Identification of potential biomarkers and pathways associated with carotid atherosclerotic plaques in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A transcriptomics study

Identification of diagnostic signature and immune infiltration for ischemic cardiomyopathy based on cuproptosis-related genes through bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation

BACKGROUND

Ischemic cardiomyopathy (IC) is primarily due to long-term ischemia/hypoxia of the coronary arteries, leading to impaired cardiac contractile or diastolic function. A new form of cell death induced by copper, called "cuproptosis" is related to the development and progression of multiple diseases. The cuproptosis-related gene (CuGs) plays an important role in acute myocardial infarction, while the specific mechanisms of CuGs in ischemic cardiomyopathy remain unclear.

METHODS

The expressions of CuGs and their immune characteristics were analyzed with the IC datasets obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus, namely GSE5406 and GSE57338, identifying core genes associated with IC development. By comparing RF, SVM, GLM and XGB models, the optimal machine learning model was selected. The expression of marker genes was validated based on the GSE57345, GSE48166 and GSE42955 datasets. Construct a CeRNA network based on core genes. Therapeutic chemiacals targeting core genes were acquired using the CTD database, and molecular docking was performed using Autodock vina software. By ligating the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery, an IC mouse model is established, and core genes were experimentally validated using Western blot (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) methods.

RESULTS

We identified 14 CuGs closely associated with the onset of IC. The SVM model exhibited superior discriminative power (AUC = 0.914), with core genes being DLST, ATP7B, FDX1, SLC31A1 and DLAT. Core genes were validated on the GSE42955, GSE48166 and GSE57345 datasets, showing excellent performance (AUC = 0.943, AUC = 0.800, and AUC = 0.932). The CeRNA network consists of 218 nodes and 264 lines, including 5 core diagnostic genes, 52 miRNAs, and 161 lncRNAs. Chemicals predictions indicated 8 chemicals have therapeutic effects on the core diagnostic genes, with benzo(a)pyrene molecular docking showing the highest affinity (-11.3 kcal/mol). Compared to the normal group, the IC group,which was established by LAD ligation, showed a significant decrease in LVEF as indicated by cardiac ultrasound, and increased fibrosis as shown by MASSON staining, WB results suggest increased expression of DLST and ATP7B, and decreased expression of FDX1, SLC31A1 and DLAT in the myocardial ischemic area (p < 0.05), which was also confirmed by IHC in tissue sections.

CONCLUSION

In summary, this study comprehensively revealed that DLST, ATP7B, FDX1, SLC31A1 and DLAT could be identified as potential immunological biomarkers in IC, and validated through an IC mouse model, providing valuable insights for future research into the mechanisms of CuGs and its diagnostic value to IC.

Novel acyl hydrazide derivatives of polyhydroquinoline as potent anti-diabetic and anti-glycating agents: Synthesis, in vitro α-amylase, α-glucosidase inhibition and anti-glycating activity with molecular docking insights

In this study, eleven novel acyl hydrazides derivative of polyhydroquinoline were synthesized, characterized and screened for their in vitro anti-diabetic and anti-glycating activities. Seven compounds 2a, 2d, 2i, 2 h, 2j, 2f, and 2 g exhibited notable α-amylase inhibitory activity having IC50 values from 3.51 ± 2.13 to 11.92 ± 2.30 µM. Similarly, six compounds 2d, 2f, 2 h, 2i, 2j, and 2 g displayed potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity compared to the standard acarbose. Moreover, eight derivatives 2d, 2 g, 2f, 2j, 2a, 2i, 2 g, and 2e showed excellent anti-glycating activity with IC50 values from 6.91 ± 2.66 to 15.80 ± 1.87 µM when compared them with the standard rutin (IC50 = 22.5 ± 0.90 µM). Molecular docking was carried out to predict the binding modes of all the compounds with α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The docking analysis revealed that most of the compounds established strong interactions with α-amylase and α-glucosidase. All compounds fitted well into the binding pockets of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Among all compounds 2a and 2f were most potent based on docking score -8.2515 and -7.3949 against α-amylase and α-glucosidase respectively. These results hold promise for the development of novel candidates targeted at controlling postprandial glucose levels in individuals with diabetes.

The identification of biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease using a systems biology approach based on lncRNA-circRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA networks

In addition to being the most prevalent form of neurodegeneration among the elderly, AD is a devastating multifactorial disease. Currently, treatments address only its symptoms. Several clinical studies have shown that the disease begins to manifest decades before the first symptoms appear, indicating that studying early changes is crucial to improving early diagnosis and discovering novel treatments. Our study used bioinformatics and systems biology to identify biomarkers in AD that could be used for diagnosis and prognosis. The procedure was performed on data from the GEO database, and GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were performed. Then, we set up a network of interactions between proteins. Several miRNA prediction tools including miRDB, miRWalk, and TargetScan were used. The ceRNA network led to the identification of eight mRNAs, four circRNAs, seven miRNAs, and seven lncRNAs. Multiple mechanisms, including the cell cycle and DNA replication, have been linked to the promotion of AD development by the ceRNA network. By using the ceRNA network, it should be possible to extract prospective biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the treatment of AD. It is possible that the processes involved in DNA cell cycle and the replication of DNA contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Multi-target anti-diabetic styrylpyrones from Phellinus igniarius: Inhibition of α-glucosidase, protein glycation, and oxidative stress

Bioactivity screening revealed that the EtOAc extract from the culture broth of Phellinus igniarius SY489 exhibited remarkable α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, with an IC50 value of 1.92 μg/mL. Activity- and ultraviolet (UV) profile-guided isolation led to the discovery of four anti-diabetic styrylpyrones (1-4), including two novel compounds, phelignidins A (1) and B (2). Compounds 1 and 2 represent a rare structural type of styrylpyrone dimer, in which one of the pyrone moieties exists in an open-ring state. The absolute configurations of the new compounds 1 and 2, as well as the previously unresolved compound 3, were established. Compounds 1-4 were effective in α-glucosidase inhibition, anti-glycation, and antioxidant assays, surpassing or being comparable to the positive control drugs, with minimal cytotoxicity. Furthermore, studies on α-glucosidase inhibition mechanisms suggested that these compounds interact with α-glucosidase at a single binding site, causing secondary structure unfolding and exerting inhibitory activity via a mixed-type mechanism. These results provide an important basis for developing novel, low-toxicity, multi-target anti-diabetic drugs from edible and medicinal fungi.

