Renin gene rs1464816 polymorphism contributes to chronic kidney disease progression in ADPKD

Benzimidazole(s): synthons, bioactive lead structures, total synthesis, and the profiling of major bioactive categories

Benzimidazole, a fused bicyclic compound with benzene and pentacyclic 1,3-diazole moeities, has a simple aromatic heterocyclic structure. The moiety has become an indispensable anchor for the development of new pharmacologically active products, and has yielded several therapeutic agents with anticancer, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, antifungal and antiulcer effects. Benzimidazoles, as synthetically feasible and pharmacophoric synthons, have been relentlessly pursued for the preparation of new analogues and derivatives, and they have successfully developed into some of the most sought-after and vital pharmacophores for drug discovery. The use of varied substituents and differing patterns around the benzimidazole nucleus has provided a wide spectrum of biological activities. In addition, the benzimidazole moiety constitutes a building block for the production of several drugs, drug candidates, new chemical entities, and lead molecules. The importance of this nucleus for bioactivity, e.g., antibacterial, antitubercular, antidiabetic, anticancer, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, antihistaminic, and antimalarial activity, has led us to take note and provide an overview of the synthetic development approaches for various benzimidazole derivatives together with their biological actions. This review is projected to further assist in the design and development of new benzimidazole-based compounds for new and optimized pharmacologically active products towards new drug-development strategies.

Anti-inflammatory activity of sappan wood extract cream (Caesalpinia sappan) in Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced gingivitis rats models

Background

Gingivitis is a dysbiotic condition characterized by persistent inflammation caused by a disease-associated multispecies bacterial population that has established itself in the subgingival region.

Aim

The objectives of this study are to analyze the anti-inflammatory activity of sappan wood extract cream (SWC) in Porphyromonas gingivalis induced-periodontitis rats model.

Methods

In this study, rats were infected with the gingiva with P. gingivalis as an inducer for gingivitis rats model for 14 days. The SWC were treated topically into the infected tissue. The inflammation and angiogenesis of gingival tissue was analyzed using histological examination. An immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay was used to analyze the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB) protein expression. Masson Trichrome (MT) assay was used to analyze the histopathology of collagen Scores. The tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin-1 β (IL-1β), IL-6, and P38 genes expression were measured using quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The induction of P. gingivalis-induced gingivitis in rats model was indicated by reddish gingiva and bacterial plaque. MT tests showed that SWC increased collagen density, and Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) test showed increased angiogenesis and in contrast, lowered inflammation score. IHC test showed that SWC decreased the expression of NF-kB protein. The TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and P38 gene expression were also decreased due to the SWC treatment.

Conclusion

SWC proves that it has anti-inflammatory activity which has the potential to prevent or treat gingivitis.

Delivery of rapamycin by biomimetic peptide nanoparticles targeting oxidized low-density lipoprotein in atherosclerotic plaques

Drug delivery systems based on biomimetic peptide nanoparticles are steadily gaining prominence in the treatment of diverse medical conditions. This study focused on the development of peptides that depend on ligand-receptor interactions to load rapamycin (RAPA). Furthermore, a multifunctional peptide was engineered to target oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) within atherosclerotic plaques, facilitating the localized delivery of RAPA. The interactions between peptides and RAPA/oxLDL were analyzed by simulations and experimental approaches. Results show that the main amino acid residues on the mammalian target of rapamycin that bind to RAPA are constructed as peptides (P1 and P2), which have specific interactions with RAPA and can effectively improve the loading efficiency of RAPA. The encapsulation and drug loading efficiencies of P1/P2 were 68.0/47.9% and 48.3/36.5%, respectively. In addition, the interaction force of the multifunctional peptide (P3) and oxLDL surpassed that of their interaction with human umbilical vein endothelial cells by a factor of 3.6, conclusively establishing the specific targeting of oxLDL by these nanoparticles. The encapsulation and drug loading efficiencies of P3 for RAPA were determined to be 60.2% and 41.5%. P3 can effectively load RAPA and target oxLDL within the plaque, suggesting that P3 has potential as a therapeutic agent for atherosclerotic disease.

