DACH1 attenuated PA-induced renal tubular injury through TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and TGF-β/Smad signalling pathway

BACKGROUND

Palmitic acid (PA), the major saturated fatty acid in the blood, often induces the initiation and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. DACH1 is an important regulator of kidney functions. Herein, we investigated the roles of DACH1 in PA-induced kidney injury.

METHODS

Clinical data from the NHANES database were subjected to analyse the association between serum PA (sPA), blood glucose and kidney function. Molecular docking of PA was performed with DACH1. Immunohistochemistry, cell viability, annexin V/7-AAD double staining, TUNEL assay, immunofluorescent staining, autophagic flux analysis, qRT-PCR and western blot were performed.

RESULTS

Clinical data confirmed that sPA was increased significantly in the pathoglycemia individuals compared with controls and correlated negatively with renal function. Our findings suggested that PA could dock with DACH1. DACH1 enhances cell viability by inhibiting apoptosis and attenuating autophagy blockage induced by PA. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that DACH1 ameliorated inflammation and fibrosis through TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and TGF-β/Smad signalling pathway in PA-treated renal tubular epithelial cell line (HK-2).

CONCLUSIONS

This study proved that sPA presents a risk factor for kidney injuries and DACH1 might serve as a protective target against renal function deterioration in diabetic patients.

[To compare the efficacy and incidence of severe hematological adverse events of flumatinib and imatinib in patients newly diagnosed with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia]

Objective: To analyze and compare therapy responses, outcomes, and incidence of severe hematologic adverse events of flumatinib and imatinib in patients newly diagnosed with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) . Methods: Data of patients with chronic phase CML diagnosed between January 2006 and November 2022 from 76 centers, aged ≥18 years, and received initial flumatinib or imatinib therapy within 6 months after diagnosis in China were retrospectively interrogated. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to reduce the bias of the initial TKI selection, and the therapy responses and outcomes of patients receiving initial flumatinib or imatinib therapy were compared. Results: A total of 4 833 adult patients with CML receiving initial imatinib (n=4 380) or flumatinib (n=453) therapy were included in the study. In the imatinib cohort, the median follow-up time was 54 [interquartile range (IQR), 31-85] months, and the 7-year cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) were 95.2%, 88.4%, 78.3%, and 63.0%, respectively. The 7-year FFS, PFS, and OS rates were 71.8%, 93.0%, and 96.9%, respectively. With the median follow-up of 18 (IQR, 13-25) months in the flumatinib cohort, the 2-year cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) were 95.4%, 86.5%, 58.4%, and 46.6%, respectively. The 2-year FFS, PFS, and OS rates were 80.1%, 95.0%, and 99.5%, respectively. The PSM analysis indicated that patients receiving initial flumatinib therapy had significantly higher cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) and higher probabilities of FFS than those receiving the initial imatinib therapy (all P<0.001), whereas the PFS (P=0.230) and OS (P=0.268) were comparable between the two cohorts. The incidence of severe hematologic adverse events (grade≥Ⅲ) was comparable in the two cohorts. Conclusion: Patients receiving initial flumatinib therapy had higher cumulative incidences of therapy responses and higher probability of FFS than those receiving initial imatinib therapy, whereas the incidence of severe hematologic adverse events was comparable between the two cohorts.

[Evaluation of shoulder function after repairing head and neck defects with supraclavicular flap]