Mechanism of action of quercetin in regulating cellular autophagy in multiple organs of Goto-Kakizaki rats through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway

Objective

This experimental study investigated the protective function of quercetin on the liver, spleen, and kidneys of Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats and explores its mechanism of action on autophagy-related factors and pathways.

Materials and methods

GK rats were randomly divided into three groups: DM, DM + L-Que, and DM + H-Que, with age-matched Wistar rats serving as the control group. The control and DM groups were gavaged with saline, and the quercetin-treated group was gavaged with quercetin for 8 weeks each. Weekly blood glucose levels were monitored. Upon conclusion of the experiment, blood samples were gathered for lipid and hepatic and renal function analyses. The histopathologic morphology and lipid deposition in rats were examined. Disease-related targets were identified using molecular docking methods and network pharmacology analysis. Subsequently, immunohistochemical analysis was performed, followed by Western blotting to evaluate the levels of autophagy-related proteins and proteins in the AKT/PI3K/mTOR pathway, as well as their phosphorylation levels.

Results

The results showed that, compared with the control group, the DM group exhibited significant increases in blood glucose, serum liver and kidney markers, liver fat vacuoles, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) results indicated that quercetin reduced the extensive expression of AKT, P62, and mTOR in the liver and spleen of diabetic rats. The expression of autophagy and pathway-related proteins, such as P62, PI3K, P-PI3K, Akt, P-AKT, mTOR, and P-mTOR, was upregulated, while the expression of LC3A/LC3B, Beclin-1, Pink-1, and Parkin was downregulated. Conversely, the quercetin group showed a reduction in liver and kidney injury serum markers by decreasing lipid deposition and cell necrosis, indicating that quercetin has protective effects on the liver, spleen, and kidneys of GK rats. Additionally, in the quercetin group, the expression of autophagy and pathway-related proteins such as LC3A/LC3B, Beclin-1, Pink-1, and Parkin was upregulated, while the expression of P62, PI3K, P-PI3K, Akt, P-AKT, mTOR, and P-mTOR was downregulated, with statistically significant correlations.

Conclusion

Quercetin markedly ameliorates liver, spleen, and kidney damage in GK rats, potentially through the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, promoting autophagy. This research offers a rationale to the therapeutic potential of quercetin in mitigating organ damage associated with diabetes.

Environmental endocrine disruptor-induced mitochondrial dysfunction: a potential mechanism underlying diabetes and its complications

Diabetes and its complications significantly affect individuals' quality of life. The etiology of diabetes mellitus and its associated complications is complex and not yet fully understood. There is an increasing emphasis on investigating the effects of endocrine disruptors on diabetes, as these substances can impact cellular processes, energy production, and utilization, ultimately leading to disturbances in energy homeostasis. Mitochondria play a crucial role in cellular energy generation, and any impairment in these organelles can increase susceptibility to diabetes. This review examines the most recent epidemiological and pathogenic evidence concerning the link between endocrine disruptors and diabetes, including its complications. The analysis suggests that endocrine disruptor-induced mitochondrial dysfunction-characterized by disruptions in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, dysregulation of calcium ions (Ca2+), overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and initiation of signaling pathways related to mitochondrial apoptosis-may be key mechanisms connecting endocrine disruptors to the development of diabetes and its complications.

Thiazolidine-2,4-dione hybrids as dual alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors: design, synthesis, in vitro and in vivo anti-diabetic evaluation

Twelve 3,5-disubstituted-thiazolidine-2,4-dione (TZD) hybrids were synthesized using solution phase chemistry. Continuing our previous work, nine O-modified ethyl vanillin (8a-i) derivatives were synthesized and reacted with the TZD core via Knoevenagel condensation under primary reaction conditions to obtain final derivatives 9a-i. Additionally, three isatin-TZD hybrids (11a-c) were synthesized. The intermediates and final derivatives were characterized using 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, and the observed chemical shifts agreed with the proposed structures. The in vitro alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory evaluation of newly synthesized derivatives revealed compounds 9F and 9G as the best dual inhibitors, with IC50 values of 9.8 ± 0.047 μM for alpha-glucosidase (9F) and 5.15 ± 0.0017 μM for alpha-glucosidase (9G), 17.10 ± 0.015 μM for alpha-amylase (9F), and 9.2 ± 0.092 μM for alpha-amylase (9G). The docking analysis of synthesized compounds indicated that compounds have a higher binding affinity for alpha-glucosidase as compared to alpha-amylase, as seen from docking scores ranging from -1.202 to -5.467 (for alpha-amylase) and -4.373 to -7.300 (for alpha-glucosidase). Further, the molecules possess a high LD50 value, typically ranging from 1000 to 1600 mg kg-1 of body weight, and exhibit non-toxic properties. The in vitro cytotoxicity assay results on PANC-1 and INS-1 cells demonstrated that the compounds were devoid of significant toxicity against the tested cells. Compounds 9F and 9G showed high oral absorption, i.e., oral absorption >96%, and their molecular dynamics simulation yielded results closely aligned with the observed docking outcomes. Finally, compounds 9F and 9G were evaluated for in vivo antidiabetic assessment by the induction of diabetes in Wistar rats using streptozotocin. Molecule 9G has been identified as the most effective anti-diabetic molecule due to its ability to modulate several biochemical markers in blood plasma and tissue homogenates. The results were further confirmed by histology investigations conducted on isolated pancreas, liver, and kidney.