Peptide-based inhibitors of epigenetic proteins

Epigenetic drug discovery has become an integral part of medicinal chemistry in the past two decades. Targeting epigenetic proteins-enzymes that modify histone proteins and DNA (writers and erasers) and proteins that recognize such modifications (readers)-has been firmly established as a medicinal strategy for treatment of many human diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders. In this chapter, we systematically describe peptide-based inhibitors of structurally and functionally diverse classes of epigenetic proteins. We show that epigenetic writers, such as DNA methyltransferases, histone methyltransferases and histone acetyltransferases, can be efficiently inhibited by peptides possessing nonproteinogenic amino acids. Moreover, the activity of epigenetic erasers, including TET enzymes, histone demethylases, and histone deacetylases, can be selectively modulated by diverse linear and cyclic peptides. Furthermore, we discuss chromatin-binding epigenetic reader proteins that can be inhibited by histone-mimicking peptides. Overall, this chapter highlights that peptides provide an important molecular platform for epigenetic drug discovery programmes in academia and industry.

Association between serum P16ink4A concentration and CIN and cervical cancer among women attending a cervical cancer clinic in western Uganda: A case control study

Introduction

Tissue expression of P16ink4A is correlated with cervical lesions. In this study we determined the association between serum P16ink4A concentrations and cervical lesions among women attending the cervical cancer clinic at Mbarara Regional Hospital (MRRH) South Western Uganda.

Material and Methods

We recruited 90 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) cases, 90 cervical cancer (CC) cases before treatment and 90 controls. Clinical and demographic data were recorded. Serum P16ink4A concentrations were measured by quantitative Elisa. Cases were confirmed with cytology and/or histology. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were done with STATA 17 and P-values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

The mean serum P16ink4A concentration among CIN cases, CC cases and controls was 1.11(+/-0.66) ng/ml, 1.45(+/-1.11) ng/ml and 1.13(+/-0.61) ng/ml respectively (p = 0.008). 50 % of CIN cases and controls as well as 60 % of CC cases had P16ink4A concentration above 0.946 ng/ml. There were increased odds of CIN for serum P16ink4A though statistically insignificant (AOR: 1.11, p-value: 0.70). There was also a statistically significant reduction in odds of CC for serum P16ink4A (AOR: 0.55, p-value: 0.01).

Conclusion

Serum P16ink4A may likely be associated with cervical lesions especially CC in our study population and this may aid detection of such lesions. Diagnostic utility studies for circulating P16ink4A in detection of cervical cancer are recommended.

BIOMOLECULAR ACTIVITY OF CRYPTOCOCCUS DURING CRYPTOCOCCOSIS: A REVIEW OF MOLECULAR INTERACTIONS OF CRYPTOCOCCUS WITH HUMAN IMMUNE SYSTEM AND BLOOD-BRAIN-BARRIER

Global mycosis is still a problem. One of these is the cryptococcal disease. A systemic mycosis brought on by Cryptococcus is called cryptococcosis. Host immunological conditions influence infection with Cryptococcosis. When environmental spores are inhaled by the host, the spores get to the lungs, an infection is created. Alveolar macrophages and other immune cells recognize Cryptococcus in the lung. The initial line of defense against pathogens in the phagolysosome is provided by alveolar macrophages found in the lungs. When the immune system is weak, Cryptococcus uses the evasion system as a molecular interaction with the immune system and persists in the lungs without causing any symptoms such as Factor Transcription, Cell masking, N-glycan structure, Extracellular molecule, and Antioxidant system. The evasion mechanism protects and makes Cryptococcus disseminate throughout the other organs, especially CNS. If Cryptococcus escapes against the host immune system, it will disseminate to other organs, especially Cerebrospinal System by Three mechanisms. There are Trojan Horse, Paracellular, and Transcellular interactions with Blood-Brain Barrier. Disease severity is determined by the Interaction between the host's immune system and the fungus.

