Screening of four signature genes for clinical testing through bioinformatics and in vitro methods in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) is the 6^th most common cancer around the globe; its underlying molecular mechanisms and accurate molecular markers are still lacking. In this study, we explored hub genes and their potential signaling pathways through which these genes participate in the development of HNSC. The GSE23036 gene microarray dataset was attained from the GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) database. Hub genes were identified via the Cytohubba plug-in application of the Cytoscape. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets and cell lines (HOK and FuDu) were used to evaluate expression variations in the hub genes. Moreover, promoter methylation, genetic alteration, gene enrichment, miRNA network, and immunocyte infiltration analysis were also performed to confirm the oncogenic role and biomarker potential of the hub genes in HNSC patients. Based on the hub gene analysis results, four hub genes, including KNTC1 (Kinetochore Associated 1), CEP55 (Centrosomal protein of 55 kDa), AURKA (Aurora A Kinase), and ECT2 (Epithelial Cell Transforming 2), with the highest degree scores were denoted as hub genes. All these four genes were significantly up-regulated in HNSC clinical samples and cell lines relative to their counterparts. Overexpression of KNTC1, CEP55, AURKA, and ECT2 was also associated with poor survival and various clinical parameters of the HNSC patients. Methylation analysis through targeted bisulfite sequencing of HOK and FuDu cell lines revealed that the overexpression of KNTC1, CEP55, AURKA, and ECT2 hub genes was due to their promoter hypomethylation. Moreover, higher expressions of KNTC1, CEP55, AURKA, and ECT2 were positively correlated with the abundance of the CD4+ T cells and macrophage while with the reduction of CD8+ T cells in HNSC samples. Finally, gene enrichment analysis showed that all hub genes are involved in "nucleoplasm, centrosome, mitotic spindle, and cytosol" pathways. In conclusion, the KNTC1, CEP55, AURKA, and ECT2 genes could be potential biomarkers for HNSC patients and provide a novel insight into the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

The Influence of Prenatal Exposure to Quetiapine Fumarate on the Development of Dopaminergic Neurons in the Ventral Midbrain of Mouse Embryos

The effects of second-generation antipsychotics on prenatal neurodevelopment, apoptotic neurodegeneration, and postnatal developmental delays have been poorly investigated. Even at standard doses, the use of quetiapine fumarate (QEPF) in pregnant women might be detrimental to fetal development. We used primary mouse embryonic neurons to evaluate the disruption of morphogenesis and differentiation of ventral midbrain (VM) neurons after exposure to QEPF. The dopaminergic VM neurons were deliberately targeted due to their roles in cognition, motor activity, and behavior. The results revealed that exposure to QEPF during early brain development decreased the effects of the dopaminergic lineage-related genes Tyrosine hydroxylase(Th), Dopamine receptor D1 (Drd1), Dopamine transporter (Dat), LIM homeobox transcription factor 1 alfa (Lmx1a), and Cell adhesion molecule L1 (Chl1), and the senescent dopaminergic gene Pituitary homeobox 3 (Pitx3). In contrast, Brain derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) and Nuclear receptor-related 1 (Nurr1) expressions were significantly upregulated. Interestingly, QEPF had variable effects on the development of non-dopaminergic neurons in VM. An optimal dose of QEPF (10 µM) was found to insignificantly affect the viability of neurons isolated from the VM. It also instigated a non-significant reduction in adenosine triphosphate formation in these neuronal populations. Exposure to QEPF during the early stages of brain development could also hinder the formation of VM and their structural phenotypes. These findings could aid therapeutic decision-making when prescribing 2nd generation antipsychotics in pregnant populations.

Multispectral and Molecular Docking Studies Reveal Potential Effectiveness of Antidepressant Fluoxetine by Forming π-Acceptor Complexes

