Dysfunction of autophagy in high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

ABBREVIATIONS

ACOX1: acyl-CoA oxidase 1; ADH5: alcohol dehydrogenase 5 (class III), chi polypeptide; ADIPOQ: adiponectin, C1Q and collagen domain containing; ATG: autophagy related; BECN1: beclin 1; CRTC2: CREB regulated transcription coactivator 2; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; F2RL1: F2R like trypsin receptor 1; FA: fatty acid; FOXO1: forkhead box O1; GLP1R: glucagon like peptide 1 receptor; GRK2: G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2; GTPase: guanosine triphosphatase; HFD: high-fat diet; HSCs: hepatic stellate cells; HTRA2: HtrA serine peptidase 2; IRGM: immunity related GTPase M; KD: knockdown; KDM6B: lysine demethylase 6B; KO: knockout; LAMP2: lysosomal associated membrane protein 2; LAP: LC3-associated phagocytosis; LDs: lipid droplets; Li KO: liver-specific knockout; LSECs: liver sinusoidal endothelial cells; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MAP3K5: mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 5; MED1: mediator complex subunit 1; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; MTORC1: mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1; NAFLD: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; NASH: non-alcoholic steatohepatitis; NFE2L2: NFE2 like bZIP transcription factor 2; NOS3: nitric oxide synthase 3; NR1H3: nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group H member 3; OA: oleic acid; OE: overexpression; OSBPL8: oxysterol binding protein like 8; PA: palmitic acid; RUBCNL: rubicon like autophagy enhancer; PLIN2: perilipin 2; PLIN3: perilipin 3; PPARA: peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha; PRKAA2/AMPK: protein kinase AMP-activated catalytic subunit alpha 2; RAB: member RAS oncogene family; RPTOR: regulatory associated protein of MTOR complex 1; SCD: stearoyl-CoA desaturase; SIRT1: sirtuin 1; SIRT3: sirtuin 3; SNARE: soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; SREBF1: sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1;SREBF2: sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 2; STING1: stimulator of interferon response cGAMP interactor 1; STX17: syntaxin 17; TAGs: triacylglycerols; TFEB: transcription factor EB; TP53/p53: tumor protein p53; ULK1: unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1; VMP1: vacuole membrane protein 1.

Exploration of the radiosensitivity-related prognostic risk signature in patients with glioma: evidence from microarray data

BACKGROUND

Gene expression signatures can be used as prognostic biomarkers in various types of cancers. We aim to develop a gene signature for predicting the response to radiotherapy in glioma patients.

METHODS

Radio-sensitive and radio-resistant glioma cell lines (M059J and M059K) were subjected to microarray analysis to screen for differentially expressed mRNAs. Additionally, we obtained 169 glioblastomas (GBM) samples and 5 normal samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, as well as 80 GBM samples and 4 normal samples from the GSE7696 set. The "DESeq2" R package was employed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the normal brain samples and GBM samples. Combining the prognostic-related molecules identified from the TCGA, we developed a radiosensitivity-related prognostic risk signature (RRPRS) in the training set, which includes 152 patients with glioblastoma. Subsequently, we validated the reliability of the RRPRS in a validation set containing 616 patients with glioma from the TCGA database, as well as an internal validation set consisting of 31 glioblastoma patients from the Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University.

RESULTS

Based on the microarray and LASSO COX regression analysis, we developed a nine-gene radiosensitivity-related prognostic risk signature. Patients with glioma were divided into high- or low-risk groups based on the median risk score. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the progression-free survival (PFS) of the high-risk group was significantly shorter. The signature accurately predicted PFS as assessed by time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analyses. Stratified analysis demonstrated that the signature is specific to predict the outcome of patients who were treated using radiotherapy. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the predictor was an independent predictor for the prognosis of patients with glioma. The prognostic nomograms accompanied by calibration curves displayed the 1-, 2-, and 3-year PFS and OS in patients with glioma.

CONCLUSION

Our study established a new nine-gene radiosensitivity-related prognostic risk signature that can predict the prognosis of patients with glioma who received radiotherapy. The nomogram showed great potential to predict the prognosis of patients with glioma treated using radiotherapy.

Sox17 protects human brain microvascular endothelial cells from AngII-induced injury by regulating autophagy and apoptosis

Intracranial aneurysm (IA), is a localized dilation of the intracranial arteries, the rupture of which is catastrophic. Hypertension is major IA risk factor that mediates endothelial cell damage. Sox17 is highly expressed in intracranial vascular endothelial cells, and GWAS studies indicate that its genetic alteration is one of the major genetic risk factors for IA. Vascular endothelial cell injury plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of IA. The genetic ablation of Sox17 plus hypertension induced by AngII can lead to an increased incidence of intracranial aneurysms had tested in the previous animal experiments. In order to study the underlying molecular mechanisms, we established stable Sox17-overexpressing and knockdown cell lines in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) first. Then flow cytometry, western blotting, and immunofluorescence were employed. We found that the knockdown of Sox17 could worsen the apoptosis and autophagy of HBMECs caused by AngII, while overexpression of Sox17 had the opposite effect. Transmission electron microscopy displayed increased autophagosomes after the knockdown of Sox17 in HBMECs. The RNA-sequencing analysis shown that dysregulation of the Sox17 gene was closely associated with the autophagy-related pathways. Our study suggests that Sox17 could protect HBMECs from AngII-induced injury by regulating autophagy and apoptosis.