Integrative analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome provides insights into polysaccharide accumulation in Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce rhizome

Background

Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce is a traditional Chinese herb that is widely cultivated in China. Polysaccharides are the major bioactive components in rhizome of P. odoratum and have many important biological functions.

Methods

To better understand the regulatory mechanisms of polysaccharide accumulation in P. odoratum rhizomes, the rhizomes of two P. odoratum cultivars 'Y10' and 'Y11' with distinct differences in polysaccharide content were used for transcriptome and metabolome analyses, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were identified.

Results

A total of 14,194 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, of which 6,689 DEGs were down-regulated in 'Y10' compared with those in 'Y11'. KEGG enrichment analysis of the down-regulated DEGs revealed a significant enrichment of 'starch and sucrose metabolism', and 'amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism'. Meanwhile, 80 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were detected, of which 52 were significantly up-regulated in 'Y11' compared to those in 'Y10'. The up-regulated DAMs were significantly enriched in 'tropane, piperidine and pyridine alkaloid biosynthesis', 'pentose phosphate pathway' and 'ABC transporters'. The integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis have revealed that four DAMs, glucose, beta-D-fructose 6-phosphate, maltose and 3-beta-D-galactosyl-sn-glycerol were significantly enriched for polysaccharide accumulation, which may be regulated by 17 DEGs, including UTP-glucose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase (UGP2), hexokinase (HK), sucrose synthase (SUS), and UDP-glucose 6-dehydrogenase (UGDH). Furthermore, 8 DEGs (sacA, HK, scrK, GPI) were identified as candidate genes for the accumulation of glucose and beta-D-fructose 6-phosphate in the proposed polysaccharide biosynthetic pathways, and these two metabolites were significantly associated with the expression levels of 13 transcription factors including C3H, FAR1, bHLH and ERF. This study provided comprehensive information on polysaccharide accumulation and laid the foundation for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of medicinal quality formation in P. odoratum rhizomes.

Synthesis, Invitro Cytotoxic Activity and Optical Analysis of Substituted Schiff Base Derivatives

Fluorescent cytotoxic compounds with readout delivery are crucial in chemotherapy. The growing demands of these treatment strategies require the novel heterocyclic molecules with better selectivity alongside fluorescence marker potential. In this context, a series of nine isatin Schiff base derivatives 4a-i were synthesized, characterized and evaluated for UV-visible, fluorescence, thermal and bioanalysis in order to explore the effect of structure on their bioprofiles. The analogue 4d exhibited maximum cytotoxic activity on Hella cells with percentage inhibition of 83% at 50 µM and 100% at 150 µM concentrations while 4c showed minimum cytotoxic activity with the value of 19% at 50 µM and 22% at 150 µM concentrations. Meanwhile, 4g was found to exhibit maximum inhibition potential towards Vero Cells with the percentage inhibition values of 83 at 50 µM concentration. The overall SAR study showed that the para-fluoro-substituted isatin moieties exhibited the appreciable percentage inhibition while the least activity was delivered by the isatin derivatives with para-bromo substitution.

Assessing causal associations of bile acids with obesity indicators: A Mendelian randomization study

Maintaining a balanced bile acids (BAs) metabolism is essential for lipid and cholesterol metabolism, as well as fat intake and absorption. The development of obesity may be intricately linked to BAs and their conjugated compounds. Our study aims to assess how BAs influence the obesity indicators by Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Instrumental variables of 5 BAs were obtained from public genome-wide association study databases, and 8 genome-wide association studies related to obesity indicators were used as outcomes. Causal inference analysis utilized inverse-variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, and MR-Egger methods. Sensitivity analysis involved MR-PRESSO and leave-one-out techniques to detect pleiotropy and outliers. Horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity were assessed using the MR-Egger intercept and Cochran Q statistic, respectively. The IVW analysis revealed an odds ratio of 0.94 (95% confidence interval: 0.88, 1.00; P = .05) for the association between glycolithocholate (GLCA) and obesity, indicating a marginal negative causal association. Consistent direction of the estimates obtained from the weighted median and MR-Egger methods was observed in the analysis of the association between GLCA and obesity. Furthermore, the IVW analysis demonstrated a suggestive association between GLCA and trunk fat percentage, with a beta value of -0.014 (95% confidence interval: -0.027, -0.0004; P = .04). Our findings suggest a potential negative causal relationship between GLCA and both obesity and trunk fat percentage, although no association survived corrections for multiple comparisons. These results indicate a trend towards a possible association between BAs and obesity, emphasizing the need for future studies.

The association between dietary inflammatory index with some cardio-metabolic risk indices among the patients with type 2 diabetes from Hoveyzeh cohort study: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The dietary inflammatory index (DII) serves as a tool to assess the inflammatory impact of an individual's diet. This study aimed to investigate the association between DII and some cardio-metabolic risk indices among patients with T2DM.

METHODS

Data from the Hoveyzeh Cohort Study, encompassing 2045 adults with T2DM, were analyzed. DII scores were calculated based on food frequency questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical tests were performed to assess cardio-metabolic risk factors.

RESULTS

Higher DII scores were positively associated with elevated triglyceride levels, triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, lipid accumulation product (LAP), anthropometric indices including a body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), body mass index (BMI), hip, waist circumferences (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (all Ptrend < 0.05). Notably, no significant association was observed between DII and fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels (Ptrend > 0.05). Additionally, dietary intake analysis revealed a negative correlation between DII scores and intake of fiber, fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, seafood, dairy products, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, D, and E (all Ptrend < 0.05). Conversely, higher DII scores were associated with increased consumption of red meat, processed meat, refined cereals, potatoes, and soft drinks (all Ptrend < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the critical link between dietary inflammation, assessed by the DII score, and a multitude of cardio-metabolic risk factors in patients with T2DM. Notably, while the study did not find a significant association between DII and fasting blood sugar levels, it identified robust associations with novel anthropometric and biochemical indices indicative of cardio-metabolic risk. These findings highlight the potential of dietary interventions as a cornerstone strategy for managing T2DM and mitigating its associated complications.

