FOXO Transcriptional Factors and Long-Term Living

RUNX3-activated apelin signaling inhibits cell proliferation and fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy by regulation of the SIRT1/FOXO pathway

BACKGROUND

Diabetic nephropathy is a major secondary cause of end-stage renal disease. Apelin plays an important role in the development of DN. Understanding the exact mechanism of Apelin can help expand the means of treating DN.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6 mice was used and STZ treatment was implemented for DN model establishment. Lentivirus systems including Lv-sh-RUNX3 and Lv-Apelin were obtained to knockdown RUNX3 and overexpress Apelin, respectively. A total of 36 mice were divided into 6 groups (n = 6 in each group): control, DN, DN + LV-Vector, DN + Lv-Apelin, DN + LV-Apelin + LV-sh-NC and DN + Lv-Apelin + Lv-sh-RUNX3 group. In vitro studies were performed using mesangial cells. Cell viability and proliferation was assessed through CCK8 and EDU analysis. Hematoxylin and eosin staining as well as Masson staining was implemented for histological evaluation. RT-qPCR was conducted for measuring relative mRNA levels, and protein expression was detected by western blotting. The interaction between SIRT1 and FOXO were verified by co-immunoprecipitations, and relations between RUNX3 and Apelin were demonstrated by dual luciferase report and chromatin immunoprecipitation.

RESULTS

The DN group exhibited significantly lower Apelin expression compared to control (p < 0.05). Apelin overexpression markedly improved blood glucose, renal function indicators, ameliorated renal fibrosis and reduced fibrotic factor expression (p < 0.05) in the DN group, accompanied by elevated sirt1 levels and diminished acetylated FOXO1/FOXO3a (p < 0.05). However, RUNX3 knockdown combined with Apelin overexpression abrogated these beneficial effects, leading to impaired renal function, exacerbated fibrosis, increased fibrotic factor expression and acetylated FOXO1/FOXO3a versus Apelin overexpression alone (p < 0.05). In mesangial cells under high glucose, Apelin overexpression significantly inhibited cell proliferation and fibrotic factor production (p < 0.05). Conversely, RUNX3 interference enhanced cell proliferation and the secretion of fibrotic factors. (p < 0.05). Remarkably, combining Apelin overexpression with RUNX3 interference reversed the proliferation and fibrosis induced by RUNX3 interference (p < 0.05). Mechanistic studies revealed RUNX3 binds to the Apelin promoter, with the 467-489 bp site1 as the primary binding region, and SIRT1 physically interacts with FOXO1 and FOXO3a in mesangial cells.

CONCLUSION

RUNX3 activated Apelin and regulated the SIRT1/FOXO signaling pathway, resulting in the suppressed cell proliferation and fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy. Apelin is a promising endogenous therapeutic target for anti-renal injury and anti-fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy. RUNX3 may serve as an endogenous intervention target for diseases related to Apelin deficiency.

Protein phosphatase SCP4 regulates cartilage development and endochondral osteogenesis via FoxO3a dephosphorylation

The regulatory mechanisms involved in embryonic development are complex and yet remain unclear. SCP4 represents a novel nucleus-resident phosphatase identified in our previous study. The primary aim of this study was to elucidate the function of SCP4 in the progress of cartilage development and endochondral osteogenesis. SCP4-/- and SCP4Col2ER mice were constructed to assess differences in bone formation using whole skeleton staining. ABH/OG staining was used to compare chondrocyte differentiation and cartilage development. Relevant biological functions were analysed using RNA-sequencing and GO enrichment, further validated by immunohistochemical staining, Co-IP and Western Blot. Global SCP4 knockout led to abnormal embryonic development in SCP4-/- mice, along with delayed endochondral osteogenesis. In parallel, chondrocyte-specific removal of SCP4 yielded more severe embryonic deformities in SCP4Col2ER mice, including limb shortening, reduced chondrocyte number in the growth plate, disorganisation and cell enlargement. Moreover, RNA-sequencing analysis showed an association between SCP4 and chondrocyte apoptosis. Notably, Tunnel-positive cells were indeed increased in the growth plates of SCP4Col2ER mice. The deficiency of SCP4 up-regulated the expression levels of pro-apoptotic proteins both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, phosphorylation of FoxO3a (pFoxO3a), a substrate of SCP4, was heightened in chondrocytes of SCP4Col2ER mice growth plate, and the direct interaction between SCP4 and pFoxO3a was further validated in chondrocytes. Our findings underscore the critical role of SCP4 in regulating cartilage development and endochondral osteogenesis during embryonic development partially via inhibition of chondrocytes apoptosis regulated by FoxO3a dephosphorylation.

PARP-2 mediates cardiomyocyte aging and damage induced by doxorubicin through SIRT1 Inhibition

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anthracycline antibiotic used as an antitumor treatment. However, its clinical application is limited due to severe side effects such as cardiotoxicity. In recent years, numerous studies have demonstrated that cellular aging has become a therapeutic target for DOX-induced cardiomyopathy. However, the underlying mechanism and specific molecular targets of DOX-induced cardiomyocyte aging remain unclear. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) is a family of protein post-translational modification enzymes in eukaryotic cells, including 18 members. PARP-1, the most well-studied member of this family, has become a potential molecular target for the prevention and treatment of various cardiovascular diseases, such as DOX cardiomyopathy and heart failure. PARP-1 and PARP-2 share 69% homology in the catalytic regions. However, they do not entirely overlap in function. The role of PARP-2 in cardiovascular diseases, especially in DOX-induced cardiomyocyte aging, is less studied. In this study, we found for the first time that down-regulation of PARP-2 can inhibit DOX-induced cellular aging in cardiomyocytes. On the contrary, overexpression of PARP-2 can aggravate DOX-induced cardiomyocyte aging and injury. Further research showed that PARP-2 inhibited the expression and activity of SIRT1, which in turn was involved in the development of DOX-induced cardiomyocyte aging and injury. Our findings provide a preliminary experimental basis for establishing PARP-2 as a new target for preventing and treating DOX cardiomyopathy and related drug development.

Obesity and male fertility disorders

Often associated with obesity, male infertility represents a widespread condition that challenges the wellbeing of the couple. In this article, we provide a comprehensive and critical analysis of studies exploring the association between obesity and male reproductive function, to evaluate the frequency of this association, and establish the effects of increased body weight on conventional and biofunctional sperm parameters and infertility. In an attempt to find possible molecular markers of infertility in obese male patients, the numerous mechanisms responsible for infertility in overweight/obese patients are reviewed in depth. These include obesity-related functional hypogonadism, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, chronic inflammation, adipokines, irisin, gut hormones, gut microbiome, and sperm transcriptome. According to meta-analytic evidence, excessive body weight negatively influences male reproductive health. This can occurr through a broad array of molecular mechanisms. Some of these are not yet fully understood and need to be further elucidated in the future. A better understanding of the effects of metabolic disorders on spermatogenesis and sperm fertilizing capacity is very useful for identifying new diagnostic markers and designing therapeutic strategies for better clinical management of male infertility.

The roles of stress-induced premature senescence and Akt/FoxO1 signaling in periapical lesions

OBJECTIVES

There is little knowledge about oxidative stress-induced senescence involvement in apical periodontitis. Here, we explored its molecular mechanism in periapical lesions.

METHODS

Ten cases of radicular cysts and five cases of periapical granulomas were randomly selected. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to detect the expression and correlation between Senescence-associated factor polymerase I and transcript release factor (PTRF) and Akt/FoxO1 signaling. Human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) pretreated with LY294002 were exposed to H2O2-induced oxidative stress conditions and then cell proliferation, senescence, apoptosis, and associated signaling were evaluated by EdU labeling, β-galactosidase assay, RT-qPCR, and western blot analysis, respectively.

RESULTS

Polymerase I and transcript release factor and Akt/FoxO1 signaling were more frequently expressed in the radicular cyst than in periapical granulomas. Notably, cells in radicular cysts showed Akt activation, FoxO1 phosphorylation, and cytoplasmic translocation. In vitro, prominent H2O2-induced senescence was observed in hPDLCs. LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, attenuated the expression levels of senescence (Klotho, P16INK4), apoptosis (Bad, Fas), phosphorylated Akt, and phosphorylated FoxO1; however, did not affect cell proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicated that senescence is present in clinical periapical lesions, and Akt/FoxO1 signaling is involved in the H2O2-induced cellular senescence, which could serve as a potential therapeutic target.