SARS-CoV-2 infection and female reproductive health: A narrative review

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound global impact, affecting people's physical and mental health, and their social and economic circumstances. Mitigation measures have disproportionately affected women. Studies have reported menstrual cycle and psychological disturbance associated with the pandemic. Pregnancy is a risk factor for severe COVID-19 disease. Reports have also demonstrated associations between COVID-19 infection, vaccination and Long COVID syndrome and reproductive health disturbance. However, studies are limited and there may be significant geographical variation. Also there is bias amongst published studies, and menstrual cycle data was not included in COVID-19 and vaccine trials. Longitudinal population based studies are required. In this review we discuss existing data, along with recommendations for further research required in this area. We also discuss a pragmatic approach to women presenting with reproductive health disturbance in the era of the pandemic, encompassing a multi-system assessment of psychological, reproductive health and lifestyle.

Metabolic aspects of surgical subcutaneous fat removal: An umbrella review and implications for future research

Although obesity is a preventable disease, maintaining a normal body weight can be very challenging and difficult, which has led to a significant increase in the demand for surgical subcutaneous fat removal (SSFR) to improve physical appearance. The need for SSFR is further exacerbated because of the global rise in the number of bariatric surgeries, which is currently the single most durable intervention for mitigating obesity. Fat tissue is now recognized as a vital endocrine organ that produces several bioactive proteins. Thus, SSFR-mediated weight (fat) loss can potentially have significant metabolic effects; however, currently, there is no consensus on this issue. This review focuses on the metabolic sequelae after SSFR interventions for dealing with cosmetic body appearance. Data was extracted from existing systematic reviews and the diversity of possible metabolic changes after SSFR are reported along with gaps in the knowledge and future directions for research and practice. We conclude that there is a potential for metabolic sequelae after SSFR interventions and their clinical implications for the safety of the procedures as well as for our understanding of subcutaneous adipose tissue biology and insulin resistance are discussed.

A novel phage-displayed MilA ELISA for detection of antibodies against Myc. bovis in bovine milk

AIMS

The aim of this study was to assess a phage-displayed MilA protein of Myc. bovis in an indirect ELISA for the detection of Myc. bovis antibodies in milk samples.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The desired sequence of milA gene was synthesized and cloned into pCANTAB-F12 phagemid vector. The expression of the MilA on the phage surface was confirmed by Western blotting. The recombinant phage was used in the development of an indirect ELISA to detect Myc. bovis antibodies in milk samples. There was a significant agreement between the results of phage-based ELISA and recombinant GST-MilA ELISA for the detection of Myc. bovis antibodies in milk samples.

CONCLUSIONS

The inexpensive and convenient phage-based ELISA can be used instead of recombinant protein/peptide ELISA as an initial screening of Myc. bovis-associated mastitis.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY

Mastitis associated with Myc. bovis is a continuous and serious problem in the dairy industry. Sero-monitoring of Myc. bovis infection cases are one of the key factors for surveillance of the infections in dairy farms. Despite the existence of some commercially serological assays for Myc. bovis antibodies, they have some limitations regarding their sensitivity and availability. The development of accurate diagnosis tools could contribute to control programmes of Myc. bovis-associated mastitis in the dairy herds.

Effect of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) on paraquat-induced brain injury in mice

Objectives

The goal of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of vit B12 on paraquat-induced neurotoxicity.