Poor mood, lack of pleasure, reduced focus, remorse, unpleasant thoughts, and sleep difficulties are all symptoms of depression. The only approved treatment for children and adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) is fluoxetine hydrochloride (FXN), a serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor antidepressant. MDD is the most common cause of disability worldwide. In the present research, picric acid (PA); dinitrobenzene; p-nitro benzoic acid; 2,6-dichloroquinone-4-chloroimide; 2,6-dibromoquinone-4-chloroimide; and 7,7′,8,8′-tetracyanoquinodimethane were used to make 1:1 FXN charge-transfer compounds in solid and liquid forms. The isolated complexes were then characterized by elemental analysis, conductivity, infrared, Raman, and ¹H-NMR spectra, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction. Additionally, a molecular docking investigation was conducted on the donor moiety using FXN alone and the resulting charge transfer complex [(FXN)(PA)] as an acceptor to examine the interactions against two protein receptors (serotonin or dopamine). Interestingly, the [(FXN)(PA)] complex binds to both serotonin and dopamine more effectively than the FXN drug alone. Furthermore, [(FXN)(PA)]–serotonin had a greater binding energy than [FXN]–serotonin. Theoretical data were also generated by density functional theory simulations, which aided the molecular geometry investigation and could be beneficial to researchers in the future.

Attempting to Increase the Effectiveness of the Antidepressant Trazodone Hydrochloride Drug Using π-Acceptors

Major depressive disorder is a prevalent mood illness that is mildly heritable. Cases with the highest familial risk had recurrence and onset at a young age. Trazodone hydrochloride is an antidepressant medicine that affects the chemical messengers in the brain known as neurotransmitters, which include acetylcholine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. In the present research, in solid and liquid phases, the 1:1 charge-transfer complexes between trazodone hydrochloride (TZD) and six different π-acceptors were synthesized and investigated using different microscopic techniques. The relation of dative ion pairs [TZD+, A-], where A is the acceptor, was inferred via intermolecular charge-transfer complexes. Additionally, a molecular docking examination was utilized to compare the interactions of protein receptors (serotonin-6BQH) with the TZD alone or in combination with the six distinct acceptor charge-transfer complexes. To refine the docking results acquired from AutoDock Vina and to better examine the molecular mechanisms of receptor-ligand interactions, a 100 ns run of molecular dynamics simulation was used. All the results obtained in this study prove that the 2,6-dichloroquinone-4-chloroimide (DCQ)/TZD complex interacts with serotonin receptors more efficiently than reactant donor TZD only and that [(TZD)(DCQ)]-serotonin has the highest binding energy value of all π-acceptor complexes.

Prenatal Exposure to Gabapentin Alters the Development of Ventral Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons

Background: Gabapentin is widely prescribed as an off-label drug for the treatment of various diseases, including drug and alcohol addiction. Approximately 83–95% of the usage of gabapentin is off-label, accounting for more than 90% of its sales in the market, which indicates an alarming situation of drug abuse. Such misuse of gabapentin has serious negative consequences. The safety of the use of gabapentin in pregnant women has always been a serious issue, as gabapentin can cross placental barriers. The impact of gabapentin on brain development in the fetus is not sufficiently investigated, which poses difficulties in clinical decisions regarding prescriptions.

Methods: The consequences effect of prenatal gabapentin exposure on the development of ventral midbrain dopaminergic neurons were investigated using three-dimensional neuronal cell cultures. Time-mated Swiss mice were used to isolate embryos. The ventral third of the midbrain was removed and used to enrich the dopaminergic population in 3D cell cultures that were subsequently exposed to gabapentin. The effects of gabapentin on the viability, ATP release, morphogenesis and genes expression of ventral midbrain dopaminergic neurons were investigated.

Results: Gabapentin treatment at the therapeutic level interfered with the neurogenesis and morphogenesis of vmDA neurons in the fetal brain by causing changes in morphology and alterations in the expression of key developmental genes, such as Nurr1, Chl1, En1, Bdnf, Drd2, and Pitx3. The TH + total neurite length and dominant neurite length were significantly altered. We also found that gabapentin could halt the metabolic state of these neuronal cells by blocking the generation of ATP.

Conclusion: Our findings clearly indicate that gabapentin hampers the morphogenesis and development of dopaminergic neurons. This implies that the use of gabapentin could lead to serious complications in child-bearing women. Therefore, caution must be exercised in clinical decisions regarding the prescription of gabapentin in pregnant women.

