Rhodium(I)-Catalyzed Annulation of Bicyclo[1.1.0]butyl-Substituted Dihydroquinolines and Dihydropyridines

Bicyclo[1.1.0]butane-containing compounds feature a unique chemical reactivity, trigger "strain-release" reaction cascades, and provide novel scaffolds with considerable utility in the drug discovery field. We report the synthesis of new bicyclo[1.1.0]butane-linked heterocycles by a nucleophilic addition of bicyclo[1.1.0]butyl anions to 8-isocyanatoquinoline, or, alternatively, iminium cations derived from quinolines and pyridines. The resulting bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes are converted with high regioselectivity to unprecedented bridged heterocycles in a rhodium(I)-catalyzed annulative rearrangement. The addition/rearrangement process tolerates a surprisingly large range of functional groups. Subsequent chemo- and stereoselective synthetic transformations of urea, alkene, cyclopropane, and aniline moieties of the 1-methylene-5-azacyclopropa[cd]indene scaffolds provide several additional new heterocyclic building blocks. X-ray structure-validated quantum mechanical DFT calculations of the reaction pathway indicate the intermediacy of rhodium carbenoid and metallocyclobutane species.

Temporal genetic variation mediated by climate change-induced salinity decline, a study on Artemia (Crustacea: Anostraca) from Kyêbxang Co, a high altitude salt lake on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is one of the areas the richest in salt lakes and Artemia sites. As a result of climate warming and wetting, the areas of salt lakes on the plateau have been increasing, and the salinities have decreased considerably since 1990s. However, the impact of salinity change on the genetic diversity of Artemia is still unknown. Kyêbxang Co is the highest (4620 m above sea level) salt lake currently with commercial harvesting of Artemia resting eggs in the world, and harbors the largest Artemia population on the plateau. Its salinity had dropped from ∼67 ppt in 1998 to ∼39 ppt in 2019. Using 13 microsatellite markers and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase submit I (COI) gene, we analyzed the temporal changes of genetic diversity, effective population size and genetic structure of this Artemia population based on samples collected in 1998, 2007 and 2019. Our results revealed a steady decline of genetic diversity and significant genetic differentiation among the sampling years, which may be a consequence of genetic drift and the selection of decreased salinity. A decline of effective population size was also detected, which may be relative to the fluctuation in census population size, skewed sex ratio, and selection of the declined salinity. In 2007 and 2019, the Artemia population showed an excess of heterozygosity and significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (p < 0.001), which may be associated with the heterozygote advantage under low salinity. To comprehensively understand the impact of climate warming and wetting on Artemia populations on the plateau, further investigation with broad and intensive sampling are needed.

Prenatal exposures to phthalates and bisphenols in relation to oxidative stress: single pollutant and mixtures analyses

Prenatal exposures to phthalates and bisphenols have been shown to be linked with adverse birth outcomes. Oxidative stress (OS) is considered a potential mechanism. The objective of this study was to explore the individual and mixtures of prenatal exposures to phthalates and bisphenols in associations with OS biomarkers. We measured eight phthalate metabolites and three bisphenols in the urine samples from 105 pregnant women in Wuhan, China. Urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 8-isoprostaglandin F2α (8-isoPGF2α), and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-mercapturic acid (HNE-MA) were determined as OS biomarkers. The OS biomarkers in associations with the individual chemicals were estimated by linear regression models and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models, and their associations with the chemical mixtures were explored by quantile g-computation (qg-comp) models. In single-pollutant analyses, five phthalate metabolites including monomethyl phthalate (MMP), monoethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), (2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP), and mono (2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) were positively associated with urinary 8-OHdG levels (all FDR-adjusted P = 0.06). These associations were further confirmed by the RCS models and were linear (P for overall association ≤ 0.05 and P for non-linear association > 0.05). In mixture analyses, qg-comp models showed that a one-quartile increase in the chemical mixtures of phthalate metabolites and bisphenols was positively associated with urinary levels of 8-OHdG and 8-isoPGF2α, and bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol F (BPF) were the most contributing chemicals, respectively. Prenatal exposures to individual phthalates and mixtures of phthalates and bisphenols were associated with higher OS levels.

Self-Rated Health and Semen Quality in Men Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology

Importance

Numerous studies have documented the association of self-rated health (SRH) with chronic diseases. However, few studies have investigated its association with semen quality.

Objective

To examine the association of SRH with semen quality among men undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) in China.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study recruited male partners in couples undergoing ART treatment at the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, China. A total of 1262 men underwent 2 semen examinations and completed a questionnaire on SRH between December 2018 and January 2020. Data analysis was performed from November 20, 2022, to March 24, 2023.

Exposure

SRH, including overall physical and mental health, as well as reproductive-related physical and mental health specifically, were reported at baseline recruitment.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Sperm concentration, sperm progressive motility, sperm motility, and sperm count as semen quality parameters.

Results

The study included 1262 men with a mean (SD) age of 32.79 (5.25) years and body mass index of 24.37 (3.68). Men with poorer SRH had lower semen quality (eg, sperm concentration among poor vs very good overall physical health: percentage variation, -14.67%; 95% CI, -23.62% to -4.66%). Among 4 components of SRH, a greater reduction in semen quality was estimated for reproductive-related SRH compared with overall SRH, whereas the greatest reduction was observed for reproductive-related physical SRH. In comparison with men with very good reproductive-related physical SRH, men with poor reproductive-related physical SRH had differences of -24.78% (95% CI, -32.71% to -15.93%) and -25.61% (95% CI, -33.95% to -16.22%) in sperm count and concentration, respectively, and regression coefficients of -9.38 (95% CI, -12.01 to -6.76) and -9.24 (95% CI, -11.82 to -6.66) for sperm motility and sperm progressive motility, respectively.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study of Chinese men, poorer SRH was associated with lower semen quality, and reproductive-related physical SRH was the most pronounced indicator. Our findings suggest that SRH, especially reproductive-related physical SRH, was a good indicator of semen quality, which should inform public and clinical regulatory decisions.

Asymmetric [4 + 2], [6 + 2], and [6 + 4] Cycloadditions of Isomeric Formyl Cycloheptatrienes Catalyzed by a Chiral Diamine Catalyst

Novel asymmetric aminocatalytic cycloadditions are described between formyl cycloheptatrienes and 6,6-dimethylfulvene that lead to [4 + 2], [6 + 2], and [4 + 6] cycloadducts. The unprecedented reaction course is dependent on the position of the formyl functionality in the cycloheptatriene core, and each formyl cycloheptatriene isomer displays a distinct reactivity pattern. The formyl cycloheptatriene isomers are activated by a chiral primary diamine catalyst, and the activation mode is dependent on the position of the formyl functionality relative to the cycloheptatriene core. The [4 + 2] and [6 + 2] cycloadducts are formed via rare iminocatalytic inverse electron-demand cycloadditions, while the [4 + 6] cycloadduct is formed by a normal electron-demand cycloaddition. The reactivity displayed by the different formyl cycloheptatrienes was investigated by DFT calculations. These computational studies account for the different reaction paths for the three isomeric formyl cycloheptatrienes. The aminocatalytic [4 + 2], [6 + 2], and [4 + 6] cycloadditions proceed by stepwise processes, and the interplay between conjugation, substrate distortion, and dispersive interactions between the fulvene and aminocatalyst mainly defines the outcome of each cycloaddition.

[Cloning and expression analysis of wpHSP90 gene from Whitmania pigra at different temperatures]

HSP90 is a widely distributed molecular chaperone that participates in a variety of cellular processes and plays an important role in the meiosis of germ cells. However, its role in the gonadal development of hermaphroditic Whitmania pigra is not yet clear. To explore the effect of HSP90 on the germ cell development of Wh. Pigra, this study cloned the wpHSP90 gene, performed bioinformatics analysis, and measured its expression levels. The results showed that the cloned wpHSP90 was 2 592 bp in length, with an open reading frame(ORF) of 2 373 bp, encoding 790 amino acids. Prediction analysis revealed 85 phosphorylation modification sites on serine, threonine, and tyrosine residues of the wpHSP90 protein. Structural domain prediction and multiple sequence alignment results showed that wpHSP90 contained two conserved domains of HSP90 and exhibited the highest homology with Helobdella robusta, with a sequence similarity of 80.72%. RT-qPCR results showed that the relative expression level of wpHSP90 in the gonads of 5-month-old Wh. pigra was positively correlated with temperature within the range of 12 ℃ to 28 ℃. The expression level in the female gonads was significantly higher than in the male gonads and correlated with the trend of germ cell development in the ovaries and testes. In conclusion, wpHSP90 may be involved in regulating the development of germ cells, particularly oocytes, in Wh. pigra. This study provides a reference for further research on the gonadal development mechanism in Wh. pigra.

