Disrupting interaction of PSD-95 with nNOS attenuates hemorrhage-induced thalamic pain

Hemorrhages occurring within the thalamus lead to a pain syndrome. Clinical treatment of thalamic pain is ineffective, at least in part, due to the elusive mechanisms that underlie the induction and maintenance of thalamic pain. The present study investigated the possible contribution of a protein-protein interaction between postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) to thalamic pain in mice. Thalamic hemorrhage was induced by microinjection of type IV collagenase into unilateral ventral posterior medial/lateral nuclei of the thalamus. Pain hypersensitivities, including mechanical allodynia, heat hyperalgesia, and cold allodynia, appeared at day 1 post-microinjection, reached a peak 5-7 days post-microinjection, and persisted for at least 28 days post-microinjection on the contralateral side. Systemic pre-treatment (but not post-treatment) of ZL006, a small molecule that disrupts PSD-95-nNOS interaction, alleviated these pain hypersensitivities. This effect is dose-dependent. Mechanistically, ZL006 blocked the hemorrhage-induced increase of binding of PSD-95 with nNOS and membrane translocation of nNOS in thalamic neurons. Our findings suggest that the protein-protein interaction between PSD-95 and nNOS in the thalamus plays a significant role in the induction of thalamic pain. This interaction may be a promising therapeutic target in the clinical management of hemorrhage-induced thalamic pain.

Effects of consuming a high-protein diet with or without soy protein during weight loss and maintenance: a non-inferiority, randomized clinical efficacy trial

OBJECTIVE

This 12-month randomized, non-inferiority clinical trial sought to determine the impact of consuming soy protein as part of an energy-restricted, high-protein diet on weight loss, body composition and cardiometabolic health.

METHODS

Seventy-one adults (58 female) with overweight or obesity (body mass index: 32.9 ± 3.6 kg m-2) were randomly assigned to consume three servings of soy (S) or non-soy (NS) protein foods per day for 12 months. All participants completed a group-based behavioural weight loss program lasting 4 months (M4), and follow-up assessments were completed at month 12 (M12).

RESULTS

Body weight was reduced in both groups at M4 (S: -7.0% ± 5.2%, NS: -7.1% ± 5.7%) and M12 (S: 3.6% ± 5.1%, NS: -4.8% ± 7.3%). Body weight reductions (mean difference [90% confidence interval]) were not different between S and NS at either time point (M4: -0.16% [-1.4, 3.6], P = 0.90; M12: 1.1% [-1.4, 3.6], P = 0.44). Differences in body fat mass loss were not different between S and NS at M4 (0.29 ± 0.84 kg, P = 0.73) or M12 (0.78 ± 1.5 kg, P = 0.59). Weight loss-induced improvements in cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure did not differ between S and NS.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that soy-based protein foods can be effectively incorporated into an energy-restricted, high-protein diet for improving body weight, body composition and cardiometabolic health.

Suppression of Pax2 Attenuates Allodynia and Hyperalgesia through ET-1-ETAR-NFAT5 Signaling in a Rat Model of Neuropathic Pain

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) and its receptors (ETAR/ETBR) emerge to be a key signaling axis in neuropathic pain processing and are recognized as new therapeutic targets. Yet, little is known on the functional regulation of ET-1 axis during neuropathic pain. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that paired box gene 2 (Pax2) or nuclear factor of activated T-cells 5 (NFAT5), two transcription factors involved in the modulation of neurotransmission, may regulate ET-1. Therefore, we hypothesized that ET-1 axis may be regulated by Pax2 or NFAT5 in the development of neuropathic pain. After partial sciatic nerve ligation (pSNL), rats displayed allodynia and hyperalgesia, which was associated with increased mRNA and protein expressions of spinal Pax2, NFAT5, and mRNA levels of ET-1 and ETAR, but not ETBR. Knockdown of Pax2 or NFAT5 with siRNA, or inhibition of ETAR with BQ-123 attenuated pSNL-induced pain-like behaviors. At molecular level, Pax2 siRNA, but not NFAT5 siRNA, downregulated ET-1 and ETAR, while ETAR inhibitor reduced NFAT5, indicating Pax2 in the upstream of ET-1 axis with NFAT5 in the downstream. Further, suppression of Pax2 (inhibiting ET-1) or impairment of ET-1 signaling (inhibition of ETAR and/or decrease of NFAT5) deactivated mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways, supporting the significance of functional regulation of ET-1 axis in neuropathic pain signaling. These findings demonstrate that Pax2 targeting ET-1-ETAR-NFAT5 is a novel regulatory mechanism underlying neuropathic pain.