Sex-biased gene expression and gene-regulatory networks of sex-biased adverse event drug targets and drug metabolism genes

BACKGROUND

Previous pharmacovigilance studies and a retroactive review of cancer clinical trial studies identified that women were more likely to experience drug adverse events (i.e., any unintended effects of medication), and men were more likely to experience adverse events that resulted in hospitalization or death. These sex-biased adverse events (SBAEs) are due to many factors not entirely understood, including differences in body mass, hormones, pharmacokinetics, and liver drug metabolism enzymes and transporters.

METHODS

We first identified drugs associated with SBAEs from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. Next, we evaluated sex-specific gene expression of the known drug targets and metabolism enzymes for those SBAE-associated drugs. We also constructed sex-specific tissue gene-regulatory networks to determine if these known drug targets and metabolism enzymes from the SBAE-associated drugs had sex-specific gene-regulatory network properties and predicted regulatory relationships.

RESULTS

We identified liver-specific gene-regulatory differences for drug metabolism genes between males and females, which could explain observed sex differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. In addition, we found that ~ 85% of SBAE-associated drug targets had sex-biased gene expression or were core genes of sex- and tissue-specific network communities, significantly higher than randomly selected drug targets. Lastly, we provide the sex-biased drug-adverse event pairs, drug targets, and drug metabolism enzymes as a resource for the research community.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, we provide evidence that many SBAEs are associated with drug targets and drug metabolism genes that are differentially expressed and regulated between males and females. These SBAE-associated drug metabolism enzymes and drug targets may be useful for future studies seeking to explain or predict SBAEs.

RUNX1 knockdown induced apoptosis and impaired EMT in high-grade serous ovarian cancer cells

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic illnesses worldwide. High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is a gynecological tumor that accounts for roughly 70% of ovarian cancer deaths in women. Runt-related transcription factor 1(RUNX1) proteins were identified with overexpression in the HGSOC. However, the roles of RUNX1 in the development of HGSOC are poorly understood. In this study, combined with whole-transcriptome analysis and multiple research methods, RUNX1 was identified as vital in developing HGSOC. RUNX1 knockdown inhibits the physiological function of ovarian cancer cells and regulates apoptosis through the FOXO1-Bcl2 axis. Down-regulated RUNX1 impairs EMT function through the EGFR-AKT-STAT3 axis signaling. In addition, RUNX1 knockdown can significantly increase the sensitivity to clinical drug therapy for ovarian cancer. It is strongly suggested that RUNX1 work as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for HGSOC patients with better prognoses and treatment options. It is possible to generate novel potential targeted therapy strategies and translational applications for serous ovarian carcinoma patients with better clinical outcomes.

Emerging links between FOXOs and diabetic complications

Diabetes and its complications are increasing worldwide in the working population as well as in elders. Prolonged hyperglycemia results in damage to blood vessels of various tissues followed by organ damage. Hyperglycemia-induced damage in small blood vessels as in nephrons, retina, and neurons results in diabetic microvascular complications which involve nephropathy, retinopathy, and diabetic neuropathy. Additionally, damage in large blood vessels is considered as a macrovascular complication including diabetic cardiomyopathy. These long-term complications can result in organ failure and thus becomes the leading cause of diabetic-related mortality in patients. Members of the Forkhead Box O family (FOXO) are involved in various body functions including cell proliferation, metabolic processes, differentiation, autophagy, and apoptosis. Moreover, increasing shreds of evidence suggest the involvement of FOXO family members FOXO1, FOXO3, FOXO4, and FOXO6 in several chronic diseases including diabetes and diabetic complications. Hence, this review focuses on the role of FOXO transcription factors in the regulation of diabetic complications.

Sex-biased gene expression and gene-regulatory networks of sex-biased adverse event drug targets and drug metabolism genes

Background

Previous pharmacovigilance studies and a retroactive review of cancer clinical trial studies identified that women were more likely to experience drug adverse events (i.e., any unintended effects of medication), and men were more likely to experience adverse events that resulted in hospitalization or death. These sex-biased adverse events (SBAEs) are due to many factors not entirely understood, including differences in body mass, hormones, pharmacokinetics, and liver drug metabolism enzymes and transporters.

Methods

We first identified drugs associated with SBAEs from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. Next, we evaluated sex-specific gene expression of the known drug targets and metabolism enzymes for those SBAE-associated drugs. We also constructed sex-specific tissue gene-regulatory networks to determine if these known drug targets and metabolism enzymes from the SBAE-associated drugs had sex-specific gene-regulatory network properties and predicted regulatory relationships.

Results

We identified liver-specific gene-regulatory differences for drug metabolism genes between males and females, which could explain observed sex differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. In addition, we found that ~85% of SBAE-associated drug targets had sex-biased gene expression or were core genes of sex- and tissue-specific network communities, significantly higher than randomly selected drug targets. Lastly, we provide the sex-biased drug-adverse event pairs, drug targets, and drug metabolism enzymes as a resource for the research community.

Conclusions

Overall, we provide evidence that many SBAEs are associated with drug targets and drug metabolism genes that are differentially expressed and regulated between males and females. These SBAE-associated drug metabolism enzymes and drug targets may be useful for future studies seeking to explain or predict SBAEs.

Forkhead box proteins as the critical regulators of cisplatin response in tumor cells

Cisplatin (CDDP) is one of the most common chemotherapy drugs used in a wide range of cancer patients; however, there is a high rate of CDDP resistance among cancer patients. Considering the side effects of cisplatin in normal tissues, it is necessary to predict the CDDP response in cancer patients. Therefore, identifying the molecular mechanisms involved in CDDP resistance can help to introduce the prognostic markers. Several molecular mechanisms such as apoptosis inhibition, drug efflux, drug detoxification, and increased DNA repair are involved in CDDP resistance. Regarding the key role of transcription factors in regulation of many cellular processes related to drug resistance, in the present review, we discussed the role of Forkhead box (FOX) protein family in CDDP response. It has been reported that FOX proteins mainly promote CDDP resistance through the regulation of DNA repair, autophagy, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and signaling pathways. Therefore, FOX proteins can be introduced as the prognostic markers to predict CDDP response in cancer patients. In addition, considering that oncogenic role of FOX proteins, the CDDP treatment along with FOX inhibition can be used as a therapeutic strategy in cancer patients.

Interactions between the DNA Damage Response and the Telomere Complex in Carcinogenesis: A Hypothesis

Contrary to what was once thought, direct cancer originating from normal stem cells seems to be extremely rare. This is consistent with a preneoplastic period of telomere length reduction/damage in committed cells that becomes stabilized in transformation. Multiple observations suggest that telomere damage is an obligatory step preceding its stabilization. During tissue turnover, the telomeres of cells undergoing differentiation can be damaged as a consequence of defective DNA repair caused by endogenous or exogenous agents. This may result in the emergence of new mechanism of telomere maintenance which is the final outcome of DNA damage and the initial signal that triggers malignant transformation. Instead, transformation of stem cells is directly induced by primary derangement of telomere maintenance mechanisms. The newly modified telomere complex may promote survival of cancer stem cells, independently of telomere maintenance. An inherent resistance of stem cells to transformation may be linked to specific, robust mechanisms that help maintain telomere integrity.

Tissue-specific biological aging predicts progression in prostate cancer and acute myeloid leukemia

Introduction

Chronological aging is a well-recognized diagnostic and prognostic factor in multiple cancer types, yet the role of biological aging in manifesting cancer progression has not been fully explored yet.

Methods

Given the central role of chronological aging in prostate cancer and AML incidence, here we investigate a tissue-specific role of biological aging in prostate cancer and AML progression. We have employed Cox proportional hazards modeling to associate biological aging genes with cancer progression for patients from specific chronological aging groups and for patients with differences in initial cancer aggressiveness.

Results

Our prostate cancer-specific investigations nominated four biological aging genes (CD44, GADD45B, STAT3, GFAP) significantly associated with time to disease progression in prostate cancer in Taylor et al. patient cohort. Stratified survival analysis on Taylor dataset and validation on an independent TCGA and DKFZ PRAD patient cohorts demonstrated ability of these genes to predict prostate cancer progression, especially for patients with higher Gleason score and for patients younger than 60 years of age. We have further tested the generalizability of our approach and applied it to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Our analysis nominated three AML-specific biological aging genes (CDC42EP2, CDC42, ALOX15B) significantly associated with time to AML overall survival, especially for patients with favorable cytogenetic risk score and for patients older than 56 years of age.

