MicroRNA Regulated Macrophage Activation in Obesity. J Transl Int Med. 2019;7:46-52. [PMID: 31380236 PMCID: PMC6661877 DOI: 10.2478/jtim-2019-0011]

Development of novel lysosome-related signatures and their potential target drugs based on bulk RNA-seq and scRNA-seq for diabetic foot ulcers

BACKGROUND

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) is the most serious complication of diabetes mellitus, which has become a global health problem due to its high morbidity and disability rates and the poor efficacy of conventional treatments. Thus, it is urgent to identify novel molecular targets to improve the prognosis and reduce disability rate in DFU patients.

RESULTS

In the present study, bulk RNA-seq and scRNA-seq associated with DFU were downloaded from the GEO database. We identified 1393 DFU-related DEGs by differential analysis and WGCNA analysis together, and GO/KEGG analysis showed that these genes were associated with lysosomal and immune/inflammatory responses. Immediately thereafter, we identified CLU, RABGEF1 and ENPEP as DLGs for DFU using three machine learning algorithms (Randomforest, SVM-RFE and LASSO) and validated their diagnostic performance in a validation cohort independent of this study. Subsequently, we constructed a novel artificial neural network model for molecular diagnosis of DFU based on DLGs, and the diagnostic performance in the training and validation cohorts was sound. In single-cell sequencing, the heterogeneous expression of DLGs also provided favorable evidence for them to be potential diagnostic targets. In addition, the results of immune infiltration analysis showed that the abundance of mainstream immune cells, including B/T cells, was down-regulated in DFUs and significantly correlated with the expression of DLGs. Finally, we found latamoxef, parthenolide, meclofenoxate, and lomustine to be promising anti-DFU drugs by targeting DLGs.

CONCLUSIONS

CLU, RABGEF1 and ENPEP can be used as novel lysosomal molecular signatures of DFU, and by targeting them, latamoxef, parthenolide, meclofenoxate and lomustine were identified as promising anti-DFU drugs. The present study provides new perspectives for the diagnosis and treatment of DFU and for improving the prognosis of DFU patients.

Pathologically successful conversion hepatectomy for advanced giant hepatocellular carcinoma after multidisciplinary therapy: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of death due to its complexity, heterogeneity, rapid metastasis and easy recurrence after surgical resection. We demonstrated that combination therapy with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC), Epclusa, Lenvatinib and Sintilimab is useful for patients with advanced HCC.

CASE SUMMARY

A 69-year-old man who was infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) 30 years previously was admitted to the hospital with abdominal pain. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a low-density mass in the right lobe of the liver, with a volume of 12.9 cm × 9.4 cm × 15 cm, and the mass exhibited a "fast-in/fast-out" pattern, with extensive filling defect areas in the right branch of the portal vein and an alpha-fetoprotein level as high as 657 ng/mL. Therefore, he was judged to have advanced HCC. During treatment, the patient received three months of Epclusa, three TACE treatments, two HAIC treatments, three courses of sintilimab, and twenty-one months of lenvatinib. In the third month of treatment, the patient developed severe side effects and had to stop immunotherapy, and the Lenvatinib dose had to be halved. Postoperative pathological diagnosis indicated a complete response. The patient recovered well after the operation, and no tumor recurrence was found.

CONCLUSION

Multidisciplinary conversion therapy for advanced enormous HCC caused by HCV infection has a significant effect. Individualized drug adjustments should be made during any treatment according to the patient's tolerance to treatment.

Autophagy-modulating biomaterials: multifunctional weapons to promote tissue regeneration

Autophagy is a self-renewal mechanism that maintains homeostasis and can promote tissue regeneration by regulating inflammation, reducing oxidative stress and promoting cell differentiation. The interaction between biomaterials and tissue cells significantly affects biomaterial-tissue integration and tissue regeneration. In recent years, it has been found that biomaterials can affect various processes related to tissue regeneration by regulating autophagy. The utilization of biomaterials in a controlled environment has become a prominent approach for enhancing the tissue regeneration capabilities. This involves the regulation of autophagy in diverse cell types implicated in tissue regeneration, encompassing the modulation of inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, cell differentiation, proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix formation. In addition, biomaterials possess the potential to serve as carriers for drug delivery, enabling the regulation of autophagy by either activating or inhibiting its processes. This review summarizes the relationship between autophagy and tissue regeneration and discusses the role of biomaterial-based autophagy in tissue regeneration. In addition, recent advanced technologies used to design autophagy-modulating biomaterials are summarized, and rational design of biomaterials for providing controlled autophagy regulation via modification of the chemistry and surface of biomaterials and incorporation of cells and molecules is discussed. A better understanding of biomaterial-based autophagy and tissue regeneration, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms, may lead to new possibilities for promoting tissue regeneration. Video Abstract.

