Current knowledge on the mechanisms underpinning vasculogenic mimicry in triple negative breast cancer and the emerging role of nitric oxide

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is the process by which cancer cells form vascular-like channels to support their growth and dissemination. These channels lack endothelial cells and are instead lined by the tumour cells themselves. VM was first reported in uveal melanomas but has since been associated with other aggressive solid tumours, such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). In TNBC patients, VM is associated with tumour aggressiveness, drug resistance, metastatic burden, and poor prognosis. The lack of effective targeted therapies for TNBC has stimulated research on the mechanisms underpinning VM in order to identify novel druggable targets. In recent years, studies have highlighted the role of nitric oxide (NO), the NO synthesis inhibitor, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 (DDAH1), the key enzyme responsible for ADMA metabolism, in regulating VM. Specifically, NO inhibition through downregulation of DDAH1 and consequent accumulation of ADMA appears to be a promising strategy to suppress VM in TNBC. This review discusses the current knowledge regarding the molecular pathways underpinning VM in TNBC, anti-VM therapies under investigation, and the emerging role of NO regulation in VM.

Mechanisms of Radiation-induced Brain Injury in Mice Based on Bioinformatics Analysis

Radiation therapy is a crucial adjunct treatment for head and neck tumors, as well as primary or metastatic brain tumors. Radiation-induced brain injury is one of the most severe complications, postirradiation, in patients with head and neck tumors, and significantly impacts their quality of life. Currently, there are no effective treatments for radiation-induced brain injury, making the study of radiation-induced molecular mechanisms and the identification of early damage biomarkers critical for the early diagnosis and treatment of such injuries. In this study, twelve male C57 mice aged 6-8 weeks were randomly divided into a control group, a 15 Gy irradiation group, and a 30 Gy irradiation group. Mice were exposed to 6 MV X rays. The control group underwent the same anesthesia procedure as the irradiated groups but did not receive radiation. General health and weight changes were monitored and recorded. Four months postirradiation, mice were subjected to intracranial magnetic resonance imaging [T2-weighted imaging (T2WI)], open field test (OFT), novel object recognition (NOR), followed by a collection of brain tissues for immunofluorescence, SA-β-gal staining, and transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. Compared to the control group, the 15 Gy and 30 Gy irradiated mice showed reduced activity and weight loss. The irradiated mice exhibited impaired recognition memory in the NOR test and decreased body weight, but radiation had no significant effect on weight or performance in the OFT. Electron microscopy reveals significant demyelination of mouse cortex after irradiation, and MRI T2-weighted imaging demonstrated varying degrees of brain atrophy and ventricular enlargement in irradiated mice compared to the control group. Immunofluorescence staining showed a significant increase in astrocytes and microglia activated after irradiation. SA-β-gal staining revealed significant increases in the numbers of β-gal+ cells in irradiated mice compared to those in untreated control mice. Bioinformatics analysis identified enriched pathways primarily related to lipid metabolism and neuroinflammatory responses; associated metabolites and genes were variously upregulated or downregulated. The findings suggest that radiation-induced brain injury involves complex biological processes, with lipid metabolism disorders and neuroinflammation being the predominant pathological changes observed. Further studies on these metabolic pathways and genes could enhance our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying radiation-induced brain injury and identify potential therapeutic targets.

Research developments in the neurovascular unit and the blood‑brain barrier (Review)

The neurovascular unit (NVU) is composed of neurons, glial cells, brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), pericytes, and the extracellular matrix. The NVU controls the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and protects the brain from harmful blood-borne and endogenous and exogenous substances. Among these, neurons transmit signals, astrocytes provide nutrients, microglia regulate inflammation, and BMECs and pericytes strengthen barrier tightness and coverage. These cells, due to their physical structure, anatomical location, or physiological function, maintain the microenvironment required for normal brain function. In this review, the BBB structure and mechanisms are examined to obtain a better understanding of the factors that influence BBB permeability. The findings may aid in safeguarding the BBB and provide potential therapeutic targets for drugs affecting the central nervous system.

Evaluation of phthalates induced cardiotoxicity using human iPSCs-derived cardiomyocyte and dual-cardiotoxicity evaluation methods

Phthalates, known as plasticizers, are endocrine disruptor, and their risks are being highlighted as their use increases worldwide. Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), the most prevalent of the phthalates, is known to be toxic to humans, and it has recently been reported to be linked to cardiotoxicity. Although many other phthalates are also widely used, data on their cardiotoxic effects are yet to be well established. In this study, we assessed the cardiotoxic potential of various phthalates using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) and a microelectrode array-based dual-cardiotoxicity evaluation method previously reported. Cytotoxicity results showed that acute exposure to DEHP, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), and di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP) did not affect the viability of hiPSC-CMs. Before examining the functional changes in hiPSC-CMs caused by exposure to these four phthalates, we present changes in field potential (FP) and contractility based on the blocking of major ions for reference. Contrary to concerns, FP results showed a dramatic decrease in spike amplitude, beat period, and FP duration (FPD) at high doses of DBP and BBP rather than DEHP. Interestingly, DnOP resulted in a prolonged FPD, unlike the others. Furthermore, contractility results indicated that, unlike DEHP and DnOP, high doses of DBP and BBP caused beating arrest along with decreased beat amplitude. Overall, this study demonstrated that phthalates other than DEHP can also induce cardiotoxicity, even with acute exposure. It is expected that the application of the established evaluation method will facilitate the development of safe alternatives.

Oligonucleotide-Based Modulation of Macrophage Polarization: Emerging Strategies in Immunotherapy

BACKGROUND

Recent advances in immunotherapy have spotlighted macrophages as central mediators of disease treatment. Their polarization into pro‑inflammatory (M1) or anti‑inflammatory (M2) states critically influences outcomes in cancer, autoimmunity, and chronic inflammation. Oligonucleotides have emerged as highly specific, scalable, and cost‑effective agents for reprogramming macrophage phenotypes.

OBJECTIVE

To review oligonucleotide strategies-including ASOs, siRNAs, miRNA mimics/inhibitors, and aptamers-for directing macrophage polarization and their therapeutic implications.

REVIEW SCOPE

We examine key signaling pathways governing M1/M2 phenotypes, describe four classes of oligonucleotides and their mechanisms, and highlight representative preclinical and clinical applications.

KEY INSIGHTS

Agents such as AZD9150, MRX34, and AS1411 demonstrate macrophage reprogramming in cancer, inflammation, and infection models. Advances in ligand‑conjugated nanoparticles and chemical modifications improve delivery and stability, yet immunogenicity, off‑target effects, and formulation challenges remain significant barriers.

FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

Optimizing delivery platforms, enhancing molecular stability, and rigorous safety profiling are critical. Integration with emerging modalities-such as engineered CAR‑macrophages-will enable precise, disease‑specific interventions, and advance oligonucleotide‑guided macrophage modulation toward clinical translation.

Investigation of the mechanism of Buyang Huanwu decoction in improving learning and memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease mice based on lipidomics

In this study, a lipid disorder Alzheimer's disease (AD) model was developed with high-fat diet and D-galactose injected intraperitoneally (HFD & D-gal) to evaluate the activities of Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD) compared with donepezil hydrochloride. The learning and memory abilities of BYHWD were evaluated by Morris water maze test (MWM). The lipid levels in serum, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry of hyperphosphorylated tau protein in hippocampal neurons were conducted to prove the therapy effects of BYHWD. After the identification of constituents absorbed into the brain using LC-MS, UPLC-TQ-MS was employed to analyze endogenous lipid metabolites in the hippocampi of mice. Based on the validated differential markers identified through lipidomics analysis, we further substantiated potential therapeutic pathway of BYHWD through the application of molecular docking technology. The mechanism underlying BYHWD was subsequently confirmed by palmitic acid-injured HT22 cells. The results showed that BYHWD significantly improved the cognitive deficits and regulated the lipid levels of HFD & D-gal mice. BYHWD also protected the neuronal cell condition of hippocampal neurons, increased the density of dendritic spines, and reduced the expression of P-tau. Lipidomics revealed that 41 differential lipid metabolites were retuned after BYHWD administration, and this change may be related to the PPARγ pathway. Calycosin-7-glucoside showed good interaction with PPARγ in vivo composition analysis. Calycosin-7-glucoside increased the mRNA expression levels of lipid metabolism-related enzymes and PPARγ, as well as the expression of PPARγ protein in vitro study. BYHWD activated the PPARγ pathway to induce peroxisome proliferation and regulated lipid metabolism disorders in the AD mice brain.