Discussion

Comparison of the identified PC and AML markers to genes selected at random and to known markers of progression demonstrated robustness of our results and nominated the identified biological aging genes as valuable markers of prostate cancer and AML progression, opening new avenues for personalized therapeutic management and potential novel treatment investigations.

Exploring molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiological association between knee osteoarthritis and sarcopenia

Objectives

Accumulating evidence indicates a strong link between knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and sarcopenia. However, the mechanisms involved have not yet been elucidated. This study primarily aims to explore the molecular mechanisms that explain the connection between these 2 disorders.

Methods

The gene expression profiles for KOA and sarcopenia were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, specifically from GSE55235, GSE169077, and GSE1408. Various bioinformatics techniques were employed to identify and analyze common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across the 3 datasets. The techniques involved the analysis of Gene Ontology and pathways to enhance understanding, examining protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, and identifying hub genes. In addition, we constructed the network of interactions between transcription factors (TFs) and genes, the co-regulatory network of TFs and miRNAs for hub genes, and predicted potential drugs.

Results

In total, 14 common DEGs were found between KOA and sarcopenia. Detailed information on biological processes and signaling pathways of common DEGs was obtained through enrichment analysis. After performing PPI network analysis, we discovered 4 hub genes (FOXO3, BCL6, CDKN1A, and CEBPB). Subsequently, we developed coregulatory networks for these hub genes involving TF-gene and TF-miRNA interactions. Finally, we identified 10 potential chemical compounds.

Conclusions

By conducting bioinformatics analysis, our study has successfully identified common gene interaction networks between KOA and sarcopenia. The potential of these findings to offer revolutionary understanding into the common development of these 2 conditions could lead to the identification of valuable targets for therapy.

Melatonin Attenuates Oxidative Stress-Induced Apoptosis of Bovine Ovarian Granulosa Cells by Promoting Mitophagy via SIRT1/FoxO1 Signaling Pathway

Oxidative-stress-induced apoptosis of granulosa cells is considered to be a main driver of follicular atresia. Increasing evidence suggests a protective effect of melatonin against oxidative damage but the mechanism remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of melatonin on mitophagy and apoptosis of bovine ovarian granulosa cells under oxidative stress, and to clarify the mechanism. Our results indicate that melatonin inhibited H2O2-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial injury of bovine ovarian granulosa cells, as revealed by decreased apoptosis rate, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, Ca2+ concentration, and cytochrome C release and increased mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Simultaneously, melatonin promoted mitophagy of bovine ovarian granulosa cells through increasing the expression of PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1), PARKIN, BECLIN1, and LC3II/LC3I; decreasing the expression of sequestosome 1 (SQSMT1); and promoting mitophagosome and lysosome fusion. After treatment with a mitophagy inhibitor CsA, we found that melatonin alleviated apoptosis and mitochondrial injury through promoting mitophagy in bovine ovarian granulosa cells. Furthermore, melatonin promoted the expression of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) and decreased the expression level of forkhead transcription factors class O (type1) (FoxO1). By treatment with an SIRT1 inhibitor EX527 or FoxO1 overexpression, the promotion of melatonin on mitophagy as well as the inhibition on mitochondrial injury and apoptosis were reversed in bovine ovarian granulosa cells. In conclusion, our results suggest that melatonin could promote mitophagy to attenuate oxidative-stress-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial injury of bovine ovarian granulosa cells via the SIRT1/FoxO1 signaling pathway.

Natural Phytochemicals as SIRT Activators-Focus on Potential Biochemical Mechanisms

Sirtuins are a family of proteins with enzymatic activity. There are seven mammalian sirtuins (SIRT1-SIRT7) that are found in different cellular compartments. They are a part of crucial cellular pathways and are regulated by many factors, such as chemicals, environmental stress, and phytochemicals. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have presented their involvement in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic processes. Recent findings imply that phytochemicals such as resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, fisetin, berberine, and kaempferol may regulate the activity of sirtuins. Resveratrol mainly activates SIRT1 and indirectly activates AMPK. Curcumin influences mainly SIRT1 and SIRT3, but its activity is broad, and many pathways in different cells are affected. Quercetin mainly modulates SIRT1, which triggers antioxidant and antiapoptotic responses. Fisetin, through SIRT1 regulation, modifies lipid metabolism and anti-inflammatory processes. Berberine has a wide spectrum of effects and a significant impact on SIRT1 signaling pathways. Finally, kaempferol triggers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects through SIRT1 induction. This review aims to summarize recent findings on the properties of phytochemicals in the modulation of sirtuin activity, with a particular focus on biochemical aspects.

Relating aging and autophagy: a new perspective towards the welfare of human health

The most common factor that contributes to aging is the loss of proteostasis, resulting in an excess amount of non-functional/damaged proteins. These proteins lead to various age-associated phenotypes such as cellular senescence and dysfunction in the nutrient-sensing pathways. Despite the various factors that can contribute to aging, it is still a process that can be changed. According to recent advances in the field of biology, the ability to alter the pathways that are involved in aging can improve the lifespan of a person. Autophagy is a process that helps in preserving survival during stressful situations, such as starvation. It is a common component of various anti-aging interventions, including those that target the insulin/IGF-1 and rapamycin signaling pathways. It has been shown that altered autophagy is a common feature of old age and its impaired regulation could have significant effects on the aging process. This review aims to look into the role of autophagy in aging and how it can be used to improve one's health.

Altered expression of apoptosis-related genes in rheumatoid arthritis peripheral blood mononuclear cell and related miRNA regulation

AIM

Impaired apoptosis and proliferation resulted in autoreactive lymphocyte development and inflammation in Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). TP53, BAX, FOXO1, and RB1 are related genes in cell survival, proliferation, and inflammation which could be important in RA development and disease severity. Here we investigated their expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from RA patients in comparison to healthy controls.

METHODS

Fifty healthy controls and 50 RA patients were selected. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to assess the gene expression level in PBMCs.

RESULTS

The mRNA expression of TP53 (FC = 0.65, p = .000), BAX (FC = 0.76, p = .008), FOXO1 (FC = 0.59, p = .000) and RB1 (FC = 0.50, p = .000) were significantly reduced in RA PBMCs. TP53 expression was negatively correlated with miR-16-5p (p = .032) and FOXO1 expression was negatively correlated with miR-335-5p (p = .005) and miR-34a-5p (p = .014). A positive correlation was seen between TP53 expression and its downstream gene, BAX (p = .001). FOXO1 expression was also negatively correlated with disease activity, DAS28 (p = .021).

CONCLUSION

All selected genes have downregulated expression in RA PBMCs which could be correlated with RA pathogenesis by regulating apoptosis, cell survival, inflammatory mediator production, and proliferation. Due to the correlation of miR-16-5p, miR-34a-5p, and miR-335-5p with TP53 and FOXO1 expression in RA PBMCs, they could be used as future therapeutic targets.

Exploring potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets of long COVID-associated inflammatory cardiomyopathy

Background

The negative impact of long COVID on social life and human health is increasingly prominent, and the elevated risk of cardiovascular disease in patients recovering from COVID-19 has also been fully confirmed. However, the pathogenesis of long COVID-related inflammatory cardiomyopathy is still unclear. Here, we explore potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets of long COVID-associated inflammatory cardiomyopathy.

Methods

Datasets that met the study requirements were identified in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by the algorithm. Then, functional enrichment analysis was performed to explore the basic molecular mechanisms and biological processes associated with DEGs. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and analyzed to identify hub genes among the common DEGs. Finally, a third dataset was introduced for validation.

Results

Ultimately, 3,098 upregulated DEGs and 1965 downregulated DEGs were extracted from the inflammatory cardiomyopathy dataset. A total of 89 upregulated DEGs and 217 downregulated DEGs were extracted from the dataset of convalescent COVID patients. Enrichment analysis and construction of the PPI network confirmed VEGFA, FOXO1, CXCR4, and SMAD4 as upregulated hub genes and KRAS and TXN as downregulated hub genes. The separate dataset of patients with COVID-19 infection used for verification led to speculation that long COVID-associated inflammatory cardiomyopathy is mainly attributable to the immune-mediated response and inflammation rather than to direct infection of cells by the virus.

Conclusion

Screening of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets sheds new light on the pathogenesis of long COVID-associated inflammatory cardiomyopathy as well as potential therapeutic approaches. Further clinical studies are needed to explore these possibilities in light of the increasingly severe negative impacts of long COVID.

