Diversity of energy metabolism in immune responses regulated by micro-organisms and dietary nutrition

Host genome drives the microbiota enrichment of beneficial microbes in shrimp: exploring the hologenome perspective

BACKGROUND

Pacific Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) is an important model for breeding programs to improve global aquaculture productivity. However, the interaction between host genetics and microbiota in enhancing productivity remains poorly understood. We investigated the effect of two shrimp genetic lines, Fast-Growth (Gen1) and Disease-Resistant (Gen2), on the microbiota of L. vannamei.

RESULTS

Using genome-wide SNP microarray analysis, we confirmed that Gen1 and Gen2 represented distinct genetic populations. After confirming that the rearing pond did not significantly influence the microbiota composition, we determined that genetic differences explained 15.8% of the microbiota variability, with a stronger selective pressure in the hepatopancreas than in the intestine. Gen1, which exhibited better farm productivity, fostered a microbiota with greater richness, diversity, and resilience than Gen2, along with a higher abundance of beneficial microbes. Further, we demonstrated that a higher abundance of beneficial microbes was associated with healthier shrimp vs. diseased specimens, suggesting that Gen1 could improve shrimp's health and productivity by promoting beneficial microbes. Finally, we determined that the microbiota of both genetic lines was significantly different from their wild-type counterparts, suggesting farm environments and selective breeding programs strongly alter the natural microbiome.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the importance of exploring the hologenome perspective, where integrating host genetics and microbiome composition can enhance breeding programs and farming practices.

Immunometabolism In Brain Aging and Neurodegeneration: Bridging Metabolic Pathways and Immune Responses

The complex set of interactions between the immune system and metabolism, known as immunometabolism, has emerged as a critical regulator of disease outcomes in the central nervous system. Numerous studies have linked metabolic disturbances to impaired immune responses in brain aging, neurodegenerative disorders, and brain injury. In this review, we will discuss how disruptions in brain immunometabolism balance contribute to the pathophysiology of brain dysfunction. The first part of the review summarizes the contributions of critical immune cell populations such as microglia, astrocytes, and infiltrating immune cells in mediating inflammation and metabolism in CNS disorders. The remainder of the review addresses the impact of metabolic changes on immune cell activation and disease progression in brain aging, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury. Furthermore, we also address the therapeutic potential of targeting immunometabolic pathways to reduce neuroinflammation and slow disease progression. By focusing on the interactions among brain immune cells and the metabolic mechanisms they recruit in disease, we present a comprehensive overview of brain immunometabolism in human health and disease.

Metabolic reprogramming and therapeutic resistance in primary and metastatic breast cancer

Metabolic alterations, a hallmark of cancer, enable tumor cells to adapt to their environment by modulating glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism, which fuels rapid growth and contributes to treatment resistance. In primary breast cancer, metabolic shifts such as the Warburg effect and enhanced lipid synthesis are closely linked to chemotherapy failure. Similarly, metastatic lesions often display distinct metabolic profiles that not only sustain tumor growth but also confer resistance to targeted therapies and immunotherapies. The review emphasizes two major aspects: the mechanisms driving metabolic resistance in both primary and metastatic breast cancer, and how the unique metabolic environments in metastatic sites further complicate treatment. By targeting distinct metabolic vulnerabilities at both the primary and metastatic stages, new strategies could improve the efficacy of existing therapies and provide better outcomes for breast cancer patients.

Synovial fluid NMR-based metabolomics in septic and aseptic revision total knee arthroplasty: Implications on diagnosis and treatment

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most challenging complications following total knee arthroplasty. Despite its importance, there is a paucity of reports in the literature regarding its pathogenesis. Recently, cellular metabolic reprogramming has been shown to play an important role in the progression and outcome of infectious diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the metabolites composition of the synovial fluid from patients with PJI or aseptic failure of total knee arthroplasties. The synovial fluids from 21 patients scheduled for revision total knee arthroplasty (11 with the diagnosis of PJI and 10 with aseptic failures) were analyzed using 1D 1H NMR spectroscopy. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyzes were used to identify metabolites that were differentially abundant between those groups. A total of 28 metabolites were identified and five of them found to be differentially abundant between infected and non-infected synovial fluids. Lactate, acetate and 3-hydroxybutyrate were found to be in a higher concentration, and glucose and creatine were found reduced in the synovial fluid from PJI patients. Synovial fluid from patients with PJI exhibit a distinct metabolic profile, possibly reflecting metabolic adaptation that occurs in the infected periprosthetic microenvironment. Further research and studies are warranted to gain a broader insight into the metabolic pathways engaged by both pathogen and immune cells in the context of a PJI.

