Lysosome targeting fluorescent probe for NAAA imaging and its applications in the drug development for anti-inflammatory

N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA) is a nucleophilic lysosomal cysteine hydrolase, which primarily mediates the hydrolytic inactivation of endogenous palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), which further influences the inflammatory process by regulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α). Herein, a novel lysosome (Lyso)-targeting fluorescent probe (i.e., PMBD) was designed and synthesized for detecting endogenous NAAA selectively and sensitively, allowing real-time visual monitoring of endogenous NAAA in living cells. Moreover, PMBD can target Lyso with a high colocalization in Lyso Tracker. Finally, a high-throughput assay method for NAAA inhibitor screening was established using PMBD, and the NAAA-inhibitory effects of 42 anti-inflammatory Traditional Chinese medicines were evaluated. A novel potent inhibitor of NAAA, ellagic acid, was isolated from Cornus officinalis, which can suppress LPS-induced iNOS upregulation and NO production in RAW264.7 cells that display anti-inflammatory activities. PMBD, a novel Lyso-targeting fluorescent probe for visually imaging NAAA, could serve as a useful molecular tool for exploring the physiological functions of NAAA and drug development based on NAAA-related diseases.

[A sampling survey of intraoperative facial nerve monitoring in China]

Objective: This study aims to investigate the current application and the level of knowledge of intraoperative facial nerve monitoring among medical staff in China. Methods: A comprehensive online questionnaire was conducted among medical professionals across different regions in China from October 2022 to February 2023. The survey exclusively targeted departments specializing in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery, neurosurgery, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. The questionnaire covered various aspects including general information, intraoperative facial nerve monitoring practices, training history, indications for monitoring, parameters used during monitoring procedures, as well as factors influencing its implementation. Results: A total of 417 participants from 31 provincial, municipal, and autonomous regions were included. Intraoperative facial nerve monitoring was found to be implemented in 227 (54.4%,227/417) repondents of 53 institutions (24.9%, 53/213). The top three indications for implementing this technique were acoustic neuroma, parotid gland surgery, and modified middle ear surgery (mastoidectomy). Herein 81.1%(184/227) medical staff involved in intraoperative facial nerve monitoring had received relevant training, 57.3%(130/227)-92.1%(209/227) reported a lack of clear description regarding recording thresholds, stimulation currents/frequencies/wave widths. Conclusion: The majority of the institutions surveyed have not yet adopted intraoperative facial nerve monitoring. Furthermore, significant gaps concerning the procedure exist. It is imperative to establish standards or guidelines to promote its better development and application.

ROS-dependent catalytic mechanism of melatonin metabolism and its application in the measurement of reactive oxygen

Melatonin (Mel) is an endogenous active molecule whose metabolism progress significantly influences its bioactivity. However, the detailed metabolic pathway of Mel in the pathological state has not yet been fully illustrated. In this study, 16 metabolites of Mel in cancer cells and human liver microsomes were identified, of which seven novel metabolites were newly discovered. Among them, 2-hydroxymelatonin (2-O-Mel), as the major metabolite in cancer cells, was revealed for the first time, which was different from the metabolite found in the human liver. Furthermore, CYP1A1/1A2- and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated 2-hydroxylation reactions of Mel were verified to be the two metabolic pathways in the liver and cancer cells, respectively. ROS-dependent formation of 2-O-Mel was the major pathway in cancer cells. Furthermore, the underlying catalytic mechanism of Mel to 2-O-Mel in the presence of ROS was fully elucidated using computational chemistry analysis. Therefore, the generation of 2-O-Mel from Mel could serve as another index for the endogenous reactive oxygen level. Finally, based on the ROS-dependent production of 2-O-Mel, Mel was successfully used for detecting the oxygen-carrying capacity of hemoglobin in human blood. Our investigation further enriched the metabolic pathway of Mel, especially for the ROS-dependent formation of 2-O-Mel that serves as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for the rational use of Mel in clinics.

