Whole Genome Duplication Events Likely Contributed to the Aquatic Adaptive Evolution of Parkerioideae

As the only aquatic lineage of Pteridaceae, Parkerioideae is distinct from many xeric-adapted species of the family and consists of the freshwater Ceratopteris species and the only mangrove ferns from the genus Acrostichum. Previous studies have shown that whole genome duplication (WGD) has occurred in Parkerioideae at least once and may have played a role in their adaptive evolution; however, more in-depth research regarding this is still required. In this study, comparative and evolutionary transcriptomics analyses were carried out to identify WGDs and explore their roles in the environmental adaptation of Parkerioideae. Three putative WGD events were identified within Parkerioideae, two of which were specific to Ceratopteris and Acrostichum, respectively. The functional enrichment analysis indicated that the lineage-specific WGD events have played a role in the adaptation of Parkerioideae to the low oxygen concentrations of aquatic habitats, as well as different aquatic environments of Ceratopteris and Acrostichum, such as the adaptation of Ceratopteris to reduced light levels and the adaptation of Acrostichum to high salinity. Positive selection analysis further provided evidence that the putative WGD events may have facilitated the adaptation of Parkerioideae to changes in habitat. Moreover, the gene family analysis indicated that the plasma membrane H+-ATPase (AHA), vacuolar H+-ATPase (VHA), and suppressor of K+ transport growth defect 1 (SKD1) may have been involved in the high salinity adaptation of Acrostichum. Our study provides new insights into the evolution and adaptations of Parkerioideae in different aquatic environments.

[Association of urinary cadmium level with body mass index and body circumferences among older adults over 65 years old in 9 longevity areas of China]

Objective: To investigate the association of urinary cadmium level with body mass index (BMI) and body circumferences among the older adults over 65 years old in 9 longevity areas of China. Methods: Subjects were older adults over 65 years old from the Healthy Aging and Biomarkers Cohort Study (HABCS) between 2017 and 2018 conducted in 9 longevity areas in China. A total of 1 968 older adults were included in this study. Information including socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyles, diet intake, and health status was collected by using questionnaires and physical examinations. Urine samples were collected to detect urinary cadmium and creatinine levels. Body circumferences included waist circumference, hip circumference and calf circumference. Subjects were divided into three groups (low:<0.77 μg/g·creatinine, middle:0.77-1.69 μg/g·creatinine, high:≥1.69 μg/g·creatinine) by tertiles of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium concentration. Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the association of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium level with BMI and body circumferences. The dose-response relationship of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium concentration with BMI and body circumferences was analyzed by using restrictive cubic splines fitting multiple linear regression model. Results: The mean age of subjects was (83.34±11.14) years old. The median (Q1, Q3) concentration of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium was 1.13 (0.63, 2.09) μg/g·creatinine, and the BMI was (22.70±3.82) kg/m2. The mean values of waist circumference, hip circumference, and calf circumference were (85.42±10.68) cm, (92.67±8.90) cm, and (31.08±4.76) cm, respectively. After controlling confounding factors, the results of the multiple linear regression model showed that for each increment of 1 μg/g·creatinine in creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium, the change of BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, and calf circumference in the high-level group was -0.28 (-0.37, -0.19) kg/m2, -0.74 (-0.96, -0.52) cm, -0.78 (-0.96, -0.61) cm, and -0.20 (-0.30, -0.11) cm, respectively. The restrictive cubic splines curve showed a negative nonlinear association of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium with BMI (Pnonlinear<0.001) and negative linear associations of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium with waist circumference (Plinear<0.001), hip circumference (Plinear<0.001), and calf circumference (Plinear<0.001). Conclusion: Urinary cadmium level is significantly associated with decreased BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference and calf circumference among older adults over 65 years old in 9 longevity areas of China.

Pharmacological inhibition of MALT1 (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1) induces ferroptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells

MALT1 (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1) is a human paracaspase protein with proteolytic activity via its caspase-like domain. The pharmacological inhibition of MALT1 by MI-2, a specific chemical inhibitor, diminishes the response of endothelial cells to inflammatory stimuli. However, it is largely unknown how MALT1 regulates the functions of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). This study aims to investigate the impact of MALT1 inhibition by MI-2 on the functions of vascular SMCs, both in vitro and in vivo. MI-2 treatment led to concentration- and time-dependent cell death of cultured aortic SMCs, which was rescued by the iron chelator deferoxamine (DFO) or ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), a specific inhibitor of ferroptosis, but not by inhibitors of apoptosis (Z-VAD-fmk), pyroptosis (Z-YVAD-fmk), or necrosis (Necrostatin-1, Nec-1). MI-2 treatment downregulated the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and ferritin heavy polypeptide 1 (FTH1), which was prevented by pre-treatment with DFO or Fer-1. MI-2 treatment also activated autophagy, which was inhibited by Atg7 deficiency or bafilomycin A1 preventing MI-2-induced ferroptosis. MI-2 treatment reduced the cleavage of cylindromatosis (CYLD), a specific substrate of MALT1. Notably, MI-2 treatment led to a rapid loss of contractility in mouse aortas, which was prevented by co-incubation with Fer-1. Moreover, local application of MI-2 significantly reduced carotid neointima lesions and atherosclerosis in C57BL/6J mice and apolipoprotein-E knockout (ApoE-/-) mice, respectively, which were both ameliorated by co-treatment with Fer-1. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that MALT1 inhibition induces ferroptosis of vascular SMCs, likely contributing to its amelioration of proliferative vascular diseases.

Unlocking the secrets of aging: Epigenetic reader BRD4 as the target to combatting aging-related diseases

BACKGROUND

Aging, a complex and profound journey, leads us through a labyrinth of physiological and pathological transformations, rendering us increasingly susceptible to aging-related diseases. Emerging investigations have unveiled the function of bromodomain containing protein 4 (BRD4) in manipulating the aging process and driving the emergence and progression of aging-related diseases.

AIM OF REVIEW

This review aims to offer a comprehensive outline of BRD4's functions involved in the aging process, and potential mechanisms through which BRD4 governs the initiation and progression of various aging-related diseases.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

BRD4 has a fundamental role in regulating the cell cycle, apoptosis, cellular senescence, the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), senolysis, autophagy, and mitochondrial function, which are involved in the aging process. Several studies have indicated that BRD4 governs the initiation and progression of various aging-related diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, ischemic cerebrovascular diseases, hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart failure, aging-related pulmonary fibrosis, and intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Thus, the evidence from this review supports that BRD4 could be a promising target for managing various aging-related diseases, while further investigation is warranted to gain a thorough understanding of BRD4's role in these diseases.

New Dawn for Atherosclerosis: Vascular Endothelial Cell Senescence and Death

Endothelial cells (ECs) form the inner linings of blood vessels, and are directly exposed to endogenous hazard signals and metabolites in the circulatory system. The senescence and death of ECs are not only adverse outcomes, but also causal contributors to endothelial dysfunction, an early risk marker of atherosclerosis. The pathophysiological process of EC senescence involves both structural and functional changes and has been linked to various factors, including oxidative stress, dysregulated cell cycle, hyperuricemia, vascular inflammation, and aberrant metabolite sensing and signaling. Multiple forms of EC death have been documented in atherosclerosis, including autophagic cell death, apoptosis, pyroptosis, NETosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis. Despite this, the molecular mechanisms underlying EC senescence or death in atherogenesis are not fully understood. To provide a comprehensive update on the subject, this review examines the historic and latest findings on the molecular mechanisms and functional alterations associated with EC senescence and death in different stages of atherosclerosis.