Prevalence of Slam-dependent hemophilins in Gram-negative bacteria

Iron acquisition systems are crucial for pathogen growth and survival in iron-limiting host environments. To overcome nutritional immunity, bacterial pathogens evolved to use diverse mechanisms to acquire iron. Here, we examine a heme acquisition system that utilizes hemophores called hemophilins which are also referred to as HphAs in several Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, we report three new HphA structures from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Vibrio harveyi, and Haemophilus parainfluenzae. Structural determination of HphAs revealed an N-terminal clamp-like domain that binds heme and a C-terminal eight-stranded β-barrel domain that shares the same architecture as the Slam-dependent Neisserial surface lipoproteins. The genetic organization of HphAs consists of genes encoding a Slam homolog and a TonB-dependent receptor (TBDR). We investigated the Slam-HphA system in the native organism or the reconstituted system in Escherichia coli cells and found that the efficient secretion of HphA depends on Slam. The TBDR also played an important role in heme uptake and conferred specificity for its cognate HphA. Furthermore, bioinformatic analysis of HphA homologs revealed that HphAs are conserved in the alpha, beta, and gammaproteobacteria. Together, these results show that the Slam-dependent HphA-type hemophores are prevalent in Gram-negative bacteria and further expand the role of Slams in transporting soluble proteins.

IMPORTANCE

This paper describes the structure and function of a family of Slam (Type IX secretion System) secreted hemophores that bacteria use to uptake heme (iron) while establishing an infection. Using structure-based bioinformatics analysis to define the diversity and prevalence of this heme acquisition pathway, we discovered that a large portion of gammaproteobacterial harbors this system. As organisms, including Acinetobacter baumannii, utilize this system to facilitate survival during host invasion, the identification of this heme acquisition system in bacteria species is valuable information and may represent a target for antimicrobials.

Obesity-dependent molecular alterations in fatal COVID-19: A retrospective postmortem study of metabolomic profile of adipose tissue

We investigated the effects of obesity on metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress parameters in the adipose tissue of patients with fatal COVID-19. Postmortem biopsies of subcutaneous adipose tissue were obtained from 25 unvaccinated inpatients who passed from COVID-19, stratified as nonobese (N-OB; body mass index [BMI], 26.5 ± 2.3 kg m-2) or obese (OB BMI 34.2 ± 5.1 kg m-2). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that body composition was responsible for most of the variations detected in the metabolome, with greater dispersion observed in the OB group. Fifteen metabolites were major segregation factors. Results from the OB group showed higher levels of creatinine, myo-inositol, O-acetylcholine, and succinate, and lower levels of sarcosine. The N-OB group showed lower levels of glutathione peroxidase activity, as well as higher content of IL-6 and adiponectin. We revealed significant changes in the metabolomic profile of the adipose tissue in fatal COVID-19 cases, with high adiposity playing a key role in these observed variations. These findings highlight the potential involvement of metabolic and inflammatory pathways, possibly dependent on hypoxia, shedding light on the impact of obesity on disease pathogenesis and suggesting avenues for further research and possible therapeutic targets.

A first characterization of the microbiota-resilience link in swine

BACKGROUND

The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in understanding complex biological mechanisms, including host resilience to stressors. Investigating the microbiota-resilience link in animals and plants holds relevance in addressing challenges like adaptation of agricultural species to a warming environment. This study aims to characterize the microbiota-resilience connection in swine. As resilience is not directly observable, we estimated it using four distinct indicators based on daily feed consumption variability, assuming animals with greater intake variation may face challenges in maintaining stable physiological status. These indicators were analyzed both as linear and categorical variables. In our first set of analyses, we explored the microbiota-resilience link using PERMANOVA, α-diversity analysis, and discriminant analysis. Additionally, we quantified the ratio of estimated microbiota variance to total phenotypic variance (microbiability). Finally, we conducted a Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) to assess the classification performance of the microbiota with indicators expressed in classes.

