Mesenchymal stem cells alleviate mouse liver fibrosis by inhibiting pathogenic function of intrahepatic B cells

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The immunomodulatory characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) make them a promising therapeutic approach for liver fibrosis (LF). Here, we postulated that MSCs could potentially suppress the pro-fibrotic activity of intrahepatic B cells, thereby inhibiting LF progression.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Administration of MSCs significantly ameliorated LF as indicated by reduced myofibroblast activation, collagen deposition, and inflammation. The treatment efficacy of MSCs can be attributed to decreased infiltration, activation, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production of intrahepatic B cells. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed a distinct intrahepatic B cell atlas, and a subtype of naive B cells (B-II) was identified, which were markedly abundant in fibrotic liver, displaying mature features with elevated expression of several proliferative and inflammatory genes. Transcriptional profiling of total B cells revealed that intrahepatic B cells displayed activation, proliferation, and pro-inflammatory gene profile during LF. Fibrosis was attenuated in mice ablated with B cells (μMT) or in vivo treatment with anti-CD20. Moreover, fibrosis was recapitulated in μMT after adoptive transfer of B cells, which in turn could be rescued by MSC injection, validating the pathogenic function of B cells and the efficacy of MSCs on B cell-promoted LF progression. Mechanistically, MSCs could inhibit the proliferation and cytokine production of intrahepatic B cells through exosomes, regulating the Mitogen-activated protein kinase and Nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Intrahepatic B cells serve as a target of MSCs, play an important role in the process of MSC-induced amelioration of LF, and may provide new clues for revealing the novel mechanisms of MSC action.

MSCs alleviate LPS-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting the proinflammatory function of macrophages in mouse lung organoid-macrophage model

Acute lung injury (ALI) is an inflammatory disease associated with alveolar injury, subsequent macrophage activation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and cytokine production. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are beneficial for application in the treatment of inflammatory diseases due to their immunomodulatory effects. However, the mechanisms of regulatory effects by MSCs on macrophages in ALI need more in-depth study. Lung tissues were collected from mice for mouse lung organoid construction. Alveolar macrophages (AMs) derived from bronchoalveolar lavage and interstitial macrophages (IMs) derived from lung tissue were co-cultured, with novel matrigel-spreading lung organoids to construct an in vitro model of lung organoids-immune cells. Mouse compact bone-derived MSCs were co-cultured with organoids-macrophages to confirm their therapeutic effect on acute lung injury. Changes in transcriptome expression profile were analyzed by RNA sequencing. Well-established lung organoids expressed various lung cell type-specific markers. Lung organoids grown on spreading matrigel had the property of functional cells growing outside the lumen. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced injury promoted macrophage chemotaxis toward lung organoids and enhanced the expression of inflammation-associated genes in inflammation-injured lung organoids-macrophages compared with controls. Treatment with MSCs inhibited the injury progress and reduced the levels of inflammatory components. Furthermore, through the nuclear factor-κB pathway, MSC treatment inhibited inflammatory and phenotypic transformation of AMs and modulated the antigen-presenting function of IMs, thereby affecting the inflammatory phenotype of lung organoids. Lung organoids grown by spreading matrigel facilitate the reception of external stimuli and the construction of in vitro models containing immune cells, which is a potential novel model for disease research. MSCs exert protective effects against lung injury by regulating different functions of AMs and IMs in the lung, indicating a potential mechanism for therapeutic intervention.

Mitochondrial abnormality in ovarian granulosa cells of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

The quality of oocytes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) decreases, which is closely related to the function of oocytes' mitochondria. If mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in PCOS, it is likely to affect the function of cumulus cells. However, the mechanism of mitochondrial dysfunction remains unclear. In the present study, granulosa cells were collected from women attending the Hebei Reproductive Health Hospital and were divided into the normal ovarian reserve group (CON group) and the PCOS group. The mitochondrial ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscope, and the mitochondrial function was determined by detecting the ATP content, reactive oxygen species levels, the number of mitochondria and the mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, western blotting was used to compare the expression levels of mitochondrial kinetic protein, the related channel protein, between the two groups. In the present study, it was found that patients with PCOS had abnormal granulosa cell morphology, increased mitochondrial abnormalities, decreased mitochondrial function and disturbed mitochondrial dynamics. In addition, the silent information regulator 1/phosphorylated‑AMP‑activated protein kinase/peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor‑γ coactivator 1α pathway expression was decreased, and it was hypothesized that the decreased mitochondrial mass in the PCOS group was associated with it.

Mitochondrial Morphology and Function Abnormality in Ovarian Granulosa Cells of Patients with Diminished Ovarian Reserve

In this study, we examined the changes in the mitochondrial structure and function in cumulus granulosa cells of patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) to explore the causes and mechanisms of decreased mitochondrial quality. The mitochondrial ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscope, and the function was determined by detecting the ATP content, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, the number of mitochondria, and the mitochondrial membrane potential. The expression of ATP synthases in relation to mitochondrial function was analyzed. Additionally, protein immunoblotting was used to compare the expression levels of mitochondrial kinetic protein, the related channel protein in the two groups. Patients with DOR had abnormal granulosa cell morphology, increased mitochondrial abnormalities, decreased mitochondrial function, and disturbed mitochondrial dynamics. Additionally, the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/phospho-AMP-activated protein kinase (P-AMPK)-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α) pathway expression was decreased, which was speculated to be associated with the decreased mitochondrial mass in the DOR group. The mitochondrial mass was decreased in granulosa cells of patients in the DOR group. The mitochondrial dysfunction observed in granulosa cells of patients in the DOR group may be associated with dysregulation of the SIRT1/P-AMPK-PGC-1α-mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) pathway.