Fasting mimicking diet inhibits tumor-associated macrophage survival and pro-tumor function in hypoxia: implications for combination therapy with anti-angiogenic agent

BACKGROUND

Recent research shows that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the primary consumers of glucose in tumor tissue, surpassing that of tumor cells. Our previous studies revealed that inhibiting glucose uptake impairs the survival and tumor-promoting function of hypoxic TAMs, suggesting that glucose reduction by energy restriction (calorie restriction or short-term fasting) may has a significant impact on TAMs. The purpose of this study is to verify the effect of fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) on TAMs, and to determine whether FMD synergizes with anti-angiogenic drug apatinib via TAMs.

METHODS

The effect of FMD on TAMs and its synergistic effects with apatinib were observed using an orthotopic mouse breast cancer model. An in vitro cell model, utilizing M2 macrophages derived from THP-1 cell line, was intended to assess the effects of low glucose on TAMs under hypoxic and normoxic conditions. Bioinformatics was used to screen for potential mechanisms of action, which were then validated both in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

FMD significantly inhibit the pro-tumor function of TAMs in vivo and in vitro, with the inhibitory effect being more pronounced under hypoxic conditions. Additionally, the combination of FMD-mediated TAMs inhibition with apatinib results in synergistic anti-tumor activity. This effect is partially mediated by the downregulation of CCL8 expression and secretion by the mTOR-HIF-1α signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

These results support further clinical combination studies of FMD and anti-angiogenic therapy as potential anti-tumor strategies.

[Efficacy and safety of fourth-generation CD19 CAR-T expressing IL7 and CCL19 along with PD-1 monoclonal antibody for relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma]

Objective: This study systematically explore the efficacy and safety of fourth-generation chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR-T), which express interleukin 7 (IL7) and chemokine C-C motif ligand 19 (CCL19) and target CD19, in relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma. Methods: Our center applied autologous 7×19 CAR-T combined with tirelizumab to treat 11 patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma. The efficacy and adverse effects were explored. Results: All 11 enrolled patients completed autologous 7×19 CAR-T preparation and infusion. Nine patients completed the scheduled six sessions of tirolizumab treatment, one completed four sessions, and one completed one session. Furthermore, five cases (45.5%) achieved complete remission, and three cases (27.3%) achieved partial remission with an objective remission rate of 72.7%. Two cases were evaluated for disease progression, and one died two months after reinfusion because of uncontrollable disease. The median follow-up time was 31 (2-34) months, with a median overall survival not achieved and a median progression-free survival of 28 (1-34) months. Two patients with partial remission achieved complete remission at the 9th and 12th months of follow-up. Therefore, the best complete remission rate was 63.6%. Cytokine-release syndrome and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome were controllable, and no immune-related adverse reactions occurred. Conclusion: Autologous 7×19 CAR-T combined with tirelizumab for treating relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma achieved good efficacy with controllable adverse reactions.

Associations between Urinary Concentrations of Disinfection Byproducts and in Vitro Fertilization Outcomes: A Prospective Cohort Study in China

BACKGROUND

Experimental studies show that disinfection byproducts (DBPs) can inhibit oocyte maturation, decrease fertilization capacity, and impair embryo development, but human evidence is lacking.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the associations between exposure to drinking water DBPs and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes.

METHODS

The study included 1,048 women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment between December 2018 and January 2020 from a prospective cohort study, the Tongji Reproductive and Environmental study in Wuhan, China. Exposure to DBPs was assessed by dichloroacetic acid (DCAA) and trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) in up to four urine samples, which were collected on the day of both enrollment and oocyte retrieval. Multivariable generalized linear mixed models, accounting for multiple IVF cycles per woman, were applied to evaluate the associations between urinary biomarkers of DBP exposures and IVF outcomes. Stratified analyses were used to explore the potential effect modifiers.

RESULTS

The included 1,048 women underwent 1,136 IVF cycles, with 960 (91.6%), 84 (8.0%), and 4 (0.4%) women contributing one cycle, two cycles, and three cycles, respectively. We found that elevated quartiles of urinary DCAA and TCAA concentrations were associated with reduced numbers of total oocytes and metaphase II oocytes and that urinary DCAA concentrations with a lower proportion of best-quality embryos (all p for trends < 0.05 ). Moreover, elevated quartiles of urinary DCAA concentrations were associated with decreased proportions of successful implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth (14%, 15%, and 15% decreases in adjusted means comparing the extreme quartiles, respectively; all p for trends < 0.05 ). Stratification analyses showed that the inverse associations of urinary TCAA concentrations with multiple IVF outcomes were stronger among women ≥ 30 y of age (p for interactions < 0.05 ).

DISCUSSION

Exposure to drinking water DBPs was inversely associated with some IVF outcomes among women undergoing ART treatment. Further study is necessary to confirm our findings. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12447.

Individual and joint associations of urinary phthalate metabolites with polycystic ovary and polycystic ovary syndrome: Results from the TREE cohort

Phthalates are widespread endocrine disrupting chemicals that adversely affect female reproductive health. We aimed to investigate the individual and joint associations of phthalate exposures measured by repeated urinary metabolites with polycystic ovary (PCO) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (96 PCO cases, 96 PCOS cases and 370 controls). In single-pollutant analyses, mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP), monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) and the sum of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (∑DEHP) were associated with increased prevalence of PCO. Mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), MBzP and ∑DEHP were associated with elevated prevalence of PCOS. In multiple-pollutant analyses, one-quartile increase of weighted quantile sum index in phthalate metabolite mixtures was associated with increased prevalence of PCO and PCOS, and MBzP was the most major contributor. Our findings suggest a potential role for phthalate exposures, both individually and in mixtures, in the development of PCO and PCOS.

Oxidatively generated DNA damage mediates the associations of exposure to phthalates with uterine fibroids and endometriosis: Findings from TREE cohort

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological studies on phthalate exposures in associations with uterine fibroids (UF) and endometriosis (EMT) are inconsistent. The underlying mechanisms are poorly understood.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the relationships of urinary phthalate metabolites with UF and EMT risks, and further to examine the mediating role of oxidative stress.

METHODS

This study included 83 and 47 women separately diagnosed with UF and EMT, as well as 226 controls from the Tongji Reproductive and Environmental (TREE) cohort. Two spot urine samples from each woman were analyzed for two oxidative stress indicators and eight urinary phthalate metabolites. Unconditional logistic regression models or multivariate regression models were fitted to evaluate the associations among phthalate exposures, oxidative stress indicators, and the risks of UF and EMT. The potential mediating role of oxidative stress was estimated by the mediation analyses.

RESULTS

We observed that each ln-unit increase in urinary mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP) concentrations was associated with increased UF risk [adjusted OR (aOR): 1.56, 95% CI: 1.20, 2.02], and that each ln-unit increase in urinary MBzP (aOR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.99), mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP) (aOR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.19, 2.82), and mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) (aOR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.19, 2.31) concentrations were associated with increased EMT risk (all FDR-adjusted P < 0.05). Moreover, we observed that all tested urinary phthalate metabolites were positively associated with two oxidative stress indicators [4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-mercapturic acid (4-HNE-MA) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)], in which 8-OHdG was associated with increased risks of UF and EMT (all FDR-adjusted P < 0.05). The mediation analyses showed that 8-OHdG mediated the positive relationships of MBzP with UF risk, and of MiBP, MBzP, and MEHP with EMT risk, with the estimated intermediary proportion ranging from 32.7% to 48.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

Oxidatively generated DNA damage may mediate the positive associations of certain phthalate exposures with the risks of UF and EMT. However, further investigation is warranted to confirm these findings.

