Pharmacological inhibition of EZH2 using a covalent inhibitor suppresses human ovarian cancer cell migration and invasion

Metastasis is the cause of poor prognosis in ovarian cancer (OC). Enhancer of Zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a histone-lysine N-methyltransferase enzyme, promotes OC cell migration and invasion by regulating the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP2) and matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP9). Hence, we speculated that EZH2-targeting therapy might suppress OC migration and invasion. In this study, the expression of EZH2, TIMP2, and MMP9 in OC tissues and cell lines was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and western blotting, respectively. The effects of SKLB-03220, an EZH2 covalent inhibitor, on OC cell migration and invasion were investigated using wound-healing assays, Transwell assays, and immunohistochemistry. TCGA database analysis confirmed that the EZH2 and MMP9 mRNA expression was significantly higher in OC tissues, whereas TIMP2 expression was significantly lower than that in normal ovarian tissues. Moreover, EZH2 negatively correlated with TIMP2 and positively correlated with MMP9 expression. In addition to the anti-tumor activity of SKLB-03220 in a PA-1 xenograft model, immunohistochemistry results showed that SKLB-03220 markedly increased the expression of TIMP2 and decreased the expression of MMP9. Additionally, wound-healing and Transwell assays showed that SKLB-03220 significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of both A2780 and PA-1 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. SKLB-03220 inhibited H3K27me3 and MMP9 expression and increased TIMP2 expression in PA-1 cells. Taken together, these results indicate that the EZH2 covalent inhibitor SKLB-03220 inhibits metastasis of OC cells by upregulating TIMP2 and downregulating MMP9, and could thus serve as a therapeutic agent for OC.

TRP Ion Channels in Immune Cells and Their Implications for Inflammation

The transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels act as cellular sensors and mediate a plethora of physiological processes, including somatosensation, proliferation, apoptosis, and metabolism. Under specific conditions, certain TRP channels are involved in inflammation and immune responses. Thus, focusing on the role of TRPs in immune system cells may contribute to resolving inflammation. In this review, we discuss the distribution of five subfamilies of mammalian TRP ion channels in immune system cells and how these ion channels function in inflammatory mechanisms. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of TRP ion channels in mediating inflammation and may offer potential avenues for therapeutic intervention.

Risky working conditions and chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Individuals in the workplace are exposed to various environments, tasks, and schedules. Previous studies have indicated a link between occupational exposures and an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the social conditions of the work environment may also be a crucial contributing factor to CKD. Furthermore, individuals may encounter multiple occupational-related risk factors simultaneously, underscoring the importance of investigating the joint risk of different working conditions on CKD.

METHODS

A prospective analysis of 65,069 UK Biobank participants aged 40 to 69 years without CKD at baseline (2006-2010) was performed. A self-administered questionnaire assessed working conditions and a working conditions risk score were developed. Participants who answered "sometimes" or "often" exposure to occupational heat or occupational secondhand cigarette smoke; involved in shift work or heavy workloads ("usually" or "always"), were grouped as high-risk working conditions. Each working condition was scored as 1 if grouped as high-risk, and 0 if not. The working conditions risk score was equal to the sum of these four working conditions. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate the associations between working conditions and CKD incidence.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up time was 6.7 years. After adjusting for demographic, lifestyle, and working time factors, the hazard ratios for the development of CKD for heavy workloads, shift work, occupational secondhand cigarette smoke exposure, and occupational heat exposure were 1.24 (95%CI = 1.03, 1.51), 1.33 (95%CI = 1.10, 1.62), 1.13 (95%CI = 1.01, 1.26), 1.11 (95%CI = 0.99, 1.24), respectively. The risk of CKD was found to be significantly associated with an increasing working conditions risk score. Individuals with a working conditions risk score of 4 had an 88.0% (95% CI = 1.05, 3.35) higher risk of developing CKD when compared to those with a working conditions risk score of 0.

CONCLUSIONS

Adverse working conditions, particularly when considered in combination, can significantly elevate the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). These results provide a reference for implementing measures to prevent CKD.

[Effect of Xiaoxuming Decoction on activation of astrocytes in acute cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury]

This study investigated the effect of Xiaoxuming Decoction(XXMD) on the activation of astrocytes after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion(I/R) injury. The model of cerebral IR injury was established using the middle cerebral artery occlusion method. Fluorocitrate(FC), an inhibitor of astrocyte activation, was applied to inhibit astrocyte activation. Rats were randomly divided into a sham group, a model group, a XXMD group, a XXMD+FC group, and a XXMD+Vehicle group. Neurobehavioral changes at 24 hours after cerebral IR injury, cerebral infarction, histopathological changes observed through HE staining, submicroscopic structure of astrocytes observed through transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence intensity of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP) and thrombospondin 1(TSP1) measured through immunofluorescence, and expression of GFAP and TSP1 in brain tissue measured through Western blot were evaluated in rats from each group. The experimental results showed that neurobehavioral scores and cerebral infarct area significantly increased in the model group. The XXMD group, the XXMD+FC group, and the XXMD+Vehicle group all alleviated neurobehavioral changes in rats. The pathological changes in the brain were evident in the model group, while the XXMD group, the XXMD+FC group, and the XXMD+Vehicle group exhibited milder cerebral IR injury in rats. The submicroscopic structure of astrocytes in the model group showed significant swelling, whereas the XXMD group, the XXMD+FC group, and XXMD+Vehicle group protected the submicroscopic structure of astrocytes. The fluorescence intensity and protein expression of GFAP and TSP1 increased in the model group compared with those in the sham group. However, the XXMD group, the XXMD+FC group, and XXMD+Vehicle group all down-regulated the expression of GFAP and TSP1. The combination of XXMD and FC showed a more pronounced effect. These results indicate that XXMD can improve cerebral IR injury, possibly by inhibiting astrocyte activation and down-regulating the expression of GFAP and TSP1.

