Choroid plexus enlargement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients and its correlation with clinical disability and blood-CSF barrier permeability

BACKGROUND

Using in vivo neuroimaging techniques, growing evidence has demonstrated that the choroid plexus (CP) volume is enlarged in patients with several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. However, although animal and postmortem findings suggest that CP abnormalities are likely important pathological mechanisms underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the third most common neurodegenerative disease, no available study has been conducted to thoroughly assess CP abnormalities and their clinical relevance in vivo in ALS patients to date. Thus, we aimed to determine whether in vivo CP enlargement may occur in ALS patients. We also aimed to identify the relationships of CP volume with clinical disabilities and blood-CSF barrier (BCSFB) permeability in ALS patients.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, based on structural MRI data, CP volume was assessed using a Gaussian mixture model and underwent further manual correction in 155 ALS patients and 105 age- and sex-matched HCs from October 2021 to April 2023. The ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) was used to assess clinical disability. The CSF/serum albumin quotient (Qalb) was used to assess BCSFB permeability. Moreover, all the ALS patients completed genetic testing, and according to genetic testing, the ALS patients were further divided into genetic ALS subgroup and sporadic ALS subgroup.

RESULTS

We found that compared with HCs, ALS patients had a significantly higher CP volume (p < 0.001). Moreover, compared with HCs, CP volume was significantly increased in both ALS patients with and without known genetic mutations after family-wise error correction (p = 0.006 and p < 0.001, respectively), while there were no significant differences between the two ALS groups. Furthermore, the CP volume was significantly correlated with the ALSFRS-r score (r = -0.226; p = 0.005) and the Qalb (r = 0.479; p < 0.001) in ALS patients.

CONCLUSION

Our study first demonstrates CP enlargement in vivo in ALS patients, and continues to suggest an important pathogenetic role for CP abnormalities in ALS. Moreover, assessing CP volume is likely a noninvasive and easy-to-implement approach for screening BCSFB dysfunction in ALS patients.

Monitoring the Mitochondrial Viscosity Changes During Cuproptosis with Iridium(III) Complex Probe via In Situ Phosphorescence Lifetime Imaging

Cuproptosis is a novel copper-dependent form of programmed cell death, displaying important regulatory functions in many human diseases, including cancer. However, the relationship between the changes in mitochondrial viscosity, a key factor associated with cellular malfunction, and cuproptosis is still unclear. Herein, we prepared a phosphorescent iridium (Ir) complex probe for precisely monitoring the changes of mitochondrial viscosity during cuprotosis via phosphorescence lifetime imaging. The Ir complex probe possessed microsecond lifetimes (up to 1 μs), which could be easily distinguished from cellular autofluorescence to improve the imaging contrast and sensitivity. Benefiting from the long phosphorescence lifetime, excellent viscosity selectivity, and mitochondrial targeting abilities, the Ir complex probe could monitor the increase in the mitochondrial viscosity during cuproptosis (from 46.8 to 68.9 cP) in a quantitative manner. Moreover, through in situ fluorescence imaging, the Ir complex probe successfully monitored the increase in viscosity in zebrafish treated with lipopolysaccharides or elescolomol-Cu2+, which were well-known cuproptosis inducers. We anticipate that this new Ir complex probe will be a useful tool for in-depth understanding of the biological effects of mitochondrial viscosity during cuproptosis.

Field-induced Bose-Einstein condensation in zigzag spin chain KGaCu(PO4)2

Single crystals of GaKCu(PO4)2were synthesized using the hydrothermal method, and subsequent measurements of specific heat, magnetic susceptibility, and high-field magnetization were performed. A broad peak is observed in the magnetic susceptibility and specific heat curves, with the maximum values appearing at about 11.5 K and 5.29 K, respectively. The highest maximum peak value of susceptibility is observed when the magnetic field is applied along thec-axis, followed by thea-axis,b-axis, and polycrystalline samples. These indicate that the system exhibits one-dimensional magnetism and the magnetic easy axis is thecaxis. The magnetization at 2 K reveals the occurrence of a field-induced Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) phase within the magnetic field range of approximately 8-12 T. High-field magnetization up to 40 T indicates that the compound reaches magnetization saturation as the field exceedsHs= 12 T. Through systematic measurements, a field-temperature (H-T) phase diagram was constructed, and dome-like phase boundaries were observed. The findings suggest that GaKCu(PO4)2is a spin gap system and a promising candidate for studying BEC of magnons due to its phase transition boundary occurring at low magnetic fields.

Effects of Aromatherapy Massage Combined with TCM Emotional Release Technique on Maternal and Neonatal Physical and Mental Health and Family Relationship in Patients with Postpartum Depression

Objective

To explore the effects of aromatherapy massage combined with TCM emotional release technique on maternal and neonatal physical and mental health and family relationships in patients with postpartum depression.

Methods

A The total number of participants in the study was 160, who were evenly distributed through random assignment into four groups of 40 in each group. This random assignment process was designed to ensure that each group was similar in terms of demographic characteristics and other potential confounding factors to increase the comparability and internal validity of the study. The 160 patients with postpartum depression admitted to the obstetrics department of the Hebei 3a Hospital were enrolled between April 2021 and May 2022, and they were randomly divided into control group, sweet orange aromatherapy massage group, emotional release technique group and combination group, 40 cases in each group. The negative emotions, stress state, mania, levels of neurotransmitters and family intimacy adaptability were compared in the four groups before and after intervention.

Results

After the intervention, scores of a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7) and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) in the combination group were higher than those in the other three groups, and were higher in the emotional release technique group and sweet orange aromatherapy massage group than control group (P < .05). After the intervention, scores of PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL) and 32-item hypomania checklist (HCL-32) were the highest in the control group, followed by the sweet orange aromatherapy massage group, emotional release technique group and combination group (P < .05). After the intervention, levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) were the highest in the combination group, followed by the emotional release technique group, sweet orange aromatherapy massage group, and control group (P < .05), and adaptability level of family intimacy was also in the same order (P < .05). In the combined treatment group, generalized anxiety disorder score (GAD-7) and postpartum depression scale (EPDS) scores were increased compared with the control group, indicating increased symptom severity in these two areas. GAD-7 and EPDS scores also increased significantly in the emotional release technique group and the sweet orange aromatherapy massage group. Although the magnitude of the increase may be different, both interventions seemed to lead to an increase in anxiety and depressive symptoms. As the intervention progressed, the control group had the highest scores on the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Citizen Version (PCL) and the Hyperactivity Checklist 32 (HCL-32), followed by the Sweet Orange Aromatherapy Massage Group and the Emotional Release Technique group and combined treatment group. This indicates that symptom severity was significantly higher in the control group than in the other intervention groups in both areas. Levels of serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) increased in different groups, the highest in the combined treatment group, followed by the emotional release technique group, sweet orange aromatherapy massage group and the control group. This may indicate that the combination treatment had a positive effect on modulating the levels of these neurotransmitters. The adaptation level of family intimacy also changed according to the same trend. The highest level was in the combined treatment group, followed by the emotional release technique group, the sweet orange aromatherapy massage group and the control group. This may mean that combined treatment has a positive impact on the adaptability of family relationships.

Conclusion

Aromatherapy massage combined with an emotional release technique can reduce negative emotions, stress, and mania, improve positive emotions and family intimacy adaptability of patients. These findings have important clinical implications as they relate to the well-being of women and families in the postpartum period. Reducing negative emotions and stress will improve women's mental health and improve their quality of life. In addition, positive emotional support helps create a healthy family atmosphere and has a positive impact on society as a whole.