RESULTS

This study offers four key insights. Firstly, among all indicators, two effectively captured resilience. Secondly, our analyses revealed robust relationship between microbial composition and resilience in terms of both composition and richness. We found decreased α-diversity in less-resilient animals, while specific amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and KEGG pathways associated with inflammatory responses were negatively linked to resilience. Thirdly, considering resilience indicators in classes, we observed significant differences in microbial composition primarily in animals with lower resilience. Lastly, our study indicates that gut microbial composition can serve as a reliable biomarker for distinguishing individuals with lower resilience.

CONCLUSION

Our comprehensive analyses have highlighted the host-microbiota and resilience connection, contributing valuable insights to the existing scientific knowledge. The practical implications of PLS-DA and microbiability results are noteworthy. PLS-DA suggests that host-microbiota interactions could be utilized as biomarkers for monitoring resilience. Furthermore, the microbiability findings show that leveraging host-microbiota insights may improve the identification of resilient animals, supporting their adaptive capacity in response to changing environmental conditions. These practical implications offer promising avenues for enhancing animal well-being and adaptation strategies in the context of environmental challenges faced by livestock populations. Video Abstract.

Blood and liver telomere length, mitochondrial DNA copy number, and hepatic gene expression of mitochondrial dynamics in mid-lactation cows supplemented with l-carnitine under systemic inflammation

The current study was conducted to examine the effect of l-carnitine (LC) supplementation on telomere length and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) per cell in mid-lactation cows challenged by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in blood and liver. The mRNA abundance of 31 genes related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and the corresponding stress response mechanisms, the mitochondrial quality control and the protein import system, as well as the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway, were assessed using microfluidics integrated fluidic circuit chips (96.96 dynamic arrays). In addition to comparing the responses in cows with or without LC, our objectives were to characterize the oxidative and inflammatory status by assessing the circulating concentration of lactoferrin (Lf), haptoglobin (Hp), fibrinogen, derivates of reactive oxygen metabolites (dROM), and arylesterase activity (AEA), and to extend the measurement of Lf and Hp to milk. Pluriparous Holstein cows were assigned to either a control group (CON, n = 26) or an LC-supplemented group (CAR; 25 g LC/cow per day; d 42 ante partum to d 126 postpartum (PP), n = 27). On d 111 PP, each cow was injected intravenously with LPS (Escherichia coli O111:B4, 0.5 µg/kg). The mRNA abundance was examined in liver biopsies of d -11 and +1 relative to LPS administration. Plasma and milk samples were frequently collected before and after the challenge. After LPS administration, circulating plasma fibrinogen and serum dROM concentrations increased, whereas AEA decreased. Moreover, serum P4 initially increased by 3 h after LPS administration and declined thereafter irrespective of grouping. The Lf concentrations increased in both groups after LPS administration, with the CAR group showing greater concentrations in serum and milk than the CON group. After LPS administration, telomere length in blood increased, whereas mtDNAcn per cell decreased; however, both remained unaffected in liver. For mitochondrial protein import genes, the hepatic mRNA abundance of the translocase of the mitochondrial inner membrane (TIM)-17B was increased in CAR cows. Moreover, TIM23 increased in both groups after LPS administration. Regarding the mRNA abundance of genes related to stress response mechanisms, 7 out of 14 genes showed group × time interactions, indicating a (local) protective effect due to the dietary LC supplementation against oxidative stress in mid-lactating dairy cows. For mtDNAcn and telomere length, the effects of the LPS-induced inflammation were more pronounced than the dietary supplementation of LC. Dietary LC supplementation affected the response to LPS primarily by altering mitochondrial dynamics. Regarding mRNA abundance of genes related to the mitochondrial protein import system, the inner mitochondrial membrane translocase (TIM complex) seemed to be more sensitive to dietary LC than the outer mitochondrial membrane translocase (TOM complex).