[Effect of Xiaoxuming Decoction on synaptic plasticity following acute cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats]

This study aims to explore the effect of Xiaoxuming Decoction on synaptic plasticity in rats with acute cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. A rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO). Rats were randomly assigned into a sham group, a MCAO group, and a Xiaoxuming Decoction(60 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) group. The Longa score was rated to assess the neurological function of rats with cerebral ischemia for 1.5 h and reperfusion for 24 h. The 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC) staining and hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining were employed to observe the cerebral infarction and the pathological changes of brain tissue after cerebral ischemia, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to detect the structural changes of neurons and synapses in the ischemic penumbra, and immunofluorescence, Western blot to determine the expression of synaptophysin(SYN), neuronal nuclei(NEUN), and postsynaptic density 95(PSD95) in the ischemic penumbra. The experimental results showed that the modeling increased the Longa score and led to cerebral infarction after 24 h of ischemia-reperfusion. Compared with the model group, Xiaoxuming Decoction intervention significantly decreased the Longa score and reduced the formation of cerebral infarction area. The modeling led to the shrinking and vacuolar changes of nuclei in the brain tissue, disordered cell arrangement, and severe cortical ischemia-reperfusion injury, while the pathological damage in the Xiaoxuming Decoction group was mild. The modeling blurred the synaptic boundaries and broadened the synaptic gap, while such changes were recovered in the Xiaoxuming Decoction group. The modeling decreased the fluorescence intensity of NEUN and SYN, while the intensity in Xiaoxuming Decoction group was significantly higher than that in the model group. The expression of SYN and PSD95 in the ischemic penumbra was down-regulated in the model group, while such down-regulation can be alleviated by Xiaoxuming Decoction. In summary, Xiaoxuming Decoction may improve the synaptic plasticity of ischemic penumbra during acute cerebral ischemia-reperfusion by up-regulating the expression of SYN and PSD95.

A critical review of adsorption isotherm models for aqueous contaminants: Curve characteristics, site energy distribution and common controversies

The quantitative description of the equilibrium data by the isotherm models is an indispensable link in adsorption studies. The previous review papers focus on the underlying assumptions, fitting methods, error functions and practical applications of the isotherm models, usually ignoring their curve characteristics, selection criteria and common controversies. The main contents of this review include: (i) effect of the model parameters on the isotherm curves; (ii) determination of the site energy distribution; (iii) selection criteria of the isotherm models; and (iv) elimination of some common controversies. It is of great significance to reveal the curve characteristics for selecting a proper isotherm model. The site energy distribution is conducive to understanding the physicochemical properties of the adsorbent surface. The complete isotherm is recommended to be correlated with the experimental data. The model parameter q_max should be cautiously adopted for comparison of the adsorbent performance. The residual plot can be used to diagnose the fitting quality of the isotherm models further. This review also addresses some common mistakes and controversies and thereby avoids their propagation in future publications.

Oral giant cell tumor or giant cell granuloma: How to know?

Introduction

The distinction between giant cell tumors and giant cell granulomas is challenging, as both entities have overlapping diagnostic criteria, especially in oral locations. The two entities have similar clinical and radiological presentations, but they differ in their prognoses.

Objective

The main objective of this study was to list the clinical, radiological, histological, and prognostic features of maxillomandibular giant cell tumors and giant cell granulomas cases n order to assess their value as a diagnostic referral factor that may allow the distinction between maxillo-mandibular giant cell granuloma and giant cell tumor.

Study design

Data of maxillomandibular giant cell granulomas and giant cell tumors were assessed through a scoping review and a pre-existing systematic review of literature. We have also realized a bicentric retrospective study.

Results

Various criteria facilitate the differential diagnosis like age, size, locularity and presence of necrosis zone but not the gender. The most discriminating factors was symptomatology (reported in 72% of GCTs while only 15% of GCGs) and the distribution pattern of giant cells in the stroma (homogeneously dispersed in 80% of GCTs versus grouped in clusters in 86.7% of GCGs). Recurrences were most described for giant cell tumors than giant cell granulomas. Malignant transformation and pulmonary metastasis were exclusively reported for giant cell tumors.

Conclusion

As clinical and radiological elements are not sufficient to distinguish between these two entities, immunohistochemistry and molecular genetics can be represent diagnostic biomarkers to distinguish giant cell granulomas and giant cell tumors in oral cavity. We have attempted to define the main criteria for the differentiation of giant cell tumor and giant cell granuloma and propose a decision tree for the management of single maxillomandibular giant cell lesions.

Implant Therapy in the Rehabilitation of Treated Mandibular Arteriovenous Malformations

Mandibular arteriovenous malformations are rare congenital malformations that require multidisciplinary care. Implant-supported rehabilitation of significant bone defect after embolization and resection is poorly described in the literature. We present the case of a 24-year-old patient with a right-sided mandibular arteriovenous malformation diagnosed after massive hemorrhage and treated by embolization and resection surgery. Implant rehabilitation was carried out 9 years later with a prior bone graft through iliac extraction and 3 short implants. Implant survival rate and patient satisfaction were evaluated at 3 years postplacement. Arteriovenous malformations treatments frequently result in bone defects that are difficult to reconstruct because of probable unstable vascularization due to embolization. The presence of osteosynthesis material and artifacts at the radiological level complicates implant planning due to the lack of visualization of the inferior alveolar nerve or artery and necessitates the placement of low-height implants. Osteointegration in contact with embolization products should be monitored. The creation of a case series could be of interest in order to better understand implant treatment for patients with a history of arteriovenous malformations.

Soil microbial community structure dynamics shape the rhizosphere priming effect patterns in the paddy soil

Microbial community structure plays a crucial part in soil organic carbon (SOC) decomposition and variation of rhizosphere priming effects (RPEs) during plant growth. However, it is still uncertain how bacterial community structure regulates RPEs in soil and how RPE patterns respond to plant growth. Therefore, we conducted an experiment to examine the RPE response to plant growth and nitrogen (N) addition (0 (N0), 150 (N150), and 300 (N300) kg N ha^-1) using the ¹³C natural abundance method in a C₃ soil (paddy soil) - C₄ plant (maize, Zea mays L.) system; we then explored the underlying biotic mechanisms using 16S rRNA sequencing techniques. Networks were constructed to identify keystone taxa and to analyze the correlations between network functional modules of bacterial community and C decomposition. The results indicated that negative and positive RPEs occurred on Day 30 and Day 75 after maize planting, respectively. Bacterial community structure significantly changed and tended to shift from r-strategists toward K-strategists with changing labile C: N stoichiometry and soil pH during plant growth stages. The different network modules of bacterial community were aggregated in response to RPE pattern variation. Caulobacteraceae, Bacillus, and Chitinophagaceae were keystone taxa on Day 30, while Gemmatimonas, Candidatus Koribacter, and Xanthobacteraceae were keystone taxa on Day 75. Moreover, keystone taxa with different C utilization strategies were significantly different between the two growth stages and related closely to different RPE patterns. This study provides deeper insights into the network structure of bacterial communities corresponding to RPE patterns and emphasizes the significance of keystone taxa in RPE variation.

Secondhand smoke, genetic susceptibility, and incident chronic kidney disease in never smokers: A prospective study of a selected population from the UK Biobank

INTRODUCTION

A large number of people around the world are exposed to the risks of passive smoking. This prospective study aimed to examine the association between secondhand smoke exposure, exposure time, and the incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and determine whether this association was influenced by genetic susceptibility.

METHODS

The study included 214244 participants of the UK Biobank who were initially free of CKD. Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the associations between secondhand smoke exposure time and the risks of CKD in people who have never smoked. The genetic risk score for CKD was calculated by a weighted method. The likelihood ratio test comparing models was used to examine the cross-product term between secondhand smoke exposure and genetic susceptibility to CKD outcomes.

