The 'Candidatus phytoplasma ziziphi' effectors SJP1 and SJP2 destabilise the bifunctional regulator ZjTCP7 to modulate floral transition and shoot branching

Phytoplasmic SAP11 effectors alter host plant architecture and flowering time. However, the exact mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. Two SAP11-like effectors, SJP1 and SJP2, from 'Candidatus Phytoplasma ziziphi' induce shoot branching proliferation. Here, the transcription factor ZjTCP7 was identified as a central target of these two effectors to regulate floral transition and shoot branching. Ectopic expression of ZjTCP7 resulted in enhanced bolting and earlier flowering than did the control. Interaction and expression assays demonstrated that ZjTCP7 interacted with the ZjFT-ZjFD module, thereby enhancing the ability of these genes to directly bind to the ZjAP1 promoter. The effectors SJP1 and SJP2 unravelled the florigen activation complex by specifically destabilising ZjTCP7 and ZjFD to delay floral initiation. Moreover, the shoot branching of the ZjTCP7-SRDX transgenic Arabidopsis lines were comparable to those of the SJP1/2 lines, suggesting the involvement of ZjTCP7 in the regulation of shoot branching. ZjTCP7 interacted with the branching repressor ZjBRC1 to enhance suppression of the auxin efflux carrier ZjPIN3 expression. ZjTCP7 also directly bound to and upregulated the auxin biosynthesis gene ZjYUCCA2, thereby promoting auxin accumulation. Our findings confirm that ZjTCP7 serves as a bifunctional regulator destabilised by the effectors SJP1 and SJP2 to modulate plant development.

LncRNA-AC020978 Promotes Metabolic Reprogramming in M1 Microglial Cells in Postoperative Cognitive Disorder via PKM2

The present work aimed to explore the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-AC020978 in postoperative cognitive disorder (POCD) and the underlying mechanism. The POCD mouse model was constructed through isoflurane anesthesia + abbreviated laparotomy. The AC020978 expression in brain tissue was silenced after lentivirus injection, then Morris water maze test was conducted to detect the cognitive disorder level, flow cytometry was performed to analyze M1 macrophage level, ELISA was carried out to measure inflammatory factor levels, H&E, Nissl and immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the pathological changes in brain tissue, and Western blotting assay was adopted to detect protein expression. In addition, microglial cells were cultured in vitro, after lentivirus infection, the effect of AC020978 on the M1 polarization of microglial cells and glycolysis was observed. AC020978 overexpression promoted POCD progression and aggravated cognitive disorder in mice; in addition, the proportion of peripheral and central M1 cells increased, the inflammatory factor levels were upregulated, and microglial cells were activated. By contrast, AC020978 silencing led to cognitive disorder in mice and suppressed microglial cell activation and M1 polarization. In vitro experimental results indicated that AC020978 promoted the expression and phosphorylation of PKM2, which promoted inflammatory response through enhancing microglial cell glycolysis and M1 polarization. AC020978 interacts with PKM2 to promote the glycolysis and M1 polarization of microglial cells, thus regulating cognitive disorder and central inflammation in POCD.

Gastrodin improves nerve cell injury and behaviors of depressed mice through Caspase-3-mediated apoptosis

AIM

We investigated the effects and target of gastrodin (GAS) for treating depression through network pharmacology combined with experimentation.

METHODS

The therapeutic target and signal of GAS for depression were analyzed by network pharmacology. Depression in mice was mimicked with a chronic unpredictable mouse stress (CUMS) model. Through open field, elevated plus maze, forced swimming, and tail suspension tests, the effects of GAS on the CUMS mice behaviors were examined, and the levels of neurotransmitters were detected. The histopathological changes were assayed by H&E and IHC staining, and the protein expressions were detected by Western blotting. Small molecule-protein docking and molecular dynamics experiments were conducted to simulate the binding mode between GAS and Caspase-3.

RESULTS

Network pharmacological analysis revealed that Caspase-3 was the action target of GAS. GAS could improve depression-like behaviors in CUMS mice, elevate their neurotransmitter levels, ameliorate their nerve cell injury, and inhibit their Caspase-3 expression. After knocking out Caspase-3, the effects of GAS were inhibited. Molecular dynamics simulation and small molecule-protein docking found that GAS bound to Caspase-3 at SER25, inhibiting the maturation and activation of Caspase-3.

CONCLUSION

We find that GAS can act as a Caspase-3 inhibitor, which improves depression-like behaviors and nerve cell injury in CUMS mice by inhibiting Caspase-3-mediated apoptosis.

Atractylenolide I Suppresses A1 Astrocyte Activation to Improve Depression in Mice

This work aimed to investigate the role of atractylenolide I (ATR) in resisting depression and its mechanism of action. The mouse model of depression was constructed through chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) method. After ATR intervention, changes in the depression-related behaviors of mice were detected through open field test and elevated plus maze. In addition, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to detect inflammatory factor levels. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to measure the mRNA levels of A1/A2 astrocyte markers. Furthermore, primary astrocytes were induced in vitro, and the A1 differentiation level was detected by ELISA and RT-qPCR assays. ATR improved the behaviors of CUMS mice and alleviated the depression symptoms. Moreover, it reduced tissue inflammation, inhibited the A1 differentiation of astrocytes, and decreased the mRNA levels of A1 markers. After NLRP3 knockout, the effects of ATR were suppressed. Similarly, in vitro experimental results also revealed that ATR suppressed the A1 differentiation of astrocytes. Based on molecular dynamics and small molecule-protein docking results, ATR mainly targeted NLRP3 and suppressed the NLRP3-mediated A1 differentiation. We discover that ATR can target NLRP3 to suppress A1 differentiation of astrocytes, restrain tissue inflammation, and improve the depression symptoms in mice.

Atractylenolide I improves behaviors in mice with depression-like phenotype by modulating neurotransmitter balance via 5-HT2A

To explore the antidepressant effects and targets of atractylenolide I (ATR) through a network pharmacological approach. Relevant targets of ATR and depression analyzed by network pharmacology were scored (identifying 5-HT2A targets). Through elevated plus maze, open field, tail suspension, and forced swimming tests, the behavioral changes of mice with depression (chronic unpredictable mild stress [CUMS]) were examined, and the levels of neurotransmitters including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine (5-HT, DA, and NE) were determined. The binding of ATR to 5-HT2A was verified by small molecular-protein docking. ATR improved the behaviors of CUMS mice, elevated their levels of neurotransmitters 5-HT, DA, and NE, and exerted a protective effect on their nerve cell injury. After 5-HT2A knockout, ATR failed to further improve the CUMS behaviors. According to the results of small molecular-protein docking and network pharmacological analysis, ATR acted as an inhibitor by binding to 5-HT2A. ATR can improve the behaviors and modulate the neurotransmitters of CUMS mice by targeting 5-HT2A.

TL1A promotes the postoperative cognitive dysfunction in mice through NLRP3-mediated A1 differentiation of astrocytes

AIM

We investigated the mechanism, whereby tumor necrosis factor-like ligand 1A (TL1A) mediates the A1 differentiation of astrocytes in postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD).

METHODS

The cognitive and behavioral abilities of mice were assessed by Morris water maze and open field tests, while the levels of key A1 and A2 astrocyte factors were detected by RT-qPCR. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was used to examine the expression of GFAP, western blot was used to assay the levels of related proteins, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines.

RESULTS

The results showed that TL1A could promote the progression of cognitive dysfunction in mice. Astrocytes differentiated into A1 phenotype, while unobvious changes were noted in astrocyte A2 biomarkers. Knockout of NLRP3 or intervention with NLRP3 inhibitor could inhibit the effect of TL1A, improving the cognitive dysfunction and suppressing the A1 differentiation.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that TL1A plays an important role in POCD in mice, which promotes the A1 differentiation of astrocytes through NLRP3, thereby exacerbating the progression of cognitive dysfunction.