Recent progress in metabolic reprogramming in gestational diabetes mellitus: a review

Gestational diabetes mellitus is a prevalent metabolic disease that can impact the normal course of pregnancy and delivery, leading to adverse outcomes for both mother and child. Its pathogenesis is complex and involves various factors, such as insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. Metabolic reprogramming, which involves mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis, is crucial for maintaining human metabolic balance and is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of gestational diabetes mellitus. However, research on the link and metabolic pathways between metabolic reprogramming and gestational diabetes mellitus is limited. Therefore, we reviewed the relationship between metabolic reprogramming and gestational diabetes mellitus to provide new therapeutic strategies for maternal health during pregnancy and reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus.

A Review of micro RNAs changes in T2DM in animals and humans

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its associated complications have become a crucial public health concern in the world. According to the literature, chronic inflammation and the progression of T2DM have a close relationship. Accumulated evidence suggests that inflammation enhances the insulin secretion lost by islets of Langerhans and the resistance of target tissues to insulin action, which are two critical features in T2DM development. Based on recently highlighted research that plasma concentration of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-6 are elevated in insulin-resistant and T2DM, and it raises novel question marks about the processes causing inflammation in both situations. Over the past few decades, microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of short, noncoding RNA molecules, have been discovered to be involved in the regulation of inflammation, insulin resistance, and T2DM pathology. These noncoding RNAs are specifically comprised of RNA-induced silencing complexes and regulate the expression of specific protein-coding genes through various mechanisms. There is extending evidence that describes the expression profile of a special class of miRNA molecules altered during T2DM development. These modifications can be observed as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of T2DM and related diseases. In this review study, after reviewing the possible mechanisms involved in T2DM pathophysiology, we update recent information on the miRNA roles in T2DM, inflammation, and insulin resistance.

The Interplay between Immune and Metabolic Pathways in Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is a significant health problem worldwide, affecting an estimated 10% of the global population. Kidney disease encompasses a diverse group of disorders that vary in their underlying pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and outcomes. These disorders include acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD), glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, polycystic kidney disease, diabetic kidney disease, and many others. Despite their distinct etiologies, these disorders share a common feature of immune system dysregulation and metabolic disturbances. The immune system and metabolic pathways are intimately connected and interact to modulate the pathogenesis of kidney diseases. The dysregulation of immune responses in kidney diseases includes a complex interplay between various immune cell types, including resident and infiltrating immune cells, cytokines, chemokines, and complement factors. These immune factors can trigger and perpetuate kidney inflammation, causing renal tissue injury and progressive fibrosis. In addition, metabolic pathways play critical roles in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases, including glucose and lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and altered nutrient sensing. Dysregulation of these metabolic pathways contributes to the progression of kidney disease by inducing renal tubular injury, apoptosis, and fibrosis. Recent studies have provided insights into the intricate interplay between immune and metabolic pathways in kidney diseases, revealing novel therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of kidney diseases. Potential therapeutic strategies include modulating immune responses through targeting key immune factors or inhibiting pro-inflammatory signaling pathways, improving mitochondrial function, and targeting nutrient-sensing pathways, such as mTOR, AMPK, and SIRT1. This review highlights the importance of the interplay between immune and metabolic pathways in kidney diseases and the potential therapeutic implications of targeting these pathways.

