Network Pharmacology Analysis and Machine-Learning Models Confirmed the Ability of YiShen HuoXue Decoction to Alleviate Renal Fibrosis by Inhibiting Pyroptosis

Purpose

YiShen HuoXue decoction (YSHXD) is a formulation that has been used clinically for the treatment of renal fibrosis (RF) for many years. We aimed to clarify therapeutic effects of YSHXD against RF and potential pharmacological mechanisms.

Materials and Methods

We used network pharmacology analysis and machine-learning to screen the core components and core targets of YSHXD against RF, followed by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to confirm the reliability of the results. Finally, we validated the network pharmacology analysis experimentally in HK-2 cells and a rat model of RF established by unilateral ureteral ligation (UUO).

Results

Quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, beta-sitosterol, wogonin, stigmasterol, isorhamnetin, baicalein, and dihydrotanshinlactone progesterone were identified as the main active components of YSHXD in the treatment of unilateral ureteral ligation-induced RF, with IL-6, IL1β, TNF, AR, and PTGS2 as core target proteins. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations further confirmed the relationship between compounds and target proteins. The potential molecular mechanism of YSHXD predicted by network pharmacology analysis was confirmed in HK-2 cells and UUO rats. YSHXD downregulated NLRP3, ASC, NF-κBp65, Caspase-1, GSDMD, PTGS2, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α, α-SMA and upregulated HGF, effectively alleviating the RF process.

Conclusion

YSHXD exerts important anti-inflammatory and anti-cellular inflammatory necrosis effects by inhibiting the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis pathway, indicating that YSHXD represents a new strategy and complementary approach to RF therapy.

[Arsenic speciation and valence]

As arsenic widely exists in nature and has been used in the pharmaceutical preparations, the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) with arsenic include realgar(As_2S_2 or As_4S_4), orpiment(As_2S_3), and white arsenic(As_2O_3). Among the above representative medicine, the TCM compound formulas with realgar are utilized extensively. Just in Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition), there are 37 Chinese patent medicines including realgar. The traditional element analysis focuses on the detection of the total amount of elements, which neglects the study on the speciation and valence of elements. The activity, toxicity, bioavailability, and metabolic pathways of arsenic in vivo are closely related to the existence of its form, and different forms of arsenic have different effects on organisms. Therefore, the study on the speciation and valence of arsenic is of great importance for arsenic-containing TCMs and their compound formulas. This paper reviewed four aspects of the speciation and valence of arsenic, including property, absorption and metabolism, toxicity, and analytical assay.

What, Where, and How to Collect Real-World Data and Generate Real-World Evidence to Support Drug Reimbursement Decision-Making in Asia: A reflection Into the Past and A Way Forward

BACKGROUND

Globally, there is increasing interest in the use of real-world data (RWD) and real-world evidence (RWE) to inform health technology assessment (HTA) and reimbursement decision-making. Using current practices and case studies shared by eleven health systems in Asia, a non-binding guidance that seeks to align practices for generating and using RWD/RWE for decision-making in Asia was developed by the REAL World Data In ASia for HEalth Technology Assessment in Reimbursement (REALISE) Working Group, addressing a current gap and needs among HTA users and generators.

METHODS

The guidance document was developed over two face-to-face workshops, in addition to an online survey, a face-to-face interview and pragmatic search of literature. The specific focus was on what, where and how to collect RWD/ RWE.

RESULTS

All 11 REALISE member jurisdictions participated in the online survey and the first in-person workshop, 10 participated in the second in-person workshop, and 8 participated in the in-depth face-to-face interviews. The guidance document was iteratively reviewed by all working group members and the International Advisory Panel. There was substantial variation in: (a) sources and types of RWD being used in HTA, and (b) the relative importance and prioritization of RWE being used for policy-making. A list of national-level databases and other sources of RWD available in each country was compiled. A list of useful guidance on data collection, quality assurance and study design were also compiled.

CONCLUSION

The REALISE guidance document serves to align the collection of better quality RWD and generation of reliable RWE to ultimately inform HTA in Asia.

[Monoterpenoids from Paeoniae Radix Rubra based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS]

The ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was used to conduct the qualitative analysis of the monoterpene chemical components from Paeoniae Radix Rubra. Gradient elution was performed on C_(18) HD(2.1 mm×100 mm, 2.5 μm) column with a mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid(A) and acetonitrile(B). The flow rate was 0.4 mL·min~(-1) and the column temperature was 30 ℃. MS analysis was conducted in both positive and negative ionization modes using electrospray ionization(ESI) source. Qualitative Analysis 10.0 was used for data processing. The identification of chemical components was realized by the combination of standard compounds, fragmentation patterns, and mass spectra data reported in the literature. Forty-one monoterpenoids in Paeoniae Radix Rubra extract were identified. Among them, 8 compounds were reported in Paeoniae Radix Rubra for the first time and 1 was presumed to be the new compound 5″-O-methyl-galloylpaeoniflorin or its positional isomer. The method in this study realizes the rapid identification of monoterpenoids from Paeoniae Radix Rubra and provides a material and scientific basis for quality control and further study on the pharmaceutical effect of Paeoniae Radix Rubra.

[Research progress of the application of methacrylic anhydride gelatin hydrogel in wound repair]

Wound repair is a common clinical problem, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients and also brings a heavy burden to the society. Hydrogel-based multifunctional dressing has shown strong potential in the treatment of acute and chronic wounds. In addition to its good histocompatibility, cell adhesion, and biodegradability, methacrylic anhydride gelatin (GelMA) hydrogel has also attracted much attention due to its low cost, mild reaction conditions, adjustable physicochemical properties, and wide clinical applications. In this paper, the characteristics of GelMA hydrogel and its research progress in wound repair are introduced, and the future development of multifunctional GelMA hydrogel dressing for wound treatment is prospected.

[Effects of moderate dose rosuvastatin on carotid plaque in patients with diabetes mellitus evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging]

Objective: To observe the effect of lipid regulating therapy on carotid atherosclerotic plaque in diabetic patients. Methods: The REACH study, conducted between March 2009 and February 2012, enrolled asymptomatic patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed carotid atherosclerotic plaque, who had never taken lipid-lowering drugs. Patients were treated with a moderate dose of rosuvastatin for 24 months. Blood lipid levels were measured and carotid MRI was performed at baseline, 3 and 24 months after treatment. The volume of carotid wall and lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) were measured by image analysis software. This study retrospectively analyzed patients in the REACH study. Patients were divided into diabetes group and non-diabetic group. The changes of blood lipid level and MRI parameters of carotid atherosclerotic plaque were compared between the two groups and their correlation was analyzed. Results: A total of 38 patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaque were included in this study, including 13 patients (34.2%) in the diabetic group and 25 patients (65.8%) in the non-diabetic group. Baseline parameters were comparable between the two groups, except higher HbA1c level in diabetes group (P<0.05). Compared with baseline, the total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) levels were significantly decreased at 3 and 24 months in both two groups (P<0.05). The change of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in diabetes group was not obvious, while it was significantly increased in non-diabetic group at 24 months ((1.38±0.33) mmol/l vs. (1.26±0.26) mmol/l, P<0.05). MRI results showed that the volume and percentage of LRNC remained unchanged at 3 months, slightly decreased at 24 months (64.86 (45.37, 134.56) mm³ vs. 75.76 (48.20, 115.64) mm³, P>0.05) and (15.84% (11.47%, 24.85%) vs. 16.95% (11.64%, 22.91%), P>0.05) in diabetic group. In non-diabetic group, the volume and percentage of LRNC were significantly decreased at 3 months (63.01 (44.25, 188.64) mm³ vs. 72.49 (51.91, 199.59) mm³, P<0.05) and (13.76% (8.81%, 27.64%) vs. 16.04% (11.18%, 27.05%), P<0.05) respectively. Both parameters further decreased to (55.63 (27.18, 179.40) mm³) and (12.71% (8.39%, 24.41%)) at 24 months (both P<0.05). Wall volume, lumen volume and percent wall volume (PWV) were not affected post therapy in both two groups(P>0.05). There were no correlations between the changes of plaque parameters including volume and percentage of LRNC, wall volume, lumen volume, PWV and the changes of blood lipid parameters (TC, LDL-C, HDL-C and TG) in 3 and 24 months (P>0.05). Conclusion: Lipid-lowering therapy possesses different effects on carotid atherosclerotic plaque in diabetic and non-diabetic patients, and the LRNC improvement is more significant in non-diabetic patients as compared to diabetic patients.