The Effect of Peri-Device Leaks on Ischaemic Stroke/Transient Ischaemic Attack/Systemic Embolism after Left Atrial Appendage Closure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is a safe and effective method for preventing embolic events in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. However, peri-device leaks (PDLs) are sometimes unavoidable. Controversy exists regarding whether PDLs lead to embolic events.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore the association between PDLs and embolic events, including ischaemic stroke, transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs), and systemic embolism (SE).

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of the PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases for studies published up to September 25, 2022, to compare the rate of ischaemic stroke/TIA/SE between the PDL group and the non-PDL group after LAAC.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies comprising 54,405 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The PDL group detected by transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) had a significantly higher rate of ischaemic stroke/TIA/SE than the non-PDL group (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.08-1.33, p = 0.0009). However, no difference in ischaemic stroke/TIA/SE was found between the PDL and non-PDL subgroups of the cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) group (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.51-2.50, p = 0.77). CCTA and TEE showed different rates of PDL detection, with the CCTA group having a higher rate of PDL detection (p < 0.0001), especially for trivial leaks.

CONCLUSIONS

PDL detected by TEE increases the risk of embolic events after LAAC. However, no association was found between PDL and ischaemic stroke/TIA/SE in the CCTA group, which showed a higher rate of PDL detection than TEE, particularly for trivial leaks. In the future, CCTA may be used to explore the relationship between PDL size and ischaemic stroke/TIA/SE.

Cerebral abnormalities in HIV-infected individuals with neurocognitive impairment revealed by fMRI

Although the combination antiretroviral treatment (cART) has considerably lowered the risk of HIV associated dementia (HAD), the incidence of neurocognitive impairments (NCI) has not decreased likely due to the insidious and slow progressive nature of HIV infection. Recent studies showed that the resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) is a prominent technique in helping the non-invasive analysis of neucognitive impairment. Our study is to explore the neuroimaging characteristics among people living with HIV (PLWH) with or without NCI in terms of cerebral regional and neural network by rs-fMRI, based on the hypothesis that HIV patients with and without NCI have independent brain imaging characteristics. 33 PLWH with NCI and 33 PLWH without NCI, recruited from the Cohort of HIV-infected associated Chronic Diseases and Health Outcomes, Shanghai, China (CHCDO) which was established in 2018, were categorized into the HIV-NCI and HIV-control groups, respectively, based on Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) results. The two groups were matched in terms of sex, education and age. Resting-state fMRI data were collected from all participants to analyze the fraction amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) and functional connectivity (FC) to assess regional and neural network alterations in the brain. Correlations between fALFF/FC values in specific brain regions and clinical characteristics were also examined. The results showed increased fALFF values in the bilateral calcarine gyrus, bilateral superior occipital gyrus, left middle occipital gyrus, and left cuneus in the HIV-NCI group compared to the HIV-control group. Additionally, increased FC values were observed between the right superior occipital gyrus and right olfactory cortex, bilateral gyrus rectus, and right orbital part of the middle frontal gyrus in the HIV-NCI group. Conversely, decreased FC values were found between the left hippocampus and bilateral medial prefrontal gyrus, as well as bilateral superior frontal gyrus. The study concluded that abnormal spontaneous activity in PLWH with NCI primarily occurred in the occipital cortex, while defects in brain networks were mostly associated with the prefrontal cortex. The observed changes in fALFF and FC in specific brain regions provide visual evidence to enhance our understanding of the central mechanisms underlying the development of cognitive impairment in HIV patients.

Oxidative stress mediates the associations between phthalate exposures and thyroid cancer/benign nodule risk

Epidemiological studies have suggested that phthalate exposures are associated with increased risks of thyroid cancer and benign nodule, while the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we explored the mediation effects of oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers in the associations between phthalate exposures and the risks of thyroid cancer and benign nodule. Urine samples collected from 143 thyroid cancer, 136 nodule patients, and 141 healthy controls were analyzed for 8 phthalate metabolites and 3 OS biomarkers [8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-mercapturic acid (HNE-MA), and 8-iso-prostaglandin F_2α (8-isoPGF_2α)]. Multivariable linear or logistic regression models were used to explore the associations of OS biomarkers with phthalate metabolite concentrations and the risks of thyroid cancer and nodule. The mediation role of OS biomarkers was also investigated. Urinary monoethyl phthalate (MEP), monomethyl phthalate (MMP), mono (2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP), mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), and mono (2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) were positively associated with at least 2 OS biomarkers (all P-values<0.01), and part of these positive associations varied in different subgroups. All 3 OS biomarkers were positively associated with the risks of thyroid nodule and cancer (P-values<0.001). The mediation analysis showed that OS biomarkers significantly mediated the associations between urinary MEHOP concentration and nodule, as well as between urinary MMP, MEHP, and MEHHP concentrations and cancer and nodule, with the estimated proportions of mediation ranging from 15.8% to 85.6%. Our results suggest that OS is a potential mediating mechanism through which phthalate exposures induce thyroid carcinogenesis and nodular formation.

A Nickel-Catalyzed Cross-Electrophile Coupling Reaction of 1,3-Dimesylates for Alkylcyclopropane Synthesis: Investigation of Stereochemical Outcomes and Radical Lifetimes

Understanding mechanistic details of the nickel-catalyzed coupling reactions of Csp3 alcohol derivatives is key to developing selective reactions of this widely prevalent functional group. In this manuscript, we utilize a combination of experimental data and DFT studies to define the key intermediates, stereochemical outcome, and competing pathways of a nickel-catalyzed cross-electrophile coupling reaction of 1,3-dimesylates. Stereospecific formation of a 1,3-diiodide intermediate is achieved in situ by the Grignard reagent. The overall stereoablative stereochemical outcome is due to a nickel-catalyzed halogen atom abstraction with a radical rebound that is slower than epimerization of the alkyl radical. Finally, lifetimes of this alkyl radical intermediate are compared to radical clocks to enhance the understanding of the lifetime of the secondary alkyl radical.

[Impact of orthotopic liver transplantation on serum lipid level and growing development in patients with homozygous or compound heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia]

Objective: To investigate the impact of orthotopic liver transplantation on serum lipid and growing development in patients with homozygous (HoFH) or compound heterozygotes (cHeFH) familial hypercholesterolemia. Methods: Patients who were treated in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from August 2019 to August 2021, entered the rare disease database and underwent liver transplantation, were included in this single center retrospective cohort study. The height for age Z score (HAZ) and length for age Z score (WAZ) at birth, at the time of transplantation and one year after transplantation were calculated respectively by collecting demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, echocardiography, lipid-lowering treatment, blood lipid level data and donor characteristics data of liver transplantation. The serum cholesterol level and growing development changes before and after liver transplantation were evaluated. Results: A total of five patients with HoFH or cHeFH, including two females, were included in this study. The median age was 10 years (6-22 years). The median follow up duration was 28 months (24-33 months). All HoFH or cHeFH patients in this study received the maximum daily dosage of the lipid-lowering drug combined with low salt and low-fat diet control treatment for at least 3 months before orthotopic liver transplantation. The average level of total cholesterol (TC) decreased by 27% compared with that before treatment, the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) decreased by 21% after 3 months treatment. There was no intervention of lipid-lowering therapy after operation. One month after liver transplantation, the average levels of TC and LDL-C further decreased rapidly by 68% and 76% respectively. One year after liver transplantation, the level of LDL-C decreased from (17.1±1.6)mmol/L without any intervention before transplantation to (3.0±0.7)mmol/L, and remained stable thereafter. In addition, compared with no intervention before liver transplantation, the serum triglyceride (TG) level decreased after the maximum daily dosage of the lipid-lowering drug and low salt and low-fat diet control for 3 months ((1.88±0.27) mmol/L vs. (1.12±0.55)mmol/L, P=0.031), and the HDL-C level also decreased significantly ((1.95±0.49)mmol/L vs. (0.95±0.30)mmol/L, P=0.006) at the same time period. TG and HDL-C remained stable after liver transplantation during the 24-month follow-up period (P>0.05). One and two years after liver transplantation, there was no significant difference in height and weight, malnutrition and growth retardation between the patients in this cohort and Chinese children of the same age. Conclusion: Early liver transplantation is a feasible and effective treatment option for HoFH or cHeFH patients with extremely high serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.