The rules and regulatory mechanisms of FOXO3 on inflammation, metabolism, cell death and aging in hosts

The FOX family of transcription factors was originally identified in 1989, comprising the FOXA to FOXS subfamilies. FOXO3, a well-known member of the FOXO subfamily, is widely expressed in various human organs and tissues, with higher expression levels in the ovary, skeletal muscle, heart, and spleen. The biological effects of FOXO3 are mostly determined by its phosphorylation, which occurs in the nucleus or cytoplasm. Phosphorylation of FOXO3 in the nucleus can promote its translocation into the cytoplasm and inhibit its transcriptional activity. In contrast, phosphorylation of FOXO3 in the cytoplasm leads to its translocation into the nucleus and exerts regulatory effects on biological processes, such as inflammation, aerobic glycolysis, autophagy, apoptosis, oxidative stress, cell cycle arrest and DNA damage repair. Additionally, FOXO3 isoform 2 acts as an important suppressor of osteoclast differentiation. FOXO3 can also interfere with the development of various diseases, including inhibiting the proliferation and invasion of tumor cells, blocking the production of inflammatory factors in autoimmune diseases, and inhibiting β-amyloid deposition in Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, FOXO3 slows down the aging process and exerts anti-aging effects by delaying telomere attrition, promoting cell self-renewal, and maintaining genomic stability. This review suggests that changes in the levels and post-translational modifications of FOXO3 protein can maintain organismal homeostasis and improve age-related diseases, thus counteracting aging. Moreover, this may indicate that alterations in FOXO3 protein levels are also crucial for longevity, offering new perspectives for therapeutic strategies targeting FOXO3.

Sitagliptin ameliorates busulfan-induced pulmonary and testicular injury in rats through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and antiapoptotic effects

Busulfan (BUS) is an anticancer agent with serious adverse effects on various body organs, including the lung and testis. Sitagliptin was proven to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and antiapoptotic effects. This study aims to evaluate whether sitagliptin, a DPP4I, ameliorates BUS-induced pulmonary and testicular injury in rats. Male Wistar rats were split into control, sitagliptin (10 mg/kg), BUS (30 mg/kg), and sitagliptin + BUS groups. Weight change, lung and testis indices, serum testosterone, sperm parameters, markers of oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH)], inflammation [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)], and relative expression of sirtuin1 (SIRT1) and forkhead box protein type O1 (FOXO1) genes were estimated. Histopathological examination of lung and testicular tissues was done to detect architectural changes [Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E)], fibrosis (Masson's trichrome), and apoptosis (caspase-3). Sitagliptin treatment reduced body weight loss, lung index, lung and testis MDA, serum TNF-α and sperm abnormal morphology, and increased testis index, lung and testis GSH, serum testosterone, sperm count, viability and motility. SIRT1/FOXO1 balance was restored. Also, sitagliptin attenuated fibrosis and apoptosis in lung and testicular tissues via reducing collagen deposition and caspase-3 expression. Accordingly, sitagliptin ameliorated BUS-induced pulmonary and testicular damage in rats via attenuating oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis.

Juvenile hormone suppresses the FoxO-takeout axis to shorten longevity in male silkworm

Juvenile hormone (JH) plays a crucial endocrine regulatory role in insect metamorphosis, reproduction, and longevity in multiple organisms, such as flies, honeybees, and migratory monarch butterflies. However, the molecular mechanism of JH affecting longevity remains largely unknown. In this study, we showed that JH III and its analog methoprene shortened the survival days significantly in the adulthood of male silkworm. At the same time, the allatostatin, a neuropeptide that inhibits the secretion of JH by the corpora allata, could extend the survival days dramatically after adult eclosion in male silkmoth. Interestingly, a central pro-longevity FoxO transcription factor was reduced upon JH stimulation in silkworm individuals and BmN-SWU1 cells. Furthermore, the analysis of the upstream sequence of the FoxO gene identified a JH response element which suggested that FoxO might be regulated as a target of JH. Surprisingly, we identified a Bmtakeout (BmTO) gene that encodes a JH-binding protein and contains a FoxO response element. As expected, FoxO overexpression and knockdown up- and down-regulated the expression of BmTO respectively, indicating that BmTO functions as a FoxO target. BmTO overexpression could release the inhibitory effect of JH on the BmFoxO gene by reducing JH bioavailability to block its signal transduction. Collectively, these results may provide insights into the mechanism of the JH-FoxO-TO axis in aging research and pest control.

A novel autophagy-related gene signature associated with prognosis and immune microenvironment in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer (OV), the most fatal gynecological malignance worldwide, has high recurrence rates and poor prognosis. Recently, emerging evidence supports that autophagy, a highly regulated multi-step self-digestive process, plays an essential role in OV progression. Accordingly, we filtered 52 potential autophagy-related genes (ATGs) among the 6197 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified in TCGA-OV samples (n = 372) and normal controls (n = 180). Based on the LASSO-Cox analysis, we distinguished a 2-gene prognostic signature, namely FOXO1 and CASP8, with promising prognostic value (p-value < 0.001). Together with corresponding clinical features, we constructed a nomogram model for 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year survival, which was validated in both in training (TCGA-OV, p-value < 0.001) and validation (ICGC-OV, p-value = 0.030) cohorts. Interestingly, we evaluated the immune infiltration landscape through the CIBERSORT algorithm, which indicated the upregulation of 5 immune cells, including CD8 + T cells, Tregs, and Macrophages M2, and high expression of critical immune checkpoints (CTLA4, HAVCR2, PDCD1LG2, and TIGIT) in high-risk group. Stepwise, high-risk group exhibited better sensitivity towards chemotherapies of Bleomycin, Sorafenib, Veliparib, and Vinblastine, though less sensitive to immunotherapy. Especially, based on the IHC of tissue microarrays among 125 patients in our institution, we demonstrated that aberrant upregulation of FOXO1 in OV was related to metastasis and poor prognosis. Moreover, FOXO1 could significantly promote tumor invasiveness, migration, and proliferation in OV cell lines, which was assessed through the Transwell, wound-healing, and CCK-8 assay, respectively. Briefly, the autophagy-related signature was a reliable tool to evaluate immune responses and predict prognosis in the realm of OV precision medicine.

Determination of Key Components in the Bombyx mori p53 Apoptosis Regulation Network Using Y2H-Seq

The apoptosis pathway is highly conserved between invertebrates and mammals. Although genes encoding the classical apoptosis pathway can be found in the silkworm genome, the regulatory pathway and other apoptotic network genes have yet to be confirmed. Consequently, characterizing these genes and their underlying mechanisms could provide critical insights into the molecular basis of organ apoptosis and remodeling. A homolog of p53, a key apoptosis regulator in vertebrates, has been identified and cloned from Bombyx mori (Bmp53). This study confirmed via gene knockdown and overexpression that Bmp53 directly induces cell apoptosis and regulates the morphology and development of individuals during the metamorphosis stage. Furthermore, yeast two-hybrid sequencing (Y2H-Seq) identified several potential apoptotic regulatory interacting proteins, including the MDM2-like ubiquitination regulatory protein, which may represent an apoptosis factor unique to Bmp53 and which differs from that in other Lepidoptera. These results provide a theoretical basis for analyzing the various biological processes regulated by Bmp53 interaction groups and thus provide insight into the regulation of apoptosis in silkworms. The global interaction set identified in this study also provides a basic framework for future studies on apoptosis-dependent pupation in Lepidoptera.

CDK10, CDK11, FOXO1, and FOXO3 Gene Expression in Alzheimer's Disease Encephalic Samples

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorder that affects different regions of the brain. Its pathophysiology includes the accumulation of β-amyloid protein, formation of neurofibrillary tangles, and inflammatory processes. Genetic factors are involved in the onset of AD, but they are not fully elucidated. Identification of gene expression in encephalic tissues of patients with AD may help elucidate its development. Our objectives were to characterize and compare the gene expression of CDK10, CDK11, FOXO1, and FOXO3 in encephalic tissue samples from AD patients and elderly controls, from the auditory cortex and cerebellum. RT-qPCR was used on samples from 82 individuals (45 with AD and 37 controls). We observed a statistically significant increase in CDK10 (p = 0.029*) and CDK11 (p = 0.048*) gene expression in the AD group compared to the control, which was most evident in the cerebellum. Furthermore, the Spearman test demonstrated the presence of a positive correlation of gene expression both in the auditory cortex in the AD group (r = 0.046/p = 0.004) and control group (r = 0.454/p = 0.005); and in the cerebellum in the AD group (r = 0.654 /p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference and correlation in the gene expression of FOXO1 and FOXO3 in the AD group and the control. In conclusion, CDK10 and CDK11 have high expression in AD patients compared to control, and they present a positive correlation of gene expression in the analyzed groups and tissues, which suggests that they play an important role in the pathogenesis of AD.