UPLC-MS/MS method for the determination of the herb composition of Tangshen formula and the in vivo pharmacokinetics of its metabolites in rat plasma

INTRODUCTION

Tangshen formula (TSF) is a traditional Chinese medicine composed of seven medicinal herbs including Astragalus membranaceus, Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch, Citrus aurantium L., etc. which is used to treat diabetic nephropathy III, IV qi and yin deficiency and stasis syndrome. Most of the studies on TSF are pharmacological and pharmacodynamic experiments. There are few basic studies on its chemical substances, and the effective constituents are not clear.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the main chemical components of TSF and the absorbed components in rat plasma following oral administration based on liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Moreover, providing a rapid and valid analytical strategy for simultaneous determination of six components in rat plasma and use it in pharmacokinetic studies.

RESULTS

A total of 132 components were identified in TSF, and 44 components were identified in rat plasma after oral TSF, 35 of which were prototype components and nine were metabolic components. A sensitive and reliable LC-MS/MS method was developed for simultaneous determination of six components in rat plasma. The intra-day and inter-day precision relative standard deviation (RSD) was lower than 15%; the accuracy of low, medium and high concentrations ranged from 80% to 120%. The recovery met the requirements and the RSD of the recoveries was less than 15%.

CONCLUSION

A total of 132 components were identified in TSF. The LC-MS/MS quantitative method for the simultaneous determination of morroniside, loganin, notoginsenoside R₁ , ginsenoside Re, ginsenoside Rb₁ and astragaloside IV in rat plasma was established for the first time. The pharmacokinetic parameters are clarified, which can guide the clinical medication of TSF.

Latent profile analysis of self-perceptions of ageing among Chinese community-dwelling older adults

BACKGROUND

Self-perceptions of ageing (SPA) is an important predictor for physical and mental health of older adults in successful ageing. SPA is mainly studied from negative or positive perspectives using variable-centred methodologies. The aim of the current study was to explore distinct profiles of SPA among Chinese community-dwelling older adults using a person-centred method and validate the SPA profiles by examining associations with psychological outcomes.

METHODS

Participants aged 65 and over were randomly divided into test and validation samples (n = 451, respectively). SPA was measured by the Brief Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire using latent profile analysis.

RESULTS

Three SPA profiles were identified. One adaptive subgroup was designated as 'Low ageing awareness and high positive control' (LAPC, 84.7% and 75% in both samples, respectively). Two maladaptive SPA subgroups were designated as 'Low positive consequences and control' (LPCC, 3.9% and 8.2% in both samples, respectively), and 'High ageing awareness and negative control' (HANC, 11.4% and 16.8% in both samples, respectively). Similar to negative/positive SPA, the HANC and LAPC subgroups showed the highest and lowest levels of depressive symptoms and cognitive decline. Low cognitive function was found in the LPCC subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the heterogeneity of older adults' SPA. SPA profiles may aid community healthcare providers in China to identify individuals with high risk of maladaptive SPA and to tailor targeted interventions for psychological health in later life. Distinct SPA profiles require different interventions targeting negative or positive control or both aspects. More positive control strategies might be beneficial for cognitive functioning in older adults from the LPCC subgroup.

New Insights into the Role of Oral Microbiota Dysbiosis in the Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic intestinal inflammatory disorders with a prolonged duration characterized by recurrent relapse and remission. The exact etiology of IBD remains poorly understood despite the identification of relevant risk factors, including individual genetic susceptibility, environmental triggers, and disruption of immune homeostasis. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is believed to exacerbate the progression of IBD. Recently, increasing evidence has also linked oral microbiota dysbiosis with the development of IBD. On the one hand, IBD patients show significantly unbalanced composition and function of the oral microbiota known as dysbiosis. On the other, overabundances of oral commensal bacteria with opportunistic pathogenicity have been found in the gut microbiota of IBD patients. Herein, we review the current information on the causative factors of IBD, especially recent evidence of IBD-associated oral microbiota dysbiosis, which has seldom been covered in the previous literature review, highlighting the pathogenic mechanisms of specific oral bacteria in the development of IBD. Ectopic colonization of several oral bacteria, including a subset of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Streptococcus mutans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Campylobacter concisus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, may lead to destruction of the intestinal epithelial barrier, excessive secretion of inflammatory cytokines, disruption of the host immune system, and dysbiosis of gut microbiota, consequently aggravating chronic intestinal inflammation. Studying oral microbiota dysbiosis may open future horizons for understanding IBD pathogenesis and provide novel biomarkers for IBD. This review also presents the current treatment and new perspectives for IBD treatment.

[Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma: a clinicopathological and prognostic analysis of 27 cases]

Objective: To study the clinical manifestations, pathologic features, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (LPL/WM). Methods: Twenty-seven cases of LPL from January 2016 to December 2020 at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital were collected. The clinical data, histomorphology, immunophenotype, MYD88 L265P mutation, treatment and prognosis were analyzed retrospectively. Results: There were 19 males and 8 female patients, with median age of 63 years. The most common initial symptoms were fatigue related to anemia. Bone marrow was involved in all cases, lymphadenopathy was seen in 11 cases and splenomegaly in 10 cases. Monoclonal IgM type protein was detected in 25 cases, meeting the diagnostic criteria of WM. Microscopically, bone marrow and lymph nodes were infiltrated by small lymphocytes, plasmacytoid lymphocytes or plasma cells. The cells expressed pan B-cell markers and showed immunoglobulin light chain restriction. There was no expression of CD5, and low expression of CD23 and CD10; Ki-67 index was usually low. The positive rate of MYD88 L265P mutation was 73.9% (17/23). Most of the patients were treated with rituximab combined with alkylating agents, nucleoside analogues or immunomodulators, and the few patients with relapse or progression were treated with Ibutinib. During the 3-168 months' follow-up period, recurrence or progression were seen in nine cases. Thrombocytopenia, elevated β2-microglobulin and high-risk group were associated with recurrence or progression of the disease (P<0.05). The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of the high-risk patients were significantly lower than those of the low-medium risk patients (P<0.05). Conclusions: LPL/WM is an exclusive diagnosis; the detection of MYD88 L265P mutation has high diagnostic value, but it is not specific. These cases should be assessed comprehensively for their clinical manifestation, serum IgM protein level and immunophenotype. The overall prognosis of LPL/WM is good, but there are still a small number of high-risk patients with rapid progress, and so the symptomatic patients should be diagnosed accurately and treated in a timely manner.

[Obstructive sleep apnea and metabolic syndrome: an association study based on a large sample clinical database]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MS) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods: From July 2007 to June 2017, a total of 8 155 adult subjects, including 6 484 males and 1 671 females, aged 18-90 (43.13±12.28), body mass index 14.61~59.56 (25.59±3.98) kg/m²,who were admitted to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology head and Neck surgery of The Sixth People's Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent polysomnography and biochemical tests. Subjects were divided into four groups (non-OSA, mild OSA, moderate OSA, and severe OSA) according to OSA severity. The prevalence of MS was expressed as percentage, and the correlation between OSA and MS and its characteristic pathophysiological indicators was evaluated by logistic regression model after adjusting for factors such as gender, age, BMI, neck circumference, hip circumference, smoking and alcohol consumption, and was expressed by odds ratio (OR). SPSS 25.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: The overall prevalence of MS was 43.6%, and that of non-/mild/moderate/severe OSA group was 18.6%, 30.4%, 43.8%, 57.1%.Logistic regression showed that patients with mild/moderate/severe OSA had an increased risk of MS compared with non-OSA patients, with adjusted OR values and confidence intervals of 1.27 (1.05-1.54), 1.84 (1.53-2.22), and 2.08 (1.76-2.46), respectively (P<0.01).In addition, indicators of OSA anoxic burden [oxygen drop index(T_oxygen=7.1), minimum blood oxygen(T_minimum=56.3), blood oxygen saturation below 90% cumulative time ratio (T_CT90=10.6) ]were closely associated with MS disease(P<0.01), but sleep fragmentation index (arousals index) was not significantly associated with MS disease. Conclusion: The risk of MS gradually increases with the severity of OSA, and the indicators reflecting OSA hypoxia burden are closely related to MS disease.