Objective: To evaluate the shoulder function in patients after repair of head and neck defects with supraclavicular flap. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 56 patients (54 males, 2 females, aged 35-74 years old) who received the repair of head and neck defects with supraclavicular flaps at Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery of Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University in January 2013-December 2020. The areas and types of flaps, disruption or infections of the incision at the donor sites and other postoperative complications were recorded. Quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (Quick-DASH) was used for evaluating the shoulder functions in 43 patients conforming to the standard for evaluation of the clinical functions of shoulders and upper limbs, to compare the postoperative upper limb functions between patients treated with clavicular flaps and patients with acromion flaps. Meanwhile, 30 patients who received bilateral neck lymph node dissection over the same period of time were selected for a comparative evaluation of the donor sides (observation group) and the opposite sides (control group). Data were processed with SPSS 22.0. Results: The areas of obtained supraclavicular flaps were (4-10) cm × (10-18) cm. Three patients (5%) showed the defect widths of 8-10 cm at the donor sites, which couldn't be sutured directly, received the repair of their shoulder defects with partial flaps. Defects in other patients were sutured directly. After surgery, 3 patients (5%) suffered from disruption of the acromion incision, which healed after 2 weeks of local dressing. The follow-up time was 6-43 (27±14) months. All patients expressed no dissatisfaction with the appearance. Among 43 patients, 28 (65%) were clavicular type and 15 (35%) were acromion type. The acromion type showed average motor ability and Quick-DASH scores higher than the clavicular type [(average motor ability: (14.4±4.7) vs. (11.8±3.1), t=2.105, P=0.048; Quick-DASH: (16.9±11.6) vs. (12.2±7.1), t=2.284, P=0.033]. Among 30 patients who received bilateral neck lymph node dissection over the same period of time, the observation group showed higher average motor ability, local symptoms and Quick-DASH scores than the control group [average motor ability: (13.4±5.8) vs. (9.8±4.2), t=3.024, P=0.004; average local symptoms: (4.1±1.0) vs. (3.4±1.0), t=2.537, P=0.014; Quick-DASH: (15.6±14.7) vs. (5.2±11.1), t=3.106, P=0.003]. Conclusion: Shoulder dysfunction exists after treatment with supraclavicular flap, which is related to the flap type.

[Analysis of the effect of preventive intervention on occupational exposure of nurses after tumor particle implantation in thoracic surgery]

Objective: To study the effect of preventive intervention on occupational exposure of nurses after tumor particle implantation in thoracic surgery. Methods: In March 2020, 99 nurses who were engaged in postoperative nursing of tumor particle implantation in thoracic surgery department of our hospital from February 2019 to February 2020 were selected as the research objects. According to different preventive interventions, they were divided into observation group (51 cases) and control group (48 cases) . The observation group received preventive intervention, while the control group received routine intervention. The differences of radiation dose, psychological state and abnormal rate of important organ function between the two groups were analyzed. Results: Compared with the control group, the radiation dose of the observation group was significantly less, and the scores of anxiety and depression were lower after the intervention, the difference were statistically significant (P<0.05) . There was no significant difference of the abnormal rate of important organ function between the two groups (P>0.05) . Conclusion: Preventive intervention can reduce the risk of occupational exposure and improve the psychological status of nurses after tumor particle implantation in thoracic surgery.

Plasma metabolic differences in cows affected by inactive ovaries or normal ovarian function post partum

Anestrus is essential to an unsuccessful pregnancy in dairy cows. One of the many factors that influences anestrus is the inactive ovary. To characterize in detail the plasma metabolic pro- file, anestrus cows suffering from inactive ovaries were compared with those with natural estrus. The Holstein cows 60 to 90 day postpartum in an intensive dairy farm were assigned into inactive ovaries groups (IO, n=20) and natural estrus group (CON, n=22) according to estrus signs and rectal palpation of ovaries. Plasma samples from two groups of cows were collected from the tail vein to screen differential metabolites using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) techniques and multivariate statistical analysis and pathways. The results showed that 106 compounds were screened by GC/MS and 14 compounds in the IO group were decreased by analyzing important variables in the projection values and p values of MSA.Through pathway analysis, 14 compounds, mainly associated with carbohydrate metabolism and amino acid meta- bolism, were identified to results in IO, which may seriously affect follicular growth. Metabolo- mics profiling, together with MSA and pathway analysis, showed that follicular growth and development in dairy cows is related to carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism by a single or multiple pathway(s).

Features of the volume change and a new constitutive equation of hydrogels under uniaxial compression

For high-water content hydrogels in compression, the water inside of hydrogels contributes to the response of hydrogels to external loads directly, but part of the water is expelled from hydrogels in the meantime to change the volume of the hydrogel and reduce the contribution. In order to consider the contribution of the water in the constitution equation, PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) hydrogels with high-water content were used as examples, and compressive experiments were carried out to measure both the stress-strain relation and the change of the volume in the meantime. By considering the effect of the difference of the contribution of water in different directions of the hydrogel, we deduced a new constitutive equation, which can pretty well depict the stress-strain of hydrogels with different water contents. The results showed that the contribution of water to the total stress increases with the compression strain and even exceed that of the polymer, although the expelled water reduces the contribution at the early loading stage, which well explains the difference of elastic moduli of hydrogels in compression and tension.