[Bioinformatics analysis of the RNA binding protein DDX39 of Toxoplasma gondii]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the RNA binding protein of Toxoplasma gondii (TgDDX39) using bioinformatics technology, and to evaluate the immunogenicity of TgDDX39, so as to provide insights into development of toxoplasmosis vaccines.

METHODS

The amino acid sequences of TgDDX39 were retrieved from the ToxoDB database, and the physicochemical properties, transmembrane structure domain, signal peptide sites, post-translational modification sites, coils, secondary and tertiary structures, hydrophobicity, and antigenic epitopes of the TgDDX39 protein were predicted using online bioinformatics tools, incluiding ProtParam, TMHMM 2.0, SignalP 5.0, NetPhos 3.1, COILS, SOPMA, Phyre2, ProtScale, ABCpred, SYFPEITHI and DNA-STAR.

RESULTS

TgDDX39 protein was predicted to be an unstable hydrophilic protein with the molecular formula of C2173H3458N598O661S18, which contained 434 amino acids and had an estimated molecular weight of 49.1 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point of 5.55. The protein was predicted to have an extremely low possibility of signal peptides, without transmembrane regions, and contain 27 phosphorylation sites. The β turn and random coils accounted for 39.63% of the secondary structure of the TgDDX39 protein, and a coiled helix tended to produce in one site. In addition, the TgDDX39 protein contained multiple B and T cell antigenic epitopes.

CONCLUSIONS

Bioinformatics analyses predict that TgDDX39 protein has high immunogenicity and contains multiple antigenic epitopes. TgDDX39 protein is a potential candidate antigen for vaccine development.

Efficacy and Safety of Local Radiotherapy Combined with Chemotherapy ± Bevacizumab in the Treatment of Patients with Advanced and Recurrent Metastatic Cervical Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To observe the efficacy and safety of local radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy ± bevacizumab in the treatment of patients with advanced or recurrent metastatic cervical cancer.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 53 patients with advanced and recurrent metastatic cervical cancer who had received local radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy ± bevacizumab in Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from July 2018 to October 2021 were collected. The recurrence types included 21 patients of pelvic recurrence, 7 patients of distant metastasis, 14 patients of complex pelvic recurrence and distant metastasis, and 11 patients of advanced stage (initial diagnosis stage IVB). The primary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR). The secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and incidence of adverse reactions.

RESULTS

(1) Complete response (CR) was achieved in 4 patients (7.5%), partial response (PR) in 34 patients (64.2%), stable disease (SD) in 12 patients (22.6%), and disease progression (PD) in 3 patients (5.7%), ORR was 71.7%, DCR was 94.3%. (2) The follow-up time was 5.3 to 45.7 months, the median OS was 29.3 months, the median PFS was 15.7 months, the one-year and two-year OS were 83.0% and 59.2%, and the 1-year and two-year PFS were 62.2% and 34.4%. (3) Recurrence type, tumor size at the time of recurrence, and efficacy after radiotherapy were significant factors for PFS and OS rates in multivariate analysis. (4) The main adverse reactions were myelosuppression, gastrointestinal reaction and urinary reaction. Grade IV leukopenia occurred at 13.2%, grade IV neutropenia at 11.3%, grade IV thrombocytopenia at 15.1%, and grade IV anemia at 5.7%, all of which were tolerable. The gastrointestinal and urinary reactions were mainly grade I-II, and the incidence of vesical or rectovaginal fistulas was about 7.5% (2 patients had rectovaginal fistulas and 2 patients had vesto-vaginal fistulas).

CONCLUSION

Local radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy ± bevacizumab can improve the efficacy and survival of patients with advanced and recurrent metastatic cervical cancer. Adverse reactions are tolerable and may provide survival benefits in these patients.

Effect of Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy on Regulatory T Cells,CD8/Treg Ratio,PD1 and CTLA-4 in Patients with Cervical Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To investigate the significance of chemoradiotherapy on regulatory T (Treg) cells, CD8 / Treg ratio, squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC), PD1, and CTLA-4 in the peripheral blood of cervical cancer (CC)patients.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A retrospective study was performed 56 cervical cancer patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy from September 06, 2019 to April 19, 2021 were selected, in patients who underwent surgery. Flow cytometry was used to determine the levels of regulatory T cells, CD8 / Treg ratio, squamous cell carcinoma antigen, PD1, and CTLA-4 in the peripheral blood of patients before and after concurrent therapy, Differences in relative level values before and after treatment were calculated using statistical protocols such as the paired samples t-test.