From oncogenes to tumor suppressors: The dual role of ncRNAs in fibrosarcoma

Fibrosarcoma is a challenging cancer originating from fibrous tissues, marked by aggressive growth and limited treatment options. The discovery of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), has opened new pathways for understanding and treating this malignancy. These ncRNAs play crucial roles in gene regulation, cellular processes, and the tumor microenvironment. This review aims to explore the impact of ncRNAs on fibrosarcoma's pathogenesis, progression, and resistance to treatment, focusing on their mechanistic roles and therapeutic potential. A comprehensive review of literature from databases like PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted, focusing on the dysregulation of ncRNAs in fibrosarcoma, their contribution to tumor growth, metastasis, drug resistance, and their cellular pathway interactions. NcRNAs significantly influence fibrosarcoma, affecting cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and angiogenesis. Their function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors makes them promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Understanding their interaction with the tumor microenvironment is essential for developing more effective treatments for fibrosarcoma. Targeting ncRNAs emerges as a promising strategy for fibrosarcoma therapy, offering hope to overcome the shortcomings of existing treatments. Further investigation is needed to clarify specific ncRNAs' roles in fibrosarcoma and to develop ncRNA-based therapies, highlighting the significance of ncRNAs in improving patient outcomes in this challenging cancer.

Whole-Transcriptome Analysis Sheds Light on the Biological Contexts of Intramuscular Fat Deposition in Ningxiang Pigs

The quality of pork is significantly impacted by intramuscular fat (IMF). However, the regulatory mechanism of IMF depositions remains unclear. We performed whole-transcriptome sequencing of the longissimus dorsi muscle (IMF) from the high (5.1 ± 0.08) and low (2.9 ± 0.51) IMF groups (%) to elucidate potential mechanisms. In summary, 285 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 14 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMIs), 83 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs), and 79 differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs) were identified. DEGs were widely associated with IMF deposition and liposome differentiation. Furthermore, competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory networks were constructed through co-differential expression analyses, which included circRNA-miRNA-mRNA (containing 6 DEMIs, 6 DEGs, 47 DECs) and lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA (containing 6 DEMIs, 6 DEGs, 36 DELs) regulatory networks. The circRNAs sus-TRPM7_0005, sus-MTUS1_0004, the lncRNAs SMSTRG.4269.1, and MSTRG.7983.2 regulate the expression of six lipid metabolism-related target genes, including PLCB1, BAD, and GADD45G, through the binding sites of 2-4068, miR-7134-3p, and miR-190a. For instance, MSTRG.4269.1 regulates its targets PLCB1 and BAD via miRNA 2_4068. Meanwhile, sus-TRPM7_0005 controls its target LRP5 through ssc-miR-7134-3P. These findings indicate molecular regulatory networks that could potentially be applied for the marker-assisted selection of IMF to enhance pork quality.

Transcriptomics reveals dynamic changes in the "gene profiles" of rat supraspinatus tendon at three different time points after diabetes induction

OBJECTIVE

There is increasing evidence that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an independent risk factor for the occur of tendinopathy. Therefore, this study is the first to explore the dynamic changes of the "gene profile" of supraspinatus tendon in rats at different time points after T2DM induction through transcriptomics, providing potential molecular markers for exploring the pathogenesis of diabetic tendinopathy.

METHODS

A total of 40 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal (NG, n = 10) and T2DM groups (T2DM, n = 30) and subdivided into three groups according to the duration of diabetes: T2DM-4w, T2DM-8w, and T2DM-12w groups; the duration was calculated from the time point of T2DM rat model establishment. The three comparison groups were set up in this study, T2DM-4w group vs. NG, T2DM-8w group vs. NG, and T2DM-12w group vs. NG. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in 3 comparison groups were screened. The intersection of the three comparison groups' DEGs was defined as key genes that changed consistently in the supraspinatus tendon after diabetes induction. Cluster analysis, gene ontology (GO) functional annotation analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) functional annotation and enrichment analysis were performed for DEGs.

RESULTS

T2DM-4w group vs. NG, T2DM-8w group vs. NG, and T2DM-12w group vs. NG detected 519 (251 up-regulated and 268 down-regulated), 459 (342 up-regulated and 117 down-regulated) and 328 (255 up-regulated and 73 down-regulated) DEGs, respectively. 103 key genes of sustained changes in the supraspinatus tendon following induction of diabetes, which are the first identified biomarkers of the supraspinatus tendon as it progresses through the course of diabetes.The GO analysis results showed that the most significant enrichment in biological processes was calcium ion transmembrane import into cytosol (3 DEGs). The most significant enrichment in cellular component was extracellular matrix (9 DEGs). The most significant enrichment in molecular function was glutamate-gated calcium ion channel activity (3 DEGs). The results of KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that there were 17 major pathways (p < 0.05) that diabetes affected supratinusculus tendinopathy, including cAMP signaling pathway and Calcium signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Transcriptomics reveals dynamic changes in the"gene profiles"of rat supraspinatus tendon at three different time points after diabetes induction. The 103 DEGs identified in this study may provide potential molecular markers for exploring the pathogenesis of diabetic tendinopathy, and the 17 major pathways enriched in KEGG may provide new ideas for exploring the pathogenesis of diabetic tendinopathy.

Downregulation of lncRNA EPB41L4A-AS1 promotes gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion

BACKGROUND

The incidence of gastric cancer ranks the first among digestive tract tumors in China. However, there are no specific symptoms in the early stage of the tumor and the diagnosis process is complex, so more effective detection methods are very needed. In this study, a novel long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) was introduced as a diagnostic biomarker for gastric cancer, which brought new thinking to the exploration of its pathological mechanism and clinical prediction.