Similarities and divergences in the metabolism of immune cells in cancer and helminthic infections

Energetic and nutritional requirements play a crucial role in shaping the immune cells that infiltrate tumor and parasite infection sites. The dynamic interaction between immune cells and the microenvironment, whether in the context of tumor or helminth infection, is essential for understanding the mechanisms of immunological polarization and developing strategies to manipulate them in order to promote a functional and efficient immune response that could aid in the treatment of these conditions. In this review, we present an overview of the immune response triggered during tumorigenesis and establishment of helminth infections, highlighting the transition to chronicity in both cases. We discuss the energetic demands of immune cells under normal conditions and in the presence of tumors and helminths. Additionally, we compare the metabolic changes that occur in the tumor microenvironment and the infection site, emphasizing the alterations that are induced to redirect the immune response, thereby promoting the survival of cancer cells or helminths. This emerging discipline provides valuable insights into disease pathogenesis. We also provide examples of novel strategies to enhance immune activity by targeting metabolic pathways that shape immune phenotypes, with the aim of achieving positive outcomes in cancer and helminth infections.

Comparison of post-COVID-19 vaccination hypermetabolic lymphadenopathy on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT between virus-vector vaccine and mRNA vaccine

PURPOSE

We compared hypermetabolic lymphadenopathy (HLN) on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) after virus-vector and mRNA vaccines for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

METHODS

This retrospective study included 573 participants who underwent FDG PET/CT after receiving a virus-vector vaccine (ChAdOx1, AstraZeneca [AZ] group) or an mRNA vaccine (mRNA-1273, Moderna [M] group) from July 2021 to October 2021. The incidence and avidity of HLN were evaluated and correlated with clinical features and vaccine type. The final analysis was conducted with 263 participants in the AZ group and 310 participants in the M group.

RESULTS

The HLN incidence was significantly lower in the AZ group than in the M group (38/263 [14%] vs. 74/310 [24%], p = 0.006). The FDG avidity of HLN was comparable between the two groups. The HLN incidence in both groups was significantly higher within 4 weeks after the vaccination compared with more than 4 weeks. The HLN incidence within 4 weeks of the vaccination was significantly higher in the M group than in the AZ group (p = 0.008), whereas a difference in HLN incidence between the two groups was not observed after the same duration (p = 0.11).

CONCLUSIONS

The mRNA mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine was found to be associated with higher glucose hypermetabolism in regional lymph nodes within the first 4 weeks compared with the virus-vector vaccine, as indicated by the presence of HLN on FDG PET/CT. The degree of glucose hypermetabolism was comparable between the two vaccines.

Unveiling the key genes, environmental toxins, and drug exposures in modulating the severity of ulcerative colitis: a comprehensive analysis

Background

As yet, the genetic abnormalities involved in the exacerbation of Ulcerative colitis (UC) have not been adequately explored based on bioinformatic methods.

Materials and methods

The gene microarray data and clinical information were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) repository. The scale-free gene co-expression networks were constructed by R package "WGCNA". Gene enrichment analysis was performed via Metascape database. Differential expression analysis was performed using "Limma" R package. The "randomForest" packages in R was used to construct the random forest model. Unsupervised clustering analysis performed by "ConsensusClusterPlus"R package was utilized to identify different subtypes of UC patients. Heat map was established using the R package "pheatmap". Diagnostic parameter capability was evaluated by ROC curve. The"XSum"packages in R was used to screen out small-molecule drugs for the exacerbation of UC based on cMap database. Molecular docking was performed with Schrodinger molecular docking software.

Results

Via WGCNA, a total 77 high Mayo score-associated genes specific in UC were identified. Subsequently, the 9 gene signatures of the exacerbation of UC was screened out by random forest algorithm and Limma analysis, including BGN,CHST15,CYYR1,GPR137B,GPR4,ITGA5,LILRB1,SLFN11 and ST3GAL2. The ROC curve suggested good predictive performance of the signatures for exacerbation of UC in both the training set and the validation set. We generated a novel genotyping scheme based on the 9 signatures. The percentage of patients achieved remission after 4 weeks intravenous corticosteroids (CS-IV) treatment was higher in cluster C1 than that in cluster C2 (54% vs. 27%, Chi-square test, p=0.02). Energy metabolism-associated signaling pathways were significantly up-regulated in cluster C1, including the oxidative phosphorylation, pentose and glucuronate interconversions and citrate cycle TCA cycle pathways. The cluster C2 had a significant higher level of CD4+ T cells. The"XSum"algorithm revealed that Exisulind has a therapeutic potential for UC. Exisulind showed a good binding affinity for GPR4, ST3GAL2 and LILRB1 protein with the docking glide scores of -7.400 kcal/mol, -7.191 kcal/mol and -6.721 kcal/mol, respectively.We also provided a comprehensive review of the environmental toxins and drug exposures that potentially impact the progression of UC.