RESULTS

The proportion of CD4+CD25+CD127low Treg in CD4+T cells was (15.96±4.29) % in cervical cancer patients and (9.76±4.21) % in healthy controls, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). In different age groups, Treg, CD8 levels, CD4/CD8 ratio and CD8/Treg ratio before and after radiotherapy and chemotherapy had no significant relationship with age and pathological types (P > 0.05), but CD8/Treg ratio was higher in patients with adenocarcinoma than in patients with squamous cell carcinoma after radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and the difference was statistically significant (Z = -2.076 P = 0.038). For postoperative patients, CD8 levels were lower before and after chemoradiotherapy than after chemoradiotherapy (T = -2.320 P = 0.020). In terms of PD1, regardless of age, pathological type, the level of PD1 after radiotherapy and chemotherapy was higher than that before chemotherapy, and the difference was statistically significant. The level of adenocarcinoma (53.50±10.16) % was significantly higher than that of squamous carcinoma (43.72±11.89) % (T = -2.609 P = 0.011). The PD1 level of patients with cervical cancer radical resection (41.64±13.29) % was lower than that of patients without cervical cancer radical resection (46.84±10.61) %, the difference was statistically significant (T = 2.187 P = 0.031). The PD1 level of patients without pelvic lymph node metastasis (48.84±10.04) was significantly higher than that of patients with pelvic lymph node metastasis (42.96±10.85), and the difference was statistically significant (T = -2.019 P = 0.049), There were no significant differences in vascular positivity, invasion depth, stump positivity, pelvic lymph node positivity and Treg level, CD8 level, CTLA4 level, SCC, CD4/CD8 ratio, CD8/Treg ratio (ALL P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The level of Treg cells in patients with cervical cancer is significantly higher than that in healthy people, and it does not decrease immediately after radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Peripheral blood Treg, PD1, CD8 and CD8/Treg can reflect the immune function of the body, which may provide a certain reference for immunotherapy.

Long-Term Outcome of Rectal Cancer Patients Treated by High-Dose Radiotherapy and Concurrent Chemotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To explore the therapeutic efficacy and adverse effects of high-dose radiotherapy concurrently with chemotherapy in treating patients with non-metastatic rectal cancer.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients were enrolled if they were diagnosed with stage I-III rectal adenocarcinoma, refused surgery and received high-dose pelvic radiotherapy and concurrent chemotherapy instead. Their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed for calculating local control and survival rates. Treatment related toxicities was evaluated according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 5.0).

RESULTS

Between April 2006 and February 2021, a total of 93 patients in our medical center were eligible for this study, with a median age of 61 (range, 21-84) years. Of those, 86 (92.5%) patients had tumors located within 5 cm of the anal verge. There were 8 (8.6%), 30 (32.3%) and 55 (59.1%) patients diagnosed with stage I, II and III, respectively. All patients received fluorouracil-based chemotherapy (single-agent fluorouracil or FOLFOX regimen). The irradiation techniques included three-dimensional conformal and intensity-modulated radiation therapy. The median total radiation dose for gross tumor volume (GTV) was 80 (range, 60-90) Gy. The 15 (16.1%) patients refusing surgery before treatment received one course of radiation (60-70 Gy/30-35 Fr). And a 2-course radiation (Course 1, 45-50 Gy/25 Fr; Course 2: 24-40 Gy/12-20 Fr) were given to the 78 (83.9%) patients who failed to achieve clinical complete remission (cCR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy but still refused surgery, with a median interval of 79 (range, 35-195) days. The median follow-up duration was 66 (range, 10-161) months. The 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates for all patients were 90.5% and 72.7%, respectively. The clinical complete remission rate at the end of chemoradiotherapy was 69.9%. Colostomy was performed in the 14 patients whose rectal tumor did not attain cCR or progressed. There was no grade 4/5 severe acute toxicity. No patient suffered from intestinal perforation. Only one patient developed anal stenosis. Because of rectal bleeding, blood transfusion was performed in 7 patients, and one patient underwent an enterostomy.