Quorum Quenching-Guided Inhibition of Mixed Bacterial Biofilms and Virulence Properties by Protein Derived From Leaves of Carissa carandas

The inhibition/degradation potential of Carissa carandas proteinaceous leaf extract against mixed bacterial biofilm of Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 96, Escherichia coli MTCC 1304, Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 741, and Klebsiella pneumoniae MTCC 109, responsible for nosocomial infections, was evaluated. Distinct inhibition/degradation of mixed bacterial biofilm by the proteinaceous leaf extract of C. carandas was observed under a microscope, and it was found to be 80%. For mono-species biofilm, the maximum degradation of 70% was observed against S. aureus biofilm. The efficiency of aqueous plant extracts to inhibit the mono-species biofilm was observed in terms of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and the best was found against P. aeruginosa (12.5 μg/ml). The presence of flavonoids, phenols, and tannins in the phytochemical analysis of the plant extract suggests the main reason for the antibiofilm property of C. carandas. From the aqueous extract, protein fraction was precipitated using 70% ammonium sulfate and dialyzed. This fraction was purified by ion-exchange chromatography and found to be stable and active at 10°C (pH 7). The purified fraction showed less than 40% cytotoxicity, which suggests that it can be explored for therapeutic purposes after in-depth testing. In order to investigate the mechanistic action of the biofilm inhibition, the plant protein was tested against Chromobacterium violaceum CV026, and its inhibitory effect confirmed its quorum quenching nature. Based on these experimental analyses, it can be speculated that the isolated plant protein might influence the signaling molecule that leads to the inhibition effect of the mixed bacterial biofilm. Further experimental studies are warranted to validate our current findings.

Increasing the Efficacy of Seproxetine as an Antidepressant Using Charge-Transfer Complexes

The charge transfer interactions between the seproxetine (SRX) donor and π-electron acceptors [picric acid (PA), dinitrobenzene (DNB), p-nitrobenzoic acid (p-NBA), 2,6-dichloroquinone-4-chloroimide (DCQ), 2,6-dibromoquinone-4-chloroimide (DBQ), and 7,7′,8,8′-tetracyanoquinodi methane (TCNQ)] were studied in a liquid medium, and the solid form was isolated and characterized. The spectrophotometric analysis confirmed that the charge–transfer interactions between the electrons of the donor and acceptors were 1:1 (SRX: π-acceptor). To study the comparative interactions between SRX and the other π-electron acceptors, molecular docking calculations were performed between SRX and the charge transfer (CT) complexes against three receptors (serotonin, dopamine, and TrkB kinase receptor). According to molecular docking, the CT complex [(SRX)(TCNQ)] binds with all three receptors more efficiently than SRX alone, and [(SRX)(TCNQ)]-dopamine (CTcD) has the highest binding energy value. The results of AutoDock Vina revealed that the molecular dynamics simulation of the 100 ns run revealed that both the SRX-dopamine and CTcD complexes had a stable conformation; however, the CTcD complex was more stable. The optimized structure of the CT complexes was obtained using density functional theory (B-3LYP/6-311G++) and was compared.

Potential Therapeutic Target Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase-1B for Modulation of Insulin Resistance with Polyphenols and Its Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship

The increase in the number of cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the complications associated with the side effects of chemical/synthetic drugs have raised concerns about the safety of the drugs. Hence, there is an urgent need to explore and identify natural bioactive compounds as alternative drugs. Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) functions as a negative regulator and is therefore considered as one of the key protein targets modulating insulin signaling and insulin resistance. This article deals with the screening of a database of polyphenols against PTP1B activity for the identification of a potential inhibitor. The research plan had two clear objectives. Under first objective, we conducted a quantitative structure–activity relationship analysis of flavonoids with PTP1B that revealed the strongest correlation (R² = 93.25%) between the number of aromatic bonds (naro) and inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀) of PTP1B. The second objective emphasized the binding potential of the selected polyphenols against the activity of PTP1B using molecular docking, molecular dynamic (MD) simulation and free energy estimation. Among all the polyphenols, silydianin, a flavonolignan, was identified as a lead compound that possesses drug-likeness properties, has a higher negative binding energy of −7.235 kcal/mol and a pKd value of 5.2. The free energy-based binding affinity (ΔG) was estimated to be −7.02 kcal/mol. MD simulation revealed the stability of interacting residues (Gly183, Arg221, Thr263 and Asp265). The results demonstrated that the identified polyphenol, silydianin, could act as a promising natural PTP1B inhibitor that can modulate the insulin resistance.