The development of COVID-19 treatment

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a pandemic named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that has become the greatest worldwide public health threat of this century. Recent studies have unraveled numerous mysteries of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and thus largely improved the studies of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutic strategies. However, important questions remain regarding its therapy. In this review, the recent research advances on COVID-19 mechanism are quickly summarized. We mainly discuss current therapy strategies for COVID-19, with an emphasis on antiviral agents, neutralizing antibody therapies, Janus kinase inhibitors, and steroids. When necessary, specific mechanisms and the history of therapy are present, and representative strategies are described in detail. Finally, we discuss key outstanding questions regarding future directions of the development of COVID-19 treatment.

Adipose tissue aging is regulated by an altered immune system

Adipose tissue is a widely distributed organ that plays a critical role in age-related physiological dysfunctions as an important source of chronic sterile low-grade inflammation. Adipose tissue undergoes diverse changes during aging, including fat depot redistribution, brown and beige fat decrease, functional decline of adipose progenitor and stem cells, senescent cell accumulation, and immune cell dysregulation. Specifically, inflammaging is common in aged adipose tissue. Adipose tissue inflammaging reduces adipose plasticity and pathologically contributes to adipocyte hypertrophy, fibrosis, and ultimately, adipose tissue dysfunction. Adipose tissue inflammaging also contributes to age-related diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. There is an increased infiltration of immune cells into adipose tissue, and these infiltrating immune cells secrete proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Several important molecular and signaling pathways mediate the process, including JAK/STAT, NFκB and JNK, etc. The roles of immune cells in aging adipose tissue are complex, and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. In this review, we summarize the consequences and causes of inflammaging in adipose tissue. We further outline the cellular/molecular mechanisms of adipose tissue inflammaging and propose potential therapeutic targets to alleviate age-related problems.

CCL3 aggravates intestinal damage in NEC by promoting macrophage chemotaxis and M1 macrophage polarization

BACKGROUND

NEC is a life-threatening gastrointestinal disease in neonates, the pathogenesis of which remains poorly understood.

METHODS

CCL3 levels in intestinal tissue of mice were measured and analyzed. HE staining was used to assess pathological changes in intestinal tissue. FCM was used to detect the proportion and phenotype of macrophages. RNA-seq and RT-PCR were used to evaluate the effect of CCL3 on macrophages.

RESULTS

CCL3 was highly expressed in the intestinal tissues of mice with NEC and induced macrophage infiltration. Transcriptome data showed that CCL3 strongly induced a transition in the phenotype of macrophages into a proinflammatory one. Mechanistically, in vivo experiments confirmed that CCL3 induced M1 macrophage polarization in NEC intestinal tissue, thereby aggravating inflammatory injury of intestinal tissue, which was alleviated by anti-CCL3 treatment. In addition, in vitro experiments showed that CCL3 significantly enhances the expression of M1-related genes in both PMφ and BMDM while inhibiting the expression of M2-related genes, which was also alleviated by anti-CCl3 treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data elucidated the involvement of CCL3 in the pathogenesis of NEC, in which upregulated CCL3 expression exacerbated inflammatory intestinal damage by regulating macrophage chemotaxis and M1 phenotype polarization, suggesting that blocking CCL3 may be a potential strategy for effective intervention in NEC.

IMPACT

Our study represents an important conceptual advancement that CCL3 may be one of the key culprits of intestinal tissue damage in patients with NEC. CCL3 aggravates inflammatory intestinal injury and intestinal mucosal barrier imbalance by regulating the chemotaxis, polarization, and function of macrophages. Blocking CCL3 significantly reduced NEC-mediated intestinal injury, suggesting a new potential therapeutic strategy.

Macrophages at the Crossroad of Meta-Inflammation and Inflammaging

Macrophages are central players in systemic inflammation associated with obesity and aging, termed meta-inflammation and inflammaging. Activities of macrophages elicited by the two chronic conditions display shared and distinct patterns mechanistically, resulting in multifaceted actions for their pathogenic roles. Drastically expanded tissue macrophage populations under obesity and aging stress attribute to both enhanced recruitment and local expansion. Importantly, molecular networks governing the multifaceted actions of macrophages are directly altered by environmental cues and subsequently contribute to metabolic reprogramming, resulting in meta-inflammation in obesity or inflammaging in aging. In this review, we will summarize how meta-inflammation and inflammaging affect macrophages and the molecular mechanisms involved in these processes.