Icariin improves cognitive impairment by inhibiting ferroptosis of nerve cells

AIM

We investigated the effect and mechanism of Icariin (ICA) on improving neurobehavioral ability of mice with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

METHODS

We selected 10-month-old APP/PS1 mice (AD) and wild-type C57BL/6J mice (Normal). After intragastric administration of ICA, Morris water maze was employed to detect neurobehavioral improvements, and to assay key ferroptosis indicators and oxidative stress levels. The common target of ICA for resisting ferroptosis and AD was predicted by network pharmacology.

RESULTS

ICA could improve the neurobehavioral, memory and motor abilities of AD mice. It could lower the ferroptosis level and enhance the resistance to oxidative stress. After inhibition of MDM2, ICA could no longer improve the cognitive ability of AD mice, nor could it further inhibit ferroptosis. Network pharmacological analysis revealed that MDM2 might be the target of ICA action.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that ICA can inhibit ferroptosis of nerve cells, thereby ameliorating neural damage in mice with AD.

Effect of low-calcium and standard-calcium dialysate on serum calcium, phosphorus and full-segment parathyroid hormone in patients on peritoneal dialysis: A retrospective observational study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of low-calcium and standard-calcium dialysate in patients with chronic kidney disease on peritoneal dialysis, and find out which dialysate has less vascular calcification effect.

METHODS

A total of 141 patients who had undergone peritoneal dialysis (PD) for 2 years in the PD centre from January 2012 to December 2017 were included and divided into two groups according to the calcium concentration of the PD fluid used. There were 79 cases in the low-calcium group, with a dialysate calcium concentration of 1.25 mmol/L and 62 cases in the standard-calcium group, with a dialysate calcium concentration of 1.75 mmol/L. The demographic characteristics and clinical information before initiation of PD were collected and compared between the two groups. Information on the serum calcium, phosphorus and PTH, systolic and diastolic blood pressures and the use of antihypertensive and phosphate-lowering drugs in the second year of dialysis was also collected and compared between the two groups. Vascular calcification was assessed in patients on PD treatment.

RESULTS

The mean serum calcium concentrations before initiation of PD in the low- and standard-calcium groups were 1.94 ± 0.27 and 1.89 ± 0.28 mmol/L, respectively. The serum calcium concentrations after PD were 2.30 ± 0.21 and 2.41 ± 0.23 mmol/L, respectively. After PD, the serum calcium concentration in both groups was significantly increased (p < 0.05). The serum calcium concentration in the low-calcium group after PD treatment was lower than that in the standard-calcium group, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Compared with the standard-calcium group, patients in the low-calcium group had significantly higher parathyroid hormone concentrations (p < 0.05). More types of phosphate-lowering drugs were used (59.49%) in the low-calcium group than that in the standard-calcium group (35.48%; p < 0.05). The number of antihypertensive drug usage were also higher in the low-calcium group, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). As for the vascular calcification effect, the two groups have shown no statistical difference in abdominal aortic calcification rate, carotid arteriosclerosis rate and aortic arch calcification rate (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

We found that low-calcium PD fluid may increase the PTH level and the proportion of CKD patients using antihypertensive drug and phosphorus-lowering drug, but the vascular calcification effect of the low and standard calcium PD fluid needs further exploration. This paper provides new evidence for the choice of dialysate for PD, low-calcium dialysate has no outstanding advantages for long term dialysis.

Paeoniflorin suppresses neuronal ferroptosis to improve the cognitive behaviors in Alzheimer's disease mice

Aim of this research was to examine the impact of paeoniflorin (Pae) in suppressing the occurrence of ferroptosis in individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The study utilized APP/PS1 mice with AD as the experimental subjects. Following the administration of Pae, the cognitive behaviors of mice were evaluated and the key indexes of ferroptosis were measured, as well as levels of oxidative stress (OS). For in-vitro experiments, Erastin was adopted for inducing the ferroptosis of PC12 cells, and the level of cell ferroptosis was detected after Pae treatment. Pae improved the cognitive ability of AD mice, reduced the level of ferroptosis, decreased the iron ion and MAD levels in brain tissues, and increased SOD expression. In PC12 cells, Pae suppressed the Erastin-induced ferroptosis, mitigated oxidative damage, and reduced the level of ROS. Based on the findings from our research, it was observed that Pae exhibited a specific binding affinity to P53, leading to the suppression of ferroptosis. This mechanism ultimately resulted in the improvement of nerve injury in mice with AD.

Association between dialysis effluent leukocyte count after initial antibiotic treatment and outcomes of patients with peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Among patients with peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis (PDAP), It has been regarded as an indicator of deterioration of clinical condition that peritoneal dialysis effluent leukocyte count (PDELC) cannot be restored to normal after initial antibiotic therapy. However, the precise relationship between PDELC on day 5 and the clinical outcomes of PDAP episodes remains uncertain.

AIMS

To explore the association between PDELC on day 5 and clinical outcomes of PDAP episodes.

METHODS

This retrospective study was based on the medical chart database of the Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University. Multivariable regressions were used to evaluate the association between PDELC on day 5 and 60-day mortality, half-year mortality, treatment failure, and the length of stay in hospital with adjustment for confounding factors.

RESULTS

A total of 549 PDAP episodes in 309 patients were enrolled. The total 60-day mortality, half-year mortality, and rate of treatment failure was 6.0%, 9.8%, and 14.2%, respectively. Compared with patients with normal PDELC, those with PDELC ≥2000 × 106/L on day 5 had significantly higher 60-day mortality (31.1% vs 2.7%), half-year mortality (35.6% vs 5.6%), and treatment failure (46.7% vs 5.7%). In multivariate adjusted regression, the ORs (95%CI) were 6.99 (2.33, 20.92; p = 0.001), 4.97(1.93, 12.77; p = 0.001), and 5.77 (2.07, 16.11; p = 0.001), respectively. Patients with PDELC were 100-2000 × 106/L on day 5 had a higher rate of treatment failure than those with normal PDELC (26.9% vs 5.7%) (OR = 3.03, 95%CI 1.42, 6.46; p = 0.004). After sensitivity analysis, the results remained robust.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with PDAP, increased PDELC on day 5 was associated with a greater risk of 60-day mortality, half-year mortality, and treatment failure.

Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs) Promote Endothelial Cell Pyroptosis Under Cerebral Ischemia and Hypoxia via HIF-1α-RAGE-NLRP3

This work mainly aimed to explore the role and mechanism of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in inducing cerebrovascular endothelial cell pyroptosis under oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) condition. The mouse cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs and bEnd.3) were used as the objects to construct the OGD model in vitro. Then, cells were pretreated with AGE-modified human serum albumin (AGE-HSA). Thereafter, CCK-8 assay was conducted to detect cell viability, and flow cytometry (FCM) was performed to measure cell pyroptosis level. Meanwhile, the expression of inflammatory factors was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of HIF-α, NLRP3, and RAGE was detected by fluorescence staining. The opening status of cell membrane pore was observed under the electron microscope, and the expression levels of FL-GSDMD, NT-GSDMD, and caspase-1 were measured through Western Blot (WB) assay. Moreover, bEnd.3 cells were treated with siRAN-silenced NLRP3 and HIF-α inhibitor, so as to observe the effect of AGEs on cell pyroptosis level. In the mouse model, the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was constructed by the suture-occluded method. After intraperitoneal injection of AGEs, the pathological changes in mouse brain tissues were detected; the expression levels of NLRP3, ZO-1, and CD31 were determined by histochemical staining, and the levels of inflammatory factors and pyroptosis-related proteins were also detected. Under OGD condition, AGEs induced the pyroptosis of bEnd.3 cells, and the cell pyroptosis rate increased, higher than that of the OGD group. Meanwhile, the levels of inflammatory factors were up-regulated; the expression of HIF-α, NLRP3, and RAGE in cells increased; and the levels of NT-GSDMD and caspase-1 were markedly higher than those of the control and OGD groups. siRNA-NLRP3 or HIF-α inhibitor treatment suppressed pyroptosis and reduced the inflammatory factor levels. In mouse experiments, AGE injection aggravated brain injury in the MCAO mouse model, decreased the expression of ZO-1 and CD31, and elevated the levels of NLRP3 and inflammatory factors. Under cerebral ischemia condition, AGEs can induce endothelial cell pyroptosis via HIF-α-RAGE-NLRP3, thereby further aggravating brain injury.