[Characteristics and significance of outer retinal thickness changes in reticular macular disease]

Objective: To study the characteristics and significance of changes in the thickness of the outer retinal layer (ORL) outside the macula in patients with reticular macular disease (RMD). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. The clinical data of patients who visited the Department of Ophthalmology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from February to September 2019 were retrospectively collected. Thirty-one patients with at least one eye (54 eyes in total) diagnosed with early/mid-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were consecutively included in the AMD group, and 33 patients with at least one eye (64 eyes in total) showing subretinal wart-like deposits on optical coherence tomography images were consecutively included in the RMD group. Thirty-two volunteers aged between 50 to 90 years with a normal fundus in both eyes (64 eyes in total) were consecutively included in the healthy control (HC) group. Frequency domain optical coherence tomography was applied to examine and analyze the thickness features of the ORL, inner retinal layer and choroid at the macular fovea (F), 2 mm of the temporal edge (T), the nasal edge (N), the superior edge (S) and inferior edge (I) of the macular fovea in each group. The correlations of the thickness of ORL with the choroidal thickness and the blood flow density of the choriocapillaris layer in patients with RMD were also analyzed. Results: The thickness of ORL at the F, T, S and I sites in the RMD group was significantly thinner than that in the AMD and HC groups. The difference was most obvious at the F site [(90.27±8.93), (98.04±11.7) and (97.19±7.02)μm] in the RMD, AMD and HC groups, respectively; all P<0.01). In the logistic regression model with independent variables of the ORL thickness at the macular F site, gender and age, there was a significant association between the thickness of ORL at the F site and the incidence of RMD (odds ratio=0.926, P<0.05). The ORL and choroid in the eyes of patients with RMD were significantly thinner at the F site [(90.27±8.93) and (163.21±72.43) μm, respectively; both P<0.01] compared with the AMD [(98.04±11.7) and (235.34±64.15) μm, respectively] and HC [(97.19±7.02) and (240.08±62.27) μm, respectively] groups. However, the ORL and choroidal thickness did not show significant and strong linear correlations at multiple sites. In contrast, there was a significant linear correlation between the blood flow density of the choriocapillaris layer and the thickness of ORL at the F, T and S sites in patients with RMD (r=0.487, 0.722, 0.467, respectively; all P<0.05). Conclusions: The thickness of ORL outside the macula of eyes with RMD is thinner than that of healthy eyes and eyes with early/mid-stage AMD. The thinning of ORL outside the macula is related to the decrease in the blood flow density of the choriocapillaris layer in patients with RMD.

Demirjian method and Willems method to study the dental age of adolescents in Shanghai before and after 10 years

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to assess the validity of whether the difference in dental age between 2009 to 2011 and 2021 is affected by environmental factors such as environmental pollution, floating population, and dietary habits. Demirjian and Willems dental age estimation methods were conducted for a Han population of children aged 8 to 14 in Shanghai, China. A total of 1,259 digital panorama radiographs of children aged 8.00-14.99 was estimated. All digital panorama radiographs were estimated using the Demirjian and Willems methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Both 2009 to 2011 and 2021 were statistically analyzed by paired t-tests. The results show that the Demirjian method overestimates 2009 to 2011 and underestimates 2021 than children's chronological age. According to the Willms method, males are overestimated and females are underestimated from 2009 to 2011, and both genders were underestimated in 2021.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the difference in dental age between 2009 to 2011 and 2021 was statistically significant. Factors such as environment and dietary habits have been found to be affected by dental development. However, there are disputes among some researchers about the exact factors, so it is suggested to further study the effects of environmental factors on tooth development.

Comprehensive analysis of the autophagy-dependent ferroptosis-related gene FANCD2 in lung adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The development of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) involves the interactions between cell proliferation and death. Autophagy-dependent ferroptosis, a distinctive cell death process, was implicated in a multitude of diseases, whereas no research revealing the relationship between autophagy-dependent ferroptosis and LUAD pathogenesis was reported. Thus, the primary objective was to explore the role and potential function of the autophagy-dependent ferroptosis-related genes in LUAD.

METHODS

Clinical information and transcriptome profiling of patients with LUAD were retrieved and downloaded from open-source databases. Autophagy-dependent ferroptosis-related genes were screened by published articles. The critical gene was identified as the intersection between the differentially expressed genes and prognosis-related genes. Patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups using the expression level of the critical gene. The validity of the key gene prognosis model was verified by survival analysis. The correlation between the clinical characteristics of LUAD and the expression level of the key gene was analyzed to explore the clinical significance and prognosis value. And the roles of the key gene in response to chemotherapy, immune microenvironment, and tumor mutation burden were predicted. The validation of key gene expression levels was further performed by quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry staining.