Brønsted Acid-Catalyzed Dehydrative Nazarov-type Cyclization of CF3-Substituted 3-Indolylallyl Alcohols: Divergent Synthesis of 1-Trifluoromethylated Cyclopenta[b]indoles

An expedient and efficient synthetic method for the divergent synthesis of 1-trifluoromethylated cyclopenta[b]indoles that relies on Brønsted acid-catalyzed dehydrative Nazarov-type cyclization of CF3-substituted 3-indolylallyl alcohols is described. Two classes of 1-trifluoromethylated cyclopenta[b]indoles can be easily accessed simply by changing the NH-protecting group of indoles. With arylsulfonyl protected 3-indolylallyl alcohols as starting materials, the reaction provided the arylsulfonyl protected 1-trifluoromethylated cyclopenta[b]indoles in good to excellent yields, whereas pivaloyl (Piv) protected substrates led to the formation of NH-free 1-trifluoromethylated cyclolopenta[b]indoles with another alkenyl isomer. This protocol features tunable chemoselectivity, operational simplicity, excellent functional group compatibility, and mild metal-free conditions.

Epilepsy as the symptom of a spinocerebellar ataxia 13 in a patient presenting with a mutation in the KCNC3 gene

BACKGROUND

The spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) refer to a diverse group of neurodegenerative illnesses that vary clinically and genetically. One of the rare subtypes within this group is SCA13, caused by mutations in the KCNC3 gene. Currently, the prevalence of SCA13 remains uncertain, with only a couple of cases being documented in the Chinese population. This study presented a case study of SCA13, where the patient exhibited clinical symptoms of epilepsy and ataxia. The confirmation of the diagnosis was done through Whole Exome Sequncing.

CASE PRESENTATION

Since childhood, the seventeen-year-old patient has not been capable of participating in numerous sporting activities and has experienced multiple episodes of unconsciousness within the last two years. The neurological evaluation showed a lack of coordination in the lower limbs. Cerebellar atrophy was detected through brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patient's gene detection results showed that they exhibit a heterozygous c.1268G > A mutation in the KCNC3 gene located at chr19:50826942. Antiepileptic treatment was promptly administered to the patient, and as a result, her epileptic seizures were resolved quickly. She has since remained free of seizures. After a one-year follow-up, there was no apparent improvement in the patient's health status except seizure free, which may have worsened.

CONCLUSION

The case study highlights the importance of actively combining cranial MRI with genetic detection in patients with ataxia of no known cause, particularly in children and young patients, to establish an possibly obvious detection. Patients who are young and have ataxia that is first accompanied by extrapyramidal and epilepsy syndromes should be aware of the potential of having SCA13.

BRSK1 confers cisplatin resistance in cervical cancer cells via regulation of mitochondrial respiration

PURPOSE

Although cisplatin-containing chemotherapy has been utilized as a front-line treatment for cervical cancer, intrinsic and acquired resistance of cisplatin remains a major hurdle for the durable and curative therapeutic response. We thus aim to identify novel regulator of cisplatin resistance in cervical cancer cells.

METHODS

Real-time PCR and western blotting analysis were employed to determine the expression of BRSK1 in normal and cisplatin-resistant cells. Sulforhodamine B assay was conducted to assess the sensitivity of cervical cancer cells to cisplatin. Seahorse Cell Mito Stress Test assay was utilized to evaluate the mitochondrial respiration in cervical cancer cells.

RESULTS

BRSK1 expression was upregulated in cisplatin-treated cervical cancer patient tumors and cell lines compared with untreated tumors and cell lines. Depletion of BRSK1 significantly enhanced the sensitivity of both normal and cisplatin-resistant cervical cancer cells to cisplatin treatment. Moreover, BRSK1-mediated regulation of cisplatin sensitivity is conducted by a subpopulation of BRSK1 residing in the mitochondria of cervical cancer cells and is dependent on its kinase enzymatic activity. Mechanistically, BRSK1 confers cisplatin resistance via the regulation of mitochondrial respiration. Importantly, treatment with mitochondrial inhibitor in cervical cancer cells phenocopied the BRSK1 depletion-mediated mitochondria dysfunction and cisplatin sensitization. Of note, we observed that high BRSK1 expression is correlated with poor prognosis in cisplatin-treated cervical cancer patients.

CONCLUSION

Our study defines BRSK1 as a novel regulator of cisplatin sensitivity, identifying that targeting BRSK1-regulated mitochondrial respiration could be a useful approach for enhancing the efficacy of cisplatin-based chemotherapy in cervical cancer patients.