Study of FOXO1-interacting proteins using TurboID-based proximity labeling technology

BACKGROUND

Protein‒protein interactions (PPIs) are the foundation of the life activities of cells. TurboID is a biotin ligase with higher catalytic efficiency than BioID or APEX that reduces the required labeling time from 18 h to 10 min. Since many proteins participate in binding and catalytic events that are very short-lived, it is theoretically possible to find relatively novel binding proteins using the TurboID technique. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, oxidative stress and metabolic disorders underlie many diseases, and forkhead box transcription factor 1 (FOXO1) plays a key role in these physiological and pathological processes.

RESULTS

The FOXO1-TurboID fusion gene was transfected into U251 astrocytes, and a cell line stably expressing FOXO1 was constructed. While constructing the FOXO1 overexpression plasmid, we also added the gene sequence of TurboID to perform biotin labeling experiments in the successfully fabricated cell line to look for FOXO1 reciprocal proteins. Label-free mass spectrometry analysis was performed, and 325 interacting proteins were found. A total of 176 proteins were identified in the FOXO1 overexpression group, and 227 proteins were identified in the Lipopolysaccharide -treated group (Lipopolysaccharide, LPS). Wild-type U251 cells were used to exclude interference from nonspecific binding. The FOXO1-interacting proteins hnRNPK and RBM14 were selected for immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence verification.

CONCLUSION

The TurboID technique was used to select the FOXO1-interacting proteins, and after removing the proteins identified in the blank group, a large number of interacting proteins were found in both positive groups. This study lays a foundation for further study of the function of FOXO1 and the regulatory network in which it is involved.

Non-Esterified Fatty Acid-Induced Apoptosis in Bovine Granulosa Cells via ROS-Activated PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 Pathway

Non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), one of negative energy balance (NEB)'s most well-known products, has a significant impact on cows' reproductive potential. Our study used an in vitro model to investigate the deleterious effects of NEFA on bovine granulosa cells (BGCs) and its underlying molecular mechanism. The results showed that high levels of NEFA led to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased the expression of apoptosis-related factors such as Bcl2-Associated X/B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bax/Bcl-2) and Caspase-3, and down-regulated steroid synthesis-related genes such as sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP-1), cytochrome P450c17 (CYP17), and cytochrome P450 aromatase (CYP19), to promote oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and steroid hormone synthesis disorders in BGCs. In addition, NEFA significantly inhibited phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT) activity and increased forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) expression. To further explore the role of the PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 signaling pathway in NEFA, we found that pretreatment with AKT-specific activator SC79 (5 mg/mL) for 2 h or transfection with FoxO1 knockdown siRNA in BGCs could alleviate the negative effects of NEFA treatment by decreasing Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and Caspase-3 expression, and upregulating SREBP-1, CYP17, and CYP19 expression. Meanwhile, SC79 significantly inhibited NEFA-induced dephosphorylation and massive nuclear translocation of FoxO1. Taken together, the NEFA induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, and steroid hormone synthesis disorders in BGCs by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway that regulates FoxO1 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. Our findings help to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying the negative effects of high levels of NEFA on BGCs.

Integrative Analysis of Proteomics and Transcriptomics of Longissimus dorsi with Different Feeding Systems in Yaks

Yaks (Bos grunniens) are a critical livestock breed in the plateau region, and changing the feeding system of yaks can significantly improve their growth performance. The effects of different feeding regimes on the growth performance and meat quality of yaks were comprehensively compared here. The transcriptome and proteome of the Longissimus dorsi muscle were determined using RNA-seq and Tandem Mass Tag (TMT) techniques. Indoor feeding significantly improved the growth performance (such as the average daily gain and carcass weight) and meat quality characteristics compared with traditional grazing feeding. In the grazing (Group G) vs. in-house fed group (Group HF) comparison, 40 differentially expressed genes/differentially abundant proteins exhibited the same mRNA and protein expression trends. These genes were associated with collagen binding, the lipoxygenase pathway, and the arachidonic acid metabolic process. Parallel reaction monitoring verified whether the TMT results were reliable. Moreover, some pathways, such as the AMPK signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, PPAR signaling pathway, and fatty acid metabolism, were significantly enriched. These results expand our knowledge about meat quality in yaks and provide practical information and more evidence for further insight into the biological mechanisms underlying meat quality traits.

Genistein activated SIRT1-AMPK signaling pathway mediated by ERβ-FOXO1-Nampt to reduce fat accumulation in chicken hepatocytes

Excessive fat accumulation in broiler chickens would seriously threaten the poultry industry. It leads to lower feed conversion rate and worse meat quality. Even worse, it harms the consumers' health due to the intake of high-fat chicken products. Dietary supplements with bioactive ingredients have been considered an effective way to solve this problem. Genistein is the primary phytoestrogen in soybean. Its fat-reduction effect has been reported, but the molecular mechanism is unclear. The present study found that genistein reduced lipid droplets accumulation by regulating lipid metabolism-related factors expression in chicken hepatocytes. The research showed that genistein significantly increased phosphor (p)-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) and Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) protein expressions. The effect of genistein on reducing lipid droplets accumulation and upregulating p-AMPK protein level was blocked entirely when pretreated with SIRT1 inhibitor. These results implied that SIRT1 is required to activate AMPK. Furthermore, genistein treatment significantly upregulated the SIRT1 protein level when pretreated with AMPK inhibitor. We demonstrated that the activation of estrogen receptor β-Forkhead box O1-Nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (ERβ-FOXO1-Nampt) signaling pathway upregulated the NAD⁺ concentration in hepatocytes, and activated SIRT1 ultimately. In summary, we demonstrated that genistein suppressed lipid droplets accumulation in chicken hepatocytes by activating SIRT1-AMPK. The SIRT1-AMPK signaling pathway was mediated by ERβ-FOXO1-Nampt. These findings increase our understanding of the mechanisms of genistein on fat reduction, and provide compelling evidence for it as a nutritional supplement to prevent excessive fat deposition and lipid metabolism-related diseases in animals and even humans.

O-GlcNAcylation of SIRT1 Protects against Cold Stress-Induced Skeletal Muscle Damage via Amelioration of Mitochondrial Homeostasis

Cold stress disturbs cellular metabolic and energy homeostasis, which is one of the causes of stress-induced illnesses. O-GlcNAcylation is a nutrient-sensing pathway involved in a myriad of cellular processes. It plays a key role in metabolic homeostasis. Nevertheless, a specific sensing mechanism linking skeletal muscle to O-GlcNAcylation in cold stress is unknown. In this study, O-GlcNAcylation of SIRT1 was targeted to explore the mechanism of skeletal muscle adaptation to cold stress. Ogt mKO aggravated skeletal muscle fibrosis induced by cold stress. At the same time, Ogt gene deletion accelerated the homeostasis imbalance and oxidative stress of skeletal muscle mitochondria induced by cold stress. In vitro results showed that inhibition of SIRT1's O-GlcNAcylation accelerated mild hypothermia induced mitochondrial homeostasis in mouse myogenic cells (C2C12 cells). However, overexpression of SIRT1's O-GlcNAcylation improved the above phenomena. Thus, these results reveal a protective role of OGT-SIRT1 in skeletal muscle's adaptation to cold stress, and our findings will provide new avenues to combat stress-induced diseases.

Ginsenoside Rb1 inhibits oxidative stress-induced ovarian granulosa cell injury through Akt-FoxO1 interaction

Ginsenoside Rb1 shows a strong antioxidant effect and has potential activation effects on Akt. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of Rb1 on age-related ovarian granulosa cell injury. Ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) were obtained from 50 young women (≤30 years) and 50 aged women (≥38 years) at an IVF center. Young and aged ICR mice were administered with or without Rb1 (10 mg kg^-1, i.p.) for 2 weeks. The protective effects of Rb1 were investigated and the role of Rb1 on the modulation of Akt-FoxO1 interaction was determined with immunofluorescence, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, siRNA silencing and pharmacological inhibitor. Rb1 effectively decreased LDH and MDA, and reversed the apoptotic-related protein levels in hGL cells from old patients. Similar results were found in mice. In addition, the mitochondrial membrane potential was restored and the overaccumulation of ROS was reversed by Rb1. Rb1 preserved peroxide-impaired Akt activation, to some extent, by increasing phosphorylation at Ser473. Rb1 also facilitated p-Akt binding to FoxO1 and promoted the phosphorylation of FoxO1. SiRNA silencing of Akt, Akt inhibitor LY294002, and FoxO1 inhibitor AS1842856 attenuated the effects of Rb1. Ginsenoside Rb1 inhibits age-related GCs oxidative damage by activating Akt phosphorylation at Ser473 and by further interaction with FoxO1.