Interaction between COVID-19 and epilepsy during the omicron surge: A cross-sectional survey conducted in China tertiary hospital

Objective

It is unclear whether patients with epilepsy are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, whether they experience more severe manifestations of COVID-19, and whether seizures worsen after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our study aims to explore these points and provide comprehensive and practical guidance for patients with epilepsy.

Methods

We designed a questionnaire to collect variables from epilepsy patients. We used the Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, or Mann-Whitney U test to analyze differences between the two groups. Multiple logistic regressions were employed to determine the risk factors for relevant outcome variables.

Results

We identified a total of 181 patients, with 74% (n = 134) reporting COVID-19. The patients' educational level was found to be a risk factor for COVID-19 (OR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.14-0.80, P = 0.013). When comparing seizure frequency changes between epilepsy patients with and without COVID-19, no statistically significant difference was observed (P > 0.05). However, an increase in seizure frequency was significantly associated with higher levels of anxiety (P < 0.001) and depression (P < 0.005).

Conclusion

The risk of COVID-19 infection may be increased in patients with epilepsy. COVID-19 infection does not seem to worsen seizures in epilepsy patients. Patients with epilepsy rarely develop more severe clinical manifestations of COVID-19 after SARS-CoV-2 infection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with epilepsy who also suffer from anxiety and depression may experience an increase in the frequency of their seizures.

The relationship between the number of CAG repeats and clinical manifestations: a survey of Chinese DRPLA family

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical, radiological, and genetic characteristics of a Chinese family with dentatorubropallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA). Explore the distribution of CAG repeat size to the clinical features of patients.

METHODS

We collected the clinical symptoms and DNA analysis for the DRPLA gene was performed on the family members. DRPLA patients reported in the literature were reviewed to analyze the association between CAG repeat size and clinical features.

RESULTS

Six family members were confirmed by genetic analysis. The number of CAG repeat in the proband, her sister, her grandmother, her father, her uncle, and her cousin, was determined respectively as 63, 75, 50, 50, 50, 54. In our family, the sister of the proband had the earliest onset age and the most severe clinical symptoms, followed by the proband, and other family members showed no obvious clinical symptoms. Consistent with the conclusion of previous studies, the more repeats CAG, the earlier the age of onset and the severer phenotypes are.

CONCLUSION

We found six family members have CAG repeat expansion in the DRPLA gene on chromosome 12p13. Even in the same family, patients have different clinical presentations. The size of CAG repeats is negatively correlated with the age of onset and positively correlated with symptom severity. When the number of repeats is ≥ 63, the age at onset is < 21 years old, and obvious clinical symptoms generally appear. It seems to say the more repeats CAG, the earlier the age of onset and the severer phenotypes are.

LIMITATIONS

With a small number of cases in our family, the conclusion that the more CAG repeats, the earlier the onset and the more severe the clinical symptoms cannot be fully proved.

Efficacy, tolerability and safety of perampanel in children and adolescents with epilepsy: Systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Perampanel (PER) is a novel antiepileptic drug. The efficacy, tolerability and safety of PER in children and adolescents with epilepsy are still unclear. We aimed to study the efficacy and safety of PER in children and adolescents with epilepsy.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library for relevant literature up to November 2022. Then we extracted the relevant data from eligible literature for systematic review and meta-analysis.

RESULT

Twenty-one studies involving 1968 children and adolescent patients were included. A reduction in seizure frequency of at least 50 percent occurred in 51.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] [47.1%, 55.9%]) of patients. Complete seizure cessation occurred in 20.6% (95%CI [16.7%, 25.4%]). The incidence of adverse events was 40.8% (95%CI [33.8%, 48.2%]). The most common adverse events were drowsiness 15.3% (95% CI [13.7%, 16.9%]), irritability 9.3% (95%CI [8.0%, 10.6%]), dizziness 8.4% (95% CI [7.2%, 9.7%]). The incidence of drug discontinuation due to adverse events was 9.2% (95% CI [7.0%, 11.5%]).

CONCLUSION

PER is generally well tolerated and effective in the treatment of epilepsy in children and adolescents. Larger studies are still needed to explore the application of PER in children and adolescents.

RISK OF BIAS AND LIMITATION

The funnel plot suggests that there may be publication bias in our meta-analysis, and most of the included studies were Asian, so there may be some racial differences.

Effect of Multimodal Health Education Combined with the Feedback Method in Perioperative Patients with Lung Cancer: A Randomised Controlled Study

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of multimodal health education combined with a feedback method in perioperative patients with lung cancer.

METHODS

A total of 200 lung cancer patients were divided into the observation group and the control group. The observation group adopted the multimodal health education combined with the feedback method, and the control group adopted the conventional health education model. The postoperative extubation time, length of hospital stay, time to first leaving the bed, postoperative exercise compliance, emotional-distress index and patient satisfaction were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The postoperative extubation time (2.80 ± 1.03 days), the emotional-distress index (8.26 ± 3.01) and the time to first leaving the bed (23.74 ± 11.87 h) were all lower in the observation group than in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). The postoperative exercise compliance (49.69 ± 3.60) and patient satisfaction (98.32 ± 1.66) values were higher in the observation group than in the control group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Multimodal health education combined with the feedback method can improve the postoperative exercise compliance of lung cancer patients, reduce their postoperative rehabilitation time and improve their postoperative psychological state and satisfaction, which is in line with the concept of promoting the enhanced recovery of lung cancer patients.

Predictive role of blood-based indicators in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders

Introduction

This study aimed to assess the predictive role of blood markers in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD).

Methods

Data from patients with NMOSD, multiple sclerosis (MS), and healthy individuals were retrospectively collected in a 1:1:1 ratio. The expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score was used to assess the severity of the NMOSD upon admission. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to distinguish NMOSD patients from healthy individuals, and active NMOSD from remitting NMOSD patients. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate risk factors that could be used to predict disease recurrence. Finally, Wilcoxon signed-rank test or matched-sample t-test was used to analyze the differences between the indicators in the remission and active phases in the same NMOSD patient.

Results

Among the 54 NMOSD patients, neutrophil count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) (platelet × NLR) were significantly higher than those of MS patients and healthy individuals and positively correlated with the EDSS score of NMOSD patients at admission. PLR can be used to simultaneously distinguish between NMOSD patients in the active and remission phase. Eleven (20.4%) of the 54 patients had recurrence within 12 months. We found that monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) (AUC = 0.76, cut-off value = 0.34) could effectively predict NMOSD recurrence. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that a higher MLR at first admission was the only risk factor for recurrence (p = 0.027; OR = 1.173; 95% CI = 1.018-1.351). In patients in the relapsing phase, no significant changes in monocyte and lymphocyte count was observed from the first admission, whereas patients in remission had significantly higher levels than when they were first admitted.

Conclusion

High PLR is a characteristic marker of active NMOSD, while high MLR is a risk factor for disease recurrence. These inexpensive indicators should be widely used in the diagnosis, prognosis, and judgment of treatment efficacy in NMOSD.

Association between cerebral blood flow changes and blood-brain barrier compromise in spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage

AIM

To quantitatively evaluate blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability in the perihaematomal region of spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) and investigate the association between the alterations in cerebral blood flow and BBB permeability around the haematoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Spontaneous ICH patients underwent unenhanced computed tomography (CT) and CT perfusion (CTP) simultaneously. Haematoma volume was measured on CT. The values of cerebral haemodynamic parameters including cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), mean transit time (MTT), time to peak (TTP), and permeability-surface area product (PS) were measured in the perihaematomal region and the contralateral mirror region, and then relative values were calculated for statistical analysis. Linear regression was used to evaluate associations between BBB permeability and variables.