Engineered ATG8-binding motif-based selective autophagy to degrade proteins and organelles in planta

Protein-targeting technologies represent essential approaches in biological research. Protein knockdown tools developed recently in mammalian cells by exploiting natural degradation mechanisms allow for precise determination of protein function and discovery of degrader-type drugs. However, no method to directly target endogenous proteins for degradation is currently available in plants. Here, we describe a novel method for targeted protein clearance by engineering an autophagy receptor with a binder to provide target specificity and an ATG8-binding motif (AIM) to link the targets to nascent autophagosomes, thus harnessing the autophagy machinery for degradation. We demonstrate its specificity and broad potentials by degrading various fluorescence-tagged proteins, including cytosolic mCherry, the nucleus-localized bZIP transcription factor TGA5, and the plasma membrane-anchored brassinosteroid receptor BRI1, as well as fluorescence-coated peroxisomes, using a tobacco-based transient expression system. Stable expression of AIM-based autophagy receptors in Arabidopsis further confirms the feasibility of this approach in selective autophagy of endogenous proteins. With its wide substrate scope and its specificity, our concept of engineered AIM-based selective autophagy could provide a convenient and robust research tool for manipulating endogenous proteins in plants and may open an avenue toward degradation of cytoplasmic components other than proteins in plant research.

Colocalization Assay with Fluorescent-tagged ATG8 Using a Nicotiana benthamiana -based Transient System

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved intracellular degradation process. During autophagy, a set of autophagy-related (ATG) proteins orchestrate the formation of double-bound membrane vesicles called autophagosomes to engulf cytoplasmic material and deliver it to the vacuole for breakdown. Among ATG proteins, the ATG8 is the only one decorating mature autophagosomes and therefore is regarded as a bona fide autophagic marker; colocalization assays with ATG8 are wildly used as a reliable method to identify the components of autophagy machinery or autophagic substrates. Here, we describe a colocalization assay with fluorescent-tagged ATG8 using a tobacco ( Nicotiana benthamiana )-based transient expression system.

Oral Microbiota Profile in a Group of Anti-AChR Antibody–Positive Myasthenia Gravis Patients

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder caused by autoantibodies directed against the postsynaptic membrane at the neuromuscular junction. Perturbation of gut microbiota is thought to contribute to the development of MG, as reflected by fecal metabolomic signatures in humans, but there have been few studies on the relationship between oral microbiota profile and MG. The current study evaluated the correlation between oral microbiota composition and diversity and anti-acetylcholinereceptor (AChR) antibody–positive MG by comparing oral microbiota communities of patients (n = 20) and healthy controls (HCs; n = 20) by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Principal coordinate analysis and Adonis analysis revealed significant differences in oral microflora profile between the twogroups. Compared to HCs, the abundance of the phyla Firmicutes and Actinobacteria and genera Streptococcus, Rothia, and Lachnoanerobaculum was significantly increased whereas that of phyla Proteobacteria and Spirochaetotaand genera Neisseria, Haemophilus, and Treponema was significantly decreased in MG patients. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis showed that the biosynthesis of ansamycins and amino acid metabolism pathways were altered in MG. These results indicate that oral microbiota composition is perturbed in patients with anti-AChR antibody–positive MG, providing new potential avenues for targeted therapeutic interventions.

Impact of Pressure Wire on Fractional Flow Reserve and Hemodynamics of the Coronary Arteries: A Computational and Clinical Study

OBJECTIVE

Noninvasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) has been extensively studied and gained clinical recognition. However, the effect of an interventional catheter and a pressure wire in the arteries on the noninvasive FFR was not considered in previous studies. We provide quantitative analysis of how a catheter and a pressure wire can affect the estimation of noninvasive FFR using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques.

METHODS

Six patients are studied. We calibrate our CFD model with patient-specific conditions so that the noninvasive FFR matches the FFR measured by the pressure wire. Then, we numerically remove the pressure wire and compute the noninvasive FFR again. This allows us to analyze the effect of the pressure wire on FFR.

RESULTS

The presence of a catheter and a pressure wire can reduce distal pressure from -0.1 mmHg to -8.1 mmHg, resulting in a reduction of FFR by 5.8% in average (0.012 to 0.107 or -1.2% to -16.8%). The insertion also reduces the time-averaged flow rate at the stenosis by up to 16.2% (4.9% in average).

CONCLUSION

The impact of the pressure wire on the measured FFR depends on the characteristics of the patient-specific lesion. Significant linear correlations are found between the minimum diameter of the stenotic arteries and the reduction in FFR.

SIGNIFICANCE

The impact we found may contribute to provide a correction and improve the estimation of the noninvasive FFR technique for use in clinical practice.

PtI4-Catalyzed Oxidative and Hydrogenative Dearomative [3 + 2] Cycloadditions of 1H-Indole N-Tethered o-Alkynylbenzaldehydes

A synthetic method for the chemodivergent assembly of a diverse range of highly functionalized and architecturally challenging cyclohepta[b]indolines that relies on the PtI4-catalyzed oxidative and hydrogenative dearomative [3 + 2]...

Correction: THF-enabled PtBr2-catalyzed desymmetric hydrogenative [3 + 2] cycloaddition of 2-alkynylbenzaldehyde-tethered cyclohexadienones

Correction for ‘THF-enabled PtBr2-catalyzed desymmetric hydrogenative [3 + 2] cycloaddition of 2-alkynylbenzaldehyde-tethered cyclohexadienones’ by Rui Hu et al., Org. Chem. Front., 2022, https://doi.org/10.1039/d2qo00593j.

Ligand-controlled chemoselectivity in gold-catalyzed cascade cyclization of 1,4-diene-tethered 2-alkynylbenzaldehydes

A synthetic method that relies on the gold(i)-catalyzed cascade annulation of skipped 1,4-diene-tethered 2-alkynylbenzaldehydes for the chemo- and stereoselective assembly polycyclic bridged-pyrrolidines and -azepines is described.