P–570 Embryos originating from oocytes with smooth endoplasmic reticulum clusters have a lower euploidy rate via PGT-A testing using next-generation sequencing

Study question

Does the presence of smooth endoplasmic reticulum clusters (sERCs) in oocytes affect the human embryo ploidy?

Summary answer

The euploidy rate of embryos originating from sERCs + oocytes is lower

What is known already

While an expert panel strongly recommended that sERCs+ oocytes should not be inseminated, some normal healthy babies derived from sERCs+ oocytes have been reported. In previous studies have shown that declined fertilization rate and lower proportions of good quality embryos are found in oocytes showing sERCs. The updating findings of the molecular status of sERC+ oocytes elucidated the sERCs+ oocytes may have impaired chromosomal segregation ability. However, no study reveals the relation between sERCs and embryo ploidy.

Study design, size, duration

A retrospective study enrolled 129 preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) cycles from January 2017 to March 2020 at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Lonkou.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

ICSI fertilization rate, Day5 usable blastocyst rate (D5UBR), total usable blastocyst rate (TUBR), euploidy rate, mosaic rate, and aneuploidy rate are investigated between embryo originating from sERCs+ and sERCs- oocytes.

Main results and the role of chance

Although higher TBUR in blastocyst derived from sERCs+ oocytes than sERCs- group (73.7% vs. 62.5%) but accompanied lower euploidy rate (7% vs. 29%) and higher aneuploid rate (79% vs. 54%).

Limitations, reasons for caution

Limited sample size, need a large-scale study to confirm the conclusion. The live-birth rate per embryo transfer cycle was not included for analysis. As we did not perform polar body analysis, we cannot state for sure that embryonic aneuploidy was related to the oocyte.

Wider implications of the findings: This study demonstrates that embryos originating from sERCs+ oocytes have a lower euploidy rate.

Trial registration number

CMRPG3H0751

Inhibitory effects of lactoferrin on pulmonary inflammatory processes induced by lipopolysaccharide by modulating the TLR4-related pathway

This study tested the ability of lactoferrin to modulate pulmonary inflammation. To construct in vitro and in vivo inflammatory lung models, cells from the human lung adenocarcinoma cell line (A549) were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 µg/mL), and mice (CD-1) were intratracheally administered LPS [10 mg/kg of body weight (BW), tracheal lumen injection], respectively. The A549 cells were preincubated with lactoferrin (10 mg/mL), and the mice were intraperitoneally injected with lactoferrin (100 mg/kg of BW), followed by LPS treatment. The concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) in culture medium of A549 cells and in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of the mice were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The toll-like receptor 4-related pathway (TLR4/MyD88/IRAK1/TRAF6/NFκB) was determined at gene and protein expression levels in A549 cells and mouse lung tissue. Results showed that LPS treatment significantly elevated the concentrations of IL-1β and TNF-α in the A549 cell culture medium and in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of the mice; it also elevated both the mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4 and the TLR4 downstream factors in A549 cells and mouse lung tissue. Nevertheless, lactoferrin apparently depressed the releases of IL-1β and TNF-α from A549 cells and lung tissues stimulated by LPS, and significantly suppressed the TLR4 signaling pathway. Lactoferrin also promoted the enhancement of miR-146a expression in A549 cells and mouse lung tissue. Moreover, 100°C heating for 3 min caused total loss of the previously listed bioactivity of lactoferrin. Collectively, we proved that lactoferrin intervened in LPS-induced inflammation in the pulmonary cell model and in the mouse model, through inhibiting the TLR4-related pathway.

Synergistic Cu/Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylation: a facile access to α-quaternary cysteine derivatives

An efficient synthetic methodology to access biologically important and synthetically useful α-quaternary cysteine derivatives via asymmetric catalytic α-allylation of readily available 2-thiazoline-4-carboxylates was successfully developed through a synergistic Cu/Pd catalytic system. A wide array of α-quaternary cysteine derivatives were obtained in moderate to high yields with good to excellent enantioselectivities (45-98% yields and 69->99% ee). Gram-scale asymmetric allylation was performed to obtain high yields maintaining the enantioselectivity. Moreover, some synthetic transformations to access chiral spirocyclic compounds proceeded smoothly, which exhibited the important utility of this methodology.

The micro-volume liquid focusing effect in Janus membrane and its biosensing application

The micro-volume analysis and specific detection are both essential requirements in the field of chemical sensing and biological testing. Membrane prefiltration can be used to improve the selectivity and accuracy of detection. But for traditional porous membrane filtration, it is difficult to achieve the transmembrane transport of micro-volume liquid due to the influence of lateral diffusion on membrane surface. Herein, we studied the focused transmembrane transport of micro-volume liquid in the porous polyethersulfone membrane with asymmetric (Janus) surface wettability. The hydrophilic layer (polydopamine) and hydrophobic layer (fluoropolymer) were deposited with controllable thickness by dip-coating and roller-assisted liquid printing. The micro-volume liquid focusing effect was verified by experiments such as visual wetting circle and fluorescent tracer. The liquid focusing effect of as-prepared Janus membrane was integrated with glucose test strip in the application of micro-volume liquid biosensing. Compared with conventional porous membrane, detected signal amplitude and response time were improved 7.5× and 2.7×, respectively. In summary, this research studied the dynamics of liquid transport through Janus membrane and provides a new strategy for microfluidic detection applications through balancing detection volume, time and selectivity by the advantage of micro-volume liquid focusing effect.

Evaluation of controlled attenuation parameter in assessing hepatic steatosis in patients with autoimmune liver diseases

BACKGROUND

Hepatic steatosis commonly occurs in some chronic liver diseases and may affect disease progression.

AIM

To investigate the performance of controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) for the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis in patients with autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs).

METHODS

Patients who were suspected of having AILDs and underwent liver biopsy were consistently enrolled. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and CAP were performed by transient elastography. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was used to evaluate the performance of CAP for diagnosing hepatic steatosis compared with biopsy.

RESULTS

Among 190 patients with biopsy-proven hepatic steatosis, 69 were diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), 18 with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and 27 with AIH-PBC overlap syndrome. The AUROCs of CAP for the diagnosis of steatosis in AILDS were 0.878 (0.791-0.965) for S1, 0.764 (0.676-0.853) for S2, and 0.821 (0.716-0.926) for S3. The CAP value was significantly related to hepatic steatosis grade (P < 0.001). Among 69 patients with AIH, the median CAP score was 205.63 ± 47.36 dB/m for S0, 258.41 ± 42.83 dB/m for S1, 293.00 ± 37.18 dB/m for S2, and 313.60 ± 27.89 dB/m for S3. Compared with patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) presenting with autoimmune markers, patients with AIH concomitant with NAFLD were much older and had higher serum IgG levels and LSM values.

CONCLUSION

CAP can be used as a noninvasive diagnostic method to evaluate hepatic steatosis in patients with AILDs. Determination of LSM combined with CAP may help to identify patients with AIH concomitant with NAFLD from those with NAFLD with autoimmune phenomena.