CONCLUSION

High-dose radiotherapy concurrent with chemotherapy brought encouraging survival outcomes, satisfactory organ preservation and acceptable short- and long-term side effects. It might be a safe and non-invasive alternative to abdominoperineal resection in rectal cancer patients refusing or unsuitable for surgery, especially for those with a low-position tumor.

Silva Classification System for HPV-Related EAC of Stage I ∼ IIIc1p Cervical Adenocarcinoma and Its Effect on Prognosis and Survival

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The proportion of adenocarcinoma in cervical cancer gradually increased and presented a younger trend. The previous pathological classification of cervical adenocarcinoma is difficult to provide reference for clinical treatment. In recent years, Silva classification, a new pathologic system for cervical adenocarcinoma, has been confirmed to be suitable for HPV-associated adenocarcinoma (HPVA), and has shown certain clinical application value in subsequent studies. Therefore, this study will retrospectively analyze the distribution of Silva typing system in patients with HPVA under standard treatment mode and its relationship with prognosis and survival.

MATERIALS/METHODS

From January 2010 to September 2021, 124 cervical adenocarcinoma patients with HPVA were retrospectively included, who underwent radical resection of cervical cancer. The HE staining sections of the patients were divided into SilvaA, SilvaB, and SilvaC types according to the Silva typing system. Kaplan-Meier calculation was used for single-factor analysis, and COX stepwise regression model was used for multi-factor analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 124 patients with HPVA who could be graded according to the Silva system, 16 (12.9%, 16/124) were SilvaA, 27 (21.7%, 27/124) SilvaB, and 81 (65.4%, 81/124) SilvaC. In Silva classification, FIGO staging of Silva A and B was stage I. And FIGO staging of Silva C was more significantly later than the staging of Silva A and B. All lymph node metastases and paruterine infiltrates were found only in Silva C. In addition, the patients with Silva C large mass accounted for a higher proportion (41.7%). SilvaA type cervical adenocarcinoma patients were in a survival state by the end of follow-up. Among Silva B, 3 patients died due to tumor, and the 5-year OS rate were 91.3%. Among SilvaC, 15 patients died due to tumor, and the 5-year OS rate were 76.5%. FIGO stage and lymph node invasion were the influencing factors for survival and prognosis of Silva classification (P <0.05). FIGO stage, tumor size, lymph node invasion, and paralegal invasion were the influencing factors for survival and prognosis of SilvaC patients (P <0.05).

CONCLUSION

Silva model classification system combined with clinicopathological features has certain clinical value for the prognostic guidance of HPVA patients. Among Silva classification, SilvaC had the worst prognosis. Late FIGO stage, lymph node metastasis, and paralegal infiltration are the influencing factors for survival and prognosis of SilvaC type.

Beneficial herb-drug interaction of rhein in Jinhongtang and Imipenem/Cilastatin mediated by organic anion transporters

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Jinhongtang as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, has been widely used as a clinical adjuvant in the treatment of acute abdominal diseases and sepsis. Clinical benefits of the concurrent use of Jinhongtang and antibiotics have been observed, however, the mechanism has not been fully understood.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aimed to explore the effect of Jinhongtang on the antibacterial activity of Imipenem/Cilastatin and to clarify the underlying mechanism of herb-drug interaction (HDI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A mouse model of sepsis induced by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was used to evaluate the pharmacodynamic interaction in vivo. In vitro antibacterial activity of Imipenem/Cilastatin was studied by determining minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC). Pharmacokinetic interaction was investigated by pharmacokinetic studies in rats and uptake assays using OAT1/3-HEK293 cells. The main constituents ingested into blood of rats were qualitatively identified by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS.

