Role of renin-angiotensin system in liver diseases: an outline on the potential therapeutic points of intervention

Implication of endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial perturbations in remote liver injury after renal ischemia/reperfusion in rats: potential protective role of azilsartan

Objectives: Distant liver injury is a complication of renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, which imposes mortality and economic burden. This study aimed to elucidate the cross-talk of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and mitochondrial perturbations in renal I/R-induced liver injury, and the potential hepatoprotective effect of azilsartan (AZL).Methods: Male albino Wister rats were pre-treated with AZL (3 mg/kg/day, PO) for 7 days then a bilateral renal I/R or sham procedure was performed. Activities of liver enzymes were assessed in plasma. The structure and ultra-structure of hepatocytes were assessed by light and electron microscopy. Markers of ER stress, mitochondrial biogenesis and apoptosis were analyzed in livers of rats.Results: Renal ischemic rats showed higher plasma levels of liver enzymes than sham-operated rats, coupled with histological and ultra-structural alterations in hepatocytes. Mechanistically, there was up-regulation of ER stress markers and suppression of mitochondrial biogenesis-related proteins and enhanced apoptosis in livers of renal ischemic rats. These abnormalities were almost abrogated by AZL pretreatment.Discussion: Our findings uncovered the involvement of mitochondrial perturbations, ER stress and apoptosis in liver injury following renal I/R, and suggested AZL as a preconditioning strategy to ameliorate remote liver injury in patients susceptible to renal I/R after adequate clinical testing.

Endothelial Dysfunction and Liver Cirrhosis: Unraveling of a Complex Relationship

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is the in the background of multiple metabolic diseases and a key process in liver disease progression and cirrhosis decompensation. ED affects liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) in response to different damaging agents, causing their progressive dedifferentiation, unavoidably associated with an increase in intrahepatic resistance that leads to portal hypertension and hyperdynamic circulation with increased cardiac output and low peripheral artery resistance. These changes are driven by a continuous interplay between different hepatic cell types, invariably leading to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, with a subsequent loss of proper vascular tone regulation and fibrosis development. ED evaluation is often accomplished by serum markers and the flow-mediated dilation (FMD) measurement of the brachial artery to assess its NO-dependent response to shear stress, which usually decreases in ED. In the context of liver cirrhosis, the ED assessment could help understand the complex hemodynamic changes occurring in the early and late stages of the disease. However, the instauration of a hyperdynamic state and the different NO bioavailability in intrahepatic and systemic circulation-often defined as the NO paradox-must be considered confounding factors during FMD analysis. The primary purpose of this review is to describe the main features of ED and highlight the key findings of the dynamic and intriguing relationship between ED and liver disease. We will also focus on the significance of FMD evaluation in this setting, pointing out its key role as a therapeutic target in the never-ending battle against liver cirrhosis progression.

Association between Dietary Potassium Intake and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Advanced Hepatic Fibrosis in U.S. Adults

Introduction

The correlation between potassium and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently still poorly understood. We conducted this study to explore the correlation between dietary potassium intake and NAFLD, as well as advanced hepatic fibrosis (AHF). The study also sought to identify any potential interactions.

Methods

The data employed in this study were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) program, encompassing a period from 2007 to 2018. Employing the multiple logistic regression analysis, we evaluated the association of dietary potassium intake with NAFLD and AHF. Subsequently, stratification analysis, based on demographic variables, was constructed so as to assess the stability of the results. In addition, potential interaction effects were assessed by interaction tests.

Results

A total of 9443 participants were included in the analysis. The mean age of the participants was 50.4 years, and their daily mean dietary potassium and vitamin C intake was 2556.49 mg and 82.93 mg, respectively. Following comprehensive statistical analyses, the findings indicated a negative correlation between dietary potassium intake and both NAFLD and AHF. Participants in Q4 group with dietary potassium intake exhibited a 31% and 42% reduction in the odds of developing NAFLD and AHF, respectively, in comparison to Q1 group. An interaction effect of dietary vitamin C intake was observed in the association between dietary potassium intake and NAFLD. The results imply that high dietary vitamin C intake augment the inverse relationship between dietary potassium intake and NAFLD.

Conclusion

Dietary potassium intake was found to have an inverse association with the odds of both NAFLD and AHF. The association between dietary potassium intake and NAFLD was amplified by the presence of vitamin C in the diet.

The Renin-Angiotensin System in Liver Disease

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a complex homeostatic entity with multiorgan systemic and local effects. Traditionally, RAS works in conjunction with the kidney to control effective arterial circulation, systemic vascular resistance, and electrolyte balance. However, chronic hepatic injury and resulting splanchnic dilation may disrupt this delicate balance. The role of RAS in liver disease, however, is even more extensive, modulating hepatic fibrosis and portal hypertension. Recognition of an alternative RAS pathway in the past few decades has changed our understanding of RAS in liver disease, and the concept of opposing vs. "rebalanced" forces is an ongoing focus of research. Whether RAS inhibition is beneficial in patients with chronic liver disease appears to be context-dependent, but further study is needed to optimize clinical management and reduce organ-specific morbidity and mortality. This review presents the current understanding of RAS in liver disease, acknowledges areas of uncertainty, and describes potential areas of future investigation.

Modulation of mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening by Myricetin and prediction of its-drug-like potential using in silico approach

Myricetin has been demonstrated to have multiple biological functions with promising research and development prospects. This study investigated the effect of myricetin on liver mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pores and its inhibitory potential on proteins that are important in the apoptotic process in silico. Mitochondrial swelling was assessed as changes in absorbance under succinate-energized conditions. Cytochrome c release, mitochondrial-lipid peroxidation, caspase 3 and 9 expressions, as well as calcium ATPase, were assessed. Pharmacokinetic properties of myricetin were predicted through the SwissADME server while the binding affinity of myricetin toward the proteins was computed using the AutodockVina Screening tool. The conformational stability of protein-ligand interactions was evaluated using molecular dynamics simulations analysis through the iMODS server. Myricetin inhibited the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore and also reversed the increase in mitochondrial lipid peroxidation caused by calcium and other toxicants. Myricetin also caused a reduction in the expression of caspase 3 and 9 as well as calcium ATPase activity. The molecular docking results revealed that myricetin had a considerable binding affinity to the pocket site of caspase 3 and 9 as well as calcium ATPase. Myricetin showed a good drug-likeness based on the predicted pharmacokinetic properties as revealed by low CYP 450 inhibitory promiscuity and relatively low toxicity. It could therefore be suggested that myricetin could be useful in the management of diseases where too many apoptosis occur characterized by excessive tissue wastage such as neurodegenerative conditions and could as well play a role in protecting the physicochemical properties of membrane bilayers from free radical-induced severe cellular damage.

Vitamin D improves hepatic alterations in ACE1 and ACE2 expression in experimentally induced metabolic syndrome

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a term used to describe a cluster of pathophysiological, biochemical, and metabolic criteria; including high Blood Pressure (BP), high cholesterol, dyslipidaemia, central obesity and Insulin Resistance (IR). The Renin Angiotensin System (RAS) has a regulatory function in BP, hydroelectrolyte balance, and cardiovascular function. RAS is composed of angiotensinogen (AGT), (Ang I), (Ang II), (ACE1), (ACE2), (AT1R), (AT2R), and (Ang 1-7). Vitamin D had been proved to act as a protective factor against MetS. Therefore, the study is pursued to explore vitamin D supplementation roles on hepatic RAS in MetS experimental model. At first, 36 males Albino rats were separated into 4 groups and induced to MetS under controlled circumstances for 3 months. Then, data were collected from blood samples, whereas RNA extracted from liver were analyzed using biochemical and statistical analysis tests. As a result, the major finding was proving that vitamin D can balance the expression of ACE1 and ACE2. Also, confirming that it can improve MetS components by elevating HDL and insulin levels while reducing the levels of BP, cholesterol, LDL, TG, GLU, ALT, AST, and IR. These outcomes may give a new insight into the RAS pathways associated with MetS.