Conclusion

Using WGCNA and random forest algorithm, we identified 9 gene signatures of the exacerbation of UC. A novel genotyping scheme was constructed to predict the severity of UC and screen UC patients suitable for CS-IV treatment. Subsequently, we identified a small molecule drug (Exisulind) with potential therapeutic effects for UC. Thus, our study provided new ideas and materials for the personalized clinical treatment plans for patients with UC.

How can early life adversity still exert an effect decades later? A question of timing, tissues and mechanisms

Exposure to any number of stressors during the first 1000 days from conception to age 2 years is important in shaping an individual's life trajectory of health and disease. Despite the expanding range of stressors as well as later-life phenotypes and outcomes, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Our previous data strongly suggests that early-life exposure to a stressor reduces the capacity of the immune system to generate subsequent generations of naïve cells, while others have shown that, early life stress impairs the capacity of neuronal stem cells to proliferate as they age. This leads us to the "stem cell hypothesis" whereby exposure to adversity during a sensitive period acts through a common mechanism in all the cell types by programming the tissue resident progenitor cells. Furthermore, we review the mechanistic differences observed in fully differentiated cells and suggest that early life adversity (ELA) may alter mitochondria in stem cells. This may consequently alter the destiny of these cells, producing the lifelong "supply" of functionally altered fully differentiated cells.

Drug delivery systems as immunomodulators for therapy of infectious disease: Relevance to COVID-19

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2, and the ensuing global pandemic, has resulted in an unprecedented response to identify therapies that can limit uncontrolled inflammation observed in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19. The immune pathology behind COVID-19 is complex and involves the activation and interaction of multiple systems including, but not limited to, complement, inflammasomes, endothelial as well as innate and adaptive immune cells to bring about a convoluted profile of inflammation, coagulation and tissue damage. To date, therapeutic approaches have focussed on inhibition of coagulation, untargeted immune suppression and/or cytokine-directed blocking agents. Regardless of recently achieved improvements in individual patient outcomes and survival rates, improved and focussed approaches targeting individual systems involved is needed to further improve prognosis and wellbeing. This review summarizes the current understanding of molecular and cellular systems involved in the pathophysiology of COVID-19, and their contribution to pathogen clearance and damage to then discuss possible therapeutic options involving immunomodulatory drug delivery systems as well as summarising the complex interplay between them.

Effects of dietary l-carnitine supplementation on the response to an inflammatory challenge in mid-lactating dairy cows: Hepatic mRNA abundance of genes involved in fatty acid metabolism

This study aimed at characterizing the effects of dietary l-carnitine supplementation on hepatic fatty acid (FA) metabolism during inflammation in mid-lactating cows. Fifty-three pluriparous Holstein dairy cows were randomly assigned to either a control (CON, n = 26) or an l-carnitine supplemented (CAR; n = 27) group. The CAR cows received 125 g of a rumen-protected l-carnitine product per cow per day (corresponding to 25 g of l-carnitine/cow per day) from d 42 antepartum (AP) until the end of the trial on d 126 postpartum (PP). Aside from the supplementation, the same basal diets were fed in the dry period and during lactation to all cows. In mid lactation, each cow was immune-challenged by a single intravenous injection of 0.5 μg of LPS/kg of BW at d 111 PP. Blood samples were collected before and after LPS administration. The mRNA abundance of in total 39 genes related to FA metabolism was assessed in liver biopsies taken at d -11, 1, and 14 relative to LPS (d 111 PP) and also on d 42 AP as an individual covariate using microfluidics integrated fluidic circuit chips (96.96 dynamic arrays). In addition to the concentrations of 3 selected proteins related to FA metabolism, acetyl-CoA carboxylase α (ACACA), 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and solute carrier family 25 member 20 (SLC25A20) were assessed by a capillary Western blot method in liver biopsies from d -11 and 1 relative to LPS from 11 cows each of CAR and CON. On d -11 relative to LPS, differences between the mRNA abundance in CON and CAR were limited to acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (ACAD) very-long-chain (ACADVL) with greater mRNA abundance in the CAR than in the CON group. The liver fat content decreased from d -11 to d 1 relative to the LPS injection and remained at the lower level until d 14 in both groups. One day after the LPS challenge, lower mRNA abundance of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1), CPT2, ACADVL, ACAD short-chain (ACADS), and solute carrier family 22 member 5 (SLC22A5) were observed in the CAR group as compared with the CON group. However, the mRNA abundance of protein kinase AMP-activated noncatalytic subunit gamma 1 (PRKAG1), ACAD medium-chain (ACADM), ACACA, and FA binding protein 1 (FABP1) were greater in the CAR group than in the CON group on d 1 relative to LPS. Two weeks after the LPS challenge, differences between the groups were no longer detectable. The altered mRNA abundance before and 1 d after LPS pointed to increased transport of FA into hepatic mitochondria during systemic inflammation in both groups. The protein abundance of AMPK was lower in CAR than in CON before the LPS administration. The protein abundance of SLC25A20 was neither changing with time nor treatment and the ACACA protein abundance was only affected by time. In conclusion, l-carnitine supplementation temporally altered the hepatic mRNA abundance of some genes related to mitochondrial biogenesis and very-low-density lipoprotein export in response to an inflammatory challenge, but with largely lacking effects before and 2 wk after LPS.