Regulation of lipid-induced macrophage polarization through modulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma activity affects hepatic lipid metabolism via a Toll-like receptor 4/NF-κB signaling pathway

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Chronic inflammation links closely to insulin resistance and lipid metabolism in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Macrophage M1 activation plays an important role in the initiation and continuing of pro-inflammatory response of NAFLD. Our study was to investigate whether macrophage M1/M2 polarization switching would affect hepatic inflammation and lipid metabolism through modulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) activity in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with different fatty acids, and cell culture supernatants were collected to prepare conditioned media (CM). Different co-culture systems between primary hepatocytes and CM from macrophages were established. A PPAR-γ agonist or antagonist was administered to regulate PPAR-γ activity and macrophage polarization. M1/M2 phenotype markers, inflammatory signaling pathway, and lipid-related genes expression were determined. Wild-type C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet to induce NAFLD and given rosiglitazone to regulate PPAR-γ activity in vivo.

RESULTS

Saturated fatty acids induced M1-polarized macrophages while polyunsaturated fatty acids induced M2-polarized macrophages. M1-polarized macrophages significantly promoted lipid synthesis and accumulation in primary hepatocytes through upregulation of a toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB signaling pathway. The PPAR-γ agonist made lipid-induced M1-polarized macrophages switch to an M2-predominant phenotype, while PPAR-γ antagonist had the opposite effect. Macrophage polarization shifting subsequently affected lipid metabolism in primary hepatocytes. Administration of rosiglitazone improved high-fat diet induced hepatic steatosis and lipid metabolism through reducing hepatic TLR4/NF-κB expression and M1-polarized Kupffer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Lipid-induced macrophage M1 polarization promoted hepatic lipid metabolism. Modulation of PPAR-γ activity could shift macrophage polarization and subsequently affect lipid metabolism. Upregulation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway is closely linked to dysregulated lipid metabolism in NAFLD.

High-throughput sequencing provides insights into oral microbiota dysbiosis in association with inflammatory bowel disease

Although the prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been increasing worldwide, the etiology remains elusive. Investigating oral microbiota dysbiosis is essential to understanding IBD pathogenesis. Our study evaluated variations in salivary microbiota and identified potential associations with IBD. The saliva microbiota of 22 IBD patients and 8 healthy controls (HCs) was determined using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing and analyzed using QIIME2. A distinct saliva microbiota dysbiosis in IBD, characterized by alterations in microbiota biodiversity and composition, was identified. Saccharibacteria (TM7), Absconditabacteria (SR1), Leptotrichia, Prevotella, Bulleidia, and Atopobium, some of which are oral biofilm-forming bacteria, were significantly increased. Moreover, levels of inflammatory cytokines associated with IBD were elevated and positively correlated with TM7 and SR1. Functional variations include down-regulation of genetic information processing, while up-regulation of carbohydrate metabolism and protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum in IBD. Our data implicate salivary microbiota dysbiosis involving in IBD pathogenesis.

[Method of dietary nutritional status assessment and its application in cohort study of nutritional epidemiology]

Minimizing the burden on study subjects and assessing the general dietary nutritional status as accurately as possible are the basis of a nutritional epidemiological cohort study in the general population. While introducing the main dietary nutrition assessment methods, this paper manly describes the basic contents and principles for the development of food frequency questionnaire, and briefly illustrates the problems and solutions for the development of area specific food frequency questionnaires by taking the example of Tianjin Chronic Low-grade Systemic Inflammation and Health (TCLSIH) cohort study. Finally, discusses preliminarily the necessity and possibility of developing a national food frequency questionnaire.

Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of CuC₂O₄·xH₂O and CuC₂O₄·xH₂O/Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Pure CuC₂O₄·xH₂O and CuC₂O₄·xH₂O/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) composites are synthesized by a low-temperature hydrothermal process. The structure and morphology of the products are analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and Raman spectrum. The results demonstrate that the as-prepared CuC₂O₄·xH₂O takes on a microsphere-like morphology, all CuC₂O₄·xH₂O/CNTs nanocomposites are constructed by the intertwining of tabular CuC₂O₄·xH₂O nanoparticles (NPs) and CNTs to form a tanglesome net. When evaluated as an anode materials for lithium ion batteries (LIBs), all CuC₂O₄·xH₂O/CNTs electrodes possess higher reversible discharge capacities (more than 1000 mAh g^-1) than the pure CuC₂O₄·xH₂O, up to 200th cycle at a current density of 100 mA g^-1. The results illustrate that the addition of CNTs can enhance the electrochemical performance of CuC₂O₄·xH₂O. Overall, CuC₂O₄·xH₂O/CNTs composite can be a promising candidate used as a promising anode for LIBs.

Pd-Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydroalkylation of 1,3-Dienes: Access to Unnatural α-Amino Acid Derivatives Containing Vicinal Quaternary and Tertiary Stereogenic Centers

Pd-phosphinooxazoline (Pd-PHOX)-catalyzed asymmetric hydroalkylation of 1,3-dienes with azlactones was successfully developed for the first time, affording various enantioenriched α-quaternary α-amino acid derivatives bearing contiguous quaternary and tertiary stereogenic centers in good yields with exclusive regioselectivity and excellent stereoselective control (up to 92% yield, >20:1 dr, and >99% ee). The scale-up catalytic asymmetric hydroalkylation was performed well without loss of reactivity and stereoselectivities, which exhibited great potential application. The synthetic utility of the current methodology was demonstrated through product transformations to access other biologically important compounds such as chiral β-amino alcohol and α-quaternary cyclic α-amino acid derivatives.

[Value of ceramide in the diagnosis and risk prediction of coronary artery disease]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical values of 4 types of ceramides (Cer1, Cer2, Cer3, Cer4) in the coronary artery stenosis, clinical diagnosis and risk prediction. Methods: A total of 890 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) in Beijing Anzhen Hospital between March 2018 and August 2018 were enrolled. The relationships between different degrees of coronary artery stenosis and ceramide levels was investigated. Diagnostic value of ceramides on acute myocardial infarction was analyzed. Meanwhile, Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in 1 year after discharging were collected to evaluate the predictive value of ceramides on risk of CHD and stroke. Results: This study showed that there were no significant differences of ceramide levels in CHD patients with different degrees of coronary artery stenosis (P>0.05), and the area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction patients was 0.725. Conclusions: Ceramide is proved to be helpful in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction and MACCE prediction. The relationships between ceramide and degrees of coronary artery stenosis as well as the prognosis of CHD need further elucidation.

Impact of a pharmacist-led education and follow-up service on anticoagulation control and safety outcomes at a tertiary hospital in China: a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-led anticoagulation service on international normalised ratio (INR) control and other outcomes among patients receiving warfarin therapy at a tertiary hospital in Zhuhai, China.

METHODS

In this randomised controlled trial, adult patients who were newly initiated on warfarin with intended treatment duration of at least 3 months were recruited. Participants were randomly allocated to receive the pharmacist-led education and follow-up service (PEFS) or usual care (UC). Anticoagulation control was calculated as the proportions of time within the target INR range (TTR) and time within the expanded target range (TER).

KEY FINDINGS

A total of 152 participants (77 in the PEFS group and 75 in the UC group) were included. Within 180 days after hospital discharge, the PEFS group spent more TER than the UC group (54.4% versus 42.0%; P = 0.024), whereas the difference in TTR did not reach statistical significance (35.9% versus 29.5%; P = 0.203). No major bleeding events were observed, and the cumulative incidences of major thromboembolic events (6.5% versus 9.3%) and mortality (1.3% versus 1.3%) were similar between the two groups (P> 0.05). At 30 days postdischarge, the PEFS group had better warfarin knowledge by answering 57.5% of questions correctly, compared with the UC group (43.0%) (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

The PEFS markedly enhanced anticoagulation control and warfarin knowledge but there was room for improvement. The expansion of pharmacists' clinical role and the development of more effective education and follow-up strategies are warranted to optimise anticoagulation management services in China.