THF-Enabled PtBr2-Catalyzed Desymmetric Hydrogenative [3 + 2] Cycloaddition of 2-Alkynylbenzaldehyde-Tethered Cyclohexadienones

A THF-enabled PtBr2-catalyzed desymmetric hydrogenative [3 + 2] cycloaddition of 2-alkynylbenzaldehyde-tethered cyclohexadienones has been developed. The protocol provides a highly functionalized 6-7-6 polycyclic skeleton with four contiguous stereocenters in good...

Sc(OTf)3-Catalyzed C2-Selective Cyanation/Defluorination Cascade of Perfluoroalkylated 3-Indolylmethanols and Application to the Synthesis of 3-Fluoro(perfluoroalkyl)-β-carbolines

An unprecedented Sc(OTf)₃-catalyzed C2-selective cyanation/defluorination cascade of perfluoroalkylated 3-indolylmethanols with TMSCN is described, which provides a novel and practical strategy for the synthesis of structurally diverse 3-(2-cyano)-indolyl substituted gem-difluoroalkenes and β-fluoro-β-perfluoroalkylalkenes. The reaction features excellent regio- and stereoselectivity and broad substrate scope. Notably, the obtained gem-difluoroalkenes and β-fluoro-β-perfluoroalkylalkenes could be easily transformed into 3-fluoro(perfluoroalkyl)-β-carbolines with excellent efficiency simply by treating them with Grignard reagents or DIBAL-H under mild reaction conditions.

Circ_002664/miR-182-5p/Herpud1 pathway importantly contributes to OGD/R-induced neuronal cell apoptosis

OBJECTIVE

Apoptosis is a prominent form of neuron death in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion-induced injury. Accompanied with the pathogenesis, Circ_002664 is upregulated. However, its role in the neuron apoptosis and the underlying mechanisms are unknown.

METHODS

In this study, HT22 cells were treated with oxygen glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R). The cell viability, apoptosis, proliferation and mitochondrial potential were examined. The expressions of interested genes, Circ_002664, miR-182-5p and Herpud1, were measured. The roles of these genes in OGD/R-induced cell injury were investigated by knockdown, overexpression alone or in combination. Additionally, the interactions between Circ_002664, miR-182-5p and Herpud1 were validated by luciferase report assay. The levels of MAP2, CHOP, Cytochrome C (CYC) and cleaved caspase-3 were determined.

RESULTS

OGD/R treatment significantly increased cell apoptosis, decreased cell proliferation and mitochondrial potential, as well as increased Circ_002664 and Herpud1 expressions, and decreased miR-182-5p level. Circ_002664 knockdown markedly inhibited the effects by OGD/R on cell survival and altered expression of miR-182-5p and Herpud1. MiR-182-5p was observed sponged by Circ_002664 and negatively mediated its effect above mentioned, and this was by directly targeting Herpud1. Additionally, it was observed that CHOP expressions were regulated by Circ_002664/miR-182-5p/Herpud1 pathway, and in turn mediated its regulation in CYC and cleaved caspase-3.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, our data showed that the Circ_002664 importantly contributed to neuronal cell apoptosis induced by OGD/R treatment, and this might be achieved by directly targeting miR-182-5p/Herpud1 pathway.

Human β-defensin-3 induces IL-8 release and apoptosis in airway smooth muscle cells

BACKGROUND

Human airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) may have a pro-inflammatory role through the release of inflammatory mediators. Increasing evidence indicates that human β-defensins (HBDs) are related to pathogenesis of asthma.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the plasma level of HBD-1, HBD-2 and HBD-3 in asthmatic patients and the expression of their mouse orthologues in the lung tissue of a mouse model of chronic severe asthma. Further to investigate the effect of HBD-3 on the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8 and to explore the mechanisms.

METHODS

The plasma levels of HBD-1, HBD-2 and HBD-3 from 34 healthy controls and 25 asthmatic patients were determined by ELISA. The expression of mouse β-defensins MBD-1, MBD-3 and MBD-14 in the lung tissue of asthmatic mice was detected by Western blot. The ASMCs were cultured with HBD-3 for 24 hour, and then the supernatant level of IL-8 was evaluated by ELISA and the cell viability was examined by WST-1 assay. The signalling pathway was investigated with blocking antibodies or pharmacological inhibitors.

RESULTS

The plasma levels of HBD-1 and HBD-3 were elevated in asthmatic patients, and the expression of MBD-14, the mouse orthologue for HBD-3, was increased in asthmatic mice. HBD-3-induced IL-8 production in a CCR6 receptor-specific manner and was dependent on multiple signalling pathways. Moreover, HBD-3-induced cell apoptosis concurrently, which was dependent on the ERK1/2 MAPK pathway. Mitochondrial ROS regulated both HBD-3-induced IL-8 production and cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These observations provide clear evidence of an important new mechanism for the promotion of airway inflammation and tissue remodelling with potential relevance for the treatment of asthma.