New oxepin and dihydrobenzofuran derivatives from Bauhinia saccocalyx roots and their anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and antioxidant activities

Four new oxepin and dihydrobenzofuran derivatives, saccoxepins A-C (1-3) and saccobenzofurin A (4), along with one known compound, bauhinoxepin A (5), were isolated from the roots of Bauhinia saccocalyx. The structures were elucidated by extensive analysis of spectroscopic data in combination with ECD analysis. The EtOAc extract exhibited significant NO inhibition (94.4 ± 0.35%, 50 μg/mL), and saccoxepin A and bauhinoxepin A demonstrated strong NO suppression, with IC50 values of 49.35 µM and 30.28 µM, respectively, alongside notable antioxidant activity. Saccoxepin A and bauhinoxepin A selectively reduced interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, while bauhinoxepin A slightly lowered tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) at a low dose. Furthermore, bauhinoxepin A exhibited cytotoxicity against HCT-116 cells, with an IC50 of 8.88 µM. These findings suggest that the roots of B. saccocalyx possess potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities, supporting its traditional medicinal applications and highlighting its potential as a source of therapeutic agents.

Recent Progression of Pathogenesis and Treatment for Diabetic Cataracts

Background: Cataracts are still the main cause of blindness worldwide. The incidence of cataracts in the diabetic population is 3-5 times higher than in healthy people. With the increasing incidence of diabetes and the development of aging, as well as the higher risk of surgical and postoperative complications of diabetic patients undergoing surgery, it is still necessary to study the occurrence and development mechanism of diabetic cataracts as well as potential therapeutic targets and therapeutic drugs.Methods: A retrospective review of the literature from PubMed (2017-2024).Results: We summarized the the current literature on the molecular mechanism and prevention and treatment of diabetic cataracts.Conclusions: The aqueous humor metabolism changes, oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species generation increase, the conversion of polyol pathway, as well as non-coding RNA expression changes play important roles in diabetic cataract and these processes is closely linked with each other. Inhibitors or drugs target to these processes, such as aldose reductase inhibitors, antioxidants, natural flavonoid compounds, as well as nanotechnology-based therapeutic product, have shown promising prospects in the prevention and treatment of diabetic cataract.

Geraniin attenuates isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis

Geraniin, a polyphenol derived from the fruit peel of Nephelium lappaceum L., has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in the cardiovascular system. The present study explored whether geraniin could protect against an isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac hypertrophy model. Mice in the ISO group received an intraperitoneal injection of ISO (5 mg/kg) once daily for 9 days, and the administration group were injected with ISO after 5 days of treatment with geraniin or spironolactone. Potential therapeutic effects and related mechanisms analysed by anatomical coefficients, histopathology, blood biochemical indices, reverse transcription-PCR and immunoblotting. Geraniin decreased the cardiac pathologic remodeling and myocardial fibrosis induced by ISO, as evidenced by the modifications to anatomical coefficients, as well as the reduction in collagen I/III á1mRNA and protein expression and cross-sectional area in hypertrophic cardiac tissue. In addition, geraniin treatment reduced ISO-induced increase in the mRNA and protein expression levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, whereas ISO-induced IL-10 showed the opposite behaviour in hypertrophic cardiac tissue. Further analysis showed that geraniin partially reversed the ISO-induced increase in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, and the ISO-induced decrease in glutathione, superoxide dismutase and glutathione. Furthermore, it suppressed the ISO-induced cellular apoptosis of hypertrophic cardiac tissue, as evidenced by the decrease in B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-associated X/caspase-3/caspase-9 expression, increase in Bcl-2 expression, and decrease in TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling-positive cells. These findings suggest that geraniin can attenuate ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis.

Study on the common mechanisms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and interstitial lung disease

OBJECTIVE

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have complex interactions and can exacerbate severity of each other. This study aimed to screen shared genes between ILD and GERD and explore their common mechanisms and clinical value.

METHODS

We obtained microarray datasets of ILD and GERD from public databases. Shared genes were screened by differential expression analysis and Venn analysis. Hub genes were screened from shared genes using the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. The ssGSEA algorithm was utilized to estimate immune infiltration level of ILD and GERD, and correlation of hub genes with immune cell infiltration was studied. Finally, potential drugs that may act on hub genes were screened using DSigDB.

RESULTS

52 shared genes were obtained through Venn analysis. PPI network analysis identified 10 hub genes (BMP4, NT5E, PPARG, EPCAM, DPP4, KLF2, MMP1, AGR2, ADAMTS1, GATA6) that may have diagnostic performance (p < 0.05). The results of immune infiltration showed that hub genes were highly linked to multiple immune cell infiltrations (p < 0.05). In addition, we identified 5 potential drugs. Notably, thioridazine may target 5 hub genes (MMP1, AGR2, KLF2, ADAMTS1, and PPARG) simultaneously (p < 0.05) and had the potential to be a novel therapeutic drug.

CONCLUSION

In summary, we have screened out the hub genes with diagnostic value in ILD and GERD, and also revealed the close relationship between the hub genes and the disease immune microenvironment, providing new research directions for the common mechanism and interaction of the two diseases.

Overcoming chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) resistance with checkpoint inhibitors: Existing methods, challenges, clinical success, and future prospects : A comprehensive review

Immune checkpoint blockade is, as of today, the most successful form of cancer immunotherapy, with more than 43 % of cancer patients in the US eligible to receive it; however, only up to 12.5 % of patients respond to it. Similarly, adoptive cell therapy using bioengineered chimeric antigen receptorT (CAR-T) cells and T-cell receptor (TCR) cells has provided excellent responses against liquid tumours, but both forms of immunotherapy have encountered challenges within a tumour microenvironment that is both lacking in tumour-specific T-cells and is strongly immunosuppressive toward externally administered CAR-T and TCR cells. This review focuses on understanding approved checkpoint blockade and adoptive cell therapy at both biological and clinical levels before delving into how and why their combination holds significant promise in overcoming their individual shortcomings. The advent of next-generation checkpoint inhibitors has further strengthened the immune checkpoint field, and a special section explores how these inhibitors can address existing hurdles in combining checkpoint blockade with adoptive cell therapy and homing in on our cancer target for long-term immunity.

Tumor microenvironment as niche constructed by cancer stem cells: Breaking the ecosystem to combat cancer

BACKGROUND

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a distinct subpopulation of cancer cells with the capacity to constantly self-renew and differentiate, and they are the main driver in the progression of cancer resistance and relapse. The tumor microenvironment (TME) constructed by CSCs is the "soil" adapted to tumor growth, helping CSCs evade immune killing, enhance their chemical resistance, and promote cancer progression.

AIM OF REVIEW

We aim to elaborate the tight connection between CSCs and immunosuppressive components of the TME. We attempt to summarize and provide a therapeutic strategy to eradicate CSCs based on the destruction of the tumor ecological niche.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

This review is focused on three main key concepts. First, we highlight that CSCs recruit and transform normal cells to construct the TME, which further provides ecological niche support for CSCs. Second, we describe the main characteristics of the immunosuppressive components of the TME, targeting strategies and summarize the progress of corresponding drugs in clinical trials. Third, we explore the multilevel insights of the TME to serve as an ecological niche for CSCs.

Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2R) as potential target for the pharmacological treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a ubiquitous physiological system that plays a crucial role in maintaining CNS homeostasis and regulating its functions. It includes cannabinoid receptors (CBRs), endogenous cannabinoids (eCBs), and the enzymes responsible for their synthesis and degradation. In recent years, growing evidence has highlighted the therapeutic potential of the ECS and CBRs, in a wide range of severe diseases and pathological conditions, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Multiple Sclerosis, Huntington's Disease, HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorders, neuropathic pain and migraine. Targeting the cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R) has gained attention due to its ability to (i) mitigate neuroinflammatory responses, (ii) regulate mitochondrial function and (iii) provide trophic support, all without eliciting the psychotropic actions associated with CB1R activation. This review aims to explore the potential of CB2R modulation as a strategy for the prevention and treatment of neurologic disorders, exploring both preclinical and clinical findings.