A novel cuproptosis-related diagnostic gene signature and differential expression validation in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, the molecular mechanisms and mediator molecules involved remain largely unknown. Copper, which plays an essential role in cardiovascular disease, has been suggested as a potential risk factor. Copper homeostasis is closely related to the occurrence and development of AS. Recently, a new cell death pathway called cuproptosis has been discovered, which is driven by intracellular copper excess. However, no previous studies have reported a relationship between cuproptosis and AS. In this study, we integrated bulk and single-cell sequencing data to screen and identify key cuproptosis-related genes in AS. We used correlation analysis, enrichment analysis, random forest, and other bioinformatics methods to reveal their relationships. Our findings report, for the first time, the involvement of cuproptosis-related genes FDX1, SLC31A1, and GLS in atherogenesis. FDX1 and SLC31A1 were upregulated, while GLS was downregulated in atherosclerotic plaque. Receiver operating characteristic curves demonstrate their potential diagnostic value for AS. Additionally, we confirm that GLS is mainly expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells, and SLC31A1 is mainly localized in macrophages of atherosclerotic lesions in experiments. These findings shed light on the cuproptosis landscape and potential diagnostic biomarkers for AS, providing further evidence about the vital role of cuproptosis in atherosclerosis progression.

[Association between cognitive impairment and main metals among oldest old aged 80 years and over in China]

Objective: To identify the main metals involved in cognitive impairment in the Chinese oldest old, and explore the association between these metal exposures and cognitive impairment. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1 568 participants aged 80 years and older from Healthy Aging and Biomarkers Cohort Study (2017 to 2018). Fasting venous blood was collected to measure the levels of nine metals (selenium, lead, cadmium, arsenic, antimony, chromium, manganese, mercury, and nickel). The cognitive function of these participants was evaluated by using the Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (CMMSE). The random forest (RF) was applied to independently identify the main metals that affected cognitive impairment. The multivariate logistic regression model and restricted cubic splines (RCS) model were used to further verify the association of the main metals with cognitive impairment. Results: The age of 1 568 study subjects was (91.8±7.6) years old, including 912 females (58.2%) and 465 individuals (29.7%) with cognitive function impairment. Based on the RF model (the out-of-bag error rate was 22.9%), the importance ranking of variables was conducted and the feature screening of five times ten-fold cross-validation was carried out. It was found that selenium was the metal that affected cognitive function impairment, and the other eight metals were not included in the model. After adjusting for covariates, the multivariate logistic regression model showed that with every increase of 10 μg/L of blood selenium levels, the risk of cognitive impairment decreased (OR=0.921, 95%CI: 0.889-0.954). Compared with the lowest quartile(Q₁) of blood selenium, the ORs (95%CI) of Q₃ and Q₄ blood selenium were 0.452 (0.304-0.669) and 0.419 (0.281-0.622) respectively. The RCS showed a linear dose-response relationship between blood selenium and cognitive impairment (P_nonlinear>0.05). Conclusion: Blood selenium is negatively associated with cognitive impairment in the Chinese oldest old.

TM6SF2 reduces lipid accumulation in vascular smooth muscle cells by inhibiting LOX-1 and CD36 expression

TM6SF2, predominantly expressed in the liver and intestine, is closely associated with lipid metabolism. We have demonstrated the presence of TM6SF2 in VSMCs within human atherosclerotic plaques. Subsequent functional studies were conducted to investigate its role in lipid uptake and accumulation in human vascular smooth muscle cells (HAVSMCs) using siRNA knockdown and overexpression techniques. Our results showed that TM6SF2 reduced lipid accumulation in oxLDL-stimulated VSMCs, likely through the regulation of lectin-like oxLDL receptor 1 (LOX-1) and scavenger receptor cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) expression. We concluded that TM6SF2 plays a role in HAVSMC lipid metabolism with opposing effects on cellular lipid droplet content by downregulation of LOX-1 and CD36 expression.

Impact of Short-Term (+)-JQ1 Exposure on Mouse Aorta: Unanticipated Inhibition of Smooth Muscle Contractility

(+)-JQ1, a specific chemical inhibitor of bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family protein 4 (BRD4), has been reported to inhibit smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and mouse neointima formation via BRD4 regulation and modulate endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of (+)-JQ1 on smooth muscle contractility and the underlying mechanisms. Using wire myography, we discovered that (+)-JQ1 inhibited contractile responses in mouse aortas with or without functional endothelium, reducing myosin light chain 20 (LC20) phosphorylation and relying on extracellular Ca2+. In mouse aortas lacking functional endothelium, BRD4 knockout did not alter the inhibition of contractile responses by (+)-JQ1. In primary cultured SMCs, (+)-JQ1 inhibited Ca2+ influx. In aortas with intact endothelium, (+)-JQ1 inhibition of contractile responses was reversed by NOS inhibition (L-NAME) or guanylyl cyclase inhibition (ODQ) and by blocking the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway. In cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), (+)-JQ1 rapidly activated AKT and eNOS, which was reversed by PI3K or ATK inhibition. Intraperitoneal injection of (+)-JQ1 reduced mouse systolic blood pressure, an effect blocked by co-treatment with L-NAME. Interestingly, (+)-JQ1 inhibition of aortic contractility and its activation of eNOS and AKT were mimicked by the (-)-JQ1 enantiomer, which is structurally incapable of inhibiting BET bromodomains. In summary, our data suggest that (+)-JQ1 directly inhibits smooth muscle contractility and indirectly activates the PI3K/AKT/eNOS cascade in endothelial cells; however, these effects appear unrelated to BET inhibition. We conclude that (+)-JQ1 exhibits an off-target effect on vascular contractility.

[Association of plasma vitamin B12 level with plasma uric acid level among the elderly over 65 years old in 9 longevity areas of China]

Objective: To investigate the association of plasma vitamin B₁₂ level with plasma uric acid level among the elderly over 65 in 9 longevity areas of China. Methods: The elderly over 65 years old with complete information on plasma vitamin B₁₂ and plasma uric acid from Healthy Aging and Biomarkers Cohort Study (2017 to 2018) were recruited in this study. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, life styles, diet intake, and health status were collected by questionnaire and physical examination; and fasting venous blood was collected to detect the levels of plasma vitamin B₁₂, uric acid and other indicators. Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the association of plasma vitamin B₁₂ level per interquartile range increase with plasma uric acid level. The association trend of plasma vitamin B₁₂ level with plasma uric acid level was described by restrictive cubic splines fitting multiple linear regression model. Multiple logistic regression models were used to analyze the association of plasma vitamin B₁₂ level stratified by quartiles with hyperuricemia. Results: A total of 2 471 participants were finally included in the study, the age was (84.88±19.76) years old, of which 1 291 (52.25%) were female. The M (Q₁, Q₃) level of plasma vitamin B₁₂ was 294 (203, 440) pg/ml and the plasma uric acid level was (341.01±90.46) μmol/L. A total of 422 participants (17.08%) were defined with hyperuricemia. The results of multiple linear regression model showed that there was a positive association of plasma vitamin B₁₂ level with plasma uric acid level after adjustment for covariates (P<0.05). An IQR increase in plasma vitamin B₁₂ (237 pg/ml) was associated with a 6.36 (95%CI: 2.00-10.72) μmol/L increase in the plasma uric acid level. The restrictive cubic splines curve showed a positive linear association of log-transformed plasma vitamin B₁₂ with uric acid level (P<0.001). Conclusion: There is a positive association of plasma vitamin B₁₂ level with plasma uric acid level among the elderly over 65 years old in 9 longevity areas of China.