MMACHC gene mutation in familial hypogonadism with neurological symptoms

Recent studies have convincingly documented that hypogonadism is a component of various hereditary disorders and is often recognized as an important clinical feature in combination with various neurological symptoms, yet, the causative genes in a few related families are still unknown. High-throughput sequencing has become an efficient method to identify causative genes in related complex hereditary disorders. In this study, we performed exome sequencing in a family presenting hypergonadotropic hypogonadism with neurological presentations of mental retardation, epilepsy, ataxia, and leukodystrophy. After bioinformatic analysis and Sanger sequencing validation, we identified compound heterozygous mutations: c.482G>A (p.R161Q) and c.609G>A (p.W203X) in MMACHC gene in this pedigree. MMACHC was previously confirmed to be responsible for methylmalonic aciduria (MMA) combined with homocystinuria, cblC type (cblC disease), a hereditary vitamin B12 metabolic disorder. Biochemical and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) examinations in this pedigree further supported the cblC disease diagnosis. These results indicated that hypergonadotropic hypogonadism may be a novel clinical manifestation of cblC disease, but more reports on additional patients are needed to support this hypothesis.

Acute cholecystitis associated with infection of Enterobacteriaceae from gut microbiota

Acute cholecystitis (AC) is one of the most common surgical diseases. Bacterial infection accounts for 50% to 85% of the disease's onset. Since there is a close relationship between the biliary system and the gut, the aims of this study were to characterize and determine the influence of gut microbiota on AC, to detect the pathogenic microorganism in the biliary system, and to explore the relationship between the gut and bile microbiota of patients with AC. A total of 185 713 high-quality sequence reads were generated from the faecal samples of 15 patients and 13 healthy controls by 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing. Patients' samples were significantly enriched in Akkermansia, Enterobacter and Escherichia/Shigella group. The healthy controls, however, showed significant enrichment of Clostridiales, Coprococcus, Coprobacillaceae, Paraprevotella, Turicibacter and TM7-3 in their faecal samples. Escherichia coli was the main biliary pathogenic microorganism, among others such as Klebsiella spp., Clostridium perfringens, Citrobacter freundii and Enterobacter cloacae in the bile of the patients. Additionally, the amount of bile endotoxin significantly correlated with the number of Enterobacteriaceae, especially E. coli. Our data indicate that Enterobacteriaceae might play essential role in the pathogenesis and/or progress of AC. This was verified in an in vivo model using a pathogenic E. coli isolated from one of the patients in guinea pigs and observed marked gallbladder inflammation and morphologic changes. This study thus provides insight which could be useful for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of AC and related diseases by controlling the growth of Enterobacteriaceae to alleviate the infection.

Baicalein suppresses 17-β-estradiol-induced migration, adhesion and invasion of breast cancer cells via the G protein-coupled receptor 30 signaling pathway

Flavonoids are structurally similar to steroid hormones, particularly estrogens, and therefore have been studied for their potential effects on hormone-dependent cancers. Baicalein is the primary flavonoid derived from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. In the present study, we investigated the effects of baicalein on 17β-estradiol (E2)-induced migration, adhesion and invasion of MCF-7 and SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells. The results demonstrated that baicalein suppressed E2-stimulated wound-healing migration and cell‑Matrigel adhesion, and ameliorated E2-promoted invasion across a Matrigel-coated Transwell membrane. Furthermore, baicalein interfered with E2-induced novel G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPR30)-related signaling, including a decrease in tyrosine phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as well as phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and serine/threonine kinase Akt, without affecting GPR30 expression. The results also showed that baicalein suppressed the expression of GPR30 target genes, cysteine-rich 61 (CYR61) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) induced by E2. Furthermore, baicalein prevented GPR30-related signaling activation and upregulation of CYR61 and CTGF mRNA levels induced by G1, a specific GPR 30 agonist. The results suggest that baicalein inhibits E2-induced migration, adhesion and invasion through interfering with GPR30 signaling pathway activation, which indicates that it may act as a therapeutic candidate for the treatment of GPR30-positive breast cancer metastasis.

Geometrical differences in target volumes based on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography and four-dimensional computed tomography maximum intensity projection images of primary thoracic esophageal cancer

The objective of the study was to compare geometrical differences of target volumes based on four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) maximum intensity projection (MIP) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) images of primary thoracic esophageal cancer for radiation treatment. Twenty-one patients with thoracic esophageal cancer sequentially underwent contrast-enhanced three-dimensional computed tomography (3DCT), 4DCT, and 18F-FDG PET/CT thoracic simulation scans during normal free breathing. The internal gross target volume defined as IGTVMIP was obtained by contouring on MIP images. The gross target volumes based on PET/CT images (GTVPET ) were determined with nine different standardized uptake value (SUV) thresholds and manual contouring: SUV≥2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 (SUVn); ≥20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40% of the maximum (percentages of SUVmax, SUVn%). The differences in volume ratio (VR), conformity index (CI), and degree of inclusion (DI) between IGTVMIP and GTVPET were investigated. The mean centroid distance between GTVPET and IGTVMIP ranged from 4.98 mm to 6.53 mm. The VR ranged from 0.37 to 1.34, being significantly (P<0.05) closest to 1 at SUV2.5 (0.94), SUV20% (1.07), or manual contouring (1.10). The mean CI ranged from 0.34 to 0.58, being significantly closest to 1 (P<0.05) at SUV2.0 (0.55), SUV2.5 (0.56), SUV20% (0.56), SUV25% (0.53), or manual contouring (0.58). The mean DI of GTVPET in IGTVMIP ranged from 0.61 to 0.91, and the mean DI of IGTVMIP in GTVPET ranged from 0.34 to 0.86. The SUV threshold setting of SUV2.5, SUV20% or manual contouring yields the best tumor VR and CI with internal-gross target volume contoured on MIP of 4DCT dataset, but 3DPET/CT and 4DCT MIP could not replace each other for motion encompassing target volume delineation for radiation treatment.