RESULTS

FANCD2, an essential autophagy-dependent ferroptosis-related gene by searching database, was confirmed as an independent prognostic factor for LUAD occurrence. The high expression level of FANCD2 was associated with an advantaged TNM stage, a less chemotherapy sensitivity, a low ImmuneScore, which indicated a deactivation status in an immune microenvironment, a high tumor mutation burden, and poor survival for LUAD patients. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that FANCD2 responded to oxidative stress and neutrophil-mediated immunity. Quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry staining showed that the expression level of FANCD2 is higher in LUAD patients than in normal tissue samples, which was in accordance with the database report.

CONCLUSION

FANCD2, an essential gene related to autophagy-dependent ferroptosis, could work as a biomarker, predicting the survival, chemotherapy sensitivity, tumor immunity, and mutation burden of LUAD. Researching autophagy-dependent ferroptosis and targeting the FANCD2 may offer a new perspective for treating and improving prognosis in LUAD.

Defects of parvalbumin-positive interneurons in the ventral dentate gyrus region are implicated depression-like behavior in mice

Depression is an increasingly common but extremely serve mood disorder that remains poorly understood and inadequately treated. Fast-spiking parvalbumin-positive interneurons (PVIs), a subpopulation of GABAergic interneurons (GABA, g-aminobutyric acid), exhibit a widespread distribution throughout the hippocampus, and has been reported to play an important role in a variety of mental disorders. However, the relationship between depression and hippocampal PVIs remains unclear. Here in this present study, a series of experiments were conducted to clarify the potential relationship. Here, chronic unpredicted mild stress (CUMS) and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection were introduced to induce depression-like behavior in mice, and led to a clear decline in PVIs numbers in the ventral hippocampal (vHPC), particularly in the ventral dentate gyrus (vDG) subfield. After a selectively removal of the PVIs in PV-ires-Cre::Ai14 mice, we confirmed that ablation of PVIs from the vDG induced depression-like behavior. Furthermore, we found that the removal of vDG-PVIs induced depression likely to be accounted for upregulation of neuroinflammation. These findings facilitate us better understand the role of hippocampal PVIs in depression.

Therapeutic impact of thymoquninone to alleviate ischemic brain injury via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

Introduction: Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated inflammation plays a crucial role in ischemic brain injury. Therefore, the activation of the nuclear erythroid 2 related protein and heme-oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) pathway by thymoquinone (TQ) could ameliorate ischemic brain damage.Areas covered: The photo-thrombotic method was employed to assess the impact of TQ in attenuating ischemic brain damage in C57BL/6 J mice and thy1-YFP-16 transgenic mice. In vitro study of TQ efficiency to attenuate the oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) induced cell death by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACs) analysis was also analyzed. The protein expression levels of Nrf2/HO-1, inflammatory, and apoptotic were evaluated by immunofluorescence and western blot techniques. Besides, mRNA expression level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), proto-oncogene (c-MYC), proto-oncogene (c-FOS), 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors (5-HT), and autophagy-related 5 (Atg5) were evaluated by RT-qPCR. The dendritic spine density of YFP slices was determined by confocal microscope.Results: Our in vivo and in vitro results indicated that TQ significantly mitigates brain damage and motor dysfunction after ischemic stroke. These observations coincided with curtailed cell death, inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy. Most importantly, Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway activation by TQ was vital in the modulation of the above processes. Lastly, we found TQ to have minimal toxicity in liver tissue.Conclusion: Our study gives credence to TQ as a promising intervention therapy for cerebral ischemia that decreases inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal cell death via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, along with modulation of apoptotic and autophagic processes.

[Urinary retinol binding protein and β2-microglobulin were associated with urinary albumin to creatinine ratio and renal function in hospitalized diabetic patients]

Objective: To explore the associations of urinary retinol binding protein (RBP) and β₂-microglobulin (β₂-MG) with urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) and renal function in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A total of 1 030 Chinese patients with T2DM were included in this study. The subjects were divided into the UACR normal group (<30 mg/g), microalbuminuria group (30-300 mg/g) and macroalbuminuria group (>300 mg/g). Patients with normal UACR were further divided into two groups according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): the eGFR low group (<90 ml·min^-1·1.73m^-2) and the normal eGFR group (≥90 ml·min^-1·1.73m^-2). Urine RBP and β₂-MG levels among the groups were compared. Multiple linear regression analyses were applied to evaluate risk factors of urine RBP and β₂-MG. Results: In all patients (n=1 030), urine RBP and β₂-MG increased gradually with the increase of UACR across the three groups, the proportions of abnormal urine RBP (>0.7 mg/L) and β₂-MG (>370 μg/L) in these groups were 3.8%, 8.5%, 39.0% (P<0.001), and 12.9%, 26.7%, 46.8% (P<0.001), respectively. In the UACR normal group (n=788), 12.2% of the patients were with eGFR<90 ml·min^-1·1.73m^-2. The proportion of abnormal β₂-MG (>370 μg/L) was higher in the eGFR low group than that in the eGFR normal group (29.2% vs. 10.7%, P<0.001). Multivariate linear stepwise regression analyses were performed using natural logarithm of urine RBP or β₂-MG as dependent variable, and showed that urine RBP was independently associated with UACR (β=0.0005, P<0.001), serum creatinine (β=0.006, P<0.001) and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (β=0.050, P=0.001), and β₂-MG was independently correlated with UACR (β=0.000 4, P<0.001), serum creatinine (β=0.011, P<0.001), systolic blood pressure (β=0.005, P=0.031) and fasting blood-glucose (β=0.027, P=0.046). Conclusions: Urine RBP and β₂-MG are positively associated with high UACR and impaired renal function in T2DM patients, and these changes could occur before UACR and eGFR turned out to be abnormal. It is recommended that urine RBP and β₂-MG be detected as early as possible to identify diabetic kidney disease in patients with normal UACR and eGFR.