[Individualized treatment of bilateral carotid body tumor]

Objective: To investigate individualized therapeutic strategy for bilateral carotid body tumors. Methods: Clinical data of 16 patients with bilateral carotid body tumor treated from January 2003 to August 2016 were retrospectively studied. Of the 16 patients, 9 were males and 7 were females; 5 were sporadic and 11 were familial; 8 cases were observed, 1 cases was malignant and treated with chemotherapy, and 7 cases were treated with surgery. The treatment course, perioperative complications and clinical efficacy were assessed. Comprehensive evaluation of bilateral carotid body tumors was performed based on the size of bilateral tumor, clinical manifestations, genetic tests and other indicators. Individual treatment strategies included observation, surgery and observation, bilateral surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Surgical resection of carotid body tumor was unilateral in 3 cases and bilateral in 3 cases; removal of bilateral carotid body tumors plus unilateral jugular bulb in 1 case; and the internal carotid artery was reconstructed with autologous greater saphenous vein in 1 case. Results: All patients were followed up for 3 months to 12 years. There was no patient death during perioperative period. Superior laryngeal nerve injury occurred in 2 case. Baroreceptor failure syndrome occurred in one patient, but it gradually recoverd with medical treatments. Conlusion: It is important to identify whether bilateral carotid body tumors are hereditary and to make an individualized therapeutic strategy for each patient with bilateral carotid body tumors, focusing on the improvement in the quality of life of patient.

[Effect and mechanism of intermittent alkaline stimulation on high phosphorus induced calcification in vascular smooth muscle cells of rats]

Objective: To explore the effect and possible mechanisms of intermittent alkaline on rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) calcification induced by high phosphorus. Methods: VSMCs were isolated from rat thoracic aorta and cultured in vitro. The fourth generation VSMCs were randomly divided into control group, high phosphorus+ pH7.4, high phosphorus+ pH7.5, high phosphorus+ pH7.6 and high phosphorus+ pH7.7 group with random number table. The control group was cultured in DMEM with 10% fetal bovine serum. Other groups were cultured in DMEM with 10 mmol/L β-glycerophosphate and alkalized by 7.4% NaHCO(3) to adjust the pH respectively. After the intervention of 4 hours, the control group was replaced with the normal medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum, the other 4 groups were replaced with high phosphorus based on the pH value of the culture medium, and then replaced the culture medium every other day. After 4 days intervention, the mRNA and protein expression of L type calcium channel β(3) subunit(LTCC β(3)) and Runt related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. After 4 days intervention, the level of VSMC calcium ion was detected by Fluo-3/AM. After 14 days intervention, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the calcification was observed by measuring calcium content. Results: (1) Compared with control group, the gene and protein expressions of LTCC β(3) were higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.4 group (0.49±0.03 vs. 0.23±0.02 and 0.45±0.03 vs. 0.26±0.02 respectively, all P<0.05). Compared with high phosphorus+ pH7.4 group, the mRNA(0.86±0.05) and protein(0.62±0.04) expressions of LTCC β(3) were higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.5 group (P<0.05). Compared with high phosphorus+ pH7.5 group, the mRNA(0.99±0.05) and protein(0.80±0.03) expressions of LTCC β(3) were higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.5 group (all P<0.05). Compared with high phosphorus+ pH7.6 group, the mRNA(1.16±0.05) and protein(0.93±0.03) expressions of LTCC β(3) were higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.7 group (all P<0.05). (2) Compared with control group, calcium ion influx were higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.4 group (124.61±6.06 vs. 75.68±7.82, P<0.05). Compared with high phosphorus+ pH7.4 group, calcium ion influx was higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.5 group(210.85±9.75, P<0.05). Compared with high phosphorus+ pH7.5 group, calcium ion influx was higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.6 group(298.44±11.42, P<0.05). Compared with high phosphorus+ pH7.6 group, calcium ion influx was higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.7 group(401.13±11.41, P<0.05). (3) Compared with control group, the mRNA and protein expressions of Runx2 and ALP were higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.4 group (0.60±0.04 vs. 0.34±0.03, 0.42±0.04 vs. 0.21±0.02, 67.2±4.3 vs. 23.2±2.3 respectively, all P<0.05). Compared with high phosphorus+ pH7.4 group, the mRNA(0.76±0.05) and protein(0.68±0.03) expressions of Runx2 and ALP(102.1±5.4) were higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.5 group (all P<0.05). Compared with high phosphorus+ pH7.5 group, the mRNA(0.90±0.05) and protein(0.90±0.05) expressions of Runx2 and ALP(139.3±4.9) were higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.6 group (all P<0.05). Compared with high phosphorus+ pH7.6 group, the mRNA(1.11±0.05) and protein(1.08±0.06) expressions of Runx2 and ALP(197.0±6.7) were higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.7 group (all P<0.05). (4) Compared with control group, the calcium content were higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.4 group ((75.4±4.3)mg/g pro vs.(25.2±2.1)mg/g pro, P<0.05). Compared with high phosphorus+ pH7.4 group, the calcium content were higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.5 group ((100.8±5.7) mg/g pro, P<0.05). Compared with high phosphorus+ pH7.5 group, the calcium content were higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.6 group ((143.5±6.1) mg/g pro, P<0.05). Compared with high phosphorus+ pH7.6 group, the calcium content were higher in high phosphorus+ pH7.7 group ((205.1±8.2) mg/g pro, P<0.05). Conclusion: Intermittent alkaline stimulation can promote high phosphorus induced rat VSMCs calcification possibly through upregulating LTCC β(3) subunit gene and protein expression, increasing calcium ion influx and enhancing VSMCs phenotypic transformation.