METHODS

The level of lncRNA EPB41L4A-AS1 (EPB41L4A-AS1) in gastric cancer serum and cells was verified via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed based on the EPB41L4A-AS1 level, and the diagnostic possibility of EPB41L4A-AS was analyzed. The chi-square test evaluated the correlation between EPB41L4A-AS expression and clinical information. The cells were cultured and transfected in vitro, and the mediations of abnormal EPB41L4A-AS level on the viability and motility of gastric cancer cells were verified through cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and Transwell assay. Furthermore, luciferase activity assay was performed to confirm the sponge molecule microRNA-17-5p (miR-17-5p) of EPB41L4A-AS1.

RESULTS

EPB41L4A-AS1 was decreased in gastric cancer, and low EPB41L4A-AS1 level indicated resultful diagnostic value. Overexpression of EPB41L4A-AS1 inhibited the activity of gastric cancer cells, while knockdown of EPB41L4A-AS1 promoted tumor deterioration. EPB41L4A-AS1 directly targeted and regulated the expression ofmiR-17-5p.

CONCLUSION

This study elaborated that EPB41L4A-AS1 is lowly expressed in gastric cancer. Silencing EPB41L4A-AS1 was beneficial to cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. EPB41L4A-AS1 provides a new possibility for the diagnosis of gastric cancer patients by targeting miR-17-5p.

Symmetrical Ligand's Fabricated Porous Silicon Surface Based Photoluminescence Sensor for Metal Detection and Entrapment

This study was based on the development of surface-based photoluminescence sensor for metal detection, quantification, and sample purification employing the solid sensory chip having the capability of metal entrapment. The Co(II), Cu(II) and Hg(II) sensitive fluorescence sensor (TP) was first synthesized and characterized its sensing abilities towards tested metal ions by using fluorescence spectral investigation while the synthesis and complexation of the receptor was confirmed by the chromogenic, optical, spectroscopic and spectrometric analysis. Under optical investigation, the ligand solution exhibited substantial chromogenic changes as well as spectral variations upon reacting with copper, cobalt, and mercuric ions, while these behaviors were not seen for the rest of tested metallic ions i.e., Na+, Ag+, Ni2+, Mn2+, Pd2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, Zn2+, Sn2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Cr3+, and Al3+. These colorimetric alterations and spectral shifting could potentially be employed to detect and quantify these specific metal ions. After the establishment of the ligand's selective complexation ability towards selected metals, it was fabricated over the substituted porous silicon surface (FPS) keeping in view of the development of surface-based photoluminescence sensor (TP-FPS) for the selected metal sensation and entrapment to purify the sample just be putting off the metal entrapped sensory solid chip. Surface characterization and ligand fabrication was inspected by plan and cross sectional electron microscopic investigations, vibrational and electronic spectral analysis. The sensitivity of the ligand (TP) in the solution phase metal discrimination was determined by employing the fluorescence titration analysis of the ligand solution after progressive induction of Co2+, Cu2+, and Hg2+, which afford the detection limit values of 2.14 × 10- 8, 3.47 × 10- 8 and 3.13 × 10- 3, respectively. Concurrently, photoluminescence titration of the surface fabricated sensor (TP-FPS) revealed detection limit values of 3.14 × 10- 9, 7.43 × 10- 9, and 8.21 × 10- 4, respectively, for the selected metal ions.

Integrated analyses revealed the potential role and immune link of mitochondrial dysfunction between periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus

There is a reciprocal comorbid relationship between periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Recent studies have suggested that mitochondrial dysfunction (MD) could be the key driver underlying this comorbidity. The aim of this study is to provide novel understandings into the potential molecular mechanisms between MD and the comorbidity, and identify potential therapeutic targets for personalized clinical management. MD-related differentially expressed genes (MDDEGs) were identified. Enrichment analyses and PPI network analysis were then conducted. Six algorithms were used to explore the hub MDDEGs, and these were validated by ROC analysis and qRT-PCR. Co-expression and potential drug targeting analyses were then performed. Potential biomarkers were identified using LASSO regression. The immunocyte infiltration levels in periodontitis and T2DM were evaluated via CIBERSORTx and validated in mouse models. Subsequently, MD-related immune-related genes (MDIRGs) were screened by WGCNA. The in vitro experiment verified that MD was closely associated with this comorbidity. GO and KEGG analyses demonstrated that the connection between periodontitis and T2DM was mainly enriched in immuno-inflammatory pathways. In total, 116 MDDEGs, eight hub MDDEGs, and two biomarkers were identified. qRT-PCR revealed a distinct hub MDDEG expression pattern in the comorbidity group. Altered immunocytes in disease samples were identified, and their correlations were explored. The in vivo examination revealed higher infiltration levels of inflammatory immunocytes. The findings of this study provide insight into the mechanism underlying the gene-mitochondria-immunocyte network and provide a novel reference for future research into the function of mitochondria in periodontitis and T2DM.

The role of ncRNAs in depression

Depressive disorders have a significant impact on public health, and depression have an unsatisfactory recurrence rate and are challenging to treat. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are RNAs that do not code protein, which have been shown to be crucial for transcriptional regulation. NcRNAs are important to the onset, progress and treatment of depression because they regulate various physiological functions. This makes them distinctively useful as biomarkers for diagnosing and tracking responses to therapy among individuals with depression. It is important to seek out and summarize the research findings on the impact of ncRNAs on depression since significant advancements have been made in this area recently. Hence, we methodically outlined the findings of published researches on ncRNAs and depression, focusing on microRNAs. Above all, this review aims to improve our understanding of ncRNAs and provide new insights of the diagnosis and treatment of depression.

