Validated LC-MS/MS method of Sphingosine 1-phosphate quantification in human serum for evaluation of response to radiotherapy in lung cancer

Engineering Efferocytosis-Mimicking Nanovesicles to Regulate Joint Anti-Inflammation and Peripheral Immunosuppression for Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic inflammation of the synovial joints and the dysfunction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the peripheral blood. Therefore, an optimal treatment strategy should aim to eliminate the inflammatory response in the joints and simultaneously restore the immune tolerance of Tregs in peripheral blood. Accordingly, we developed an efferocytosis-mimicking nanovesicle that contains three functional factors for immunomodulating of efferocytosis, including "find me" and "eat me" signals for professional (macrophage) or non-professional phagocytes (T lymphocyte), and "apoptotic metabolite" for metabolite digestion. We showed that efferocytosis-mimicking nanovesicles targeted the inflamed joints and spleen of mice with collagen-induced arthritis, further recruiting and selectively binding to macrophages and T lymphocytes to induce M2 macrophage polarization and Treg differentiation and T helper cell 17 (Th17) recession. Under systemic administration, the efferocytosis-mimicking nanovesicles effectively maintained the pro-inflammatory M1/anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage balance in joints and the Treg/Th17 imbalance in peripheral blood to prevent RA progression. This study demonstrates the potential of efferocytosis-mimicking nanovesicles for RA immunotherapy.

UV-Vis spectrophotometry for rapid and specific quantification of amphotericin B: analytical method validation for ex vivo and in vivo studies in the development of nanoemulsion-incorporated thermosensitive gel

Amphotericin B (AmB) is the first-line drug used for the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis (CM). AmB has poor gastrointestinal permeability due to its large molecular weight. In addition, AmB in injectable form has the disadvantages of high systemic side effects and low bioavailability in the brain because it cannot cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Therefore, it is important to develop new drugs with a more optimized delivery system. The nose-to-brain drug delivery system offers many advantages such as high bioavailability in the brain as it does not need to cross the BBB. AmB was developed in nanoemulsion (NE) system which provides controlled release and to avoid nasal clearance system, it was combined with thermosensitive gel (TG). To support the formulation development process, analytical method validation was conducted for AmB in methanol (MeOH) solvent, release media, nasal mucosal tissue and brain tissue. It was conducted to measure the concentration of AmB in TG-NE, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo studies. The developed method was then validated based on ICH guidelines. The results obtained showed that the linear coefficient was ≥ 0.9998. The LLOQ values in MeOH, PBS + 2% SLS, nasal mucosa tissue and brain tissue were 1.63 µg/mL, 1.99 µg/mL, 1.55 µg/mL, 1.62 µg/mL, respectively. The accuracy and precision of the developed analytical method were found to be precise without the influence of dilution. Therefore, the method was successfully applied to measure the amount of AmB in TG-NE. The validated method was reported to be successful for measuring the amount of AmB in gel preparations, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo studies showing uniformity of drug content, release profile and pharmacokinetic profile.

Single-cell transcriptomic sequencing data reveal aberrant DNA methylation in SMAD3 promoter region in tumor-associated fibroblasts affecting molecular mechanism of radiosensitivity in non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) often exhibits resistance to radiotherapy, posing significant treatment challenges. This study investigates the role of SMAD3 in NSCLC, focusing on its potential in influencing radiosensitivity via the ITGA6/PI3K/Akt pathway.

METHODS

The study utilized gene expression data from the GEO database to identify differentially expressed genes related to radiotherapy resistance in NSCLC. Using the GSE37745 dataset, prognostic genes were identified through Cox regression and survival analysis. Functional roles of target genes were explored using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and co-expression analyses. Gene promoter methylation levels were assessed using databases like UALCAN, DNMIVD, and UCSC Xena, while the TISCH database provided insights into the correlation between target genes and CAFs. Experiments included RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry on NSCLC patient samples, in vitro studies on isolated CAFs cells, and in vivo nude mouse tumor models.