High Incidence of Mental Disorders among Saudi Arabian Population and Use of Alternative Medicine for its Management: A Cross-Sectional Study

This was a cross-sectional study exploring the role of alternative medicine in the treatment of psychological illnesses among people of Saudi Arabia. The participants in this study were 392 people from various parts of Saudi Arabia who fit a variety of demographic criteria. The questionnaire was created with the help of existing literature and subject experts to suit the study’s objectives. Randomly selected participants were self-administered the validated pretested questionnaire. The analysis of the study indicated that vast majority of the 392 surveyors were employed (73%) and university graduates (70%), with 53% being female and 59% being Saudi nationals. Most respondents (55%) agree that psychotherapy used in the treatment of mental illness has both negative and positive outcomes. Religious activities were evaluated as the best alternative for treating psychological illness (97%) by the participants, whereas medicinal plants were rated as effective in treating psychological illnesses by 42%. Most individuals (87%) think that any therapy enquiry for psychological illnesses should start with a physician consultation. Overall, surveyors have a decent understanding of numerous herbal medicines that can be used to treat psychological disorders. More research is needed to design regulations and conduct in-depth evaluations to maximize the benefits of alternative medications.

Central Administration of Insulin Combined With Resistin Reduces Renal Sympathetic Nerve Activity in Rats Fed a High Fat Diet

Insulin receptors are widely distributed in the central nervous system and their activation by insulin elicits renal sympatho-excitatory effects. Resistin, an adipokine, promotes resistance to the metabolic effects of insulin. Resistin also induces increases in renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) by acting in the brain, but whether it can influence insulin’s actions on RSNA is unknown. In the present study we investigated, in male Sprague-Dawley rats (7–8 weeks of age), the effects of central administration of insulin combined with resistin on RSNA following a normal diet (ND) and a high fat diet (HFD) (22% fat), since HFD can reportedly attenuate insulin’s actions. RSNA, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) responses were monitored and recorded before and for 180 min after intracerebroventricular injection of saline (control) (n = 5 HFD and ND), resistin (7 μg; n = 4 ND, n = 5 HFD), insulin (500 mU; n = 6 ND, n = 5 HFD), and the combination of both resistin and insulin (n = 7 ND, n = 5 HFD). The key finding of the present study was that when resistin and insulin were combined there was no increase in RSNA induced in rats fed a normal diet or the high fat diet. This contrasted with the sympatho-excitatory RSNA effects of the hormones when each was administered alone in rats fed the ND and the HFD.

High Fat Diet Decreases Neuronal Activation in the Brain Induced by Resistin and Leptin

Resistin and leptin are adipokines which act in the brain to regulate metabolic and cardiovascular functions which in some instances are similar, suggesting activation of some common brain pathways. High-fat feeding can reduce the number of activated neurons observed following the central administration of leptin in animals, but the effects on resistin are unknown. The present work compared the distribution of neurons in the brain that are activated by centrally administered resistin, or leptin alone, and, in combination, in rats fed a high fat (HFD) compared to a normal chow diet (ND). Immunohistochemistry for the protein, Fos, was used as a marker of activated neurons. The key findings are (i) following resistin or leptin, either alone or combined, in rats fed the HFD, there were no significant increases in the number of activated neurons in the paraventricular and arcuate nuclei, and in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA). This contrasted with observations in rats fed a normal chow diet; (ii) in the OVLT and MnPO of HFD rats there were significantly less activated neurons compared to ND following the combined administration of resistin and leptin; (iii) In the PAG, RVMM, and NTS of HFD rats there were significantly less activated neurons compared to ND following resistin. The results suggest that the sensitivity to resistin in the brain was reduced in rats fed a HFD. This has similarities with leptin but there were instances where there was reduced sensitivity to resistin with no significant effects following leptin. This suggests diet influences neuronal effects of resistin.

Effects of central administration of resistin on renal sympathetic nerve activity in rats fed a high-fat diet: a comparison with leptin