Materials and Methods

Thirty-six male mice were randomly divided into six groups. Three groups were treated intraperitoneally with paraquat (10 mg/kg) twice a week (with a 3-day interval) for 3 weeks. Normal saline, vit B12 (1 mg /kg), or vit C (50 mg/kg) was injected 30 min before paraquat administration. Other groups only received normal saline (control), vit B12, or vit C in the same protocol. Motor performance and coordination were assayed by challenging beam traversal, pole, open field, and rotarod tests. The hippocampus and serum samples were isolated to evaluate the oxidative stress (GSH and ROS), apoptosis (caspase 3), and inflammatory markers (TNF-α and IL-1β).

Results

Administration of paraquat leads to induction of motor deficits, which were improved by treatment with vit B12. In addition, vit B12 could prevent oxidative damage, apoptosis, and inflammation caused by paraquat.

Conclusion

It seems that vit B12 could be a novel therapeutic agent in the management of paraquat induced-neurotoxicity.

Current and future direction in treatment of HPV-related cervical disease

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the world. About 70% of cervical cancers are caused by the most oncogenic HPV genotypes of 16 and 18. Since available prophylactic vaccines do not induce immunity in those with established HPV infections, the development of therapeutic HPV vaccines using E6 and E7 oncogenes, or both as the target antigens remains essential. Also, knocking out the E6 and E7 oncogenes in host genome by genome-editing CRISPR/Cas system can result in tumor growth suppression. These methods have shown promising results in both preclinical and clinical trials and can be used for controlling the progression of HPV-related cervical diseases. This comprehensive review will detail the current treatment of HPV-related cervical precancerous and cancerous diseases. We also reviewed the future direction of treatment including different kinds of therapeutic methods and vaccines, genome-editing CRISPR/Cas system being studied in clinical trials. Although the progress in the development of therapeutic HPV vaccine has been slow, encouraging results from recent trials showed vaccine-induced regression in high-grade CIN lesions. CRISPR/Cas genome-editing system is also a promising strategy for HPV cancer therapy. However, its safety and specificity need to be optimized before it is used in clinical setting.

The implications of exosomes in pregnancy: emerging as new diagnostic markers and therapeutics targets

Extracellular vehicles (EVs) are a heterogeneous group of cell and membranous particles originating from different cell compartments. EVs participate in many essential physiological functions and mediate fetal-maternal communications. Exosomes are the smallest unit of EVs, which are delivered to the extracellular space. Exosomes can be released by the umbilical cord, placenta, amniotic fluid, and amniotic membranes and are involved in angiogenesis, endothelial cell migration, and embryo implantation. Also, various diseases such as gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction can be related to the content of placental exosomes during pregnancy. Due to exosomes' ability to transport signaling molecules and their effect on sperm function, they can also play a role in male and female infertility. In the new insight, exosomal miRNA can diagnose and treat infertilities disorders. In this review, we focused on the functions of exosomes during pregnancy. Video abstract.

The polymorphism analysis and epitope predicted of Alphapapillomavirus 9 E6 in Sichuan, China

Background

The Alphapapillomavirus 9 (α-9 HPV) is a member of the Alphapapillomavirus genus and Papillomaviridae family. These viruses are almost all carcinogenic HPV, which is closely related to 75% of invasive cervical cancer worldwide, and has a high prevalence in Sichuan. The carcinogenic function is mainly realized by its E6 oncoprotein.

Methods

Cell samples were collected by cervical scraped for HPV detecting and typing. HPV-16, HPV-31, HPV-33, HPV-52, HPV-58 5 α-9 genus HPV subtype positive samples were selected, their E6 gene was sequenced and analyzed. The positive selection sites of HPV E6 genes were estimated by PAML 4.8 server. The secondary and tertiary structure of E6 protein were predicted by PSIPred and Swiss-model. The T-cell antigen epitopes of E6 protein were predicted by IEDB.