Effect of spironolactone on pharmacological treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was recently renamed to metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) to better characterize its pathogenic origin. NAFLD represents, at least in western societies, a potential epidemic with raising prevalence. Its multifactorial pathogenesis is partially unraveled and till now there is no approved pharmacotherapy for NAFLD. A plethora of various choices are investigated in clinical trials, targeting an arsenal of different pathways and molecules. Since the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) appear to be implicated in NAFLD, within this concise review, we focus on a rather classical and inexpensive pharmacological agent, spironolactone. We present the current lines of evidence of MR and RAAS-related preclinical models and human trials reporting an association with NAFLD. In conclusion, evidence about spironolactone of RAAS is commented, as potential future pharmacological management of NAFLD.

Circ_0035381 Regulates Acute Myeloid Leukemia Development by Modulating YWHAZ Expression via Adsorbing miR-582-3p

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a common hematopoietic disorder. Many circular RNAs (circRNAs) are abnormally expressed in AML, including hsa_circ_0035381 (circ_0035381). Nevertheless, the function and mechanism of circ_0035381 in AML remain mostly unclear. Expression of circ_0035381 was determined by qRT-PCR. The impacts of circ_0035381 on AML cell proliferation, apoptosis, and mitochondrial damage were validated via performing loss-of-function experiments. Targeting relationship was predicted by bioinformatics analysis and verified via dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. Circ_0035381 was upregulated in AML bone marrow samples and cells. Circ_0035381 downregulation decreased AML cell growth in nude mice and restrained AML cell proliferation and contributed to AML apoptosis and mitochondrial damage in vitro. Circ_0035381 acted as a miR-582-3p sponge, and miR-582-3p downregulation mitigated the impacts of circ_0035381 interference on AML cell proliferation, apoptosis, and mitochondrial damage. MiR-582-3p targeted Tyrosine3-monooxygenase/tryptophan5-monooxygenase activation protein zeta (YWHAZ), and it restrained AML cell proliferation and facilitated AML cell apoptosis and mitochondrial damage by decreasing YWHAZ expression. Notably, circ_0035381 regulated YWHAZ expression via miR-582-3p. Circ_0035381 knockdown repressed cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis and mitochondrial damage via regulating the miR-582-3p/YWHAZ axis in AML.

Silencing CircEIF3I/miR-526b-5p Axis Epigenetically Targets HGF/c-Met Signal to Hinder the Malignant Growth, Metastasis and Angiogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-Met) is important for the diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are key regulators of HCC progression, and this study focused on circRNA eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit I (circEIF3I) with HGF/c-Met in HCC.

METHODS

Levels of circEIF3I, microRNA (miR)-526b-5p, HGF, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin were detected by Gene Expression Omnibus database, quantitative PCR and western blotting. Cell functions were measured by detecting cell growth (cell proliferation assay with WST-1 and EdU, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, caspase 3 activity assay, and nude mouse tumorigenicity assay), metastasis (transwell assay and western blotting), angiogenesis (endothelial tube formation assay). Molecular interaction was determined dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, and Pearson correlation analysis.

RESULTS

Expression of circEIF3I was upregulated in HCC tissues. Knockdown of circEIF3I suppressed cell proliferation epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, invasion and tube formation ability but promoted apoptosis of HCC cells. CircEIF3I could sponge miR-526b-5pto regulate downstream HGF. Functionally, circEIF3I regulation in HCC cell progression was associated with miR-526b-5p sponging function and HGF upregulation could attenuate tumor-inhibiting roles of miR-526b-5p. HCC tumor growth was delayed by interfering circEIF3I.

CONCLUSION

CircEIF3I was an oncogenic circRNA in HCC-, and interfering circEIF3I exhibited anti-HCC activity via circEIF3I-miR-526b-5p-HGF/c-Met pathway.

Implications of Withaferin A for the metastatic potential and drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cells via Nrf2-mediated EMT and ferroptosis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes a major global health threat due to the high incidence and mortality. Sorafenib is known as the first-line medication for advanced HCC; however, it only extends the limited benefit for HCC patients as the development of acquired resistance. Withaferin A exerts broad pharmaceutical applications in several cancers. However, its effects on HCC cell metastatic potential and sorafenib resistance remain elusive. Here, we corroborated that Withaferin A greatly restrained cell viability, invasion, vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation, and VE-cadherin levels in HepG2 and SNU449 cells. Moreover, Withaferin A sensitized sorafenib (SR)-resistant HCC cells to sorafenib. In striking contrast to the parental cells, lower ferroptosis was observed in SR-resistant cells as the lower ROS, MDA, and higher intracellular GSH levels in SR-resistant cells. Of interest, Withaferin A enhanced ferroptosis in SR-resistant cells, which was reversed by ferroptosis antagonist liproxstation-1. Notably, Withaferin A elevated Keap1 expression to mitigate Nrf2 signaling activation-mediated epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and ferroptosis-related protein xCT expression. Importantly, blockage of the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling overturned Withaferin A-evoked ferroptosis and facilitated sorafenib resistance. In addition, knockdown of Keap1 antagonized the inhibitory efficacy of Withaferin A on HCC cell viability, invasion, and VM formation. Consequently, Withaferin A may attenuate the metastatic potential and sorafenib resistance by regulating Keap1/Nrf2-associated EMT and ferroptosis. Thus, Withaferin A may serve as a promising agent for HCC therapy, especially for advanced HCC.

Long-term LDR exposure may induce cognitive impairments: A possible association through targeting gut microbiota-gut-brain axis

Environmental and occupational low-dose radiation (LDR) exposure may be harmful for health but the previous reports regarding effect of LDR on cognition are contradictory. Here we investigated the effect of long-term LDR exposure on cognition. In this study, male Balb/c mice' cognitive functions were tested at 15 weeks after being exposed to 0.5 Gy LDR in 10 fractions at each dose of 0.05 Gy. The results demonstrated that long-term LDR exposure increases escape latency and the time spent in finding exits in mice compared with non LDR exposure. Meanwhile, the inflammation-related proteins including NFκB and p38 also increased. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) increased and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels decreased following long term LDR exposure. Treatment with microbiota-derived LPS and SCFAs reversed these effects in mice. Furthermore, the gut barrier integrity was damaged in a time-dependent manner with the decreased expression of intestinal epithelial-related biomarkers such as ZO-1 and occludin. Mechanistically, long after exposure to LDR, increased LPS levels may cause cognitive impairment through the regulation of Akt/mTOR signaling in the mouse hippocampus. These findings provide new insight into the clinical applications of LDR and suggest that the gut microbiota-plasma LPS and SCFAs-brain axis may underlie long-term LDR-induced cognition effects.