Design and synthesis of novel dihydropyridine- and benzylideneimine-based tyrosinase inhibitors

Tyrosinase (TYR) inhibitors are very significant as they inhibit enzyme tyrosinase activity, and its inhibition is vital for skin care, anticancer medication, and antibrowning of fruits and vegetables. This work presents a novel and economical route for the preparation of new synthetic tyrosinase inhibitors using amlodipine (4). The novel conjugates 6 (a-o) were designed, synthesized, and characterized by spectroscopic analyses, including Fourier transform infrared and low- and high-resolution mass spectroscopy. The purified compound 4 was refluxed with various aldehydes and ketones 5 (a-o) for 5-8 h in methanol at 60°C-90°C. This research modified the drug in a step-by-step manner to develop therapeutic properties as a tyrosinase inhibitor. The structures of synthesized ligands 6 (a-o) were established based on spectral and analytical data. The synthesized compounds 6 (a-o) were screened against tyrosinase enzyme. Kojic acid was taken as standard. All the prepared compounds 6 (a-o) have good inhibition potential against the enzyme tyrosinase. Compounds 6o, 6b, 6f, and 6k depicted excellent antityrosinase activity. Compound 6k, with an IC50 value of 5.34 ± 0.58 µM, is as potent as the standard kojic acid (IC50 6.04 ± 0.11 µM), standing out among all synthesized compounds 6 (a-o). The in silico studies of the conjugates 6 (a-o) were evaluated via PatchDock. Compound 6k showed a binding affinity score of 8,999 and an atomic contact energy (ACE) value of -219.66 kcal/mol. The structure-activity relationship illustrated that the presence of dihydropyridine nuclei and some activating groups at the ortho and para positions of the benzylideneimine moiety is the main factor for good tyrosinase activity. The compound 6k could be used as a lead compound for drug modification as a tyrosinase inhibitor for skin care, anticancer medication, and antibrowning for fruits and vegetables.

Beyond the beat: A pioneering investigation into exercise modalities for alleviating diabetic cardiomyopathy and enhancing cardiac health

Patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease or those at high risk for developing the condition are often offered exercise as a form of therapy. Patients with cancer who are at an increased risk for cardiovascular issues are increasingly encouraged to participate in exercise-based, interdisciplinary programs due to the positive correlation between these interventions and clinical outcomes following myocardial infarction. Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC) is a cardiac disorder that arises due to disruptions in the homeostasis of individuals with diabetes. One of the primary reasons for mortality in individuals with diabetes is the presence of cardiac structural damage and functional abnormalities, which are the primary pathological features of DC. The aetiology of dilated cardiomyopathy is multifaceted and encompasses a range of processes, including metabolic abnormalities, impaired mitochondrial function, dysregulation of calcium ion homeostasis, excessive cardiomyocyte death, and fibrosis. In recent years, many empirical investigations have demonstrated that exercise training substantially impacts the prevention and management of diabetes. Exercise has been found to positively impact the recovery of diabetes and improve several metabolic problem characteristics associated with DC. One potential benefit of exercise is its ability to increase systolic activity, which can enhance cardiometabolic and facilitate the repair of structural damage to the heart caused by DC, leading to a direct improvement in cardiac health. In contrast, exercise has the potential to indirectly mitigate the pathological progression of DC through its ability to decrease circulating levels of sugar and fat while concurrently enhancing insulin sensitivity. A more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanism via exercise facilitates the restoration of DC disease must be understood. Our goal in this review was to provide helpful information and clues for developing new therapeutic techniques for motion alleviation DC by examining the molecular mechanisms involved.

Assessment of potential risk factors associated with gestational diabetes mellitus: evidence from a Mendelian randomization study

Background

Previous research on the association between risk factors and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) primarily comprises observational studies with inconclusive results. The objective of this study is to investigate the causal relationship between 108 traits and GDM by employing a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to identify potential risk factors of GDM.

Methods

We conducted MR analyses to explore the relationships between traits and GDM. The genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for traits were primarily based on data from the UK Biobank (UKBB), while the GWAS for GDM utilized data from FinnGen. We employed a false discovery rate (FDR) of 5% to account for multiple comparisons.

Results

The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method indicated that the genetically predicted 24 risk factors were significantly associated with GDM, such as "Forced expiratory volume in 1-second (FEV1)" (OR=0.76; 95% CI: 0.63, 0.92), "Forced vital capacity (FVC)" (OR=0.74; 95% CI: 0.64, 0.87), "Usual walking pace" (OR=0.19; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.39), "Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)" (OR=0.86; 95% CI: 0.78, 0.94). The sensitivity analyses with MR-Egger and weighted median methods indicated consistent results for most of the trats.

Conclusion

Our study has uncovered a significant causal relationship between 24 risk factors and GDM. These results offer a new theoretical foundation for preventing or mitigating the risks associated with GDM.

Synthesis, characterization, Hirshfeld surface analysis, antioxidant and selective β-glucuronidase inhibitory studies of transition metal complexes of hydrazide based Schiff base ligand

The synthesis of N'-[(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)methylidene] 2-aminobenzohydrazide (H-AHMB) was performed by condensing O-vanillin with 2-aminobenzohydrazide and was characterized by FTIR, high resolution ESI(+) mass spectral analysis, 1H and 13C-NMR. The compound H-AHMB was crystallized in orthorhombic Pbca space group and studied for single crystal diffraction analysis. Hirshfeld surface analysis was also carried out for identifying short interatomic interactions. The major interactions H…H, O…H and C…H cover the Hirshfeld surface of H-AHMB. The metal complexes [M(AHMB)n] where M = Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) were prepared from metal chlorides and H-AHMB ligand. The bonding was unambigously assigned using FTIR and UV/vis analysis. The synthesized ligand H-AHMB and its metal complexes were studied for β-glucuronidase enzyme inhibition. Surprisingly the metal complexes were found more active than the parent ligand and even the standard drug. Zn-AHMB shown IC50 = 17.3 ± 0.68 µM compared to IC50 = 45.75 ± 2.16 µM shown by D-saccharic acid-1,4-lactone used as standard. The better activity by Zn-AHMB implying zinc based metallodrug for the treatment of diseases associated with β-glucuronidase enzyme. The DPPH radical scavenging activities were also studied for all the synthesized compounds. The Co-AHMB complex with IC50 = 98.2 ± 1.78 µM was the only candidate to scavenge the DPPH free radicals.