Thermo-Responsive Shape Memory Behavior of Methyl Vinyl Silicone Rubber/Olefin Block Copolymer Blends via Co-Crosslinking

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are developed by blending and cross-linking polymers which include crystalline domains and cross-linked networks. In this paper, we describe the morphology, thermal and shape memory behavior of methyl vinyl silicone rubber (MVMQ)/olefin block copolymer (OBC) blends prepared by a melt-blending and chemical cross-linking method. MVMQ without crystalline domains could not hold its temporary shape. After introducing the OBC, the obtained blends exhibited excellent dual shape memory properties. The cross-linking networks of MVMQ acted as reversible domains, while crystalline regions of OBC worked as fixed domains. When the blending ratio of MVMQ/OBC was 50/ 50, the blend had both a high shape fixity ratio and shape recovery ratio.

Minimal invasive versus open esophagectomy for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after neoadjuvant treatments

Background

Although previous studies have discussed whether the minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is superior to open surgery, the data concerning esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients underwent neoadjuvant treatment followed by radical resection is limited. The purpose of our study was to compare the short- and long-term clinical outcomes of the two surgical approaches in treating ESCC patients.

Methods

Between January 2010 and December 2016, ESCC patients who had received neoadjuvant therapy and underwent Mckeown esophagectomy at our institute were eligible. The baseline characteristics, pathological data, short-and long-term outcomes of these patients were collected and compared based on the surgical approach.

Results

A total of 195 patients was included in the current study. Compared to patients underwent open surgery, patients underwent MIE had shorter operative time and less intraoperative bleeding (390 min vs 330 min, P = 0.001; 204 ml vs 167 ml, P = 0.021). In addition, the risk of anastomotic leakage was decreased in MIE group (20.0% vs 3.3%, P < 0.001), while the occurrence of other complications did not have statistical significance between two groups. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) was no difference in patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy between the two approaches. For the patients underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, OS was significantly better in the MIE group (log rank = 6.197; P = 0.013).

Conclusion

Minimally invasive Mckeown esophagectomy is safe and feasible for ESCC patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy. MIE approach presented better perioperative results than open esophagectomy. The effect of surgical approaches on survival was depending on the scheme of neoadjuvant treatment.

Orbital competition of Mn3+ and V3+ ions in Mn1+x V2-x O4

The structural and magnetic properties of Mn1+x V2-x O4 (0 < x ⩽ 1) have been investigated by the heat capacity, magnetization, x-ray diffraction and neutron diffraction measurements, and a phase diagram of temperature versus composition was built up. For x ⩽ 0.3, a cubic-to-tetragonal (c > a) phase transition was observed. For x > 0.3, the system maintained the tetragonal lattice. Although the collinear and noncollinear magnetic transitions of V3+ ions were obtained in all compositions, the canting angles between the V3+ ions decreased with Mn3+-doping, and the ordering of the Mn3+ ions was only observed as x > 0.4. In order to study the dynamics of the ground state, the first principles simulation was applied to analyze not only the orbital effects of Mn2+, Mn3+, and V3+ ions, but also the related exchange energies.

Abstract 4721: Arid1a suppresses Akt/NRas-driven hepatocarcinogenesis in mice

The SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes are increasingly appreciated for their roles in carcinogenesis. Recent progress in human cancer genomic sequencing revealed that chromatin remodeling complexes are frequently targeted by cancer mutations, particularly in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). However, their precise role in HCC remains controversial and incompletely understood. AKT and NRAS are two major liver oncogenes that promote aberrant growth, metabolism and proliferation of hepatocytes, leading to initiation and development of HCC. Here, we investigated the role of Arid1a, one of the most mutated subunits of the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex across all human cancers, in hepatocarcinogenesis. To this end, we used Akt/NRas-driven mouse liver cancer model generated by hydrodynamic transfection (HDT). We found that overexpression of Arid1a strongly attenuated Akt/NRas-driven liver tumorigenesis and prolonged survival of animals. Conversely, knockdown of Arid1a accelerated Akt/NRas-driven liver cancer development and shortened survival in mice. We further showed that Arid1a antagonized activation of multiple molecular pathways downstream of Akt/NRas. Conclusion: Arid1a acts as a tumor suppressor in the Akt/NRas mouse HCC model. These new findings provide in vivo evidence for a tumor suppressive role of Arid1a-dependent chromatin remodeling in Akt/NRas-driven hepatocarinogenesis.

Citation Format: Shanshan Zhang, Yufeng Zhou, Di Cao, Qiannan Ren, Meiyin Zhang, Shijuan Mai, Huiyun Wang. Arid1a suppresses Akt/NRas-driven hepatocarcinogenesis in mice [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 4721.