RESULTS

A total of 87 ICH patients were included in this study. The focally elevated BBB permeability was observed in the perihaematomal region in ICH patients. Linear regression showed that reduced rCBF (β = -0.379, p=0.001) and increased rCBV (β = 0.412, p=0.000) correlated independently with increased relative PS (rPS) value in deep ICH, while only increased rCBV (β = 0.423, p=0.071) correlated to increased rPS value in patients with lobar ICH.

CONCLUSIONS

BBB permeability is focally elevated in the region around the haematoma. Cerebral haemodynamic alterations are associated with increased BBB permeability. Cerebral hypoperfusion may aggravate BBB compromise, and a compensatory increase in CBV may lead to reperfusion injury on BBB.

[Pathogenic detection and molecular tracing of a bacillary dysentery outbreak by Shigella sonnei in Huainan city]

Objective: To understand the virulence gene and drug resistance profile of Shigella sonnei outbreak in Huainan city, and conduct pathogenic traceability analysis. Methods: Water samples and feces related to an infectious diarrhea outbreak in Huainan city in August 2020 were collected for multiple pathogen detection. Virulence gene, drug sensitivity, pulse-field gel electrophoresis and whole genome sequencing of Shigella isolates were analyzed respectively. Results: 38 strains of Shigella sonnei were detected in 56 samples of mucilage feces with a positive rate 67.86%, and all serotypes were Shigella sonnei Phase I. Three strains of Shigella sonnei were detected by fluorescence PCR in the Gram-negative (GN) bacterial enrichment solution of terminal water and well water. Virulence genes were ipaH positive (38), ipaH/ial (31) and ipaH/ial/sen positive (1), respectively. The drug resistance spectrum showed that 9 of 14 antibiotics were 100% resistant, and only imipenem, chloramphenicol, ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin were effective drugs. XbaⅠ restriction enzyme map type of 36 isolates was completely consistent, and the ST type analysis of 3 strains was ST152. Whole genome sequencing and analysis verified that the outbreak was caused by a single clonal group of strains, and revealed that the isolates of the outbreak were clustered into a large cluster with 3 Chinese strains and 1 Korean strain in the database, far away from the strains of other countries. Conclusion: The outbreak is caused by a single clone of Shigella sonnei, which are low virulence strains and have multiple drug resistance.

Berberine combined with stachyose improves glycometabolism and gut microbiota through regulating colonic microRNA and gene expression in diabetic rats

AIMS

Berberine is effective for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but has limited use in clinic. This study aims to evaluate the effect of berberine combined with stachyose on glycolipid metabolism and gut microbiota and to explore the underlying mechanisms in diabetic rats.

MAIN METHODS

Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats were orally administered berberine, stachyose and berberine combined with stachyose once daily for 69 days. The oral glucose tolerance and levels of blood glucose, insulin, triglyceride and total cholesterol were determined. The gut microbial profile, colonic miRNA and gene expression were assayed using Illumina sequencing. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to verify the expression of differentially expressed miRNAs and genes.

KEY FINDINGS

Repeated treatments with berberine alone and combined with stachyose significantly reduced the blood glucose, improved the impaired glucose tolerance, and increased the abundance of beneficial Akkermansiaceae, decreased that of pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae in ZDF rats. Furthermore, combined treatment remarkably decreased the abundances of Desulfovibrionaceae and Proteobacteria in comparison to berberine. Combined treatment evidently decreased the expression of intestinal early growth response protein 1 (Egr1) and heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (Hbegf), and significantly increased the expression of miR-10a-5p, but berberine alone not.

SIGNIFICANCE

Berberine combined with stachyose significantly improved glucose metabolism and reshaped gut microbiota in ZDF rats, especially decreased the abundance of pathogenic Desulfovibrionaceae and Proteobacteria compared to berberine alone, providing a novel strategy for treating T2DM. The underlying mechanisms may be associated with regulating the expression of intestinal Egr1, Hbegf and miR-10a-5p, but remains further elucidation.

O-GlcNAc Transferase (OGT) Protects Cerebral Neurons from Death During Ischemia/Reperfusion (I/R) Injury by Modulating Drp1 in Mice

Previous studies have demonstrated that increased O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) level could promote cell survival following environmental stresses. This study aimed to explore the role of O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. The mouse model with cerebral I/R injury was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R). The expression of ogt in brain tissues was detected by qRT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining assay. Neurological deficit was evaluated using a modified scoring system. The infarct volume was assessed by TTC staining assay. Neuronal apoptosis in brain tissues was evaluated by TUNEL staining assay. The level of cleaved caspase-3 in brain tissues was detected by Western blot and IHC staining assay. The expression of critical proteins involved in mitochondrial fission, including OPA1, Mfn1, and Mfn2, as well as Mff and Drp1 was detected by Western blot and IHC, respectively. The expression of ogt during cerebral I/R injury was significantly upregulated. Ogt knockdown significantly increased neurological score and infarct volume in I/R-induced mice. Meanwhile, ogt knockdown significantly enhanced neuronal apoptosis and cleaved caspase-3 level in brain tissues of I/R-induced mice. In addition, ogt knockdown markedly decreased serine 637 phosphorylation level of mitochondrial fission protein dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) and promoted Drp1 translocation from the cytosol to the mitochondria. Moreover, the specific Drp1 inhibitor mdivi-1 effectively attenuated ogt knockdown-induced brain injury of I/R-stimulated mice in vivo. Our study revealed that OGT protects against cerebral I/R injury by inhibiting the function of Drp1 in mice, suggesting that ogt may be a potential therapeutic target for cerebral I/R injury.

Colorimetric and fluorometric dual-readout protein kinase assay by tuning the active surface of nanoceria

Herein, we demonstrate that the active surface of nanoceria can be fine-tuned by phosphorylated peptides. Accordingly, a colorimetric and fluorometric dual-readout strategy is rationally developed for assaying protein kinase activity. This feature not only enables the versatile monitoring of peptide phosphorylation but also broadens the application scope of nanoceria.

Diphenyl diselenide ameliorates diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats via suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation

Oxidative stress and inflammation are implicated in the occurrence and progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Diphenyl diselenide (DPDS) is a stable and simple diaryl diselenide with anti-hyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. However, the effects of DPDS on DN are still unclear to date. Herein, we aimed to explore whether DPDS could improve renal dysfunction in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and its underlying mechanisms. STZ-induced DN rats were administered with DPDS (5 or 15 mg/kg) or metformin (200 mg/kg) once daily by intragastric gavage for 12 weeks. DPDS supplementation significantly improved hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, and the renal pathological abnormalities, concurrent with significantly reduced serum levels of creatinine, urea nitrogen, urine volume, and urinary levels of micro-albumin, β2-microglobulin and N-acetyl-glucosaminidase activities. Moreover, DPDS effectively promoted the activities of antioxidant enzymes, and reduced the levels of MDA and pro-inflammatory factors in serum and the kidney. Furthermore, DPDS supplementation activated the renal Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway, but attenuated the high phosphorylation levels of NFκB, JNK, p38 and ERK1/2. Altogether, the current study indicated for the first time that DPDS ameliorated STZ-induced renal dysfunction in rats, and its mechanism of action may be attributable to suppressing oxidative stress via activating the renal Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway and mitigating inflammation by suppressing the renal NFκB/MAPK signaling pathways, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for DN.