RESULTS

During a median of 11.9 years of follow-up, 6583 incidents of CKD were documented. Secondhand smoke exposure increased the risk of CKD (HR=1.09; 95% CI: 1.03-1.16, p<0.01), and a dose-response relationship between CKD prevalence and secondhand smoke exposure time was found (p for trend<0.01). Secondhand smoke exposure increases the risk of CKD even in people who never smoke and have a low genetic risk (HR=1.13; 95% CI: 1.02-1.26, p=0.02). There was no statistically significant interaction between secondhand smoke exposure and genetic susceptibility to CKD (p for interaction=0.80).

CONCLUSIONS

Secondhand smoke exposure is associated with higher risk of CKD, even in people with low genetic risk, and the relationship is dose dependent. These findings change the belief that people with low genetic susceptibility and without direct participation in smoking activities are not prone to CKD, emphasizing the need to avoid the harm of secondhand smoke in public places.

Effect of Glomerular Filtration Rate by Different Equations on Prediction Models for End-Stage Renal Disease in Diabetes

Background and Objectives

The study aimed to evaluate the performance of a predictive model using the kidney failure risk equation (KFRE) for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in diabetes and to investigate the impact of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) as estimated by different equations on the performance of the KFRE model in diabetes.

Design Setting Participants and Measurements

A total of 18,928 individuals with diabetes without ESRD history from the UK Biobank, a prospective cohort study initiated in 2006-2010, were included in this study. Modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD), chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI) or revised Lund-Malmö (r-LM) were used to estimate GFR in the KFRE model. Cox proportional risk regression was used to determine the correlation coefficients between each variable and ESRD risk in each model. Harrell's C-index and net reclassification improvement (NRI) index were used to evaluate the differentiation of the models. Analysis was repeated in subgroups based on albuminuria and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) levels.

Results

Overall, 132 of the 18,928 patients developed ESRD after a median follow-up of 12 years. The Harrell's C-index based on GFR estimated by CKD-EPI, MDRD, and r-LM was 0.914 (95% CI = 0.8812-0.9459), 0.908 (95% CI = 0.8727-0.9423), and 0.917 (95% CI = 0.8837-0.9496), respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that in diabetic patients with macroalbuminuria, the KFRE model based on GFR estimated by r-LM (KFRE-eGFRr-LM) had better differentiation compared to the KFRE model based on GFR estimated by CKD-EPI (KFRE-eGFRCKD-EPI) with a KFRE-eGFRr-LM C-index of 0.846 (95% CI = 0.797-0.894, p = 0.025), while the KFRE model based on GFR estimated by MDRD (KFRE-eGFRMDRD) showed no significant difference compared to the KFRE-eGFRCKD-EPI (KFRE-eGFRMDRD C-index of 0.837, 95% CI = 0.785-0.889, p = 0.765). Subgroup analysis of poor glycemic control (HbA1c >8.5%) demonstrated the same trend. Compared to KFRE-eGFRCKD-EPI (C-index = 0.925, 95% CI = 0.874-0.976), KFRE-eGFRr-LM had a C-index of 0.935 (95% CI = 0.888-0.982, p = 0.071), and KFRE-eGFRMDRD had a C-index of 0.925 (95% CI = 0.874-0.976, p = 0.498).

Conclusions

In adults with diabetes, the r-LM equation performs better than the CKD-EPI and MDRD equations in the KFRE model for predicting ESRD, especially for those with macroalbuminuria and poor glycemic control (HbA1c >8.5%).

French guidelines for the management of oral lichen planus (excluding pharmacological therapy)

INTRODUCTION

Oral lichen is a chronic inflammatory disease for which diagnostic management and follow-up are heterogeneous given the absence of specific guidelines in France. Our objective was to develop French multidisciplinary guidelines for the management of oral lichen.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Working groups from the Groupe d'Etude de la Muqueuse Buccale (GEMUB) formulated a list of research questions and the corresponding recommendations according to the "formal consensus" method for developing practice guidelines. These recommendations were submitted to a group of experts and the degree of agreement for each recommendation was assessed by a scoring group.

RESULTS

Twenty-two research questions, divided into 3 themes (nosological classification and initial assessment, induced oral lichenoid lesions, and follow-up) resulted in 22 recommendations. Initial biopsy for histology is recommended in the absence of reticulated lesions. Biopsy for direct immunofluorescence is recommended for ulcerated, erosive, bullous types and for diffuse erythematous gingivitis. Management should include a periodontal and dental check-up, and investigation for extra-oral lesions. Hepatitis C testing is recommended only if risk factors are present. Definitions, triggering factors and the management of "induced oral lichenoid lesions" were clarified. Oral lichen must be monitored by a practitioner familiar with the disease at least once a year, using objective tools.

CONCLUSION

This formalised consensus of multidisciplinary experts provides clinical practice guidelines on the management and monitoring of oral lichen.

Renal fat fraction is significantly associated with the risk of chronic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUNDS

Ectopic fat deposition is closely related to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Currently, there are few population studies that have been conducted to determine the relationship between renal parenchyma fat deposition and the risk of CKD among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, we employed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect renal parenchyma fat content in individuals with T2DM, expressed as renal fat fraction (FF), to explore whether renal FF is an important risk factor for CKD in patients with T2DM.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 189 subjects with T2DM were enrolled. CKD was defined as the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)<60 mL/min/1.73m². Measurement of the renal FF was performed on a 3.0-T MRI (MAGNETOM Skyra, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany). Binary logistic regression was used to determine the association between tertiles of renal FF and risk of CKD. Receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of renal FF in detecting CKD in T2DM patients.

RESULTS

The patients were divided into three groups according to tertiles of the renal FF level (2.498 - 7.434). As renal FF increases, patients tend to be older, and more abdominally obese, with a decreased eGFR (p<0.05). After adjustment for potential confounders, patients in the highest tertile of renal FF had a significantly increased risk of CKD than those in the lowest tertile (odds ratio (OR) = 3.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.12 - 14.09, p = 0.032), and the area under the ROC curve for this model was 0.836 (0.765-0.907).

CONCLUSIONS

The renal FF is significantly independently associated with CKD in patients with T2DM.