Autophagy Plays Multiple Roles in the Soft-Tissue Healing and Osseointegration in Dental Implant Surgery-A Narrative Review

Dental endo-osseous implants have become a widely used treatment for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants are placed into a surgically created osteotomy in alveolar bone, the healing of the soft tissue lesion and the osseointegration of the implant being key elements to long-term success. Autophagy is considered the major intracellular degradation system, playing important roles in various cellular processes involved in dental implant integration. The aim of this review is an exploration of autophagy roles in the main cell types involved in the healing and remodeling of soft tissue lesions and implant osseointegration, post-implant surgery. We have focused on the autophagy pathway in macrophages, endothelial cells; osteoclasts, osteoblasts; fibroblasts, myofibroblasts and keratinocytes. In macrophages, autophagy modulates innate and adaptive immune responses playing a key role in osteo-immunity. Autophagy induction in endothelial cells promotes apoptosis resistance, cell survival, and protection against oxidative stress damage. The autophagic machinery is also involved in transporting stromal vesicles containing mineralization-related factors to the extracellular matrix and regulating osteoblasts' functions. Alveolar bone remodeling is achieved by immune cells differentiation into osteoclasts; autophagy plays an important and active role in this process. Autophagy downregulation in fibroblasts induces apoptosis, leading to better wound healing by improving excessive deposition of extracellular matrix and inhibiting fibrosis progression. Autophagy seems to be a dual actor on the scene of dental implant surgery, imposing further research in order to completely reveal its positive features which may be essential for clinical efficacy.

Extracellular RNAs from immune cells under obesity-a narrative review

Background and Objective

Obesity affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and is characterized by chronic inflammation and insulin resistance, leading to Type II diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Extracellular RNAs (exRNAs) are among the components which effect immune actions under obese conditions, and technological advances in recent years have rapidly increased our understanding of their roles and functions. Here we review essential background information on exRNAs and vesicles as well as the impact of immune-derived exRNAs in obesity-related disease. We also offer perspectives on clinical applications of exRNAs and future research directions.

Methods

We searched PubMed for articles relevant to immune-derived exRNAs in obesity. Articles written in English and published prior to May 25, 2022 were included.

Key Content and Findings

We report findings on the roles of immune-derived exRNAs which are important in obesity-related disease. We also highlight several exRNAs derived from other cell lineages which act on immune cells in metabolic disease.

Conclusions

ExRNAs produced by immune cells have profound local and systemic effects under obese conditions and can impact metabolic disease phenotypes. Immune-derived exRNAs represent an important target for future research and therapy.

Autophagy and skin wound healing

Autophagy is a lysosome-dependent, self-renewal mechanism that can degrade and recycle cellular components in eukaryotic cells to maintain the stability of the intracellular environment and the cells ability to cope with unfavorable environments. Numerous studies suggest that autophagy participates in regulating various cellular functions and is closely associated with the onset and progression of various diseases. Wound healing is a complex, multistep biological process that involves multiple cell types. Refractory wounds, which include diabetic skin ulcers, can seriously endanger human health. Previous studies have confirmed that autophagy plays an essential role in various phases of wound healing. Specifically, in the inflammatory phase, autophagy has an anti-infection effect and it negatively regulates the inflammatory response, which prevents excessive inflammation from causing tissue damage. In the proliferative phase, local hypoxia in the wound can induce autophagy, which plays a role in anti-apoptosis and anti-oxidative stress and promotes cell survival. Autophagy of vascular endothelial cells promotes wound angiogenesis and that of keratinocytes promotes their differentiation, proliferation and migration, which is conducive to the completion of wound re-epithelialisation. In the remodeling phase, autophagy of fibroblasts affects the formation of hypertrophic scars. Additionally, a refractory diabetic wound may be associated with increased levels of autophagy, and the regulation of mesenchymal stem cell autophagy may improve its application to wound healing. Therefore, understanding the relationship between autophagy and skin wound healing and exploring the molecular mechanism of autophagy regulation may provide novel strategies for the clinical treatment of wound healing.