Diagnostic Potential of microRNAs in Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid for Pneumonia—A Preliminary Report

Current clinical needs require the development and use of rapid and effective diagnostic indicators to accelerate the identification of pneumonia and the process of microbiological diagnosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in extracellular vesicles (EVs) have become attractive candidates for novel biomarkers to evaluate the presence and progress of many diseases. We assessed their performance as biomarkers of pneumonia. Patients were divided into the pneumonia group (with pneumonia) and the control group (without pneumonia). We identified and compared two upregulated miRNAs in EVs derived from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF-EVs) between the two groups (P_{miR–17–5p} = 0.009; P_{miR–193a–5p} = 0.031). Interestingly, in cell-debris pellets and EVs-free supernatants derived from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF-cell-debris pellets and BALF-EVs-free supernatants), total plasma, and EVs derived from plasma (plasma-EVs), the expression of miR–17–5p and miR–193a–5p showed no difference between pneumonia group and control group. In vitro experiments revealed that miR–17–5p and miR–193a–5p were strikingly upregulated in EVs derived from macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. MiR–17–5p (area under the curve, AUC: 0.753) and miR–193a–5p (AUC: 0.692) in BALF-EVs are not inferior to procalcitonin (AUC: 0.685) in the diagnosis of pneumonia. Furthermore, miR–17–5p and miR–193a–5p in BALF-EVs had a significantly higher specificity compared to procalcitonin and could be served as a potential diagnostic marker. MiR–17–5p and miR–193a–5p in EVs may be involved in lung inflammation by influencing the forkhead box O (FoxO) signaling pathway and protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum. This study is one of the few studies which focused on the potential diagnostic role of miRNAs in BALF-EVs for pneumonia and the possibility to use them as new biomarkers for a rapid and early diagnosis.

Energy Homeostasis Gene Nucleotide Variants and Survival of Hemodialysis Patients-A Genetic Cohort Study

Background: Patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) therapy have an increased risk of death compared to the general population. We investigated whether selected single nucleotide variants (SNVs) involved in glucose and lipid metabolism are associated with mortality risk in HD patients. Methods: The study included 805 HD patients tested for 11 SNVs in FOXO3, IGFBP3, FABP1, PCSK9, ANGPTL6, and DOCK6 using HRM analysis and TaqMan assays. FOXO3, IGFBP3, L-FABP, PCSK9, ANGPTL6, and ANGPTL8 plasma concentrations were measured by ELISA in 86 individuals. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models were used for survival analyses. Results: We found out that the carriers of a C allele in ANGPTL6 rs8112063 had an increased risk of all-cause, cardiovascular, and cardiac mortality. In addition, the C allele of DOCK6 rs737337 was associated with all-cause and cardiac mortality. The G allele of DOCK6 rs17699089 was correlated with the mortality risk of patients initiating HD therapy. The T allele of FOXO3 rs4946936 was negatively associated with cardiac and cardiovascular mortality in HD patients. We observed no association between the tested proteins’ circulating levels and the survival of HD patients. Conclusions: The ANGPTL6 rs8112063, FOXO3 rs4946936, DOCK6 rs737337, and rs17699089 nucleotide variants are predictors of survival in patients undergoing HD.

The role of oxidative stress in ovarian aging: a review

Ovarian aging refers to the process by which ovarian function declines until eventual failure. The pathogenesis of ovarian aging is complex and diverse; oxidative stress (OS) is considered to be a key factor. This review focuses on the fact that OS status accelerates the ovarian aging process by promoting apoptosis, inflammation, mitochondrial damage, telomere shortening and biomacromolecular damage. Current evidence suggests that aging, smoking, high-sugar diets, pressure, superovulation, chemotherapeutic agents and industrial pollutants can be factors that accelerate ovarian aging by exacerbating OS status. In addition, we review the role of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Sirtuin (Sirt), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), protein kinase B (AKT), Forkhead box O (FoxO) and Klotho signaling pathways during the process of ovarian aging. We also explore the role of antioxidant therapies such as melatonin, vitamins, stem cell therapies, antioxidant monomers and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and investigate the roles of these supplements with respect to the reduction of OS and the improvement of ovarian function. This review provides a rationale for antioxidant therapy to improve ovarian aging.

The Role of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor in the Mechanisms of Aging

Aging is accompanied by a reduction in the oxygen delivery to all organs and tissues and decrease in the oxygen partial pressure in them, resulting in the development of hypoxia. The lack of oxygen activates cell signaling pathway mediated by the hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (HIF), which exists in three isoforms - HIF-1, HIF-2, and HIF-3. HIF regulates expression of several thousand genes and is a potential target for the development of new drugs for the treatment of many diseases, including those associated with age. Human organism and organisms of laboratory animals differ in their tolerance to hypoxia and expression of HIF and HIF-dependent genes, which may contribute to the development of inflammatory, tumor, and cardiovascular diseases. Currently, the data on changes in the HIF expression with age are contradictory, which is mostly due to the fact that such studies are conducted in different age groups, cell types, and model organisms, as well as under different hypoxic conditions and mainly in vitro. Furthermore, the observed discrepancies can be due to the individual tolerance of the studied organisms to hypoxia, which is typically not taken into account. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to analyze the published data on the connection between the mechanisms of aging, basal tolerance to hypoxia, and changes in the level of HIF expression with age. Here, we summarized the data on the age-related changes in the hypoxia tolerance, HIF expression and the role of HIF in aging, which is associated with its involvement in the molecular pathways mediated by insulin and IGF-1 (IIS), sirtuins (SIRTs), and mTOR. HIF-1 interacts with many components of the IIS pathway, in particular with FOXO, the activation of which reduces production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increases hypoxia tolerance. Under hypoxic conditions, FOXO is activated via both HIF-dependent and HIF-independent pathways, which contributes to a decrease in the ROS levels. The activity of HIF-1 is regulated by all members of the sirtuin family, except SIRT5, while the mechanisms of SIRT interaction with HIF-2 and HIF-3 are poorly understood. The connection between HIF and mTOR and its inhibitor, AMPK, has been identified, but its exact mechanism has yet to be studied. Understanding the role of HIF and hypoxia in aging and pathogenesis of age-associated diseases is essential for the development of new approaches to the personalized therapy of these diseases, and requires further research.

The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway: How does it regulate development of Sertoli cells and spermatogenic cells?

The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is one of the most crucial regulatory mechanisms in animal cells, which can mainly regulate proliferation, survival and anti-apoptosis in cell lines. In the seminiferous epithelium, most studies were concentrated on the role of PI3K/AKT signaling in immature Sertoli cells (SCs) and spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs). PI3K/AKT signaling can facilitate the proliferation and anti-apoptosis of immature Sertoli cells and spermatogenic cells. Besides, in mature Sertoli cells, this pathway can disintegrate the structure of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) via regulatory protein synthesis and the cytoskeleton of Sertoli cells. All of these effects can directly and indirectly maintain and promote spermatogenesis in male testis.

Mechanistic insights into the role of FOXO in diabetic retinopathy

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a metabolic disorder characterized by insulin-deficiency or insulin-resistant conditions. The foremost microvascular complication of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy (DR). This is a multifaceted ailment mainly caused by the enduring adverse effects of hyperglycaemia. Inflammation, oxidative stress, and advanced glycation products (AGES) are part and parcel of DR pathogenesis. In regulating many cellular and biological processes, the family of fork-head transcription factors plays a key role. The current review highlights that FOXO is a requisite regulator of pathways intricate in diabetic retinopathy on account of its effect on microvascular cells inflammatory and apoptotic gene expression, and FOXO also has the foremost province in regulating cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis, and metabolism. Blockage of insulin turns into an exaggerated level of glucose in the bloodstream and can upshot into the exaggerated triggering of FOXO1, which can ultimately uplift the production of several factors of apoptosis and inflammation, such as TNF-α, NF-kB, and various others, as well as reactive oxygen species, which can also come up with diabetic retinopathy. The current review also focuses on various therapies which can be used in the future, like SIRT1 signalling, resveratrol, retinal VEGF, etc., which can be used to suppress FOXO over activation and can prevent the progression of diabetic complications viz. diabetic retinopathy.