Classical swine fever virus infection suppresses claudin-1 expression to facilitate its replication in PK-15 cells

Classical swine fever (CSF) is one of the most epidemic viral diseases in swine industry. The causative pathogen is CSF virus (CSFV), a small enveloped RNA virus of Flaviviridae family. Claudin-1 was reported to be involved in the infections of a number of viruses, including many from Flaviviridae family, but no studies have investigated the role of porcine claudin-1 during CSFV infection in PK-15 cells. In this study, on the one hand, we demonstrated that CSFV infection reduced the claudin-1 expression at both mRNA and protein levels; on the other hand, CSFV infection was enhanced after claudin-1 knockdown, but inhibited by claudin-1 overexpression in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, negative correlation was demonstrated between the claudin-1 expression and CSFV titer. In conclusion, claudin-1 might be a barrier for CSFV infection in PK-15 cells, while CSFV bypasses the barrier through lysosome mediated degradation of claudin-1, which could be repressed by bafilomycin A1. Although the elaborate mechanisms how claudin-1 plays its roles in CSFV infection require further investigations, this study may advance our understanding of the molecular host-pathogen interaction mechanisms underlying CSFV infection and suggests enhancement of porcine claudin-1 as a potential preventive or therapeutic strategy for CSF control.

Genomic epidemiology of Corynebacterium striatum from three regions of China: an emerging national nosocomial epidemic

BACKGROUND

Corynebacteritum straitum has been considered as an emerging multi-drug-resistant (MDR) pathogen. Isolation of MDR C. striatum as the only organism from respiratory samples from hospitalized patients is increasing in China.

AIM

To elucidate the genomic epidemiology and evolution of C. striatum in China.

METHODS

A total of 260 isolates from 2016 to 2018 were collected from three hospitals in three regions of China. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was performed on all isolates. Whole-genome sequencing was applied to all isolates to assess their genomic diversity and relationships and detect the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARG) and ARG cassettes.

FINDINGS

Almost all isolates (96.2%, 250/260) showed multi-drug-resistance. Genome sequencing revealed four major lineages with lineage IV emerging as the epidemic lineage. Most of the diversity was developed in the last 6 years. Each hospital has its own predominant clones with potential spread between Hebei and Guangdong hospitals. Genomic analysis further revealed multiple antimicrobial resistance genes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggested that four lineages of C. striatum have spread in parallel across China, causing persistent and extensive transmissions within hospitals. MDR C. striatum infection has become a national epidemic. Antibiotic-driven selection pressure may have played significant roles in forming persistent and predominant clones. Our data provide the basis for surveillance and prevention strategies to control the epidemic caused by MDR C. striatum.

Inhibition of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus by PKC inhibitor dequalinium chloride in vitro

As a severe disease characterized by reproductive failure and respiratory distress, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is one of the most leading threats to the swine industry worldwide. Highly evolving porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) strains with distinct genetic diversity make the current vaccination strategy much less cost-effective and thus urge alternative protective host directed therapeutic approaches. RACK1-PKC-NF-κB signalling axis was suggested as a potential therapeutic target for PRRS control, therefore we tested the inhibitory effect of PKC inhibitor dequalinium chloride (DECA) on the PRRSV infection in vitro. RT-qPCR, western blot, Co-IP and cytopathic effect (CPE) observations revealed that DECA suppressed PRRSV infection and protected Marc-145 cells and porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) from severe cytopathic effects, by repressing the PKCα expression, the interaction between RACK1 and PKCα, and subsequently the NF-κB activation. In conclusion, the data presented in this study shed more light on deeper understanding of the molecular pathogenesis upon PRRSV infection and more importantly suggested DECA as a potential promising drug candidate for PRRS control.

Histone Demethylase JMJD3 Mediated Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyopathy by Suppressing SESN2 Expression

Jumonji domain-containing 3 (JMJD3) protein, a histone demethylase protein, specifically catalyzes the demethylation of H3K27 (H3K27me3) and regulates gene expression. Sestrin2 (SESN2), a stress-inducible protein, protected against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiomyopathy by regulating mitophagy and mitochondrial function. Here, the expression of JMJD3 was increased and that of SESN2 was decreased in both the heart samples from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and chronic DOX-stimulation induced cardiomyopathy. Inhibition or knockdown of JMJD3 attenuated DOX-induced cardiomyocytes apoptosis, mitochondrial injury and cardiac dysfunction. However, JMJD3 overexpression aggravated DOX-induced cardiomyopathy, which were relieved by SESN2 overexpression. JMJD3 inhibited the transcription of SESN2 by reducing tri-methylation of H3K27 in the promoter region of SESN2. In conclusion, JMJD3 negatively regulated SESN2 via decreasing H3K27me3 enrichment in the promoter region of SESN2, subsequently inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiomyocytes apoptosis. Targeting the JMJD3-SESN2 signaling axis may be a potential therapeutic strategy to protect against DOX-mediated cardiomyopathy.

Combined approaches to reveal genes associated with litter size in Yunshang black goats

Intensive artificial selection has been imposed in Yunshang black goats, the first black specialist mutton goat breed in China, with a breeding object of improving reproductive performance, which has contributed to reshaping of the genome including the characterization of SNP, ROH and haplotype. However, variation in reproductive ability exists in the present population. A WGS was implemented in two subpopulations (polytocous group, PG, and monotocous group, MG) with evident differences of litter size. Following the mapping to reference genome, and SNP calling and pruning, three approaches - GWAS, ROH analysis and detection of signatures of selection - were employed to unveil candidate genes responsible for litter size. Consequently, 12 candidate genes containing OSBPL8 with the minimum P-value were uncovered by GWAS. Differences were observed in the pattern of ROH between two subpopulations that shared similar low inbreeding coefficients. Two ROH hotspots and 12 corresponding genes emerged from ROH pool association analysis. Based on the nS_L statistic, 15 and 61 promising genes were disclosed under selection for MG and PG respectively. Of them, some promising genes participate in ovarian function (PPP2R5C, CDC25A, ESR1, RPS26 and SERPINBs), seasonal reproduction (DIO3, BTG1 and CRYM) and metabolism (OSBPL8, SLC39A5 and SERPINBs). Our study pinpointed some novel promising genes influencing litter size, provided a comprehensive insight into genetic makeup of litter size and might facilitate selective breeding in goats.

Histone H4R3 symmetric di-methylation by Prmt5 protects against cardiac hypertrophy via regulation of Filip1L/β-catenin

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Although histone lysine methylation has been extensively studied for their participation in pathological cardiac hypertrophy, the potential regulatory role of histone arginine methylation remains to be elucidated. The present study focused on H4R3 symmetric di-methylation (H4R3me2s) induced by protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (Prmt5), and explored its epigenetic regulation and underlying mechanisms in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

1. The expressions of Prmt5 and H4R3me2s were suppressed in cardiac hypertrophy models in vivo and in vitro; 2. Prmt5 silencing or its inhibitor EPZ, or knockdown of cooperator of Prmt5 (Copr5) to disrupt H4R3me2s, facilitated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, whereas overexpression of wild type Prmt5 rather than the inactive mutant protected cardiomyocytes against hypertrophy; 3. ChIP-sequence analysis identified Filip1L as a target gene of Prmt5-induced H4R3me2s; 4. Knockdown or inhibition of Prmt5 impaired Filip1L transcription and subsequently prevented β-catenin degradation, thus augmenting cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study reveals that Prmt5-induced H4R3me2s ameliorates cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by transcriptional upregulation of Filip1L and subsequent enhancement of β-catenin degradation. Deficiency of Prmt5 and the resulting suppression of H4R3me2s might facilitate the development of pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Prmt5 might serve as a key epigenetic regulator in pathological cardiac hypertrophy.