Antcin K targets NLRP3 to suppress neuroinflammation and improve the neurological behaviors of mice with depression

AIM

We aimed to explored the role of Antcin K in resisting depression and its targets.

METHODS

LPS/IFN-γwas used to induce the activation of microglial BV2 cells. Following Antcin K pretreatment, the proportion of M1 cells was determined using flow cytometry (FCM), the expression of cytokines was measured through ELISA, and that of CDb and NLRP3 was analyzed by cell fluorescence staining. The protein levels were detected by Western-blot assay. After NLRP3 was knocked down in BV2 cells (BV2-nlrp3^-/-), the M1 polarization level was detected with Antcin K treatment. The targeted binding relation of Antcin K with NLRP3 was confirmed through small molecule-protein docking and co-immunoprecipitation assay. The chronic unpredictable stress model (CUMS) was constructed to mimic the depression mice. After the administration of Antcin K, the neurological behavior of CUMS mice were detected by open-field test (OFT), elevated plus maze, forced swimming test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST). In addition, the expression of CD11b and IBA-1 was detected through histochemical staining, and the tissue pathological changes were detected by H&E staining.

RESULTS

Antcin K suppressed the M1 polarization of BV2 cells and reduced the expression of inflammatory factors. Meanwhile, NLRP3 exhibited targeted binding relation with Antcin K, and Antcin K lost its effect after NLRP3 knockdown. In the CUMS mouse model, Antcin K improved the depression status and neurological behaviors in mice, and decreased central neuroinflammation and microglial cell polarization.

CONCLUSION

Antcin K targets NLRP3 to suppress microglial cell polarization, alleviate central inflammation in mice and improve their neurological behaviors.

Aurantiamide suppresses the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome to improve the cognitive function and central inflammation in mice with Alzheimer's disease

AIM

This study was aimed at exploring the mechanism by which aurantiamide (Aur) targeted NLRP3 to suppress microglial cell polarization.

METHODS

The 7-month-old APP/PS1 mice and C57BL/6 mice were applied to be the study objects, and Aur was administered intragastrically to APP/PS1 mice at 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg. The changes in the neurocognitive function of mice were measured by Morris Water Maze (MWM) test. In the in vitro experiments, the mouse BV2 cells were employed as the study objects, which were subject to treatment with 10 μM and 20 μM Aur and induced with LPS and IFN-γ in order to activate BV2 cells and induce their M1 polarization.

RESULTS

Aur was found to suppress the M1 polarization of mouse microglia, reduce central neuroinflammation, and improve the cognitive function in mice. Meanwhile, Aur suppressed the activation and the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome. The results of experiments in vitro demonstrated that Aur inhibited the activation and M1 polarization of BV2 cells.

CONCLUSION

Aur targets NLRP3 and suppresses the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome.

Mechanism of neocryptotanshinone in protecting against cerebral ischemic injury: By suppressing M1 polarization of microglial cells and promoting cerebral angiogenesis

AIM

This study explored the protective function and mechanism of neocryptotanshinone (NEO) on cerebral ischemia.

METHODS

Lipopolysaccharide/γ-interferon(LPS/IFN-γ)was employed to mimic the polarization of mouse microglial cells BV2. After NEO treatment, the M1 polarization level of BV2 cells was identified using flow cytometry (FCM), fluorescent cell staining and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Moreover, the mouse endothelial cells bEnd.3 were applied to be the study objects, which were intervened with NEO under the hypoxic condition. Thereafter, based on in-vitro tubule formation assay and fluorescence staining, the in-vitro tubule formation ability of bEnd.3 cells was detected. By adopting middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO) method, we constructed the mouse model of cerebral ischemia. After NEO intervention, the pathological changes of brain tissues were identified, while CD34 expression was measured by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, nerve injury was detected by Nissl staining, and the changes in neurological behaviors of mice were also detected.

RESULTS

Our results showed that NEO suppressed M1 polarization of BV2 cells, which exerted its effect through suppressing NF-κB and STAT3 signals, thereby decreasing the levels of iNOS, CD11b and inflammatory factors. NEO stimulated tubule formation in bEnd.3 cells based on the hypoxic situation, which exerted its effect through activating the Vascularendothelial growth factor-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2-Notch homolog 1(VFGF-VEGFR2-Notch1) signal. Furthermore, NEO suppressed cerebral ischemia in mice and lowered the ischemic penumbra. NEO also improved the neurological behaviors of mice, increased the CD34 levels and decreased the expression of inflammatory factors.

CONCLUSION

NEO has well protective effect against cerebral ischemia, and its mechanisms are related to suppressing M1 polarization of microglial cells and promoting cerebral angiogenesis, which are the mechanisms of NEO in treating ischemic encephalopathy.

NADPH oxidase 4 regulate the glycolytic metabolic reprogramming of microglial cells to promote M1 polarization

This work aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) in the polarization of microglial cells. Microglial cells were transfected with the NOX4 overexpression plasmid (pGL3-NOX4), and later treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) to induce its M1 polarization. Later, the F4/80 + CD86 + cell proportion was detected by flow cytometry (FCM), the inflammatory factor expression levels were analyzed through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA-1) and PKM2 expression were measured by immunofluorescence (IF) staining. In addition, dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate probe was utilized to detect the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, glucose uptake, and glycolysis, as well as lactic acid level. The expression of glycolytic enzymes PKM2, HK2, and citrate (Si)-synthas (CS) was detected by Western-blot (WB) assay. Moreover, the polarization level of microglial cells was detected after ROS expression was suppressed by the ROS inhibitor N-acetylcysteine (NAC). In mouse experiments, LPS was applied in inducing central neuroinflammation in NOX4 knockdown mouse model (KO) and wild-type mice (WT). Thereafter, the inflammatory factor levels and lactic acid level in mouse tissues were detected; IBA-1 and CD86 expression in mice was measured by IF staining; and the expression of glycolytic enzymes PKM2, HK2, and CS in the central nervous system (CNS) was also detected. After NOX4 overexpression in microglial cells, the M1 polarization level was upregulated, the F4/80 + CD86 + cell proportion increased, and inflammatory factors were upregulated. At the same time, the expression of glycolytic enzymes PKM2, HK2, and CS was upregulated. NAC pretreatment suppressed the effects of NOX4, reduced the F4/80 + CD86 + cell proportion, and suppressed the expression of PKM2, HK2, and CS. In the mouse model, the expression levels of CD86 in KO group decreased, and the inflammatory factors were also downregulated. NOX4 promotes glycolysis of microglial cells via ROS, thus accelerating M1 polarization and inflammatory factor expression. In this regard, NOX4 is promising as a new target for the treatment of neuroinflammation.

Association Between the Variability of Glycated Hemoglobin and Retinopathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis

Visit-to-visit variability of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a marker of long-term glycemic fluctuation, which has been related to increased risk of macrovascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The association between HbA1c variability and retinopathy in patients with T2DM, however, has been inconsistent in previous studies. In order to fully evaluate the above association, we conducted a meta-analysis. Observational studies related to the aim of the meta-analysis were identified by search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases. Studies with HbA1c variability evaluated as the standard deviation (SD) and/or the coefficients of variation (CV) of HbA1c were included. The results were analyzed using a random-effects model that incorporated potential heterogeneity between studies. Twelve observational studies involving 44 662 T2DM patients contributed to the meta-analysis. Overall, 5150 (11.5%) patients developed retinopathy. Pooled results showed that compared to patients with lower HbA1c variability, T2DM patients with higher HbA1c-SD (relative risk [RR]: 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24 to 1.78, p<0.001, I2=34%) and higher HbA1c-CV (RR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.59, p=0.02, I2=0%) were both associated with higher risk of DR. For studies with HbA1c-SD, the association was not significantly affected by study characteristics such as country, study design, mean age, disease duration, adjustment of mean HbA1c, or quality scores (p for subgroup difference all>0.05). In conclusion, higher HbA1c variability may be associated with an increased risk of retinopathy in patients with T2DM.

