Roles of the synaptic molecules Hevin and SPARC in mouse neuromuscular junction development and repair

Biomarkers in Ataxia-Telangiectasia: a Systematic Review

Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T) is a very rare multisystem disease of DNA repair, associated with progressive disabling neurological symptoms, respiratory failure, immunodeficiency and cancer predisposition, leading to premature death. There are no curative treatments available for A-T but clinical trials have begun. A major limiting factor in effectively evaluating therapies for A-T is the lack of suitable outcome measures and biomarkers. We have performed a systematic review to collect the information currently available on biomarkers for A-T both in patients and preclinical studies. We have identified 56 reports discussing potential A-T biomarkers in both pre-clinical models and patients. These studies report on diagnostic biomarkers but prognostic biomarkers and responsive markers of clinical status are currently lacking. Some biomarkers of neurodegeneration in A-T show promise, including non-invasive neuroimaging biomarkers. Some biomarkers of oxidative stress and responsive markers to radiotherapy and steroid treatment have potential value in clinical trials. The formation of the A-T biomarker working group with international experts is an important step forward to facilitate the sharing of materials, data and expertise with the common goal of finding effective biomarkers for A-T.

From Homeostasis to Neuroinflammation: Insights into Cellular and Molecular Interactions and Network Dynamics

Neuroinflammation is a complex and multifaceted process that involves dynamic interactions among various cellular and molecular components. This sophisticated interplay supports both environmental adaptability and system resilience in the central nervous system (CNS) but may be disrupted during neuroinflammation. In this article, we first characterize the key players in neuroimmune interactions, including microglia, astrocytes, neurons, immune cells, and essential signaling molecules such as cytokines, neurotransmitters, extracellular matrix (ECM) components, and neurotrophic factors. Under homeostatic conditions, these elements promote cellular cooperation and stability, whereas in neuroinflammatory states, they drive adaptive responses that may become pathological if dysregulated. We examine how neuroimmune interactions, mediated through these cellular actors and signaling pathways, create complex networks that regulate CNS functionality and respond to injury or inflammation. To further elucidate these dynamics, we provide insights using a multilayer network (MLN) approach, highlighting the interconnected nature of neuroimmune interactions under both inflammatory and homeostatic conditions. This perspective aims to enhance our understanding of neuroimmune communication and the mechanisms underlying shifts from homeostasis to neuroinflammation. Applying an MLN approach offers a more integrative view of CNS resilience and adaptability, helping to clarify inflammatory processes and identify novel intervention points within the layered landscape of neuroinflammatory responses.

Serum Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine-Like 1 as a Biochemical Predictor for Prognosticating Clinical Outcomes After Acute Supratentorial Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background

Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine-like 1 (SPARCL1) regulates synaptic stability and is up-regulated during axonal regeneration. Here, serum SPARCL1 was determined for estimating severity and prognosticating early neurological deterioration (END) and functional outcomes of acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

Methods

In this prospective observational cohort study of 156 patients with supratentorial ICH, blood samples of 53 were acquired not only at admission but also ad days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10. Another group of 53 healthy controls were recruited. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores of 3-6 at poststroke six months were regarded as poor prognosis.

Results

As opposed to controls, serum SPARCL1 levels were markedly elevated during the early ten days after ICH, with the highest levels at days 1 and 3. Admission serum SPARCL1 levels were independently correlated with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores and hematoma volume, were significantly increased in the order of six-month mRS scores from 0 to 6 and were independently correlated with six-month mRS scores. Serum SPARCL1 levels were linearly related to risks of poor six-month prognosis and END under restricted cubic spline, had significant efficiency under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and were independently associated with END and poor prognosis. Subgroup analysis confirmed that no interactions existed for associations of serum SPARCL1 levels with other variables, such as age, gender and some specific vascular risk factors. END and poor prognosis prediction models integrating serum SPARCL1 were displayed using the two nomograms. The poor prognosis prediction model, but END prediction model not, performed well under calibration curve, decision curve and ROC curve.

Conclusion

A substantial elevation of serum SPARCL1 levels during the early period after ICH is independently related to illness severity and poor neurological outcomes, thus signifying that serum SPARCL1 may appear as a prognostic biomarker of ICH.

Repair mechanism of Yishen Tongluo formula on mouse sperm DNA fragmentation caused by polystyrene microplastics

CONTEXT

Plastics can break down into millions of microplastic (MPs, < 5 mm) particles in the soil and ocean. These MPs can then affect the function of the reproductive system. There is currently no effective solution to this problem aside from traditional Chinese medicine. We have previously used Yishen Tongluo formula (YSTL) to treat sperm DNA damage caused by some toxic substances.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanism underlying the repair of mouse sperm DNA fragmentation caused by polystyrene microplastics by YSTL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An animal model of polystyrene microplastic (PS-MP)-induced sperm DNA damage was replicated by gavage of SPF ICR (CD1) mice PS-MPs at 1 mg/d and treated with YSTL at 11.89, 23.78 and 47.56 g/kg, respectively, for 60 days. The Sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) of each group was detected and compared. The target genes of YSTL identified by transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were validated by qRT-PCR and western blotting.

RESULTS

The DFI of the PS group (20.66%) was significantly higher than that of the control group (4.23%). The medium and high doses of the YSTL group (12.8% and 11.31%) exhibited a significant repairing effect. The most enriched pathway was PI3K/Akt. TBL1X, SPARC, hnRNP0, Map7D1, Eps8 and Mrpl27 were screened and SPARC was validated.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The precise mechanism by which YSTL inhibits PD-MPs DNA damage may be associated with the PI3K/Akt pathway and SPARC. It provides a new direction for using traditional Chinese medicine to prevent and repair reproductive system injury caused by MPs.

Skeletal muscle structure, physiology, and function

Contractions of skeletal muscles provide the stability and power for all body movements. Consequently, any impairment in skeletal muscle function results in some degree of instability or immobility. Factors that influence skeletal muscle structure and function are therefore of great interest scientifically and clinically. Injury, neuromuscular disease, and old age are among the factors that commonly contribute to impairments in skeletal muscle function. The goal of this chapter is to summarize the fundamentals of skeletal muscle structure and function to provide foundational knowledge for this Handbook volume. We examine the molecular interactions that provide the basis for the generation of force and movement, discuss mechanisms of the regulation of contraction at the level of myofibers, and introduce concepts of the activation and control of muscle function in vivo. Where appropriate, the chapter updates the emerging science that will increase understanding of muscle function.

Denervation-Related Neuromuscular Junction Changes: From Degeneration to Regeneration

Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are the key interface between terminal nerves and targeted muscle, which undergo degeneration during denervation periods. Denervation-related NMJs changes limits the recovery level of nerve repair strategies. Insights into mechanisms behind neuromuscular junction degeneration and regeneration, following denervation and reinnervation, are of clinical value. Developing some therapies to maintain or protect structures and functions of NMJs may contribute to a better prognosis. Here, we reviewed previous studies of NMJs focusing on the morphological, functional, and molecular changes after denervation, and if those changes can be reversed after reinnervation. Also, we reviewed about the present probable strategies that have been applied clinically or could still be studied in targeting the neuromuscular junction protection or regeneration improvement.