Visualization system based on hierarchical targeting for diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

The accuracy and enrichment rate of targeted drugs largely determine the clinical diagnosis and treatment effect. Therefore, the accuracy and enrichment rate of targeted drugs should be improved. We designed a visual diagnosis and treatment system based on hierarchical targeting. It consists of multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles and a bio magnetic material. Bio-magnet mediated primary targeting can effectively improve the drug enrichment rate in the target tissue. SNF peptide/epithelial cell adhesion molecule antibody mediated targeting liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) (secondary target) can improve the accuracy of the treatment and its outcomes. Low intensity focused ultrasound irradiation can explode nanoparticles around LCSCs, which can cause physical damage to cells. The combination of released interferon gamma and its receptor (tertiary target) can be used to initiate chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Using the optical properties of Fe₃O₄ and the phase transformation ability of perfluoropentane, the system can enhance photoacoustic and ultrasonic molecular imaging enabling diagnosis and treatment visualization. Targeting LCSCs can accurately provide physical, chemical, and immune treatment of Hepatocellular carcinoma, making the therapeutic effect more effective and thorough. This system may provide a new method for a more accurate visual diagnosis and treatment of tumors.

A circular network of purine metabolism as coregulators of dilated cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

The crosstalk of purine biosynthesis and metabolism exists to balance the cell energy production, proliferation, survival and cytoplasmic environment stability, but disorganized mechanics of with respect to developing heart failure (HF) is currently unknown.

METHODS

We conducted a multi-omics wide analysis, including microarray-based transcriptomes, and full spectrum metabolomics with respect to chronic HF. Based on expression profiling by array, we applied a bioinformatics platform of quantifiable metabolic pathway changes based on gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), gene set variation analysis (GSVA), Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP), and Xtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithms to comprehensively analyze the dynamic changes of metabolic pathways and circular network in the HF development. Additionally, left ventricular tissue from patients undergoing myocardial biopsy and transplantation were collected to perform the protein and full spectrum metabolic mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

Systematic bioinformatics analysis showed the purine metabolism reprogramming was significantly detected in dilated cardiomyopathy. In addition, this result was also demonstrated in metabolomic mass spectrometry. And the differentially expressed metabolites analysis showing the guanine, urea, and xanthine were significantly detected. Hub markers, includes IMPDH1, ENTPD2, AK7, AK2, and CANT1, also significantly identified based on XGBoost, SHAP model and PPI network.

CONCLUSION

The crosstalk in the reactions involved in purine metabolism may involving in DCM metabolism reprogramming, and as coregulators of development of HF, which may identify as potential therapeutic targets. And the markers of IMPDH1, ENTPD2, AK7, AK2, and CANT1, and metabolites involved in purine metabolism shown an important role.

Vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors regulation in gestational diabetes mellitus and eclampsia

Background

An imbalance in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor (VEGF-R) during pregnancy plays an important role in the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and eclampsia. VEGF and its receptors change during the regulation of blood vessels as a result of risk factors such as familial genetics. These modifications include loss of original balance of serological indicators, upregulation or downregulation of growth factor indicators, and changes in the placenta, kidney, liver and other organs to varying degrees of damage. This has an impact on both the pregnant woman's and the fetus's health.

Main body

This paper summarizes the mechanisms of unbalanced VEGF and receptor expression based on data from relevant literature on GDM and eclampsia. An Imbalance in VEGF and its binding receptor is often associated with the occurrence of multiple pregnancy disorders. In recent years, researchers have focused on the potential role of VEGF and its receptors in the development of GDM and eclampsia.

Conclusion

This paper summarizes the different VEGF subtypes and their binding receptors, as well as mechanisms that cause GDM and eclampsia, in order to provide valuable data to inform monitoring, diagnosis, and prognosis.

Research progress of m6A regulation during animal growth and development

Environmental factors, genetic factors, and epigenetics are involved in animal growth and development. Among them, methylation is one of the abundant modifications of epigenetics. N6-methyladenosine(m⁶A) is extensive in cellular RNA, of which mRNA is the most common internal modification. m⁶A modification regulates life activities dynamically and reversibly, including expressed genes, RNA metabolism, and protein translation. The m⁶A modifications are closely related to human diseases involving heart failure, tumors, and cancer. It is relatively in-depth in the medical field. However, there are few studies on its biochemical function in animals. We summarized the latest paper related to the chemical structure and role of the writers, the erasers, and the readers to study exerting dynamic regulation of m⁶A modification of animal growth and development. Furthermore, the key roles of m⁶A modification were reported in the process of RNA metabolism. Finally, the dynamic regulation of m⁶A modification in animal growth and development was reviewed, including brain development, fertility, fat deposition, and muscle production. It reveals the key roles of m⁶A modification and the regulation of gene expression, aiming to provide new ideas for m⁶A methylation in animal growth and development.

Evaluation of Cyto - and Genotoxic Influence of Lanthanum Dioxide Nanoparticles on Human Liver Cells

Inorganic nanoparticles are representing an emerging paradigm in molecular imaging probe design. We have determined lanthanum oxide nanoparticles (La₂O₃ NPs)-induced toxicity on human livers cells for 48 hrs. Before exposure to La₂O₃ NPs, the size and shape of NPs were confirmed by transmission electron microscope. It was found at 32 ±1.6 nm with a sheet-like morphological structure. The viability of CHANG and HuH-7 cells was reduced as the concentration of La₂O₃ NPs increased. HuH-7 cells were more sensitive than CHANG cells to La₂O₃ NPs. We observed production of intracellular ROS in HuH-7 cells was more than CHANG cells and the LPO level was more in CHANG cells than in HuH-7 cells at 50 μg/ml of La₂O₃ NPs. Glutathione was decreased and catalase was increased at 50 μg/ml of La₂O₃ NPs. More apoptotic and necrotic cells were observed at 300 μg/ml in HuH-7 cells FACS. DNA damage was observed by the SGCE test and more DNA damage was found in CHANG cells than HuH-7 cells at 300 μg/ml La₂O₃ NPs over 48 hrs. Thus, study warrants the application of La₂O₃ NPs in daily life and provides vital information about the toxicity of La₂O₃ NPs.

Evaluation of the value of conventional and unconventional lipid parameters for predicting the risk of diabetes in a non-diabetic population

BACKGROUND

Conventional and unconventional lipid parameters are associated with diabetes risk, the comparative studies on lipid parameters for predicting future diabetes risk, however, are still extremely limited, and the value of conventional and unconventional lipid parameters in predicting future diabetes has not been evaluated. This study was designed to determine the predictive value of conventional and unconventional lipid parameters for the future development of diabetes.

METHODS

The study was a longitudinal follow-up study of 15,464 participants with baseline normoglycemia. At baseline, conventional lipid parameters such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured/calculated, and unconventional lipid parameters such as non-HDL-C, remnant cholesterol (RC), LDL/HDL-C ratio, TG/HDL-C ratio, non-HDL/HDL-C ratio, TC/HDL-C ratio and RC/HDL-C ratio were calculated. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated by Cox proportional hazard regression adjusting for demographic and diabetes-related risk factors. The predictive value and threshold fluctuation intervals of baseline conventional and unconventional lipid parameters for future diabetes were evaluated by the time-dependent receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve.