Retraction notice to "Betulinic acid downregulates expression of oxidative stress-induced lipoprotein lipase via PKC/ERK/c-Fos pathways in RAW264.7 macrophages" [Biochimie 119C (2015) 192-203]

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief. Concerns raised by Dr. Sander Kersten in PubPeer pointed out that Figs. 6.1B and 6.2B of this paper were different figures but the legends and Western blots were identical; the quantification was also seen to be different between the two figures. Shortly afterwards, the authors asked to publish a corrigendum for part B of Fig. 6.1, including images of western blots and associated bar plots. Subsequently, the journal conducted an investigation and found evidence that there had been improper manipulation and duplication of images in Fig. 2 E, 6.2 B, 5 A and and 6.2 D, as shown by the reuse of several western blot bands with approximately 180° rotation in each case. After raising the complaint with the authors, the corresponding author agreed that the paper should be retracted. The authors apologise to the readers of the journal.

Fibronectin leucine-rich transmembrane protein 2 drives monocyte differentiation into macrophages via the UNC5B-Akt/mTOR axis

Upon migrating into the tissues, hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)-derived monocytes differentiate into macrophages, playing a crucial role in determining innate immune responses towards external pathogens and internal stimuli. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation remain largely unexplored. Here we divulge a previously uncharacterized but essential role for an axon guidance molecule, fibronectin leucine-rich transmembrane protein 2 (FLRT2), in monocyte-to-macrophage maturation. FLRT2 is almost undetectable in human monocytic cell lines, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and mouse primary monocytes but significantly increases in fully differentiated macrophages. Myeloid-specific deletion of FLRT2 (Flrt2ΔMyel) contributes to decreased peritoneal monocyte-to-macrophage generation in mice in vivo, accompanied by impaired macrophage functions. Gain- and loss-of-function studies support the promoting effect of FLRT2 on THP-1 cell and human PBMC differentiation into macrophages. Mechanistically, FLRT2 directly interacts with Unc-5 netrin receptor B (UNC5B) via its extracellular domain (ECD) and activates Akt/mTOR signaling. In vivo administration of mTOR agonist MYH1485 reverses the impaired phenotypes observed in Flrt2ΔMyel mice. Together, these results identify FLRT2 as a novel pivotal endogenous regulator of monocyte differentiation into macrophages. Targeting the FLRT2/UNC5B-Akt/mTOR axis may provide potential therapeutic strategies directly relevant to human diseases associated with aberrant monocyte/macrophage differentiation.

Orbital angular momentum densities in the astigmatic transformation of Lissajous geometric laser modes

Orbital angular momentum densities in the astigmatic transformation of Lissajous geometric laser modes are originally and systematically investigated. The quantum theory of the coherent state is exploited to derive an analytical wave representation for the transformed output beams. The derived wave function is further employed to numerically analyze the propagation dependent orbital angular momentum densities. The parts of the negative and positive regions in the orbital angular momentum density are found to rapidly change in the Rayleigh range behind the transformation.

[Association of greenness exposure with waist circumference and central obesity in Chinese adults aged 65 years and over]

Objective: To examine the association of greenness exposure with waist circumference (WC) and central obesity in older adults in China. Methods: Based on the cross-sectional data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey in 2017-2018, 14 056 participants aged 65 years and over were included. Demographic characteristics, lifestyle, WC, and other information were collected through a questionnaire and physical examination. Based on the satellite monitoring data of moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) provided by NASA, the annual mean of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) within a radius of 1 000 meters was obtained as the measurement value of greenness exposure. Multivariate linear regression model, multivariate logistic regression model, and restricted cubic splines (RCS) model were used to analyze the association and dose-response relationship between greenness exposure and WC and central obesity in older adults in China. Results: A total of 14 056 participants were enrolled with a median age of 84.0 years [IQR: 75.0-94.0 years]. About 45.0% (6 330) of them were male and 48.6% (5 853) were illiterate. There were 10 964 (78.0%) participants from rural. The mean of WC was (84.4±10.8) cm. Central obesity accounted for 60.2% (8 465), and the NDVI range was (-0.06, 0.78). After adjusting for confounding factors, the multivariate linear regression model showed that the change value of WC in the urban group [β (95%CI):-0.49 (-0.93, -0.06)] was smaller than that in the rural [-0.78 (-0.98, -0.58)] for every 0.1 unit increase in NDVI (Pinteraction=0.022). Compared with the Q1 group in NDVI, WC of Q2 and Q3 groups in rural decreased, and the β (95%CI) values were-1.74 (-2.5, -0.98) and-2.78 (-3.55, -2.00), respectively. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that after adjusting for confounding factors, the risk of central obesity decreased for urban and rural older adults with an increase of 0.1 unit in NDVI, and the OR (95%CI) values were 0.87 (0.80, 0.95) and 0.86 (0.82, 0.89), respectively (Pinteraction=0.284). Compared with the Q1 group in NDVI, the risk of central obesity in the Q2 and Q3 groups in rural was lower, and the OR (95%CI) values were 0.68 (0.58, 0.80) and 0.57 (0.49, 0.68), respectively. The results of the multivariate regression model with RCS showed that there was a non-linear association of NDVI with WC (Pnonlinear=0.006) and central obesity (Pnonlinear=0.025). Conclusion: Greenness exposure is negatively associated with WC and central obesity in older adults in China.

Relationship between orthostatic blood pressure changes and intensive blood pressure management in patients with hypertension

INTRODUCTION

The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) demonstrated that closely controlling blood pressure (BP) could decrease cardiovascular outcome risk without increasing the orthostatic hypotension rate. We aimed to evaluate the association between baseline orthostatic BP change and major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) occurrence.

METHODS

We conducted a post hoc analysis using SPRINT data including 9329 patients with hypertension. The SPRINT trial was a two-arm, multicentre, randomised clinical trial designed to test whether an intensive treatment aimed at reducing systolic BP (SBP) to <120 mm Hg would reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Orthostatic BP change was defined as baseline standing systolic BP (SBP)-baseline mean seated SBP, or diastolic BP (DBP)-baseline mean seated DBP.

RESULTS

We found a U-shaped relationship between orthostatic BP changes and MACE occurrence. All lowest risk points were around 0 mm Hg. On the left side of the inflection point, MACE risk decreased with orthostatic BP change decrease (HR=0.99, 95% CI (0.98 to 1.00), p=0.04, SBP change) (HR=0.97, 95% CI (0.95 to 0.99), p<0.01, DBP change); on the right side, MACE risk increased with orthostatic BP change increase (HR=1.02, 95% CI (1.01 to 1.06), p<0.01, SBP change) (HR=1.01, 95% CI (1.00 to 1.03), p=0.16, DBP change). There was no significant interaction effect between orthostatic SBP (p for interaction=0.37) or DBP changes (p for interaction=0.33) and intensive BP management.

CONCLUSIONS

Orthostatic DBP increase and SBP decrease were associated with an increased MACE risk. The benefits of intensive BP management were also consistent across different orthostatic BP change ranges.

[Association of lead exposure with stunting and underweight among children aged 3-5 years in China]

Objective: To evaluate the association of lead exposure with stunting and underweight among children aged 3-5 years in China. Methods: Data was collected from China National Human Biomonitoring (CNHBM) between January 2017 and December 2018. A total of 3 554 children aged 3-5 years were included. Demographic characteristic, lifestyle and nutritional status were collected through questionnaires. Height and weight were measured by standardized method. Stunting and underweight status were determined by calculating height for age Z-score and weight for age Z-score. Blood and urine samples were collected to detect the concentrations of blood lead, urinary lead and urinary creatinine. Children were stratified into 4 groups (Q₁ to Q₄) by quartiles of blood lead level and corrected urinary lead level, respectively. Complex sampling logistic regression models were applied to evaluate the association of the blood lead level, urinary lead level with stunting and underweight. Results: Among 3 554 children, the age was (4.09±1.06) years, of which 1 779 (80.64%) were female and 1 948 (55.84%) were urban residents. The prevalence of stunting and wasting was 7.34% and 2.96%, respectively. The M (Q₁, Q₃) for blood lead levels and urinary lead levels in children was 17.49 (12.80, 24.71) μg/L, 1.20 (0.61, 2.14) μg/g Cr, respectively. After adjusting for confounding factors, compared with the lowest blood lead concentration group Q₁, the risk of stunting gradually increased in the Q₃ and Q₄ group (P_trend=0.010), with OR (95%CI) values of 1.40 (0.80-2.46) and 1.80 (1.07-3.04), respectively. Compared with the lowest urinary lead concentration group Q₁, the risk of stunting still increased in the Q₃ and Q₄ group (P_trend=0.012), with OR (95%CI) values of 1.69 (1.01-2.84) and 1.79 (1.05-3.06), respectively. The correlation between the lead exposure and underweight was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: Lead exposure is positively associated with the risk of stunting among children aged 3-5 years in China.