Melatonin: A novel candidate for the treatment of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA), characterized by cartilage erosion, synovium inflammation, and subchondral bone remodeling, is a common joint degenerative disease worldwide. OA pathogenesis is regulated by multiple predisposing factors, including imbalanced matrix metabolism, aberrant inflammatory response, and excessive oxidative stress. Moreover, melatonin has been implicated in development of several degenerative disorders owing to its potent biological functions. With regards to OA, melatonin reportedly promotes synthesis of cartilage matrix, inhibition of chondrocyte apoptosis, attenuation of inflammatory response, and suppression of matrix degradation by regulating the TGF-β, MAPK, or NF-κB signaling pathways. Notably, melatonin has been associated with amelioration of oxidative damage by restoring the OA-impaired intracellular antioxidant defense system in articular cartilage. Findings from preliminary application of melatonin or melatonin-loaded biomaterials in animal models have affirmed its potential anti-arthritic effects. Herein, we summarize the anti-arthritic effects of melatonin on OA cartilage and demonstrate that melatonin has potential therapeutic efficacy in treating OA.

A Review of ApoE4 Interference Targeting Mitophagy Molecular Pathways for Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the major worldwide causes of dementia that is characterized by irreversible decline in learning, memory loss, and behavioral impairments. Mitophagy is selective autophagy through the clearance of aberrant mitochondria, specifically for degradation to maintain energy generation and neuronal and synaptic function in the brain. Accumulating evidence shows that defective mitophagy is believed to be as one of the early and prominent features in AD pathogenesis and has drawn attention in the recent few years. APOE ε4 allele is the greatest genetic determinant for AD and is widely reported to mediate detrimental effects on mitochondria function and mitophagic process. Given the continuity of the physiological process, this review takes the mitochondrial dynamic and mitophagic core events into consideration, which highlights the current knowledge about the molecular alterations from an APOE-genotype perspective, synthesizes ApoE4-associated regulations, and the cross-talk between these signaling, along with the focuses on general autophagic process and several pivotal processes of mitophagy, including mitochondrial dynamic (DRP1, MFN-1), mitophagic induction (PINK1, Parkin). These may shed new light on the link between ApoE4 and AD and provide novel insights for promising mitophagy-targeted therapeutic strategies for AD.

Effects of Lycium barbarum glycopeptide on renal and testicular injury induced by di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a common environmental pollutant with renal and reproductive toxicity. Lycium barbarum glycopeptide (LbGp) is the main active component of Lycium barbarum, which can protect the kidney and promote reproduction. Autophagy and apoptosis are the regulatory mechanisms of cell adaptation to external stress. This study investigated whether DEHP and LbGp affect kidney and testis by regulating autophagy and apoptosis. DEHP induced apoptosis in human embryonic kidney-293 (HEK-293) cells and human kidney-2 (HK-2) cells, as well as glomerular enlargement, enhanced renal autophagy and inflammation, decreased testicular germ cells, and enhanced testicular autophagy. LbGp reduced apoptosis in HEK-293 cells and HK-2 cells, reduced glomerular enlargement and renal inflammation, enhanced renal autophagy, increased testicular germ cells, and alleviated testicular autophagy. These results suggested that DEHP induced inflammation to cause kidney injury, mildly enhanced renal autophagy, and also induced excessive autophagy, leading to testicular injury. LbGp reduced inflammation and appropriately enhanced autophagy to alleviate renal injury and also reduced excessive autophagy to alleviate testicular injury. Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/forkhead box O3a (FoxO3a)-mediated autophagy and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK)-mediated inflammation played important roles.

Decapeptide from Potato Hydrolysate Induces Myogenic Differentiation and Ameliorates High Glucose-Associated Modulations in Protein Synthesis and Mitochondrial Biogenesis in C2C12 Cells

Sarcopenia is characterized as an age-related loss of muscle mass that results in negative health consequences such as decreased strength, insulin resistance, slowed metabolism, increased body fat mass, and a substantially diminished quality of life. Additionally, conditions such as high blood sugar are known to further exacerbate muscle degeneration. Skeletal muscle development and regeneration following injury or disease are based on myoblast differentiation. Bioactive peptides are biologically active peptides found in foods that could have pharmacological functions. The aim of this paper was to investigate the effect of decapeptide DI-10 from the potato alcalase hydrolysate on myoblast differentiation, muscle protein synthesis, and mitochondrial biogenesis in vitro. The treatment of C2C12 myoblasts with DI-10 (10 µg/mL) did not induce cell death. DI-10 treatment in C2C12 myoblast cells accelerates the phosphorylation of promyogenic kinases such as ERK, Akt and mTOR proteins in a dose-dependent manner. DI-10 improves myotubes differentiation and upregulates the expression of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) protein in myoblast cells under differentiation medium with high glucose. DI-10 effectively increased the phosphorylation of promyogenic kinases Akt, mTOR, and mitochondrial-related transcription factors AMPK and PGC1α expression under hyperglycemic conditions. Further, decapeptide DI-10 decreased the expression of Murf1 and MAFbx proteins, which are involved in protein degradation and muscle atrophy. Our reports support that decapeptide DI-10 could be potentially used as a therapeutic candidate for preventing muscle degeneration in sarcopenia.

Evolutionarily conserved transcription factors as regulators of longevity and targets for geroprotection

Aging is the single largest risk factor for many debilitating conditions, including heart diseases, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. While far from understood in its full complexity, it is scientifically well-established that aging is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, and can be modulated by various interventions. One of aging's early hallmarks are aberrations in transcriptional networks, controlling for example metabolic homeostasis or the response to stress. Evidence in different model organisms abounds that a number of evolutionarily conserved transcription factors, which control such networks, can affect lifespan and healthspan across species. These transcription factors thus potentially represent conserved regulators of longevity and are emerging as important targets in the challenging quest to develop treatments to mitigate age-related diseases, and possibly even to slow aging itself. This review provides an overview of evolutionarily conserved transcription factors that impact longevity or age-related diseases in at least one multicellular model organism (nematodes, flies, or mice), and/or are tentatively linked to human aging. Discussed is the general evidence for transcriptional regulation of aging and disease, followed by a more detailed look at selected transcription factor families, the common metabolic pathways involved, and the targeting of transcription factors as a strategy for geroprotective interventions.

Exploration of the Mechanism of the Control of Coccidiosis in Chickens Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking With the Addition of Modified Gegen Qinlian Decoction

Gegen Qinlian Decoction is a long-established Chinese herbal compound for the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery, while Magnolia officinalis has been demonstrated to have some anthelmintic activity. The preliminary screening of this study showed that the addition of Modified Gegen Qinlian Decoction has some effective on the prevention and treatment of coccidiosis in chickens. However, the mechanism of its treatment of chicken coccidiosis is not clear. The network pharmacology study was based on the screening of chemical components and related targets from TCMSP and PharmMapper server databases. Genes related to chicken coccidiosis were obtained from the SRA database, and those genes that intersected with the target genes of Modified Gegen Qinlian Decoction were screened. By exploring the target interactions through the String system and enrichment analysis by the Metascape system, the mechanism of action of Modified Gegen Qinlian Decoction in chicken coccidiosis was identified. Using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to analyze the mRNA levels of the relevant factors in chicken coccidiosis, molecular docking was used to reveal the extent of binding of the key target genes predicted in the network pharmacology by the action of Modified Gegen Qinlian Decoction. Compound and target screening suggested that the 99 chemical targets of Modified Gegen Qinlian Decoction were involved in chicken coccidiosis, and the enrichment results of KEGG pathway suggested that Modified Gegen Qinlian Decoction was significantly associated with PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in chicken coccidiosis. The Hubba gene module in Cytoscape_v3.7.1 software was used to analyze the network topology to obtain the Hubba gene SRC, STAT3, and PPARG, etc. The molecular docking results showed that SRC, STAT3, and PPARG were key targets in the treatment of coccidiosis in chickens by Modified Gegen Qinlian Decoction, which was in agreement with the RT-qPCR results. Through network pharmacology, molecular docking and in vitro experiments, it was confirmed that Modified Gegen Qinlian Decoction fights against chicken coccidiosis through key targets such as SRC, STAT3, and PPARG.