Study on the Molecular Mechanism of XiaoXianXiong Decoction in the Treatment of Atherosclerosis Based on UHPLC-Q Exactive Focus MS/MS, Network Pharmacology, and Experimental Validation

Atherosclerosis (AS), a leading pathological basis of severe cardiovascular diseases, poses a significant threat to human health. XiaoXianXiong Decoction (XXXD), a classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, has demonstrated promising effects in the treatment of AS. To investigate the underlying mechanism of XXXD in treatment with AS, we used UHPLC-Q Focus MS/MS, network pharmacology and in vivo validation methods. The results showed that 59 chemical components of XXXD were identified. Network pharmacology showed that 11 key compounds, 10 key targets and five key signaling pathways involved in the therapeutic effects of XXXD on AS. Experimental verification confirmed that XXXD significantly improved dyslipidemia, lipid accumulation and pathological changes in the aorta during AS. These effects were linked to the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, down-regulation of PI3K, HRAS, EGF, CREB and up-regulation of NOS3 expression. This work may provide a theoretical basis for further research on the molecular mechanisms for XXXD in AS treatment.

Neutrophils and purinergic signaling: Partners in the crime against Leishmania parasites?

The parasite of the genus Leishmania is the causative agent of diseases that affect humans called leishmaniasis. These diseases affect millions of people worldwide and the currently existing drugs are either very toxic or the parasites acquire resistance. Therefore, new elimination mechanisms need to be elucidated so that new therapeutic strategies can be developed. Much has already been discussed about the role of neutrophils in Leishmania infection, and their participation is still controversial. A recent study showed that receptors present in the neutrophil membrane, the purinergic receptors, can control the infection when activated, but the triggering mechanism has not been elucidated. In this review, we will address the possible participation of purinergic receptors expressed in the neutrophil extracellular membrane that may be participating in the detection of Leishmania infection and their possible effects during parasitism.

Disrupting reconsolidation by systemic inhibition of Thioredoxin-1 attenuates cocaine and morphine relapse

The enduring nature of drug-associated memories is an essential factor contributing to the relapse. Drug-related cues can activate drug memories, making them enter reconsolidation, during which interventions can effectively disrupt these memories. Interventions targeting memory reconsolidation present a promising therapeutic strategy for addressing substance use disorders (SUDs). Oxidative stress can disrupt neural function and impair memory. Thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) effectively alleviates oxidative stress and reduces inflammation levels. However, few studies have connected Trx-1 to drug memory or explored its specific role in reconsolidation. This research employed the conditioned place preference (CPP) model to investigate the effects of Trx-1 inhibitors on the reconsolidation of morphine- and cocaine-related memories. Results show that immediate administration of PX-12, a Trx-1 inhibitor, after retrieval significantly attenuated the reinstatement of cocaine and morphine CPP induced by both cues and the drug itself, with the effect lasting for at least 14 days. In contrast, the inhibition of Trx-1, either 6 hours following retrieval or in the absence of retrieval, does not influence drug-seeking behaviors associated with cocaine or morphine. Furthermore, Trx-1 inhibitor itself did not produce any preferences. In summary, our results indicate that Trx-1 activity is crucial for cocaine- and morphine-related memories, and that the Trx-1 inhibitor may serve as a potential treatment for drug abuse.

l-Arginine: A multifaceted regulator of diabetic cardiomyopathy

In diabetes mellitus, dysregulated glucose and lipid metabolism lead to diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) by imparting pathological myocardial remodeling and cellular injury. Accelerated glycation, oxidative stress, and activated inflammatory pathways culminate in cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy in DCM. The regulatory effects of l-Arginine (L-Arg) have been elucidated in the pathological changes of DCM, including myocardial fibrosis, hypertrophy, and apoptosis, by inhibiting glycation and oxidative stress-induced inflammation. Disturbed L-Arg metabolism and decreased intracellular L-Arg pool are correlated with the progression of DCM; therefore, L-Arg supplementation has been prescribed for various cardiovascular dysfunctions. This review expands the therapeutic potential of L-Arg supplementation in DCM by elucidating its molecular mechanism of action and exploring potential clinical outcomes.

Activin A activation of Smad3 mitigates innate inflammation in mouse models of psoriasis and sepsis

Phosphorylation of Smad3 is a critical mediator of TGF-β signaling, which plays an important role in regulating innate immune responses. However, whether Smad3 activation can be regulated in innate immune cells in TGF-β-independent contexts remains poorly understood. Here, we show that Smad3 is activated through the phosphorylation of its C-terminal residues (pSmad3C) in murine and human macrophages in response to bacterial and viral ligands, and this activation is mediated by activin A in a TGF-β-independent manner. Specifically, infectious ligands, such as LPS, induced secretion of activin A through the transcription factor STAT5 in macrophages, and activin A signaling in turn activated pSmad3C. This activin A/Smad3 axis controlled mitochondrial ATP production and ATP conversion into adenosine by CD73 in macrophages, enforcing an antiinflammatory mechanism. Consequently, mice with a deletion of activin A receptor 1b specifically in macrophages (Acvr1bfl/fl-Lyz2cre) succumbed more to sepsis as a result of uncontrolled inflammation and exhibited exacerbated skin disease in a mouse model of imiquimod-induced psoriasis. Thus, we have revealed a previously unrecognized natural brake to inflammation in macrophages that occurs through the activation of Smad3 in an activin A-dependent manner.

Cannabidiol-A friend or a foe?

Cannabidiol (CBD), one of the main actives from Cannabis sativa has been perpetually explored lately for its therapeutic effects. Its main attributes, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, snowball into pain management, epilepsy and seizure alleviation, anxiety relief, as well as numerous other implications through the entire metabolism. However, conventional administration routes challenge its therapeutic potential, with reported poor water solubility, hepatic degradation, gastric instability and erratic bioavailability observed in oral administration. As a result, the transdermal delivery systems have emerged as a promising alternative to oral or inhaled routes, offering improved bioavailability and targeted effects. The medical use of CBD throughout Europe, UK, USA or Australia is extensive and usually represented by pharmaceutical preparations recommended after conventional treatment routs fail. The non-medical use is limited by each country's own legislation, a wider range of products being available, but the irregular regulatory landscape coupled with the growing market of cannabinoid-infused products, emphasizes the need for standardized formulations and further clinical research. The present work critically examines the transdermal administration of cannabidiol, explores the skin's potential as a route and the strategies involved in using it for systemic targeting. We highlighted key challenges and provided insights into CBD`s variable bioavailability based on different administration routes and methods, thus compiling a literature-based absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) study. We also explore the role of the endocannabinoid system, its function in various medical conditions, and the therapeutic effects associated with CBD, particularly in light of the varying legislation across countries. While the breadth of potential benefits is compelling, it is essential to emphasize the ongoing nature of CBD research as individual responses to it can vary significantly.

Klebsiella pneumoniae emerging anti-immunology paradigms: from stealth to evasion

Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) is a global threat to human health due to the isolation of multidrug-resistant strains. Despite advancements in understanding KP's population structure, antibiotic resistance mechanisms, and transmission patterns, a gap remains in how KP evades defenses, allowing the pathogen to flourish in tissues despite an activated immune system. KP infection biology has been shaped by the notion that the pathogen has evolved to shield from defenses more than actively suppress them. This review describes new paradigms of how KP exploits the coevolution with the innate immune system to hijack immune effectors and receptors to ablate signaling pathways and to counteract cell-intrinsic immunity, making apparent that KP can no longer be considered only as a stealth pathogen.

The combination of flaxseed lignans and PD-1/ PD-L1 inhibitor inhibits breast cancer growth via modulating gut microbiome and host immunity

BACKGROUND

Patients with breast cancer (BC) who benefit from the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor (PDi) is limited, necessitating novel strategies to improve immunotherapy efficacy of BC. Here we aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of flaxseed lignans (FL) on the biological behaviors of BC and evaluate the roles of FL in enhancing the anticancer effects of PDi.