Inferring Roles in Defense from Metabolic Allocation of Rice Diterpenoids

Among their responses to microbial infection, plants deploy an arsenal of natural antibiotic products. Historically these have been identified on the basis of their antibiotic activity in vitro, which leaves open the question of their relevance to defense in planta. The vast majority of such natural products from the important crop plant rice (Oryza sativa) are diterpenoids whose biosynthesis proceeds via either ent- or syn-copalyl diphosphate (CPP) intermediates, which were isolated on the basis of their antibiotic activity against the fungal blast pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae However, rice plants in which the gene for the syn-CPP synthase Os-CPS4 is knocked out do not exhibit increased susceptibility to M. oryzae Here, we show that knocking out or knocking down Os-CPS4 actually decreases susceptibility to the bacterial leaf blight pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae By contrast, genetic manipulation of the gene for the ent-CPP synthase Os-CPS2 alters susceptibility to both M. oryzae and X. oryzae Despite the secretion of diterpenoids dependent on Os-CPS2 or Os-CPS4 from roots, neither knockout exhibited significant changes in the composition of their rhizosphere bacterial communities. Nevertheless, rice plants allocate substantial metabolic resources toward syn- as well as ent-CPP derived diterpenoids upon infection/induction. Further investigation revealed that Os-CPS4 plays a role in fungal non-host disease resistance. Thus, examination of metabolic allocation provides important clues into physiological function.

Expression of cytokines in aqueous humor from fungal keratitis patients

BACKGROUND

Although a series of reports on corneal fungal infection have been published, studies on pathogenic mechanisms and inflammation-associated cytokines remain limited. In this study, aqueous humor samples from fungal keratitis patients were collected to examine cytokine patterns and cellular profile for the pathogenesis of fungal keratitis.

METHODS

The aqueous humor samples were collected from ten patients with advanced stage fungal keratitis. Eight aqueous humor samples from patients with keratoconus or corneal dystrophy were taken as control. Approximately 100 μl to 300 μl of aqueous humor in each case were obtained for examination. The aqueous humor samples were centrifuged and the cells were stained and examined under optical microscope. Bacterial and fungal cultures were performed on the aqueous humor and corneal buttons of all patients. Cytokines related to inflammation including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ were examined using multiplex bead-based Luminex liquid protein array systems.

RESULTS

Fungus infection was confirmed in these ten patients by smear stains and/or fungal cultures. Bacterial and fungal cultures revealed negative results in all aqueous humor specimens. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes were the predominant infiltrating cells in the aqueous humor of fungal keratitis. At the advanced stages of fungal keratitis, the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IFN-γ in the aqueous humor were significantly increased when compared with control (p<0.01). The levels of IL-10 and TNF-α also showed an ascending trend but with no statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

High concentration of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IFN-γ in the aqueous humor was associated with fungal keratitis.

A cytochrome P450 CYP71 enzyme expressed in Sorghum bicolor root hair cells participates in the biosynthesis of the benzoquinone allelochemical sorgoleone

Sorgoleone, a major component of the hydrophobic root exudates of Sorghum spp., is probably responsible for many of the allelopathic properties attributed to members of this genus. Much of the biosynthetic pathway for this compound has been elucidated, with the exception of the enzyme responsible for the catalysis of the addition of two hydroxyl groups to the resorcinol ring. A library prepared from isolated Sorghum bicolor root hair cells was first mined for P450-like sequences, which were then analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to identify those preferentially expressed in root hairs. Full-length open reading frames for each candidate were generated, and then analyzed biochemically using both a yeast expression system and transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated repression in transgenic S. bicolor was used to confirm the roles of these candidates in the biosynthesis of sorgoleone in planta. A P450 enzyme, designated CYP71AM1, was found to be capable of catalyzing the formation of dihydrosorgoleone using 5-pentadecatrienyl resorcinol-3-methyl ether as substrate, as determined by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). RNAi-mediated repression of CYP71AM1 in S. bicolor resulted in decreased sorgoleone contents in multiple independent transformant events. Our results strongly suggest that CYP71AM1 participates in the biosynthetic pathway of the allelochemical sorgoleone.

miRNA-23a/CXCR4 regulates neuropathic pain via directly targeting TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome axis

BACKGROUND

Chemokine CXC receptor 4 (CXCR4) in spinal glial cells has been implicated in neuropathic pain. However, the regulatory cascades of CXCR4 in neuropathic pain remain elusive. Here, we investigated the functional regulatory role of miRNAs in the pain process and its interplay with CXCR4 and its downstream signaling.

METHODS

miRNAs and CXCR4 and its downstream signaling molecules were measured in the spinal cords of mice with sciatic nerve injury via partial sciatic nerve ligation (pSNL). Immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation, and mammal two-hybrid and behavioral tests were used to explore the downstream CXCR4-dependent signaling pathway.