Results

α-9 HPV has a high prevalence in Sichuan, China. From 2012 to 2017, 18,067 cell cervical samples were collected, and 3135 were detected with α-9 HPV infection. Among which, 250 cases HPV-16 E6, 96 cases HPV-31 E6, 216 cases HPV-33 E6, 288 cases HPV-52 E6 and 405 cases HPV-58 E6 were successfully amplified, 17, 6, 6, 13, and 4 non-synonymous nucleotide mutations were respectively detected in HPV-16, 31, 33, 52, and 58 E6, 7 positive selection sites of α-9 HPV E6 were selected out (D32E of HPV-16 E6, K35N, K93N and R145I of HPV-33 E6, K93R of HPV-52 E6, K93N and R145K of HPV-58 E6). The structure and antigen epitopes of E6 protein with amino acid substitution differ from those of wild-type E6 protein, especially for the mutation located in the E6 positive selection site.

Conclusions

HPV E6 nucleotide non-synonymous mutation in the positive selection site influence the protein structure and decrease the antigen epitopes affinity of the E6 protein overall, making it more difficult for the HPV-infected cells to be detected by the immune system, and enhancing the HPV adaptability to the environment. Mutations influence the validity of HPV clinical diagnostic probes, the polymorphism analysis of α-9 HPV E6 enrich the data of HR-risk HPV in Sichuan China, and the detection probes designed with the polymorphism data in mind can improve the efficiency of clinical detection; Mutations influence epitopes affinity, the association of E6 polymorphism and epitope affinity can improve the design of therapeutic vaccine with good immunity and high generality antigen epitope; The above study all provide a good theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of HPV-related diseases.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12985-021-01728-4.

Virus against virus: strategies for using adenovirus vectors in the treatment of HPV-induced cervical cancer

Although most human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are harmless, persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV is known to be the leading cause of cervical cancer. Following the infection of the epithelium and integration into the host genome, the oncogenic proteins E6 and E7 disrupt cell cycle control by inducing p53 and retinoblastoma (Rb) degradation. Despite the FDA approval of prophylactic vaccines, there are still issues with cervical cancer treatment; thus, many therapeutic approaches have been developed to date. Due to strong immunogenicity, a high capacity for packaging foreign DNA, safety, and the ability to infect a myriad of cells, adenoviruses have drawn attention of researchers. Adenovirus vectors have been used for different purposes, including as oncolytic agents to kill cancer cells, carrier for RNA interference to block oncoproteins expression, vaccines for eliciting immune responses, especially in cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), and gene therapy vehicles for restoring p53 and Rb function.

Synthesis, proteolytic stability, and in vitro evaluation of DOTA conjugated p160 peptide based radioconjugates: [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-p160

In this work, we describe the synthesis, in vitro stability, and preliminary biological evaluation of [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTA-p160 peptide-based radiopharmaceuticals. Our findings highlight that all DOTA-p160-peptide radioconjugates exhibit favorable proteolytic and enzymatic stability with a prolonged half-life in human plasma and serum. Cell uptake studies carried out on MCF-7 cell line revealed saturable binding of the radioconjugates in the nanomolar range, thereby demonstrating their promising potential in the imaging and therapy of breast tumors.

New Tools for Streamlined In Vivo Homing Peptide Identification

In vivo peptide-phage display is an unbiased technique for mapping of the vascular diversity and identification of homing peptides. This chapter is intended to serve as a structured practical guide to execute in vivo T7 phage biopanning and data analysis experiments. We discuss experimental designs and protocols with emphasis on application of high-throughput sequencing-based technologies for streamlined in vivo biopanning and validation of homing peptides.

Culture, Expansion and Differentiation of Mouse Bone-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent adult cells that are present in several tissues including the bone marrow (BM), in which they can differentiate in a variety of cell types such as osteoblasts, chondrocytes and adipocytes. The isolation of MSCs has been carried out by many studies that aim to control their differentiation into cartilaginous and bone cells in vitro in order to use this technology in the repair of damaged tissues. Here we describe the minimum requirements and an efficient method for isolation, expansion of mouse bone-derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells and their differentiation into osteoblasts, responsible for the bone matrix synthesis and mineralization.