Top-Down Strategy of Implantable Biosensor Using Adaptable, Porous Hollow Fibrous Membrane

Fabrication of an outer membrane is crucial for an implantable biosensor to enhance the long-term stability and accuracy of sensors. Herein, an adaptable, controllable, porous outer membrane for an implantable biosensor was fabricated using a "top-down" method, allowing maximum retention of enzyme activity and fine control over membrane microstructure. Polysulfone hollow fibrous membranes with different pore sizes and porosities were used as a base membrane. Chitosan (CH) and sodium alginate (SA) were self-assembled on the inner surface of PSfHM to construct a biocompatible and conductive interface between PSfHM and the electrode. In vitro and in vivo experiments were used to evaluate the performance of implantable glucose biosensors with PSfHM and CH/SA modified PSfHM (PSfHM-CH/SA). The glucose biosensor with PSfHM-CH/SA exhibited a more stable output current than bare sensors and a quick response time (<50 s). The glucose biosensor with PSfHM-CH/SA linear sensing range was between 0 and 22 mM ( R² = 0.9905), and relative sensitivity remained at >87% within 7 days and >76% within 15 days. Furthermore, response currents recorded by implanted sensors closely followed the blood glucose trend from the tail vein blood during in vivo experiments.

[HER2 status in gastric adenocarcinoma of Chinese: a multicenter study of 40 842 patients]

Objective: To investigation HER2 status in gastric adenocarcinoma of Chinese and contributing factors to the HER2 expression. Methods: HER2 status of 40 842 gastric adenocarcinomas and clinical data were retrospectively collected from 23 hospitals dated from 2013 to 2016. The association between HER2 positivity and clinicopathologic features was analyzed. Results: Of the 40 842 patients the median age was 62 years, the male female ratio was 2.6∶1.0. The rate of HER2 positivity was 8.8% (3 577/40 842). HER2 expression was related to the tissue type, tumor location, Lauren classification and tumor differentiation (P values: 0.009, 0.001, <0.01 and <0.01, respectively). Different HER2 expression status was observed between primary and recurrent tumors in 7.6% (48/635) cases. The rates of HER2 positivity ranged from 2% to 10% among different institutions. The rates of HER2 FISH amplification were dramatically different among the 23 hospitals (0-100%) with an average rate of 10% (810/8 156) in patients with HER2 IHC 2+ . Conclusions: HER2 expression is associated with clinicopathologic characteristics. HER2 re-assessment of tumor tissue and use of in situ hybridization techniques increase HER2 positivity. The current retrospective study should reflect the HER2 status in gastric adenocarcinoma of Chinese patients.

Selective and Regenerable Surface Based on β-Cyclodextrin for Low-Density Lipoprotein Adsorption

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are a family of cyclic oligosaccharides, whose unique hydrophilic outer surface and lipophilic central cavity facilitate the formation of inclusion complexes with various biomolecules, such as cholesterol and phospholipids, via multi-interactions. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the main carrier of cholesterol in bloodstream and is associated with the progression of atherosclerosis. The surface of LDL is composed of a shell of phospholipids monolayer containing most of the free unesterified cholesterol as well as the single copy of apolipoprotein B-100. To date, various LDL adsorbents have been fabricated to interact with the biomolecules on LDL surface. Owing to its elegant structure, CD is considered to be a promising choice for preparation of more economical and effective LDL-adsorbing materials. Therefore, in this study, interaction between β-CD and LDL in solution was investigated by dynamic light scattering, circular dichroism, and ultraviolet spectroscopy. Further, a supramolecular surface based on β-CD was simply prepared by self-assembled monolayer on gold surface. The effect of hydrogen bond and the cavity of β-CD on the interaction between β-CD and LDL was particularly explored by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis. The SPR results showed that such β-CD-modified surface exhibited good selectivity and could be largely regenerated by sodium dodecyl sulfate wash. This study may extend the understanding of the interaction between LDL and LDL adsorbent or the design and development of more efficient and lower-cost LDL adsorbents in the future.

[Clinicopathologic features of myxoid adrenocortical adenomas]

Objective: To study the clinicopathologic characteristics, immunophenotype, pathologic diagnosis and differential diagnosis of myxoid adrenocortical adenomas. Methods: The clinical data, histological features and immunohistochemical results of 4 cases of myxoid adrenocortical adenomas were analyzed, which were collected from January 2014 to December 2016 at Guangdong General Hospital, with review of literature. Results: Four cases of myxoid adrenocortical adenomas were presented. The patients ages ranged from 26 to 45 years (mean =35 years). Microscopically, it showed a typical morphology, characterized by small-sized tumor cell cords or pseudo-glands embedded in an abundant extracellular myxoid matrix. Immunohistochemical staining showed tumor cells were strongly positive for Melan A, vimentin and focally for α-inhibin, one case showed strong and diffuse positivity for CAM5.2, and two cases showed diffuse positivity for synaptophysin, while negative for CgA, S-100 protein, epithelial antigen, CK7, CK20 and CKpan. Conclusions: Myxoid adrenocortical adenomas are extremely rare, which may cause confusion with metastatic well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours, sex cord-stromal tumoursor metanephric adenoma. Recognition of this entity would be beneficial for pathologists to avoid misdiagnosis, and unnecessary treatment.

A genome-wide association study for extremely high intelligence

We used a case-control genome-wide association (GWA) design with cases consisting of 1238 individuals from the top 0.0003 (~170 mean IQ) of the population distribution of intelligence and 8172 unselected population-based controls. The single-nucleotide polymorphism heritability for the extreme IQ trait was 0.33 (0.02), which is the highest so far for a cognitive phenotype, and significant genome-wide genetic correlations of 0.78 were observed with educational attainment and 0.86 with population IQ. Three variants in locus ADAM12 achieved genome-wide significance, although they did not replicate with published GWA analyses of normal-range IQ or educational attainment. A genome-wide polygenic score constructed from the GWA results accounted for 1.6% of the variance of intelligence in the normal range in an unselected sample of 3414 individuals, which is comparable to the variance explained by GWA studies of intelligence with substantially larger sample sizes. The gene family plexins, members of which are mutated in several monogenic neurodevelopmental disorders, was significantly enriched for associations with high IQ. This study shows the utility of extreme trait selection for genetic study of intelligence and suggests that extremely high intelligence is continuous genetically with normal-range intelligence in the population.

[Expression of βF1 and T cell receptor γ in T lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia]

Objective: To evaluate the expression of βF1 and T cell receptor (TCR)γ in T lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia(T-LBL/ALL), and investigate the clinicopathological features. Methods: Fifty-one cases of T-LBL/ALL were collected at Guangdong General Hospital from 2010 to 2016, the expression of βF1 and TCRγ was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Results: There were 13 cases of children and adolescents, and 38 cases of adults. The expression rates of βF1 and TCRγ were 27.5%(14/51) and 15.7%(8/51) respectively. The proportion of adults in αβ T-LBL/ALL, TCR-silent T-LBL/ALL and γδ T-LBL/ALL was 7/14, 79.3%(23/29)and 8/8 respectively, and the difference was significant (P=0.023). There was no statistical difference in sex, LDH, bone marrow involvement and Ann arbor stage among these three groups(P>0.05). γδ T-LBL/ALLs included 6 cases of CD4(-)/CD8(-) phenotype, whereas αβ T-LBL/ALL included 7 cases of CD4(+) /CD8(+) phenotype. There was significant difference in CD4/CD8 expression among these three groups(P<0.01). Conclusions: γδ T-LBL/ALL occurred only in adults, with predominantly CD4(-)/CD8(-) phenotype. αβ T-LBL/ALL occurred more common in children and adolescents, with predominantly CD4(+) /CD8(+) phenotype.