RESULTS

The incidence rate of diabetes was 3.93 per 1000 person-years during an average follow-up period of 6.13 years. In the baseline non-diabetic population, only TG and HDL-C among the conventional lipid parameters were associated with future diabetes risk, while all the unconventional lipid parameters except non-HDL-C were significantly associated with future diabetes risk. In contrast, unconventional lipid parameters reflected diabetes risk better than conventional lipid parameters, and RC/HDL-C ratio was the best lipid parameter to reflect the risk of diabetes (HR: 6.75, 95% CI 2.40-18.98). Sensitivity analysis further verified the robustness of this result. Also, time-dependent ROC curve analysis showed that RC, non-HDL/HDL-C ratio, and TC/HDL-C ratio were the best lipid parameters for predicting the risk of medium-and long-term diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Unconventional lipid parameters generally outperform conventional lipid parameters in assessing and predicting future diabetes risk. It is suggested that unconventional lipid parameters should also be routinely evaluated in clinical practice.

Allergy to Der p 23 influences the cytokine profile in patients with allergic asthma - a preliminary study

OBJECTIVE

Der p 23 is a major allergen of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, which could contribute to allergic asthma. The study compared the cytokine profile (Il-1beta, Il-4, Il-5, Il-6, Il-13, Il-17, TNF-alpha) in patients with allergic asthma, with confirmed allergy to D. pteronyssinus and with the presence or absence of allergy to Der p 23.

METHODS

Among 173 included patients, the following combinations were analyzed: profile A - Der p 1 (+), Der p 2 (+), and Der p 23 (-) observed in 38 (22%) patients; profile B - Der p 1 (+), Der p 2 (+), and Der p 23 (+) in 87 (50.3%) patients; and profile C - Der p 1 (-), Der p 2 (-), and Der p 23 (+) in 15 (8.7%) patients.

RESULTS

The mean concentration of Il-1beta was significantly lower in profile A than in profiles B and C: 10.51 ± 5.22 (pg/ml) vs. 21.92 ± 11.34 vs. 23.1 ± 8.56 (A vs. B for p = 0.03 and A vs. C for p = 0.019). Similar trends were observed for Il-5: 38.5 ± 10.45 (pg/ml) vs. 94.8 ± 54.11 vs. 103.61 ± 34.9 (A vs. B for p = 0.008 and A vs. C for p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The higher Il-1 and Il-5 activities observed in profiles B and C with Der p 23 (+) could be responsible for the more effective acceleration of allergic inflammation than in profile A with Der p 23.

ICH-LR2S2: a new risk score for predicting stroke-associated pneumonia from spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage

Purpose

We develop a new risk score to predict patients with stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) who have an acute intracranial hemorrhage (ICH).

Method

We applied logistic regression to develop a new risk score called ICH-LR2S2. It was derived from examining a dataset of 70,540 ICH patients between 2015 and 2018 from the Chinese Stroke Center Alliance (CSCA). During the training of ICH-LR2S2, patients were randomly divided into two groups – 80% for the training set and 20% for model validation. A prospective test set was developed using 12,523 patients recruited in 2019. To further verify its effectiveness, we tested ICH-LR2S2 on an external dataset of 24,860 patients from the China National Stroke Registration Management System II (CNSR II). The performance of ICH-LR2S2 was measured by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).

Results

The incidence of SAP in the dataset was 25.52%. A 24-point ICH-LR2S2 was developed from independent predictors, including age, modified Rankin Scale, fasting blood glucose, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale admission score, Glasgow Coma Scale score, C-reactive protein, dysphagia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and current smoking. The results showed that ICH-LR2S2 achieved an AUC = 0.749 [95% CI 0.739–0.759], which outperforms the best baseline ICH-APS (AUC = 0.704) [95% CI 0.694–0.714]. Compared with the previous ICH risk scores, ICH-LR2S2 incorporates fasting blood glucose and C-reactive protein, improving its discriminative ability. Machine learning methods such as XGboost (AUC = 0.772) [95% CI 0.762–0.782] can further improve our prediction performance. It also performed well when further validated by the external independent cohort of patients (n = 24,860), ICH-LR2S2 AUC = 0.784 [95% CI 0.774–0.794].

Conclusion

ICH-LR2S2 accurately distinguishes SAP patients based on easily available clinical features. It can help identify high-risk patients in the early stages of diseases.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03389-5.

Building a model for predicting metabolic syndrome using artificial intelligence based on an investigation of whole-genome sequencing

Background

The circadian system is responsible for regulating various physiological activities and behaviors and has been gaining recognition. The circadian rhythm is adjusted in a 24-h cycle and has transcriptional–translational feedback loops. When the circadian rhythm is interrupted, affecting the expression of circadian genes, the phenotypes of diseases could amplify. For example, the importance of maintaining the internal temporal homeostasis conferred by the circadian system is revealed as mutations in genes coding for core components of the clock result in diseases. This study will investigate the association between circadian genes and metabolic syndromes in a Taiwanese population.

Methods

We performed analysis using whole-genome sequencing, read vcf files and set target circadian genes to determine if there were variants on target genes. In this study, we have investigated genetic contribution of circadian-related diseases using population-based next generation whole genome sequencing. We also used significant SNPs to create a metabolic syndrome prediction model. Logistic regression, random forest, adaboost, and neural network were used to predict metabolic syndrome. In addition, we used random forest model variables importance matrix to select 40 more significant SNPs, which were subsequently incorporated to create new prediction models and to compare with previous models. The data was then utilized for training set and testing set using five-fold cross validation. Each model was evaluated with the following criteria: area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC), precision, F1 score, and average precision (the area under the precision recall curve).

Results

After searching significant variants, we used Chi-Square tests to find some variants. We found 186 significant SNPs, and four predicting models which used 186 SNPs (logistic regression, random forest, adaboost and neural network), AUC were 0.68, 0.8, 0.82, 0.81 respectively. The F1 scores were 0.412, 0.078, 0.295, 0.552, respectively. The other three models which used the 40 SNPs (logistic regression, adaboost and neural network), AUC were 0.82, 0.81, 0.81 respectively. The F1 scores were 0.584, 0.395, 0.574, respectively.

Conclusions

Circadian gene defect may also contribute to metabolic syndrome. Our study found several related genes and building a simple model to predict metabolic syndrome.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03379-7.

A randomized controlled trial of the influence of yoga for women with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder

Background

Survivors in motor vehicle accident (MVA) may have posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yoga is a complementary approach for PTSD therapy.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial explored whether yoga intervention has effects on reducing the symptoms of PTSD in women survived in MVA. Participants (n = 94) were recruited and randomized into control group or yoga group. Participants attended 6 45-minuite yoga sessions in 12 weeks. Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) and Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) were used to assess psychological distress.

Results

Post-intervention IES-R total score of yoga group was significantly lower than that of control group (p = 0.01). At both post-intervention and 3-months post intervention, the DASS-21 total scores of yoga group were both significantly lower than those of control group (p = 0.043, p = 0.024). Yoga group showed lower anxiety and depression level compared to control group at both post-intervention (p = 0.033, p < 0.001) and post-follow-up (p = 0.004, p = 0.035). Yoga group had lower levels of intrusion and avoidance compared to control group after intervention (p = 0.002, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Results illustrate that yoga intervention may alleviate anxiety and depression and improve the symptoms of PTSD in women with PTSD following MVA.

Captopril and Spironolactone Can Attenuate Diabetic Nephropathy in Wistar Rats by Targeting ABCA1 and microRNA-33

Background:

Nephropathy diabetes is one of the important causes of death and a more prevalent cause of end-stage renal disease.