[Mediation effect of inflammatory biomarkers on the association between blood lead levels and blood pressure changes in Chinese adults]

Objective: To investigate the role of inflammatory biomarkers in the relationship between blood lead levels and blood pressure changes. Methods: A total of 9 910 people aged 18-79 years who participated in the China National Human Biomonitoring in 2017-2018 were included in this study. A self-made questionnaire was used to collect demographic characteristics, lifestyle and other information, and the data including height, weight and blood pressure were determined through physical examination. Blood and urinary samples were collected for the detection of blood lead and cadmium levels, urinary arsenic levels, white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Weighted linear regression models were used to evaluate the associations between blood lead, inflammatory biomarkers and blood pressure. Mediation analysis was performed to investigate the role of inflammation in the relationship between blood lead levels and blood pressure changes. Results: The median (Q₁, Q₃) age of all participants was 45.4 (33.8, 58.4)years, including 4 984 males accounting for 50.3%. Multivariate logistic regression model analysis showed that after adjusting for age, gender, residence area, BMI, education level, smoking and drinking status, family history of hypertension, consumption frequency of rice, vegetables, and red meat, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, blood cadmium and urinary arsenic levels, there was a positive association between blood lead levels, inflammatory biomarkers and blood pressure (P<0.05). Each 2.71 μg/L (log-transformed) increase of the lead was associated with a 2.05 (95%CI: 0.58, 3.53) mmHg elevation in systolic blood pressure (SBP), 2.24 (95%CI: 1.34, 3.14) mmHg elevation in diastolic blood pressure (DBP), 0.25 (95%CI: 0.05, 0.46) mg/L elevation in hs-CRP, 0.16 (95%CI: 0.03, 0.29)×10⁹/L elevation in white blood cells, and 0.11 (95%CI: 0.02, 0.21)×10⁹/L elevation in lymphocytes, respectively. Mediation analysis showed that the levels of hs-CRP significantly mediated the association of blood lead with SBP, with a proportion about 3.88% (95%CI: 0.45%, 7.32%). The analysis also found that the levels of hs-CRP and neutrophils significantly mediated the association of blood lead with SBP, with a proportion about 4.10% (95%CI: 1.11%, 7.10%) and 2.42% (95%CI: 0.07%, 4.76%), respectively. Conclusion: This study suggests that inflammatory biomarkers could significantly mediate the association of blood lead levels and blood pressure changes.

Induction of ferroptosis promotes vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching and aggravates neointimal hyperplasia in mice

BACKGROUND

Stent implantation-induced neointima formation is a dominant culprit in coronary artery disease treatment failure after percutaneous coronary intervention. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent regulated cell death, has been associated with various cardiovascular diseases. However, the effect of ferroptosis on neointima formation remains unclear.

METHODS

The mouse common right carotid arteries were ligated for 16 or 30 days, and ligated tissues were collected for further analyses. Primary rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were isolated from the media of aortas of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and used for in vitro cell culture experiments.

RESULTS

Ferroptosis was positively associated with neointima formation. In vivo, RAS-selective lethal 3 (RSL3), a ferroptosis activator, aggravated carotid artery ligation-induced neointima formation and promoted VSMC phenotypic conversion. In contrast, a ferroptosis inhibitor, ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), showed the opposite effects in mice. In vitro, RSL3 promoted rat VSMC phenotypic switching from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype, evidenced by increased contractile markers (smooth muscle myosin heavy chain and calponin 1), and decreased synthetic marker osteopontin. The induction of ferroptosis by RSL3 was confirmed by the increased expression level of ferroptosis-associated gene prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (Ptgs2). The effect of RSL3 on rat VSMC phenotypic switching was abolished by Fer-1. Moreover, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), the reactive oxygen species inhibitor, counteracted the effect of RSL3 on the phenotypic conversion of rat VSMCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Ferroptosis induces VSMC phenotypic switching and accelerates ligation-induced neointimal hyperplasia in mice. Our findings suggest inhibition of ferroptosis as an attractive strategy for limiting vascular restenosis.

Quantifying the emergence of structured laser beams relevant to Lissajous parametric surfaces

Lissajous structured beams emerging from a spherical laser cavity subject to the birefringent effect of the laser crystal are quantitatively analyzed. The analysis reveals that the birefringent effect leads to numerous frequency degeneracies at the cavity lengths near an ideal degenerate cavity. By using a diode-pumped Nd:GdVO₄ laser, the emergence of Lissajous structured modes relevant to frequency degeneracies is precisely quantified by comparing experimental results with numerical analyses. The present quantitative analysis provides an important guideline for the generation of structured transverse modes related to the ray-wave correspondence.

The Role of Extracellular Non-coding RNAs in Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a complex chronic inflammatory disease that leads to myocardial infarction, stroke, and disabling peripheral artery disease. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) directly participate in various physiological processes and exhibit a wide range of biological functions. The present review discusses how different ncRNAs participate in the process of AS in various carrier forms. We focused on the role and potential mechanisms of extracellular ncRNAs in AS and examined their potential implications for clinical treatment.

[Association of blood lead and blood selenium with serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein among Chinese adults aged 19 to 79 years]

Objective: To investigate the association of blood lead and blood selenium with serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) among Chinese adults aged 19 to 79 years. Methods: The participants were enrolled from the first wave of China National Human Biomonitoring (CNHBM) conducted from 2017 to 2018. 10 153 participants aged 19 to 79 years were included in this study. Fasting blood samples were obtained from participants. Lead and selenium in whole blood and hs-CRP in serum were measured. Individuals with hs-CRP levels above 3.0 mg/L were defined as elevated hs-CRP. Generalized linear mixed models and restricted cubic spline models were used to analyze the association of blood lead and blood selenium with elevated hs-CRP. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the multiplicative scale and additive scale interaction between blood lead and blood selenium on elevated hs-CRP. Results: The age of participants was (48.91±15.38) years, of which 5 054 (61.47%) were male. 1 181 (11.29%) participants were defined as elevated hs-CRP. After multivariable adjustment, results from generalized linear models showed that compared with participants with the lowest quartile of blood lead, the OR (95%CI) of elevated hs-CRP for participants with the second, third, and highest quartiles were 1.14 (0.94-1.37), 1.25 (1.04-1.52) and 1.38 (1.13-1.68), respectively. When compared with participants with the lowest quartile of blood selenium, the OR (95%CI) of elevated hs-CRP for participants with the second, third and highest quartiles were 0.86 (0.72-1.04), 0.91 (0.76-1.11), and 0.75 (0.61-0.92), respectively. Results from the interaction analysis showed no significant interaction between lead and selenium on elevated hs-CRP. Conclusion: Blood concentration of lead was positively associated with elevated serum hs-CRP, and blood concentration of selenium was inversely related to elevated hs-CRP, while blood lead and selenium did not present interaction on elevated hs-CRP.