Merging C-H Bond Activation, Alkyne Insertion, and Rearrangements by Rh(III)-Catalysis: Oxindole Synthesis from Nitroarenes and Alkynes

We report a Rh(III)-catalyzed ortho-C-H bond functionalization of nitroarenes with 1,2-diarylalkynes and carboxylic anhydrides. The reaction unpredictably affords 3,3-disubstituted oxindoles with the formal reduction of the nitro group under redox-neutral conditions. Besides good functional group tolerance, this transformation allows the preparation of oxindoles with a quaternary carbon stereocenter using nonsymmetrical 1,2-diarylalkynes. This protocol is facilitated by the use of a functionalized cyclopentadienyl (Cp^TMP*)Rh(III) [Cp^TMP* = 1-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-2,3,4,5-tetramethylcyclopentadienyl] catalyst we developed, which combines an electron-rich character with an elliptical shape. Mechanistic investigations, including the isolation of three rhodacyle intermediates and extensive density functional theory calculations, indicate that the reaction proceeds through nitrosoarene intermediates via a cascade of C-H bond activation─O-atom transfer─[1,2]-aryl shift─deoxygenation─N-acylation.

Within-day variability, predictors, and risk assessments of exposure to parabens among Chinese adult men

BACKGROUND

Parabens, as suspected endocrine disruptors, are widely used in personal care products and pharmaceuticals. However, variability, predictors, and risk assessments of human exposure to parabens are not well characterized.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate within-day variability, predictors, and risk assessments of exposure to parabens among Chinese adult men.

METHODS

We measured four parabens including methylparaben (MeP), ethylparaben (EtP), propylparaben (PrP), and butylparaben (BuP) in repeated urine samples from 850 Chinese adult men. We examined the variability by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and identified the predictors by multivariable linear mixed models. We assessed risks of paraben exposures based on the estimated daily intake (EDI).

RESULTS

The four parabens were detected in >76% of urinary samples. We observed fair to good to high reproducibility (ICCs: 0.71 to 0.86) for urinary paraben concentrations within one day. Use of facial cleanser was associated with higher four urinary paraben concentrations. Increasing age, taking medicine, intravenous injection, and interior decoration in the workplace were related to higher urinary concentrations of specific parabens. Smoking and drinking were associated with lower urinary concentrations of specific parabens. The maximum EDIs for the four parabens ranged from 13.76 to 848.68 μg/kg bw/day, and 0.9% of participants had the hazard quotient values > 1 driven by PrP exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary paraben concentrations were less variable within one day. Several lifestyle characteristics including use of facial cleanser and pharmaceuticals may contribute to paraben exposures.

Urinary phthalate metabolites and the risk of endometrial polyp: A pilot study from the TREE cohort

Phthalates, as endocrine disrupting chemicals that can alter the endogenous hormones, may be involved in the incidence of endometrial polyp, a benign hormone-dependent condition. We conducted a pilot case-control study from the Tongji Reproductive and Environmental (TREE) cohort to investigate the associations between phthalate exposures and the risk of endometrial polyp. A total of 40 endometrial polyp patients were matched to 80 controls by age and body mass index in the ratio of 1:2. Two spot urine samples from each subject were quantified for eight phthalate metabolites to enhance exposure assessment. The conditional logistic regression and quantile-based g-computation models were separately used to explore the associations between individual and mixture of urinary phthalate metabolites and the risk of endometrial polyp. After adjusting for covariates, individual chemical analyses showed that urinary monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP), mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP), mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP), mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP), mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) and the sum of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (ΣDEHP) were associated with increased risks of endometrial polyp, with adjusted odds ratios ranging from 2.62 (95% CI: 0.88, 7.84) for MECPP to 6.96 (95% CI: 1.87, 25.87) for ΣDEHP comparing the extreme exposure categories (all P for trends <0.05 or = 0.057). These associations still persisted when these exposures were modeled as continuous variables. Chemical mixture analyses showed that a simultaneous one-quartile increase in concentrations of eight phthalate metabolites was associated with an elevated odds ratio of 3.14 (95% CI: 1.49, 6.60) in endometrial polyp. Our data suggests that exposure to individual benzylbutyl phthalate (BBzP) and DEHP, as well as mixture of phthalates is associated with increased risk of endometrial polyp. This may inform public health recommendations and policies to avoid phthalate exposures for improving female reproductive health.

How mono- and diphosphine ligands alter regioselectivity of the Rh-catalyzed annulative cleavage of bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes

Rh(I)-catalyzed cycloisomerizations of bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes provide a fruitful approach to cyclopropane-fused heterocycles. Products and stereochemical outcome are highly dependent on catalyst. The triphenylphosphine (PPh3) ligand provides pyrrolidines, placing substituents anti to the cyclopropyl group. The 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe) ligand yields azepanes with substituents syn to the cyclopropyl group. In this work, quantum mechanical DFT calculations pinpoint a reversal of regio- and diastereoselectivity, suggesting a concerted (double) C−C bond cleavage and rhodium carbenoid formation, driven by strain-release. The ligand-influenced cleavage step determines the regioselectivity of carbometalation and product formation, and suggests new applications of bicyclobutanes.

Urinary concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and phthalate metabolite mixtures in relation to semen quality among men attending an infertility clinic

Previous studies have reported that exposure to phthalates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is individually associated with altered semen quality, but no human studies have evaluated their joint effects of exposure mixtures, a more real-world scenario. We aimed to explore urinary metabolite mixtures of phthalates and PAHs in associations with semen quality. Repeated spot-urine samples gathered from 695 men attending a fertility clinic were analyzed for urinary metabolites of eight phthalates and ten monohydroxylated-PAHs (OH-PAHs). Principal component analysis (PCA)-multivariable linear regression (MLR) model, quantile g-computation (qg-comp), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were applied to estimate the associations of urinary mixtures of phthalate and OH-PAH metabolites with semen quality. The overall effects of urinary mixtures of phthalate and PAH metabolites on semen quality were not statistically significant. However, hydroxynaphthalene (OHNa) factor identified from PCA was monotonically associated with decreased total sperm count and sperm concentration, whereas di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) factor was non-monotonically related to increased progressive sperm motility and total sperm motility. Qg-comp and BKMR models confirmed these findings and identified 2-OHNa and 2-OHFlu as the primary negative contributors, whereas MEOHP and MEHP as the primary positive contributors. Our findings suggest that exposure to mixtures of naphthalene and DEHP is associated with altered semen quality. The finding is warranted to confirm in further well-designed epidemiological studies.

Urinary concentrations of phenols, oxidative stress biomarkers and thyroid cancer: Exploring associations and mediation effects

Phenols have been shown to influence the cellular proliferation and function of thyroid in experimental models. However, few human studies have investigated the association between phenol exposure and thyroid cancer, and the underlying mechanisms are also poorly understood. We conducted a case-control study by age- and sex-matching 143 thyroid cancer and 224 controls to investigate the associations between phenol exposures and the risk of thyroid cancer, and further to explore the mediating role of oxidative stress. We found that elevated urinary triclosan (TCS), bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS) levels were associated with increased risk of thyroid cancer (all P for trends < 0.05), and the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) comparing the extreme exposure groups were 3.52 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.08, 5.95), 2.06 (95% CI: 1.06, 3.97) and 7.15 (95% CI: 3.12, 16.40), respectively. Positive associations were also observed between urinary TCS, BPA and BPS and three oxidative stress biomarkers measured by 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 8-iso-prostaglandin F_2α (8-isoPGF_2α) and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-mercapturic acid (HNE-MA), as well as between urinary 8-isoPGF_2α and HNE-MA and the risk of thyroid cancer. Mediation analysis showed that urinary 8-isoPGF_2α mediated 28.95%, 47.06% and 31.08% of the associations between TCS, BPA and BPS exposures and the risk of thyroid cancer, respectively (all P < 0.05). Our results suggest that exposure to TCS, BPA and BPS may be associated with increased risk of thyroid cancer and lipid peroxidation may be an intermediate mechanism. Further studies are warranted to confirm the findings.