RESULTS

Fifteen key genes associated with radiotherapy resistance in NSCLC cells were identified. SMAD3 was recognized as an independent prognostic factor for NSCLC, linked to poor patient outcomes. High expression of SMAD3 was correlated with low DNA methylation in its promoter region and was enriched in CAFs. In vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that SMAD3 promotes radiotherapy resistance by activating the ITGA6/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

High expression of SMAD3 in NSCLC tissues, cells, and CAFs is closely associated with poor prognosis and increased radiotherapy resistance. SMAD3 is likely to enhance radiotherapy resistance in NSCLC cells by activating the ITGA6/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Enhanced selective capture of phosphomonoester lipids enabling highly sensitive detection of sphingosine 1-phosphate

Sphingolipids play crucial roles in cellular membranes, myelin stability, and signalling responses to physiological cues and stress. Among them, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) has been recognized as a relevant biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases, and its analogue FTY-720 has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Focusing on these targets, we here report three novel polymeric capture phases for the selective extraction of the natural biomarker and its analogue drug. To enhance analytical performance, we employed different synthetic approaches using a cationic monomer and a hydrophobic copolymer of styrene-DVB. Results have demonstrated high affinity of the sorbents towards S1P and fingolimod phosphate (FTY-720-P, FP). This evidence proved that lipids containing phosphate diester moiety in their structures did not constitute obstacles for the interaction of phosphate monoester lipids when loaded into an SPE cartridge. Our suggested approach offers a valuable tool for developing efficient analytical procedures.

S1P-Induced TNF-α and IL-6 Release from PBMCs Exacerbates Lung Cancer-Associated Inflammation

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is involved in inflammatory signaling/s associated with the development of respiratory disorders, including cancer. However, the underlying mechanism/s are still elusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of S1P on circulating blood cells obtained from healthy volunteers and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. To pursue our goal, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and stimulated with S1P. We found that the administration of S1P did not induce healthy PBMCs to release pro-inflammatory cytokines. In sharp contrast, S1P significantly increased the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 from lung cancer-derived PBMCs. This effect was S1P receptor 3 (S1PR3)-dependent. The pharmacological blockade of ceramidase and sphingosine kinases (SPHKs), key enzymes for S1P synthesis, completely reduced the release of both TNF-α and IL-6 after S1P addition on lung cancer-derived PBMCs. Interestingly, S1P-induced IL-6, but not TNF-α, release from lung cancer-derived PBMCs was mTOR- and K-Ras-dependent, while NF-κB was not involved. These data identify S1P as a bioactive lipid mediator in a chronic inflammation-driven diseases such as NSCLC. In particular, the higher presence of S1P could orchestrate the cytokine milieu in NSCLC, highlighting S1P as a pro-tumor driver.

Serum sphingosine-1 phosphate level is increased in patients with hepatitis B and displays a positive association with liver fibrosis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the difference in serum sphingosine-1 phosphate (S1P) concentration between the HBV hepatitis patients and healthy controls, and its relevant association with serum liver fibrosis indicators.

METHODS

A total of 28 HBsAg (+) HBeAg (+) Anti-HBc (+) hepatitis B patients, 42 HBsAg (+) Anti-HBe (+) Anti-HBc (+) hepatitis B patients, and 21 healthy subjects with normal liver function were included. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass method was used to detect the level of serum S1P.

RESULTS

SerumS1P concentration of Anti-HBe (+) hepatitis B patients was higher than that of the control group (P=0.017) and HBeAg (+) patients (P=0.007). At the same time, there was no significant difference in the serum S1P concentration between HBeAg (+) hepatitis B patients and the control group (P>0.05). Moreover, serum S1P concentration was positively correlated with liver fibrosis indices, Collage Type IV Protein (r=0.264; P=0.011), and Chitosanase 3-like protein 1 (r=0.295; P=0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum S1P level is increased in patients with hepatitis B and displays a positive association with liver fibrosis.