RESULTS

Mice treated by Imipenem/Cilastatin and Jinhongtang exhibited higher survival rate, lower bacteria load and less inflammation in blood and lung tissues, compared with those treated by Imipenem/Cilastatin alone after injection of S. aureus. However, MIC and MBC of Imipenem/Cilastatin against S. aureus in vitro were not significantly changed in the presence of Jinhongtang. On the contrary, Jinhongtang increased the plasma concentration of Imipenem and decreased its urinary excretion in rats. CL_r of Imipenem was reduced by 58.5%, while its half-life (t_1/2) was prolonged for approximate 1.2 times after coadministered Jinhongtang. Furthermore, the extracts of Jinhongtang, single herb in the prescription, and main absorbable constituents inhibited cellular uptake of probe substrates and Imipenem by OAT1/3-HEK293 cells to different extents. Among them, rhein exhibited the strongest inhibition capacity with IC₅₀ values of 0.08 ± 0.01 μM (OAT1) and 2.86 ± 0.28 μM (OAT3). Moreover, coadministration of rhein also significantly enhanced the antibacterial activity of Imipenem/Cilastatin in sepsis mice.

CONCLUSION

Concomitant administration of Jinhongtang enhanced antibacterial activity of Imipenem/Cilastatin in sepsis mice induced by S. aureus through reducing renal elimination of Imipenem via inhibition of OATs. Our investigation provided the insight of Jinhongtang as an effective supplement to enhance the antibacterial activity of Imipenem/Cilastatin and can be useful for future clinical studies.

[An improved 4-vessel intermittent occlusion method for establishing rat models of global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury]

OBJECTIVE

To improve the classical 4-vessel occlusion (4VO) model established by Pulsinelli and Brierley.

METHODS

Thirty-two male SD rats were randomized into sham operation group, I4VO-Con10 group, I4VO-Int10 group and I4VO-Int15 group. The sham surgery group underwent exposure of the bilateral vertebral arteries and carotid arteries without occlusion to block blood flow. The I4VO-Con10 group experienced continuous ischemia by occluding the bilateral vertebral arteries and carotid arteries for 10 minutes followed by reperfusion for 24 hours. The I4VO-Int10 and I4VO-Int15 groups were subjected to intermittent ischemia. The I4VO- Int10 group underwent 5 minutes of ischemia, followed by 5 minutes of reperfusion and another 5 minutes of ischemia, and then reperfusion for 24 hours. The I4VO-Int15 group experienced 5 minutes of ischemia followed by two cycles of 5 minutes of reperfusion and 5 minutes of ischemia, and then reperfusion for 24 hours. The regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was monitored with laser Doppler scanning, and survival of the rats was observed. HE staining was used to observe hippocampal pathologies to determine the optimal method for modeling. Another 48 rats were randomized into 6 groups, including a sham operation group and 5 model groups established using the optimal method. The 5 I4VO model groups were further divided based on the reperfusion time points (1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days) into I4VO-D1, I4VO-D3, I4VO-D7, I4VO- D14, and I4VO- D28 groups. Body weight changes and survival of the rats were recorded. HE staining was used to observe morphological changes in the hippocampal, retinal and optic tract tissues. The Y-maze test and light/dark box test were used to evaluate cognitive and visual functions of the rats in I4VO-D28 group.

RESULTS

Occlusion for 5 min for 3 times at the interval of 5 min was the optimal method for 4VO modeling. In the latter 48 rats, the body weight was significantly lower than that of the sham-operated rats at 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after modeling without significant difference in survival rate among the groups. The rats with intermittent vessel occlusion exhibited progressive deterioration of hippocampal neuronal injury and neuronal loss. Cognitive impairment was observed in the rats in I4VO-D28 group, but no obvious ischemic injury of the retina or the optic tract was detected.

CONCLUSION

The improved 4VO model can successfully mimic the main pathological processes of global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury without causing visual impairment in rats.