RESULTS

CXCR4 expression increased in spinal glial cells of mice with pSNL-induced neuropathic pain. Blocking CXCR4 alleviated the pain behavior; contrarily, overexpressing CXCR4 induced pain hypersensitivity. MicroRNA-23a-3p (miR-23a) directly bounds to 3' UTR of CXCR4 mRNA. pSNL-induced neuropathic pain significantly reduced mRNA expression of miR-23a. Overexpression of miR-23a by intrathecal injection of miR-23a mimics or lentivirus reduced spinal CXCR4 and prevented pSNL-induced neuropathic pain. In contrast, knockdown of miR-23a by intrathecal injection of miR-23a inhibitor or lentivirus induced pain-like behavior, which was reduced by CXCR4 inhibition. Additionally, miR-23a knockdown or CXCR4 overexpression in naïve mice could increase the thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), which was associated with induction of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Indeed, CXCR4 and TXNIP were co-expressed. The mammal two-hybrid assay revealed the direct interaction between CXCR4 and TXNIP, which was increased in the spinal cord of pSNL mice. In particular, inhibition of TXNIP reversed pain behavior elicited by pSNL, miR-23a knockdown, or CXCR4 overexpression. Moreover, miR-23a overexpression or CXCR4 knockdown inhibited the increase of TXNIP and NLRP3 inflammasome in pSNL mice.

CONCLUSIONS

miR-23a, by directly targeting CXCR4, regulates neuropathic pain via TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome axis in spinal glial cells. Epigenetic interventions against miR-23a, CXCR4, or TXNIP may potentially serve as novel therapeutic avenues in treating peripheral nerve injury-induced nociceptive hypersensitivity.

Specific demographic factors could predict deceased potential cornea donors: A retrospective study from Beijing Tongren Hospital Eye Bank

Compared with evident cornea donors (ECDs), deceased potential cornea donors (DPCDs) have no obvious donor identifications to reference, which causes many eligible cornea tissues to be wasted. The demographic characteristics of DPCDs might be different from those of ECDs owing to the following different features: donation consent provided by relatives and willingness to donate before death. Thus, the aim of this study is to reveal the demographic characteristics of DPCDs by comparing DPCDs and ECDs.The demographic factors of 138 donors (both DPCDs and ECDs) were collected from the Beijing Tongren Hospital Eye Bank database and analyzed. To differentiate DPCDs from ECDs using the above-mentioned features, we interviewed the relatives of the donors by telephone. The relatives' attitudes toward cornea donation and their suggestions for our donation service were also acquired during the interview. Two logistic regressions were performed to reveal the demographic factors influencing the 2 features and indicate DPCDs.The donors had certain demographic characteristics (elderly, secondary, or tertiary education level, central district resident), and the most frequent cause of death for the donors was a malignant tumor (n = 56, 43.1%). All the relatives had positive attitudes toward cornea donations, and they hoped to increase publicity efforts to encourage more people to donate and establish more convenient and efficient access for cornea donation. In univariate regressions, age (P = .004, >50 years: odds ratio [OR] = 6.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.82-26.05), marital status (P = .043, divorced: OR = 9.00,95% CI: 1.33-60.80) significantly influenced relative consent, whereas age (P = .001, >50 years: OR = 15.00, 95% CI: 3.00-74.98), and family address (P = .001, central district: OR = 1) were significant factors influencing the willingness to donate before death. In multivariate regression, age (P = .021, >50 years: OR = 8.14, 95% CI: 1.37-48.41) was the only significant factor influencing relative consent. Similarly, age (P = .02, >50 years: OR = 7.55, 95% CI: 1.21-47.25) was the only factor influencing willingness to donate before death.In conclusion, specific demographic factors could indicate DPCDs and might reveal directions and methods for cornea donation coordination in the future.

Equivalent reductions in body weight during the Beef WISE Study: beef's role in weight improvement, satisfaction and energy

Objective

The objective of this randomized equivalence trial was to determine the impact of consuming lean beef as part of a high protein (HP) weight‐reducing diet on changes in body weight, body composition and cardiometabolic health.

Methods

A total of 120 adults (99 female) with overweight or obesity (BMI: 35.7 ± 7.0 kg m⁻²) were randomly assigned to consume either a HP diet with ≥4 weekly servings of lean beef (B; n = 60) or a HP diet restricted in all red meats (NB; n = 60) during a 16‐week weight loss intervention.

Results

Body weight was reduced by 7.8 ± 5.9% in B and 7.7 ± 5.5% in NB (p < 0.01 for both). Changes in percent body weight were equivalent between B and NB (mean difference: 0.06%, 90% confidence interval: (−1.7, 1.8)). Fat mass was reduced in both groups (p < 0.01; B: 8.0 ± 0.6 kg, NB: 8.6 ± 0.6 kg), while lean mass was not reduced in either group. Improvements in markers of cardiometabolic health (total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure) were not different between B and NB.