Aurantiamide promotes M2 polarization of microglial cells to improve the cognitive ability of mice with Alzheimer's disease

This work aimed to investigate the effect of aurantiamide (Aur) in promoting the M2 polarization of microglial cells to improve the cognitive ability of mice with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The M2 polarization of BV2 cells was induced by interleukin-4 (IL-4) treatment.Aur promoted the M2 polarization of BV2 cells, and up-regulated the expression of CD206 and SOCS3. In the meantime, it increased TGF-β1, Arg-1 and IL-10 levels, and promoted the polarization of JAK1-STAT6. Treatment with STAT6 inhibitor antagonized the effect of Aur. Besides, the cognitive ability of AD mice was improved after Aur treatment, meanwhile, the expression of CD206 was up-regulated, while that of IBA-1 was down-regulated. Aur promotes the M2 polarization of microglial cells to improve the cognitive ability of AD mice, and such effect is related to the STAT6 signal.

Tax preference, financing constraints and enterprise investment efficiency—Experience, of China’s enterprises investment

This paper takes the 2014 pilot project of accelerated depreciation of fixed assets as a quasi-natural experiment, and builds a Propensity Score Matching–Difference in Differences (PSM-DID) model based on the data of Chinese listed companies from 2000 to 2019 to test the impact of tax preference on enterprise investment efficiency and its mechanism. The results show that the policy inhibits supported enterprises investment efficiency significantly. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the policy causes greater investment efficiency losses for small and medium-sized enterprises, non-state-owned enterprises and asset-heavy enterprises. The mechanism test found the reason why the policy eased financing constraints but inhibited investment efficiency in short-term. After a variety of robustness tests, the above basic conclusions are still valid. Although the accelerated depreciation policy of fixed assets is conducive to expanding the scale of investment, the incentive effect on investment efficiency is not obvious, and even shows a restraining effect. Given the existence of heterogeneity, the design of the policy should not only distinguish industries, but also pay attention to the differences between different enterprises in the same industry. Strengthening research and development (R&D) innovation and improving the matching mechanism between human capital and fixed investment will help give full play to the incentive effect of this policy. The research in this paper helps to deepen the understanding of the microeconomic effects of tax policy and identify the internal mechanism, which not only enriches the relevant literature, but also provides a reference for the government to better use tax policy to promote the high-quality development of enterprises.

Hepcidin regulates neuronal ferroptosis: A mechanism for postoperative cognitive dysfunction

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a signaling molecule responsible for the expression of hepcidin (Hepc), while myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD2) is one major accessory protein of TLR4. This study focuses on exploring the neurocyte ferroptosis mediated through the regulation of Hepc expression by MD2, which is also one of the mechanisms for postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). An experimental study was carried out using aged wild-type (Wt) and MD2 transgenic (Tg) mice. The neurocyte ferroptosis and POCD in the mice were assessed following splenectomy. Morris water maze was utilized to assess the neurocognitive abilities, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) assay was performed to examine histopathology, and Nissl staining was used to evaluate the neurocyte damage. The Fe²⁺ , superoxide dismutase(SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione(GSH), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) levels were determined with kits. The expressions of transferrin receptor (TFR), Hepc, and MD2 were measured by Western blotting, while the expressions of TFR and GPX4 were measured by immunohistochemical staining. In Tg mice, we observed neurocyte ferroptosis and POCD following treatment with an MD2 inhibitor. PC12 cells were used as a neurocyte model. Ferroptosis was induced after treatment with an MD2 inhibitor, and the cell viability was assayed by Cell Counting Kit-8. Immunofluorescent staining was used to measure the TFR and GPX4 expressions. Meanwhile, the intracellular levels of Fe²⁺ , SOD, MDA, GSH, GPX4, and Hepc were also measured. POCD occurred among aged Wt and Tg mice. The Tg-POCD mice had more apparent POCD than the Wt-POCD mice. Nissl and H&E staining revealed neurocyte damage in brain tissues. Besides this, the Fe²⁺ and MDA expressions were upregulated, while the SOD, GSH, and GPX4 expressions were downregulated. Elevations in tissue levels of TFR, Hepc, and MD2 were observed, which were higher than those of Wt-POCD mice. After treatment with an MD2 inhibitor, the POCD could be prominently ameliorated in Tg-POCD mice, the Fe²⁺ and MDA levels could be reduced, while the SOD, GSH, and GPX4 levels could be elevated. In the PC12 model, ferroptosis could be suppressed by inhibiting the expression of MD2. MD2 is capable of regulating neurocyte ferroptosis by promoting Hepc expression, which has great potential as a novel target for POCD therapy.

NOX4 promotes Kupffer cell inflammatory response via ROS-NLRP3 to aggravate liver inflammatory injury in acute liver injury

AIM

This work aimed to investigate the mechanism of NOX4 in promoting Kupffer cells (KCs) activation and tissue inflammatory response in acute liver injury.

METHODS

Initially, the mouse KCs were cultured in vitro. Thereafter, the NOX4 overexpression plasmid was transfected into KCs to construct the overexpression cell line. Then, KCs inflammatory response was induced by LPS + Nigericin treatment. CCK-8 assay was performed to detect cell viability, flow cytometry (FCM) was conducted to measure cell apoptosis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect inflammatory factor levels in the culture medium, NLRP3 and ASC expression in cells was detected by immunofluorescence (IF) staining, and ROS expression was detected by the DCFH-DA probe. Furthermore, the expression levels of NLRP3, ASC and Caspase-1 proteins were detected by Western-Blot (WB) assay. Furthermore, cells were pre-treated with NOX inhibitor or NAC to suppress NOX4 expression or ROS production, aiming to further investigate the effect on KCs inflammatory response. In mouse experiments, the NOX4 knockdown mice and wild-type (WT) mice were adopted for carrying out experiments. The mouse model of ALI was constructed with LPS and D-GalN treatment. Thereafter, the changes in tissue samples were detected by H&E staining, NLRP3 expression was measured by histochemical staining, inflammatory factors in tissues were analyzed by ELISA, and the levels of NLRP3, ASC and Caspase-1 proteins in tissues were detected by WB assay.

RESULTS

LPS induced KCs inflammatory response. NOX4 overexpression decreased the mouse viability and increased the apoptosis rate. The levels of inflammatory factors were up-regulated in the culture medium. In addition, ROS were activated, and the positive cell number increased. Moreover, NOX4 promoted NLRP3 activation and significantly increased the expression of NLRP3 and ASC. Pretreatment with NOX4 inhibitor or NAC antagonized the effects of NOX4 and suppressed the KCs inflammatory response. In the mouse model, NOX4 knockdown significantly suppressed the activation and inflammatory response of microglial cells in tissues, reducing the NLRP3 expression in tissues.

CONCLUSION

NOX4 activates the NLRP3 inflammasome via ROS to promote inflammatory response in KCs and the release of inflammatory factors, suppressing NOX4 can improve ALI in mice, and NOX4 is promising as a new target for ALI treatment.