[Prediction of 6-year risk of activities of daily living disability in elderly aged 65 years and older in China]

Objective: To construct an easy-to-use risk prediction tool for 6-year risk of activities of daily living(ADL) disability among Chinese elderly aged 65 and above. Methods: A total of 34 349 elderly aged 65 and above were recruited from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Demographic characteristics, lifestyle and chronic diseases of the elderly were collected through face-to-face interviews. The functional status of the elderly was evaluated by the instrumental activities of daily living(IADL) scale. The mental health status of the elderly was evaluated by the Mini-Mental State Examination. The height, weight, blood pressure and other information of the subjects were obtained through physical examination and body mass index(BMI) was calculated. The ADL status was evaluated by Katz Scale at baseline and follow-up surveys. Taking ADL status as the dependent variable and the key predictors were selected from Lasso regression as the independent variables, a Cox proportional risk regression model was constructed and visualized by the nomogram tool. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC) and calibration curve were used to evaluate the discrimination and calibration of the model. A total of 200 bootstrap resamples were used for internal validation of the model. Sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate the robustness of the model. Results: The M(Q₁, Q₃) of subjects' age as 86(75, 94) years old, of which 9 774(46.0%) were males. A total of 112 606 person-years were followed up, 4 578 cases of ADL disability occurred and the incidence density was 40.7/1 000 person-years. Cox proportional risk regression model analysis showed that older age, higher BMI, female, hypertension and history of cerebrovascular disease were associated with higher risk of ADL disability [HR(95%CI) were 1.06(1.05-1.06), 1.05(1.04-1.06), 1.17(1.10-1.25),1.07(1.01-1.13) and 1.41(1.23-1.62), respectively.]; Ethnic minorities, walking 1 km continuously, taking public transportation alone and doing housework almost every day were associated with lower risk of ADL disability [HR(95%CI): 0.71(0.62-0.80), 0.72(0.65-0.80), 0.74(0.68-0.82) and 0.69(0.64-0.74), respectively]. The AUC value of the model was 0.853, and the calibration curve showed that the predicted probability was highly consistent with the observed probability. After excluding non-intervening factors(age, sex and ethnicity), the AUC value of the model for predicting the risk of ADL disability was 0.779. The AUC values of 65-74 years old and 75 years old and above were 0.634 and 0.765, respectively. The AUC values of the model based on walking 1 km continuous and taking public transport alone in IADL and the model based on comprehensive score of IADL were 0.853 and 0.851, respectively. Conclusion: The risk prediction model of ADL disability established in this study has good performance and robustness.

Diverging targets mediate the pathological roleof miR-199a-5p and miR-199a-3p by promoting cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis

MicroRNA-199a-5p (miR-199a-5p) and -3p are enriched in the myocardium, but it is unknown whether miR-199a-5p and -3p are co-expressed in cardiac remodeling and what roles they have in cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. We show that miR-199a-5p and -3p are co-upregulated in the mouse and human myocardium with cardiac remodeling and in Ang-II-treated neonatal mouse ventricular cardiomyocytes (NMVCs) and cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). miR-199a-5p and -3p could aggravate cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. PPAR gamma coactivator 1 alpha (Ppargc1a) and sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) were identified as target genes to mediate miR-199a-5p in promoting both cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. However, miR-199a-3p aggravated cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis through targeting RB transcriptional corepressor 1 (Rb1) and Smad1, respectively. Serum response factor and nuclear factor κB p65 participated in the upregulation of miR-199a-5p and -3p in Ang-II-treated NMVCs and mouse CFs, and could be conversely elevated by miR-199a-5p and -3p. Together, Ppargc1a and Sirt1, Rb1 and Smad1 mediated the pathological effect of miR-199a-5p and -3p by promoting cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, respectively. This study suggests a possible new strategy for cardiac remodeling therapy by inhibiting miR-199a-5p and -3p.

PCSK9 (Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9) Triggers Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Senescence and Apoptosis: Implication of Its Direct Role in Degenerative Vascular Disease

OBJECTIVE

PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) plays a critical role in cholesterol metabolism via the PCSK9-LDLR (low-density lipoprotein receptor) axis in the liver; however, evidence indicates that PCSK9 directly contributes to the pathogenesis of various diseases through mechanisms independent of its LDL-cholesterol regulation. The objective of this study was to determine how PCSK9 directly acts on vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), contributing to degenerative vascular disease. Approach and Results: We first examined the effects of PCSK9 on cultured human aortic SMCs. Overexpression of PCSK9 downregulated the expression of ApoER2 (apolipoprotein E receptor 2), a known target of PCSK9. Treatment with soluble recombinant human ApoER2 or the DNA synthesis inhibitor, hydroxyurea, inhibited PCSK9-induced polyploidization and other cellular responses of human SMCs. Treatment with antibodies against ApoER2 resulted in similar effects to those observed with PCSK9 overexpression. Inducible, SMC-specific knockout of Pcsk9 accelerated neointima formation in mouse carotid arteries and reduced age-related arterial stiffness. PCSK9 was expressed in SMCs of human atherosclerotic lesions and abundant in the "shoulder" regions of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. PCSK9 was also expressed in SMCs of abdominal aortic aneurysm, which was inversely related to the expression of smooth muscle α-actin.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate that PCSK9 inhibits proliferation and induces polyploidization, senescence, and apoptosis, which may be relevant to various degenerative vascular diseases.

Curcumin Acetylsalicylate Extends the Lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans

Aspirin and curcumin have been reported to be beneficial to anti-aging in a variety of biological models. Here, we synthesized a novel compound, curcumin acetylsalicylate (CA), by combining aspirin and curcumin. We characterized how CA affects the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) worms. Our results demonstrated that CA extended the lifespan of worms in a dose-dependent manner and reached its highest anti-aging effect at the concentration of 20 μM. In addition, CA reduced the deposition of lipofuscin or "age pigment" without affecting the reproductivity of worms. CA also caused a rightward shift of C. elegans lifespan curves in the presence of paraquat-induced (5 mM) oxidative stress or 37 °C acute heat shock. Additionally, CA treatment decreased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in C. elegans and increased the expression of downstream genes superoxide dismutase (sod)-3, glutathione S-transferase (gst)-4, heat shock protein (hsp)-16.2, and catalase-1 (ctl-1). Notably, CA treatment resulted in nuclear translocation of the DAF-16 transcription factor, which is known to stimulate the expression of SOD-3, GST-4, HSP-16, and CTL-1. CA did not produce a longevity effect in daf-16 mutants. In sum, our data indicate that CA delayed the aging of C. elegans without affecting reproductivity, and this effect may be mediated by its activation of DAF-16 and subsequent expression of antioxidative genes, such as sod-3 and gst-4. Our study suggests that novel anti-aging drugs may be developed by combining two individual drugs.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Thrixspermum amplexicaule (Orchidaceae, Aeridinae)

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Thrixspermum amplexicaule was assembled and analyzed in this work. The total chloroplast genome size of T. amplexicaule was 148,124 bp in length, containing a large single-copy (LSC) region of 86,079 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 10,799 bp, and a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 25,623 bp. The GC content of T. amplexicaule was 36.4%. It encoded a total of 120 unique genes, including 75 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. The results of phylogenetic analysis strongly supported that all four samples of Thrixspermum are monophyletic and T. amplexicaule was closely related to T. centipeda.

Characterizing the spatial entanglement from laser modes analogous to quantum wave functions

The Schmidt decomposition is exploited to study the spatial entanglement of laser transverse modes analogous to quantum Lissajous states. Based on the inverse Fourier transform, the stationary Lissajous state can be analytically derived as a coherent superposition of degenerate Hermite-Gaussian eigenmodes. With the derived stationary state, the Schmidt modes and the participation number N can be employed to evaluate the spatial localization and the quantum entanglement. The larger the participation number, the more localized is the stationary coherent state on the Lissajous figure. Moreover, the larger the participation number, the higher is the spatial entanglement.