Improved genome assembly of Chinese shrimp (Fenneropenaeus chinensis) suggests adaptation to the environment during evolution and domestication

A high-quality reference genome is necessary to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying important biological phenomena; therefore, in the present study, a chromosome-level genome assembly of the Chinese shrimp Fenneropenaeus chinensis was performed. Muscle of a male shrimp was sequenced using PacBio platform, and assembled by Hi-C technology. The assembled F. chinensis genome was 1.47 Gb with contig N50 of 472.84 Kb, including 57.73% repetitive sequences, and was anchored to 43 pseudochromosomes, with scaffold N50 of 36.87 Mb. In total, 25,026 protein-coding genes were predicted. The genome size of F. chinensis showed significant contraction in comparison with that of other penaeid species, which is likely related to migration observed in this species. However, the F. chinensis genome included several expanded gene families related to cellular processes and metabolic processes, and the contracted gene families were associated with virus infection process. The findings signify the adaptation of F. chinensis to the selection pressure of migration and cold environment. Furthermore, the selection signature analysis identified genes associated with metabolism, phototransduction, and nervous system in cultured shrimps when compared with wild population, indicating targeted, artificial selection of growth, vision, and behavior during domestication. The construction of the genome of F. chinensis provided valuable information for the further genetic mechanism analysis of important biological processes, and will facilitate the research of genetic changes during evolution.

Mitogenome Analysis of Four Lamiinae Species (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) and Gene Expression Responses by Monochamus alternatus When Infected with the Parasitic Nematode, Bursaphelenchus mucronatus

We determined the mitochondrial gene sequence of Monochamus alternatus and three other mitogenomes of Lamiinae (Insect: Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) belonging to three genera (Aulaconotus, Apriona and Paraglenea) to enrich the mitochondrial genome database of Lamiinae and further explore the phylogenetic relationships within the subfamily. Phylogenetic trees of the Lamiinae were built using the Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods and the monophyly of Monochamus, Anoplophora, and Batocera genera was supported. Anoplophora chinensis, An. glabripennis and Aristobia reticulator were closely related, suggesting they may also be potential vectors for the transmission of the pine wood pathogenic nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) in addition to M. alternatus, a well-known vector of pine wilt disease. There is a special symbiotic relationship between M. alternatus and Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. As the native sympatric sibling species of B. xylophilus, B. mucronatus also has a specific relationship that is often overlooked. The analysis of mitochondrial gene expression aimed to explore the effect of B. mucronatus on the energy metabolism of the respiratory chain of M. alternatus adults. Using RT-qPCR, we determined and analyzed the expression of eight mitochondrial protein-coding genes (COI, COII, COIII, ND1, ND4, ND5, ATP6, and Cty b) between M. alternatus infected by B. mucronatus and M. alternatus without the nematode. Expression of all the eight mitochondrial genes were up-regulated, particularly the ND4 and ND5 gene, which were up-regulated by 4-5-fold (p < 0.01). Since longicorn beetles have immune responses to nematodes, we believe that their relationship should not be viewed as symbiotic, but classed as parasitic.