Bisphenol A analogues in associations with serum hormone levels among reproductive-aged Chinese men

BACKGROUND

Bisphenol A (BPA) as an endocrine disrupting chemical has been shown to alter reproductive endocrine function, but little is known on its analogues such as bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS) with increasing usage and exposure.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the associations between exposures to BPA, BPF and BPS and serum reproductive hormones among reproductive-aged Chinese men.

METHODS

We measured BPA, BPF and BPS concentrations in repeated urine samples and multiple reproductive hormones in the serum samples collected from 462 men attending an infertility clinic in Wuhan, China. Linear regression models were applied to assess the associations between averaged urinary BPA, BPF and BPS levels and serum hormone concentrations, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were further utilized to explore potential non-linear associations. We also examined potential modifying effects by age and body mass index (BMI).

RESULTS

There was little evidence of associations between BPA exposure and altered reproductive hormones. However, we found that elevated BPF and BPS exposures were in negative associations with estrogen (E2) levels and E2/T (total testosterone) ratio (all P for trends < 0.05), and that elevated BPS exposure was negatively associated with SHBG levels (P for trend = 0.09). Based on the RCS models, these linear negative associations except that between BPS exposure and E2/T ratio were further confirmed. In stratified analyses, BPF and BPS exposures in relation to reduced E2 and E2/T ratio were more pronounced among men aged > 30 years, whereas their associations with reduced SHBG levels were more pronounced among men aged ≤ 30. Also, BPS exposure in negative association with FSH only emerged among men with BMI ≥ 24 kg/m² (P for interaction = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

BPF and BPS exposures were negatively associated with male serum E2, E2/T ratio and SHBG levels, and these associations varied by age and BMI.

Reversible Homolysis of a Carbon-Carbon σ-Bond Enabled by Complexation-Induced Bond-Weakening

A case study of catalytic carbon-carbon σ-bond homolysis is presented. The coordination of a redox-active Lewis acid catalyst reduces the bond-dissociation free energies of adjacent carbon-carbon σ-bonds, and this complexation-induced bond-weakening is used to effect reversible carbon-carbon bond homolysis. Stereochemical isomerization of 1,2-disubstituted cyclopropanes was investigated as a model reaction with a ruthenium (III/II) redox couple adopted for bond weakening. Results from our mechanistic investigation into the stereospecificity of the isomerization reaction are consistent with selective complexation-induced carbon-carbon bond homolysis. The ΔG‡ of catalyzed and uncatalyzed reactions were estimated to be 14.4 and 40.0 kcal/mol, respectively with the computational method, (U)PBE0-D3/def2-TZVPP-SMD(toluene)//(U)B3LYP-D3/def2-SVP. We report this work as the first catalytic example where the complexation-induced bond-weakening effect is quantified through transition state analysis.

Chidamide and sintilimab combination in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma progressing after chimeric antigen receptor T therapy

BACKGROUND

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is curable with first-line chemoimmunotherapy but patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) DLBCL still face a poor prognosis. For patients with R/R DLBCL, the complete response rate to traditional next-line therapy is only 7% and the median overall survival is 6.3 mo. Recently, CD19-targeting chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) have shown promise in clinical trials. However, approximately 50% of patients treated with CAR-T cells ultimately progress and few salvage therapies are effective.

CASE SUMMARY

Here, we report on 7 patients with R/R DLBCL whose disease progressed after CAR-T infusion. They received a PD-1 inhibitor (sintilimab) and a histone deacetylase inhibitor (chidamide). Five of the 7 patients tolerated the treatment without any serious adverse events. Two patients discontinued the treatment due to lung infection and rash. At the 20-mo follow-up, the median overall survival of these 7 patients was 6 mo. Of note, there were 2 complete response rates (CRs) and 2 partial response rates (PRs) during this novel therapy, with an overall response rate (ORR) of 57.1%, and one patient had a durable CR that lasted at least 20 mo.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, chidamide combined with sintilimab may be a choice for DLBCL patients progressing after CD19-targeting CAR-T therapy.

Serum multiple organochlorine pesticides in relation to testosterone concentrations among Chinese men from an infertility clinic

BACKGROUND

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals and may alter male reproductive hormone concentrations.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the associations between multiple OCP exposures and serum testosterone concentrations among Chinese men.

METHODS

We investigated 421 men who provided serum samples from an infertility clinic in Wuhan, China. Each man completed a questionnaire concerning demographic characteristics and lifestyle habits. Serum concentrations of 18 OCPs and total testosterone were measured. Linear regression models were used to explore whether serum OCP levels were associated with altered testosterone concentrations, and potential effect modifications by age and body mass index (BMI) were also examined.

RESULTS

After adjusting for potential confounders, elevated dieldrin and p,p'-DDD levels had monotonically negative and positive exposure-response associations with testosterone concentrations, respectively (-30.98 ng/dL, 95% CI: -72.34, 10.37; P for trend = 0.12 and 41.31 ng/dL, 95% CI: -0.32, 82.93; P for trend = 0.06 for the highest vs. non-detectable exposure category, respectively). After stratification by age and BMI, dieldrin in relation to decreased testosterone concentrations was more pronounced among men aged <30 years old, and p,p'-DDD in relation to increased testosterone concentrations was stronger among men aged ≥30 years old and among men with a BMI <24 kg/m², though the differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The study found evidence that serum dieldrin and p,p'-DDD concentrations might be associated with altered serum testosterone concentrations.

Exposure to disinfection by-products and reproductive hormones among women: Results from the Tongji Reproductive and Environmental (TREE) study

BACKGROUND

Disinfection by-products (DBPs) have been shown to impair female reproductive function. However, epidemiological evidence on reproductive hormones is scarce.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the associations between DBP exposures and reproductive hormones among women undergoing assisted reproductive technology.

METHODS

We included 725 women from the Tongji Reproductive and Environmental (TREE) Study, an ongoing cohort conducted in Wuhan, China during December 2018 and January 2020. Urine samples collected at recruitment were quantified for dichloroacetic acid (DCAA) and trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) as biomarkers of DBP exposures. At day 2-5 of menstruation, serum reproductive hormones including luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E₂), total testosterone (T), progesterone (PRGE), and prolactin (PRL) were determined. Multivariate linear regression models were performed to assess the associations of urinary DCAA and TCAA concentrations with reproductive hormone levels. Dose-response relationships were investigated using natural cubic spline (NCS) and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models.

RESULTS

After adjusting for relevant confounders, we observed that higher urinary DCAA levels were associated with increased serum PRGE (9.2%; 95% CI: -0.55%, 19.8% for the highest vs. lowest tertile; P for trend = 0.06). Based on NCS models, we observed U-shaped associations of urinary DCAA with serum PRGE and PRL; each ln-unit increment in urinary DCAA concentrations above 3.61 μg/L and 6.30 μg/L was associated with 18.9% (95% CI: 4.8%, 34.7%) and 23.3% (95% CI: -0.92%, 53.5%) increase in serum PRGE and PRL, respectively. The U-shaped associations were further confirmed in RCS models (P for overall association ≤0.01 and P for non-linear associations ≤0.04). We did not observe evidence of associations between urinary TCAA and reproductive hormones.

CONCLUSION

Urinary DCAA but not TCAA was associated with altered serum PRGE and PRL levels among women undergoing assisted reproductive technology.

Individual and mixtures of metal exposures in associations with biomarkers of oxidative stress and global DNA methylation among pregnant women

BACKGROUND

Prenatal exposure to metals has been linked with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Oxidative stress and epigenetic changes are potential mechanisms of action.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to examine the associations of individual and mixtures of metal exposures with oxidative stress and DNA methylation among pregnant women.