Sodium intake and the risk of various types of cardiovascular diseases: a Mendelian randomization study

Background

The existing literature on the link between sodium intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) largely consists of observational studies that have yielded inconsistent conclusions. In this study, our objective is to assess the causal relationship between sodium intake and 50 CVDs using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Methods

MR analyses were performed to investigate the associations between urinary sodium/creatinine ratio (UNa/UCr), an indicator of sodium intake, and 50 CVDs. The genome-wide association study (GWAS) for UNa/UCr was from the UK Biobank (UKBB), and the GWASs for CVDs were from FinnGen. A false discovery rate (FDR) threshold of 5% was applied for multiple comparison correction.

Results

The inverse-variance weighted method indicated that the genetically predicted UNa/UCr was significantly associated with 7 of 50 CVDs, including "Coronary atherosclerosis" (OR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.37, 2.95), "Diseases of arteries, arterioles and capillaries" (OR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.20, 2.94), "Hard cardiovascular diseases" (OR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.24, 2.35), "Ischemic heart diseases" (OR = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.46, 2.93), "Major coronary heart disease event" (OR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.36, 2.91), "Myocardial infarction" (OR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.29, 3.19), and "Peripheral artery disease" (OR = 2.50; 95% CI: 1.35, 4.63). Similar results were obtained with the MR-Egger and weighted median methods. No significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy was found in this analysis.

Conclusion

Our study has uncovered a significant positive causal relationship between UNa/UCr and various CVDs. These results offer a new theoretical foundation for advocating the restriction of sodium intake as a preventive measure against CVD.

Transcriptome analysis unveils the mechanisms of lipid metabolism response to grayanotoxin I stress in Spodoptera litura

Background

Spodoptera litura (tobacco caterpillar, S. litura) is a pest of great economic importance due to being a polyphagous and world-distributed agricultural pest. However, agricultural practices involving chemical pesticides have caused resistance, resurgence, and residue problems, highlighting the need for new, environmentally friendly methods to control the spread of S. litura.

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the gut poisoning of grayanotoxin I, an active compound found in Pieris japonica, on S. litura, and to explore the underlying mechanisms of these effects.

Methods

S. litura was cultivated in a laboratory setting, and their survival rate, growth and development, and pupation time were recorded after grayanotoxin I treatment. RNA-Seq was utilized to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted to determine the functions of these DEGs. ELISA was employed to analyze the levels of lipase, 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (HOAD), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). Hematoxylin and Eosin (H & E) staining was used to detect the development of the fat body.

Results

Grayanotoxin I treatment significantly suppressed the survival rate, growth and development, and pupation of S. litura. RNA-Seq analysis revealed 285 DEGs after grayanotoxin I exposure, with over 16 genes related to lipid metabolism. These 285 DEGs were enriched in the categories of cuticle development, larvae longevity, fat digestion and absorption. Grayanotoxin I treatment also inhibited the levels of FFA, lipase, and HOAD in the hemolymph of S. litura.

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrated that grayanotoxin I inhibited the growth and development of S. litura. The mechanisms might, at least partly, be related to the interference of lipid synthesis, lipolysis, and fat body development. These findings provide valuable insights into a new, environmentally-friendly plant-derived insecticide, grayanotoxin I, to control the spread of S. litura.

Green Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Using Azadirachta indica Seeds Extract: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Anti-Diabetic Activity

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a non-communicable, life-threatening syndrome that is present all over the world. The use of eco-friendly, cost-effective, and green-synthesised nanoparticles as a medicinal therapy in the treatment of DM is an attractive option.

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AI-AgNPs) were biosynthesized through the green synthesis method using Azadirachta indica seed extract to evaluate their anti-diabetic potentials.

METHODS

These nanoparticles were characterized by using UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometers (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), DLS, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The biosynthesized AI-AgNPs and crude extracts of Azadirachta indica seeds were evaluated for anti-diabetic potentials using glucose adsorption assays, glucose uptake by yeast cells assays, and alpha-amylase inhibitory assays.

RESULTS

Al-AgNPs showed the highest activity (75 ± 1.528%), while crude extract showed (63 ± 2.5%) glucose uptake by yeast at 80 µg/mL. In the glucose adsorption assay, the highest activity of Al-AgNPs was 10.65 ± 1.58%, while crude extract showed 8.32 ± 0.258% at 30 mM, whereas in the alpha-amylase assay, Al-AgNPs exhibited the maximum activity of 73.85 ± 1.114% and crude extract 65.85 ± 2.101% at 100 µg/mL. The assay results of AI-AgNPs and crude showed substantial dose-dependent activities. Further, anti-diabetic potentials were also investigated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Mice were administered with AI-AgNPs (10 to 40 mg/kg b.w) for 30 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed a considerable drop in blood sugar levels, including pancreatic and liver cell regeneration, demonstrating that AI-AgNPs have strong anti-diabetic potential.