Acupuncture combined with speech rehabilitation training for post-stroke dysarthria: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

The evidence of Acupuncture combined with speech rehabilitation training for post-stroke dysarthria is insufficient and there is no consensus on its efficacy.

Methods

We searched seven Chinese and English medicine databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from their inception to November 2019. The primary outcome measure was the clinical response rate, assessed with the Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment (FDA) tool. We assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence (CoE).

Results

Thirty studies were included in this systematic review, 23 of which were pooled in meta-analysis. Acupuncture combined with speech rehabilitation training is likely beneficial for was response rate (n = 1685; RR = 1.37; 95% CI [1.29, 1.46], P < 0.01, I² = 34%; 17 studies, low CoE) compared to speech rehabilitation treatment alone.

Conclusion

The combination of acupuncture and speech rehabilitation training may improve total response rate of stroke patients with dysarthria. However, more RCTs with rigorous study design and validated outcome measures are needed to confirm the evidence.

Guipi decoction for insomnia: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder with symptoms including difficulty falling asleep and early awakening. Guipi decoction is widely used in clinical treatment of insomnia in China. However, there is a lack of systematic evaluation and analysis of Guipi decoction. Therefore, our study will provide efficacy assessments and adverse events assessments.

METHODS

A comprehensive search for randomized controlled trials of Gupi decoction treatments for insomnia will be carried in MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial (CENTRAL), CINAHL, AMED and Chinese databases include CBM, CNKI, CQVIP, and Wanfang from their inceptions to May 2020. Relevant reference lists, Baidu Scholar and grey literature will also be checked. Two experienced reviewers will independently search all databases. Primary outcomes include Pittsburgh sleep quality index and clinical effective rate, and secondary outcomes include traditional Chinese medicine syndrome, adverse events, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Review Manager 5.3 software will be used analyze all data.

RESULTS

This article will be dedicated to assessing the efficacy and safety of Guipi decoction for insomnia.

CONCLUSION

The conclusion of this systematic review will provide evidence to judge whether Guipi Decoction is an effective therapeutic intervention for patient with insomnia. Maybe these results could potentially be helpful for improving the therapeutic strategy of patients with insomnia.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD 42020164911.

Bilateral corpus callosum and corona radiata infarction due to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis presenting as headache and acute reversible aphasia: a rare case report

Background

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), a rare cause of cerebral infarction, is often unrecognized at initial presentation. We report the case of a patient with bilateral corpus callosum and corona radiata infarction due to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis presenting as headache and acute reversible aphasia.

Case presentation

A 30-year-old female patient presented with headache, vomiting, and motor aphasia. She was 20 days post-partum and had a lower than normal food intake following a normal vaginal delivery. Brain magnetic resonance images revealed a bilateral corpus callosum and corona radiata infarction. MR venography (MRV) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images showed a signal void in the anterior aspect of the superior sagittal sinus and inferior sagittal sinus, ophthalmic vein expansion, and the reversed direction of venous flow. In addition, images showed non-visualization of the left transverse sinus. The left slender sigmoid sinus and small internal jugular vein were also noted. The diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis was considered based on the above findings. The patient was managed with anticoagulation therapy, and recovered substantially after treatment.

Conclusions

Bilateral corpus callosum and corona radiata infarction is very rare. However, for patients who clinically show cranial hypertension and neurological deficits during the puerperium period, the possibility of CVST should be considered. Furthermore, DSA plays an important role in the diagnosis of CVST, and should be routinely checked. Early diagnosis is crucial for the patient suffering from CVST.

Porcine RACK1 negatively regulates the infection of classical swine fever virus and the NF-κB activation in PK-15 cells

Classical swine fever (CSF) is one of the main viral diseases of swine worldwide. The causative pathogen is CSF virus (CSFV), a small enveloped RNA virus of the genus Pestivirus. Activation of NF-κB is a hallmark of most viral infections and the viral pathogens frequently kidnap NF-κB pathway for their own advantages, however, it is unclear or even controversial about whether CSFV infection can activate NF-κB signal pathway. RACK1 was shown as an interacting host protein with CSFV NS5A protein, but no studies so far have clearly defined the role of RACK1 during CSFV infection and NF-κB activation. In this study, to properly address these open questions, using RT-qPCR, western blot, indirect fluorescence staining, siRNA knockdown and protein overexpression techniques, we demonstrated that CSFV infection reduced the RACK1 expression at both mRNA and protein levels in PK-15 cells. Downregulation of cellular RACK1 enhanced CSFV infection and subsequent NF-κB activation, while RACK1 overexpression inhibited CSFV infection and the NF-κB activation. In conclusion, RACK1 is a negative cellular regulator for CSFV infection and NF-κB activation in PK-15 cells. Our work addressed a novel aspect concerning the regulation of innate antiviral immune response during CSFV infection. This study may provide some insights into the molecular mechanisms of CSFV infection in swine. However, the elaborate mechanism by which CSFV regulates NF-κB activation and how RACK1 plays its roles in CSFV infection and NF-κB induction require further in-depth studies.

Robust seam tracking via a deep learning framework combining tracking and detection

To address the problem of low welding precision caused by possible disturbances, e.g., strong arc lights, welding splashes, and thermally induced deformations, in complex unstructured welding environments, a method based on a deep learning framework that combines visual tracking and object detection is proposed. First, a welding image patch is directly fed into a convolutional long short-term memory network, which preserves the target's spatial structure and is efficient in terms of memory use, with the aim of avoiding some disturbances. Second, we take advantage of features from various convolutional neural network layers and determine weld feature points through similarity matching among multiple feature layers. However, feeding in noisy images causes the tracker to accumulate interference information, which results in model drift. Thus, using a welding seam detection network, the object filter is periodically reinitialized to improve tracking accuracy and robustness. Experimental results show that the welding torch runs smoothly with a strong arc light and welding splash interference and that tracking error can reach ±0.5mm, which is sufficient to satisfy actual welding requirements. The advantages of our algorithm are validated through several comparative experiments.