Biology and applications of Clonostachys rosea

Clonostachys rosea is a promising saprophytic filamentous fungus that belongs to phylum Ascomycota. Clonostachys rosea is widespread around the world and exists in many kinds of habitats, with the highest frequency in soil. As an excellent mycoparasite, C. rosea exhibits strong biological control ability against numerous fungal plant pathogens, nematodes and insects. These behaviours are based on the activation of multiple mechanisms such as secreted cell-wall-degrading enzymes, production of antifungal secondary metabolites and induction of plant defence systems. Besides having significant biocontrol activity, C. rosea also functions in the biodegradation of plastic waste, biotransformation of bioactive compounds, as a bioenergy sources and in fermentation. This mini review summarizes information about the biology and various applications of C. rosea and expands on its possible uses.

[Spectomycin B1 induces VEGFR2 de-SUMO modification to inhibit angiogenesis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma]

Objective:To explore the new mechanism of spectomycin B1 in inhibiting angiogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and to provide a theoretical basis for targeted gene therapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Method:Human nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE1 cells were divided into two groups, the control group and spectomycin B1 group. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of small ubiquitin-related modified protein（SUMO） 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2（VEGFR2）. The angiogenesis assay was used to detect the angiogenic ability of CNE1 cells, and the apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The model of nasopharyngeal carcinoma-bearing mice was established, spectomycin B1 was administered, tumor volume and weight were measured, and protein expression of CD31 was detected by immunohistochemistry and microvessel density was compared. Result:Spectomycin B1 could reduce deSUMOylation of VEGFR2 protein by 4.05 times, significantly reduce the angiogenic ability of CNE1 cells, and increase the apoptosis rate by 20.68%. In the tumor-bearing mouse model, spectomycin B1 treatment could inhibit subcutaneous tumor growth rate and weight, and the blood vessel density decreased by 40.04%. Conclusion:Spectomycin B1 can inhibit neovascularization of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by inducing deSUMOylation of VEGFR2 protein.

Recent advances of induced pluripotent stem cells application in neurodegenerative diseases

Stem cell is defined by its ability to self-renewal and generates differentiated functional cell types, which are derived from the embryo and various sources of postnatal animal. These cells can be divided according to their potential development into totipotent, unipotent, multipotent andpluripotent. Pluripotent is considered as the most important type due to its advantageous capability to create different cell types of the body in a similar behavior as embryonic stem cell. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are adult cells that maintain the characteristics of embryonic stem cells because it can be genetically reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell-like state via express genes and transcription factors. Such cells provide an efficient pathway to explorehuman diseases and their corresponding therapy, particularly, neurodevelopmental disorders. Consequently, iPSCs can be investigated to check the specific mutations of neurodegenerative disease due to their unique ability to differentiate into neural cell types and/or neural organoids. The current review addresses the different neurodegenerative diseases model by using iPSCs approach such as Alzheimer's diseases (AD), Parkinson diseases (PD),multiplesclerosis(MS) and psychiatric disorders. We also highlight the importance of autophagy in neurodegenerative diseases.

Chronic peripheral ghrelin injection exerts antifibrotic effects by increasing growth differentiation factor 15 in rat hearts with myocardial fibrosis induced by isoproterenol

This study aimed to investigate the anti-fibrotic effects of ghrelin in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial fibrosis and the underlying mechanism. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to control, ISO, and ISO + ghrelin groups. ISO (2 mg/kg per day, subcutaneous) or vehicle was administered once daily for 7 days, then ghrelin (100 microg/kg per day, subcutaneous) was administered once daily for the next 3 weeks. Ghrelin treatment greatly improved the cardiac function of ISO-treated rats. Ghrelin also decreased plasma brain natriuretic peptide level and ratios of heart weight to body weight and left ventricular weight to body weight. Ghrelin significantly reduced myocardial collagen area and hydroxyproline content, accompanied by decreased mRNA levels of collagen type I and III. Furthermore, ghrelin increased plasma level of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) and GDF15 mRNA and protein levels in heart tissues, which were significantly decreased with ISO alone. The phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 and GSK-3beta at Ser9 was decreased with ISO, and ghrelin significantly reversed the downregulation of p-Akt and p-GSK-3beta. Mediated by GDF15, ghrelin could attenuate ISO-induced myocardial fibrosis via Akt-GSK-3beta signaling.

SIRT1 Protects Against Apoptosis by Promoting Autophagy in the Oxygen Glucose Deprivation/Reperfusion-Induced Injury

Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) contributes to cellular regulation. Previous studies have reported SIRT1 to be abnormally expressed in the ischemic penumbra of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury rat model. We investigated the effect of SIRT1 on oxygen and glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) cell injury. Over-expressed or silenced SIRT1 pheochromocytoma 12 (PC12) cells were exposed to an in-vitro OGD/R injury. Western blot, TUNEL staining and immunofluorescence analyses were performed to assess apoptosis and autophagy. We found autophagy and apoptosis to be up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively, following the over-expression of SIRT1 in the OGD/R-induced PC12 cells. We also found the silencing of SIRT1 to culminate in the down-regulation and up-regulation of autophagy and apoptosis, respectively. On the basis of our results, we surmise that SIRT1 can promote autophagy and inhibit apoptosis in-vitro, and thus exhibit potential neuroprotection against OGD/R-induced injury. This could facilitate in the development of therapeutic approaches for cerebral I/R injury.