[Wnt3a promotes osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cell and regeneration of alveolar bone in experimental periodontitis]

Objective: To explore the effects of Wnt3a on the proliferation, migration and osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cell (PDLSC) and to identify the role of Wnt3a in alveolar bone regeneration in mouse experimental periodontitis. Methods: The experiments were conducted by stimulating PDLSC using Wnt3a of 5 different concentrations (0, 20, 100, 200, 500 μg/L) respectively. Cell proliferation was detected by cell-counting assay, cell migration was evaluated by Transwell assay and the expressions of osteogenic related genes collagen Ⅰ (Col-Ⅰ), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) were examined by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-Wnt3a-hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel was injected locally into the gingival sulcus of mice with experimental periodontitis. After 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks of hydrogel injection, samples of maxillary alveolar bone were obtained. Micro-CT, HE staining and immunohistochemical staining of osteogenesis related markers, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Runx2, osteocalcin (OCN), were used to evaluate alveolar bone regeneration. Results: After 10 d of culture, Wnt3a with concentrations of 20-500 μg/L significantly promoted the proliferation (P<0.01) and the migration (P<0.01) of PDLSC. After 21 d of culture, the expression levels of Col-Ⅰ mRNA were 0.96±0.27, 1.90±0.47, 2.18±0.24, 2.32±0.15 and 1.99±0.43 in 5 concentration groups respectively, and the expression levels of Runx2 mRNA were 1.08±0.15, 3.19±0.17, 6.19±0.28, 9.19±0.41 and 5.55±0.06, respectively. Both expressions had significant statistical differences compared with the negative control group (P<0.05). At 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks, the Wnt3a hydrogel group had less distance [(497.3±18.2), (455.7±12.5), (401.0±8.5), (362.3±15.5) μm] from the cemento-enamel junction to alveolar bone crest compared with the periodontitis group [(710.3±10.2), (614.0±16.4), (564.3±12.5), (502.3±6.8) μm] (P<0.01) and weaker periodontal inflammation. Immunohistochemical results showed that the expression levels of bone-related proteins of ALP (0.72±0.01), Runx2 (0.77±0.03) and OCN (0.72±0.07) in the Wnt3a hydrogel group were increased compared with the periodontitis group (P<0.01). Conclusions: Wnt3a might promote the proliferation, migration and osteogenic differentiation of PDLSC and the alveolar bone regeneration.

Applications of Micro/Nanotechnology in Ultrasound-based Drug Delivery and Therapy for Tumor

Ultrasound has been broadly used in biomedicine for both tumor diagnosis as well as therapy. The applications of recent developments in micro/nanotechnology promote the development of ultrasound-based biomedicine, especially in the field of ultrasound-based drug delivery and tumor therapy. Ultrasound can activate nano-sized drug delivery systems by different mechanisms for ultrasound- triggered on-demand drug release targeted only at the tumor sites. Ultrasound Targeted Microbubble Destruction (UTMD) technology can not only increase the permeability of vasculature and cell membrane via sonoporation effect but also achieve in situ conversion of microbubbles into nanoparticles to promote cellular uptake and therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), or Sonodynamic Therapy (SDT), is considered to be one of the most promising and representative non-invasive treatment for cancer. However, their application in the treatment process is still limited due to their critical treatment efficiency issues. Fortunately, recently developed micro/nanotechnology offer an opportunity to solve these problems, thus improving the therapeutic effect of cancer. This review summarizes and discusses the recent developments in the design of micro- and nano- materials for ultrasound-based biomedicine applications.

Dual-Product Synergistically Enhanced Colorimetric Assay for Sensitive Detection of Lipid Transferase Activity

Lipid transferase-catalyzed protein lipidation plays critical roles in many physiological processes and it has been an increasingly attractive therapeutic target from cancer to neurodegeneration, while sensitive detection of lipid transferase activity in biological samples remains challenging. Here, we presented an AuNP-based colorimetric method with dual-product synergistically enhanced sensitivity for convenient detection of lipid transferase activity. Homo sapiens N-myristoyltransferase 1 (HsNMT1), a key lipid transferase, was selected as the model. Accordingly, positively charged substrate peptides (Pep) of HsNMT1 can induce the aggregation of AuNPs through disrupting their electrostatic repulsion, while the HsNMT1-catalyzed lipid modification generates aggregated lipidated peptides (C14-Pep) and negatively charged HS-CoA, which will eliminate the disruption and stabilize the AuNPs by the formation of Au-S bonds, respectively. Consequently, charge reversal of the biomolecules and the formation of Au-S bonds synergistically contribute to the stability of AuNPs in the presence of HsNMT1. Therefore, the HsNMT1 activity can be visually detected by the naked eye through the color change of the AuNPs originated from the change in their distance-dependent surface plasmon resonance absorptions. Here, the A₅₂₀/A₆₁₀ ratio can sensitively reflect the activity of HsNMT1 in the linear range of 2-75 nM with a low detection limit of 0.56 nM. Moreover, the method was successfully applied for probing the HsNMT1 activities in different cell lysates and inhibitor screening. Furthermore, given the replaceability of the substrate peptide, the proposed assay is promising for universal application to other lipid transferases and exhibits great potential in lipid transferase-targeted drug development.

Stachyose Improves the Effects of Berberine on Glucose Metabolism by Regulating Intestinal Microbiota and Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Spontaneous Type 2 Diabetic KKAy Mice

Berberine (BBR) has the beneficial effects of anti-inflammation, anti-bacteria, and anti-diabetes. The clinical application of BBR has been hindered by its poor gastrointestinal absorption. Stachyose (Sta), a prebiotic agent, improves the composition of gut microbiota and benefits for diabetes. We therefore investigated whether Sta improves the anti-diabetic actions of BBR using KKAy mice. Here, we find that the combination of BBR and Sta is more effective than BBR alone in blood glucose control, improvement of insulin resistance and islet functions, inflammatory mediators decrease, and maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. Gut microbiota analysis demonstrates that both BBR and combined administration enhance the abundance of Bacteroidaceae and Akkermansiaceae and decrease Lachnospiraceae levels, whereas Akkermansiaceae elevation due to the administration of BBR with Sta is more significant than BBR alone. Interestingly, the proportion of Lactobacillaceae increases with combination treatment, but is diminished by BBR. Additionally, BBR with Sta significantly reduces the concentrations of fecal short-chain fatty acids compared to BBR. Collectively, these results indicate that the combination of BBR and Sta imparts better effects on the maintenance of glycemia and intestinal homeostasis than BBR alone by modulating gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids, thereby providing a novel approach for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Effects of a ready-to-eat cereal formula powder on glucose metabolism, inflammation, and gut microbiota in diabetic db/db mice

The cereal formula powder, Zhengda Jingshan (ZDJS), comprises dietary fiber, multivitamins, fine protein, and various cereal ingredients. The present study evaluated the effects of ZDJS on glucose metabolism and explored the corresponding mechanisms in terms of modulating gut microbiota and the fecal metabolome. Type 2 diabetic db/db mice were given ZDJS (1 g/kg) orally twice daily for 55 days, after which glucose metabolism, inflammation, gut microbiota, and fecal metabolomics were assayed. Repeated administration of ZDJS was associated with a trend toward decreasing fasting blood glucose and a 0.12% decrease in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), as well as statistically significant increases in the insulin sensitivity index and decreases in serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and ileum expression of mucin-2. ZDJS also ameliorated the compensatory enlargement of islets and decreased the ratio of the α-cell area to total islet area; however, this amelioration of impaired oral glucose tolerance became less pronounced as treatment continued. In addition, ZDJS remarkably decreased the abundance of phylum Proteobacteria and the phylum ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, as well as altered the fecal metabolic profile. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that ZDJS improved glucose metabolism and reduced inflammation in type 2 diabetic db/db mice, which may be associated with a reshaping of the gut microbiome and fecal metabolome in db/db mice. Thus, our study suggests that ZDJS may represent a complementary therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes.

