SMOC2 plays a role in heart failure via regulating TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway-mediated autophagy

Role of SMOC2 in adenomyosis: implications for ECM remodeling and EMT pathogenesis

BACKGROUND

Adenomyosis is a common gynecological disorder characterized by the invasion of endometrial tissue into the myometrium, resulting in severe dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia. This study aimed to explore the role of SMOC2 (SPARC related modular calcium binding 2), an extracellular matrix (ECM) -associated protein, in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis and its potential as a therapeutic target.

METHODS

We conducted a clinical study involving 35 patients diagnosed with adenomyosis and 30 controls. Ectopic endometrial tissue samples were collected and analyzed using immunohistochemistry (IHC), Masson staining, and cell culture techniques. The proliferative effect of SMOC2 on cells was evaluated using CCK- 8 assay, while the expression of SMOC2 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was assessed using real-time PCR and western blot analysis.

RESULTS

SMOC2 expression was significantly higher in the ectopic endometrial tissue of adenomyosis patients compared to controls. SMOC2 could promote cell proliferation. Overexpression of SMOC2 significantly upregulated mesenchymal markers N-cadherin and α-SMA, and downregulated epithelial marker E-cadherin. Conversely, knocking down SMOC2 with siRNA reversed these effects. These findings indicate that SMOC2 promotes EMT in adenomyotic stromal cells. Additionally, SMOC2 also activated the MMP9 signaling pathway, which plays a crucial role in the extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling.

CONCLUSIONS

SMOC2 appears to be a key regulator in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis, promoting ECM remodeling and EMT, both of which are characteristic of the disease. Targeting SMOC2 may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of adenomyosis.

SMOC2, OGN, FCN3, and SERPINA3 could be biomarkers for the evaluation of acute decompensated heart failure caused by venous congestion

Background

Venous congestion (VC) sets in weeks before visible clinical decompensation, progressively increasing cardiac strain and leading to acute heart failure (HF) decompensation. Currently, the field lacks a universally acknowledged gold standard and early detection methods for VC.

Methods

Using data from the GEO database, we identified VC's impact on HF through key genes using Limma and STRING databases. The potential mechanisms of HF exacerbation were explored via GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Diagnostic genes for acute decompensated HF were discovered using LASSO, RF, and SVM-REF machine learning algorithms, complemented by single-gene GSEA analysis. A nomogram tool was developed for the diagnostic model's evaluation and application, with validation conducted on external datasets.

Results

Our findings reveal that VC influences 37 genes impacting HF via 8 genes, primarily affecting oxygen transport, binding, and extracellular matrix stability. Four diagnostic genes for HF's pre-decompensation phase were identified: SMOC2, OGN, FCN3, and SERPINA3. These genes showed high diagnostic potential, with AUCs for each gene exceeding 0.9 and a genomic AUC of 0.942.

Conclusions

Our study identifies four critical diagnostic genes for HF's pre-decompensated phase using bioinformatics and machine learning, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms through which VC worsens HF. It offers a novel approach for clinical evaluation of acute decompensated HF patient congestion status, presenting fresh insights into its pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.

Effects of scutellarin on the mechanism of cardiovascular diseases: a review

Cardiovascular diseases represent a significant worldwide problem, jeopardizing individuals' physical and mental wellbeing as well as their quality of life as a result of their widespread incidence and fatality. With the aging society, the occurrence of Cardiovascular diseases is progressively rising each year. However, although drugs developed for treating Cardiovascular diseases have clear targets and proven efficacy, they still carry certain toxic and side effect risks. Therefore, finding safe, effective, and practical treatment options is crucial. Scutellarin is the primary constituent of Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand-Mazz. This article aims to establish a theoretical foundation for the creation and use of secure, productive, and logical medications for Scutellarin in curing heart-related illnesses. Additionally, the examination and analysis of the signal pathway and its associated mechanisms with regard to the employment of SCU in treating heart diseases will impart innovative resolving concepts for the treatment and prevention of Cardiovascular diseases.