Salvianolic acid C improves cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury through suppressing microglial cell M1 polarization and promoting cerebral angiogenesis

This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of salvianolic acid C (SAC), the active ingredient in Salvia miltiorrhiza, in improving cerebral ischemia injury. The mouse microglial cells BV2 and mouse endothelial cells bEnd.3 were used as the objects of study. LPS/IFN-γ was applied to simulate the BV2 polarization, and bEnd.3 cells were treated under hypoxic condition. The BV2 cell polarization level was measured through flow cytometry (FCM), the TLR4 and MyD88 expression levels were detected by fluorescence staining, whereas the expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β was analyzed through ELISA. Tubule formation assay was also conducted to observe the tubule formation ability of bEnd.3 cells in vitro, and the level of VEGFR2 was detected by fluorescence staining. Cells were treated with the PKM2 inhibitor IN3, aiming to observe the influence of SAC on glycolysis of BV2 cells. In addition, the mouse model of cerebral ischemia was constructed through the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) method, and the pathological changes in brain tissues were detected after SAC intervention. Meanwhile, the levels of IBA-1, CD31 and ZO-1 were determined through histochemical staining. Nissl staining to detect nerve cell damage. In BV2 cell experiment, SAC suppressed the M1 polarization of BV2 cells, reduced the inflammatory factor levels, and inhibited the activation of TLR4 signal through suppressing glycolysis. When PKM2 was suppressed, the effects of SAC were antagonized. In the bEnd.3 model, SAC promoted tubule formation in bEnd.3 cells under hypoxic condition, and increased the expression of VEGFR2 and Notch1. In the mouse model, SAC improved the neurological function in MCAO mice, and inhibited the activation of microglial cells and the expression of inflammatory factors. At the same time, SAC up-regulated the expression of ZO-1 and CD31, and maintained the blood-brain barrier (BBB) function. As a major component of Salvia miltiorrhiza, SAC can suppress microglial cell polarization and promote tubule formation in endothelial cells to exert the neurological repair function in cerebral ischemia. SAC is a multi-functional neuroprotective small molecule.

Impact of Thyroid Tissue Status on the Cut-Off Value of Lymph Node Fine-Needle Aspiration Thyroglobulin Measurements in Papillary Thyroid Cancer

Objective: To study the optimal cut-off value of thyroglobulin measurement in a fine-needle aspiration (FNA-Tg) in diagnosing malignant lymph nodes and benign lymph nodes (LNs) according to the thyroid tissue status.

Methods: A total of 517 LNs were aspirated: 401 preoperative LNs, 42 LNs after subtotal thyroidectomy and 74 suspected LNs after total thyroidectomy. The cut-off value of FNA-Tg was obtained from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The cut-off value with the best diagnostic performance was then obtained by comparing different cut-off values from other studies.

Results: LN FNA-Tg levels differed between preoperative and total thyroid disease (p < 0.001) and subtotal thyroidectomy and total thyroidectomy (p = 0.03), but not between preoperative and subtotal thyroidectomy (p = 1.00). Accordingly, those 443 LNs with preoperative and subtotal thyroidectomy were compared to those 74 without thyroid tissue. The optimal cut-off value in thyroid tissue group was 19.4 ng/ml and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.95 (95% CI 0.92–0.97). The optimal cut-off value in thyroid tissue absence group was 1.2 ng/ml and the AUC was 0.93 (0.85–0.98). After the analysis and comparison of multiple cut-off values, the optimal diagnostic performance was still found to be 19.4 ng/ml and 1.2 ng/ml.

Conclusion: The influential factors of FNA-Tg are still controversial, and the optimal cut-off value of FNA-Tg can be determined based on the presence or absence of thyroid tissue. FNA-Tg can be used as an important auxiliary method for diagnosing cervical metastatic LNs of thyroid cancer.

Suppression of FPR2 expression inhibits inflammation in preeclampsia by improving the biological functions of trophoblast via NF-κB pathway

PURPOSE

The dysfunction of trophoblast during inflammation plays an important role in PE. Formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2) plays crucial roles in the development of inflammation-associated disease. This present study aimed to explore the effect of FPR2 on a trophoblast cellular model of preeclampsia.

METHODS

The expression of FPR2 in placenta was detected by immunohistochemical staining and western blotting. Transfection of siRNA was used to knockdown FPR2 in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Inflammatory cytokines were detected by ELISA. CCK8, Transwell, wound healing, FACS and tube formation assays were performed to observe the abilities of cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis and angiogenesis. Western blotting was implemented to clarify that NF-κB signaling pathway was downstream of FPR2.

RESULTS

The expression levels of FPR2 were higher in placental tissues of patients with PE. Knockdown of FPR2 expression by siFPR2 or inhibition of its activity by WRW4 decreased the release of proinflammatory cytokines in HTR8/SVneo cells treated with LPS. Knockdown of FPR2 expression or inhibition of its activity further reversed the LPS-induced attenuation of the proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis and increase in apoptosis in HTR8/SVneo cells. Moreover, the NF-κB signaling pathway was activated in both placental tissues of patients with PE and LPS-treated HTR8/SVneo cells. However, the activation was attenuated when FPR2 was knocked down or inhibited.

CONCLUSION

Suppression of FPR2 expression alleviated the effects of inflammation induced by LPS on trophoblasts via the NF-κB signaling pathway, which provided a novel and potential strategy for the treatment of PE.

Financial Performance Under the Influence of the Coronavirus Disease 2019: Effects of Strategic Flexibility and Environmental Dynamics in Big Data Capability

This study draws on the dynamic capabilities view and the firm’s big data capability (BDC) in the new economic environment. It constructs an adjusted intermediary model to study the mechanism of BDC, strategic flexibility, and environmental dynamic affecting financial performance. We find that strategic flexibility plays an intermediary role in the “Converse-U” relationship between BDC and financial performance. Environmental dynamics adjust the relationship between BDC and financial performance positively and smooth the “Converse-U” relationship. The findings suggest building and managing BDC, combining BDC with the management process, and achieving continuous financial performance improvement in a dynamic environment. The paper also puts forward the nonlinear hypothesis, discusses the “Converse-U” relationship between BDC and enterprise financial performance in the Chinese context of digital economy explosion and growth, and considers the intermediary mechanism of strategic flexibility and the regulatory effect of environmental dynamics.

Oridonin regulates the polarized state of Kupffer cells to alleviate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease through ROS-NF-κB

Oridonin (Ori) is a kind of diterpenoid small molecule, but its role in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has not been reported yet. This study aimed to explore the pharmacological function of Ori in liver protection through the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated polarization of Kupffer cells (KCs). In the present work, KCs were adopted for study in vitro. To be specific, LPS and IFN-γ were utilized to induce M1 polarization, then the influence of Ori intervention on the expression of inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), that of CD86 and P65 was measured through fluorescence staining, that of p-P65 and p-P50 was detected by Western blotting (WB) assay, and ROS expression was measured by using the DCFH-DA probe. The C57BL/6J mice were fed with the high fat diet (HFD) to construct the NAFLD model, and intervened with Ori. The blood glucose (BG), body weight (BW), food intake and water intake of mice were monitored; meanwhile, glucose and insulin tolerance tests were conducted. The liver tissues of mice were subjected to H&E staining and oil red O staining. Moreover, the serum ALT, AST and TG levels in mice were monitored, the CD86 and CD206 levels were measured through histochemical staining, the expression of inflammatory factors was detected by ELISA, and the p-P65 and p-P50 protein levels were detected by WB assay. Ori suppressed the M1 polarization of KCs, reduced the levels of inflammatory factors, and decreased the expression of ROS, p-P65 and p-P50. In animal experiments, Ori improved lipid deposition and liver injury in the liver tissues of NAFLD mice, increased the proportion of M2 cells (up-regulated CD206 expression), reduced that of M1 cells (down-regulated CD86 expression), and decreased the serum ALT, AST and TG levels. This study discovered that Ori suppressed ROS production and regulated the M1 polarization of KCs, thus protecting the liver in NAFLD.