Enzyme-activated anchoring of peptide probes onto plasma membranes for selectively lighting up target cells

In a cellular microenvironment, numerous biomolecules are involved in various physiological and pathological processes. However, for the in-depth and comprehensive understanding of their roles at the molecular level, there is still a lack of detection techniques for the in situ tracking of these biomolecules in a local environment. Herein, we engineered a membrane insertion peptide (MIP) as an enzyme-activated membrane insertion peptide probe (eaMIP) that allowed the in situ tracking of the activity of target enzymes in living cells. In this strategy, the membrane insertion capacity of the MIP motif in each eaMIP was caged by appending a chemical moiety. In the presence of target enzymes, the caging moiety in each eaMIP was removed by enzymatic decaging, leading to the generation of active MIPs. The versatility of this design was demonstrated by lighting up different tumor cells with distinct fluorescence signal patterns, affording an alternative tool for clinical diagnostics, biochemical research and membrane engineering.

Circulating mRNA and microRNA profiling analysis in patients with ischemic stroke

To provide insight into molecular diagnosis and individualized treatment of ischemic stroke (IS), several available datasets in IS were analyzed to identify the differentially expressed genes and microRNAs (miRNAs). Series matrix files from GSE22255 and GSE16561 (mRNA profiles), a well as GSE110993 (miRNA profile) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. System-level clustering was performed with GeneCluster 3.0 software, and gene annotation and pathway enrichment were performed with gene ontology analysis and Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery software. For a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, Biological General Repository for Interaction Datasets and IntAct interaction information were integrated to determine the interaction of differentially expressed genes. The selected miRNA candidates were imported into the TargetScan, miRDB and miRecords databases for the prediction of target genes. The present study identified 128 upregulated and 231 downregulated genes in female stroke patients, and 604 upregulated and 337 downregulated genes in male stroke patients compared with sex- and age-matched controls. The construction of a PPI network demonstrated that male stroke patients exhibited YWHAE, CUL3 and JUN as network center nodes, and in female patients CYLD, FOS and PIK3R1 interactions were the strongest. Notably, these interactions are mainly involved in immune inflammatory response, apoptosis and other biological pathways, such as blood coagulation. Female and male upregulated genes were cross-validated with another set of Illumina HumanRef-8 v3.0 expression beadchip (GSE16561). Functional item association networks, gene function networks and transcriptional regulatory networks were successfully constructed, and the relationships between miRNAs and target genes were successfully predicted. The present study identified a number of transcription factors, including DEFA1, PDK4, SDPR, TCN1 and MMP9, and miRNAs, including miRNA (miR)-21, miR-143/145, miR-125-5p and miR-122, which may serve important roles in the development of cerebral stroke and may be important molecular indicators for the treatment of IS.

Acute cerebral infarction with acute myocardial infarction due to patent foramen ovale: A case report

RATIONALE

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is not considered to be the main cause of stroke and is classified as the infarction of undetermined cause. The relationship between PFO and cerebral embolism is still unclear and cerebral embolism accompanied with coronary artery embolization in PFO patient is rare. In this case, we reported a patient with PFO suffered acute cerebral and myocardial infarction simultaneously, and analyzed the source of emboli and potential pathogenesis.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 53-year-old female presented with chief complaints of intermittent palpitations and chest tightness for 6 years, aggravated for 3 days.

DIAGNOSES

During the hospitalization, acute cerebral infarction and acute myocardial infarction occurred at the same time in the patient. The patient felt paroxysmal abdominal pain repeatedly. Finally, we detected PFO in the patient INTERVENTIONS:: Double antiplatelet therapy was given to the patient of acute cerebral and myocardial infarction with PFO.

OUTCOMES

Two weeks after the onset of the disease, the condition was relatively stable. But after 2 months, the patient experienced repeated heart failure, transthoracic echocardiography manifested no significant change in the PFO gap but significant cardiac function reduction.

LESSONS

Although a growing number of people are aware that PFO is a risk factor for arterial embolization especially when coexisting with atrial septal aneurysm, a significant proportion of patients have paradoxical embolism after PFO closure. Therefore, transesophageal echocardiography should be routinely performed to find the possible cause of embolism when infarction of undetermined cause occurs, and PFO closure and anti-platelet aggregation or anticoagulant therapy should be given at the same time in order to reduce the occurrence of arterial thrombosis.

A novel specific peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) modulator YR4-42 ameliorates hyperglycaemia and dyslipidaemia and hepatic steatosis in diet-induced obese mice

AIMS

To evaluate a novel tetrahydroisoquinoline derivative YR4-42 as a selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) modulator (SPPARM) and explore its anti-diabetic effects in vitro and in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using two standard full PPARγ agonists rosiglitazone and pioglitazone as controls, the PPARγ binding affinity and transactivation action of YR4-42 were evaluated using biochemical and cell-based reporter gene assays. The capacity of YR4-42 to recruit coactivators of PPARγ was also assessed. The effects of YR4-42 on adipogenesis and glucose consumption and PPARγ Ser273 phosphorylation were investigated in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The effects of YR4-42 and pioglitazone, serving as positive control, on glucose and lipids metabolism were investigated in high-fat diet-induced obese (DIO) C57BL/6J mice. The expression of PPARγ target genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism was also assessed in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

In vitro biochemical and cell-based functional assays showed that YR4-42 has much weaker binding affinity, transactivation, and recruitment to PPARγ of the coactivators thyroid hormone receptor-associated protein complex 220 kDa component (TRAP220) and PPARγ coactivator 1-α (PGC1α) compared to full agonists. In 3 T3-L1 adipocytes, YR4-42 significantly improved glucose consumption without a lipogenesis effect, while blocking tumour necrosis factor α-mediated phosphorylation of PPARγ at Ser273, thereby upregulating the expression of the PPARγ Ser273 phosphorylation-dependent genes. Furthermore, in DIO mice, oral administration of YR4-42 ameliorated the hyperglycaemia, with a similar insulin sensitization effect to that of pioglitazone. Importantly, YR4-42 also improved hyperlipidaemia-associated hepatic steatosis without weight gain, which avoids a major side effect of pioglitazone. Thus, YR4-42 appeared to selectively modulate PPARγ responses. This finding was supported by the gene expression analysis, which showed that YR4-42 selectively targets PPARγ-regulated genes mapped to glucose and lipid metabolism in DIO mice.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that YR4-42 is a novel anti-diabetic drug candidate with significant advantages compared to standard PPARγ agonists. YR4-42 should be further investigated in preclinical and clinical studies.

Treating tumors with minimally invasive therapy: A review

With high level of morbidity and mortality, tumor is one of the deadliest diseases worldwide. Aiming to tackle tumor, researchers have developed a lot of strategies. Among these strategies, the minimally invasive therapy (MIT) is very promising, for its capability of targeting tumor cells and resulting in a small incision or no incisions. In this review, we will first illustrate some mechanisms and characteristics of tumor metastasis from the primary tumor to the secondary tumor foci. Then, we will briefly introduce the history, characteristics, and advantages of some of the MITs. Finally, emphasis will be, respectively, focused on an overview of the state-of-the-art of the HIFU-, PDT-, PTT-and SDT-based anti-tumor strategies on each stage of tumor metastasis.