MicroRNAs and Exosomal microRNAs May Be Possible Targets to Investigate in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as glucose intolerance that occurs during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. As the incidence of GDM rises, so does the risk of maternal and fetal complications with short- and long-term consequences. As a result, early diagnosis and treatment of this condition are important to avoiding adverse pregnancy outcomes. Exosomes are tiny vesicles secreted by living cells which contain a variety of bioactive substances. They are released by cells to facilitate cell-to-cell communication and regulate a variety of biological processes such as cellular immune response, inflammatory response, and apoptosis, among others. Many studies have recently confirmed that changes in the expression and secretion of exosomal miRNAs can be used as novel markers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of GDM. In this review, we summarized the various roles of exosomal miRNAs and circulating miRNAs in GDM. We found that the changes in the expression of certain miRNAs could be used to diagnosing GDM. Exosomal miRNAs target metabolic pathways, resulting in insulin resistance. We also highlighted the potential for miRNAs and exosomal miRNAs to be used as biomarkers for diagnosis or therapeutic agents.

Using Machine Learning Techniques to Develop Risk Prediction Models for the Risk of Incident Diabetic Retinopathy Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To construct and validate prediction models for the risk of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus hospitalized over the period between January 2010 and September 2018 were retrospectively collected. Eighteen baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were used as predictors to train five machine-learning models. The model that showed favorable predictive efficacy was evaluated at annual follow-ups. Multi-point data of the patients in the test set were utilized to further evaluate the model's performance. We also assessed the relative prognostic importance of the selected risk factors for DR outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 7943 collected patients, 1692 (21.30%) developed DR during follow-up. Among the five models, the XGBoost model achieved the highest predictive performance with an AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.803, 88.9%, 74.0%, and 81.1%, respectively. The XGBoost model's AUCs in the different follow-up periods were 0.834 to 0.966. In addition to the classical risk factors of DR, serum uric acid (SUA), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and triglyceride (TG) were also identified to be important and strong predictors for the disease. Compared with the clinical diagnosis method of DR, the XGBoost model achieved an average of 2.895 years prior to the first diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

The proposed model achieved high performance in predicting the risk of DR among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at each time point. This study established the potential of the XGBoost model to facilitate clinicians in identifying high-risk patients and making type 2 diabetes management-related decisions.

Circ-ATAD1 is overexpressed in osteosarcoma (OS) and suppresses the maturation of miR-154-5p to increase cell invasion and migration

Background

Circ-ATAD1 plays an oncogenic role in gastric cancer. However, its roles in other cancers are unclear. We aimed to analyze the role of circ-ATAD1 in osteosarcoma (OS).

Methods

The expression levels of circ-ATAD1, mature miR-154-5p, and premature miR-154-5p in paired OS and non-tumor tissues from 56 OS patients were determined using RT-qPCR. Nuclear fractionation assay was performed to analyze the subcellular location of circ-ATAD1. The interaction between circ-ATAD1 and premature miR-154-5p was analyzed using RNA pull-down assay. The role of circ-ATAD1 in regulating miR-154-5p maturation was analyzed using RT-qPCR in cells with overexpression. Transwell assays were performed to analyze the roles of circ-ATAD1 and miR-154-5p in regulating OS cell invasion and migration.

Results

Circ-ATAD1 was overexpressed in OS compared to non-tumor tissues and was detected in the nuclei of OS cells. Mature miR-154-5p, but not premature miR-154-5p, was downregulated in OS tissues compared to non-tumor tissues and was inversely correlated with circ-ATAD1. In OS cells, circ-ATAD1 overexpression decreased the expression of mature miR-154-5p, but not premature miR-154-5p. Transwell assay analysis showed that circ-ATAD1 overexpression increased cell invasion and migration, and mature miR-154-5p overexpression suppressed these cell behaviors. In addition, circ-ATAD1 overexpression reduced the effects of mature miR-154-5p overexpression on cell behaviors.

Conclusions

Circ-ATAD1 is overexpressed in OS and suppresses miR-154-5p maturation to increase cell invasion and migration.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13018-021-02809-4.