METHODS

We measured a panel of 16 metals and 3 oxidative stress biomarkers including 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-mercapturic acid (HNE-MA) and 8-isoprostaglandin F2α (8-isoPGF2α) in urine from 113 pregnant women in a Chinese cohort. Biomarkers of global DNA methylation including Alu and long interspersed nucleotide element-1 (LINE-1) in cord blood were measured. Multivariable linear regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were separately applied to estimate the associations between individual and mixtures of metal exposures and biomarkers of oxidative stress and global DNA methylation.

RESULTS

In single-metal analyses, we observed positive associations between 11 metals [arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), thallium (Tl), barium (Ba), nickel (Ni), vanadium (V), cobalt (Co), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), selenium (Se) and molybdenum (Mo)] and at least one of oxidative stress biomarkers (all FDR-adjusted P-values < 0.05). In mixture analyses, we found positive overall associations of metal mixtures with 8-OHdG and 8-isoPGF2α, and Se was the most important predictor. There was no evidence on associations of urinary metals as individual chemicals and mixtures with Alu and LINE-1 methylation.

CONCLUSION

Urinary metals as individual chemicals and mixtures were associated with increased oxidative stress, especially Se.

Associations between urinary bisphenol A and its analogues and semen quality: A cross-sectional study among Chinese men from an infertility clinic

Human studies on association between bisphenol A (BPA) exposure and semen quality, mostly based on single urinary measurement, are inconsistent. There is limited human evidence on BPA analogues such as bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS), and little is known on potential effects of bisphenol mixtures. We aimed to explore whether individual or mixtures of BPA, BPS and BPF assessed in repeated urinary measurements were associated with semen quality among 984 Chinese men from an infertility clinic. We found that higher BPA exposure was associated with increased odds ratios (ORs) of having below-reference sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility and total motility (all P for trends < 0.05). Higher BPS exposure was associated with increased ORs of having below-reference progressive motility and total motility (both P for trends = 0.02); the ORs comparing extreme quartiles were 1.62 (95% CI: 1.07, 2.43) and 1.57 (95% CI: 1.06, 2.33), respectively. Elevated risks for each outcome were also observed when bisphenol mixtures were at ≥ 55th percentiles. For semen quality parameters modeled as continuous outcomes, inverse associations with individual BPA and BPS and bisphenol mixtures were still estimated. Our results suggested that higher exposure to individual BPA and BPS and bisphenol mixtures were associated with impaired semen quality.

Profiling of exosomal microRNAs expression in umbilical cord blood from normal and preeclampsia patients

Background

Epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that preeclampsia has a negative impact on maternity and offspring health. Previous studies report that dysregulation in utero-environment increases risk for elderly disease such as cardiovascular disease. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Specific microRNAs (miRNAs) are packaged in exosomes may regulate microvascular dysfunction in offspring of mothers with preeclampsia. The present study aimed to identify the differential expression profiles of microRNAs in the serum exosomes between patients with preeclampsia and normal pregnancies.

Methods

A comprehensive miRNA sequence-based approach was performed to compare exosomes carry miRNAs (Exo-miRNAs) expression levels in umbilical serum between normal and preeclampsia patients. Exosomes were isolated using the ExoQuick precipitation kit. Serum exosomes were then viewed under electron microscopy, and their characteristics determined by western blotting and nanoparticle-tracking analysis. Illumina platform was used to perform sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis was used to explore differentially expressed Exo-miRNAs in umbilical serum.

Results

Based on sequence similarity, 1733 known miRNAs were retrieved. Furthermore, 157 mature miRNAs in serum exosomes were significantly differential expressed between PE and those control groups (P<0.05, log₂|FC| > 1). Out, of the 157 miRNAs, 96 were upregulated miRNAs whereas 61 miRNAs were downregulated. The 157 differentially expressed miRNAs targeted 51,424 differentially expressed genes. Functional analysis through KEGG pathway and Gene Ontology results uncovered that target genes of miRNAs with differential expression were significantly linked to several pathways and biological processes.

Conclusion

The findings of this study showed differential expression of umbilical serum Exo-miRNAs in normal compared with PE patients, implying that these Exo-miRNAs may associate with microvascular dysfunction in offspring of mothers with preeclampsia.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-04449-w.

Urinary and seminal plasma concentrations of phthalate metabolites in relation to spermatogenesis-related miRNA106a among men from an infertility clinic

Studies indicate that phthalates can disrupt spermatogenesis and lead to the reduction of semen quality. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the associations of phthalate exposures as individual chemicals and mixtures with spermatogenesis-related miRNA106a. We detected eight phthalate metabolites in repeated urine samples and a single seminal plasma specimen among 111 men from an infertility clinic in Wuhan, China. Spermatogenesis-related miRNA106a was measured in seminal plasma. We used multivariable linear regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models to separately evaluate the associations of phthalate metabolites as individual chemicals and mixtures with spermatogenesis-related miRNA106a. Elevated tertiles of urinary mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) was associated with decreased miRNA106a (-61.71%; 95%CI: 81.92, -18.93% for the highest vs. lowest tertile; P for trend = 0.01). Similarly, an inverse exposure-response relationship between seminal plasma MEHP concentrations and miRNA106a was also observed (-59.44%; 95%CI: 79.19, -20.95% for the highest vs. lowest tertile; P for trend = 0.01). The BKMR models showed that the mixtures of seminal plasma phthalate metabolites were associated with decreased miRNA106a when the chemical mixtures were ≥35th percentile compared to their medians. Nonlinear associations with miRNA106a were estimated for urinary and seminal plasma MEHP while fixing other phthalate metabolites at their medians. Our findings suggest that mixtures of phthalate metabolites in seminal plasma were negatively associated with spermatogenesis-related miRNA106a, and individual MEHP was the major contributor to the adverse effects.

Urinary biomarkers of exposure to drinking water disinfection byproducts and ovarian reserve: A cross-sectional study in China

Experimental studies have demonstrated that disinfection byproducts (DBPs) can cause ovarian toxicity including inhibition of antral follicle growth and disruption of steroidogenesis, but there is a paucity of human evidence. We aimed to investigate whether urinary biomarkers of exposure to drinking water DBPs were associated with ovarian reserve. The present study included 956 women attending an infertility clinic in Wuhan, China from December 2018 to January 2020. Antral follicle count (AFC), ovarian volume (OV), anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured as indicators of ovarian reserve. Urinary dichloroacetic acid (DCAA) and trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) were assessed as potential biomarkers of drinking water DBP exposures. Multivariate linear and Poisson regression models were applied to estimate the associations of urinary DCAA and TCAA concentrations with indicators of ovarian reserve. Elevated urinary DCAA and TCAA levels were monotonically associated with reduced total AFC (- 5.98%; 95% CI: - 10.30%, - 1.44% in DCAA and - 12.98%; 95% CI: - 17.00%, - 8.76% in TCAA comparing the extreme tertiles; both P for trends ≤ 0.01), and the former was only observed in right AFC but not in left AFC, whereas the latter was estimated for both right and left AFC. Moreover, elevated urinary TCAA levels were monotonically associated with decreased AMH (- 14.09%; 95% CI: - 24.79%, - 1.86% comparing the extreme tertiles; P for trend = 0.03). These negative associations were still observed for the exposure biomarkers modeled as continuous variables. Our findings suggest that exposure to drinking water DBPs may be associated with decreased ovarian reserve.

Early life exposure to air pollution and cell-mediated immune responses in preschoolers

BACKGROUND

Exposure to air pollution has been linked with altered immune function in adults, but little is known about its effects on early life. This study aimed to investigate the effects of exposure to air pollution during prenatal and postnatal windows on cell-mediated immune function in preschoolers.

METHODS

Pre-school aged children (2.9 ± 0.5 y old, n = 391) were recruited from a mother-child cohort study in Wuhan, China. We used a spatial-temporal land use regression (LUR) model to estimate exposures of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters ≤2.5 μm (PM_2.5) and ≤10 μm (PM₁₀), and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) during the specific trimesters of pregnancy and the first two postnatal years. We measured peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets and plasma cytokines as indicators of cellular immune function. We used multiple informant models to examine the associations of prenatal and postnatal exposures to air pollution with cell-mediated immune function.