METHODS

HPLC was used to detect the content of enterolactone (ENL), the bacterial transformation product of FL. Transcript sequencing was performed and identified CD38 as a downstream target gene of ENL. CD38-overexpressing cells were constructed and cell proliferation, colony formation, wound healing and transwell assays were used to assess the function of ENL/CD38 axis on BC cells in vitro. Multiplexed immunohistochemistry (mIHC) and CyTOF were used to detect the changes of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIM). 16S rDNA sequencing was used to explore the changes of gut microbiota in mice. A series of in vivo experiments were conducted to investigate the anticancer effects and mechanisms of FL and PDi.

RESULTS

FL was converted to ENL by gut microbiota and FL administration inhibited the progression of BC. ENL inhibited the malignant behaviors of BC by downregulating CD38, a key gene associated with immunosuppression and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade resistance. The mIHC assay revealed that FL administration enhanced CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ cells and reduced F4/80+ cells in TIM. CyTOF confirmed the regulatory effects of FL and FL in combination with PDi (FLcPDi) on TIM. In addition, 16S rDNA analysis demonstrated that FLcPDi treatment significantly elevated the abundance of Akkermansia and, importantly, Akkermansia administration enhanced the response to PDi in mice treated with antibiotics.

CONCLUSIONS

The FL/ENL/CD38 axis inhibited BC progression. FL enhanced the anticancer effects of PDi by modulating gut microbiota and host immunity.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of 5'-deoxy (N)-methanocarbanucleoside derivatives as A3 adenosine receptor ligands

Based on the potent and selective antagonism exhibited by truncated North (N)-methanocarba adenosine analogs, we synthesized a series of 5'-deoxy (N)-methanocarba nucleosides to explore their structure-activity relationships (SAR). The stereoselective synthesis of the North cyclopropyl-fused alcohol was achieved from d-ribose using ring-closing metathesis, oxidative rearrangement, and cyclopropanation as key steps. Mitsunobu reactions were employed to condense nucleobases with glycosyl donors, followed by N6 functionalization with various amines. Despite their innovative design, all synthesized analogs exhibited lower binding affinity compared to the 4'-thio series and fully truncated (N)-methanocarba adenosine. Docking studies revealed that the 4'-methyl group of the rigid North conformational sugar introduces steric clashes, which likely contribute to the reduced affinity. These findings underscore the critical role of sugar conformation and steric effects in receptor interactions, providing valuable insights for the development of potent and selective A3AR ligands.

Machine learning‑based construction of damage‑associated molecular patterns related score identifies subtypes of pancreatic adenocarcinoma with distinct prognosis

The present study aimed to assess the prognostic significance of Damage-Associated Molecular Pattern (DAMP)-related gene expression in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) and to develop a scoring system based on these genes. Consensus clustering was performed on patients with PAAD using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Meta-cohort datasets, identifying three distinct clusters: C1 (pro-DAMP), C2 (intermediate) and C3 (anti-DAMP). Differential gene expression analysis between clusters C1 and C3 identified 141 significant genes. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator Cox regression was utilized to derive an optimal predictor set, leading to the identification of six hub genes associated with the DAMP status, which were then employed to calculate the DAMPscore. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis revealed a strong correlation between these eight hub genes and the DAMPscore. The functionality of these hub genes in PAAD was validated using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and Transwell assays. The results indicated that patients with PAAD with elevated DAMPscores exhibited significantly reduced survival times. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that the DAMPscore has robust prognostic capabilities. In the Meta-cohort, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) values for the DAMPscore to predict overall survival at 1, 3 and 5 years were 0.65, 0.70 and 0.77, respectively, while the AUC values for the TCGA-PAAD cohort were 0.71, 0.73 and 0.72, respectively. Additional cohorts, such as E-MTAB-6134 and ICGC-AU, corroborated the predictive power of the DAMPscore. A comparison of the DAMPscore with other prognostic models revealed that it consistently exhibited a superior C-index across most PAAD cohorts. Furthermore, in vitro experiments demonstrated that PLEK2, a hub gene related to the DAMPscore, is involved in critical biological processes such as cell proliferation, migration and invasion. In conclusion, the DAMPscore is a promising prognostic biomarker for PAAD, surpassing traditional models in various datasets. This study emphasizes the role of DAMP-related pathways in influencing tumor biology and highlights the importance of immune modulation in PAAD prognosis, suggesting that therapeutic strategies targeting DAMP signaling could improve patient outcomes.

Diosmin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles mitigate doxorubicin-evoked cardiotoxicity in rats by featuring oxidative imbalance mechanism, NF-κB, and Bcl-2/Bax pathways

Cardiotoxicity is doxorubicin's primary side effect. Its cardiac toxicity has been attributed to the generation of free radicals. The present work was designed to understand the potential underlying pathways behind the cardioprotective action of diosmin (Dio) and Dio-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (DCNPs) against doxorubicin (Dox)-mediated cardiotoxicity. Male rats were allocated into five groups: control, Dio (100 mg/kg), Dox (12 mg/kg), Dio + Dox (100 mg/kg + 12 mg/kg), and DCNPs+Dox (100 mg/kg DCNPs/orally+12 mg/kg Dox/IP). Notably, in response to Dox, a significant increase of cardiac biomarkers with a decrease in Na+/K+-ATPase activity was detected. The cardiac inflammatory and pro-apoptotic protein levels were elevated with decreased cardiac interleukin-10 and Bcl-2 levels when the rats were subjected to Dox. Also, the cardiac expression of the fibrotic marker MMP-9 was increased. Moreover, Dox raised malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels, accompanied by minimizing antioxidant status. Also, Dox-treated rats showed cardiac histopathological impairment compared to the control. The oral administration of Dio or DCNPs enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes and diminished inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic markers in the Dox-exposed rats. In summary, these findings indicate that DCNPs exhibit significant cardioprotective effectiveness against Dox-mediated toxicity by suppressing various mechanisms, such as redox status, the NF-κB pathway, and apoptosis.

Pancreatic stellate cell: Update on molecular investigations and clinical translation in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a particularly aggressive tumor, distinguished by the presence of a prominent collagenous stroma and desmoplasia that envelops the tumor cells. Pancreatic stellate cell (PSC) contributes to the formation of a dense fibrotic stroma and has been demonstrated to facilitate tumor progression. As the significance of PSCs is increasingly revealed, more explorations are focused on the complex molecular mechanisms and tumor-stromal crosstalk in order to guide potential therapeutic approaches through deactivating or reprogramming PSCs. Nevertheless, significant challenges persist in translating preclinical discoveries into clinical applications. In this review, we expect to offer a comprehensive overview of the latest molecular advancements in PSCs, along with new insights into the clinical therapeutic strategies targeting PSCs.

Inflammasomes and autophagy in cancer: unlocking targeted therapies

This study clarifies the interaction between autophagy and inflammasome within the cancer framework. The inflammasome generates pro-inflammatory cytokines to direct the immune response to pathogens and cellular stressors. Autophagy maintains cellular homeostasis and can either promote or inhibit cancer. These pathways interact to affect tumorigenesis, immune responses, and therapy. Autophagy controls inflammasome activity by affecting cancer pathogenesis and tumor microenvironment inflammation, highlighting novel cancer therapeutic approaches. Recent studies indicate that modulating autophagy and inflammasome pathways can boost anti-cancer immunity, reduce drug-resistance, and improve therapeutic efficacy. Recent studies indicate modulating inflammasome and autophagy pathways can augment anti-cancer immunity, mitigate therapy resistance, and improve treatment efficacy. Cancer research relies on understanding the inflammasome-autophagy relationship to develop targeted therapies that enhance anti-tumor efficacy and reduce inflammatory symptoms. Customized therapies may improve outcomes based on autophagy gene variations and inflammasome polymorphisms. This study investigates autophagy pathways and the inflammasome in tumor immunopathogenesis, cytokine function, and cancer therapeutic strategies, highlighting their significance in cancer biology and treatment.

Allergen-induced activation of epithelial P2Y2 receptors promotes adenosine triphosphate exocytosis and type 2 immunity in airways

BACKGROUND

Environmental allergens induce the release of danger signals from the airway epithelium that trigger type 2 immune responses and promote airway inflammation.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the role of allergen-stimulated P2Y2 receptor activation in regulating adenosine triphosphate (ATP), IL-33, and DNA release by human bronchial epithelial (hBE) cells and mouse airways.