MiR-375 silencing attenuates pro-inflammatory macrophage response and foam cell formation by targeting KLF4

Macrophage mediated inflammation and foam cell formation play crucial roles in the development of atherosclerosis. MiR-375 is a small noncoding RNA that significantly implicated in multiple tumor regulation and has been emerged as a novel biomarker for type 2 diabetes. However, the exact role of miR-375 on macrophage activation remains unknown. In the present study, we observed that miR-375 expression showed an up-regulated expression in atherosclerotic aortas, as well as in bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs) and mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPMs) isolated from ApoE deficiency mice and was gradually increased followed the Ox-LDL treated time. Functionally, miR-375 inhibition significantly decreased foam cell formation accompanied by up-regulated genes expression involved in cholesterol efflux but reduced genes expression implicated in cholesterol influx. Moreover, miR-375 silencing increased resolving M2 macrophage but reduced pro-inflammatory M1 macrophage markers expression. Such above effects can be reversed by miR-375 overexpression. Mechanistically, we noticed that miR-375 knockdown promoted KLF4 expression which was required for the ameliorated effect of miR-375 silencing on macrophage activation. Importantly, the consistent results in mRNA expression of M1 and M2 markers were observed in vivo, and miR-375^-/-ApoE^-/- mice significant decreased atherosclerotic lesions in the whole aorta and aortic sinus. Taken together, these evidences suggested that miR-375 knockdown attenuated macrophage activation partially through activation of KLF4-dependent mechanism.

Attenuated macrophage activation mediated by microRNA-183 knockdown through targeting NR4A2

Atherosclerosis is considered a chronic inflammatory disease, and macrophages function as important mediators in the development of atherogenesis. MicroRNA (miR)-183 is a small non-coding RNA that acts as a novel tumor suppressor and has recently been proposed to affect cardiac hypertrophy. However, the exact role and underlying mechanism of miR-183 in macrophage activation remain unknown. In the present study, miR-183 showed upregulated expression in atheromatous plaques and in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) subjected to stimulation with oxidized low-density lipoproteins. Using a miR-183 loss-of-function strategy, it was demonstrated that miR-183 knockdown significantly increased resolving M2 macrophage marker expression but decreased proinflammatory M1 macrophage marker expression, as well as attenuated NF-κB activation. Moreover, decreased foam-cell formation accompanied by upregulation of genes involved in cholesterol efflux and downregulation of genes implicated in cholesterol influx was found in BMDMs transfected with a miR-183 inhibitor. Mechanistically, macrophage activation mediated by miR-183 silencing was partially attributed to direct upregulation of NR4A2 expression in BMDMs. Thus, the present study suggests that neutralizing miR-183 may be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

ROS Plays a Role in the Neonatal Rat Intestinal Barrier Damages Induced by Hyperoxia

BACKGROUND

Hyperoxia treats a subset of critical neonatal illnesses but induces intestinal damage in neonatal pups. In this process, the intestinal flora and mucosal epithelium might be altered by hyperoxia. So the changes of the intestinal flora and mucosal epithelium were studied.

METHODS

Neonatal rats were randomized into the model group that was exposed to hyperoxia and the control group that was maintained under normoxic conditions; then, intestinal lavage fluid and intestinal tissues were harvested. ELISA was used to detect D-lactic acid (D-LA), endotoxin (ET), diamine oxidase (DAO), intestinal fatty acid binding protein (i-FABP), liver-type fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) and cytokines in the intestinal lavage of neonatal rats during hyperoxia. The intestinal zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1), occlusion protein (Occludin), and closure protein-4 (Claudin-4) of neonatal pups were detected by immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and real-time Polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) during hyperoxia. NCM460 cell survival rates were assayed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) during hyperoxia and administration of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). The expression levels of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-4 in NCM460 cells were detected by immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and RT-PCR during hyperoxia and NAC.

RESULTS

D-LA, ET, L-FABP, i-FABP, DAO, TNF-α, IL-10, and IFN-γ were significantly increased by hyperoxia, while ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-4 were clearly decreased in the hyperoxia group compared with the control group. NAC promoted cell survival, which was inhibited by hyperoxia. The cellular expression levels of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-4, which were lowered by hyperoxia, were increased by NAC.

CONCLUSION

Hyperoxia causes injury of the intestinal mucosa, and ROS plays a role in this intestinal damage during hyperoxia.