Bubble-Manipulated Local Drug Release from a Smart Thermosensitive Cerasome for Dual-Mode Imaging Guided Tumor Chemo-Photothermal Therapy

Thermosensitive liposomes have demonstrated great potential for tumor-specific chemotherapy. Near infrared (NIR) dyes loaded liposomes have also shown improved photothermal effect in cancer theranostics. However, the instability of liposomes often causes premature release of drugs or dyes, impeding their antitumor efficacy. Herein, we fabricated a highly stable thermo-responsive bubble-generating liposomal nanohybrid cerasome with a silicate framework, combined with a NIR dye to achieve NIR light stimulated, tumor-specific, chemo-photothermal synergistic therapy. Methods: In this system, NIR dye of 1,1'-Dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'- Tetramethylindotricarbocyanine iodide (DiR) with long carbon chains was self-assembled with a cerasome-forming lipid (CFL) to encapsulate ammonium bicarbonate (ABC), which was further used for actively loading doxorubicin (DOX), affording a thermosensitive and photosensitive DOX-DiR@cerasome (ABC). Results: The resulting cerasome could disperse well in different media. Upon NIR light mediated thermal effect, ABC was decomposed to generate CO2 bubbles, resulting in a permeable channel in the cerasome bilayer that significantly enhanced DOX release. After intravenous injection into tumor-bearing mice, DOX-DiR@cerasome (ABC) could be efficiently accumulated at the tumor tissue, as monitored by DiR fluorescence, lasting for more than 5 days. NIR light irradiation was then performed at 36h to locally heat the tumors, resulting in immediate CO2 bubble generation, which could be clearly detected by ultrasound imaging, facilitating the monitoring process of controlled release of the drug. Significant antitumor efficacy could be obtained for the DOX-DiR@cerasome (ABC) + laser group, which was further confirmed by tumor tissue histological analysis.

The Diagnostic Performance of Urine Flow Cytometer UF1000i for Urinary Tract Infections

BACKGROUND

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infectious diseases in clinic. Urine flow cytometry is receiving more and more attention due to its rapid forecast of UTIs.

METHODS

The Urine Flow Cytometer UF1000i has a series of software programs to quantify bacteria (BACT) and white blood cells (WBC), and describe the scatter diagram of bacteria. The UTIs were predicted based on the cutoff values with the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves of BACT and WBC counts. To evaluate the diagnostic performance of UF1000i for UTIs, the sensitivity and specificity of 889 urine samples were determined in comparison to the results of urine culture. Meanwhile the bacterial morphology indication of the UF1000i was evaluated in order to help doctors choose antibiotics. The angle of the scatter cloud with the x-axis was used to classify the infected bacteria as bacilli (< 30°) or cocci (≥ 30°).

RESULTS

The best cutoff value of BACT counts for predicting UTIs was 119 per µL, and the sensitivity and specificity were 95.5% and 88.7%, respectively. While the best cutoff value of WBC counts was 81.5 per µL, and the sensitivity and specificity were 77.6% and 76.7%, respectively. In addition, the best cutoff values for females were 583 BACT per µL and 137.5 WBC per µL. They were much higher than for males (118 BACT per µL and 91 WBC per µL). The coincidence of the bacterial morphology information between the UF1000i software indication and the bacterial actual morphology identified by urine culture was 83% (bacilli) and 68% (cocci), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Data demonstrated that the performance of BACT counts for UTIs is superior to WBC counts. In addition, the bacterial morphology could preliminarily be predicated by the scatter diagram. Since the urine flow cytometer UF1000i can provide the data of both BACT counts and the scatter diagram, the urine flow cytometry was regarded as a suitable method for screening UTIs. Moreover, it would be better to take gender into consideration when setting the best cutoff value for diagnosis of UTIs in clinic.

Cells´ Flow and Immune Cell Priming under alternating g-forces in Parabolic Flight

Gravitational stress in general and microgravity (µg) in particular are regarded as major stress factors responsible for immune system dysfunction in space. To assess the effects of alternating µg and hypergravity (hyper-g) on immune cells, the attachment of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to adhesion molecules under flow conditions and the antigen-induced immune activation in whole blood were investigated in parabolic flight (PF). In contrast to hyper-g (1.8 g) and control conditions (1 g), flow and rolling speed of PBMCs were moderately accelerated during µg-periods which were accompanied by a clear reduction in rolling rate. Whole blood analyses revealed a "primed" state of monocytes after PF with potentiated antigen-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine responses. At the same time, concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokines were increased and monocytes displayed a surface molecule pattern that indicated immunosuppression. The results suggest an immunologic counterbalance to avoid disproportionate immune responses. Understanding the interrelation of immune system impairing and enhancing effects under different gravitational conditions may support the design of countermeasures to mitigate immune deficiencies in space.

Maltol, a food flavor enhancer, attenuates diabetic peripheral neuropathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

SCOPE

Maltol (3-hydroxy-2-methy-4-pyrone), a potent antioxidative agent, typically is used to enhance flavor and preserve food. This study evaluated its effects on preventing diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and explored its mechanisms.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We intraperitoneally injected Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with STZ (65 mg kg-1, ip) and treated the rats with different doses of maltol after 4 weeks of injection. During treatment, we evaluated motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) and thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia and assayed the oxidative stress, Na+-K+-ATPase activity, and apoptosis. Repeated treatment with maltol for 12 weeks significantly improved thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia, increased the MNCV, elevated the Na+-K+-ATPase activity, and ameliorated oxidative stress and apoptosis in STZ-induced diabetic rats. We coincubated RSC96 cells, a Schwann cell line, with maltol and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 0.6 mM). Evidently, maltol increased cell viability and inhibited apoptosis after injury by H2O2.

CONCLUSIONS

Maltol was demonstrated to prevent DPN development and may provide a new alternative for the treatment of DPN.

Role of electron-magnon interaction in non-Fermi liquid behavior of SrRuO3

SrRuO₃ is a popular material extensively used as a bottom electrode in various applications, however, a few problems which will certainly change the interface band structure and greatly alter the device's property are still not fully understood, such as the change of carrier types at a certain temperature and the quasiparticle scattering for non-Fermi liquid behavior below ferromagnetic transition temperature. In this study, magnetic, transport (electrical and thermal) properties and x-ray photoemission spectra have been used to understand the role of quasiparticle interactions in the SrRuO₃ bulk system. At the Fermi level, the hybridization of Ru4dt _2g   ↓  and O2p  bands form a typical two band system. In order to explain the problems as mentioned, our present work reveals that there must be an impurity band that couples with the bands around Fermi level and serves as a charge reservoir. In the present case, the impurity is attributed to the Ru vacancies. As a result, the conduction electrons scatter strongly with the Ru vacancies and couple with the Ru magnons to give rise to a dominant electron-magnon coupling that overwhelms the electron-phonon coupling in the temperature range of 90-150 K.

A semisynthetic fluorescent protein assembly-based FRET probe for real-time profiling of cell membrane protease functions in situ

A semisynthetic fluorescent protein assembly-based FRET probe (sFPAP) was proposed for cell membrane protease function assay.

A molecular dynamics study on the resilience of Sec61 channel from open to closed state

When the nascent chain is released from the ribosome, its packing into the apolar environment of the lipid bilayer in the endoplasmic reticulum is facilitated by the Sec61 translocon. In this process, coupling of the conformational change of the channel is essential to transport the nascent chain and meanwhile maintain the membrane permeability barrier. Two molecular dynamics simulations were performed in the current work to investigate the resilience of the lateral gate and the linkage mechanism of the lateral gate, pore ring and plug. The results affirmed that the lateral gate is able to recover its partially-closed state rapidly after the nascent chain segment enters the bilayer. This triggers subsequent motions of the pore ring and plug, which prevent the small molecules passing through the pore. The pore diameter in the partially-closed state is about 6–7 Å. The plug would move upward ∼2 Å if the lateral gate could not close. Two waters permeate through the channel when the lateral gate was open. Water molecules could go across the bilayer via the gap of the open lateral gate due to the occluding of the pore ring and plug.