METHODS

The hBE cells were exposed to Alternaria alternata extract and secretion of ATP, IL-33, and DNA were studied in vitro. Molecular and cellular mechanisms were examined by biochemical and genetic approaches. Mice were treated intranasally with pharmacologic agents and exposed to Alternaria extract.

RESULTS

Exposure of hBE cells to Alternaria extract stimulated P2Y2 receptors coupled to phospholipase C β3, leading to activation of multiple protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms and an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Small interfering RNAs targeting PKC δ or inhibiting PKC δ activity with delcasertib blocked exocytosis of ATP and reduced IL-33 and DNA secretion. Moreover, a peptide antagonist for myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate (MARCKS) reduced vesicular ATP release. A proximity ligand assay showed that Alternaria extract stimulated MARCKS desorption from the plasma membrane and delcasertib prevented the response. Finally, the P2Y2 receptor antagonist AR-C118925XX and delcasertib blocked IL-33, DNA, and type 2 cytokine secretion in vivo in mice exposed to Alternaria.

CONCLUSION

P2Y2 receptor stimulation after allergen exposure promoted activation of PLC β3, PKC δ, and MARCKS protein desorption from the apical membrane, which facilitated ATP exocytosis and subsequent secretion of IL-33 and DNA. Epithelial P2Y2 receptors serve as primary sensors for aeroallergen-induced alarmin release by airway epithelial cells.

Synthesis and Preliminary Evaluation of an In Vivo Stable 131I-Labeled Deuterated Tropane for Mapping Dopamine Transporter

Dopamine transporter (DAT) is closely associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD). To develop an in vivo stable radioligand targeting DAT, we synthesized a novel iodine-131-labeled tropane analog [131I]1 with deuteration on both the N-fluoropropyl and 2β-carbomethoxy positions of the tropane scaffold and then biologically compared with the previously reported analog [131I]FP-CIT-d6 with deuteration only on the N-fluoropropyl group. The radioligand [131I]1 was obtained via a radioiodine-destannylation reaction with a radiochemical yield of ~95%, a radiochemical purity of > 99% and a molar activity of 12.72 GBq/μmol. [131I]1 exhibited a high in vitro binding affinity for DAT with an IC50 value of 2.2 nM. Metabolic stability studies demonstrated that [131I]1 displayed superior in vivo stability compared with [131I]FP-CIT-d6. Biodistribution studies revealed that [131I]1 had better DAT affinity, specificity, and a higher target-to-background ratio than [131I]FP-CIT-d6. Ex vivo autoradiography and blocking experiments validated the selective and reversible binding of [131I]1 to DAT and superiority to [131I]FP-CIT-d6. These preliminary results suggest that deuterated radioligand [131I]1, with enhanced in vivo stability and higher target-to-background ratio, is a promising DAT probe, warranting the development and application of 123I-labeled counterpart ([123I]1) for SPECT imaging in DAT-related disorders.

Allopurinol abates hepatocellular carcinoma in rats via modulation of NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB pathway

The present research was performed to examine the possible capability of allopurinol to prevent developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to explore the fundamental mechanisms that control the hepatoprotective effect considering the enormous impact of HCC on patients' quality of life. Male Sprague Dawely rats were given i.p. injection of thioacetamide (TAA) (200 mg/kg) twice a week for 16 weeks in order to induce HCC. The histological analysis and assessment of the serum levels of liver function indicators verified the development of HCC. Two regimens of allopurinol (100 mg/kg, p.o.) were used; the first involved giving it concurrently with TAA from week 13 to week 16, and the second regimen started from week 9 to week 16. Chronic TAA damage was associated with considerable overexpression of the profibrogenic cytokine TGF-β, degradation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB, which released a number of inflammatory mediators, and upregulation of the NLRP3/caspase1 pathway. Administration of allopurinol demonstrated considerable enhancements in liver function and oxidative balance. Moreover, pathological characteristics like cirrhosis, dysplastic changes, and HCC nodules were greatly diminished. Allopurinol via suppressing TGF-β expression, inhibiting NF-κB nuclear translocation, and restricting inflammatory NLRP3/caspase1/IL-1β pathway was able to protect against TAA-induced liver damage, and it could be a promising therapy for HCC.

Getting to know adenosine deaminase 2 deficiency inside and out

Ten years after the description of the first cohorts of patients with adenosine deaminase (ADA2) deficiency (DADA2), the pathomechanisms underlying the disease on a cellular level remain poorly understood. With the establishment of the lysosomal localization of the ADA2 protein and its involvement in nucleic acid sensing, the pathophysiologic focus has shifted to the inside of the cell. At the same time, extracellular (serum) ADA2 enzyme activity continues to be the diagnostic reference standard in patients with suspected DADA2. The diverse clinical phenotype and weak genotype-phenotype correlations further complicate the identification of shared cellular mechanisms that cause inflammation, immunodeficiency, and bone marrow failure in the absence of functional ADA2. This review inspects the characteristics of the ADA2 protein and its proposed function. The latter is discussed in the context of possible mechanisms driving the clinical phenotype in patients lacking functional ADA2. We discuss established processes and introduce unexplored pathways in the pathogenesis of DADA2.

Carboxylesterase 2A gene knockout or enzyme inhibition alleviates steatohepatitis in rats by regulating PPARγ and endoplasmic reticulum stress

Metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a widespread liver disease that progresses from simple steatosis to severe steatohepatitis stage. Despite the recognized importance of carboxylesterase 2 (CES2) in hepatic lipid metabolism, the role of CES2 in hepatic inflammation remains unclear. The rat genome encodes six Ces2 genes and Ces2a shows high expression in the liver and intestine. Lipid metabolism, inflammation, fibrosis, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress were investigated in Ces2a knockout (KO) rats. KO rats showed spontaneous liver lipid accumulation due to increased lipogenesis and reduced fatty acid oxidation. Non-targeted lipidomic analysis revealed enhanced lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) and phosphatidylcholines (PCs) in KO rats and increased concentrations of ligands, thus activating the expression of PPARγ. Although there was simple lipid accumulation in the liver of KO rats, Ces2a deficiency showed a significant protective effect against LPS and diet-induced hepatic steatohepatitis by inhibiting ER stress regulated by PPARγ activation. In line with this, treatment with tanshinone IIA, a CES2 inhibitor, significantly alleviated the progression of steatohepatitis induced by the MCD diet. In conclusion, the increased PPARγ expression in Ces2a deficiency may counteract liver inflammation and ER stress despite the presence of simple steatosis. Therefore, CES2 inhibition represents a potential therapeutic approach for steatohepatitis.

Pain Management for Gastrointestinal Conditions in Exotic Animals

Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are very common in exotic animals, such as reptiles, birds, mammals, and can be extremely painful. This review aims to provide the reader with a better understanding of the different pain mechanisms and manifestations across orders and species in order to provide the most updated information on pain recognition and management for GI conditions in exotic animals.

Discovery of a potent inhibitor of chaperone-mediated autophagy that targets the HSC70-LAMP2A interaction in non-small cell lung cancer cells

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) is a selective type of autophagy targeting protein degradation and maintains high activity in many malignancies. Inhibition of the combination of HSC70 and LAMP2A can potently block CMA. At present, knockdown of LAMP2A remains the most specific method for inhibiting CMA and chemical inhibitors against CMA have not yet been discovered.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Levels of CMA in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissue samples were confirmed by tyramide signal amplification dual immunofluorescence assay. High-content screening was performed based on CMA activity, to identify potential inhibitors of CMA. Inhibitor targets were determined by drug affinity responsive target stability-mass spectrum and confirmed by protein mass spectrometry. CMA was inhibited and activated to elucidate the molecular mechanism of the CMA inhibitor.