Objective:

The present study investigated the effect of applying spironolactone and captopril and their combination on some renal performance indices and cholesterol-efflux-related gene expression in nephropathy diabetic rats.

Methods:

Intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin was used to induce diabetes in rats. FBS, creatinine, and BUN were assayed using the calorimetry technique; also, urine microalbumin was assayed by ELISA. Hepatic gene expressions of ABCA1, ABCG1, and miR-33 were evaluated by the real-time PCR method.

Results:

FBS levels in the captopril-treated group were significantly decreased compared with the untreated diabetic group. BUN levels of treated groups with captopril and a combination of captopril + spironolactone were significantly increased. GFR of both treated diabetic groups with captopril and spironolactone was significantly lower than an untreated diabetic group. ABCA1 gene expression in hepatic cells of the combination of spironolactone + captopril treated group was significantly increased compared to other treated and untreated diabetic groups. The hepatic expression of the ABCG1 gene in the treated and untreated diabetic groups was significantly lower than in the control group. Treatment of the diabetic group with only combination therapy decreased the hepatic gene expression of miR-33 significantly.

Conclusion:

Obtained results suggest that S+C combination therapy can improve nephropathy and diabetes disorders by targeting the ABCA1 and miR-33 gene expression. It is suggested miR-33 and ABCA1 genes evaluation could be a new therapeutic strategy for nephropathy diabetes remediation.

Study effect of probiotics and prebiotics on treatment of OVA-LPS-induced of allergic asthma inflammation and pneumonia by regulating the TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathway

Asthma is a common respiratory disease, and immune system dysregulation has direct relevance to asthma pathogenesis. Probiotics and prebiotics have immunomodulatory effects and can regulate immune responses and may attenuate allergic reactions. Therefore, in this study, we explored the role of probiotics and prebiotics in regulating acute airway inflammation and the TLR4/NF-kB pathway. Allergic asthma model of BALB/c mice was produced and treated with probiotics (LA-5, GG, and BB-12) and prebiotics (FOS and GOS). Then AHR, BALF cells count, EPO activity, IL-4, 5, 13, 17, 25, 33, as well as IFN-γ, total and OVA-specific IgE, IgG1, Cys-LT, LTB4, LTC4, and TSLP levels were measured. Also, the GTP/GOT assay was performed and gene expression of Akt, NLR3, NF-kB, PI3K, MyD88, TLR4, CCL11, CCL24, MUC5a, Eotaxin, IL-38, and IL-8 were determined. Finally, lung histopathological features were evaluated. Treatment with probiotics could control AHR, eosinophil infiltration to the BALF and reduce the levels of immunoglobulins, IL-17, GTP and also decrease mucus secretion, goblet cell hyperplasia, peribronchial and perivascular inflammation and also, EPO activity. It could reduce gene expression of TLR4 and CCL11. On the other hand, IL-38 gene expression was increased by both probiotic and prebiotic treatment. Treatment with probiotics and prebiotics could control levels of IL-4, 5, 13, 25, 33, leukotrienes, the gene expression of AKT, NLR3, NF-κB, MyD88, MUC5a. The prebiotic treatment could control peribronchial inflammation and PI3K gene expression. Both of the treatments had no significant effect on the GOT, TSLP and IL-8, eotaxin and CCL24 gene expression. Probiotics and prebiotics could induce tolerance in allegro-inflammatory reactions and alter immune responses in allergic conditions. Probiotics could also modulate cellular and humoral immune responses and prevent allergic disorders.

Elevated mid-trimester 4-h postprandial triglycerides for predicting late-onset preeclampsia: a prospective screening study

Background

Abnormal maternal lipid concentrations are associated with increased risk of preeclampsia. However, previous studies mainly focused on fasting lipid concentrations, scarce data have been published on the relationship between postprandial triglyceride (TG) concentrations in the second trimester and the risk of preeclampsia. Our aim is to evaluate the potential of triglyceride (TG) concentrations at the time of oral lipid tolerance test (OLTT) measurement in the second trimester to predict preeclampsia and to elucidate the lipid metabolic changes related to these diseases.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study of Pregnant women at 12–24 weeks of gestation undergone an OLTT in a university affiliated hospital between May 2019 and January 2020. Data were stratified into binaries according to the OLTT results. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to determine the optimal cut-off points of TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, sd-LDL, FFA, and BG for predicting preeclampsia.

Results

438 pregnant women were recruited to undergo an OLTT at 12–24 weeks of gestation. Among these, 24 women developed preeclampsia and 414 women remained normotensive. Women who subsequently developed preeclampsia had higher concentrations of 4-h postprandial TG than those who remained normotensive. In the linear logistic regression analyses of potential confounding factors, mid-trimester 4-h postprandial TG concentrations at the time of OLTT measurement were significantly higher in preeclamptic cases than in controls.

Conclusions

Dyslipidemia in the second trimester of pregnancy, particularly postprandial hypertriglyceridemia, appears to be associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia. Mid-trimester 4-h postprandial TG concentration at the time of OLTT measurement may be a potential predictive marker of preeclampsia.

Trial registration Data of registration: 2018/10/15. Date of initial participant enrollment: 2019/05/01. Clinical trial identification number: chiCTR1800018884. URL of the registration site: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=25526. Data sharing information: The data including individual participant data, detailed study protocols, statistical analysis plans will be shared upon request to the corresponding author.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03261-6.

Effects of focus training on heart rate variability in post-stroke fatigue patients

Objective

This study discusses the effects of focus training on heart rate variability (HRV) in post-stroke fatigue (PoSF) patients.

Methods

Self-generate physiological coherence system (SPCS) was used for the focus training of PoSF patients for 12 weeks. Then, fatigue severity scale (FSS), Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), HRV and satisfaction scale (SASC-19) before and after the training were assessed.

Results

Compared with the control group, FSS score, HAMD score, RMSSD, PNN50% were significantly lower in the research group at the end of the intervention (P < 0.05); SDNN, SDANN, LF, HF, LF/HF intervention satisfaction rate increased significantly in the research group at the end of the intervention (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The use of SPCS software during the focus training of PoSF patients reduced the fatigue and depression, meanwhile improved the HRV of the patients. Therefore, these patients were greatly satisfied with the intervention.

Ligature induced periodontitis in rats causes gut dysbiosis leading to hepatic injury through SCD1/AMPK signalling pathway

AIMS

Previous studies have demonstrated that chronic periodontitis (CP) is closely associated with the occurrence and development of a variety of systemic diseases. In this study, we successfully constructed a rat CP model through dental silk ligation, and the corresponding inflammatory reactions and fatty lesions were observed in the liver.

MAIN METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 6) underwent tooth ligation at the bilateral first molars with silk thread to induce CP and were sacrificed 8 weeks later and compared to non-ligated rats (n = 6). RNA sequencing and 16S rRNA analysis were performed to determine the molecular mechanisms of CP involved in inducing liver disease. Alveolar bone loss, liver enzymes, mandible and liver histopathology, and inflammatory responses were compared between groups.

KEY FINDINGS

RNA sequencing of liver tissue showed that the expression of SCD1 increased significantly in CP rats compared to controls. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the AMPK signalling pathway may be involved in liver steatosis. The intestinal flora of faecal samples of rats were analysed by 16S rRNA sequencing, and the results indicated that the intestinal flora of the CP group was evidently imbalanced. The expression levels of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1) were significantly reduced in CP rats. Meanwhile, increases in serum IL-1β and lipopolysaccharide in CP rats reflected a systemic inflammatory response.