Integrin β3, a RACK1 interacting protein, is critical for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection and NF-κB activation in Marc-145 cells

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is the pathogen of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), which is one of the most economically harmful diseases in modern pig production worldwide. Receptor of activated protein C kinase 1 (RACK1) was previously shown to be indispensable for the PRRSV replication and NF-κB activation in Marc-145 cells. Here we identified a membrane protein, integrin β3 (ITGB3), as a RACK1-interacting protein. PRRSV infection in Marc-145 cells upregulated the ITGB3 expression. Abrogation of ITGB3 by siRNA knockdown or antibody blocking inhibited PRRSV infection and NF-κB activation, while on the other hand, overexpression of ITGB3 enhanced PRRSV infection and NF-κB activation. Furthermore, inhibition of ITGB3 alleviated the cytopathic effects and reduced the TCID₅₀ titer in Marc-145 cells. We also showed that RACK1 and ITGB3 were NF-κB target genes during PRRSV infection, and that they regulated each other. Our data indicated that ITGB3, presumably as a co-receptor, played an imperative role during PRRSV infection and NF-κB activation in Marc-145 cells. PRRSV infection activates a positive feedback loop involving the activation of NF-κB and upregulation of ITGB3 and RACK1 in Marc-145 cells. The findings would advance our elaborated understanding of the molecular host-pathogen interaction mechanisms underlying PRRSV infection in swine and suggest ITGB3 and NF-κB signaling pathway as potential therapeutic targets for PRRS control.

SESN2 protects against doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy via rescuing mitophagy and improving mitochondrial function

The clinical application of doxorubicin (Dox) in cancer therapy is limited by its serious cardiotoxicity. Our previous studies and others have recognized that mitochondrial dysfunction is the common feature of Dox-induced cardiotoxicity. However, mechanisms underlying mitochondrial disorders remained largely unknown. SESN2, a highly conserved and stress-inducible protein, is involved in mitochondrial function and autophagy in cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate whether SESN2 affects Dox-induced cardiotoxicity and the underlying mechanisms. Sprague-Dawley rats and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were treated with Dox. SESN2 expression was assessed. The effects of SESN2 on Dox-induced cardiotoxicity were assessed by functional gain and loss experiments. Echocardiographic parameters, morphological and histological analyses, transmission electron microscope and immunofluorescence assays were used to assess cardiac and mitochondrial function. The protein expression of SESN2 was significantly reduced following Dox stimulation. Both knockout of SESN2 by sgRNA and Dox treatment resulted in the inhibition of Parkin-mediated mitophagy, marked cardiomyocytes apoptosis and mitochondria dysfunction. Ectopic expression of SESN2 effectively protected against Dox-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, mitochondrial injury and cardiac dysfunction. Mechanistically, SESN2 interacted with Parkin and p62, promoted accumulation of Parkin to mitochondria and then alleviated Dox-caused inhibition of Parkin mediated mitophagy. Ultimately, the clearance of damaged mitochondria and mitochondrial function were improved following SESN2 overexpression. SESN2 protected against Dox-induced cardiotoxicity through improving mitochondria function and mitophagy. These results established SESN2 as a key player in mitochondrial function and provided a potential therapeutic approach to Dox-induced cardiomyopathy.

Dkk1 exacerbates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

The cancer clinical therapy of doxorubicin (Dox) treatment is limited by its life-threatening cardiotoxic effects. Dickkopf-1 (Dkk1), the founding and best-studied member of the Dkk family, functions as an antagonist of canonical Wnt/β-catenin. Dkk1 is considered to play a broad role in a variety of biological processes, but its effects on Dox-induced cardiomyopathy are poorly understood. Here, we found that the level of Dkk1 was significantly increased in Dox-treated groups, and this increase exacerbated Dox-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. Overexpressing Dkk1 aggravated Dox-induced cardiotoxicity in H₉C₂ cells. Similar results were detected when adding active Dkk1 protein extracellularly. Conversely, adding specific antibody blocking extracellular Dkk1 attenuated the cardiotoxic response to Dox. Adenovirus encoding Dkk1 was transduced through intramyocardial injection and exacerbated Dox-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, mitochondrial damage and heart injury in vivo Furthermore, Wnt/β-catenin signaling was inhibited during Dox-induced cardiotoxicity, and the re-activation of β-catenin prevented the effect of overexpressed Dkk1 and Dox-induced cardiotoxicity. In conclusion, these results reveal the crucial role of the Dkk1-Wnt/β-catenin signaling axis in the process of Dox-induced cardiotoxicity and provide novel insights into the potential mechanism of cardiomyopathy caused by clinical application of Dox.

Learning Siamese networks for laser vision seam tracking

To design a stable laser vision seam-tracking system, an advanced weld image processing algorithm based on Siamese networks is investigated and proposed to resist the interference of arc and spatter in the welding process. This specially designed neural network, combined with powerful feature expression capabilities of deep learning, takes two welding images with different sizes as inputs and generates a target confidence map in a single forward pass by using the cross-correlation algorithm. To prevent the error accumulation and model drift, an online update strategy via local cosine similarity is developed. The use of metal inert-gas welding can realize real-time and precious tracking under the condition that the strong arc continuously shields the welding seam feature points.

Angina bullosa haemorrhagica: a systematic review and proposal for diagnostic criteria

The aim of this study was to perform a critical review of published data on the epidemiological, aetiological, clinical, histological, biological, and therapeutic characteristics of patients with angina bullosa haemorrhagica (ABH). A literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. All publications fulfilling the selection criteria were included in the eligibility assessment according to the PRISMA statement. The full texts of 54 retrieved articles were screened. Forty articles published between 1985 and 2016 describing 225 cases of ABH were finally selected. The mean age of the patients was 55.4 years; the male to female ratio was 0.7. The predominant localization was the palate (66%). A third of patients had no medical history. When specified, a triggering event or promoting factor was frequently found (82%). Biological tests were normal. A biopsy was performed on 35% of the patients. Treatment was symptomatic with a favourable outcome. Recurrences were frequent (62%). In conclusion, ABH is poorly documented and only by studies of low-level evidence. This review did not allow any aetiopathogenic association to be made with a general pathology or treatment. On the basis of this systematic review of the literature, diagnostic criteria aiming to improve the care of patients presenting with ABH are proposed.

WITHDROWN: Osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients traited by denosumab for malignant bone disease: Descriptive study on 9 cases

Ahead of Print article withdrawn by publisher

A rare case of oral metastasis of colon adenocarcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Metastatic carcinoma of the colon is frequently encountered. In the literature, metastasis of malignant tumors in the buccal cavity are rare. They represent less than 1% of oral malignant lesions.

OBSERVATION

We present a case of oral metastasis of colon adenocarcinoma in the mandible of a 62-year-old patient. The physical examination revealed a swelling in the mandibular symphysis associated with dental displacement. The panoramic X-ray showed significant bone lysis of the symphysis. The neoplastic tissue showed marked positivity for Cytokeratin 20 and CDX2, confirming the diagnosis of metastasis of the oral cavity from colorectal adenocarcinoma.

DISCUSSION

Metastatic adenocarcinoma from the colon to the oral cavity are rare but should be included in the differential diagnosis of tumors in the oral cavity.