KEY RESULTS

Suppression of interactions between HSC70 and LAMP2A blocked CMA in NSCLC, restraining tumour growth. Polyphyllin D (PPD) was identified as a targeted CMA small-molecule inhibitor through disrupting HSC70-LAMP2A interactions. The binding sites for PPD were E129 and T278 at the nucleotide-binding domain of HSC70 and C-terminal of LAMP2A, respectively. PPD accelerated unfolded protein generation to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation by inhibiting HSC70-LAMP2A-eIF2α signalling axis. Also, PPD prevented regulatory compensation of macroautophagy induced by CMA inhibition via blocking the STX17-SNAP29-VAMP8 signalling axis.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

PPD is a targeted CMA inhibitor that blocked both HSC70-LAMP2A interactions and LAMP2A homo-multimerization. CMA suppression without increasing the regulatory compensation from macroautophagy is a good strategy for NSCLC therapy.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue Natural Products and Cancer: From Drug Discovery to Prevention and Therapy. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v182.10/issuetoc.

Cannabidiol oil delays pancreatic islet dysfunction in Wistar rats under hypercaloric diet

Hypercaloric diet (HCD) intake can lead to metabolic alterations, such as metabolic syndrome and type-2 diabetes mellitus. Phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) is a GPR55 receptor antagonist involved in insulin secretion and other functions in pancreatic islet. The therapeutic use of CBD has been suggested for diabetes, but little is known regarding its effects on pancreatic islet physiology. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of CBD oil on pancreatic islets, from Wistar rats under HCD. Male rats were divided in 4 groups: Normal diet vehicle-treated (control) and CBD-treated group. Rats under HCD were subdivided in treated with vehicle (HCD) and with CBD oil administered 21 mg/Kg orally, 0.5 ml in 3 days per week; controls received coconut oil as vehicle. Body weight, food intake, and water consumption were recorded. After 20 weeks, glucose tolerance curve was performed; serum insulin was determined by ELISA, and pancreas was removed for histological and gene expression analysis for insulin, glucagon, PDX-1, MafA and GPR55 receptor. CBD treatment reduced body weight and food intake but increased fluid consumption, independently of diets. In control group, CBD did not alter blood glucose and serum insulin, but modified expression for GPR55 receptor, glucagon, insulin and MafA. Rats under HCD and treated with CBD decreased glycaemia, insulinaemia, islets relative area, GPR55-positive cells, PDX-1 and MafA gene expression, meanwhile insulin and glucagon expression was increased. In conclusion, CBD ameliorated HCD effects through changes in insulin, glucagon and GPR55 receptor expressions. We assume CBD interacts with other receptors beside GPR55.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells alleviate liver fibrosis after rat liver transplantation through JAK1/STAT5 pathway

OBJECTIVE

The effectiveness of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in post-transplantation liver fibrosis has not been studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of BMSCs on liver fibrosis and their role in the Janus-activated kinase (JAK) 1/ signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 5 pathway after liver transplantation (LT).

METHODS

A rat model of post-LT liver fibrosis induced by cold ischemia injury was successfully established. BMSCs were injected into the rats through the portal vein. Hepatic stellate cell (HSC)-T6 were co-cultured with BMSCs in vitro after hypoxia-reoxygenation. JAK1 inhibitor Abrocitinib and JAK1 agonist RO8191 were used to study the JAK1/STAT5 signaling pathway.

RESULTS

BMSCs significantly alleviated liver fibrosis caused by cold ischemia-reperfusion injury after rat LT in vivo. After BMSCs transplantation, the levels of JAK1 and p-STAT5 in rat liver were significantly reduced. After using Abrocitinib, the stage of liver fibrosis and the levels of collagen type I alpha 1 chain (COL1A1) and actin alpha 2 (ACTA2) decreased. After using RO8191, the stage of liver fibrosis and the levels of COL1A1 and ACTA2 increased. BMSCs significantly reduced the activation of HSC-T6 after hypoxia-reoxygenation in vitro. After co-culturing with BMSCs after HSC-T6 hypoxia-reoxygenation, the levels of JAK1 and p-STAT5 were significantly reduced. After the addition of Abrocitinib, the levels of COL1A1 and ACTA2 decreased in HSC-T6; in contrast, after adding RO8191, the levels of COL1A1 and ACTA2 increased in HSC-T6 after hypoxia-reoxygenation. After using anti-IL7 antibody or anti-IL7Rα in vivo and in vitro, the stage of liver fibrosis and the levels of COL1A1 and ACTA2 decreased as well as the phosphorylation level of STAT5.

CONCLUSIONS

BMSCs alleviate hepatic cell damage, reduce hepatic cell-derived IL7, downregulate IL7R/JAK1/STAT5 in HSCs, thereby reducing HSCs' activation and ultimately alleviating liver fibrosis after liver transplantation.

Pathophysiological underpinnings of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is emerging as the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, reflecting the global epidemics of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. Beyond its strong association with excess adiposity, MASLD encompasses a heterogeneous population that includes individuals with normal body weight ("lean MASLD") highlighting the complexity of its pathogenesis. This disease results from a complex interplay between genetic susceptibility, epigenetic modifications, and environmental factors, which converge to disrupt metabolic homeostasis. Adipose tissue dysfunction and insulin resistance trigger an overflow of lipids to the liver, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and hepatocellular injury. These processes promote hepatic inflammation and fibrogenesis, driven by cross talk among hepatocytes, immune cells, and hepatic stellate cells, with key contributions from gut-liver axis perturbations. Recent advances have unraveled pivotal molecular pathways, such as transforming growth factor-β signaling, Notch-induced osteopontin, and sphingosine kinase 1-mediated responses, that orchestrate fibrogenic activation. Understanding these interconnected mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted therapies. This review integrates current knowledge on the pathophysiology of MASLD, emphasizing emerging concepts such as lean metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), epigenetic alterations, hepatic extracellular vesicles, and the relevance of extrahepatic signals. It also discusses novel therapeutic strategies under investigation, aiming to provide a comprehensive and structured overview of the evolving MASLD landscape for both basic scientists and clinicians.

Adverse clinical effects associated with the use of synthetic cannabinoids: A systematic review

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are potent agonists of CB1 and CB2 receptors, with affinities approximately 100 times greater than that of natural cannabis. This increased potency is associated with severe clinical outcomes, including psychosis, dependence, and various autonomic disturbances, such as seizures and rhabdomyolysis. The objective of this study was to synthesize the existing literature on the clinical effects of SCs, emphasizing health risks and identifying knowledge gaps. Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across three databases-PubMed, Embase, and Lilacs-resulting in 944 studies. Eligible articles focused on clinical effects associated to SC use, while exclusion criteria encompassed studies unrelated to clinical outcomes, other reviews, animal studies, and those concentrating solely on psychiatric symptoms or therapeutic uses of SCs. In total, 49 studies published between 2010 and 2022 were included, representing diverse populations and study designs. Participants were predominantly young adult males, although ages ranged from 12 to 72 years. SCs' clinical effects predominantly affected the neurological and cardiovascular systems, with common symptoms including seizures, altered consciousness, tachycardia, and hypertension. Hospital and ICU admissions varied, reflecting the complex nature of SC toxicity. Compared to cannabis, SC use was linked to more severe cardiovascular and neurological complications. Additional rare complications included thromboembolic events, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, and psychiatric disturbances. This review highlights the urgent need for targeted public health policies to mitigate the risks associated with SC use and improve medical management. It also stresses the importance of further controlled studies to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of these clinical effects and their pharmacological basis.

Cardioprotective Effects of PARP Inhibitors: A Meta-Analysis of Animal Studies

Poly(adenosine diphosphate [ADP] ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors are expected to provide benefits to the cardiovascular system. However, the cardioprotective effect of PARP inhibitors has not been systematically reviewed or quantitatively analyzed. This study aimed to assess the cardioprotective effects of PARP inhibitors through a meta-analysis of animal studies. Three databases PubMed, Web of Sciences, and Embase were searched until September 1, 2023. The risk of bias was assessed using SYRCLE's Risk of Bias. A total of 74 animal studies that investigated the cardiac function of PARP inhibitors compared to placebo or vehicle, were included. Outcome measures were hemodynamic indexes, cardiac contractility, and biomarkers of myocardial injury. Pooled effect size was estimated using a random-effects model with RevMan 5.4. PARP inhibitors were associated with enhanced hemodynamic indexes, including cardiac output (standardized mean difference, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.54 to 1.17]; p < 0.00001) and stroke volume (0.42 [0.07 to 0.76]; p = 0.02). PARP inhibitors were associated with increased cardiac contractility, including ejection fraction (0.71 [0.42 to 1.01]; p < 0.00001) and fractional shortening (0.96 [0.62 to 1.31]; p < 0.00001). PARP inhibitors were associated with decreased troponin І (-1.42 [-2.16 to -0.68]; p = 0.0002), plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (-0.95 [-1.56 to -0.33]; p = 0.003), creatine kinase (-1.81 [-2.63 to -0.99]; p < 0.0001), and infarct size (-1.58 [-2.01 to -1.14]; p < 0.00001). PARP inhibitors improve cardiac functions and attenuate myocardial injury in animals, which indicate the cardioprotective effects. Further human studies are necessary.