MicroRNA-29c-3p participates in insulin function to modulate polycystic ovary syndrome via targeting Forkhead box O 3

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are gene expression regulators and changes in miRNA levels are associated with diabetes, insulin resistance, and inflammation, the latter two of which are characteristic of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The purpose of this study was to explore the specific mechanism in which miR-29 c-3p participated in insulin function to regulate PCOS by targeting Forkhead box O 3 (Foxo3). Peripheral blood from PCOS patients and healthy volunteers were first collected, and the expression levels of miR-29 c-3p and Foxo3 were detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction or Western blot. Then human granular tumor cell line (KGN) was treated with insulin, and transfected with plasmid vectors interfering with miR-29 c-3p or Foxo3 expression. Cell proliferation was detected by Cell counting kit-8 and plate cloning, and cell apoptosis was tested by flow cytometry. In addition, PCOS rat model was established. PCOS rats were injected with plasmids vectors interfering with miR-29 c-3p or Foxo3 expression, respectively. Pathological changes in ovarian tissues of rats in each group were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and serum sex hormones and glucose metabolism-related indicators were detected. Finally, via bioinformatics website, luciferase digestion report assay was detected the targeting relationship between miR-29 c-3p and Foxo3. The experimental results showed that miR-29 c-3p was down-regulated in PCOS, but Foxo3 was up-regulated. Up-regulated miR-29 c-3p or down-regulated Foxo3 promoted KGN cell proliferation, inhibited apoptosis in vitro, restored PCOS rat sex hormone levels and improved glucose metabolism in vivo. These results suggest that miR-29 c-3p is involved in insulin function to improve PCOS by targeting Foxo3.

The Clock:Cycle complex is a major transcriptional regulator of Drosophila photoreceptors that protects the eye from retinal degeneration and oxidative stress

The aging eye experiences physiological changes that include decreased visual function and increased risk of retinal degeneration. Although there are transcriptomic signatures in the aging retina that correlate with these physiological changes, the gene regulatory mechanisms that contribute to cellular homeostasis during aging remain to be determined. Here, we integrated ATAC-seq and RNA-seq data to identify 57 transcription factors that showed differential activity in aging Drosophila photoreceptors. These 57 age-regulated transcription factors include two circadian regulators, Clock and Cycle, that showed sustained increased activity during aging. When we disrupted the Clock:Cycle complex by expressing a dominant negative version of Clock (Clk^DN) in adult photoreceptors, we observed changes in expression of 15–20% of genes including key components of the phototransduction machinery and many eye-specific transcription factors. Using ATAC-seq, we showed that expression of Clk^DN in photoreceptors leads to changes in activity of 37 transcription factors and causes a progressive decrease in global levels of chromatin accessibility in photoreceptors. Supporting a key role for Clock-dependent transcription in the eye, expression of Clk^DN in photoreceptors also induced light-dependent retinal degeneration and increased oxidative stress, independent of light exposure. Together, our data suggests that the circadian regulators Clock and Cycle act as neuroprotective factors in the aging eye by directing gene regulatory networks that maintain expression of the phototransduction machinery and counteract oxidative stress.

Age-associated changes to the retinal transcriptome often correlate with physiological changes, such as loss of visual function and increase in cell death. However, the mechanisms that contribute to these transcriptomic changes are poorly understood. Here, we used a genomics/bioinformatics approach to identify transcription factor binding sites with differential activity in aging Drosophila retina outer photoreceptors. Amongst these age-regulated transcription factors, we identify the circadian regulators Clock and Cycle. Using a genetics approach, we find that photoreceptor-specific disruption of the Clock:Cycle complex makes the Drosophila eye susceptible to light-dependent retinal degeneration, and light-independent increase of oxidative stress, showing that a functional circadian clock contributes to visual health and function in Drosophila. Because disruption of circadian rhythms has been associated with the onset of several age-related eye diseases, our data shows that the Drosophila retina serves as a useful model to study how disruption of the circadian clock contributes to neurodegeneration in the retina.

Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) Pathways in Age-Related Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Age-associated cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases lead to high morbidity and mortality around the world. Sirtuins are vital enzymes for metabolic adaptation and provide protective effects against a wide spectrum of pathologies. Among sirtuins, mitochondrial sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is an essential player in preserving the habitual metabolic profile. SIRT3 activity declines as a result of aging-induced changes in cellular metabolism, leading to increased susceptibility to endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, heart failure and neurodegenerative diseases. Stimulating SIRT3 activity via lifestyle, pharmacological or genetic interventions could protect against a plethora of pathologies and could improve health and lifespan. Thus, understanding how SIRT3 operates and how its protective effects could be amplified, will aid in treating age-associated diseases and ultimately, in enhancing the quality of life in elders.

Diverse roles of FOXO family members in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Although progress has been made in diagnosis, surgical resection, systemic chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, patients with GC still have a poor prognosis. The overall 5-year survival rate in patients with advanced GC is less than 5%. The FOXO subfamily, of the forkhead box family of transcription factors, consists of four members, FOXO1, FOXO3, FOXO4, and FOXO6. This subfamily plays an important role in many cellular processes, such as cell cycle, cell growth, apoptosis, autophagy, stress resistance, protection from aggregate toxicity, DNA repair, tumor suppression, and metabolism, in both normal tissue and malignant tumors. Various studies support a role for FOXOs as tumor suppressors based on their ability to inhibit angiogenesis and metastasis, and promote apoptosis, yet several other studies have shown that FOXOs might also promote tumor progression in certain circumstances. To elucidate the diverse roles of FOXOs in GC, this article systematically reviews the cellular functions of FOXOs in GC to determine potential therapeutic targets and treatment strategies for patients with GC.

Trigonelline Extends the Lifespan of C. Elegans and Delays the Progression of Age-Related Diseases by Activating AMPK, DAF-16, and HSF-1

Trigonelline is the main alkaloid with bioactivity presented in fenugreek, which was used in traditional medicine in Asian countries for centuries. It is reported that trigonelline has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-pathogenic effects. We are wondering whether trigonelline have anti-aging effect. We found that 50 μM of trigonelline had the best anti-aging activity and could prolong the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) by about 17.9%. Trigonelline can enhance the oxidative, heat, and pathogenic stress resistance of C. elegans. Trigonelline could also delay the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD, PD, and HD, in models of C. elegans. Trigonelline could not prolong the lifespan of long-lived worms with loss-of-function mutations in genes regulating energy and nutrition, such as clk-1, isp-1, eat-2, and rsks-1. Trigonelline requires daf-16, hsf-1, and aak-2 to extend the lifespan of C. elegans. Trigonelline can also up-regulate the expression of daf-16 and hsf-1 targeted downstream genes, such as sod-3, gst-4, hsp-16.1, and hsp-12.6. Our results can be the basis for developing trigonelline-rich products with health benefits, as well as for further research on the pharmacological usage of trigonelline.

Two Foxo1 homologues in the orange-spotted grouper Epinephelus coioides: sequences, expression, and possible involvement in the activation of cyp19a1a expression in the ovary

Foxo1, a member of Foxo transcription factor family, is involved in a number of physiological processes including metabolism, cell cycle progression, aging, and apoptosis. In the ovarian granulosa cell of mouse, Foxo1 is implicated to inhibit the expression of Cyp19a1, a gene encoding the aromatase that converts androgens into estrogens. Currently, the information about the expression and physiological relevance of Foxo1 homologues in the ovary of teleosts is scarce. In the present study, cDNAs encoding two forms of Foxo1, Foxo1a and Foxo1b, were isolated from the orange-spotted grouper. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the orange-spotted groupers Foxo1a and Foxo1b were closely related to the counterparts of the ricefield eel. RT-PCR analysis showed that the orange-spotted groupers foxo1a and foxo1b were expressed in a wide range of tissues, with high levels detected in the brain regions, liver, and intestine. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed similar expression profiles for cyp19a1a, foxo1a, and foxo1b in the ovary during development from the primary growth to mature stages, with peak values detected at the vitellogenic stage. In situ hybridization detected mRNA of foxo1a, foxo1b, and cyp19a1a in granulosa cells surrounding vitellogenic oocytes. In vitro transfection showed that both Foxo1a and Foxo1b upregulated the orange-spotted grouper cyp19a1a promoter activities, possibly through the conserved Foxo binding site. Collectively, these results suggest that both Foxo1a and Foxo1b may be involved in the regulation of the ovarian functions in the orange-spotted grouper and the physiological roles of Foxo1 homologues in the ovary may be diversified in vertebrates.