The p23 co-chaperone is a succinate-activated COX-2 transcription factor in lung adenocarcinoma tumorigenesis

P23, historically known as a heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) co-chaperone, exerts some of its critical functions in an HSP90-independent manner, particularly when it translocates into the nucleus. The molecular nature underlying how this HSP90-independent p23 function is achieved remains as a biological mystery. Here, we found that p23 is a previously unidentified transcription factor of COX-2, and its nuclear localization predicts the poor clinical outcomes. Intratumor succinate promotes p23 succinylation at K7, K33, and K79, which drives its nuclear translocation for COX-2 transcription and consequently fascinates tumor growth. We then identified M16 as a potent p23 succinylation inhibitor from 1.6 million compounds through a combined virtual and biological screening. M16 inhibited p23 succinylation and nuclear translocation, attenuated COX-2 transcription in a p23-dependent manner, and markedly suppressed tumor growth. Therefore, our study defines p23 as a succinate-activated transcription factor in tumor progression and provides a rationale for inhibiting p23 succinylation as an anticancer chemotherapy.

[Identification and verification of α-11 giardin-interacting protein]

OBJECTIVE

To identify and verify the interacting protein of α-11 giardin, so as provide the experimental evidence for studies on the α-11 giardin function.

METHODS

The yeast two-hybrid cDNA library of the Giardia lambia C2 strain and the bait plasmid of α-11 giardin were constructed. All proteins interacting with α-11 giardin were screened using the yeast two-hybrid system. α-11 giardin and all screened potential interacting protein genes were constructed into pBiFc-Vc-155 and pBiFc-Vn-173 plasmids, and co-transfected into the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. The interactions between α-11 giardin and interacting proteins were verified using bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC).

RESULTS

The yeast two-hybrid G. lambia cDNA library which was quantified at 2.715 × 10⁷ colony-forming units (CFU) and the bait plasmid containing α-11 giardin gene without an autoactivation activity were constructed. Following two-round positive screening with the yeast two-hybrid system, two potential proteins interacting with α-11 giardin were screened, including eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (EIF5A), calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CAMKL) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-specific glutamate dehydrogenase (NADP-GDH), hypothetical protein 1 (GL50803_95880), hypothetical protein 2 (GL50803_87261) and a protein from Giardia canis virus. The α-11 giardin and EIF5A genes were transfected into the pBiFc-Vc-155 and pBiFc-Vn-173 plasmids using BiFC, and the recombinant plasmids pBiFc-Vc-155-α-11 and pBiFc-Vn-173-EIF5A were co-tranfected into MDA-MB-231 cells, which displayed green fluorescence under a microscope, indicating the interaction between α-11 giardin and EIF5A protein in cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The yeast two-hybrid cDNA library of the G. lambia C2 strain has been successfully constructed, and six potential protein interacting with α-11 giardin have been identified, including EIF5A that interacts with α-11 giardin in cells.

MiR-24-3p/Dio3 axis is essential for BDE47 to induce local thyroid hormone disorder and neurotoxicity

BDE47 (2,2,4,4-tetrabromodiphenyl ether) is a member of the most important congeners of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and has been identified as a developmental, reproductive and nervous system toxicant and endocrine system disruptor due to its frequent detection in human tissue and environmental samples. Our preliminary work suggested that high- and low-level of bromodiphenyl ethers have different effects on neuronal cells with differential targets of actions on neural tissues. In this study, we presented the underlying mechanism of BDE47 neurotoxicity from the perspective of thyroid hormone (TH) metabolism using in vitro model of human SK-N-AS neuronal cells. BDE47 could induce local TH metabolism disorder in neuronal cells by inhibiting the expression of the main enzyme, human type III iodothyronine deiodinase (Dio3). Further elucidation revealed that BDE47 effectively up-regulating miR-24-3p, which binds to the 3'-UTR of Dio3 and inhibits its expression. In addition, BDE47 could also inhibit the deiodinase activity of Dio3. Collectively, our study demonstrates the molecular mechanism of BDE47 regulating Dio3-induced TH metabolism disorder through inducing miR-24-3p, providing new clues for the role of miRNAs in neurodevelopmental toxicity mediated by environmental pollutants.