SCFAs promote intestinal double-negative T cells to regulate the inflammatory response mediated by NLRP3 inflammasome

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are a product of intestinal bacteria metabolism. Our previous study has found that intestinal bacteria in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) can promote the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and mediate neuroinflammation. In this study, we mainly explored the regulation of intestinal microenvironmental immunity by intestinal bacterial metabolite SCFAs and the mechanism of NLRP3 activation. First, wild-type (WT) and APP/PS1 mice were intervened with SCFAs. As a result, the proportion of double-negative T cells (CD3+CD4-CD8-, DNTs) in the intestine was increased, SCFAs could promote the expression of intestinal NLRP3 and inflammatory factors (IL-18, IL-6 and TNF-α). Moreover, SCAFs could also promote the level of inflammatory factors in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of mice and aggravate the cognitive impairment in AD mice. CD3+ T cells isolated from the spleen were pre-treated with SCFAs, followed by detection of the proportion of DNTs. Consequently, SCFAs could promote the formation of DNTs, activate OX40 signal and simultaneously up-regulate the protein expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-xl and Survivin. Knockdown of OX40 could inhibit SCFAs-induced differentiation of DNTs. The co-culture of DNTs and intestinal macrophages showed that DNTs could activate Fas/FasL-TNF-α signal and induce the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. In AD mouse models, treatment with Fas and TNFR1 inhibitors could significantly inhibit SCFAs-induced NLRP3 activation and inflammatory factors, while attenuate the inflammatory response in the brain tissue of mice and improve the cognitive ability of mice, however, without significant effect on the level of DNTs. The present study showed that SCFAs can promote the formation of DNTs through OX40. DNTs could induce the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and the release of inflammatory factors in macrophages through Fas/FasL-TNF-α signals, thereby increasing the level of inflammatory factors in the central nervous system. When Fas and TNFR1 were inhibited by suppressing the functions of DNTs and macrophages, the activation of NLRP3 was inhibited. DNTs are affected by SCFAs, which is a new mechanism of neuroinflammation in AD.

[The relationship between elevated antiphospholipid antibodies and thrombosis in hospitalized patients]

Objective: Assess the relationship between elevated antiphospholipid antibodies and thrombosis in hospitalized patients. Methods: Case control study. A total of 385 patients (149 males and 236 females, aged from 1 to 105 years, with a median age of 37 years) who were hospitalized in Peking University First Hospital from January 2015 to December 2019 and tested positive for any one of the anti-phospholipid antibodies were included in the study. All subjects were divided into thrombotic group and non-thrombotic group according to whether thrombus was detected by imaging examination during hospitalization. In thrombosis group, there were 66 males and 36 females, aged from 3 to 105 years, with a median age of 58 years. In non-thrombosis group, there were 83 males and 200 females, aged from 1 to 94 years, with a median age of 31 years. Clinical data and laboratory data of patients were recorded. ACL-IgM/IgG and anti-β2GPI-IgM/IgG were detected by ELISA and LA was detected by dRVVT and SCT on automatic coagulation analyzer. The rates of age, gender, smoking, obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes and the median level of antiphospholipid antibodies were compared between two groups. Logistic multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors for thrombotic events. The mid-to-high titer value of aCL was established by the χ²-trend test and verified by logistic regression. Results: The median age (58 years) and the rates of male (64.7%), smoking (16.7%), hypertension (63.7%) and diabetes (28.4%) in thrombus group were significantly higher than those in non-thrombus group (Z=7.685, χ²=38.077, 16.312, 37.769, 24.749 respectively; P<0.01). The positive rate of anti-β2GPI-IgG and dRVVT in thrombosis group (11.8% and 78.4%) was significantly higher than that in non-thrombosis group (5.3% and 60.1%), as well as the median level of dRVVT (1.29 RU/ml vs 1.23 RU/ml) (χ²=3.864 and 10.309, Z=3.539; P<0.05). The median level of aCL-IgM was higher in non-thrombosis group (2.3 MPL vs 2.0 MPL). The positive rate of aCL-IgG was slightly higher in thrombosis group (18.6% vs 10.6%). Logistic regression analysis showed that men, hypertension, diabetes, advanced age, elevated dRVVT, and elevated anti-β2GPI-IgG are risk factors for thrombosis. Taking 36 GPL as the medium-to-high titer value of aCL-IgG, the risk of thrombosis increased by 2.45 times. Conclusions: In the anti-phospholipid antibody profile, LA detected by dRVVT method, anti-β2GPI-IgG and aCL-IgG may be valuable laboratory indicators for inpatient thrombotic events. The mid-to-high titer value of aCL-IgG is set at 36 GPL to distinguish the risk of thrombosis.

LncRNA OGFRP1 acts as an oncogene in NSCLC via miR-4640-5p/eIF5A axis

BACKGROUND

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) OGFRP1 is up-regulated in endometrial cancer and cervical carcinoma, and OGFRP1 suppression inhibits the malignant behavior of cancer cells. Here, we evaluated the expression pattern, biological function and potential mechanism of OGFRP1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

The expression of target genes in 25 pairs of clinically collected NSCLC and normal lung tissue samples was detected by qRT-PCR or western blot. We screened the siRNA (siOGFRP1) to down-regulate the expression of OGFRP1 in A549 and H1299 cells. The biological function of A549 and H1299 cells were examined by CCK8, wound healing and transwell assays. The molecular mechanism of OGFRP1 was further explored.

RESULTS

The expression of OGFRP1 in NSCLC tissues were higher than that in normal lung tissue. siOGFRP1 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of A549 and H1299 cells. In addition, the expression of EMT-related and apoptosis-related proteins was changed by siOGFRP1 transfection. OGFRP1 can directly interact with miR-4640-5p, and siOGFRP1 increased the level of miR-4640-5p. Moreover, miR-4640-5p could directly bind to the 3' UTR region of eIF5A mRNA. eIF5A was highly expressed in NSCLC tissues, and predicted a poor prognosis. In addition, the expression of miR-4640-5p and eIF5A in NSCLC tissues were negatively correlated, while the expression of OGFRP1 and eIF5A were positively correlated. Knockdown of OGFRP1 inhibited the expression of eIF5A, while transfection of miR-4640-5p inhibitor up-regulated the expression of eIF5A.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, we demonstrated that down-regulation of OGFRP1 inhibited the progression of NSCLC through miR-4640-5p/eIF5A axis.

ADMSC Exo-MicroRNA-22 improve neurological function and neuroinflammation in mice with Alzheimer's disease

The previous study by our group has found that miRNA-22 can inhibit pyroptosis by targeting GSDMD and improve the memory and motor ability of mice with Alzheimer's disease (AD) mice by inhibiting inflammatory response. In recent years, stem cells and their exosomes have been reported to have good therapeutic effects on AD; therefore, we hypothesize that miRNA-22 is likely to play a synergistic therapeutic effect. In this study, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) were transfected into miRNA-22 mimic to obtain miRNA-22 loaded exosomes (Exo-miRNA-22), which was further used for the treatment and nerve repair of AD. In brief, 4-month-old APP/PS1 mice were assigned into the control group, Exo and Exo-miRNA-22 groups. After exosome transplantation, we observed changes in the motor and memory ability of mice. In addition, ELISA was used to detect the expression of inflammatory factors in cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral blood, Nissl staining was used to assess the survival of mouse nerve cells, immunofluorescence staining was used to determine the activation of microglia, and Western blot was utilized to detect the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins. As a result, the nerve function and motor ability were significantly higher in mice in the Exo-miRNA-22 group than those in the control group and Exo group. Meanwhile, the survival level of nerve cells in mice was higher in the Exo-miRNA-22 group, and the expression of inflammatory factors was lower than that of the Exo group, indicating Exo-miRNA-22 could significantly suppress neuroinflammation. In vitro culture of PC12 cells, Aβ25-35 -induced cell damage, detection of PC12 apoptotic level, the release of inflammatory factors and the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins showed that Exo-miRNA-22 could inhibit PC12 apoptosis and significantly decrease the release of inflammatory factors. In this study, we found that miRNA-22-loaded ADMSC-derived exosomes could decrease the release of inflammatory factors by inhibiting pyroptosis, thereby playing a synergetic therapeutic role with exosomes on AD, which is of great significance in AD research.

Ultrasonic measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter in elderly patients with craniocerebral injury

OBJECTIVE

To explore the application value of ultrasonic measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter in elderly patients with craniocerebral injury.