Genetic determinates for conjugated linolenic acid production in Lactobacillus plantarum ZS2058

AIMS

To investigate the genetic determinates for conjugated linolenic acid (CLNA) production in Lactobacillus plantarum ZS2058, a high CLNA producer.

METHODS AND RESULTS

After culturing with α-linolenic acid (ALA) in the medium, the fatty acid compositions of supernatant fluid and cell pellets were analysed via GC-MS. cis9,trans11,cis15-CLNA was identified to be the predominant isomer. And during CLNA production, 10-hydroxy-cis12-cis15-octadecenoic acid (10-HOEA) and 10-oxo-cis12-cis15-octadecenoic acid (10-OXOA) were accumulated. The E. coli recombinants harbouring genes encoding myosin-cross-reactive antigen (MCRA), short-chain dehydrogenase/oxidoreductase (DH) and acetoacetate decarboxylase (DC), respectively, were analysed for their roles in CLNA production. The results indicated that MCRA converted ALA to 10-HOEA, following converted to 10-OXOA by DH. While with the combination of three recombinants, ALA could be transformed into CLNA plus 10-HOEA and 10-OXOA. When the three genes were deleted, none of the L. plantarum ZS2058 knockout mutants could produce any CLNA, after complementation, and all the complementary mutants recovered the CLNA-production ability at similar levels as the wild strain.

CONCLUSIONS

Lactobacillus plantarum ZS2058 produced CLNA from ALA with 10-HOEA and 10-OXOA as intermediates. The triple-component isomerase of MCRA, DH and DC was the unique genetic determinant for CLNA generation.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The current results firstly provided conclusive evidence that the triple-component isomerase complex was shared by both CLA and CLNA production in lactobacilli.

Identification and comparative profiling of gonadal microRNAs in the adult pigeon (Columba livia)

1. MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNA molecules that play crucial roles in gene expression. However, the comparative profiling of testicular and ovarian microRNAs in birds are rarely reported, particularly in pigeon.2. In this study, Illumina next-generation sequencing technology was used to sequence miRNA libraries of the gonads from six healthy adult utility pigeons. A total of 344 conserved known miRNAs and 32 novel putative miRNAs candidates were detected. Compared with those of ovaries, 130 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were identified in the testes. Among them, 70 miRNAs showed down-regulation in the ovaries, while another 60 miRNAs were up-regulated.3. Combining the results of the expression of target gene measurements and pathway enrichment analyses, it was revealed that some DEmiRNAs from the gonad samples involved in sexual differentiation and development (such as cli-miR-210-3p and cli-miR-214-3p) could down-regulate AR (androgen receptor). Cli-miR-181b-5p, cli-miR-9622-3p and cli-miR-145-5p were highly expressed in both the ovaries and testes, which could co-target HOXC9, and were related to regulation of primary metabolic processes. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that DEmiRNAs may play biological and sex-related roles in pigeon gonads.4. The expression profiles of testicular and ovarian miRNA in adult pigeon gonads are presented for the first time, and the findings may contribute to a better understanding of gonadal expression in poultry.

[Hypoxia increases chemotherapy resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma via inducing CDK6 deSUMOylation]

Objective: To understand the mechanism of chemotherapy resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma under hypoxic conditions through the perspective of protein SUMOylation modification. Methods: Cobalt chloride (CoCl(2)) was used to establish the hypoxic model of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE1 cells. Then, the cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry, and the expression level of small ubiquitin-related modifier(SUMO) and cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) proteins were detected by western blotting. MTT assay was used to determine the median lethal dose (IC(50)) of cancer cells against cisplatin, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level. Results: The cell cycle of CNE1 induced by hypoxia was arrested in G0/G1 phase.The results of Western blot showed that the protein expression level of CDK6 in CNE1 cells was lower than that in the control group (0.83±0.25 vs. 0.43±0.21, t=14.67, P=0.003). The protein level of conjugated SUMO1 was significantly lower than that in the control group (2.69±0.48 vs. 1.38±0.31, t=17.22, P=0.001), while the level of free SUMO1 protein was significantly higher than that in the control group (2.01±0.43 vs. 2.60±0.59, t=15.45, P=0.002).The LC50 of CNE1 cells in the control group was significantly lower than that in the hypoxic group (29.44 μg/ml vs. 97.72 μg/ml, t=12.79, P=0.001). After CNE1 cells received 50 μg/ml cisplatin for 48 h, the LDH content in the supernatant of the control group was significantly higher than that in the hypoxic group ((541.49±64.59) ng/ml vs. (234.67±41.03) ng/ml, t=11.94, P=0.007)). The apoptosis rate of CNE1 cells in the control group was significantly higher than that in the hypoxic group ((76.64±5.37)% vs. (32.84±4.77) ng/ml, t=8.49, P=0.003)). Conclusion: Hypoxia can dissociate the covalent modification of CDK6 and SUMO1, inhibit cell cycle and increase the chemotherapy resistance of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Concerns regarding complementary feeding practices among urban Chinese mothers: a focus group study in Xi'an

BACKGROUND

Complementary feeding (CF) is an important determinant of infant growth and development. However, CF practices are influenced by caregivers' perceptions and knowledge. This study aimed to describe perceptions and factors that potentially influence CF practices among Chinese mothers living in Xi'an, a rapidly developing city in China.