RESULTS

Prenatal exposures to PM_2.5, PM₁₀, and NO₂ during early pregnancy were negatively associated with %CD3⁺ and %CD3⁺CD8⁺ cells, and during late pregnancy were positively associated with %CD3⁺ cells. Postnatal exposures to these air pollutants during 1-y or 2-y childhood were positively associated with IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, and TNF-α. We also observed that the associations of prenatal or postnatal air pollution exposures with cellular immune responses varied by child's sex.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that exposure to air pollution during different critical windows of early life may differentially alter cellular immune responses, and these effects appear to be sex-specific.

Serum concentrations of organochlorine pesticides, biomarkers of oxidative stress, and risk of breast cancer

Studies have documented that exposure to organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) is linked with breast cancer, but the underlying biological mechanisms are still unknown. This study included 313 women diagnosed with breast cancer and 313 controls in Wuhan, China, and measured 18 OCPs in serum and 3 oxidative stress biomarkers in urine. Multivariable adjusted regression models were used to evaluate the associations among OCPs, oxidative stress biomarkers, and breast cancer. The mediating effect of oxidative stress was assessed by mediation analysis. We observed that most OCPs were positively associated with risk of breast cancer (all FDR-P values < 0.05 or 0.10). Moreover, we found that p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDD, dieldrin, heptachlor, and heptachlor epoxide were positively associated with 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-mercapturic acid (HNE-MA) and 8-iso-prostaglandin F_2α (8-isoPGF_2α), which in turn were positively associated with risk of breast cancer. Mediation analysis indicated that HNE-MA and 8-isoPGF_2ɑ mediated the positive associations between these OCPs and risk of breast cancer, with mediating proportion ranging from 6.23% to 19.9%. Our results suggest that lipid peroxidation may mediate the positive associations between OCP exposures and risk of breast cancer.

Constructing Saturated Guanidinum Heterocycles by Cycloaddition of N-Amidinyliminium Ions with Indoles

We report that structurally complex guanidinium heterocycles can be prepared in one step by regio- and stereoselective [4 + 2]-cycloadditions of N-amidinyliminium ions with indoles or benzothiophene. In contrast to reactions of these heterodienes with alkenes, density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that these cycloadditions take place in a concerted asynchronous fashion. The [4 + 2]-cycloaddition of N-amidinyliminium ions (1,3-diaza-1,3-dienes) with indoles and benzothiophene are distinctive, as related [4 + 2]-cycloadditions of N-acyliminium ions (1-oxa-3-aza-1,3-dienes) are apparently unknown.

Urinary bisphenol A and its alternatives among pregnant women: Predictors and risk assessment

BACKGROUND

Exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) has been associated with various adverse health outcomes. Recently, an increasing concern on its alternatives such as bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF) has been aroused due to the restriction use of BPA. Few studies have identified predictors of exposure to BPA alternatives and assessed their health risks.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify predictors of BPA and its alternatives and to assess their health risks among pregnant women.

METHODS

We detected first morning urinary concentrations of BPA and its alternatives (BPS and BPF) among 1097 pregnant women from an established Chinese cohort. A questionnaire was conducted to obtain demographic characteristics, dietary habits, and lifestyles. We examined the predictors of creatinine-adjusted urinary BPA and its alternatives concentrations using multivariable linear regression. Risk assessment of exposure to BPA and its alternatives was calculated based on the estimated of daily intake (EDI).

RESULTS

Geometric means of creatinine-adjusted urinary BPA, BPF, and BPS were 0.92, 0.12, and 0.08 μg/g creatinine, respectively. Pregnant women from Wuhan had lower concentrations of BPA, BPF, and ∑BPs (sum of BPA, BPF, and BPS) than those from Xiaogan. Intake of fried food was related to higher concentrations of BPA, and intake of pickled food was associated with higher concentrations of BPF and ∑BPs. The maximum EDI values for exposure to BPA, BPF, BPS, and ∑BPs ranged from 5.6428 to 13.3356 nmol/kg body weight/day, which were below the tolerable daily intake (TDI) for BPA defined by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (18 nmol/kg body weight/day). The maximum hazard index (HI) value was 0.7409.

CONCLUSION

Several predictors identified in this study may inform public recommendations to reduce exposure to BPA and its alternatives.

iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic analysis of thoracic aortas from adult rats born to preeclamptic dams

Background

Preeclampsia and gestational hypertension can cause vascular function impairment in offspring. In our previous work, we described the protein expression profiles of umbilical artery tissues from patients with preeclampsia.

Methods

To gain insights into the mechanisms of vascular dysfunction in adult rats born to preeclamptic dams, we analyzed thoracic aorta tissues by using iTRAQ isobaric tags and 2D nano LC-MS/MS.

Results

By using the iTRAQ method, we analyzed 1825 proteins, of which 106 showed significantly different expression in the thoracic aortic. Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) showed that the majority of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were associated with cardiovascular function. Further analysis indicated that glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), which is inhibited by miR-423-5p and activated by TP53, had the strongest effect on cardiovascular function. The expression of G6PD was upregulated in thoracic aorta tissues, as confirmed by Western blotting. The expression of two other vascular function-related proteins, cysteine- and glycine-rich protein 2 (CSRP2) and tubulin alpha-4 A (TUBA4A), was upregulated, as demonstrated by mass spectrometry (MS).

Conclusions

Although the results require further functional validation, these data provide novel findings related to vascular function impairment in the adult offspring of preeclamptic mothers.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12014-021-09327-9.

Caspase-11/4 and gasdermin D-mediated pyroptosis contributes to podocyte injury in mouse diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is characterized by sterile inflammation with continuous injury and loss of renal inherent parenchyma cells. Podocyte is an essential early injury target in DN. The injury and loss of podocytes are closely associated with proteinuria, the early symptom of renal injury in DN. However, the exact mechanism for podocyte injury and death in DN remains ambiguous. In this study we investigated whether pyroptosis, a newly discovered cell death pathway was involved in DN. Diabetic mice were generated by high-fat diet/STZ injections. We showed that the expression levels of caspase-11 and cleavage of gasdermin D (GSDMD-N) in podocytes were significantly elevated, accompanied by reduced expression of podocyte makers nephrin and podocin, loss and fusion in podocyte foot processes, increased inflammatory cytokines NF-κB, IL-1β, and IL-18, macrophage infiltration, glomerular matrix expansion and increased urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR). All these changes in diabetic mice were blunted by knockout of caspase-11 or GSDMD. Cultured human and mouse podocytes were treated with high glucose (30 mM), which significantly increased the expression levels of caspase-11 or caspase-4 (the homolog of caspase-11 in human), GSDMD-N, NF-κB, IL-1β, and IL-18, and decreased the expression of nephrin and podocin. Either caspase-4 or GSDMD knockdown by siRNA significantly blunted these changes. In summary, our results demonstrate that caspase-11/4 and GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis is activated and involved in podocyte loss under hyperglycemia condition and the development of DN.

Domino Effect of Interleukin-15 and CD8 T-Cell-Mediated Neuronal Apoptosis in Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury

The effects of local factors on activation of immune cells infiltrating the central nervous system (CNS) in a rat model of traumatic brain injury (TBI) remain elusive. The cytokine, interleukin (IL)-15, is crucial for development and activation of CD8 T lymphocytes, a prominent lymphocytic population present in TBI lesions. We investigated whether IL-15 originates from astrocytes and whether IL-15 can evoke the CD8 T-lymphocyte response in TBI. We observed that astrocytes were activated in a rat model of TBI and that IL-15 was overexpressed on the surface of astrocytes. Further, CD8 T lymphocytes infiltrating TBI lesions colocalized with IL-15-expressing astrocytes. Activated CD8 T lymphocytes released granzyme B (Gra-b), which, in turn, activated caspase-3-induced poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage and, ultimately, neuronal apoptosis. Conversely, inhibition of astrocyte activation by pre-treatment with the specific inhibitor, fluorocitrate (FC), that reduces carbon flux through the Krebs cycle in astrocytes resulted in improved neurological function and memory. FC pre-treatment was also associated with downregulated IL-15 expression and CD8 T-cell activation as well as decreased levels of neuronal apoptosis, suggesting that IL-15 initiated a domino effect toward apoptosis. In contrast, rats pre-treated with recombinant rat IL-15 showed upregulated CD8 T-cell numbers and Gra-b levels, in addition to induction of neuronal apoptosis. Together, our results indicated that IL-15 could induce neuronal apoptosis by enhancing CD8 T-cell function in a rat model of TBI.