Conclusion

Results of this study demonstrate that HP diets – either rich or restricted in red meat intakes – are effective for decreasing body weight and improving body composition and cardiometabolic health.

[Molecular characterization genetic diversity of extended-spectrum β-lactamases-harboring conjugative plasmids identified in multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli isolated from food in China]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular characteristics of ESBL-encoding conjugative plasmid identified in muti-drug resistant Escherichia coli isolated from food. Methods: 465 Escherichia coli isolates were collected from national foodborne disease surveillance net from 2013 to 2014 (salad, n=159; meat, n=102; processed meat, n=95; cakes/rice, n=46; cooked dish, n=63). ESBLs strain was detected by Mueller-Hinton agar plate, and then its drug resistance was tested by agar dilution method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing were performed to identify the corresponding ESBL genes. Plasmids were typed by PCR-based replicon typing and their characteristics were determined by S1-nuclease pulsed-field gel electrophoresis method. Broth mating assays were carried out for all isolates to determine whether the ESBL marker could be transferred by conjugation. Results: 12 E. coli were found to be resistant to cefotaxime, and all of which were confirmed as ESBLs. The 12 isolates all carried different types of CTX-M genes resistant to drug, and 7 of which carried TEM type as well. All 12 isolates contained at least one plasmid and some had four plasmids, with size ranging from 47-to 220-kb by S1-PFGE anaylsis. Seven isolates demonstrated the ability to transfer their cefotaxime resistance marker to the recotper strain J53 by only one plasmid. Conclusion: This study highlights the diversity of the multi-drug resistant E. coli and also the diversity of ESBL genes in China. Plasmids carrying these genes poses a serious threat to food safety in China.

Construction of Spirooxindole Skeleton Through Intramolecular Dieckmann Cyclization

A highly efficient and direct approach was developed to construct the structurally diverse spirooxindole skeleton, which is an important basic motif in natural products. Both the 3,3'-pyrrolidonyl spirooxindoles and spiroindolin-2-one δ-lactones were smoothly obtained by the intramolecular Dieckmann cyclization of oxindoles in excellent yield under mild conditions.

Ratoon rice generated from primed parent plants exhibit enhanced herbivore resistance

Rice ratooning is practiced in many rice-growing countries for achieving increased rice production with limited labour input. Here, we report that attack by insect herbivores, or treatment with a defense signaling compound in parent plants, can prime anti-herbivore defense responses in subsequent ratoon plants. We compared the defense responses of rice ratoons generated from parent plants that had been either infested by Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (rice leaffolder, LF) caterpillars or treated with methyl jasmonate (MeJA) during vegetative growth, with ratoons generated from control parent plants. Ratoon plants generated from parents receiving prior LF infestation or MeJA treatment exhibited higher jasmonic acid (JA) levels, as well as elevated levels of transcripts of defense-related genes associated with JA signaling. In addition, elevated activities of peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and trypsin protease inhibitor were observed, as well as enhanced resistance towards subsequent LF infestation. Pre-priming of ratoon defense responses was significantly reduced in plants where expression of OsAOS (allene oxide synthase, involved in JA biosynthesis) or OsCOI1 (CORONATINE INSENSITIVE1, involved in JA perception) was inhibited by RNA interference. Our results indicate that herbivore exposure or MeJA treatment in rice parent plants enhances anti-herbivore resistance in subsequently generated ratoons through priming of JA-mediated defenses.

Anatomical structure of the coracohumeral ligament and its effect on shoulder joint stability

BACKGROUND

In this study, coracohumeral ligament (CHL) specimens were carefully dissected to observe its length, width, thickness and tension at different positions of the shoulder joint, thereby elucidating its effects on shoulder joint stability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fresh frozen shoulder joints from 40 normal adult cadaveric specimens were dissected to reveal the CHL. With the shoulder joints placed at different positions, the length of the CHL and the width and thickness of the middle part of the ligament were measured. The changes in tension of the CHL were also observed. When the shoulder joint maintained the neutral position, the length of the CHL was 52.23 ± 1.02 mm and the width and thickness of the middle part of the ligament were 15.95 ± 0.59 mm and 1.46 ± 0.06 mm, respectively.

RESULTS

When the shoulder joint moved from the neutral position to 90° external rotation, from the neutral position to 30° adduction or from the neutral position to 30° flexion/extension or when the shoulder joint is pulled down with a 5 kg weight, the CHL was elongated and thinned, maintaining a strained state. When the shoulder joint moved from the neutral position to 90° internal rotation, from the neutral position to 90° abduction or from the neutral position to 30° flexion/ extension, the CHL was shortened and thickened, maintaining a relaxed state.

CONCLUSIONS

The CHL may limit the external rotation, adduction and downward movement of the shoulder joint and the process from the neutral position to the 30° flexion/extension, maintaining shoulder joint stability.