METHODS

This focus group study included three discussion groups. Topics related to practices and concerns regarding CF were discussed among women with at least one child aged 4-36 months. A brief questionnaire was used to collect demographic information for mothers and their children.

RESULTS

Among study participants, the timing of starting CF for their children varied from age 4 to 8 months. Grain was ranked as the top food for CF, and homemade food was preferred to commercial CF products. Food additives and preservatives were the priority concerns when purchasing commercial baby food, particularly regarding uncertainty about their safety. In terms of nutrition, deficiencies in minerals and vitamins were of major concern. The issue of bio-availability of added nutrients in baby food was also raised during the discussions. Participants showed a strong reliance on information obtained from the Internet via computers or smartphones as their main source of CF knowledge, but felt this information lacked expertise.

CONCLUSIONS

Participating mothers from Xi'an prefer homemade food for CF to commercial products. More scientific knowledge of CF and related food safety issues should be available, perhaps via Internet-based approaches.

Optimization of Growth Temperature of β-Ga₂O₃ Thin Films for Solar-Blind Photodetectors

Monoclinic gallium oxide thin films were deposited on c-plane sapphire substrates at various substrate temperatures ranging from 450 °C to 700 °C by radio frequency magnetron sputtering technology. X-ray diffraction results showed that the deposited β-Ga2O3 films were oriented at ( 2 ¯ 01) direction. As the substrate temperature increased, the intensity of β-Ga2O3 peaks increased and bandgap decreased accordingly. Metal/semiconductor/metal structured solar-blind photodetectors based on β-Ga2O3 thin films growing at various substrate temperatures had been fabricated. The growth temperatures of thin films had no obvious influence on dark current and response to 365 nm light illuminations. The photoelectric properties such as responsivity and response speed of the thin films to 254 nm light illuminations were growth temperature dependent. At an applied bias of 50 V, the photodetectors prepared with 450 °C grown film had the highest responsivity of 2.18 A/W, and the photodetectors prepared with 700 °C grown film had the shortest rising time of 0.95 s under 254 nm light illuminations.

Effects of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release from polylactide-poly (ethylene glycol)-polylactide (PELA) microcapsule-based scaffolds on bone

Multiple growth factors can be administered to mimic the natural process of bone healing in bone tissue engineering. We investigated the effects of sequential release of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) from polylactide-poly (ethylene glycol)-polylactide (PELA) microcapsule-based scaffolds on bone regeneration. To improve the double emulsion/solvent evaporation technique, VEGF was encapsulated in PELA microcapsules, to which BMP-2 was attached. The scaffold (BMP-2/PELA/VEGF) was then fused to these microcapsules using the dichloromethane vapor method. The bioactivity of the released BMP-2 and VEGF was then quantified in rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs). Immunoblotting analysis showed that BMP-2/PELA/VEG promoted the differentiation of rMSCs into osteoblasts via the MAPK and Wnt pathways. Osteoblast differentiation was assessed through alkaline phosphatase expression. When compared with simple BMP-2 plus VEGF group and pure PELA group, osteoblast differentiation in BMP-2/PELA/VEGF group significantly increased. An MTT assay indicated that BMP-2-loaded PELA scaffolds had no adverse effects on cell activity. BMP-2/PELA/VEG promoted the differentiation of rMSCs into osteoblast via the ERK1/2 and Wnt pathways. Our findings indicate that the sequential release of BMP-2 and VEGF from PELA microcapsule-based scaffolds is a promising approach for the treatment of bone defects.

Altered expression of BDNF, BDNF pro-peptide and their precursor proBDNF in brain and liver tissues from psychiatric disorders: rethinking the brain-liver axis

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has a role in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. The precursor proBDNF is converted to mature BDNF and BDNF pro-peptide, the N-terminal fragment of proBDNF; however, the precise function of these proteins in psychiatric disorders is unknown. We sought to determine whether expression of these proteins is altered in the brain and peripheral tissues from patients with psychiatric disorders. We measured protein expression of proBDNF, mature BDNF and BDNF pro-peptide in the parietal cortex, cerebellum, liver and spleen from control, major depressive disorder (MDD), schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD) groups. The levels of mature BDNF in the parietal cortex from MDD, SZ and BD groups were significantly lower than the control group, whereas the levels of BDNF pro-peptide in this area were significantly higher than controls. In contrast, the levels of proBDNF and BDNF pro-peptide in the cerebellum of MDD, SZ and BD groups were significantly lower than controls. Moreover, the levels of mature BDNF from the livers of MDD, SZ and BD groups were significantly higher than the control group. The levels of mature BDNF in the spleen did not differ among the four groups. Interestingly, there was a negative correlation between mature BDNF in the parietal cortex and mature BDNF in the liver in all the subjects. These findings suggest that abnormalities in the production of mature BDNF and BDNF pro-peptide in the brain and liver might have a role in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders, indicating a brain-liver axis in psychiatric disorders.