Cytotoxicity of ultrafine monodispersed nanoceria on human gastric cancer cells

The safety and toxicity of CeO2 nanoparticles (nanoceria) are of growing concern due to their potential applications in biological and medical fields based on the radical scavenging and UV-filtering properties. In this paper, the ultrafine monodisperse (2-5 nm) water-insoluble (CeO2-P) and water-soluble nanoceria modified with various functional groups of dextran (CeO2-dextran), polyacrylic acid (CeO2-PAA) and ethylenediamine (CeO2-EDA) on surface were synthesized via alkaline-based precipitation and inverse microemulsion methods. The cell uptaking, oxidative stress and cytotoxicity of these nanoceria on human gastric cancer cell line (BGC-803) were systematically investigated. It is found that the cell uptaking of nanoceria is largely relied on the function groups on its surfaces and followed the order: CeO2-P > CeO2-EDA > CeO2-dextran > CeO2-PAA. Moreover, the oxidative stress of BGC-803 cells is obviously affected by the antioxidant capacity of nanoceria determined by Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio, which eventually causes the cell viability variable once the nanoceria entered into BGC-803 cells. In addition, the cell viability is also closely correlated with the concentration and surface characteristics of nanoceria. The cytotoxicity of nanoceria on BGC-803 cells is largely dependent on its surface functional groups. Our work may provide guidance on the cytotoxicity of ultrafine monodisperse nanoceria for their uses in biological and medical fields.

Comparison of patient-specific internal gross tumor volume for radiation treatment of primary esophageal cancer based separately on three-dimensional and four-dimensional computed tomography images

To compare the target volume, position and matching index of the patient-specific internal gross tumor volume (IGTV) based on three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensional (4D) computed tomography (CT) images for primary esophageal cancer. Twenty-nine patients with primary thoracic esophageal cancer underwent 3DCT and 4DCT scans during free breathing. IGTVs were constructed using three approaches: combining the gross target volumes from the 10 respiratory phases of the 4DCT dataset to produce IGTV10 ; IGTV2 was acquired by combining the two extreme phases; and IGTV3D was created from the 3DCT-based gross target volume by enlarging the 95th percentile of motion in each direction measured by the 4DCT. 0.16 cm lateral (LR), 0.14 cm anteroposterior (AP) and 0.29 cm superoinferior (SI) in the upper; 0.18 cm LR, 0.10 cm AP and 0.63 cm SI in the middle; and 0.40 cm LR, 0.58 cm AP and 0.82 cm in the lower thoracic esophagus could account for 95% of respiratory-induced tumor motion. The centroid position shift between IGTV10 and IGTV2 was all below 0.10 cm, and less than 0.20 cm between IGTV10 and IGTV3D . IGTV10 was bigger than IGTV2 ; the mean value of matching index for IGTV2 to IGTV10 was 0.87 ± 0.05, 0.85 ± 0.06 and 0.83 ± 0.05 for upper, middle and distal thoracic esophageal tumors, respectively, and just 0.57 ± 0.11, 0.56 ± 0.13 and 0.40 ± 0.03 between IGTV3D and IGTV10 . 4DCT-based IGTV10 is a reasonable patient-specific IGTV for primary thoracic esophageal cancer, and IGTV2 is considered as an acceptable alternative to IGTV10 . However, it seems unreasonable to use IGTV3D substitute IGTV10 .

Investigation of the role of tryptophan residues in cationic antimicrobial peptides to determine the mechanism of antimicrobial action

AIMS

To understand the effects of Trp residues in linear antimicrobial peptides with α-helical conformations on cell permeation ability and membrane transduction efficacy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A series of L-K6 analogues were designed and synthesized by replacing Ile or Leu with Trp at different positions on the hydrophobic face of L-K6. The antimicrobial and haemolytic activity and secondary structure of the designed Trp-containing peptides were assessed. In addition, the role of Trp in membrane disruption for these designed peptides was investigated. I1W, I4W and L5W demonstrated stronger activity than the other peptides against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. All of the tested peptides preferentially interacted with negatively charged vesicles composed of phosphatidylglycerol (PG)/cardiolipin (CL) or PG/CL/phosphatidylethanolamine, and, to a lesser extent, with zwitterionic vesicles. I1W, I4W and L5W caused calcein release at 2·5 μmol l(-1) .

CONCLUSIONS

The position of Trp, rather than the number of Trp residues, in these peptides was an important factor in the antimicrobial activity. Trp residues were deeply inserted into negatively charged membranes but were largely exposed in aqueous buffer solution.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

These Trp-containing peptides may represent good candidates for new antibiotic agents and for use in new therapeutic approaches.