SIGNIFICANCE

CP may be involved in the occurrence and development of hepatic injury and liver steatosis, and its mechanism may be related to the oral-gut-liver axis and SCD1/AMPK signal activation in the liver.

Angiotensin Receptor Blocker and Neprilysin Inhibitor Suppresses Cardiac Dysfunction by Accelerating Myocardial Angiogenesis in Apolipoprotein E-Knockout Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

Materials and Methods

Male apolipoprotein E-knockout mice fed a high-fat diet were divided into control (CTL), valsartan (30 mg/kg) (VAL), sacubitril (30 mg/kg) (SAC), and valsartan plus sacubitril (30 mg/kg each) (VAL/SAC) groups after 4 weeks of prefeeding and were subsequently treated for 12 weeks.

Results

The VAL/SAC group exhibited significantly higher serum brain natriuretic peptide levels; more subtle changes in left ventricular systolic diameter, fractional shortening, and ejection fraction, and significantly higher expression levels of natriuretic peptide precursor B and markers of angiogenesis, including clusters of differentiation 34, vascular endothelial growth factor A, and monocyte chemotactic protein 1, than the CTL group.

Conclusions

Valsartan plus sacubitril preserved left ventricular systolic function in apolipoprotein E-knockout mice fed a high-fat diet. This result suggests that myocardial angiogenic factors induced by ARNI might provide cardioprotective effects.

Do renin-angiotensin system inhibitors reduce risk for hepatocellular carcinoma?: A nationwide nested case-control study

BACKGROUND

To date, there has been a renewed interest in renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi) for HCC prevention because they may reduce potent angiogenic factors.

OBJECTIVES

This study set out to investigate associations between RASi use and HCC development.

METHODS

We conducted a nested case-control study. A case was defined as a patient who was newly diagnosed with HCC. We selected 567 cases and controls using 1:1 propensity score matching. RASi exposure was classified into ever-user and never-user, then categorized according to cumulative dose and prescription period. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for HCC incidence according to RASi use were analyzed.

RESULTS

Overall, no significant association was found between exposure to RASi and HCC incidence (ever-user vs. never-user: aOR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.56-1.07). In subgroup analysis, women receiving RASi ≥30 cumulative defined daily doses (cDDDs) showed significantly lower aORs (0.49; 95% CI, 0.24-0.95. Angiotensin II receptor blockers only-use ≥30 cDDD was significantly associated with reduced risk of HCC (aOR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.43-0.97). In cases where subjects did not have diabetes mellitus and where the cDDD of RASi was 1800 or more, the risk of HCC development was significantly reduced compared to that in subjects with no RASi exposure (aOR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.08-0.72).

CONCLUSION

The present study did not verify a significant overall association between RASi use and HCC but indicated lower HCC incidence in some subgroups. The possibility of a beneficial effect at a higher cumulative RASi dose was also presented.

Clinical implications of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors for development and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Recently, there has been an increasing interest in the therapeutic efficacy of RAS inhibitors (RASi) in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) because they may reduce oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, and enhanced fibrosis. An objective of this study was to investigate the role of RASi on NAFLD development and progression in a large cohort. We conducted a nested case-control study. Study subjects were classified into two study cohorts according to baseline NAFLD status: non-NAFLD (n = 184,581) and established NALFD (n = 27,565). An NAFLD development or progression case was defined as a patient with newly developed NAFLD or new progression of advanced fibrosis from non-NAFLD and established NALFD cohorts, respectively. A conditional logistic regression analysis was conducted to estimate the associations between RASi exposure and NAFLD development/progression. Overall, no significant association was evident between RASi use and NAFLD development or progression (NAFLD development; ever-user vs. never-user: OR 1.017; 95% CI 0.842-1.230, NAFLD progression; ever-user vs. never-user: aOR 0.942; 95% CI 0.803-1.105). RASi ever-use in cases of individuals who were obese or who had normal fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was associated with reduced risk of both NAFLD development (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2: 0.708 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.535-0.937], FPG of < 100 mg/mL: 0.774 [95% CI 0.606-0.987]) and progression (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2: 0.668 [95% CI 0.568-0.784], FPG of < 100 mg/mL: 0.732 [95% CI 0.582-0.921]). The present study did not verify a significant overall association between RASi use and NAFLD development/progression but suggested that RASi might prevent NAFLD development and progression among specific subjects.

Potential detrimental role of soluble ACE2 in severe COVID-19 comorbid patients

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters the host cell by binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Other important proteins involved in this process include disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 17 (ADAM17) also known as tumour necrosis factor-α-converting enzyme and transmembrane serine protease 2. ACE2 converts angiotensin II (Ang II) to angiotensin (1-7), to balance the renin angiotensin system. Membrane-bound ACE2 ectodomain shedding is mediated by ADAM17 upon viral spike binding, Ang II overproduction and in several diseases. The shed soluble ACE2 (sACE2) retains its catalytic activity, but its precise role in viral entry is still unclear. Therapeutic sACE2 is claimed to exert dual effects; reduction of excess Ang II and blocking viral entry by masking the spike protein. Nevertheless, the paradox is why SARS-CoV-2 comorbid patients struggle to attain such benefit in viral infection despite having a high amount of sACE2. In this review, we discuss the possible detrimental role of sACE2 and speculate on a series of events where protease primed or non-primed virus-sACE2 complex might enter the host cell. As extracellular virus can bind many sACE2 molecules, sACE2 level could be reduced drastically upon endocytosis by the host cell. A consequential rapid rise in Ang II level could potentially aggravate disease severity through Ang II-angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1R) axis in comorbid patients. Hence, monitoring sACE2 and Ang II level in coronavirus disease 2019 comorbid patients are crucial to ensure safe and efficient intervention using therapeutic sACE2 and vaccines.

Exposure of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles in simplified food chain: Study on ultrastructural characterization

The widespread exposure of metallic nanoparticles to the aquatic ecosystem and its adverse impact on human life is the colossal concern worldwide. In view of this, this context was investigated to analyze microscopically the bioaccumulation and localization of magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles in the cellular organelles of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum, 1792) in aquatic conditions. Initially, Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were absorbed on to Elodea (Elodea canadensis) and fed to molluscs (Melanopsis praemorsa). Fish were fed with the same molluscs, and then the intestines and liver were examined using light and transmission electron microscopy. Results showed that nanoparticles were present in the cytoplasm and other organelles of cells (mitochondrion and lysosome) by absorbing through microvilli of the epithelial cells of the tunica mucosa in the intestine. Further, nanoparticles passed through the vessels of the lamina propria of the tunica mucosa and reached to the sinusoids of the liver via blood circulation. It was then accumulated from the endothelium of the sinusoid to the cytoplasm of liver hepatocytes and to mitochondria and lysosome. The accumulation of nanoparticles in the epithelial cells, cytoplasm, mitochondria, and lysosome revealed the degree of transparency of the pattern with slight hesitation. In summary, this investigation contributed towards the understanding of the physiological effects of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles on O. mykiss, which ascertains essentiality for sustainable development of nanobiotechnology in the aquatic ecosystem.