Novel chaetospirolactone and orsellide F from an endophytic fungus Chaetomium sp

Chaetospirolactone (1), a novel spiro-lactone bearing a rare 1-oxaspiro [4.4] non-7-ene-2,6-dione skeleton, and orsellide F (2), together with six known compounds (3-8), were isolated from an endophytic fungus Chaetomium sp. NF00754. Their structures were determined by interpretation of spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were established by analysis of single X-ray crystallographic data and CD spectra. Compounds 3, 4, and 6 showed moderate acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ values of 7.34, 5.19, and 7.67 μM, respectively.

Performance of transient elastography in assessing liver fibrosis in patients with autoimmune hepatitis-primary biliary cholangitis overlap syndrome

AIM

To investigate the performance of transient elastography (TE) for diagnosis of fibrosis in patients with autoimmune hepatitis-primary biliary cholangitis (AIH-PBC) overlap syndrome.

METHODS

A total of 70 patients with biopsy-proven AIH-PBC overlap syndrome were included. Spearman correlation test was used to analyze the correlation of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and fibrosis stage. Independent samples Student’s t-test or one-way analysis of variance was used to compare quantitative variables. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to calculate the optimal cut-off values of LSM for predicting individual fibrosis stages. A comparison on the diagnostic accuracy for severe fibrosis was made between LSM and other serological scores.

RESULTS

Patients with AIH-PBC overlap syndrome had higher median LSM than healthy controls (11.3 ± 6.4 kPa vs 4.3 ± 1.4 kPa, P < 0.01). LSM was significantly correlated with fibrosis stage (r = 0.756, P < 0.01). LSM values increased gradually with an increased fibrosis stage. The areas under the ROC curves of LSM for stages F ≥ 2, F ≥ 3, and F4 were 0.837 (95%CI: 0.729-0.914), 0.910 (0.817-0.965), and 0.966 (0.893-0.995), respectively. The optimal cut-off values of LSM for fibrosis stages F ≥ 2, F ≥ 3, and F4 were 6.55, 10.50, and 14.45 kPa, respectively. LSM was significantly superior to fibrosis-4, glutaglumyl-transferase/platelet ratio, and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index scores in detecting severe fibrosis (F ≥ 3) (0.910 vs 0.715, P < 0.01; 0.910 vs 0.649, P < 0.01; 0.910 vs 0.616, P < 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSION

TE can accurately detect hepatic fibrosis as a non-invasive method in patients with AIH-PBC overlap syndrome.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Hypomesus olidus (Osmeriformes: Osmeridae)

Pond smelt Hypomesus olidus is a small-sized economic species of freshwater fish with delicious meat and high output. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of H. olidus sequenced to be 16,786 bp in length, including 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNAs and a control region. The overall base composition of H. olidus is 24.3% for A, 27.3% for T, 29.2% for C and 19.2% for G, with a slight A + T bias. The mitogenome sequence data may provide useful information to the population genetics analysis of H. olidus and the elucidation of evolutionary mechanisms in Hypomesus fish.

Women with recurrent spontaneous abortion have decreased 25(OH) vitamin D and VDR at the fetal-maternal interface

Immunological mechanisms have been proposed to underlie the pathogenesis of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Vitamin D has a potent immunomodulatory effect, which may affect pregnancy outcome. The objective of this study was to investigate 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] concentration and vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression in the decidual tissues of RSA patients. Thirty women with RSA (RSA group) and thirty women undergoing elective abortion (control group) were recruited during 2016 from gynecology outpatient clinics. We measured 25(OH) D, interleukin (IL)-17, IL-23, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), VDR and 1-α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1) in decidual tissues collected during the abortion procedure. In the RSA group, 25(OH) D and TGF-β were significantly decreased while IL-17 and IL-23 were significantly increased compared with the control group. VDR expression was significantly decreased in the RSA group compared with the control group. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant negative correlation between 25(OH) D in decidual tissues and RSA. These results indicated that vitamin D concentrations in the decidua are associated with inflammatory cytokine production, suggesting that vitamin D and VDR may play a role in the etiology of RSA.

Primarily isolated hepatic involvement of amyloidosis: A case report and overview

BACKGROUND

Amyloidosis is particularly difficult to diagnose because the signs and symptoms are subtle. Additionally, there are no specific imaging or laboratory tests, except histopathology. Although it is considered to be a systemic disorder, a small portion of cases may be localized.

INTRODUCTION OF THE CASE

A 54-year-old man presented with nonspecific symptoms (jaundice and back pruritus). Biochemical tests showed a high level of bilirubin and elevated serum tumor markers (CA19-9 and CA125). Routine imaging showed hepatomegaly without heterogeneous enhancement. Liver biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of hepatic amyloidosis. No cardiac or renal involvement was found. The patient accepted treatment involving oral chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

A rare and unique presentation of hepatic amyloidosis was highlighted in this case.

Effects of curcumin on the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes and the expression of NF-κB, PPAR-γ and Bcl-2 in rats with myocardial infarction injury

Curcumin is a natural polyphenol with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study evaluated the protective effect of curcumin on myocardial injury in rats as well as the mechanisms underlying these effects, and examined the expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) and B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) following myocardial infarction. A rat model of myocardial infarction was successfully established. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed cellular atrophy and hyperchromatic cytoplasm in the myocardial infarction area. The myocardial cells displayed lysis and breakage of cardiac muscle fibers, karyopyknosis and karyorrhexis associated with infiltration of inflammatory cells and proliferation of fibrous tissue. Curcumin treatment at a dosage of 150 mg/kg/body weight resulted in an increase in surviving cells, fewer apoptotic cells, decreased proliferation of fibrous tissue and reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells, though necrosis was still present compared with the rats without curcumin treatment. The immunohistochemical assay demonstrated that curcumin treatment inhibited the expression of NF-κB, but increased the expression of PPAR-γ. The results of the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction indicated that curcumin treatment significantly increased the mRNA expression levels of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Therefore, curcumin antagonizes cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inhibits inflammatory cell infiltration following myocardial infarction, which may be associated with its inhibitory effects on the expression of NF-κB, and activating effects on the expression of PPAR-γ and Bcl-2 in myocardial cells. Curcumin may be useful in clinical practice for saving more living heart muscle in the area of myocardial infarction and improving cardiac function following the elective opening of obstructed coronary arteries.

[Effect of Toll-like receptor 2 on the inhibition role of sevoflurane on airway inflammation in asthmatic mice]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) on the inhibition role of sevoflurane on airway inflammation in asthmatic mice.

METHODS

The lung tissue samples of C(57) BL/6 mice used in this study were from previous research, including control group, asthma group and sevoflurane group, 8 samples in each group. Twenty-four specific pathogen free female TLR2 gene deletion (TLR2(-/-)) mice were randomly assigned to control group, asthma group and sevoflurane group, with 8 mice in each group. Asthma group and sevoflurane group were then sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) to establish asthma model, combined with repeated inhalation of 3% sevoflurane in sevoflurane group. In C(57) mice, expression levels of TLR2 were detected using Western blotting analyses. In TLR2(-/-) mice, numbers of differential inflammatory cells were investigated; levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); lung tissue inflammation was detected with HE staining.

RESULTS

In lung tissues from C(57) mice, levels of protein expression of TLR2 in asthma group (0.547±0.042) were higher than those in control group (0.312±0.023) (P=0.023) and sevoflurane group (0.287±0.033) (P=0.020). In TLR2(-/-) mice, the number of total cells ((83.13±19.43)×10(3)/ml), numbers of differential inflammatory cells and TNF-α level ((546±16) pg/ml) in BALF in sevoflurane group were lower than those in asthma group ((206.43±41.82)×10(3)/ml, (732±41) pg/ml), but still higher than those in control group ((44.64±7.17)×10(3)/ml, (380±24) pg/ml) (all P<0.05); lung tissue inflammation was inhibited in sevoflurane group than in asthma group, but still more obvious than that in control group.

CONCLUSION

Toll like receptor 2 involved in the anti-inflammatory effect of sevoflurane on asthmatic airway inflammation in mice.