Chemical fingerprinting of naphthenic acids and oil sands process waters-A review of analytical methods for environmental samples

This article provides a review of the routine methods currently utilized for total naphthenic acid analyses. There is a growing need to develop chemical methods that can selectively distinguish compounds found within industrially derived oil sands process affected waters (OSPW) from those derived from the natural weathering of oil sands deposits. Attention is thus given to the characterization of other OSPW components such as oil sands polar organic compounds, PAHs, and heavy metals along with characterization of chemical additives such as polyacrylamide polymers and trace levels of boron species. Environmental samples discussed cover the following matrices: OSPW containments, on-lease interceptor well systems, on- and off-lease groundwater, and river and lake surface waters. There are diverse ranges of methods available for analyses of total naphthenic acids. However, there is a need for inter-laboratory studies to compare their accuracy and precision for routine analyses. Recent advances in high- and medium-resolution mass spectrometry, concomitant with comprehensive mass spectrometry techniques following multi-dimensional chromatography or ion-mobility separations, have allowed for the speciation of monocarboxylic naphthenic acids along with a wide range of other species including humics. The distributions of oil sands polar organic compounds, particularly the sulphur containing species (i.e., OxS and OxS2) may allow for distinguishing sources of OSPW. The ratios of oxygen- (i.e., Ox) and nitrogen-containing species (i.e., NOx, and N2Ox) are useful for differentiating organic components derived from OSPW from natural components found within receiving waters. Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy also provides a powerful screening technique capable of quickly detecting the presence of aromatic organic acids contained within oil sands naphthenic acid mixtures. Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy provides diagnostic profiles for OSPW and potentially impacted groundwater that can be compared against reference groundwater and surface water samples. Novel applications of X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) are emerging for speciation of sulphur-containing species (both organic and inorganic components) as well as industrially derived boron-containing species. There is strong potential for an environmental forensics application of XANES for chemical fingerprinting of weathered sulphur-containing species and industrial additives in OSPW.

Rational design of anti-microbial peptides with enhanced activity and low cytotoxicity based on the structure of the arginine/histidine-rich peptide, chensinin-1

AIMS

To understand the structure-activity relationship of chensinin-1, a anti-microbial peptide (AMP) with an unusual structure, and to develop novel AMPs as therapeutic agents.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A series of chensinin-1 analogues were designed and synthesized by one to three replacement of glycines with leucines at the hydrophilic face of chensinin-1 or rearrangement of some of the residues in its sequence. Circular dichroism spectroscopy showed that the analogues adopted α-helical-type conformations in 50% trifluoroethanol/water but adopted β-strand-type conformations in 30 mmol l(-1) sodium dodecyl sulphate. The anti-microbial activities of the peptides against Gram-positive bacteria increased 5- to 30-fold, and these increases paralleled the increases in the peptides' hydrophobicities. Their haemolytic activities also increased. Amphipathicities had little influence on the bactericidal activity of chensinin-1. All peptides caused leakage of calcein entrapped in negatively charged liposomes although with different efficiencies. The peptides did not induce leakage of calcein from uncharged liposomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Peptide adopted an aperiodic structure can improve the anti-microbial potency by increasing peptide hydrophobicity. Its target is bacteria plasma membrane.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Chensinin-1 can act as a new lead molecule for the study of AMPs with atypical structures.

X-linked congenital hypertrichosis syndrome is associated with interchromosomal insertions mediated by a human-specific palindrome near SOX3

X-linked congenital generalized hypertrichosis (CGH), an extremely rare condition characterized by universal overgrowth of terminal hair, was first mapped to chromosome Xq24-q27.1 in a Mexican family. However, the underlying genetic defect remains unknown. We ascertained a large Chinese family with an X-linked congenital hypertrichosis syndrome combining CGH, scoliosis, and spina bifida and mapped the disease locus to a 5.6 Mb critical region within the interval defined by the previously reported Mexican family. Through the combination of a high-resolution copy-number variation (CNV) scan and targeted genomic sequencing, we identified an interchromosomal insertion at Xq27.1 of a 125,577 bp intragenic fragment of COL23A1 on 5q35.3, with one X breakpoint within and the other very close to a human-specific short palindromic sequence located 82 kb downstream of SOX3. In the Mexican family, we found an interchromosomal insertion at the same Xq27.1 site of a 300,036 bp genomic fragment on 4q31.2, encompassing PRMT10 and TMEM184C and involving parts of ARHGAP10 and EDNRA. Notably, both of the two X breakpoints were within the short palindrome. The two palindrome-mediated insertions fully segregate with the CGH phenotype in each of the families, and the CNV gains of the respective autosomal genomic segments are not present in the public database and were not found in 1274 control individuals. Analysis of control individuals revealed deletions ranging from 173 bp to 9104 bp at the site of the insertions with no phenotypic consequence. Taken together, our results strongly support the pathogenicity of the identified insertions and establish X-linked congenital hypertrichosis syndrome as a genomic disorder.

Mutations of the EPHA2 receptor tyrosine kinase gene cause autosomal dominant congenital cataract

Congenital cataracts (CCs) are clinically and genetically heterogeneous. Mutations in the same gene may lead to CCs differing in inheritance, morphology and severity. Loci for autosomal dominant posterior polar CC and total CC have both been mapped to the chromosomal 1p36 region harboring the EPHA2 receptor tyrosine kinase gene. Here, we report mutations of EPHA2 in three CC families from different ancestral groups. In a Chinese family with posterior polar CC, we identified a missense mutation, c.2819C>T (p.T940I), replacing a critical amino acid that functions at the receptor oligomerization interface. In a British family with posterior polar CC and an Australian family with total CC, we found a frameshift mutation (c.2915_2916delTG) and a splicing mutation (c.2826-9G>A), respectively. These two mutations are predicted to produce novel C-terminal polypeptides with 39 identical amino acids. Yeast two-hybrid analysis showed stronger interaction between the total CC-associated mutant EPHA2 and low molecular weight protein-tyrosine phosphatase, a negative regulator of EPHA2 signaling. Our results implicate the Eph-ephrin signaling system in development of human cataract and provide a novel insight into the molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of human CCs.