COVID-19 cytokine storm: The anger of inflammation

Patients with COVID-19 who require ICU admission might have the cytokine storm. It is a state of out-of-control release of a variety of inflammatory cytokines. The molecular mechanism of the cytokine storm has not been explored extensively yet. The attachment of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), as its cellular receptor, triggers complex molecular events that leads to hyperinflammation. Four molecular axes that may be involved in SARS-CoV-2 driven inflammatory cytokine overproduction are addressed in this work. The virus-mediated down-regulation of ACE2 causes a burst of inflammatory cytokine release through dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (ACE/angiotensin II/AT1R axis), attenuation of Mas receptor (ACE2/MasR axis), increased activation of [des-Arg9]-bradykinin (ACE2/bradykinin B1R/DABK axis), and activation of the complement system including C5a and C5b-9 components. The molecular clarification of these axes will elucidate an array of therapeutic strategies to confront the cytokine storm in order to prevent and treat COVID-19 associated acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Renal Sympathetic Nerve-Derived Signaling in Acute and Chronic kidney Diseases

The kidney is innervated by afferent sensory and efferent sympathetic nerve fibers. Norepinephrine (NE) is the primary neurotransmitter for post-ganglionic sympathetic adrenergic nerves, and its signaling, regulated through adrenergic receptors (AR), modulates renal function and pathophysiology under disease conditions. Renal sympathetic overactivity and increased NE level are commonly seen in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and are critical factors in the progression of renal disease. Blockade of sympathetic nerve-derived signaling by renal denervation or AR blockade in clinical and experimental studies demonstrates that renal nerves and its downstream signaling contribute to progression of acute kidney injury (AKI) to CKD and fibrogenesis. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the role of renal sympathetic nerve and adrenergic receptors in AKI, AKI to CKD transition and CKDand provides new insights into the therapeutic potential of intervening in its signaling pathways.

Preparation and antagonistic effect of ACE inhibitory peptide from cashew

BACKGROUND

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides were found to alleviate acute hepatitis significantly. In this study, we purified and identified ACE inhibitory peptide from cashew to evaluate its protective role on alcohol-induced acute hepatitis in mice.

RESULTS

The ACE inhibitory peptides were purified by using consecutive chromatographic techniques. One of these peptides (FETISFK) exhibited the highest ACE inhibition rate (91.04 ± 0.31%). In vivo, the results showed that ACE inhibitory peptide decreased levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) caused by alcohol exposure. Moreover, it could increase the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH), and decrease the level of malondialdehyde (MDA). It was also found to down-regulate markedly the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). It could also decrease the expression of ACE, angiotensin II (AngII) and angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT₁ R).

CONCLUSION

These findings support the view that the ACE inhibitory peptide alleviated acute hepatitis by down-regulating the ACE-AngII-AT₁ R axis, broadening the research approach to prevent acute hepatitis, and providing experimental data for the development and utilization of cashews. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Proline supplementation mitigates the early stage of liver injury in bile duct ligated rats

Background Proline is a proteinogenic amino acid with multiple biological functions. Several investigations have been supposed that cellular proline accumulation is a stress response mechanism. This amino acid acts as an osmoregulator, scavenges free radical species, boosts cellular antioxidant defense mechanisms, protects mitochondria, and promotes energy production. The current study was designed to investigate the effect of proline treatment on the liver in bile duct ligated (BDL) rats as an animal model of cholestasis/cirrhosis. Methods BDL rats were supplemented with proline-containing drinking water (0.25% and 0.5% w:v), and samples were collected at scheduled time intervals (3, 7, 14, 28, and 42 days after BDL surgery). Results Drastic elevation in the serum level of liver injury biomarkers and significant tissue histopathological changes were evident in BDL rats. Markers of oxidative stress were also higher in the liver of BDL animals. It was found that proline supplementation attenuated BDL-induced alteration in serum biomarkers of liver injury, mitigated liver histopathological changes, and alleviated markers of oxidative stress at the early stage of BDL operation (3, 7, and 14 days after BDL surgery). Conclusions The hepatoprotection provided by proline in BDL animals might be associated with its ability to attenuate oxidative stress and its consequences.

Liver

The discovery that renin–angiotensin system (RAS) components are locally expressed in the liver tissue, pointed out to a role for this system in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. The RAS counter-regulatory axis composed by the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] and Mas receptor mediates pro-inflammatory, pro-thrombotic, and pro-fibrotic processes, frequently opposing the classical RAS arm (ACE-Ang II-AT₁ receptor) actions. Therefore, the balance between both RAS axes most likely affects the clinical and histopathological expression of liver diseases. It is worth noticing that liver diseases are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Without proper treatment, all types of chronic hepatitis will progress to end-stage liver diseases, including cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma, which ultimately lead to death. In this context, to better comprehend the role of RAS components in liver failure might pave the way for the search of potential predictive biomarkers as well as the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Valuable data have been generated from preclinical and clinical studies. Herein, we summarize the current evidence, mainly focusing in the ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas receptor arm, regarding the role of RAS in liver diseases. The therapeutic potential of the modulation of RAS molecules in liver diseases is also discussed.

The small molecule drug diminazene aceturate inhibits liver injury and biliary fibrosis in mice

There is no established medical therapy to treat biliary fibrosis resulting from chronic inflammation in the biliary tree. We have recently shown that liver-specific over-expression of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) ameliorated liver fibrosis in mice. Diminazene aceturate (DIZE), a small molecule drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, which is used to treat human trypanosomiasis, has been shown to have antifibrotic properties by enhancing ACE2 activity. In this study we sought to determine the therapeutic potential of DIZE in biliary fibrosis using bile duct ligated and multiple drug resistant gene-2 knockout mice. Additionally, human hepatic stellate (LX-2) and mouse Kupffer (KUP5) cell lines were used to delineate intracellular pathways. DIZE treatment, both in vivo and in vitro, markedly inhibited the activation of fibroblastic stellate cells which was associated with a reduced activation of Kupffer cells. Moreover, DIZE-inhibited NOX enzyme assembly and ROS generation, activation of profibrotic transcription factors including p38, Erk1/2 and Smad2/3 proteins and proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokine release. These changes led to a major reduction in biliary fibrosis in both models without affecting liver ACE2 activity. We conclude that DIZE has a potential to treat biliary fibrosis.

Intracerebroventricular infusion of angiotensin AT2 receptor agonist novokinin aggravates some diabetes-mellitus-induced alterations in Wistar rats

Cumulative data suggest the significant role of the renin-angiotensin system in the development of the pathological consequences of diabetes mellitus (DM). Newly synthesized AT2 receptor agonists gained importance as a target for creating new antihypertensives. The aim of the present work was to study the effects of peptide AT2 agonist novokinin, infused intracerebroventricularly, on the consequences of the streptozotocin-induced type 1 DM (T1DM) in Wistar rats. Food and water consumption, body mass, urine excretion (metabolic cages), motor activity (open-field test), anxiety (elevated plus maze), nociception (paw pressure analgesimeter test), spatial memory (T-maze alternation test), and plasma levels of glucose and corticosterone (ELISA) were assessed 2 weeks after the T1DM induction. Novokinin increased water and food consumption, as well as urine output, and reduced mass gain in the control rats. Diabetic rats demonstrated hyperalgesia, increased level of plasma corticosterone, decreased motor and exploratory activity, and impaired spatial memory. Novokinin infusion increased water intake, diuresis, and mortality rate, decreased food intake, exacerbated diabetes-induced hyperalgesia, and provoked anxiety-like behavior but improved spatial memory in diabetic rats. These initial data suggest that angiotensin AT2 receptors participate in the pathogenesis of T1DM-induced complications in the function of the nervous system.