[Mandibular ameloblastic fibro-odontoma in 3-year-old patient]

INTRODUCTION

The ameloblastic fibro-odontoma (FOA) is a rare benign tumor representing 1-3% of odontogenic tumors. The FOA affects young patients before the age of 20. Surgical treatment allows usually for recovery. Recurrence and malignant transformation are possible.

OBSERVATION

A 3-year-old patient, with no medical and surgical history, was referred for a painless swelling of the right cheek progressing for several months. Radiographic examination showed a large mixed lesion. Buccal and lingual cortices were blown out. Surgical resection was performed under general anesthesia. Microscopically, the lesion consisted of dental tissue composed of mature dentin and enamel and of an epithelial component. These elements allowed for the diagnosis of ameloblastic fibro-odontoma. The postoperative course was uneventful.

DISCUSSION

The management of this 3-year-old patient was delayed due to late consultation. The size of the lesion, that included all dental structures of sector 4, was big considering the very young age of the patient. The primary conservative surgical treatment allowed for preservation of teeth and of the inferior alveolar nerve, the only sequelae being the removal of the germ of the tooth n^o 44 directly involved in the tumor.

Passive Q-switching of microchip lasers based on Ho:YAG ceramics

A Ho:YAG ceramic microchip laser pumped by a Tm fiber laser at 1910 nm is passively Q-switched by single- and multi-layer graphene, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), and Cr²⁺:ZnSe saturable absorbers (SAs). Employing SWCNTs, this laser generated an average power of 810 mW at 2090 nm with a slope efficiency of 68% and continuous wave to Q-switching conversion efficiency of 70%. The shortest pulse duration was 85 ns at a repetition rate of 165 kHz, and the pulse energy reached 4.9 μJ. The laser performance and pulse stability were superior compared to graphene SAs even for a different number of graphene layers (n=1 to 4). A model for the description of the Ho:YAG laser Q-switched by carbon nanostructures is presented. This modeling allowed us to estimate the saturation intensity for multi-layered graphene and SWCNT SAs to be 1.2±0.2 and 7±1  MW/cm², respectively. When using Cr²⁺:ZnSe, the Ho:YAG microchip laser generated 11 ns/25 μJ pulses at a repetition rate of 14.8 kHz.

Acupuncture reduced apoptosis and up-regulated BDNF and GDNF expression in hippocampus following hypoxia-ischemia in neonatal rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Acupuncture attenuates neuronal damages following ischemia.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the beneficial effects of acupuncture on hypoxia-ischemia induced brain damages in neonatal rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male postnatal 7 days rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham control (sham), hypoxia-ischemia (HI), and HI plus acupuncture treatment (HI+Acu). The rats in HI and HI+Acu groups were submitted to model of neonatal HI, established by occluding the left common carotid artery followed by a 3.5h period of hypoxia (8% O2-92% N2). At 24h after HI, animals were stimulated by acupuncture treatment once a day and the treatment continued during 4 weeks, 5days/week. Behavioral functions, learning and memory ability, and body weight were observed at different time-points after HI. DNA fragmentation assay were performed with TUNEL staining to evaluate apoptosis and expression levels of mitochondrial Bcl-2, mitochondrial Bax, Cleaved caspase 3, Cleaved caspase 9 in the damaged hippocampus were detected by western blotting 28 days following HI. GDNF, BDNF levels in hippocampus were also determined.

RESULTS

The results showed that acupuncture significantly promoted growth and development, improved neurobehavioral function, learning and memory ability after 20 days' treatment. Furthermore, we obtained one interesting finding that acupuncture attenuated cellular apoptosis and up-regulated GDNF and BDNF levels in hippocampus.

CONCLUSIONS

All of these results suggest that acupuncture as a potential treatment may exert neuroprotective effects via inhibiting cellular apoptosis, increased GDNF and BDNF expression levels in rat hippocampus experiencing HI.

[Study of remains and dental wastes of a First World War German rest camp]

INTRODUCTION

This article presents the analysis of dental remains and waste from the dental office of a German rest camp of the First World War in order to study the living conditions of the soldiers, the care policy and the prosthetic rehabilitation techniques used in this context.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included both dental and prosthetic remains, revealed during the excavation. The criteria to determine dental and periodontal health were the presence or absence of caries, wear, tartar and periodontal lesion. Location, severity and frequency of each of these parameters were examined. Regarding the prosthetic remains, the type of prosthesis and the materials used were determined.

RESULTS

Three hundred and twenty seven (327) dental remains were analyzed. A high prevalence of large caries, especially in the molar areas, was highlighted. The incisal areas had however more wear and tartar. 183 casts of plaster dental arcade allowed to highlight a significant proportion of posterior edentulous. Prosthetic remains and laboratory waste revealed the use of vulcanite and porcelain for making dentures.

An-Gong-Niu-Huang Wan protects against cerebral ischemia induced apoptosis in rats: up-regulation of Bcl-2 and down-regulation of Bax and caspase-3

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The An-Gong-Niu-Huang Wan (AGNH), a Chinese traditional medicine, has been used for treatment of cerebral diseases for centuries in China and other Asian countries, and is approved by the State Food and Drug Administration of China for the treatment of stroke. The aim of present study is to test the neuroprotective effects of AGNH on cerebral ischemia in rats and to explore the underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

75 Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: sham, ischemia-reperfusion (I/R), and I/R plus 0.065 g/kg/d AGNH, 0.125 g/kg/d AGNH and 0.25 g/kg/d AGNH. Cerebral ischemia was induced by 1.5h of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Neurological functional deficits were evaluated according to Zea longa׳s score, cerebral infarct area was measured by tetrazolium staining. Cell injury and apoptosis were assessed by Nissl staining and DNA fragmentation assay. The expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase-3 were analyzed by Western blot.

RESULTS

Rats subjected to MCAO exhibited worsened neurological score, infarct area, cell damage and apoptosis. These were all attenuated by AGNH (0.125 and 0.25 g/kg/d). Moreover, AGNH reversed cerebral ischemia induced decreases in Bcl-2 expression and increases in Bax and caspase-3 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that AGNH exerts neuroprotective effects, and the neuroprotection is likely to relate to depressed Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase-3 level, leading to inhibition of apoptotic cell death.