Multidisciplinary Cooperation in a Simultaneous Combined Liver and Kidney Transplantation Patient of Primary Hyperoxaluria 1

Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 is an autosomal recessive hereditary glyoxylate metabolism disorder characterized by excessive production of oxalate, caused by the deficiency of liver specific peroxisomal enzyme: alanineglyoxylate aminotransferase. For patients with end-stage renal disease, combined liver and kidney transplantation was needed. This report describes one patient, with a diagnosis of end-stage renal disease and primary hyperoxaluria 1 confirmed by PCR and direct sequencing with genomic DNA, received the simultaneous combined liver and kidney transplantation after seven months' waiting. However, there were several complications observed post surgery, such as protracted bleeding, common bile duct anastomotic stenosis, biliary calculi and recurrence of urolithiasis. All these were well solved by relevant department, and finally a satisfactory outcome was achieved. Multidisciplinary cooperation plays an important role on the PH1 patient management, especially when multiple complications are encountered.

Current Status of Substance Abuse in East Asia and Therapeutic Prospects

The abuse of drugs, including opioids and stimulants, is a major public health problem worldwide, including in East Asia. Nonetheless, there are no pharmacological treatments for many psychiatric or neurological symptoms associated with that abuse. Abused drugs exert several detrimental effects on structural plasticity in brain regions associated with reward circuits. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie this structural plasticity in brain neurons will aid in the development of novel therapeutic drugs for substance abuse. In this review, we discuss recent topics in substance abuse in East Asia and the therapeutic drugs available. Finally, we discuss potential therapeutic signalling pathways involved in long-term changes to structural plasticity in the brain after repeated administration of opioids and stimulants.

Multicentre study to evaluate the clinical effects of laparoscopic uterine artery occlusion in combination with myomectomy to treat symptomatic uterine leiomyomas

OBJECTIVE

Uterine artery occlusion is often used to treat symptomatic uterine myomas, as this is a minimally invasive approach. However, alternative methods for uterus-sparing therapy are in development. This study aimed to compare the clinical effects of laparoscopic uterine artery occlusion (LUAO) in combination with laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) with LM alone for the management of symptomatic uterine leiomyomas.

STUDY DESIGN

This multicentre study was a retrospective controlled investigation. In total, 618 patients with symptomatic uterine myomas from six hospitals in Eastern China underwent LUAO+LM or LM alone between June 2011 and December 2012. Operative time, blood loss, transfusion, highest temperature, postoperative hospital stay, complications and follow-up results were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Complete clinical data were available for 504 patients. Among these, 324 patients underwent LUAO+LM and 180 patients underwent LM alone. Mean±standard deviation blood loss, transfusion, highest peri-operative temperature and duration of hospital stay were significantly lower in the LUAO+LM group compared with the LM group (83.61±53.70ml vs 109±58.43ml, 1.85% vs 6.11%, 37.6±0.40°C vs 37.9±0.45°C and 5.11±0.62 days vs 6.10±0.83 days, respectively). The mean duration of follow-up was 38.97±5.82 months in the LUAO+LM group and 37.30±2.25 months in the LM group (p>0.05). The relief of abnormal uterine bleeding, reduction of uterine volume and recurrence of myomas were more remarkable in the LUAO+LM group than the LM group (97.22% vs 83.75%, 62.42% vs 51.83% and 3.47% vs 10.63%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

LUAO in combination with LM was associated with higher surgical quality, greater relief of abnormal symptoms and less recurrence of myomas compared with LM alone. LUAO in combination with LM is recommended for women with symptomatic uterine myomas who wish to preserve their uterus.

Theranostic body fluid cleansing: rationally designed magnetic particles enable capturing and detection of bacterial pathogens

We show theoretical and experimental considerations on bacteria capturing and enrichment via magnetic separation enabling integrated diagnosis and treatment of blood stream infections.

Direct visualization of the novel pathogen, Spiroplasma eriocheiris, in the freshwater crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Girard) using fluorescence in situ hybridization

Spiroplasma eriocheiris is the first spiroplasma strain known to be pathogenic to freshwater crustaceans. It has caused considerable economic losses both in the freshwater crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Girard) and in some other crustaceans. The monitoring of the pathogen in crustacean populations and study of its behaviour in the laboratory require the development of reliable diagnostic tools. In this article, we improved microscopic identification of S. eriocheiris by combining in situ hybridization with specific fluorescently labelled oligonucleotide probes. The established fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) allowed simultaneous visualization, identification and localization of S. eriocheiris in the tissues of diseased crayfish P. clarkii and exhibited low background autofluorescence and ideal signal-to-noise ratio. With the advantages of better tissue penetration, potentially more specific and stable, we designed three species-specific oligonucleotide probes utilizing the sequences of 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer regions (ISRs) of S. eriocheiris. Positive hybridization signals were visualized in haemocytes and connective tissues of hepatopancreas, cardiac muscle and gill from diseased crayfish. This unique distribution pattern matched the pathological changes when diagnosed by H&E staining and indicated that S. eriocheiris probably spread throughout the tissues in P. clarkii by hemokinesis. This assay will facilitate our understanding of the pathogenesis of S. eriocheiris and enhance the early diagnosis of the novel pathogen.