METHODS

86 cases of elderly patients with craniocerebral injury treated in our hospital between January 2017 and December 2018 were included, all of whom had the invasive monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP) and optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) in ultrasonic testing. According to ICP measurement results, patients were divided into a normal ICP group (n = 44) and an increased ICP group (ICP ≥ 20 mmHg stood for increased ICP, n = 42). Gender, age, systolic blood pressure, blood glucose, hospital stay, oxyhemoglobin saturation, ISS score, ONSD value, hematoma type, primary injury, associated injury and complications of the patients were compared.

RESULTS

The univariate analysis showed that the systolic blood pressure in the ICP increased group was significantly decreased while the blood glucose, ISS and ONSD values showed significant increase (P < 0.05). The multivariate analysis showed that associated injury, systolic blood pressure and ONSD value had a significant influence on the increase of intracranial pressure (all P < 0.05). ONSD is positively correlated with ICP (r = 0.855, P = 0.000). The areas of systolic blood pressure and ONSD value under the curve in diagnosis of increased intracranial pressure in elderly patients with craniocerebral injury were 0.717 and 0.780, respectively. When the ONSD value was 4.90 mm, the area under the curve was 0.780, the sensitivity and specificity were 89.00% and 91.00%, respectively. When the ONSD value predicted that the critical value of good/poor prognosis of patients was 4.70 mm, the area under the curve was 0.796, the sensitivity was 91.00%, and the specificity was 90.00%.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter can diagnose the increase of intracranial pressure in elderly patients with craniocerebral injury, and can better predict the prognosis.

Pyroptosis executive protein GSDMD as a biomarker for diagnosis and identification of Alzheimer's disease

OBJECTIVE

This study was mainly conducted to explore the expression changes of GSDMD and conventional markers (including T-Tau, Tau181p, and Aβ_1-42 ) in the cerebrospinal fluid among patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VD), followed by determination of role of GSDMD in diagnosing and identifying AD and VD.

METHODS

In this study, 60 patients with VD, 60 patients with AD, and 50 healthy controls were enrolled. Lumbar puncture was performed to collect cerebrospinal fluid samples. Patients with VD and patients with AD were evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale, Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale, Activity of Daily Living (ADL) scale, and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) questionnaire, aiming to determine the behavioral ability of patients. ELISA kit was purchased to determine the levels of GSDMD, T-Tau, Tau181p, and Aβ_1-42 in cerebrospinal fluid, and the expression of inflammatory factors, IL-1β and IL-6, was also detected.

RESULTS

(1) The levels of GSDMD, T-Tau, and Tau181p in the cerebrospinal fluid were higher in patients with AD than those of patients with VD and healthy controls, while the levels of Aβ_1-42 in the cerebrospinal fluid were lower in patients with AD than that in healthy controls and patients with VD. (2) GSDMD had good diagnostic accuracy in AD. Additionally, GSDMD, T-Tau, Tau181p, and Aβ_1-42 had good discrimination accuracy in distinguishing AD and VD. (3) The expression levels of inflammatory factors (IL-1β and IL-6) in cerebrospinal fluid were higher in patients with AD than those of healthy controls and patients with VD, which were positively correlated with GSDMD expression.

CONCLUSION

The expression of GSDMD was increased in patients with AD, which could be used as a biomarker for AD diagnosis and identification from VD.

Antrodia camphorata polysaccharide resists 6-OHDA-induced dopaminergic neuronal damage by inhibiting ROS-NLRP3 activation

INTRODUCTION

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common degenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS). The main pathological change is the apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNPc), thereby leading to dopamine reduction in nigral striatum. 6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), a neurotoxic substance, mediates apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons and causes Parkinson-like symptoms in mice.

METHODS

Our team previously found that Antrodia camphorata polysaccharide (ACP) exerted a good behavioral improvement effect on the PD mouse model established by 6-OHDA; however, the mechanism remains unknown. Therefore, in this study, we focused on ROS-NLRP3 signal to investigate the mechanism of 6-OHDA-induced apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons MES23.5 and the protective effects of ACP on dopaminergic neurons.

RESULT

6-OHDA could further activate the expression of inflammasome NLRP3 by inducing ROS, thereby resulting in apoptosis of MES23.5 cells. ACP could inhibit the expression of ROS-NLRP3 induced by 6-OHDA, exerting a protective role in MES23.5 cells. Animal experiments also confirmed that ACP intervention could reduce the activation level of ROS-NLRP3 in the substantia nigra-striatum and improve the exercise capacity of PD mice.

CONCLUSION

Our study validated that 6-OHDA could induce apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons via ROS-NLRP3 activation. ACP could inhibit this signal and protect dopaminergic neurons, which might be promising in research of PD therapeutics.

[Protective effect of picroside Ⅱ on the brain tissue through antioxidation in stroke rats]

Objective: To investigate the effect and mechanisms of picroside Ⅱ on the brain tissue after cerebral ischemia reperfusion(I/R) in rats. Methods: The middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO) rat model was established by inserting a monofilament into middle cerebral artery. The experimental rats were treated by injecting picroside Ⅱ intraperitoneally. The modified neurological severity score (mNSS) and body weight were determined before modeling and after reperfusion of 22 h. The cerebral infarct volume was measured by TTC staining and the cerebral water content was measured in rats. At the same time, ROS content and NADPH oxidase activity were detected. The structure of neurons was observed by electron microscope and the mRNA and protein levels of Rac-1 and Nox2 were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Results: After modeling, the mNSS score was significantly increased (12.6±1.3 vs 0, P<0.001), while the body weight was lost (13.3%±2.5% vs 4.9%±0.8%, P<0.01). The cerebral infarct volume increased obviously (33.5%±3.4% vs 0, P<0.001), brain water content increased significantly (81.5%±0.9% vs 77.7%±0.9%, P<0.05) and the structure of neuron was damaged obviously. The protein and mRNA levels of Rac-1 and Nox2 were significantly increased (P<0.05). After treatment with picroside Ⅱ, mNSS score decreased significantly (7.9±0.8 vs 12.6±1.3, P<0.05) and the body weight increased obviously (9.3%±1.1% vs 13.3%±2.5%, P<0.05). The infarct volume of brain was significantly reduced (18.2%±1.9% vs 33.5%±3.4%, P<0.05), brain water content decreased obviously (79.1%±0.7% vs 81.5±0.9%, P<0.05), the morphological structures of neurons was restored, and the expressions of Rac-1 and Nox2 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion: It is suggested that picroside Ⅱ could exert antioxidation to protect the brain tissue through inhibiting the expression of Rac-1 and Nox2.

Syringaresinol‑di‑O‑β‑D‑glucoside, a phenolic compound from Polygonatum sibiricum, exhibits an antidiabetic and antioxidative effect on a streptozotocin‑induced mouse model of diabetes

Syringaresinol-di-O-β-D-glucoside (SOG) is a phenolic compound extracted from Polygonatum sibiricum. The present study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic effect of SOG on streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice and determine the potential underlying mechanisms. In the present study, fasting blood glucose and organ indexes of mice were analyzed. Body weight, water intake and food intake were also recorded. Furthermore, serum fasting insulin, pancreatic insulin and pancreatic interleukin-6 levels of mice were determined using ELISA kits to investigate the effect of SOG on the levels of insulin. Levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and free fatty acid (FFA) in the serum of mice, and levels of TC, TG and total protein in the kidney, were also determined to investigate the effects of SOG on lipid and protein metabolism in mice. Furthermore, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, as well as total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), in the kidneys of mice were determined to investigate the effect of SOG on oxidative stress. Western blotting was also performed to determine the expression of proteins associated with oxidative stress. The results demonstrated that SOG (25, 50 and 75 mg/kg) induced a significant antidiabetic effect in mice. Treatment with SOG promoted insulin secretion and decreased TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C, FFA, MDA, SOD, CAT, AST, ALT and ALP levels in the kidneys of mice, as well as kidney TC and TG levels, but increased the levels of kidney total protein and the T-AOC in kidneys. Furthermore, SOG treatment could significantly downregulate the expressions of nitrotyrosine and transforming growth factor-β1 in diabetic mice. Therefore, the present study indicated that SOG may exert an antidiabetic effect on STZ-induced diabetic mice and that the mechanism of SOG may be associated with its antioxidative activity.