Multifunctional RNase MCPIP1 and its Role in Cardiovascular Diseases

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 induced protein 1 (MCPIP1), one of the MCPIP family members, is characterized by the presence of both C-x8-C-x5-C-x3-H (CCCH)- type zinc finger and PilT-N-terminal domains. As a potent regulator of innate immunity, MCPIP1 exerts anti-inflammatory effects through its ribonuclease (RNase) and deubiquitinating enzyme activities to degrade cytokine mRNAs and inhibit nuclear factor- kappa B (NF-κB), respectively. MCPIP1 is expressed not only in immune cells but also in many other cell types, including cardiomyocytes, vascular endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Increasing evidence indicates that MCPIP1 plays a role in the regulation of cardiac functions and is involved in the processes of vascular diseases, such as ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) and atherosclerosis. To better understand the emerging roles of MCPIP1 in the cardiovascular system, we reviewed the current literature with respect to MCPIP1 functions and discussed its association with the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and the implication as a therapeutic target.

[Association of cadmium internal exposure with chronic kidney disease in Chinese adults]

Objective: To analyze the association of the cadmium internal exposure with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Chinese adults aged 18 and older. Methods: A total of 9 821 adults aged 18-79 from the China National Human Biomonitoring (CNHBM) from 2017 to 2018 were included. Blood and urine cadmium exposure levels were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and urine cadmium levels were adjusted with urine creatinine; CKD were defined by estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) using the chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI). Weights were considered due to complex sampling process for in statistical analysis. Logistic regression is used to analyze the association of blood cadmium, urine cadmium, and urine cadmium adjusted with creatinine exposure levels with CKD, and restricted cube spline (RCS) was used to assess the exposure-response curve of blood cadmium, urine cadmium and urine cadmium adjusted with creatinine with CKD. Results: The weighted age was 44.75 and males accounted for 61.1%. The prevalence rate of CKD was 12.7%. The geometric mean values of blood cadmium, urine cadmium, and urine cadmium adjusted with creatinine were 0.96 μg/L, 0.61 μg/L, and 0.58 μg/g. After adjusting for confounding factors, the weighted logistic regression showed that the lowest quintile (Q1) was compared with the odds ratio (OR) of the highest quintile (Q5) of blood cadmium, urine cadmium, and urine cadmium adjusted with creatinine and the 95% confidence interval (CI) was 1.80 (1.02-3.20), 1.77 (0.94-3.31) and 1.94 (1.11-3.37) respectively. In the restricted cubic spline regression model, non-linear association of blood cadmium, urine cadmium, and urine cadmium adjusted with creatinine with CKD were observed after adjusting for related confounding factors (P<0.001, 0.018, 0.031 respectively). The risk of CKD increased with the increment of cadmium exposure without risk threshold, and the exposure response curve was steeper at low cadmium exposure. Conclusions: Among Chinese adults aged 18 and older, cadmium exposure is positively associated with the risk of chronic kidney disease.

Bromodomain-containing protein 4 and its role in cardiovascular diseases

Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), a chromatin-binding protein, is involved in the development of various tumors. Recent evidence suggests that BRD4 also plays a significant role in cardiovascular diseases, such as ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and cardiac hypertrophy. This review summarizes the roles of BRD4 as a potential regulator of various pathophysiological processes in cardiovascular diseases, implicating that BRD4 may be a new therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases in the future.

The optimal immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with chemotherapy for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) plus chemotherapy (CT) have strikingly expanded the therapeutic landscape for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but little is known about which is superior. We performed a meta-analysis that compared the efficacy and safety of PD-1 inhibitor + CT with PD-L1 inhibitor + CT.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and major international scientific meetings were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and the indirect analysis was performed for PD-1 + CT vs PD-L1 + CT. The outcomes included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR) and treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs).

RESULTS

8 phase III RCTs with 4253 patients comparing PD-1/PD-L1 + CT in NSCLC were included. The PD-1 + CT led to notably longer OS most in low/negative expression of PD-L1 for NSCLC patients compared with PD-L1 + CT. In terms of Grade 3-5 TRAEs, the results showed that PD-1 + CT and PD-L1 + CT exclusively increased the risk of adverse incidence than CT alone, especially for PD-L1 + CT (p < 0.00001). For subgroups including female, young patients, patients with nonsmoker, and EGFR/ALK wild-type, PD-1 + CT was associated with prolonged OS (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, for no liver metastasis of NSCLC patients, we found obviously OS advantage for patients treated with PD-1 + CT compared to PD-L1 + CT.

CONCLUSIONS

ICIs + CT seemed to be more effective first-line regimen and PD-1 + CT could be recommended as the first-rank therapy for advanced NSCLC patients with low/negative expression of PD-L1. However, we should be particularly vigilant about the occurrence of the Grade 3-5 TRAEs.

LncRNA-modulated autophagy in plaque cells: a new paradigm of gene regulation in atherosclerosis?

The development of atherosclerosis is accompanied by the functional deterioration of plaque cells, which leads to the escalation of endothelial inflammation, abnormal vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype switching and the accumulation of lipid-laden macrophages within vascular walls. Autophagy, a highly conserved homeostatic mechanism, is critical for the delivery of cytoplasmic substrates to lysosomes for degradation. Moderate levels of autophagy prevent atherosclerosis by safeguarding plaque cells against apoptosis, preventing inflammation, and limiting the lipid burden, whereas excessive autophagy exacerbates cell damage and inflammation and thereby accelerates the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Increasing lines of evidence suggest that long noncoding RNAs can be either beneficial or detrimental to atherosclerosis development by regulating the autophagy level. This review summarizes the research progress related to 1) the significant role of autophagy in atherosclerosis and 2) the effects of the lncRNA-mediated modulation of autophagy on the plaque cell fate, inflammation levels, proliferative capacity, and cholesterol metabolism and subsequently on atherogenesis.

Emerging roles of absent in melanoma 2 in cardiovascular diseases

Absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) is a member of the PYHIN (pyrin and HIN domain-containing protein) family with important roles in sensing double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and assembling the AIM2 inflammasome, which has wide-ranging, pro-inflammatory and pro-pyroptotic properties. The AIM2 inflammasome can become activated in atherosclerotic plaque, abdominal aortic aneurysm wall and injured myocardium, and its activation is tightly regulated by a variety of atherogenic factors. Activation of the AIM2 inflammasome has close links to the progression of several cardiovascular diseases. This review will summarize the current knowledge of AIM2 biology, providing the latest insights into the mechanisms and contributions of atherogenic factors to AIM2 inflammasome activation. In addition, we will also explore crosstalk between AIM2 and the pathologies of atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, myocardial infarction and heart failure. A better understanding of the pathological roles of AIM2 in these disorders will be helpful in developing novel therapeutic approaches.

Physiology and role of PCSK9 in vascular disease: Potential impact of localized PCSK9 in vascular wall

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9), a member of the proprotein convertase family, is an important drug target because of its crucial role in lipid metabolism. Emerging evidence suggests a direct role of localized PCSK9 in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. With this in our consideration, we reviewed PCSK9 physiology with respect to recent development and major studies (clinical and experimental) on PCSK9 functionality in vascular disease. PCSK9 upregulates low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels by binding to the LDL-receptor (LDLR) and facilitating its lysosomal degradation. PCSK9 gain-of-function mutations have been confirmed as a novel genetic mechanism for familial hypercholesterolemia. Elevated serum PCSK9 levels in patients with vascular diseases may contribute to coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, cerebrovascular diseases, vasculitis, aortic diseases, and arterial aging pathogenesis. Experimental models of atherosclerosis, arterial aneurysm, and coronary or carotid artery ligation also support PCSK9 contribution to inflammatory response and disease progression, through LDLR-dependent or -independent mechanisms. More recently, several clinical trials have confirmed that anti-PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies can reduce systemic LDL levels, total nonfatal cardiovascular events, and all-cause mortality. Interaction of PCSK9 with other receptor proteins (LDLR-related proteins, cluster of differentiation family members, epithelial Na⁺ channels, and sortilin) may underlie its roles in vascular disease. Improved understanding of PCSK9 roles and molecular mechanisms in various vascular diseases will facilitate advances in lipid-lowering therapy and disease prevention.