Similar to leptin, resistin acts centrally to increase renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA). In high-fat fed animals, the sympatho-excitatory effects of leptin are retained, in contrast to the reduced actions of leptin on dietary intake. In the present study, we investigated whether the sympatho-excitatory actions of resistin were influenced by a high-fat diet. Further, because resistin and leptin combined can induce a greater sympatho-excitatory response than each alone in rats fed a normal chow diet, we investigated whether a high-fat diet (22%) could influence this centrally-mediated interaction. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and RSNA were recorded before and for 3 hours after i.c.v. saline (control; n=5), leptin (7 μg; n=4), resistin (7 μg; n=5) and leptin and resistin combined (n=6). Leptin alone and resistin alone significantly increased RSNA (71±16%, 62±4%, respectively). When leptin and resistin were combined, there was a significantly greater increase in RSNA (195±41%) compared to either hormone alone. MAP and HR responses were not significantly different between hormones. When the responses in high-fat fed rats were compared to normal chow fed rats, there were no significant differences in the maximum RSNA responses. The findings indicate that sympatho-excitatory effects of resistin on RSNA are not altered by high-fat feeding, including the greater increase in RSNA observed when resistin and leptin are combined. Our results suggest that diets rich in fat do not induce resistance to the increase in RSNA induced by resistin alone or in combination with leptin.

Central Administration of Insulin and Leptin Together Enhance Renal Sympathetic Nerve Activity and Fos Production in the Arcuate Nucleus

There is considerable interest in the central actions of insulin and leptin. Both induce sympatho-excitation. This study (i) investigated whether centrally administered leptin and insulin together elicits greater increases in renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) than when given alone, and (ii) quantified the number of activated neurons in brain regions influencing SNA, to identify potential central sites of interaction. In anesthetised (urethane 1.4–1.6 g/kg iv) male Sprague-Dawley rats, RSNA, MAP, and HR were recorded following intracerebroventricular (ICV) saline (control; n = 5), leptin (7 μg; n = 5), insulin (500 mU; n = 4) and the combination of leptin and insulin; (n = 4). Following leptin or insulin alone, RSNA was significantly increased (74 and 62% respectively). MAP responses were not significantly different between the groups. Insulin alone significantly increased HR. Leptin alone also increased HR but it was significantly less than following insulin alone (P < 0.005). When leptin and insulin were combined, the RSNA increase (124%) was significantly greater than the response to either alone. There were no differences between the groups in MAP responses, however, the increase in HR induced by insulin was attenuated by leptin. Of the brain regions examined, only in the arcuate nucleus did leptin and insulin together increase the number of Fos-positive cell nuclei significantly more than leptin or insulin alone. In the lamina terminalis and rostroventrolateral medulla, leptin and insulin together increased Fos, but the effect was not greater than leptin alone. The results suggest that when central leptin and insulin levels are elevated, the sympatho-excitatory response in RSNA will be greater. The arcuate nucleus may be a common site of cardiovascular integration.

Central leptin and resistin combined elicit enhanced central effects on renal sympathetic nerve activity

NEW FINDINGS

What is the central question of this study? Leptin and resistin act centrally to increase renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA). We investigated whether a combination of resistin and leptin could induce a greater response than either alone. We also used Fos protein to quantify the number of activated neurons in the brain. What is the main finding and its importance? A combination of leptin and resistin induced a greater increase in RSNA than either hormone alone. This was correlated with a greater number of activated neurons in the arcuate nucleus than with either hormone alone. Leptin and resistin act centrally to increase renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA). We investigated whether a combination of resistin and leptin could induce a greater response than either alone. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate and RSNA were recorded before and for 3 h after intracerebroventricular saline (control; n = 5), leptin (7 μg; n = 5), resistin (7 μg; n = 4) and leptin administered 15 min after resistin (n = 6). Leptin alone and resistin alone significantly increased RSNA (74 ± 17 and 50 ± 14%, respectively; P < 0.0001 compared with saline). When leptin and resistin were combined, there was a significantly greater increase in RSNA (163 ± 23%) compared with either hormone alone (P < 0.0001). Maximal responses of mean arterial pressure and heart rate were not significantly different between groups. We also used Fos protein to quantify the number of activated neurons in the brain. Compared with controls, there were significant increases in numbers of Fos-positive neurons in the arcuate and hypothalamic paraventricular nuclei when leptin or resistin was administered alone or when they were combined, and in the lamina terminalis when leptin and resistin were combined. Only in the arcuate nucleus was the increase significantly greater compared with either hormone alone. The findings show that a combination of leptin and resistin induces a greater RSNA increase and a greater number of activated neurons in the arcuate nucleus than with either hormone alone. Given that leptin makes an important contribution to the elevated RSNA observed in obese and overweight conditions, the increased concentrations of leptin and resistin may mean that the contribution of leptin to the elevated RSNA in those conditions is enhanced.