Novel peptides screened by phage display peptide library can mimic epitopes of the FnBPA-A protein and induce protective immunity against Staphylococcus aureus in mice

Fibronectin‐binding protein A (FnBPA) is a key adhesin of Staphylococcus aureus, and the protein binding to fibrinogen and elastin is mediated by its N‐terminal A domain. Thus, FnBPA‐A has been considered a potential vaccine candidate, but the relevant epitopes are not fully understood. Here, purified rabbit anti‐FnBPA‐A antibodies were produced and used to screen for peptides corresponding to or mimicking the epitope of native FnBPA‐A protein by using a phage random 12‐mer peptide library. After four rounds of panning, 25 randomly selected phage clones were detected by phage‐ELISA and competition‐inhibition ELISA. Then, eight anti‐rFnBPA‐A antibody‐binding phage clones were selected for sequencing, and six different 12‐mer peptides were displayed by these phages. Although these displayed peptides shared no more than three consecutive amino acid residues identical to the sequence of FnBPA‐A, they could be recognized by the FnBPA‐A‐specific antibodies in vitro and could induce specific antibodies against FnBPA‐A in vivo, suggesting that these displayed peptides were mimotopes of FnBPA‐A. Finally, the protective efficiencies of these mimotopes were investigated by mouse vaccination and challenge experiments. Compared with that of control group mice, the relative percent survival of mice immunized with phage clones displaying a mimotope was 13.33% (C2 or C15), 0% (C8), 6.67% (C10), 26.67% (C19 or 1:2 mixture of C23 and C19), 53.33% (C23), 33.33% (1:1 mixture of C23 and C19), and 66.67% (2:1 mixture of C23 and C19). Overall, five peptides mimicking FnBPA‐A protein epitopes were obtained, and a partially protective immunity against S. aureus infection could be stimulated by these mimotope peptides in mice.

Angiotensinogen and interleukin 18 in serum and urine of children with kidney cysts

BACKGROUND

The most common disease associated with the presence of kidney cysts in the population is autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), which finally leads to end-stage renal disease.

METHOD

The study evaluated serum and urinary concentration of angiotensinogen (AGT) and interleukin 18 (IL-18) in a group of 39 children with renal cysts of different aetiology.

RESULTS

Serum and urinary AGT concentration in children with renal cysts was higher compared to controls, regardless of the underlying background and gender. Serum IL-18 concentration was lower, in contrast, and the concentration of IL-18 in the urine did not differ between affected and healthy children. Negative correlation between urinary IL-18 concentration and systolic and mean arterial blood pressure was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher AGT levels in serum and urine in children with renal cysts may indicate the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, including its intrarenal part, even before the onset of hypertension. Lower serum concentration of IL-18 in children with kidney cysts may indicate the loss of the protective role of this cytokine with the occurrence of hypertension.

Genetic associations between genes in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and renal disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined by abnormalities in kidney structure and/or function present for more than 3 months. Worldwide, both the incidence and prevalence rates of CKD are increasing. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) regulates fluid and electrolyte balance through the kidney. RAAS activation is associated with hypertension, which is directly implicated in causation and progression of CKD. RAAS blockade, using drugs targeting individual RAAS mediators and receptors, has proven to be renoprotective.

OBJECTIVES

To assess genomic variants present within RAAS genes, ACE, ACE2, AGT, AGTR1, AGTR2 and REN, for association with CKD.

DESIGN AND DATA SOURCES

A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational research was performed to evaluate the RAAS gene polymorphisms in CKD using both PubMed and Web of Science databases with publication date between the inception of each database and 31 December 2018. Eligible articles included case-control studies of a defined kidney disease and included genotype counts.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Any paper was removed from the analysis if it was not written in English or Spanish, was a non-human study, was a paediatric study, was not a case-control study, did not have a renal disease phenotype, did not include data for the genes, was a gene expression-based study or had a pharmaceutical drug focus.