[Polymorphism at the miR-502 binding site in the 3' untranslated region of SET8 gene is associated with the risk of clear cell renal cell carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism of SET8 gene and the risk of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC).

METHODS

We selected 140 CCRCC patients and 130 healthy controls in this case-control study.Genotype of single nucleotide polymorphism (rs16917496) at the miR-502 binding site in the 3'UTR of SET8 mRNA in the CCRCC patients and healthy controls was tested and the association between genotype and risk of cancer was assessed. The expression of SET8 was determined by immunohistochemistry and the relationship between expression of SET8 and genotype of rs16917496 was analyzed.

RESULTS

In the control group, CC, CT and TT genotypes were found in 30, 32 and 68 persons, respectively, while in the CCRCC patients, CC, CT and TT genotypes were found in 14 , 47 and 79 cases, respectively.The frequencies of rs16917496 CT and TT genotypes in the CCRCC group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with the CC genotype, patients with CT and TT genotypes were more susceptible to develop CCRCC (P<0.05). CT and TT genotypes of rs16917496 at the miR-502 binding site of the SET8 gene were associated with expression of SET8.

CONCLUSIONS

Genotype of the SNP rs16917496 at the miR-502 binding site in the 3' untranslated region of the SET8 gene is associated with the expression of SET8 protein. Analysis of genetic polymorphisms in miRNA binding sites may help to identify the subgroups of population susceptible to CCRCC.

Experimental studies of the material properties of the forewing of cicada(Homóptera, Cicàdidae)

Detailed investigations on the structural and mechanical properties of the forewing of the cicada were carried out. Measurement of the structures of the wings showed that the thickness of the membrane of each cell and the diameter of each vein were non-uniform in both the longitudinal and transverse directions, and their means were approximately 12.2 and 133.3 μm,respectively. However, the aspect ratios of the wings and the bodies were quite uniform and were approximately equal to 2.98 and 2.13, respectively. Based on the measured thickness, mass and area of the membranes of the cells,the mean density and the mean area density of the wing were approximately 2.3 g cm-3 and 2.8×10-3 g cm-2,respectively. In addition, the diameters of the veins of the wings, including the diameters of the holes in the vein of the leading edge, were examined. The mechanical properties of the wing were investigated separately by nanoindentation and tensile testing. The results indicated that the mean Young's modulus, hardness and yield stress of the membranes of the wings were approximately 3.7 GPa, 0.2 GPa and 29 MPa, respectively, and the mean Young's modulus and strength of the veins along the direction of the venation of wings were approximately 1.9 GPa and 52 MPa, respectively. Finally, the relevant results were briefly analyzed and discussed, providing a guideline to the biomimetic design of the aerofoil materials of micro air vehicles.

Structural and mechanical properties of the organic matrix layers of nacre

The type of nanostructure referred to in biomineralization as a mineral bridge has been directly observed and measured in the organic matrix layers of nacre by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Statistical analysis provides the geometric characteristics and a distribution law of the mineral bridges in the organic matrix layers. Experiments reveal that the nanostructures significantly influences the mechanical properties of the organic matrix layers. In addition, the mechanical analysis illustrates the effects of the nanostructures on the behaviors of the organic matrix layers, and the analytical results explain the corresponding experimental phenomena fairly well. The present study shows that the mineral bridges play a key role in the mechanical performances of the organic matrix layers of nacre. The results obtained provide a guide to the interfacial design of synthetic materials.