Endoplasmic Reticulum-Targeting Two-Photon Fluorescent Probe for CYP1A Activity and Its Imaging Application in Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

Cytochrome P450 1A is one of the vital subfamilies of heme-containing cytochrome P450 enzymes belonging to an important exogenous metabolizing CYP in human. The abnormal of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) may directly affect the functional activity of ER-located CYP1A and be associated with the occurrence and development of various diseases. In the present study, we constructed a selective two-photon fluorescent probe ERNM for rapid and visual detection of endogenous CYP1A that was localized in the ER. ERNM could target the ER and detect the enzymatically active CYP1A in living cells and tissues. The monitoring ability of ERNM for the fluctuations in functionality level of CYP1A was confirmed using ER stressed A549 cell. Based on the ER-targeting two-photon probe for CYP1A, the close association of ER state and the functional activity of ER-locating CYP1A was confirmed, which would promote the deep understanding of the biofunction of CYP1A in various ER-related diseases.

UGTs-mediated metabolic interactions contribute to enhanced anti-inflammation activity of Jinhongtang

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Jinhongtang, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula consisting of dry stems of Rheum palmatum L. (Polygonaceae) and Sargentodoxa cuneata (Oliv.) Rehder & E.H.Wilson (Lardizabalaceae) and whole plant of Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz. (Asteraceae), is widely used for the treatment of infection diseases including severe sepsis and COVID-19.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aimed to explore the compatibility mechanism in the prescription of Jinhongtang based on the pharmacokinetic interaction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CLP-induced sepsis mice and LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells were used to explore the anti-inflammatory effect of Jinhongtang and herbs in this clinical prescription. Pharmacokinetics of active components in Jinhongtang (Rhein, Emodin and Aloe emodin) was studied in rats. In vitro analysis of metabolic pathways and interactions mediated by metabolic enzymes were conducted using human liver microsomes (HLMs) and recombinant UGT isoforms.

RESULTS

Jinhongtang exhibited much more potent anti-inflammatory effect than its single herbs on CLP-induced sepsis mice and LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Next, the bioavailability of active ingredients (Rhein, Emodin and Aloe emodin) in R. palmatum was significantly improved through reduced metabolic clearance when co-administered with S. cuneata and T. mongolicum as Jinhongtang during the in vivo pharmacokinetic study, which presented the rational herbal compatibility mechanism. In detailed, the components in S. cuneata and T. mongolicum including Sargentodoxoside A, Chanitracin Ia, Quercetin and Luteolin inhibited the UGT1A9-mediated glucuronidation of active ingredients in R. palmatum, with K_i values of 2.72 μM, 1.25 μM, 2.84 μM and 0.83 μM, respectively.

CONCLUSION

T. mongolicum and S. cuneata, the adjuvant herbs of Jinhongtang, could reduce the metabolic clearance of key active components of R. palmatum, prolong their action time and further enhance their anti-inflammatory activity via inhibition of UGTs. Our findings provided deep insight for the rational compatibility of TCMs and useful guidance for the development of TCM formula.

Nor-triterpenoids from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum and their inhibitory activity against FAAH

Two new nor-triterpenoids ganodrenol A (1), B (2), and a new natural product ganodrenol C (3), along with three known nor-triterpenoids (4-6) were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum. The chemical structures of these isolates were determined by 1 D and 2 D NMR, HRESIMS, and X-ray crystallography analysis. The inhibitory effects of isolated triterpenoids (1-6) against FAAH were evaluated by an in vitro assay, and compound 4 showed an inhibition rate of 70.27%. In addition, the cytotoxic effect of compounds (1-6) was evaluated against LOVO, MCF-7, and RAW264.7 cells, which displayed no significant cytotoxicity.

Rational design of a NIR fluorescent probe for carboxylesterase 1 detection during endoplasmic reticulum stress and drug-induced acute liver injury

An endoplasmic reticulum targeting NIR fluorescent probe (ERBM) was developed for real-time monitoring of carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) and exhibited excellent ER location in living cell imaging. In addition, ERBM was applied to illustrate the regulation characteristics of CES1 under ER stress and acute liver injury models at the cell and animal level.

