High expression of CD52 in adipocytes: a potential therapeutic target for obesity with type 2 diabetes

Identification of Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers of Carotid Atherosclerosis in Obese Populations

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms and biomarkers between Obesity (OB) and carotid atherosclerosis (CAS).

Methods

The GSE12828, GSE125771, GSE43292, and GSE100927 datasets were combined and normalized to obtain CAS-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and OB-related DEGs were obtained from the GSE151839 dataset and the GeneCards database. Unsupervised cluster analysis was conducted on CAS samples based on the DEGs of CAS and OB. Subsequently, immune infiltration analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GESA) were performed. 61 machine learning models were developed to screen for Hub genes. The Single-gene GESA focused on calcium signaling pathway-related genes (CaRGs). Finally, high-fat diet-fed C57BL/6J ApoE-/- mice were used for in vivo validation.

Results

MMP9, PLA2G7, and SPP1 as regulators of the immune infiltration microenvironment in OB patients with CAS, and stratified CAS samples into subtypes with differences in metabolic pathways based on OB classification. Enrichment analysis indicated abnormalities in immune and inflammatory responses, the calcium signaling, and lipid response in obese CAS patients. The RF+GBM model identified CD52, CLEC5A, MMP9, and SPP1 as Hub genes. 15 CaRGs were up-regulated, and 12 were down-regulated in CAS and OB. PLCB2, PRKCB, and PLCG2 were identified as key genes in the calcium signaling pathway associated with immune cell infiltration. In vivo experiments showed that MMP9, PLA2G7, CD52, SPP1, FYB, and PLCB2 mRNA levels were up-regulated in adipose, aortic tissues and serum of OB and AS model mice, CLEC5A was up-regulated in aorta and serum, and PRKCB was up-regulated in adipose and serum.

Conclusion

MMP9, PLA2G7, CD52, CLEC5A, SPP1, and FYB may serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers for CAS in obese populations. PLCB2 and PRKCB are key genes in the calcium signaling pathway in OB and CAS. These findings offer new insights into clinical management and therapeutic strategies for CAS in obese individuals.

Genetic and Epigenetic Associations with Post-Transplant Diabetes Mellitus

Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a common complication of solid organ transplantation. PTDM prevalence varies due to different diabetes definitions. Consensus guidelines for the diagnosis of PTDM have been published based on random blood glucose levels, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The task of diagnosing PTDM continues to pose challenges, given the potential for diabetes to manifest at different time points after transplantation, thus demanding constant clinical vigilance and repeated testing. Interpreting HbA1c levels can be challenging after renal transplantation. Pre-transplant risk factors for PTDM include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, family history of diabetes, ethnicity (e.g., African-Caribbean or South Asian ancestry), and genetic risk factors. Risk factors for PTDM include immunosuppressive drugs, weight gain, hepatitis C, and cytomegalovirus infection. There is also emerging evidence that genetic and epigenetic variation in the organ transplant recipient may influence the risk of developing PTDM. This review outlines many known risk factors for PTDM and details some of the pathways, genetic variants, and epigenetic features associated with PTDM. Improved understanding of established and emerging risk factors may help identify people at risk of developing PTDM and may reduce the risk of developing PTDM or improve the management of this complication of organ transplantation.

High expression of ladinin-1 (LAD1) predicts adverse outcomes: a new candidate docetaxel resistance gene for prostatic cancer (PCa)

Docetaxel resistance is one of the major obstacles that undermine the treatment outcome of PCa. Exploring molecular mechanisms associated with docetaxel resistance could provide insights into the formulation of novel strategies enhancing the efficacy of PCa treatment. Ladinin-1 (LAD1) is an anchoring filament protein in basement membranes, which contributes to the association of the epithelial cells with the underlying mesenchyme. LAD1 has been implicated in the progression of different cancers. However, its role in PCa remains to be investigated. In the present study, we found that LAD1 was highly expressed in docetaxel-resistant PCa cells, while its expression was significantly suppressed in tumor samples after docetaxel treatment. Moreover, the expression level of LAD1 in PCa tissues was significantly higher than that of normal tissue, and high expression level of LAD1 was significantly associated with adverse outcomes of PCa patients. Finally, high expression of LAD1 in PCa tissue was also correlated with the expression level of genes involving in tumor cell proliferation and invasive behaviors. Collectively, our data suggest that LAD1 may serve as a potential prognostic factor in PCa patients.