Copy-number mutations on chromosome 17q24.2-q24.3 in congenital generalized hypertrichosis terminalis with or without gingival hyperplasia

Congenital generalized hypertrichosis terminalis (CGHT) is a rare condition characterized by universal excessive growth of pigmented terminal hairs and often accompanied with gingival hyperplasia. In the present study, we describe three Han Chinese families with autosomal-dominant CGHT and a sporadic case with extreme CGHT and gingival hyperplasia. We first did a genome-wide linkage scan in a large four-generation family. Our parametric multipoint linkage analysis revealed a genetic locus for CGHT on chromosome 17q24.2-q24.3. Further two-point linkage and haplotyping with microsatellite markers from the same chromosome region confirmed the genetic mapping and showed in all the families a microdeletion within the critical region that was present in all affected individuals but not in unaffected family members. We then carried out copy-number analysis with the Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0 and detected genomic microdeletions of different sizes and with different breakpoints in the three families. We validated these microdeletions by real-time quantitative PCR and confirmed their perfect cosegregation with the disease phenotype in the three families. In the sporadic case, however, we found a de novo microduplication. Two-color interphase FISH analysis demonstrated that the duplication was inverted. These copy-number variations (CNVs) shared a common genomic region in which CNV is not reported in the public database and was not detected in our 434 unrelated Han Chinese normal controls. Thus, pathogenic copy-number mutations on 17q24.2-q24.3 are responsible for CGHT with or without gingival hyperplasia. Our work identifies CGHT as a genomic disorder.

Loss-of-function mutations of an inhibitory upstream ORF in the human hairless transcript cause Marie Unna hereditary hypotrichosis

Marie Unna hereditary hypotrichosis (MUHH) is an autosomal dominant form of genetic hair loss. In a large Chinese family carrying MUHH, we identified a pathogenic initiation codon mutation in U2HR, an inhibitory upstream ORF in the 5' UTR of the gene encoding the human hairless homolog (HR). U2HR is predicted to encode a 34-amino acid peptide that is highly conserved among mammals. In 18 more families from different ancestral groups, we identified a range of defects in U2HR, including loss of initiation, delayed termination codon and nonsense and missense mutations. Functional analysis showed that these classes of mutations all resulted in increased translation of the main HR physiological ORF. Our results establish the link between MUHH and U2HR, show that fine-tuning of HR protein levels is important in control of hair growth, and identify a potential mechanism for preventing hair loss or promoting hair removal.

Risk factors for antimicrobial resistance among fecal Escherichia coli from residents on forty-three swine farms

Fecal Escherichia coli (n = 555) were isolated from 115 residents on 43 farrow-to-finish swine farms to determine the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and associated risk factors. Susceptibility to 21 antimicrobials was determined and the overall prevalence of antimicrobial resistance was 25.8%. Pair-wise difference in prevalences of resistance to individual antimicrobials was significant between isolates from residents on farms that fed medicated swine rations compared to those that did not (p = 0.013). Cross-resistance among antimicrobials of same class and multidrug-resistance were observed. Logistic regression models revealed the following risk factors positively associated with antimicrobial resistance: use of antimicrobials in pigs on farms; number of hours per week that farmers spent in their pig barns; handling of sick pigs; and intake of antimicrobials by farm residents. This study indicates that occupational exposure of farmers to resistant bacteria and use of antimicrobials in pig farming may constitute a source of resistance in humans, although the human health impacts of such resistance is unknown. The consumption of antimicrobials by farmers appeared to constitute a significant risk for resistance development. Fecal E. coli from farm residents may act as a reservoir of resistance genes for animal and/or human pathogens.

Structural flexibility of laparoscopic instruments: implication for the design of virtual reality simulators

Laparoscopic training, under simulated settings, benefits from high fidelity models of the actual environment. This study was aimed at reducing uncertainty in the displacement and loads experienced by a laparoscopic instrument during surgical training. Infrared tracking of laparoscopic instruments is ineffective when real tissues attenuate the infrared signals. Incorporating the use of strain gauges for tip deflection measurements allows for online motion and load tracking during a procedure. Strain gauge voltages and infrared markers indicating displacement were both linear with respect to loads up to 700 grams. The resultant strain gauge voltage was equated to deflection values with a calibration constant. The results serve two purposes. First, it may enable the tracking and analysis of the skill level of novice surgeons using bench models. Second, the mechanical model of each instrument can be quantified and incorporated into virtual simulations, thus increasing model fidelity, effectively leading to better learning.

Contrast enhanced MR angiography in pulmonary sequestration

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of contrast enhanced three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in identifying the systemic blood supply in pulmonary sequestration.

METHODS

Three patients who were suspected of pulmonary sequestration were examined by contrast enhanced 3D MRA. MR images were compared with surgical findings.

RESULTS

Contrast enhanced 3D MRA clearly demonstrated systemic arteries from the descending thoracic aorta supplying the basilar segments of the lower lobe in each case. Pulmonary veins from these segments, which drained into the left atrium in two cases, were also detected. MRA images were consistent with those observed in surgery.

CONCLUSION

Contrast enhanced 3D MRA allows accurate diagnosis of pulmonary sequestration and may obviate the need for more invasive investigations.