Elevated serum complement C3 levels are related to the development of prediabetes in an adult population: the Tianjin Chronic Low-Grade Systematic Inflammation and Health Cohort Study

AIMS

To investigate whether serum complement C3 is related to the prevalence and incidence of prediabetes in an adult population.

METHODS

A cross-sectional (n = 10 206) and prospective cohort study (n = 3333), with a mean (range; 95% CI) follow-up of 2.63 (1-6; 2.58-2.68) years, was conducted in people recruited from the Health Management Centre of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital in Tianjin, China. Measurement of serum C3 concentration, blood fasting glucose, oral glucose tolerance, HbA1c and other potential confounding factors was performed at baseline and each year during the follow-up. Prediabetes was defined according to the criteria of the American Diabetes Association. Adjusted logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the relationships between C3 quintiles and prediabetes.

RESULTS

The prevalence and incidence of prediabetes were 38.5% and 119 per 1000 person-years, respectively. In cross-sectional analysis, after adjustment for potential confounders, the odds ratios of prediabetes for increasing quintiles of C3 were 1.00 (reference), 1.32 (95% CI 1.14-1.53), 1.37 (95% CI 1.18-1.59), 1.75 (95% CI 1.51-2.03), 2.25 (95% CI 1.93-2.62; P for trend < 0.0001). In the cohort analysis, the multiple-adjusted hazard ratio of prediabetes in the highest quintile of baseline C3 was 1.43 (95% CI 1.15, 1.78; P for trend < 0.001), when compared with the lowest quintile.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that elevated serum C3 levels are significantly related to an increased risk of developing prediabetes in an adult population, suggesting that C3 can be used as a biomarker in high-risk individuals to improve primary prevention of prediabetes and diabetes.

Epigenetic regulation of CDH1 exon 8 alternative splicing in gastric cancer

Background

The tumor suppressor gene CDH1 is critical for intercellular adhesion. In our previous work, we reported a nonfunctional CDH1 transcript that lacks the final 83 base pairs of exon 8 (1054del83). In this work, we probed the role of histone epigenetic modifications as well as DNA methylation in selection of this isoform.

Methods

RT-qPCR was used to detect CDH1 RNA expression. Methylation of CDH1 was analyzed by bisulphite sequencing PCR. ChIP assay was performed to show histones level. Cell lines were treated with DNA methyltransferase inhibitor AZA, HDAC inhibitor TSA, or siRNA oligonucleotides to test regulation of CDH1 splicing.

Results

Greater CDH1 1054del83 transcripts were observed in gastric cancer (GC) cell lines than human gastric mucosal epithelial cell line GES-1. All the cell lines showed significant methylation pattern at the CpG sites of CDH1 exon 8. AZA treatment did not influence selection of 1054del83 transcripts. A significant decrease in acetylation for histones H3 and H4K16Ac in an internal region of the CDH1 gene surrounding the alternative exon 8 were detected in GC cell lines. Treatment with TSA preferentially expressed the correctly spliced transcript and not the exon 8 skipped aberrant transcripts, showing that histone acetylation was involved in the splicing regulation. SiRNA-mediated knockdown of SETD2 (The specific methyltransferase of H3K36) decreased exclusion of exon 8, suggesting that the presence of this mark correlates with increased skipping of the final 83 base pairs of CDH1 exon 8. However, CDH1 splicing was not affected by SRSF2 knockdown.

Conclusions

H3K36me3 correlates with increased skipping of the final 83 base pairs of CDH1 exon 8. Histone acetylation was involved in the splicing regulation as well.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-015-1983-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Aldosterone and TGF-β₁ synergistically increase PAI-1 expression in hepatic stellate cells of rats

OBJECTIVE

Aldosterone is related to the fibrosis of several organs, but the specific mechanism underlying the aldosterone induced hepatic fibrosis is still unclear.

METHODS

Separation, culture and identification of primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs): The fluids and digestives used in the present study were able to completely remove blood cells, digest hepatocytes and matrix, and effectively separate HSCs. The in situ perfusion was performed at 2 steps: in situ perfusion with pre-perfusion fluid and ex vivo perfusion with enzyme-containing perfusion fluid. Influence of Ald on PAI-1 and Smad expressions in HSCs: cells were divided into control group, Ald group (10(-6) M), spironolactone (SPI) group and Ald+SPI group, and the mRNA and protein expressions of PAI-1 and Smad were detected. Ald induced type I collagen expression in HSCs: Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect type I collagen expression in the supernatant of control group, Ald group (10(-6) M), TGF-β1 group, and Ald+TGF-β1 group. Influence of Ald and TGF-β1 on PAI-1 expression in HSCs: cells were divided into control group, Ald group (10(-6) M), TGF-β1 group, and Ald+TGF-β1 group, and the mRNA and protein expressions of PAI-1 were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot assay, respectively. Synergistic effect of Ald and TGF-β1 on PAI-1 expression in HSCs: cells were divided into control group, Ald group (10(-6)), TGF-β1 group, Ald (10(-6) M)+TGF-β1 group, Ald (10(-7) M)+TGF-β1 group and Ald (10(-8) M)+TGF-β1 group, and the mRNA and protein expressions of PAI-1 were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot assay, respectively.

RESULTS

The survival rate, purity, markers and activation of HSCs were determined after separation. Influence of Ald on PAI-1 expression in HSCs: PAI-1 expression increased in HSCs of Ald group, SPI group and Ald+API group, and the PAI-1 expression in Ald group and Ald+SPI group was significantly higher than in control group (P<0.01). Influence of Ald on Smad expression in HSCs: Smad expression in Ald group, TGF-β1 group and ALD+TGF-β1 group was markedly higher than in control group (P<0.05). Smad expression in ALD+TGF-β1 group increased significantly when compared with Ald group (P<0.01). Ald induced type I collagen expression in HSCs: type I collagen expression in Ald group, TGF-β1 group and ALd+TGF-β1 group was dramatically higher than in control group (P<0.05), and it in ALd+TGF-β1 group was also significantly different from that in Ald group and TGF-β1 group (P<0.01). Synergistic effects of Ald and TGF-β1 on PAI expression in HSCs: PAI-1 expression in treated cells was markedly higher than in control group (P<0.01). PAI-1 expression in 10(-6) M Ald+5 ng/ml TGF-β1 group increased dramatically as compared to Ald group and TGF-β1 group (P<0.01), but the increased PAI-1 expression reduced after SPI treatment. Ald at different concentrations exerts synergistic effect with TGF-β1 to increase PAI-1 expression in HSCs: PAI-1 expression in HSCs after different treatments increased markedly as compared to control group (P<0.01). Significant difference in PAI-1 expression was observed in 10(-6) M Ald+50 pg/ml TGF-β1 group and 10(-6) M Ald group (P<0.01), PAI-1 expression in 10(-7) M Ald+50 pg/ml TGF-β1 group was significantly higher than in 50 pg/ml TGF-β1 group (P<0.01), but the PAI-1 expression in 10(-7) M Ald+50 pg/ml TGF-β1 group was similar to that in 10(-6) M Ald group (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Aldosterone is able to activate HSCs and increase PAI-1 expression during hepatic fibrosis, which may be inhibited by spironolactone. Aldosterone and TGF-β1 may synergistically act on HSCs to increase PAI-1 expression as compared to treatment with aldosterone or TGF-β1 alone. Aldosterone or TGF-β1 alone may slightly increase PAI-1 expression in HSCs, which can be inhibited by spironolactone.

Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: new therapeutic options and their optimal use

Advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of both congenital and acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) have led to both an increased understanding of the disease and novel approaches to therapy. The efficacy of rituximab in acquired TTP has led to consideration of rituximab as a prophylactic therapy to prevent relapse of TTP. Novel therapies that target the A1 domain of von Willebrand factor (VWF) to block the formation of microthrombotic disease have also entered clinical study and have demonstrated promise as potential therapeutic options. Additionally, a recombinant ADAMTS13 protease has been developed which may be an important therapeutic option for both congenital and acquired TTP. The development of these new therapeutic options for patients diagnosed with TTP has increased the importance of conducting prospective, randomized studies with these agents to both confirm their efficacy and more importantly understand their most appropriate role in the treatment of patients with TTP.