[Clinical characteristics and gene expression profiles in children with ETV6-RUNX1 acute lymphoblastic leukemia]

目的

通过基因表达谱研究儿童ETV6-RUNX1阳性急性淋巴细胞白血病（ALL）异质性，探索不同聚类分组临床特征，为临床个性化诊疗及利用测序技术探索预后相对不良组预测模型提供可行性参考。

方法

应用改进的基因片段分析技术对2016年8月至2019年6月北京儿童医院收治的264例初诊ALL患儿的骨髓标本进行57个分型基因检测和聚类分析，重点分析56例ETV6-RUNX1阳性患者的基因表达谱与临床特点、免疫表型和早期化疗反应的关系。

结果

基因分型聚类显示ETV6-RUNX1阳性ALL被分为两组：E/R-1组（45例，80.4%）和E/R-2组（11例，19.6%）。E/R-2聚类离散度大于E/R-1，spearman相关系数分别为0.788、0.901；E/R-2、E/R-1组初诊PLT中位数分别为104（27～644）×10⁹/L、50（8～390）×10⁹/L（P<0.01），初诊骨髓原始幼稚细胞比例分别为0.830（0.270～0.975）、0.935（0.445～0.990）（P<0.05）；CD22⁺CD34⁺CD20⁻CD117⁻CD56⁻免疫组合在E/R-2组占比更高（P<0.001）；E/R-2和E/R-1组化疗第33天流式细胞术检测的微小残留病（MRD）转阴例数分别为5例（55.6%）和32例（88.9%）（P＝0.064），去除临界值病例敏感性分析转阴例数分别为5例（55.6%）和32例（91.4%）（P＝0.035）；第33天PCR检测的MRD转阴例数分别为7例（77.8%）和36例（100.0%）（P＝0.047）。

结论

ETV6-RUNX1阳性ALL患儿在基因表达谱层面存在异质性，符合E/R-2表达特征的患儿可能初诊时血小板减少倾向小但早期化疗反应相对不良。

Long non-coding RNA H19 in atherosclerosis: what role?

Atherosclerosis (AS) is widely accepted to be a multistep pathophysiological process associated with several other processes such as angiogenesis and inflammatory response. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-protein coding RNAs (more than 200 nucleotides in length) and can regulate gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Recent studies suggest that lncRNA-H19 plays important roles in the regulation of angiogenesis, adipocyte differentiation, lipid metabolism, inflammatory response, cellular proliferation and apoptosis. In this review, we primarily discuss the roles of lncRNA-H19 in atherosclerosis-related pathophysiological processes and the potential mechanisms by which lncRNA-H19 regulates the development of atherosclerosis, to help provide a better understanding of the biological functions of lncRNA-H19 in atherosclerosis.

Genomic origin and EGFR-TKI treatments of pulmonary adenosquamous carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) of the lung is a heterogeneous disease that is composed of both adenocarcinoma components (ACC) and squamous cell carcinoma components (SCCC). Their genomic profile, genetic origin, and clinical management remain controversial.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Resected ASC and metastatic tumor in regional lymph nodes (LNs) were collected. The ACC and SCCC were separated by microdissection of primary tumor. The 1021 cancer-related genes were evaluated by next-generation sequencing independently in ACC and SCCC and LNs. Shared and private alterations in the two components were investigated. In addition, genomic profiles of independent cohorts of adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas were examined for comparison. We have also carried out a retrospective study of ASCs with known EGFR mutation status from 11 hospitals in China for their clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

The most frequent alterations in 28 surgically resected ASCs include EGFR (79%), TP53 (68%), MAP3K1 (14%) mutations, EGFR amplifications (32%), and MDM2 amplifications (18%). Twenty-seven patients (96%) had shared variations between ACC and SCCC, and pure SCCC metastases were not found in metastatic LNs among these patients. Only one patient with geographically separated ACC and SCCC had no shared mutations. Inter-component heterogeneity was a common genetic event of ACC and SCCC. The genomic profile of ASC was similar to that of 170 adenocarcinomas, but different from that of 62 squamous cell carcinomas. The incidence of EGFR mutations in the retrospective analysis of 517 ASCs was 51.8%. Among the 129 EGFR-positive patients who received EGFR-TKIs, the objective response rate was 56.6% and the median progression-free survival was 10.1 months (95% confidence interval: 9.0-11.2).

CONCLUSIONS

The ACC and SCCC share a monoclonal origin, a majority with genetically inter-component heterogeneity. ASC may represent a subtype of adenocarcinoma with EGFR mutation being the most common genomic anomaly and sharing similar efficacy to EGFR TKI.

Extract of Naotaifang, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, protects neuron ferroptosis induced by acute cerebral ischemia in rats

OBJECTIVE

Our previous research showed that Naotaifang (a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine) extract (NTE) has clinically beneficial effects on neurological improvement of patients with acute cerebral ischemia. In this study, we investigated whether NTE protected acute brain injury in rats and whether its effects on ferroptosis could be linked to the dysfunction of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and iron metabolism.

METHODS

We established an acute brain injury model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats, in which we could observe the accumulation of iron in neurons, as detected by Perl's staining. Using assay kits, we measured expression levels of ferroptosis biomarkers, such as iron, glutathione (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malonaldehyde (MDA); further the expression levels of transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and GPX4 were determined using immunohistochemical analysis, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assays.

RESULTS

We found that treatment with NTE reduced the expression levels of TFR1 and DMT1, reduced ROS, MDA and iron accumulation and reduced neurobehavioral scores, relative to untreated MCAO rats. Treatment with NTE increased the expression levels of SLC7A11, GPX4 and GSH, and the number of Nissl bodies in the MCAO rats.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our data suggest that acute cerebral ischemia induces neuronal ferroptosis and the effects of treating MCAO rats with NTE involved inhibition of ferroptosis through the TFR1/DMT1 and SCL7A11/GPX4 pathways.

Mangiferin promotes macrophage cholesterol efflux and protects against atherosclerosis by augmenting the expression of ABCA1 and ABCG1

Mangiferin has been identified as a potent cardioprotective factor that enhances high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in plasma. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of mangiferin on macrophage cholesterol efflux and the development of atherosclerosis. The results showed that mangiferin injection significantly decreased atherosclerotic plaque size, and reduced plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and total cholesterol in apoE knockout mice, whereas reverse cholesterol transport efficiency and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were enhanced. In vitro study showed that mangiferin prevented lipid accumulation and promoted [³H]-cholesterol efflux from acetylated LDL-loaded RAW264.7 macrophages with an increase in the expression of ATP binding cassette A1/G1 (ABCA1/G1), liver X receptor-α (LXRα) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ). Moreover, transfection of PPARγ siRNA or LXRα siRNA markedly abolished the positive effects of mangiferin on ABCA1/G1 expression and cholesterol efflux. The opposite effects were observed after treatment with PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone or LXRα agonist T0901317. In conclusion, mangiferin may attenuate atherogenesis by promoting cholesterol efflux from macrophages via the PPARγ-LXRα-ABCA1/G1 pathway.

[In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer affects focal adhension kinase signaling pathway in early placenta]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) technique on gene expression of focal adhension kinase (FAK) signaling pathway in early placental trophoblast cells, and to explore the effects of IVF-ET technology on the development and function of early placenta.