Projection-specific dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area participated in morphine-induced hyperalgesia and anti-nociceptive tolerance in male mice

BACKGROUND

Long-term morphine use is associated with serious side effects, such as morphine-induced hyperalgesia and analgesic tolerance. Previous investigations have documented the association between dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and pain. However, whether VTA DA neurons are implicated in morphine-induced hyperalgesia and analgesic tolerance remains elusive.

METHODS

Initially, we observed behavioural effects of lidocaine administration into VTA or ablation of VTA DA neurons on morphine-induced hyperalgesia and anti-nociceptive tolerance. Subsequently, c-Fos expression in nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell-projecting and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)-projecting VTA DA neurons after chronic morphine treatment was respectively investigated. Afterwards, the effects of chemogenetic manipulation of NAc shell-projecting or mPFC-projecting DA neurons on morphine-induced hyperalgesia and anti-nociceptive tolerance were observed. Additionally, effects of chemogenetic manipulation of VTA GABA neurons on c-Fos expression in VTA DA neurons were investigated.

RESULTS

Lidocaine injection into VTA relieved established hyperalgesia and anti-nociceptive tolerance whereas ablation of VTA DA neurons prevented the development of morphine-induced hyperalgesia and anti-nociceptive tolerance. Chronic morphine treatment increased c-Fos expression in NAc shell-projecting DA neurons, rather than in mPFC-projecting DA neurons. Chemogenetic manipulation of NAc shell-projecting DA neurons had influence on morphine-induced hyperalgesia and tolerance. However, chemogenetic manipulation of mPFC-projecting DA neurons had no significant effects on morphine-induced hyperalgesia and anti-nociceptive tolerance. Chemogenetic manipulation of VTA GABA neurons affected the c-Fos expression in VTA DA neurons.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings revealed the involvement of NAc shell-projecting VTA DA neurons in morphine-induced hyperalgesia and anti-nociceptive tolerance, and may shed new light on the clinical management of morphine-induced hyperalgesia and analgesic tolerance.

PERSPECTIVE

This study demonstrated that NAc shell-projecting DA neurons rather than mPFC-projecting DA neurons in the VTA were implicated in morphine-induced hyperalgesia and anti-nociceptive tolerance. Our findings may pave the way for the discovery of novel therapies for morphine-induced hyperalgesia and analgesic tolerance.

[Clinical features and treatment outcome of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features and effect of prognostic factors in patients with different pathological types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Methods: We collected and analyzed the clinical data of 89 patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis who were treated at Huadong Hospital from March 2013 to May 2020. The data were analyzed via log-rank and Cox multivariate analyses. Results: The median overall survival time of the 89 cases was 10.2 months. Patients with B-cell lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis did not reach the median overall survival time. The median overall survival times of T-cell lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and NK-cell lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis were 10.2 and 3.0 months, respectively. The pathological type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (OS: P=0041, PFS: P=0.015) , ECOG score ≥ 3 (OS: P=0.031, PFS: P=0.030) , hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (OS: P=0.005, PFS: P=0.040) , lymphadenopathy (OS: P=0.007, PFS: P=0.012) , and splenomegaly (OS: P=0.276, PFS: P=0.324) were related to the overall survival and progression-free survival of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Splenectomy could improve the prognosis of patients with lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, especially T-cell lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Conclusion: The clinical characteristics of patients with different pathological types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis were similar but were different in the overall survival rate and the effect of prognostic factors. We suggested that patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis should receive more than combined chemotherapy. To improve the prognosis and survival rate of patients, those with B-cell lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and NK-cell lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis promptly require hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Moreover, patients with T-cell lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis should consider splenectomy.

Schisandrol B promotes liver enlargement via activation of PXR and YAP pathways in mice

BACKGROUND

Schisandrol B (SolB) is one of the bioactive components from a traditional Chinese medicine Schisandra chinensis or Schisandra sphenanthera. It has been demonstrated that SolB exerts hepatoprotective effects against drug-induced liver injury and promotes liver regeneration. It was found that SolB can induce hepatomegaly but the involved mechanisms remain unknown.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to explore the mechanisms involved in SolB-induced hepatomegaly.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6 mice were injected intraperitoneally with SolB (100 mg/kg) for 5 days. Serum and liver samples were collected for biochemical and histological analyses. The mechanisms of SolB were investigated by qRT-PCR and western blot analyses, luciferase reporter gene assays and immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

SolB significantly increased hepatocyte size and proliferation, and then promoted liver enlargement without liver injury and inflammation. SolB transactivated human PXR, activated PXR in mice and upregulated hepatic expression of its downstream proteins, such as CYP3A11, CYP2B10 and UGT1A1. SolB also significantly enhanced nuclear translocation of PXR and YAP in human cell lines. YAP signal pathway was activated by SolB in mice.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrated that SolB can significantly induce liver enlargement, which is associated with the activation of PXR and YAP pathways.

The role of oxidative stress in association between disinfection by-products exposure and semen quality: A mediation analysis among men from an infertility clinic

Toxicological and epidemiologic evidence has suggested that exposure to disinfection by-products (DBPs) impairs semen quality, while the underlying biological mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of oxidative stress in association between DBP exposure and semen quality. We measured a urinary biomarker of DBP exposure [trichloroacetic acid (TCAA)] and three urinary biomarkers of oxidative stress [8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 8-iso-prostaglandin F2_α (8-isoPGF2_α) and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-mercapturic acid (HNE-MA)] among men from an infertility clinic (n = 299). The associations of oxidative stress biomarkers with urinary TCAA and semen quality were evaluated using multivariable linear regression models, and the mediating role of oxidative stress biomarkers was assessed by a mediation analysis. Urinary TCAA was positively associated with urinary 8-OHdG and 8-isoPGF2_α in a dose-response manner (both P for trend < 0.001). Significantly inverse dose-response associations were observed between urinary 8-isoPGF2_α and sperm concentration and between urinary 8-OHdG and sperm motility (both P for trend < 0.05). The mediation analysis indicated a significant indirect effect of urinary 8-isoPGF2_α in the association between urinary TCAA and decreased sperm concentration (P = 0.01). Our results suggest that lipid peroxidation may be an intermediate mechanism by which DBP exposure impairs semen quality.

[Effects of Wp-PKC on gonadal development of Whitmania pigra]

Protein kinase C(PKC) is a kind of kinase which is widely involved in cell proliferation and development. PKC(Wp-PKC) in Whitmania pigra body belongs to classic PKC. In order to investigate the effect of Wp-PKC on the development of Wh. pigra germ cells, 17β-estradiol(17β-E2)(100 ng·mL~(-1)) and methyltestosterone(MT)(150 μg·L~(-1)), 150 μg·L~(-1)(MT)+0.5 mg·L~(-1) PKC, 0.5 mg·L~(-1) PKC inhibitor were added to Wh. pigra culture water, and no addition group(control group) was added, and the effects on the development of Wh. pigra germ cells and the expression of Wp-PKC were observed. The results showed that: Wp-PKC in male gonads was always higher than that in female gonads; MT promoted the development of male gonads in Wh. pigra, while the expression of Wp-PKC was significantly higher than that in the control; 17β-E2 promoted the development of female gonads in Wh. pigra and Wp-PKC expression significantly lower than that of the control; while the development of the female and male gonads in the PKC inhibitor group was inhibited, the expression of Wp-PKC was significantly lower than that of the control. In summary, Wp-PKC may promote the development of Wh. pigra, especially the development of male gonads.