Comparison of Kidney Transplant Function, Lipid Metabolism Disorders, and Glucose and Hemoglobin Concentration in Transplant Patients Treated With Proliferation Signal Inhibitor (Everolimus) or Calcineurin Inhibitor (Tacrolimus)

Identification of tacrolimus-related genes in familial combined hyperlipidemia and development of a diagnostic model using bioinformatics analysis

Background

Clinical observations have revealed that patients undergoing organ transplantation administered tacrolimus often experience abnormal lipid metabolism with serious consequences. Thus, the intricate interplay between tacrolimus and lipid metabolism must be addressed to develop targeted therapeutic interventions. Our ongoing research aims to develop precision medicine approaches that not only alleviate the immediate repercussions for organ transplant patients but also enhance their long-term outcomes. To this end, we investigated the potential genes associated with tacrolimus metabolism in familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL) to identify relevant biomarkers of FCHL, develop predictive diagnostic models for hyperlipidemia, and reveal potential therapeutic targets for FCHL.

Methods

Dataset GSE1010 containing information on patients diagnosed with FCHL was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and an ensemble of tacrolimus-related genes (TRGs) was retrieved from the GeneCards, STITCH, and Molecular Signatures Database databases. A thorough weighted gene co-expression network analysis was conducted, including a differential expression analysis of the GSE1010 and TRG datasets, to identify intricate patterns of gene co-expression and provide insights on the underlying molecular dynamics within the datasets. Key genes were screened, diagnostic models were constructed, and all genes associated with logFC values were assessed using gene set variation and enrichment analyses. Upregulated genes were identified by a positive logFC (>0) and P < 0.05, while downregulated genes were characterized by a negative logFC (<0) and P < 0.05. These criteria facilitated a more nuanced categorization of gene expression changes within the analyzed datasets. Given tacrolimus's immunosuppressive impact, the gene expression matrix data obtained from dataset GSE1010 was submitted to CIBERSORT to assess immune cell infiltration outcomes. Finally, we examined the regulatory network of screened key genes that interact with RNA-binding proteins, potential drugs, small-molecule compounds, and transcription factors.

Results

We screened 14 statistically significant key genes, built a reliable risk model, and grouped the dataset into categories at high and low risk for hyperlipidemia development. FCHL was linked to memory B and immature B immune cells. The gene set variation analysis revealed two pathways associated with cholesterol homeostasis and the complement system that were closely associated with the potential functions of FCHL and tacrolimus-related differentially expressed genes.

Conclusions

Our research offers a better understanding of FCHL and the TRGs involved in lipid metabolism. Additionally, it provides research directions for identifying potential targets for clinical therapies.

Exploring the Potentials of Chitin and Chitosan-Based Bioinks for 3D-Printing of Flexible Electronics: The Future of Sustainable Bioelectronics

Chitin and chitosan-based bioink for 3D-printed flexible electronics have tremendous potential for innovation in healthcare, agriculture, the environment, and industry. This biomaterial is suitable for 3D printing because it is highly stretchable, super-flexible, affordable, ultrathin, and lightweight. Owing to its ease of use, on-demand manufacturing, accurate and regulated deposition, and versatility with flexible and soft functional materials, 3D printing has revolutionized free-form construction and end-user customization. This study examined the potential of employing chitin and chitosan-based bioinks to build 3D-printed flexible electronic devices and optimize bioink formulation, printing parameters, and postprocessing processes to improve mechanical and electrical properties. The exploration of 3D-printed chitin and chitosan-based flexible bioelectronics will open new avenues for new flexible materials for numerous industrial applications.

The Effect of Enalapril, Losartan, or Not Antihypertensive on the Oxidative Status in Renal Transplant Recipients

The clinical and biochemical improvement observed in kidney transplant (RT) recipients is remarkable. The correct functioning of the allograft depends on various factors such as the donor's age, the alloimmune response, the ischemia-reperfusion injury, arterial hypertension, and the interstitial fibrosis of the allograft, among others. Antihypertensive drugs are necessary for arterial hypertension patients to avoid or reduce the probability of affecting graft function in RT recipients. Oxidative stress (OS) is another complex pathophysiological process with the ability to alter posttransplant kidney function. The study's objective was to determine the effect of the administration of Enalapril, Losartan, or not antihypertensive medication on the oxidative state in RT recipients at the beginning of the study and one year of follow-up. All patients included in the study found significant overexpression of the oxidative damage marker to DNA and the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). In contrast, it was found that the determination of the total antioxidant capacity decreased significantly in the final determination at one year of follow-up in all the patients who ingested Enalapril and Losartan. We found dysregulation of the oxidative state characterized mainly by oxidative damage to DNA and a significant increase in antioxidant enzymes, which could suggest a compensatory effect against the imbalance of the oxidative state.