The lateral gate of Sec61 is able to recover its partially-closed state rapidly after the nascent chain segment enters the bilayer, which triggers subsequent motions of the pore ring and plug.

miRNA-20b inhibits cerebral ischemia-induced inflammation through targeting NLRP3

The present study was designed to investigate the role of microRNA (miRNA)-20b in the inflammatory response during cerebral ischemia and the underlying mechanism following cerebral ischemia. A reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay was used to measure the expression of miRNA-20b, and tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-18 and IL-1β levels were measured using ELISA. In addition, the protein expression levels of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 were determined by western blot analysis. It was determined that the expression of miRNA-20b during cerebral ischemia was increased compared with the control group. The overexpression of miRNA-20b increased the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the cerebral ischemia group through activation of the NLRP3 signaling pathway. Conversely, the downregulation of miRNA-20b suppressed IL-1β and IL-18 levels in cerebral ischemia via suppression of the NLRP3 signaling pathway. Additionally, the overexpression of miRNA-20b increased the levels of adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cerebral ischemia group, which were decreased following the downregulation of miRNA-20b. The inhibition of NLRP3 decreased the pro-inflammatory effects of miRNA-20b in cerebral ischemia. Suppression of ATP decreases the pro-inflammatory effects of miRNA-20b in cerebral ischemia. Suppression of ROS also decreases the pro-inflammatory effects of miRNA-20b in cerebral ischemia. Collectively, the present study provided novel insight into the role of miRNA-20b upregulation in the promotion of inflammation following cerebral infarction, suggesting that the miRNA-20b/NLRP3 axis may be a putative therapeutic target in cerebral ischemia.

Phosphatidylserine-microbubble targeting-activated microglia/macrophage in inflammation combined with ultrasound for breaking through the blood-brain barrier

Background and purpose

Inflammatory reaction plays a crucial role in cerebral ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury. It has been shown that activated microglia long-term existed in cerebral ischemia and induced second injury. Therefore, we hypothesize that prepared phosphatidylserine (PS)-modified microbubbles (PS-MBs) combined with ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) can safely open the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and target activated microglia for inflammatory area in the later stage of ischemia reperfusion.

Methods

To verify our hypothesis, rat model of IR was established, then the change of activated microglia/macrophage (M/M) and permeability of BBB at 1, 7, 14, and 21 days could be clearly observed post IR. And the activated M/M still can be observed during the whole experiment.

Results

The Evans blue extravasation of BBB gradually declined from day 1 to day 21. Compared to the control group, microbubbles containing PS were taken up more by activated M/M (approximately twofold) both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

PS-MBs combined with ultrasound (US) exposure could safely open BBB, and the resulting PS nanoparticles (PS-NPs) could further target activated M/M in the neuroinflammation.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12974-018-1368-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Ultrasound-targeted photodynamic and gene dual therapy for effectively inhibiting triple negative breast cancer by cationic porphyrin lipid microbubbles loaded with HIF1α-siRNA

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which is a kind of aggressive breast cancer, has a much higher recurrence rate and a shorter overall survival rate than other breast cancer subtypes owing to its lack of expression of the progesterone receptor (PR), estrogen receptor (ER) and HER2. For improving the therapeutic efficacy of TNBC, we developed a new kind of multifunctional cationic porphyrin-grafted lipid (CPGL) microbubble loaded with HIF 1α siRNA (siHIF@CpMB). Owing to the amphiphilic structure of CPGL, it can be self-assembled into microbubbles (MBs) with conventional lipids and the porphyrin group could be used as a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy (PDT), while the amino group could adsorb HIF 1α siRNA (siHIF) through electrostatic adsorption. Such MBs possess a remarkably high drug loading content and less premature drug release. Distribution of MBs could be easily monitored by real-time US imaging (3-12 MHz). Furthermore, with the assistance of ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD), siHIF@CpMBs could be efficiently converted into nanoparticles in situ, facilitating the accumulation of porphyrin and siRNA at the tumor site through the cavitation effect. HIF 1α siRNA down-regulated the HIF 1α level, which was induced by the common hypoxic tumor environment or the ROS (generated by PDT), enhanced the PDT efficacy and partly inhibited the tumor progression. Therefore, UTMD assisted combination of PDT and gene therapy was believed to be an effective therapeutic strategy for TNBC.

Pressure ulcer healing promoted by adequate protein intake in rats

The effect of protein intake on rat pressure ulcer healing was evaluated. One hundred rats were numbered according to body weight and then they were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=25) using the random number table. After rat models of stage II pressure ulcer were established, they were fed with feed containing different protein levels (10, 15, 20 and 25%). Healing time, pressure ulcer area, body weight, albumin (ALB) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels among groups were compared. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was also performed to observe pressure ulcer tissue structure. In the healing process of pressure ulcer, rats with 20% protein intake had the shortest healing time and the smallest pressure ulcer area. Body weight, ALB and Hb levels were much closer to the normal level. H&E staining result also suggested that the pressure ulcer healing degree of rats with 20% protein intake was much better than the others. Adequate protein intake is therefore conducive to pressure ulcer healing, while excessive or insufficient protein intake has negative impact on healing.

[Advances in application of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated 9 system in stem cells research]

Gene engineering has attracted worldwide attention because of its ability of precise location of disease mutations in genome. As a new gene editing technology, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated 9 (Cas9) system is simple, fast, and accurate to operate at a specific gene site. It overcomes the long-standing problem of conventional operation. At the same time, stem cells are a good foundation for establishing disease model in vitro. Therefore, it has great significance to combine stem cells with the rapidly developing gene manipulation techniques. In this review, we mainly focus on the mechanism of CRISPR/Cas9 technology and its application in stem cell genomic editing, so as to pave the way for promoting rapid application and development of CRISPR/Cas9 technology.

Anti-diabetic effects and mechanisms of action of a Chinese herbal medicine preparation JQ-R in vitro and in diabetic KKAy mice

Refined-JQ (JQ-R) is a mixture of refined extracts from Coptis chinensis (Ranunculaceae), Astragalus membranaceus (Leguminosae) and Lonicera japonica (Caprifoliaceae), the three major herbs of JinQi-JiangTang tablet, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula. The mechanisms by which JQ-R regulates glucose metabolism and improves insulin sensitivity were studied in type 2 diabetic KK^Ay mice and insulin-resistant L6 myotubes. To investigate the mechanisms by which JQ-R improves insulin sensitivity, a model of insulin-resistant cells induced with palmitic acid (PA) was established in L6 myotubes. Glucose uptake and expression of factors involved in insulin signaling, stress, and inflammatory pathways were detected by immunoblotting. JQ-R showed beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance in a euglycemic clamp experiment and decreased fasting insulin levels in diabetic KK^Ay mice. JQ-R also improved the plasma lipid profiles. JQ-R directly increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) levels in insulin-resistant L6 cells, and elevated the insulin-stimulated glucose uptake with upregulated phosphorylation of AKT. The phosphorylation levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB p65), inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB α), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK1/2) and extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) were also changed after JQ-R treatment compared with the control group. Together these findings suggest that JQ-R improved glucose and lipid metabolism in diabetic KK^Ay mice. JQ-R directly enhanced insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in insulin-resistant myotubes with improved insulin signalling and inflammatory response and oxidative stress. JQ-R could be a candidate to achieve improved glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The dual DPP4 inhibitor and GPR119 agonist HBK001 regulates glycemic control and beta cell function ex and in vivo

Glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) plays a vital role in glucose homeostasis and sustaining β-cell function. Currently there are two major methods to enhance endogenous GLP-1 activity; inhibiting dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) or activating G protein-coupled receptor 119 (GPR119). Here we describe and validate a novel dual-target compound, HBK001, which can both inhibit DPP4 and activate GPR119 ex and in vivo. We show that HBK001 can promote glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in mouse and human primary islets. A single administration of HBK001 in ICR mice can increase plasma incretins levels much more efficiently than linagliptin, a classic DPP4 inhibitor. Long-term treatment of HBK001 in KKAy mice can ameliorate hyperglycemia as well as improve glucose tolerance, while linagliptin fails to achieve such glucose-lowing effects despite inhibiting 95% of serum DPP4 activity. Moreover, HBK001 can increase first-phase insulin secretion in KKAy mice, suggesting a direct effect on islet β-cells via GPR119 activation. Furthermore, HBK001 can improve islet morphology, increase β-cell proliferation and up-regulate genes involved in improved β-cell function. Thus, we have identified, designed and synthesized a novel dual-target compound, HBK001, which represents a promising therapeutic candidate for type 2 diabetes, especially for patients who are insensitive to current DPP4 inhibitors.