Xiao-Xu-Ming decoction preserves mitochondrial integrity and reduces apoptosis after focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion via the mitochondrial p53 pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Xiao-Xu-Ming decoction (XXMD) has been used to treat stroke and other neurological diseases for more than 1000 years. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of XXMD on mitochondrial damage and apoptosis after cerebral ischemia and reperfusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham, cerebral ischemia and reperfusion (I/R), and cerebral ischemia and reperfusion plus XXMD (60 g/kg/day) (XXMD60). Focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion models were induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion. Cerebral ischemic injury was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Ultrastructural features of mitochondria in the penumbra of the ischemic cortex were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. Apoptosis was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine 5-triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining and cleaved caspase 3 immunohistochemistry. Proteins in the mitochondrial p53 pathway were detected by western blot and immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

The results showed that XXMD treatment markedly attenuated ischemic changes, preserved mitochondrial integrity, and significantly reduced apoptosis. In addition, we found that XXMD treatment reduced p53 and Bax levels and increased Bcl-2 levels in mitochondrial fractions. XXMD significantly blocked the release of cytochrome c and Smac/Diablo from mitochondria, and inhibited activation of caspase 9 and caspase 3 in cytoplasmic fractions. Increased expression of c-IAP1 was observed in the XXMD60 group.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings demonstrated that XXMD protected mitochondria from ischemic injury and inhibited apoptosis. The mitochondrial p53 pathway could be partially involved in the protective effects.

[Impacts on tiptoe deformity and intelligent development in spasmodic cerebral palsy treated with acupuncture at naoqing xue (extra)]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impacts on tiptoe deformity and intelligent development in spasmodic cerebral palsy treated with acupuncture at Naoqing Xue (Extra).

METHODS

One hundred and forty-six children with spasmodic cerebral palsy were randomized into a Naoqing Xue group (74 cases) and a control group (72 cases). On the basic treatment (scalp acupuncture, sport therapy), in the Naoqing Xue group, acupuncture at Naoqing Xue (Extra) was applied. In the control group, acupuncture was given at Jiexi (ST 41), Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). In the two groups, acupuncture was given once every two days, 10 treatments made one session, at the interval of 15 days between two sessions. Three sessions of treatment were given continuously. Before treatment and after 3 sessions of treatment, the angle measurement of ankle passive dorsiflexion, comprehensive spasm scale (CSS) and Gesell intelligence test were adopted for the rehabilitation assessment. Additionally, 30 min after the end of the first acupuncture treatment, the angle measurement of ankle passive dorsiflexion and CSS were applied to assess the immediate effect of the therapeutic methods of the two groups.

RESULTS

The immediate effect of the angle measurement of ankle passive dorsiflexion and CSS as well as the effect after 3 sessions of treatment in the Naoqing Xue group were all superior to those in the control group (all P < 0.05). In 3 sessions of treatment, the development quotients of social adaptive behavior and personal social activation function in Gesell intelligence test in the Naoqing Xue group were all higher than those in the control group (all P < 0.05). The development quotients of major movement, fine motion and language were not different significantly as compared with those in the control group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Acupuncture at Naoqing Xue (Extra) relieves tiptoe deformity and promotes intelligent development for the children with spasmodic cerebral palsy.

Glycyrrhizic acid attenuates CCl4-induced hepatocyte apoptosis in rats via a p53-mediated pathway

AIM: To investigate the effect of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatocyte apoptosis in rats via a p53-dependent mitochondrial pathway.

METHODS: Forty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly and equally divided into three groups, the control group, the CCl₄ group, and the GA treatment group. To induce liver fibrosis in this model, rats were given a subcutaneous injection of a 40% solution of CCl₄ in olive oil at a dose of 0.3 mL/100 g body weight biweekly for 8 wk, while controls received the same isovolumetric dose of olive oil by hypodermic injection, with an initial double-dose injection. In the GA group, rats were also treated with a 40% solution of CCl₄ plus 0.2% GA solution in double distilled water by the intraperitoneal injection of 3 mL per rat three times a week from the first week following previously published methods, with modifications. Controls were given the same isovolumetric dose of double distilled water. Liver function parameters, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined. Pathologic changes in the liver were detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Collagen fibers were evaluated by Sirius red staining. Hepatocyte apoptosis was investigated using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine 5-triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and the cleaved caspase-3 immunohistochemistry assay. The expression levels of p53 and apoptosis-related proteins were evaluated by immunohistochemistry or Western blotting analysis.

RESULTS: After 8 wk of treatment, GA significantly reduced serum activity of ALT (from 526.7 ± 57.2 to 342 ± 44.8, P < 0.05) and AST (from 640 ± 33.7 to 462.8 ± 30.6, P < 0.05), attenuated the changes in liver histopathology and reduced the staging score (from 3.53 ± 0.74 to 3.00 ± 0.76, P < 0.05) in CCl₄-treated rats. GA markedly reduced the positive area of Sirius red and the ratio of the hepatic fibrotic region (from 7.87% ± 0.66% to 3.68% ± 0.32%, P < 0.05) compared with the CCl₄ group. GA also decreased the expression level of cleaved caspase-3 compared to the CCl₄ group. TUNEL assay indicated that GA significantly diminished the number of TUNEL-positive cells compared with the CCl₄ group (P < 0.05). GA treatment clearly decreased the level of p53 (P < 0.05) detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting analysis. Compared with the CCl₄ group, we also found that GA reduced the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (P < 0.05), the expression of cleaved caspase-3 (P < 0.05), cleaved caspase-9 (P < 0.05), and inhibited cytochrome C and second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (Smac) release from mitochondria to cytoplasm, i.e., GA reduced the expression level of Smac, which inhibited c-IAP1 activity (P < 0.05), ultimately inhibiting the activity of caspase-3, according to Western blotting analysis. As a result, GA suppressed activation of the caspase cascades and prevented hepatocyte apoptosis.

CONCLUSION: GA can inhibit CCl₄-induced hepatocyte apoptosis via a p53-dependent mitochondrial pathway to retard the progress of liver fibrosis in rats.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria isolates from HIV-infected patients in Guangxi, China

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) remains the leading cause of death among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected persons. The prevalence of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in HIV-infected patients in China is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of M. tuberculosis and NTM in HIV-infected patients in Guangxi Province, determine their drug resistance profiles, and evaluate the genotype patterns of M. tuberculosis strains.

DESIGN

Samples were collected from two HIV designated hospitals in Guangxi Province between 2005 and 2008. HIV-infected patients who were culture-positive for mycobacteria were included. Drug susceptibility testing was performed for mycobacterial isolates. NTM species was identified by sequencing, and M. tuberculosis isolates were genotyped using the variable number of tandem repeats method.

RESULTS

M. tuberculosis and NTM were identified in respectively 117 (53%) and 102 (47%) HIV-infected patients. Drug resistance was found in 27% and multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) in 11% of the patients with TB. Previous treatment for TB was significantly associated with MDR-TB. Twenty (17%) TB patients belonged to eight VNTR-defined clusters.

CONCLUSION

The high frequency of NTM among HIV-infected patients raises concerns about accurate species identification before the determination of appropriate treatment. The potential for TB transmission exists among HIV-infected patients. Intensified screening and effective treatment of TB-HIV co-infected patients is urgently needed.