Exosomal Secretion of Adipose Tissue during Various Physiological States

Exosomes are secreted extracellular vesicles containing a wide array of biologically active components. Recent studies have demonstrated that exosomes serve as an important vehicle for extracellular communication and exert systemic effects on the physiology of organisms. Adipose tissues (ATs) play a key role in balancing systemic energy homeostasis as a central hub for fatty acid metabolism. At the same time, proper endocrine function of ATs has also been shown to be crucial for regulating physiological and metabolic health. The endocrine function of ATs is partially mediated by AT-derived exosomes that regulate metabolic homeostasis, such as insulin signaling, lipolysis, and inflammation. During the pathogenesis of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cancer, exosomes shed by the resident cells in ATs may also have a role in regulating the progression of these diseases along with associated pathologies. In this review, we summarize the contents of AT-derived exosomes and their effects on various cell populations along with possible underlying molecular mechanisms. We further discuss the potential applications of exosomes as a drug delivery tool and therapeutic target.

Antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective effect of 10 medicinal herbs on CCl4-induced liver injury in mice

BACKGROUND

Many natural products confer health benefits against diverse diseases through their antioxidant activities. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) is often used in animal experiments to study the effects of substances on liver injury and the related mechanisms of action, among which oxidative stress is a major pathogenic factor.

AIM

To compare antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of ten herbs and identify and quantify phytochemicals for the one with strongest hepatoprotection.

METHODS

The antioxidant activity of ten medicinal herbs was determined by both ferric-reducing antioxidant power and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assays. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined by Folin–Ciocalteu method and aluminum chloride colorimetry, respectively. Their effects on CCl₄-induced oxidative liver injury were evaluated and compared in a mouse model by administrating each water extract (0.15 g/mL, 10 mL/kg) once per day for seven consecutive days and a dose of CCl₄ solution in olive oil (8%, v/v, 10 mL/kg). The herb with the strongest hepatoprotective performance was analyzed for the detailed bioactive components by using high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization source-ion trap tandem mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

The results revealed that all tested herbs attenuated CCl₄-induced oxidative liver injury; each resulted in significant decreases in levels of serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and triacylglycerols. In addition, most herbs restored hepatic superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, glutathione levels, and reduced malondialdehyde levels. Sanguisorba officinalis (S. officinalis) L., Coptis chinensis Franch., and Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi root were the three most effective herbs, and S. officinalis L. exhibited the strongest hepatoprotective effect. Nine active components were identified in S. officinalis L. Gallic acid and (+)-catechin were quantified (7.86 ± 0.45 mg/g and 8.19 ± 0.57 mg/g dried weight, respectively). Furthermore, the tested herbs displayed a range of in vitro antioxidant activities proportional to their phenolic content; the strongest activities were also found for S. officinalis L.

CONCLUSION

This study is of value to assist the selection of more effective natural products for direct consumption and the development of nutraceuticals or therapeutics to manage oxidative stress-related diseases.

Effect of motivational interviewing on postoperative weight control in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

BACKGROUND

Obesity is an important factor to cause the obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Higher body mass index (BMI) often results in more severe OSAHS. Currently, the common measures for controlling the weight mainly include diet control, increase exercise and so on. Motivational interviewing (MI) could explore the patient's internal state and make the patient realize his/her ambivalence, resulting in the change in his/her behavior. This process emphasizes respecting the patient's autonomy.

AIM

To evaluate the effect of MI on the weight control of patients with OSAHS.

METHODS

A randomized controlled study was conducted in 100 obese OSAHS patients undergoing surgical treatment at Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University. The patients were divided into an intervention group and a control group, with 50 cases each. The control group was given routine health education after the operation; in addition to the regular health education, the intervention group was given MI according to a predetermined plan. Obesity-related indicators, postoperative complications, and the sleep status of both groups were evaluated before and 6 mo after the intervention.

RESULTS

Patients in the intervention group had significantly improved body weight, BMI, and waist and neck circumferences compared with patients in the control group (P < 0.05). Regarding complications at 6 mo after operation, the incidence of cough and reflux in patients in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Self-Rating Scale of Sleep scores of patients in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group, and the sleep status of patients in the intervention group was improved (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

MI intervention has a significant advantage over postoperative routine health education. It can greatly change the lifestyle, further control the postoperative weight, reduce the occurrence of complications, improve the quality of sleep, and improve long-term postoperative efficacy in OSAHS patients.