The albumin-exendin-4 recombinant protein E2HSA improves glycemic control and β-cell function in spontaneous diabetic KKAy mice

BACKGROUND

E2HSA is a genetic fusion protein that consists of two tandem exendin-4 molecules that are covalently bonded to recombinant human serum albumin via a peptide linker. Previous studies have demonstrated that E2HSA significantly decreased blood glucose levels, improved β-cell function and promoted β-cell proliferation in diabetic db/dB mice. This study aimed to evaluate the benefits of E2HSA on glucose and lipid metabolism in a spontaneous diabetes animal model, KKAy mice.

METHODS

E2HSA was acutely administered at doses of 1, 3 and 9 mg/kg by subcutaneous injection in diabetic KKAy mice with exendin-4 (2 μg/kg) as a positive reference, and then the non-fasting blood glucose and food intake levels were dynamically monitored. In addition, different doses of E2HSA were injected once daily, as well as with exendin-4 twice daily, for 7 weeks to evaluate the effect on glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as the body weight, food and water intake.

RESULTS

Single injection of E2HSA decreased non-fasting blood glucose and food intake levels in a dose-dependent manner for 4 days and 2 days, respectively. Repeated injections with E2HSA significantly decreased variations in blood glucose levels with a reduction of HbA1c levels by 1.6% at a 9 mg/kg dose, simultaneously increased fasting blood insulin levels, inhibited fasting blood glucagon levels, improved the impaired oral glucose tolerance and enhanced glucose infusion rate, which is the gold standard for evaluating β-cell function. Moreover, repeated injections with E2HSA also ameliorated the dyslipidemia and reduced body weight, food and water intake in diabetic KKAy mice.

CONCLUSIONS

E2HSA significantly reduced blood glucose levels over a prolonged duration, enhanced β-cell function, and ameliorated dyslipidemia and obesity in diabetic KKAy mice. Thus, E2HSA may be a new candidate for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

A Human Glucagon-Like Peptide-1-albumin Recombinant Protein with Prolonged Hypoglycemic Effect Provides Efficient and Beneficial Control of Glucose Metabolism in Diabetic Mice

GW002 is a recombinant protein engineered by fusing the C-terminal region of human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) to the N-terminal region of human serum albumin (HSA) with a peptide linker. This study aims to evaluate its anti-diabetic effects both in vitro and in vivo. The GLP-1 receptor-dependent luciferase reporter plasmid was transiently transfected in NIT-1 cells to calculate the half-maximal concentration (EC₅₀) for GLP-1 receptor activation, and normal ICR mice and diabetic KKAy mice were acutely injected with GW002 (1, 3, 9 mg/kg) subcutaneously to evaluate the hypoglycemic action, while the diabetic KKAy and db/db mice were treated with GW002 once daily for 7 weeks to evaluate the effects on glucose metabolism. The results showed that GW002 activated GLP-1 receptor in NIT-1 cells with higher EC₅₀ versus exendin-4 (46.7 vs. 7.89 nM), and single subcutaneous injection of GW002 at doses of 1, 3 and 9 mg/kg efficiently restrained the glycemia variation after oral glucose loading in ICR mice for at least 4 d, as well as reducing the non-fasting blood glucose in KKAy mice for about 2 d, while repeated injections of GW002 significantly improved abnormal glycaemia, hemoglobin (Hb)A1c levels, oral glucose intolerance and β-cell function in diabetic db/db mice. These results suggested that GW002 showed prolonged hypoglycemic action by activating its cognate receptor and provided efficient control of glucose metabolism. Thus GW002 may be a potential treatment for the management of type 2 diabetes.

Effects of Estradiol on Autophagy and Nrf-2/ARE Signals after Cerebral Ischemia

Background/Aims: Estradiol (EST) reduces the risk of stroke and decreases the incidence and progression of the disease because of its neuroprotective roles in inhibiting cell death that occurs in response to a variety of neuronal stimuli such as inflammation and oxidative stress. In this study, we determined the role played by autophagy and Nrf2-ARE signal pathways in the hippocampus regions in modulating cerebral ischemia under different EST conditions. Methods: Western blot analysis and ELISA were used to determine the protein expression of autophagy and Nrf2-ARE pathways; and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (PICs) and a key marker of oxidative stress. Results: Lacking of EST amplifies autophagy and attenuates Nrf2-ARE pathway in the hippocampus CA1 region. Blocking autophagy alleviates neurological deficits following cerebral ischemia with lacking of EST levels and the effects of autophagy are associated with PIC and oxidative stress. Conclusions: EST influences the protein expression of autophagy and Nrf2-ARE signaling in the brain, which is linked to the pathophysiological processes of PICs and oxidative stress. Moreover, inhibition of autophagy plays a beneficial role in modulating neurological deficits after cerebral ischemia observed under conditions of a lower level of EST.

Phosphorylation-regulated crosslinking of gold nanoparticles: a new strategy for colorimetric detection of protein kinase activity

Accurate and rapid detection of protein kinase activities is of great significance because protein kinases play important regulatory roles in many vital biological processes. Herein, we wish to report a facile colorimetric protein kinase assay based on the phosphorylation-tuned crosslinking of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) by using protein kinase A (PKA) as a proof-of-concept target. In this new strategy, a biotinylated peptide (biotin-LRRASLG) is used as the PKA-specific substrate. When mixed with streptavidin-functionalized GNPs (STV-GNPs), the positively charged biotin-peptide will combine with different GNPs both through the specific STV-biotin binding and through electrostatic interactions, which will lead to the crosslinking and coagulation of GNPs. In contrast, under the catalysis of PKA, the biotin-peptide will be phosphorylated at the serine residue and its net charge will be obviously altered, which may significantly weaken the electrostatic interaction between the phosphopeptide and GNPs and thus effectively prevent the STV-GNPs from crosslinking and settlement. Therefore, by viewing the color changes of the GNPs, the PKA activity can be easily detected by the naked eye.

Antidiabetic potential of a novel dual-target activator of glucokinase and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Glucokinase (GK) balances blood glucose levels via regulation of glucose metabolism and insulin secretion. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) regulates gene expression in glucose and lipid metabolism. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of a novel compound, SHP289-03, which activates both GK and PPARγ.

METHODS

Glucose metabolism was tested in primary hepatocytes of normal ICR mice, and insulin secretion was measured in NIT-1 insulinoma cells as well as in primary islets of normal ICR mice. The in vivo pharmacodynamics of SHP289-03 was assessed using the spontaneous type 2 diabetic mouse model, KKA(y).

KEY RESULTS

In hepatocytes, SHP289-03 promoted glucose consumption. In NIT-1 cells, it increased the concentration of intracellular ATP and calcium, and subsequently enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in both NIT-1 cells and primary islets. Moreover, SHP289-03 decreased the blood glucose level, improved glucose tolerance and reduced blood lipid levels in KKA(y) mice. It restored islet morphology and increased the beta cell/alpha cell mass ratio, in addition to up-regulating GK gene expression in the liver of KKA(y) mice.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

SHP289-03 has significant therapeutic potential for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.