Identification of transient receptor potential melastatin 3 proteotypic peptides employing an efficient membrane protein extraction method for natural killer cells

Analysis of Transient Receptor Potential Ion Channels in ME/CFS

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of methodologies currently employed to study ion channels, particularly transient receptor potential melastatin 3 (TRPM3) in the context of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Sample preparation involves the collection of whole blood, separation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) via density gradient centrifugation, and isolation of natural killer (NK) cells. Protein expression analysis utilizes flow cytometry, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), western blotting, and immunofluorescence techniques. Functional analysis focuses on calcium imaging and electrophysiology techniques to investigate ion channel responses to pharmacological stimuli. The authors highlight that some experimental protocols included within this chapter require specialized training and equipment. In order to replicate these protocols extended training is advised, specifically when attempting electrophysiology experimentation. The use of advanced techniques for detailed analysis provides insights into ion channel function and potential implications in the pathomechanism of ME/CFS offering avenues for further research and therapeutic exploration.

Potential pathophysiological role of the ion channel TRPM3 in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and the therapeutic effect of low-dose naltrexone

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating disease with a broad overlap of symptomatology with Post-COVID Syndrome (PCS). Despite the severity of symptoms and various neurological, cardiovascular, microvascular, and skeletal muscular findings, no biomarkers have been identified. The Transient receptor potential melastatin 3 (TRPM3) channel, involved in pain transduction, thermosensation, transmitter and neuropeptide release, mechanoregulation, vasorelaxation, and immune defense, shows altered function in ME/CFS. Dysfunction of TRPM3 in natural killer (NK) cells, characterized by reduced calcium flux, has been observed in ME/CFS and PCS patients, suggesting a role in ineffective pathogen clearance and potential virus persistence and autoimmunity development. TRPM3 dysfunction in NK cells can be improved by naltrexone in vitro and ex vivo, which may explain the moderate clinical efficacy of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) treatment. We propose that TRPM3 dysfunction may have a broader involvement in ME/CFS pathophysiology, affecting other organs. This paper discusses TRPM3's expression in various organs and its potential impact on ME/CFS symptoms, with a focus on small nerve fibers and the brain, where TRPM3 is involved in presynaptic GABA release.

Combined toxicity and adverse outcome pathways of common pesticides on Chlorella pyrenoidosa

Pesticides due to their extensive use have entered the soil and water environment through various pathways, causing great harm to the environment. Herbicides and insecticides are common pesticides with long-term biological toxicity and bioaccumulation, which can harm the human body. The concept of the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) involves systematically analyzing the response levels of chemical mixtures to health-related indicators at the molecular and cellular levels. The AOP correlates the structures of chemical pollutants, toxic molecular initiation events and adverse outcomes of biological toxicity, providing a new model for toxicity testing, prediction, and evaluation of pollutants. Therefore, typical pesticides including diquat (DIQ), cyanazine (CYA), dipterex (DIP), propoxur (PRO), and oxamyl (OXA) were selected as research objects to explore the combined toxicity of typical pesticides on Chlorella pyrenoidosa (C. pyrenoidosa) and their adverse outcome pathways (AOPs). The mixture systems of pesticides were designed by the direct equipartition ray (EquRay) method and uniform design ray (UD-Ray) method. The toxic effects of single pesticides and their mixtures were systematically investigated by the time-dependent microplate toxicity analysis (t-MTA) method. The interactions of their mixtures were analyzed by the concentration addition model (CA) and the deviation from the CA model (dCA). The toxicity data showed a good concentration-effect relationship; the toxicities of five pesticides were different and the order was CYA > DIQ > OXA > PRO > DIP. Binary, ternary and quaternary mixture systems exhibited antagonism, while quinary mixture systems exhibited an additive effect. The AOP of pesticides showed that an excessive accumulation of peroxide in green algae cells led to a decline in stress resistance, inhibition of the synthesis of chlorophyll and protein in algal cells, destruction of the cellular structure, and eventually led to algal cell death.