysis (HD), with a sample size between 28 and 512 participants. Eleven studies investigated a healthy control group. Oral examinations were heterogeneous across studies; the caries burden was primarily assessed by decayed-(D-T), missing- and filled-teeth index (DMF-T). The number of decayed teeth ranged between 0.7 and 3.87 across studies. Only six out of these 11 studies found significant differences in caries prevalence/incidence between RRT and controls, whereby only four studies confirmed worse caries burden in RRT individuals. No information was provided on caries stadium (initial caries, advanced caries, invasive treatment need), caries activity or location (e.g., root caries) across studies. Most of the included studies were assessed to be of moderate quality. In conclusion, patients on RRT suffer from a high prevalence of dental caries. Alongside a need for further research in the field, improved, multidisciplinary, patient-centered dental care concepts are required to support dental and overall oral health in individuals on RRT.

Antifibrotic Soluble Thy-1 Correlates with Renal Dysfunction in Chronic Kidney Disease

Kidney fibrosis is a major culprit in the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), ultimately leading to the irreversible loss of organ function. Thymocyte differentiation antigen-1 (Thy-1) controls many core functions of fibroblasts relevant to fibrogenesis but is also found in a soluble form (sThy-1) in serum and urine. We investigated the association of sThy-1 with clinical parameters in patients with CKD receiving hemodialysis treatment compared to individuals with a preserved renal function. Furthermore, Thy-1 tissue expression was detected in a mouse model of diabetic CKD (eNOS^-/-; db/db) and non-diabetic control mice (eNOS^-/-). Serum and urinary sThy-1 concentrations significantly increased with deteriorating renal function, independent of the presence of diabetes. Serum creatinine is the major, independent, and inverse predictor of serum sThy-1 levels. Moreover, sThy-1 is not only predicted by markers of renal function but is also itself an independent and strong predictor of markers of renal function, i.e., serum creatinine. Mice with severe diabetic CKD show increased Thy-1 mRNA and protein expression in the kidney compared to control animals, as well as elevated urinary sThy-1 levels. Pro-fibrotic mediators, such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, IL-6 and transforming growth factor β, increase Thy-1 gene expression and release of sThy-1 from fibroblasts. Our data underline the role of Thy-1 in the control of kidney fibrosis in CKD and raise the opportunity that Thy-1 may function as a renal antifibrotic factor.

Chronic Kidney Disease and the Exposome of Ageing

The gap between improvements in lifespan and age-related health is widening. Globally, the demographic of ageing is increasing and there has emerged a 'diseasome of ageing', typified by a range of non-communicable diseases which share a common underlying component of a dysregulated ageing process. Within this, chronic kidney disease is an emerging global epidemic.The extensive inter-individual variation displayed in how people age and how their diseasome manifests and progresses, has required a renewed focus on their life course exposures and the interplay between the environment and the (epi)genome. Termed the exposome, life course abiotic and biotic factors have a significant impact on renal health.We explore how the exposome of renal ageing can predispose and affect CKD progression. We discuss how the kidney can be used as a model to understand the impact of the exposome in health and chronic kidney disease and how this might be manipulated to improve health span.Notably, we discuss the manipulation of the foodome to mitigate acceleration of ageing processes by phosphate and to explore use of emerging senotherapies. A range of senotherapies, for removing senescent cells, diminishing inflammatory burden and either directly targeting Nrf2, or manipulating it indirectly via modification of the microbiome are discussed.

Catalpol induces apoptosis in breast cancer in vitro and in vivo: Involvement of mitochondria apoptosis pathway and post-translational modifications

Breast cancer is a fatal cancer with the highest mortality in female. New strategies for anti-breast cancer are still urgently needed. Catalpol, an iridoid glycoside extracted from the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Rehmannia glutinosa, has shown anticancer efficacy in various cancer cells. However, its effect on breast cancer remains unclear. In this study, we aim to investigate the anti-breast cancer activity of catalpol and elucidate its underlying mechanism. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and morphology change showed that catalpol could inhibit the proliferation and viability of MCF-7 cells. Catalpol administration reduced the tumor volume in xenograft model. Catalpol induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells confirmed by Hoechst 33342 staining and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining. In vivo, catalpol also induced apoptosis as seen from the increased level of terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) in tumor. According to JC-1 and Dichlorodi-hydrofluorescein Diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was found in MCF-7 cells treated with catalpol. Furthermore, catalpol also increased the level of cytoplasmic cytochrome c and activity of caspase-3 in MCF-7 cells. Likewise, histopathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) assay also found that catalpol enhanced the levels of cytochrome c and caspase-3 in breast cancer tissues. Ultimately, acetylation, 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation and lactylation were dramatically increased, whereas succinylation, malonylation and phosphorylation were markedly decreased in the breast cancer tumor treated with catalpol. Taken together, catalpol inhibited breast cancer in vitro and in vivo through induction of apoptosis via mitochondria apoptosis pathway and regulation of protein post-translational modifications (PTMs). Thus, it can be considered as an excellent candidate compound for treatment of breast cancer.

FOXO1 differentially regulates bone formation in young and aged mice

It is a great challenge to develop a safe and effective treatment strategy for age-related osteoporosis and fracture healing. As one of the four FOXO transcription factors, FOXO1 is essential for cell proliferation, survival, senescence, energy metabolism, and oxidative stress in various cells. Our previous study demonstrated that specific Foxo1 gene deletion in osteoblasts in young mice results in bone loss while that in aged mice shows the opposite effect. However, the mechanism underlying the differential regulation of bone metabolism by FOXO1 remains to be elucidated. In this study, we generated osteoblast-specific Foxo1 knockout mice by using Foxo1^fl/fl and Bglap-Cre mice. In young mice, Foxo1 gene deletion inhibits osteoblast differentiation, leading to a decreased osteoblast number and decreased bone formation rate because of the weakened ability to resist oxidative stress, eventually resulting in bone loss and delayed healing of bone defects. In aged mice, high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) promote the diversion of CTNNB1 (β-catenin) from T cell factor 4 (TCF4)- to FOXO1-mediated transcription, thereby inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling and leading to decreased osteogenic activity. Conversely, FOXO1 deficiency indirectly promotes the binding of β-catenin and TCF4 and activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling, thereby alleviating age-related bone loss and improving bone defect healing. Our study proves that FOXO1 has differential effects on bone metabolism in young and aged mice and elucidates its underlying mechanism. Further, this study provides a new perspective on the treatment of age-related osteoporosis.