COVID-19 AND ITS EFFECT ON OLYMPIC SPORT: THE IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING SOCIAL ISOLATION AND THE HARM IT CAUSES, IN ORDER TO MINIMIZE IT

ABSTRACT In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the disease caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus, known as COVID-19, to be a pandemic. The sporting world, too, is suffering from the global effects of this disease, with the postponement or cancellation of competitions, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. As a proposal for containing the disease, social isolation was declared. Despite the importance of this measure, it was harmful for Olympic athletes, as they had to stay away from their training site and trainers, as well as their interdisciplinary teams. It is therefore important to study this harm caused, in order to minimize it. In general, it is believed that regular physical activity is associated with improved immune system functioning. The lack of training can therefore have significant consequences for the performance and health of the Olympic athlete. From the athlete's point of view, the impaired immune system, due to the reduced frequency of physical exercise, leaves them more vulnerable to contracting or developing infections or other diseases. The risk of harm due to the decreased performance of preventive works is also evident in this population. The reductions in training load and intensity can cause changes in the athlete's body composition and affect various aspects of cardiorespiratory fitness, as well as reducing strength levels and muscle potency. In relation to the athlete's mental health, two aspects are particularly challenging: isolation and uncertainty. Based on the possible harm caused by social isolation, the need is seen for a specific and joint work, in an attempt to minimize it. This work addresses the following topics: (I) context: transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, discharge criteria, isolation and post-pandemic consequences; (II) harm and proposals: nutritional, physiological, biomechanical and psychological. Level of evidence II; Review Article.

Multifaceted Functions of CH25H and 25HC to Modulate the Lipid Metabolism, Immune Responses, and Broadly Antiviral Activities

With the frequent outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases in recent years, an effective broad-spectrum antiviral drug is becoming an urgent need for global public health. Cholesterol-25-hydroxylase (CH25H) and its enzymatic products 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC), a well-known oxysterol that regulates lipid metabolism, have been reported to play multiple functions in modulating cholesterol homeostasis, inflammation, and immune responses. CH25H and 25HC were recently identified as exerting broadly antiviral activities, including upon a variety of highly pathogenic viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Ebola virus (EBOV), Nipah virus (NiV), Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), and Zika virus (ZIKV). The underlying mechanisms for its antiviral activities are being extensively investigated but have not yet been fully clarified. In this study, we summarized the current findings on how CH25H and 25HC play multiple roles to modulate cholesterol metabolism, inflammation, immunity, and antiviral infections. Overall, 25HC should be further studied as a potential therapeutic agent to control emerging infectious diseases in the future.

An Integrative Analysis Reveals the Underlying Association Between CTNNB1 Mutation and Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background: Tumor mutational burden (TMB) was verified to be closely associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, but it is unclear whether gene mutation has an effect on immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This research aimed to investigate the underlying correlation between gene mutation and immunotherapy in HCC. Methods: The somatic gene mutation data and gene expression data were retrieved from International Cancer Genome Consortium database and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The mutational genes were selected by the intersection of three cohorts and further identified using survival analysis and TMB correlation analysis. After the identification of key mutational gene, we explored the correlation between gene mutation and both the immune cell infiltration and immune inhibitors. The signaling pathways associated with gene mutation were confirmed through gene set enrichment analysis. Furthermore, the survival analysis and mutational analysis based on TCGA cohort were performed for the validation of included gene. Results: As one of the frequently mutational genes in HCC, CTNNB1 was finally included in our research, for which it showed the significant result in survival analysis and the positive association with TMB of the three cohorts. Meanwhile, the validation of TCGA showed the significant results. Furthermore, natural killer (NK) cells and neutrophil were found to significantly infiltrate CTNNB1 mutation group from two cohorts. Besides, further analysis demonstrated that four types of immune inhibitors (CD96, HAVCR2, LGALS9, and TGFB1) were downregulated in CTNNB1 mutation group. Conclusion: Our research firstly revealed the underlying association between CTNNB1 mutation and immunotherapy, and we speculated that CTNNB1 mutation may modulate NK cells by affecting CD96. However, more functional experiments should be performed for verification.