METHODS

We collected 7-8 weeks of gestation placenta tissue as a study group by ultrasound guided reduction of fetal from double embryo transfer under IVF-ET technology. In the control group, placenta tissues were obtained from the spontaneous abortion of natural pregnancy twin 7-8 weeks. Microarray hybridization analysis was performed on the placenta tissue of the two groups using the Affymetrix HG-U133 Plus 2.0 gene chip. Eight differentially expressed genes were identified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and unsupervised clustering analysis and functional bioinformatics analysis were performed for the differentially expressed genes.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight cases of IVF-ET reduced fetal villi and 8 cases of spontaneous abortion villi were collected. A total of 8 placental villi were detected by the gene chip. Compared with the natural pregnancy control group, 32 differentially expressed genes in the placental FAK signaling pathway were expressed in IVF-ET. The differential expression was greater than or equal to 2 times, of which 12 genes were up-regulated and 20 were down-regulated. The qRT-PCR showed that the expression of the 8 genes in FAK signaling pathways of IVF-ET was significantly different from that in the placenta of natural pregnancy, which was consistent with the result of the gene chip detection. The FAK signal pathway gene localization showed that the FAK gene was mainly located in the upstream of the signal pathway in the placenta of IVF-ET. The placental trophoblast cells maintained the FAK signaling pathway function through gene expression compensation.

CONCLUSION

There are gene expression differences in the FAK signaling pathway between the IVF-ET derived early placenta and the natural pregnancy placenta. The differentially expressed genes are involved in many key functions of the FAK signaling pathway and affect the early development and function of the IVF-ET placenta, while the placental trophoblast cells change gene expression for interference to compensate for IVF-ET technology itself, maintain normal function of the FAK signaling pathway, and satisfy the need for placental and fetal development.

[Identification of 23 unknown Li minority medicinal plants based on DNA barcoding]

DNA barcode molecular biological technique is used to identify the species of 23 unknown Li minority medicinal plants.DNA was extracted from 23 unknown medicines using the Plant Genomic DNA Extraction kit. The ITS2 and psbA-trnH regions were amplified and sequenced bi-directionally. The Codon Code Aligner V 7. 0. 1 was used to proofread and assemble the contigs and generated consensus sequences. All the sequences were submitted to Traditional Chinese Medicine DNA Barcode Database and NCBI Gen Bank to get information of the species identifications. If the maximum similarity of the identification result is ≥ 97%,exact species can be known. If it is between 97% and 90%,samples' genus can be confirmed; If it is <90%,then we can only confirm its family. Finally there are 17 samples can be identified to species level,5 can be identified to genus level and 1 can be identified to family level. This shows that DNA barcoding used in medicinal plants molecular identification,can identify unknown species rapidly and accurately.

[Task-related functional connectivity of anterior cingutate in opiate drug addicts during physical detoxification: a task fMRI study]

Objective: To explore the brain areas which have abnormal functional connectivity with anterior cingutate in opiate drug dependence during physical detoxification using a task-related functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI), and to find out the role of anterior cingutate dysfunction in the relapse of opiate drug addicts during physical detoxification. Methods: From January to December 2016, eighteen participants of opiate drug addicts during physical detoxification who completed in Drug Rehabilitation Center of Anhui Province, and eighteen healthy controls recruited performed a cue-elicited craving task in a MRI scanner while signal data were collected. Two regions of interest were the right anterior cingutate and the left anterior cingutate, then the linear correlation between the whole brain and the anterior cingutates was calculated to find out the abnormal functional connectivity of the anterior cingutates. Results: Contrasted experimental group with the healthy controls, the functional connectivity of bilateral fusiform gyrus, caudate nucleus, and the anterior cingutates was increased in the opiate drug addicts during physical detoxification group (P<0.05),and the functional connectivity between anterior cingutates and polus temporalis, hippocampi, Middle frontal gyrus of orbit, Supplementary motor area, dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus was decreased(P<0.05). Conclusion: The anterior cingutates dysfunction of functional connectivity in a cue-elicited craving task may play a important role in the relapse of opiate drug addicts during physical detoxification.

Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Promotes Atherosclerosis via HMGB1/TLR4-Mediated Downregulation of PPARγ/LXRα/ABCA1 in ApoE-/- Mice

Background: Although our previous studies have confirmed that the activation of TLR4 is implicated in the development of atherosclerosis induced by chronic unpredicted mild stress (CUMS), the underling mechanism is largely unclear. Here, we hypothesized that CUMS accelerates atherosclerotic development through lowering PPARγ/LXRα-ABCA1 expression via HMGB1/TLR4 signaling. Methods: In present study, CUMS atherosclerotic animal models were established with AopE^-/- mice, and CUMS Raw 264.7 macrophage models were mimicked by high corticosterone treatment, These models were treated with Ethyl pyruvate (EP, an inhibitor of HMGB1), TLR4 inhibitor TAK-242, and PPARγ agonist RSG (Rosiglitazone) to test our hypothesis, respectively. Results: Our results indicated that the protein levels of HMGB1, TLR4, and pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, TNF-α were elevated with the development of atherosclerosis in CUMS mice, while the expressions of PPARγ, LXRα, and ABCA1 declined. Notably, HMGB1 inhibition by EP reversed CUMS-induced atherosclerotic development, pro-inflammatory cytokines upregulation, and PPARγ/LXRα-ABCA1 downregulation. The same trend was observed in the stressed mice treatment with TAK-242. Further experimental evidences indicated that EP, TAK-242, and RSG treatment notably corrected foam cell formation, HMGB1 release, and down-regulation of LXRα and ABCA1 in CUMS Raw 264.7 macrophage model. Conclusion: These results indicate that CUMS exacerbates atherosclerosis is likely via HMGB1-mediated downregulation of PPARγ/LXRα-ABCA1 through TLR4. These data reveal a novel mechanism by which CUMS aggravates atherosclerosis and may offer a potential therapeutic target for this disease.

Novel role of the clustered miR-23b-3p and miR-27b-3p in enhanced expression of fibrosis-associated genes by targeting TGFBR3 in atrial fibroblasts

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of arrhythmia in cardiovascular diseases. Atrial fibrosis is an important pathophysiological contributor to AF. This study aimed to investigate the role of the clustered miR‐23b‐3p and miR‐27b‐3p in atrial fibrosis. Human atrial fibroblasts (HAFs) were isolated from atrial appendage tissue of patients with sinus rhythm. A cell model of atrial fibrosis was achieved in Ang‐II‐induced HAFs. Cell proliferation and migration were detected. We found that miR‐23b‐3p and miR‐27b‐3p were markedly increased in atrial appendage tissues of AF patients and in Ang‐II‐treated HAFs. Overexpression of miR‐23b‐3p and miR‐27b‐3p enhanced the expression of collagen, type I, alpha 1 (COL1A1), COL3A1 and ACTA2 in HAFs without significant effects on their proliferation and migration. Luciferase assay showed that miR‐23b‐3p and miR‐27b‐3p targeted two different sites in 3ʹ‐UTR of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 receptor 3 (TGFBR3) respectively. Consistently, TGFBR3 siRNA could increase fibrosis‐related genes expression, along with the Smad1 inactivation and Smad3 activation in HAFs. Additionally, overexpression of TGFBR3 could alleviate the increase of COL1A1, COL3A1 and ACTA2 in HAFs after transfection with miR‐23b‐3p and miR‐27b‐3p respectively. Moreover, Smad3 was activated in HAFs in response to Ang‐II treatment and inactivation of Smad3 attenuated up‐regulation of miR‐23b‐3p and miR‐27b‐3p in Ang‐II‐treated HAFs. Taken together, these results suggest that the clustered miR‐23b‐3p and miR‐27b‐3p consistently promote atrial fibrosis by targeting TGFBR3 to activate Smad3 signalling in HAFs, suggesting that miR‐23b‐3p and miR‐27b‐3p are potential therapeutic targets for atrial fibrosis.