RESULTS

A total of 3531 studies were identified, 114 of which met the inclusion criteria. Genetic variants reported in at least three independent publications for populations with the same ethnicity were determined and quantitative analyses performed. Three variants returned significant results in populations with different ethnicities at p<0.05: ACE insertion, AGT rs699-T allele and AGTR1 rs5186-A allele; each variant was associated with a reduced risk of CKD development.

CONCLUSIONS

Further biological pathway and functional analyses of the RAAS gene polymorphisms will help define how variation in components of the RAAS pathway contributes to CKD.

Autophagy and cancer stem cells: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic applications

Autophagy and mitophagy act in cancer as bimodal processes, whose differential functions strictly depend on cancer ontogenesis, progression, and type. For instance, they can act to promote cancer progression by helping cancer cells survive stress or, instead, when mutated or abnormal, to induce carcinogenesis by influencing cell signaling or promoting intracellular toxicity. For this reason, the study of autophagy in cancer is the main focus of many researchers and several clinical trials are already ongoing to manipulate autophagy and by this way determine the outcome of disease therapy. Since the establishment of the cancer stem cell (CSC) theory and the discovery of CSCs in individual cancer types, autophagy and mitophagy have been proposed as key mechanisms in their homeostasis, dismissal or spread, even though we still miss a comprehensive view of how and by which regulatory molecules these two processes drive cell fate. In this review, we will dive into the deep water of autophagy, mitophagy, and CSCs and offer novel viewpoints on possible therapeutic strategies, based on the modulation of these degradative systems.

Systematic Exposition of Mesenchymal Stem Cell for Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Its Associated Colorectal Cancer

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy has been applied to a wide range of diseases with excessive immune response, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), owing to its powerful immunosuppression and its ability to repair tissue lesions. Different sources of MSCs show different therapeutic properties. Engineering managements are able to enhance the immunomodulation function and the survival of MSCs involved in IBD. The therapeutic mechanism of MSCs in IBD mainly focuses on cell-to-cell contact and paracrine actions. One of the promising therapeutic options for IBD can focus on exosomes of MSCs. MSCs hold promise for the treatment of IBD-associated colorectal cancer because of their tumor-homing function and chronic inflammation inhibition. Encouraging results have been obtained from clinical trials in IBD and potential challenges caused by MSCs therapy are getting solved. This review can assist investigators better to understand the research progress for enhancing the efficacy of MSCs therapy involved in IBD and CAC.

[Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG conditioned medium prevents E. coli meningitis by inhibiting nuclear factor-κB pathway]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG conditioned medium(LGG-CM)has preventive effect against E. coli K1-induced neuropathogenicity in vitro by inhibiting nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway.

METHODS

An in vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) model was constructed using human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs). The effect of LGG-CM on E. coli-actived NF-κB signaling pathway was assayed using Western blotting. Invasion assay and polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) transmigration assay were performed to explore whether LGG-CM could inhibit E. coli invasion and PMN transmigration across the BBB in vitro. The expressions of ZO-1 and CD44 were detected using Western blotting and immunofluorescence. The changes of trans-epithelial electric resistance (TEER) and bacterial translocation were determined to evaluate the BBB permeability.

RESULTS

Pre-treament with LGG-CM inhibited E. coli-activated NF-κB signaling pathway in HBMECs and decreased the invasion of E. coli K1 and transmigration of PMN. Western blotting showed that LGG-CM could alleviate E. coli-induced up-regulation of CD44 and down-regulation of ZO-1 expressions in HBMECs. In addition, pre-treatment with LGG-CM alleviated E. coli K1-induced reduction of TEER and suppressed bacterial translocation across the BBB in vitro.

CONCLUSION

LGG-CM can block E. coli-induced activation of NF-κB signaling pathway and thereby prevents E. coli K1-induced neuropathogenicity by decreasing E. coli K1 invasion rates and PMN transmigration.