FAERS based disproportionality analysis and network pharmacology investigation of taxanes associated drug induced liver injury

Taxanes play a crucial role in cancer treatment, particularly for non-small cell lung cancer and breast cancer. However, real-world studies examining drug-induced liver injury (DILI) associated with these drugs remain limited. Our study investigates the association between taxanes and DILI through analysis of the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database, alongside an exploration of potential hepatotoxicity mechanisms via network pharmacology. We collected DILI reports related to taxanes from the FAERS database between January 2004 and March 2024, employing disproportionality analyses with the reporting odds ratio (ROR) and 95% confidence intervals. Our findings revealed a significant association between paclitaxel (ROR = 2.35) and nab-paclitaxel (ROR = 3.14) with DILI, while docetaxel demonstrated no significant correlation (ROR = 0.68), although it was linked to higher mortality rates and earlier onset. Network pharmacology analysis uncovered that the mechanisms of liver injury induced by these two drugs may not be entirely congruent. Unique targets for docetaxel included BCL2, CNR2, and MAPK1, while the 'Regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes' pathway was specifically associated with docetaxel-induced DILI. Our findings indicate that taxanes exhibit differential hepatotoxic risks and hepatotoxicity mechanisms, emphasizing the need for enhanced drug safety monitoring strategies for cancer patients.

A near-infrared julolidine probe for visualization of mitochondrial peroxynitrite in living cells

The overproduction of peroxynitrite (ONOO-) in mitochondria has been associated with various pathophysiological conditions and disorders. However, the use of fluorescent probes to visualize mitochondrial ONOO- in biological systems is limited due to their low emission wavelengths and small Stokes shifts, which present significant challenges. In this study, we designed and synthesized julolidine-based near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes, named JQMe and JCN, specifically to monitor mitochondrial ONOO-. Comparative photophysical studies revealed that JQMe exhibits superior properties for sensing ONOO- compared to JCN. Initially, JQMe emitted fluorescence emission at 706 nm via an intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) mechanism. Upon the addition of ONOO-, the NIR fluorescence emission of JQMe at 706 nm was suppressed, resulting in a rapid on-off fluorescence response within 5 minutes. JQMe exhibited high specific selectivity towards ONOO- over other competing interferents, accompanied by a colorimetric change from deep blue to colorless. Additionally, JQMe exhibited a significant Stokes shift of 106 nm and a low detection limit of 6.5 nM. The proposed sensing mechanism was validated through ESI mass spectrometry and DFT studies. Furthermore, JQMe was successfully employed to monitor both endogenous and exogenous ONOO- in living cells using inducer and inhibitor tests. Remarkably, time-dependent colocalization experiments revealed that JQMe effectively targets and reacts with mitochondrial ONOO-.

Stimuli-Responsive Nanomedicines for the Treatment of Non-cancer Related Inflammatory Diseases

Nanomedicines offer a means to overcome the limitations associated with traditional drug dosage formulations by affording drug protection, enhanced drug bioavailability, and targeted drug delivery to affected sites. Inflamed tissues possess unique microenvironmental characteristics (including excessive reactive oxygen species, low pH levels, and hypoxia) that stimuli-responsive nanoparticles can employ as triggers to support on-demand delivery, enhanced accumulation, controlled release, and activation of anti-inflammatory drugs. Stimuli-responsive nanomedicines respond to physicochemical and pathological factors associated with diseased tissues to improve the specificity of drug delivery, overcome multidrug resistance, ensure accurate diagnosis and precision therapy, and control drug release to improve efficacy and safety. Current stimuli-responsive nanoparticles react to intracellular/microenvironmental stimuli such as pH, redox, hypoxia, or specific enzymes and exogenous stimuli such as temperature, magnetic fields, light, and ultrasound via bioresponsive moieties. This review summarizes the general strategies employed to produce stimuli-responsive nanoparticles tailored for inflammatory diseases and all recent advances, reports their applications in drug delivery, and illustrates the progress made toward clinical translation.

Identifying therapeutic target genes for diabetic retinopathy using systematic druggable genome-wide Mendelian randomization

INTRODUCTION

The treatment and prevention of diabetic retinopathy (DR) remain significant challenges. Mendelian randomization (MR) has been widely used to explore novel therapeutic targets. In this study, we conducted a systematic druggable genome-wide MR analysis to explore potential therapeutic targets for DR.

METHODS

We obtained data on druggable genes and screened for genes within blood expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL), which were then subjected to MR analysis and colocalization analysis with DR genome-wide association studies data to identify genes strongly associated with DR. Additionally, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction, drug candidate prediction, and molecular docking were performed to provide valuable insights for the development of more effective and targeted therapeutic drugs.

RESULTS

MR analysis of blood eQTLs revealed 30 significant DR-associated druggable genes, with PRKAB1 (OR = 0.935, 95% CI: 0.892 to 0.980) and CNR1 (OR = 0.814, 95% CI: 0.696 to 0.951) being protective genes, whereas CACNA1E (OR = 1.282, 95% CI: 1.050 to 1.565), NME1 (OR = 1.198, 95% CI: 1.028 to 1.397), and CHRNA2 (OR = 1.192, 95% CI: 1.025 to 1.386) were associated with increased risk. KEGG analysis highlighted significant pathways, including adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes (hsa04261), the oxytocin signaling pathway (hsa04921), and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (hsa05412). PPI network analysis identified two key modules: one comprising BIN1, CDH2, ACTN1, EPAS1, CEBPA, and CTSD nodes, and the other consisting of CACNG6, CACNA1E, CACNA2D3, and RASGRP3 nodes. Drug candidate prediction suggested ethanol and isoflupredone as potential therapeutic interventions, and molecular docking revealed C5's strong protein binding affinity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study utilized MR and colocalization analysis to identify potential drug targets for DR. The findings provide promising leads for the treatments of DR, potentially reducing drug development costs.

DNA Framework-Based Lysosome-Targeting Chimeras: Intracellular ATP-Facilitated Extracellular Protein Degradation

Targeted protein degradation (TPD) offered a riveting therapeutic paradigm to eradicate pathogenesis-relevant proteins, especially those belonging to the once-considered undruggable proteome. Considering that adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the primary energy source for cell activities and lysosomes are important ATP storage sites, herein, the first example of dual-function tetrahedral DNA framework-based lysosome-targeting chimeras (TDF-LYTACs) is proposed for elucidating the correlation between extracellular protein degradation via the lysosome pathway and the fluctuations in intracellular ATP levels. In our study, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), a driver of cancer invasion and metastasis, was chosen as the protein of interest. To achieve multifunctionality, we employed a tetrahedral DNA framework formed by an aptamer of PDGF, human apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1)-triggered ATP probes, and a ligand of the cell-surface lysosome-shuttling receptor (IGFIIR). TDF-LYTACs efficiently and quickly shuttled PDGF proteins to lysosomes, degraded them through the lysosomal pathway, and further visualized the intracellular ATP level synchronously. Furthermore, we found a significant correlation between the degradation efficiency of PDGF and intracellular ATP levels over time; that is, a higher ATP level corresponded to higher degradation efficiency and vice versa. We anticipate that our versatile TDF-LYTACs will offer a perspective for degrading multifunctional extracellular proteins.