Associations among S100A4, Sphingosine-1-Phosphate, and Pulmonary Function in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background. S100A4 is a member of the S100 calcium-binding protein family and is increased in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a naturally occurring bioactive sphingolipid, which regulates the adhesion between the cells and the extracellular matrix and affects cell migration and differentiation. The goal of this study was to analyze the correlations among S100A4, S1P, and pulmonary function among COPD patients. Methods. All 139 serum samples and 15 lung specimens were collected in COPD patients and control subjects. S100A4 and S1P were detected in two groups. The markers of fibrosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were measured in the lungs of COPD patients and control subjects. Results. The protein expression of S100A4 was higher in the lungs and serum of COPD patients than control cases. Additionally, serum S100A4 was inversely associated with pulmonary function among COPD patients. Meanwhile, collagen deposition and EMT nuclear transcription factors were elevated in the lungs of COPD patients. Moreover, the protein expression of S1P was increased in the serum of COPD patients. Serum S1P was gradually increased along with pulmonary function decline in COPD patients. Further correlation analysis revealed that serum S1P was negatively associated with pulmonary function in COPD patients. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between S1P and S100A4 in COPD patients. Conclusions. These results provide evidence that the elevation of S100A4 and S1P may be involved in the onset and progression of COPD.

Differences in lipid composition of Bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) during storage at 0 °C and 4 °C

This study aimed to investigate the lipid oxidation and distribution in Bigeye tuna stored at 0 °C and 4 °C for 6 days. Tuna were evaluated by determining the peroxide value (POV), acid value (AV), anisidine value (AnV), polyene index, fluorescence ratio (FR), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI) content, and major glycerophospholipid molecular species. The value of lipid oxidation indexes (POV, AV, AnV, FR, PC, PE and PI) increased as the storage time increased. High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) results indicated that the major types of lipids included diacylglycerol (DAG), monoacylglycerol (MAG), phospholipid (PL), and triacylglycerol (TAG). At least 136 PC and 64 PE molecular species were identified in Bigeye tuna. The results of the confocal laser scanning microscope analysis indicated the distribution of TAG and PL particles. In addition, principal component analysis showed that the contents of PI and TAG were positively correlated with PC, polyene index and lipid content but negatively correlated with PI, POV, FR, AOV, AnV, MAG, and DAG, which might be explained by distinguishing the lipid parameters affecting lipid oxidation. Therefore, this study may provide a novel method to evaluate lipid changes and contribute to the balanced nutritional value of aquatic foods during cold storage.

Lung cancer cells and their sensitivity/resistance to cisplatin chemotherapy: Role of microRNAs and upstream mediators

Cisplatin (CP) is a well-known chemotherapeutic agent with excellent clinical effects. The anti-tumor activity of CP has been demonstrated in different cancers such as breast, cervical, reproductive, lung, brain, and prostate cancers. However, resistance of cancer cells to CP chemotherapy has led to its failure in eradication of cancer cells, and subsequent death of patients with cancer. Fortunately, much effort has been put to identify molecular pathways and mechanisms involved in CP resistance/sensitivity. It seems that microRNAs (miRs) are promising candidates in mediating CP resistance/sensitivity, since they participate in different biological aspects of cells such as proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and differentiation. In this review, we focus on miRs and their regulation in CP chemotherapy of lung cancer, as the most malignant tumor worldwide. Oncogenic miRs trigger CP resistance in lung cancer cells via targeting various pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Rab6, CASP2, PTEN, and Apaf-1. In contrast, onco-suppressor miRs inhibit oncogene pathways such as STAT3 to suppress CP resistance. These topics are discussed to determine the role of miRs in CP resistance/sensitivity. We also describe the upstream modulators of miRs such as lncRNAs, circRNAs, NF-κB, SOX2 and TRIM65 and their association with CP resistance/sensitivity in lung cancer cells. Finally, the effect of anti-tumor plant-derived natural compounds on miR expression during CP sensitivity of lung cancer cells is discussed.