[Effect of picroside Ⅱ on the expression of mitochondrial VDAC1 after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats]

Objective: To explore the effect of picroside Ⅱ on the expression of mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) in rats after cerebral ischemiareperfusion. Methods: A total of 70 Wistar rats models with middle cerebral artery occlusionreperfusion (MCAO/R) were randomly divided into the sham group, model group, picroside (Picr) group, ruthenium red (RuR) group, RuR+ Picr group, Spermine (Sper) group, Sper+ Picr group (n=10 per group). Modified neurological severity scale (mNSS) was used to evaluated the neurobehavioral function, the expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in brain tissues were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the morphology of brain tissues was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, the apoptotic cells were counted by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay (TUNEL), and the expressions of VDAC1 and endonuclease G (EndoG) were determined by immunohistochemical assay and Western blot. Results: Compared with the shame group, the mNSS scores (9.6±1.9), the expression of ROS[(47.6±2.7)U/ml], the apoptosis of neuron(23.8±2.8), and the expressions of VDAC1(0.94±0.06) and EndoG in cytoplasm (0.76±0.06) and nuclei(0.75±0.06)were enhanced in the model group (all P<0.05). The Picr group had obviously decreased mNSS scores (5.7±0.9), ROS expression[(35.6±2.2)U/ml], number of apoptotic cells (14.5±2.1), VDAC1 (0.63±0.06) and EndoG in cytoplasm (0.34±0.05) and nuclei (0.31±0.06)expressions compared to the model group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Picroside Ⅱ could attenuate cerebral I/R injury by down-regulating the expression of VDAC1 and inhibiting the EndoG release from mitochondria into cytoplasm.

Iron deficiency stress can induce MxNAS1 protein expression to facilitate iron redistribution in Malus xiaojinensis

Iron (Fe) is a vital trace element in plants, and deficiency of this element in apple trees can reduce fruit quality. Nicotianamine (NA) is known to play an important role in Fe transport and endogenous hormone balance. In the present study, we investigated the role of a nicotianamine synthase 1 gene (MxNas1) in an apple species, Malus xiaojinensis, that has a more Fe-efficient genotype than other apple species and ecotypes. To characterise the response of M. xiaojinensis to Fe deficiency, we used quantitative Q-PCR to determine the level of expression of MxNas1 and Western blot to measure protein levels. Immunohistochemical staining and GFP fluorescence localisation of the MxNAS1 protein were also carried out. HPLC and polarised absorption spectrophotometry were performed to investigate the effects of overexpression of MxNas1 in order to elucidate the role of MxNAS1 in the cellular uptake of active Fe in tobacco suspension cells. We found that MxNas1 expression and protein levels were higher under Fe deficiency stress than under Fe sufficiency. Immunohistochemical staining showed that MxNAS1 was localised mainly in the epidermal and vascular tissues of the roots, vascular tissues of the stem and palisade cells of mature leaves, and in parenchyma cells of young leaves. MxNAS1 was mainly localised in the plasma membranes and vesicles of protoplasts. In addition, overexpression of MxNas1 in stable transgenic tobacco cells increased NA and active Fe content under Fe sufficiency. The results suggest that MxNas1 expression in M. xiaojinensis is induced in response to Fe deficiency stress, resulting in higher levels of the protein. MxNAS1 may be involved in the redistribution of Fe in M. xiaojinensis under Fe deficiency.

Spatial-temporal signature of resting-state BOLD signals in classic trigeminal neuralgia

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (R-fMRI) signals are spatiotemporally organized. R-fMRI studies in patients with classic trigeminal neuralgia (CTN) have suggested alterations in functional connectivity. However, far less attention has been given to investigations of the local oscillations and their frequency-specific changes in these patients. The objective of this study was to address this issue in patients with CTN. R-fMRI data from 17 patients with CTN and 19 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HCs) were analyzed using amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF). The ALFF was computed across different frequencies (slow-4: 0.027–0.073 Hz; slow-5: 0.01–0.027 Hz; and typical band: 0.01–0.08 Hz) in patients with CTN compared to HCs. In the typical band, patients with CTN showed increases of ALFF in bilateral temporal, occipital, and left middle frontal regions and in the left middle cingulate gyrus, as well as decreases of ALFF in the right inferior temporal region and in regions (medial prefrontal regions) of default mode network. These significant group differences were identified in different sub-bands, with greater brainstem findings in higher frequencies (slow-4) and extensive default mode network and right postparietal results in lower frequencies (slow-5). Furthermore, significant relationships were found between subjective pain ratings and both amplitudes of higher frequency (slow-4) blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signals in pain localization brain regions and lower frequencies (slow-5) in pain signaling/modulating brain regions in the patients, and decreased ALFF within the prefrontal regions was significantly correlated with pain duration in the patients. This result supports our hypothesis that trigeminal pain has a characteristic spatiotemporal distribution of low-frequency BOLD signals. These findings might contribute to a better understanding of the impact of CTN on the brain’s intrinsic architecture. Future studies should take the frequencies into account when measuring brain resting BOLD signals of patients with CTN.

[Remote fitting models analysis of hearing AIDS from primary hospitals: 45 case reports]

OBJECTIVE

To study the feasibility and the generalizability of the Remote fitting models of hearing AIDS from primary hospitals.

METHOD

we comparative analyzed the speech recognition scores and satisfaction of 45 cases with traditional hearing AID fitting and with a hearing aid remote test respectively.

RESULT

45 cases were analyzed in each group, including traditional hearing AID fitting model and remote test, and 35 recovered in traditional fitting model group, and the recovery rate was 77.8%; Remote fitting model rehabilitation 42 cases, recovery rate was 93.3%, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). In 6 weekend wear hearing AIDS, traditional fitting model of speech recognition rate increased by 19.40% on average, the average distance fitting model speech recognition rate increases by 27.47%, the average distance fitting model than traditional fitting the speech recognition rate increased significantly more (8.07%). Effect of hearing aid international questionnaire results suggest: 45 cases using traditional model fitting hearing AIDS patients, 33 cases (73.3%) satisfaction, 12 cases (26.7%) patients after use. Remote and 45 cases of using hearing AIDS fitting model, satisfied with 40 cases (88.9%), 5 cases (11.1%) patients after use.

CONCLUSION

the curative effect and the satisfaction of remote fitting models of hearing AIDS on hearing impairment are better than that in patients with traditional fitting models. Therefore it is more worthy of clinical application especially in basic level hospitals.

Antioxidative effect of ginseng stem-leaf saponins on oxidative stress induced by cyclophosphamide in chickens

Previous investigation demonstrated that oral administration of ginseng stem-leaf saponins in chickens could enhance the immune response. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of ginseng stem-leaf saponins on oxidative stress induced by cyclophosphamide in chickens. One hundred and twenty chickens were randomly divided into 5 groups. Groups 1 to 4 received intramuscular injection of cyclophosphamide to induce oxidative stress while group 5 was injected with saline solution and served as control. Following administration of cyclophosphamide, groups 1 to 3 were orally administered ginseng stem-leaf saponins at 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg BW in drinking water for 7 d, respectively. After that, the spleen, thymus, bursa, and serum were collected to measure the indices of the organs and oxidative parameters. The results showed that ginseng stem-leaf saponins significantly inhibited cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative stress by increasing the organ indices, total antioxidant capacity, and the levels of glutathione, ascorbic acid, and α-tocopherol, while elevating the activity of total superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, as well as decreasing the protein carbonyl content and malondialdehyde. Therefore, ginseng stem-leaf saponins could be a promising agent against oxidative stress in the poultry industry.