[The distribution and homology of mitochondrial plasmid-like DNAs in different cucumber varieties]

Four kinds of mitochondrial plasmid-like DNA, designated pC1, pC2, pC3 and pC4, have been found in cucumber (Jinyan No. 4). Their distribution in 14 Cucumber varieties was analyzed. Plasmid-like DNAs were detected in Jinchun No. 2, Jinchun No. 5, Jinxinmici, Jinlu No. 4 and Jinyan No. 4, and the rest 9 varieties contained no plasmid-like DNAs, suggesting that their distribution is irregular. There was homology among the same plasmid-like DNA family in different varieties. pC4 showed homology to the nuclear DNA of Jinyan No. 4, in addition to the nuclear genomes of other 7 varieties either with plasmid-like DNAs or without. The homologous sequences of pC4 in the cucumber nuclear DNA were repetitive. Sequences homologous to pC4 were also found in the nuclear genomes of towel gourd and pumpkin (other cucurbitaceous plant). Therefore, we propose that mitochondrial plasmid-like DNA occurred before cucumber diverged from cucurbit and had integrated into the nuclear DNA. The varieties without plasmid-like DNAs might lost them during evolution.

Manipulation of the 'zinc cluster' region of transcriptional activator LEU3 by site-directed mutagenesis

The transcriptional activator LEU3 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae belongs to a family of lower eukaryotic DNA binding proteins with a well-conserved DNA binding motif known as the Zn(II)2Cys6 binuclear cluster. We have constructed mutations in LEU3 that affect either one of the conserved cysteines (Cys47) or one of several amino acids located within a variable subregion of the DNA binding motif. LEU3 proteins with a mutation at Cys47 were very poor activators which could not be rescued by supplying Zn(II) to the growth medium. Mutations within the variable subregion were generally well-tolerated. Only two of seven mutations in this region generated poor activators, and both could be reactivated by Zn(II) supplements. Three of the other five mutations gave rise to activators that were better than wild type. One of these, His50Cys, exhibited a 1.5 fold increase in in vivo target gene activation and a notable increase in the affinity for target DNA. The properties of the His50Cys mutant are discussed in terms of a variant structure of the DNA binding motif. During the course of this work, evidence was obtained suggesting that only one of the two LEU3 protein-DNA complexes routinely seen actually activates transcription. The other (which may contain an additional protein factor) does not.

Yeast regulatory protein LEU3: a structure-function analysis

Eleven mutations resulting in partially deleted or truncated LEU3 protein were generated by linker insertion or other modifications at restriction sites, deletion of restriction fragments, or oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis. Functional studies of these mutants showed the following: (i) A specific DNA binding region is contained within the 173 N-terminal residues, but other regions of the protein are required for optimal binding. (ii) Activation of LEU2 expression depends on the C-terminal 113 residues of the LEU3 protein. (iii) Deletion of part or all of a central section of LEU3 eliminates the ability of the LEU3 protein to respond to the co-activator alpha-isopropylmalate, i.e. creates an unmodulated activator. (iv) Overproduction of unmodulated activator slows down cell growth. (v) Specific deletion of two short acidic regions, including one with net charge - 19, has only minor effects on activation and modulation.

[Study on "massage to activate the meridian" apparatus in the treatment of cholecystolithiasis]

This apparatus is designed in accordance with the doctrine and principles of traditional Chinese medicine and based on the theory of meridian and specific massage procedure in conjunction with the "Information Theory" and electron utilizing technique. It utilizes a programmed induction "Special Wave" to stimulate a series of acupuncture points, combined with administration of western drugs from a regime of "General Attack" treatment on the gallbladder stones, to enhance their evacuation. By stimulating the specific acupuncture points with this apparatus through the action of "Special Wave" strong contraction of the gallbladder can be elicitated. Experiments on dogs showed that under such stimulation the intra-gallbladder pressure can be increased 26 times, producing a jet of bile flow which facilitates the expulsion and evacuation of stones in the gallbladder. Method of use: first place a conductive rubber pad on the acupuncture point to be stimulated, then use a hand-held electrode to massage-stimulate the meridian. It is carried out forward and backward along the direction of meridian. The whole procedure is carried out under direct visualization with the help of ultrasonic B-scan. When dilatation of the common bile duct is observed, the hand-help electrode is used to perform push-compress massage on the meridian, and acupuncture points making the stones enter the common bile duct B-scan give proper orientation for the manipulation. This method has been tested clinically on 410 patients with good results. The evacuation rate of the gallbladder stones was 92.7% with complete evacuation achieved in 17.3%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)