Health Benefits of Oily Fish: Illustrated with Blue Shark (Prionace glauca), Shortfin Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), and Swordfish (Xiphias gladius)

Oily fish is a rich source of energy, proteins, essential amino acids, lipids, vitamins, and minerals. Among the macronutrients with the highest contribution are lipids, mainly long-chain omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 LC-PUFA), especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Both EPA and DHA play a beneficial role in promoting health and preventing many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke and acute myocardial infarction. They also contribute to the prevention of neurological, metabolic, and immune-system-related diseases, as well as supporting body-weight control. Oily fish consumption is also important at different stages of human life, from conception to old age. For example, DHA plays an important role in brain and retina development during fetal development and in the first two years of life, as it positively influences neurodevelopment, such as visual acuity, and cognitive functions. In contrast with the possible health benefits of the intake of oily fish, the presence of certain chemical pollutants, for example, heavy metals, can be a risk for the health of consumers, mainly in sensitive population groups such as pregnant women and children under 2 years of age. The presence of these pollutants is influenced to a greater extent by fish species, their role in the trophic chain, and their size. However, various studies state that the benefits outweigh the risk of consuming certain species. This review will be focused on the health benefits of the intake of three oily fish species, namely blue shark (Prionace glauca), shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), and swordfish (Xiphias gladius).

Dissecting causal associations of type 2 diabetes with 111 types of ocular conditions: a Mendelian randomization study

Background

Despite the well-established findings of a higher incidence of retina-related eye diseases in patients with diabetes, there is less investigation into the causal relationship between diabetes and non-retinal eye conditions, such as age-related cataracts and glaucoma.

Methods

We performed Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to examine the causal relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 111 ocular diseases. We employed a set of 184 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that reached genome-wide significance as instrumental variables (IVs). The primary analysis utilized the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method, with MR-Egger and weighted median (WM) methods serving as supplementary analyses.

Results

The results revealed suggestive positive causal relationships between T2DM and various ocular conditions, including "Senile cataract" (OR= 1.07; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.11; P=7.77×10-4), "Glaucoma" (OR= 1.08; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.13; P=4.81×10-3), and "Disorders of optic nerve and visual pathways" (OR= 1.10; 95% CI: 0.99, 1.23; P=7.01×10-2).

Conclusion

Our evidence supports a causal relationship between T2DM and specific ocular disorders. This provides a basis for further research on the importance of T2DM management and prevention strategies in maintaining ocular health.

Impacts of morphology parameters on the risk of rupture in intracranial aneurysms: statistical and computational analyses

The hemodynamic analysis of the blood stream inside the cerebral aneurysms reveals the risk of the aneurysm rupture. In addition, the high risk region prone to rupture would be determined by the hemodynamic analysis of the blood. In present article, computational fluid dynamic is used for the investigation of the hemodynamic effects on the aneurysm wall and risk of rupture. This study tries to find the connection between the risk of rupture with three geometrical features of aneurysm i.e., Ellipsoid Max semi-axis, Size ratio and Tortuosity. Statistical analysis is done over 30 different ruptured /unruptured ICA aneurysms to find meaningful relation between selected geometrical factors and rupture risk. The hemodynamic analysis is done over four distinct aneurysm models to attain more details on effects of chosen geometrical factors. The results of simulations indicate that the Ellipsoid Max semi-axis have meaningful impacts on the risk of rupture.

LncRNA LINC01018 Screens Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Regulates β Cell Function Through Modulating miR-499a-5p

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by hyperglycemia, which seriously endangers human health. The dysregulation of lncRNA LINC01018 in T2DM has been noticed in previous studies, but whether it served as a biomarker lacks validation. This study aimed to confirm the abnormal expression of LINC01018 in T2DM and reveals its specific function in regulating pancreatic β cell function. This study enrolled 77 T2DM patients and 41 healthy individuals and compared the plasma LINC01018 levels between two groups using PCR. The pancreatic β cell was induced with 25 mM glucose to mimic cell injury during T2DM. The effects of LINC01018 on β cell proliferation, dedifferentiation, and insulin production were evaluated by CCK8, western blotting, and ELISA. Moreover, the involvement of miR-499a-5p was also evaluated with luciferase reporter assay. Increased plasma LINC01018 was observed in T2DM patients compared with healthy individuals, which discriminates patients with high sensitivity and specificity. Upregulated LINC01018 was associated with patients' fasting blood glucose and weight loss. High glucose induced the increasing LINC01018 in pancreatic islet β cells and suppressed cell proliferation, insulin secretion, and promoted cell dedifferentiation. Silencing LINC01018 could alleviate the impaired function of β cells by high glucose, which was reversed by the knockdown by miR-499a-5p. Upregulated LINC01018 served as a potential diagnostic biomarker for T2DM and alleviated high glucose-induced β cell dysfunction via negatively modulating miR-499a-5p.

Integrated Analysis of Single-Cell RNA-Seq and Bulk RNA-Seq Combined with Multiple Machine Learning Identified a Novel Immune Signature in Diabetic Nephropathy

Background

Increasing evidence suggests that immune modulation contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, the role of immune modulation in DN has not been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to search for potential immune-related therapeutic targets and molecular mechanisms of DN.

Methods

Gene expression datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. A total of 1793 immune-related genes were acquired from the Immunology Database and Analysis Portal (ImmPort). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed for GSE142025, and the red and turquoise co-expression modules were found to be key for DN progression. We utilized four machine learning algorithms, namely, random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), adaptive boosting (AdaBoost), and k-nearest neighbor (KNN), to evaluate the diagnostic value of hub genes. Immune infiltration patterns were analyzed using the CIBERSORT algorithm, and the correlation between immune cell type abundance and hub gene expression was also investigated.

Results

A total of 77 immune-related genes of advanced DN were selected for subsequent analyzes. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the regulation of cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions and immune cell function play a corresponding role in the progression of DN. The final 10 hub genes were identified through multiple datasets. In addition, the expression levels of the identified hub genes were corroborated through a rat model. The RF model exhibited the highest AUC. CIBERSORT analysis and single-cell sequencing analysis revealed changes in immune infiltration patterns between control subjects and DN patients. Several potential drugs to reverse the altered hub genes were identified through the Drug-Gene Interaction database (DGIdb).

Conclusion

This pioneering work provided a novel immunological perspective on the progression of DN, identifying key immune-related genes and potential drug targets, thus stimulating future mechanistic research and therapeutic target identification for DN.