Novel angiotensin receptor blocker, azilsartan induces oxidative stress and NFkB-mediated apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2

Overexpression of renin angiotensin system (RAS) components and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) has a key role in various cancers. Blockade of RAS and NF-kB pathway has been suggested to reduce cancer cell proliferation. This study aimed to investigate the role of angiotensin II and NF-kB pathway in liver hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) proliferation by using azilsartan (as a novel Ag II antagonist) and Bay 11-7082 (as NF-kB inhibitor). HepG2 cells were treated with different concentrations of azilsartan and Bay 11-7082. Cytotoxicity was determined after 24, 48, and 72?h by MTT assay. Reactive oxygen spices (ROS) generation and cytochrome c release were measured following azilsartan and Bay11- 7082 treatment. Apoptosis was analyzed qualitatively by DAPI staining and quantitatively through flow cytometry methodologies and Bax and Bcl-2 mRNA and protein levels were assessed by real time PCR and ELISA methods, respectively. The cytotoxic effects of different concentration of azilsartan and Bay11- 7082 on HepG2 cells were observed as a reduction in cell viability, increased ROS formation, cytochrome c release and apoptosis induction. These effects were found to correlate with a shift in Bax level and a downward trend in the expression of Bcl-2. These findings suggest that azilsartan and Bay11- 7082 in combination or alone have strong potential as an agent for prevention or treatment of liver cancer after further studies.

Betanin reduces organophosphate induced cytotoxicity in primary hepatocyte via an anti-oxidative and mitochondrial dependent pathway

Organophosphates (OP) are potent pesticide commonly utilized in agricultural and domestic use. However, plentitude of data represent their side effects in different body tissues. We attempted to study whether betanin (a natural pigment) is able to mitigate some OPs-induced hepatotoxicity in primary rat hepatocytes. Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione (GSH) depletion and mitochondrial depolarization were tested as toxicity markers. The outcomes revealed that betanin (25μM) significantly increased cell viability, plummeted ROS formation and LPO, restored cellular GSH reservoirs and protected mitochondria after chlorpyrifos (CPF) (300μM), diazinon (DZN) (600μM) and dichlrovos (DDVP) (400μM) treatment. Taken together, all data suggests the potential protective role of betanin in OPs-induced hepatotoxicity in which the mechanism appears to be inhibition of ROS formation and mitochondrial protection.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2-angiotensin (1-7)-Mas axis prevents pancreatic acinar cell inflammatory response via inhibition of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor-κB pathway

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)2-angiotensin‑(Ang)-(1-7)-Mas axis in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis and the association between this axis and the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK)/nuclear factor (NF-κB) signaling pathway in pancreatic acinar cells. Mouse pancreatic acinar cancer (MPC-83) cells were stimulated with 10 nM caerulein (CAE) to create an in vitro model of acute pancreatitis, and collected for analysis at 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h post stimulation. In addition, cells were pretreated with different concentrations of Ang‑(1‑7), Ang‑(1‑7) antagonist A779, p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 or ACE2 inhibitor DX600 for 30 min, and then stimulated with CAE for 24 h. The ACE2, Mas receptor, p38 MAPK, phosphorylated (p)-p38 MAPK and NF-κB expression levels were evaluated using western blotting and immunofluorescence. p38 MAPK, NF-κB, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8 and IL-10 mRNA expression levels were assessed using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results of the immunofluorescence assay demonstrated that ACE2 and p38 MAPK were present mainly in the cytoplasm, while the Mas receptor was located mainly in the cell membrane. ACE2, p38 MAPK and p-p38 MAPK protein levels were significantly increased (P<0.05) following stimulation with CAE compared with those in the control group and peaked at 24 h. Mas receptor protein levels were significantly upregulated (P<0.05) between 6 and 24 h, peaking at 12 h. Ang‑(1‑7) and SB203580 downregulated p-p38 MAPK and NF-κB expression and the mRNA levels of inflammatory factors IL-6, TNF-α and IL-8, but upregulated the mRNA level of inflammatory factor IL-10 compared with those treated with CAE alone. These results were supported by the opposite outcomes observed for cells treated with A779 or DX600. Therefore, it was concluded that the ACE2-Ang‑(1‑7)-Mas axis significantly inhibits pancreatitis by inhibition of the p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Renin angiotensin system in liver diseases: Friend or foe?

In the last three decades, the understanding of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) has been changed by the discoveries of functional local systems, novel biologically active peptides, additional specific receptors, alternative pathways of angiotensin (Ang) II generation, and new roles for enzymes and precursor components other than those in Ang II synthesis. In this regard, the discovery that Ang-(1-7) opposes the pressor, proliferative, pro-fibrotic, and pro-inflammatory effects mediated by Ang II has contributed to the realization that the RAS is composed of two axes. The first axis consists of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), with Ang II as the end product, and the angiotensin type 1 (AT₁) receptor as the main effector mediating the biological actions of Ang II. The second axis results from ACE2-mediated hydrolysis of Ang II, leading to the production of Ang-(1-7), with the Mas receptor as the main effector conveying the vasodilatory, anti-proliferative, anti-fibrotic, and anti-inflammatory effects of Ang-(1-7). Experimental and clinical studies have shown that both axes of the RAS may take part in the pathogenesis of liver diseases. In this manuscript, we summarize the current evidence regarding the role of RAS in hepatic cirrhosis and its complications, including hemodynamic changes and hepatorenal syndrome. The therapeutic potential of the modulation of RAS molecules in liver diseases is also discussed.

Venlafaxine-Induced Cytotoxicity Towards Isolated Rat Hepatocytes Involves Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial/Lysosomal Dysfunction

Purpose: Depression is a public disorder worldwide. Despite the widespread use of venlafaxine in the treatment of depression, it has been associated with the incidence of toxicities. Hence, the goal of the current investigation was to evaluate the mechanisms of venlafaxine-induced cell death in the model of the freshly isolated rat hepatocytes. Methods: Collagenase-perfused rat hepatocytes were treated with venlafaxine and other agents. Cell damage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial membrane potential decline, lysosomal damage, glutathione (GSH) level were analyzed. Moreover, rat liver mitochondria were isolated through differential centrifugation to assess respiratory chain functionality. Results: Our results demonstrated that venlafaxine could induce ROS formation followed by lipid peroxidation, cellular GSH content depletion, elevated GSSG level, loss of lysosmal membrane integrity, MMP collapse and finally cell death in a concentration-dependent manner. N-acetyl cysteine, taurine and quercetine significantly decreased the aforementioned venlafaxine-induced cellular events. Also, radical scavenger (butylatedhydroxytoluene and α-tocopherol), CYP2E1 inhibitor (4-methylpyrazole), lysosomotropic agents (methylamine and chloroquine), ATP generators (L-gluthamine and fructose) and mitochondrial pore sealing agents (trifluoperazine and L-carnitine) considerably reduced cytotoxicity, ROS generation and lysosomal leakage following venlafaxine treatment. Mitochondrion dysfunction was concomitant with the blockade of the electron transfer complexes II and IV of the mitochondrial respiratory system. Conclusion: Therefore, our data indicate that venlafaxine induces oxidative stress towards hepatocytes and our findings provide evidence to propose that mitochondria and lysosomes are of the primary targets in venlafaxine-mediated cell damage.