Angiotensinogen inhibition concurrently mitigates alcohol-associated hepatic and muscle injury

AIMS

The organ communication mechanisms driven by alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) remain inadequately understood. This study explores the endocrine roles of the hepatokine angiotensinogen (AGT) and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in ALD.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Hepatokine screening tests revealed that chronic-binge ethanol consumption upregulates hepatic AGT production, triggering downstream RAS activation. Hepatocyte-specific knockout of Agt (AGTΔHep) significantly alleviated ALD-induced liver injury. In organ screening between AGTflox/flox (AGTf/f) and AGTΔHep mice, skeletal muscle exhibited the most pronounced improvement in alcoholic myopathy (AM)-related phenotypes, including reduced muscle mass, enhanced oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction post-ethanol administration. Mechanistically, the renin-angiotensin axis transmits damaging signals from AGT to their membrane receptor AGTR1 in both hepatocytes and myocytes. Pharmacological inhibition of AGT, renin, and angiotensin-converting enzyme, as well as specific knockdown of Agtr1 in hepatocytes or myocytes, effectively attenuated both conditions. Activation of the counteractive axis of the RAS-AGTR1 pathway, involving Ang (1-7) and its membrane receptor MAS1, ameliorated the alcoholic injury of both liver and muscle. Conversely, specific knockdown of Mas1 in hepatocytes and myocytes exacerbated these injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work demonstrates that hepatokine AGT promotes ALD and AM through the activation of the RAS-AGTR1 axis and the inhibition of the Ang (1-7)-MAS1 axis, offering a foundation for concurrent therapeutic strategies for both diseases.

Evaluation of a simplified radiolabeling method for a PARP inhibitor in an animal model of breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Several poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors were recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in cancer treatment. To facilitate the discovery of novel PARP-targeting ligands, a radioiodinated ligand, I-125-KX1, was developed and validated for its specificity to PARP-1; however, its preparation procedure is time-consuming. The present study employed a solid-phase extraction (SPE) method in the radiolabeling procedure of I-123/125-KX1 and evaluated its binding specificity by using receptor binding assays, autoradiography, and in vivo single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging technique.

RESULTS

Through the incorporation of the SPE purification method as the final step in the radioiodination procedure, the resultant product I-123/125-KX1 exhibited high radiochemical purity (> 99%) and an acceptable radiochemical yield (58.6% for I-123-KX1, 73.3% for I-125-KX1). The binding characteristics of this radiotracer were validated through saturation binding assays conducted on MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. The Kd values obtained for the tracer (~ 1.0 nM) was consistent with values reported in the literature, and the Bmax values of these two cell lines (2017 ± 178 fmol/mg on MDA-MB-231 vs. 1393 ± 105 fmol/mg on MCF-7) were in line with the results from Western blot analyses. To demonstrate the in vivo imaging ability of I-123-KX1 prepared in this study, an MDA-MB-231 tumor animal model was used and the tracer displayed a suitable uptake on the tumor tissues (6.9 ± 0.8%ID/mL). The binding specificity of the SPE-purified I-125-KX1 was further verified using in vitro autoradiography in conjunction with various PARP inhibitors. Additionally, an anti-PARP-1 immunohistochemistry experiment was conducted, which revealed that the autoradiograms of the radiotracer displayed a similar pattern.

CONCLUSIONS

This suggests that the I-123/125-KX1 prepared using the SPE method showed some comparable properties to those from the traditional method, indicating its potential suitability for future radioligand preparation in PARP studies. However, further characterization studies may be needed to confirm its efficacy.

Prospective DDI Risk Assessment of Vicasinabin with PBPK Modeling by Integrating In Vitro Data

Vicasinabin is an oral cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) agonist showing anti-inflammatory effects and was developed for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases such as diabetic retinopathy. Vicasinabin is mainly metabolized by CYP3A4, with minor contributions from CYP2C19 and UGTs. The drug shows in vitro induction of CYP3A4, as well as inhibition of hepatic and renal transporters. Translation of in vitro data to a clinical drug-drug interaction (DDI) risk assessment has been challenging, with a potential role of CYP2C19 genotypes in the pharmacokinetics to be considered. A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of vicasinabin based on a bottom-up approach predicted a moderate systemic exposure reduction for the selective CYP3A4 substrate midazolam. Neither the OATP1B1/P-gp/CYP3A4 inhibition effect on atorvastatin nor the OCT2/MATE1 inhibition effect on metformin was predicted to be of clinical relevance by PBPK modeling, as was confirmed by clinical DDI study data. After successful PBPK model prediction of itraconazole DDI using an in vitro fm,CYP3A4 of 0.6, the model was applied to simulate weak or moderate exposure changes of vicasinabin after co-administration with perpetrators for CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 (erythromycin, fluconazole, fluvoxamine, efavirenz, and rifampicin). A strong effect of induction due to rifampicin was also indicated. The CYP2C19 genotypes did not result in a significant impact on the victim DDI prediction for vicasinabin due to a low fm,CYP2C19 (∼0.2). The case study illustrated the usefulness of prospective PBPK predictions of clinical drug-drug interactions using in vitro data.

Global and tissue-specific transcriptomic dysregulation in human aging: Pathways and predictive biomarkers

Aging is a universal biological process that impacts all tissues, leading to functional decline and increased susceptibility to age-related diseases, particularly cardiometabolic disorders. While aging is characterized by hallmarks such as mitochondrial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and dysregulated metabolism, the molecular mechanisms driving these processes remain incompletely understood, particularly in a tissue-specific context. To address this gap, we conducted a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis across 40 human tissues using data from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project, comparing individuals younger than 40 years with those older than 65 years. We identified over 17,000 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across tissues, with distinct patterns of up- and down-regulation. Enrichment analyses revealed that up-regulated DEGs were associated with inflammation, immune responses, and apoptosis, while down-regulated DEGs were linked to mitochondrial function, oxidative phosphorylation, and metabolic processes. Using gene co-expression network (GCN) analyses, we identified 1,099 genes as dysregulated nodes (DNs) shared across tissues, reflecting global aging-associated transcriptional shifts. Integrating machine learning approaches, we pinpointed key aging biomarkers, including GDF15 and EDA2R, which demonstrated strong predictive power for aging and were particularly relevant in cardiometabolic tissues such as the heart, liver, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue. These genes were also validated in plasma proteomics studies and exhibited significant correlations with clinical cardiometabolic health indicators. This study provides a multi-tissue, integrative perspective on aging, uncovering both systemic and tissue-specific molecular signatures. Our findings advance understanding of the molecular underpinnings of aging and identify novel biomarkers that may serve as therapeutic targets for promoting healthy aging and mitigating age-related diseases.

Deciphering the role of liquid-liquid phase separation in sarcoma: Implications for pathogenesis and treatment

Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a significant reversible and dynamic process in organisms. Cells form droplets that are distinct from membrane-bound cell organelles by phase separation to keep biochemical processes in order. Nevertheless, the pathological state of LLPS contributes to the progression of a variety of tumor-related pathogenic issues. Sarcoma is one kind of highly malignant tumor characterized by aggressive metastatic potential and resistance to conventional therapeutic agents. Despite the significant clinical relevance, research on phase separation in sarcomas currently faces several major challenges. These include the limited availability of sarcoma samples, insufficient attention from the research community, and the complex genetic heterogeneity of sarcomas. Recently, emerging evidence have elaborated the specific effects and pathways of phase separation on different sarcoma subtypes, including the effect of sarcoma fusion proteins and other physicochemical factors on phase separation. This review aims to summarize the multiple roles of phase separation in sarcoma and novel molecular inhibitors that target phase separation. These insights will broaden the understanding of the mechanisms concerning sarcoma and offer new perspectives for future therapeutic strategies.

The Ways to Die: Cell Death in Liver Pathophysiology

Liver diseases are closely associated with various cell death mechanisms, including apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis. Each process contributes uniquely to the pathophysiology of liver injury and repair. Importantly, these mechanisms are not limited to hepatocytes; they also significantly involve nonparenchymal cells. This review examines the molecular pathways and regulatory mechanisms underlying these forms of cell death in hepatocytes, emphasizing their roles in several liver diseases, such as ischemia-reperfusion injury, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, and alcohol-associated liver disease. Recent insights into ferroptosis and pyroptosis may reveal novel therapeutic targets for managing liver diseases. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these cell death mechanisms in the context of liver diseases, detailing their molecular signaling pathways and implications for potential treatment strategies.