HER2 status in gastric cancers: a retrospective analysis from four Chinese representative clinical centers and assessment of its prognostic significance

BACKGROUND

HER2 has a predictive value in gastric cancer. However, its association with prognosis remains uncertain. The aim of our study was to estimate the HER2-positive rate in Chinese gastric cancers, compare the classical fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method with the novel bright-field dual color silver-enhanced in situ hybridization (DSISH) detection system, and evaluate the relationship between the HER2 status and prognosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seven hundred and twenty-six resected gastric cancers separately from four clinical centers in China were examined for HER2 by immunohistochemistry (IHC), FISH, and DSISH.

RESULTS

The HER2-positive rate was 13%. The consistency between FISH and DSISH results was high (99%; κ = 0.958; P < 0.001). Tumor heterogeneity and polysomy were the main reasons for inconsistency. There was no significant difference in the 3-year overall survival (OS) between HER2-positive and -negative patients (P = 0.959). Multivariate analysis showed that HER2 was not an independent prognostic factor.

CONCLUSION(S)

HER2 overexpression and amplification occur in a significant number of Chinese gastric cancer patients. Given the obvious advantages and high consistency with FISH, DSISH was superior for evaluating HER2 amplification in gastric cancer. HER2 was not a prognostic factor for gastric cancer in our study.

HER2 status in gastric cancers: a retrospective analysis from four Chinese representative clinical centers and assessment of its prognostic significance

BACKGROUND

HER2 has a predictive value in gastric cancer. However, its association with prognosis remains uncertain. The aim of our study was to estimate the HER2-positive rate in Chinese gastric cancers, compare the classical fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method with the novel bright-field dual color silver-enhanced in situ hybridization (DSISH) detection system, and evaluate the relationship between the HER2 status and prognosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seven hundred and twenty-six resected gastric cancers separately from four clinical centers in China were examined for HER2 by immunohistochemistry (IHC), FISH, and DSISH.

RESULTS

The HER2-positive rate was 13%. The consistency between FISH and DSISH results was high (99%; κ = 0.958; P < 0.001). Tumor heterogeneity and polysomy were the main reasons for inconsistency. There was no significant difference in the 3-year overall survival (OS) between HER2-positive and -negative patients (P = 0.959). Multivariate analysis showed that HER2 was not an independent prognostic factor.

CONCLUSION(S)

HER2 overexpression and amplification occur in a significant number of Chinese gastric cancer patients. Given the obvious advantages and high consistency with FISH, DSISH was superior for evaluating HER2 amplification in gastric cancer. HER2 was not a prognostic factor for gastric cancer in our study.

Synthesis of nanowires via helium and neon focused ion beam induced deposition with the gas field ion microscope

The ion beam induced nanoscale synthesis of platinum nanowires using the trimethyl (methylcyclopentadienyl)platinum(IV) (MeCpPt(IV)Me3) precursor is investigated using helium and neon ion beams in the gas field ion microscope. The He(+) beam induced deposition resembles material deposited by electron beam induced deposition with very small platinum nanocrystallites suspended in a carbonaceous matrix. The He(+) deposited material composition was estimated to be 16% Pt in a matrix of amorphous carbon with a large room-temperature resistivity (∼3.5 × 10(4)-2.2 × 10(5) μΩ cm) and temperature-dependent transport behavior consistent with a granular material in the weak intergrain tunnel coupling regime. The Ne(+) deposited material has comparable composition (17%), however a much lower room-temperature resistivity (∼600-3.0 × 10(3) μΩ cm) and temperature-dependent electrical behavior representative of strong intergrain coupling. The Ne(+) deposited nanostructure has larger platinum nanoparticles and is rationalized via Monte Carlo ion-solid simulations which show that the neon energy density deposited during growth is much larger due to the smaller ion range and is dominated by nuclear stopping relative to helium which has a larger range and is dominated by electronic stopping.

Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, protects dopaminergic neurons from neurotoxin-induced damage

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Prevention or disease-modifying therapies are critical for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. However, no such intervention is currently available. Growing evidence has demonstrated that administration of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors ameliorates a wide range of neurologic and psychiatric disorders in experimental models. Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) was the first HDAC inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the sole use of cancer therapy. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential new indications of SAHA for therapy of neurodegenerative diseases in in vitro Parkinson's disease models.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Mesencephalic neuron-glia cultures and reconstituted cultures were used to investigate neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects of SAHA. We measured toxicity in dopaminergic neurons, using dopamine uptake assay and morphological analysis and expression of neurotrophic substances by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time RT PCR.

KEY RESULTS

In mesencephalic neuron-glia cultures, SAHA displayed dose- and time-dependent prolongation of the survival and protection against neurotoxin-induced neuronal death of dopaminergic neurons. Mechanistic studies revealed that the neuroprotective effects of SAHA were mediated in part by promoting release of neurotrophic factors from astroglia through inhibition of histone deacetylation.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

The novel neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects of SAHA demonstrated in this study suggest that further study of this HDAC inhibitor could provide a new therapeutic approach to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

A serum-resistant polyamidoamine-based polypeptide dendrimer for gene transfection

A serum tolerant polycation gene vector, G(2) PAMAM-PGlu-G(1) PAMAMs (ALA), was designed, synthesized, characterized and evaluated. A honeycomb-like molecular structure model for mechanistic explanation of ALA was postulated and discussed. Designed as a star-shaped polyamidoamine (PAMAM)-based polypeptide dendrimer through peptide bond linkages, ALA was with non-toxic low generation G(2) PAMAM (G(2)) as its central core, polyglutamate (PGlu)s as its star-shaped backbone branches and G(1) PAMAM (G(1))s as its branch grafts and peripheral terminals. IR, (1)H NMR demonstrated its successful combination. As a gene carrier, ALA exhibited good DNA binding and condensation capacity with particle size (approximately 87 nm for N/P 40, approximately 170 nm for N/P 30) and ζ-potential (approximately 16 mV for N/P 30-40), negligible cytotoxicity, exciting serum tolerant capacity and significant serum-promoted (serum-containing 56.6%>serum-free 32.7%), cell line dependent (Hek 293 > Bel 7402 > Hela), incubation period dependent (38 h > 18 h > 12 h > 9 h > 4 h > 2 h > 1 h) and sustained (peak transfection appeared at 30 h incubation) transfection efficiency. The presence of serum had not only no inhibition on, but also prominent promotion to, the transfection activity of ALA. All above features differentiated ALA clearly from most other serum-inhibitive nonviral gene carriers, and proved ALA the promising and challenging potential efficient gene vector for practical clinical application.

Topiramate in prevention of cluster headache in the Taiwanese

Topiramate could potentially effective as prophylaxis for cluster headache, but the experience remains limited in Asians. We performed an open-label clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of topiramate in the tolerable dosage to prevent cluster headache. We studied patients who fulfilled the criteria of episodic or chronic cluster headaches (International Classification of Headache Disorders second edition) prospectively. Headache severity was assessed using a verbal rating scale (excruciating, severe, moderate, mild, and no headache). Treatment was started with a topiramate dose of 50 mg twice daily and was increased by 50-100 mg a day every 3 to 7 days as tolerated to a maximal daily dosage of 400 mg. Of the 12 patients with episodic cluster headache, nine patients had remission of headache at a mean daily dosage of 273 mg (range 100-400 mg), and the patient with chronic cluster headache had remission at a daily dosage of 400 mg. The adverse effects included: paresthesia (84%), slow speech (54%), and dizziness (46%), but were tolerated by most patients. Two patients discontinued topiramate due to adverse events and one due to lack of efficacy. This open-label study suggests that topiramate is effective in the treatment of cluster headache in Taiwanese patients.