A near-infrared fluorescent probe based on hemi-cyanine skeleton for detecting CES1 activity and evaluating pesticide toxicity

A novel near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe CHC-CES1 based on hemi-cyanine skeleton for detecting carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) activity was developed. Herein, CHC-CES1 could be specifically hydrolysed to CHC-COOH along with a...

A quasi-two-dimensional fluid experimental apparatus based on tank-in-tank configuration

The fluid tank is an essential facility for experimental research on fluid mechanics. However, owing to the hydrostatic fluid pressure, a fine uniformity of the narrow channel is difficult to be maintained in a tall narrow-channel tank. To address this issue, we proposed a quasi-two-dimensional fluid experimental apparatus based on a "tank-in-tank" configuration and built with an outer tank and an inner tank. The outer tank was cuboid-shaped and used to load the fluid medium, while the inner tank, consisting of two parallel glass plates, was embedded into the outer tank and served as the experimental channel. The hydrostatic pressure acting on the channel was balanced so that a high level of uniformity was maintained over the whole channel. The available height and width of the channel were 2800 and 1500 mm, respectively, while its gap distance could be adaptive from 0 to 120 mm. Experimental research on motion characteristics of circular disks falling in the quasi-2D channel was implemented to investigate the effects of the falling environment and disk geometry. Four distinct falling types were observed, and the wake flow fields of the falling disks were visualized. The Reynolds numbers of falling disks ranged from 400 to 63 000 presently. Chaotic motion and regular motion were demarcated at Re ≈ 30 000. An analytical model was established to predict the final average falling velocity and Reynolds number. Finally, potential directions for future research and improvements to the apparatus were suggested.

Genetic polymorphisms in MIR1208 and MIR5708 are associated with susceptibility to COPD in the Chinese population

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex disease characterized by limited airflow and is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of gene polymorphisms in MIR5708 and MIR1208 on COPD risk.

METHODS

Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MIR5708 (rs6473227 and rs16907751) and MIR1208 (rs2608029 and rs13280095) were selected and genotyped among 315 COPD patients and 314 healthy controls using the Agena MassARRAY platform. SPSS 18.0 was used for statistical analysis and data processing. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the association between genetic variants of MIR1208 and MIR5708 and COPD risk.

RESULTS

The results suggested that rs16907751 variants in MIR5708 contributed to an increased susceptibility to COPD in the allelic (P = 0.001), co-dominant (homozygous) (P = 0.001), dominant (P = 0.017), recessive (P = 0.002), and additive (P = 0.002) models. The effects of MIR5708 and MIR1208 gene polymorphisms on the risk of COPD were age-, sex-, smoking status-, and BMI-related. Furthermore, the C-A and G-A haplotypes of rs2608029 and rs13280095 in MIR1208 were identified as risk factors for COPD in the population over 70 years (P = 0.029) and in women (P = 0.049), respectively. Finally, significant associations between rs16907751genotypes with pulse rate and forced expiratory volume in 1 s were found among COPD patients.

CONCLUSION

Genetic polymorphisms in MIR5708 and MIR1208 are associated with increased risk of COPD in China.

Cultivated human intestinal fungus Candida metapsilosis M2006B attenuates colitis by secreting acyclic sesquiterpenoids as FXR agonists

OBJECTIVE

Dysbiosis of the intestinal fungal community has been observed in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, its potential role in IBD development and prevention remains unclear. Here, we explored the biological effects and molecular mechanisms of intestinal fungi isolated from human faeces on colitis in mice.

DESIGN

Intestinal fungal strains with differential abundance in IBD were cultivated in human faeces and their effects on various mouse models of experimental colitis were evaluated. In addition, the bioactive metabolites secreted by the target fungus were accurately identified and their pharmacological effects and potential molecular targets were investigated in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

The abundance of Candida spp was significantly higher in patients with IBD. After large-scale human intestinal fungal cultivation and functional analysis, Candida metapsilosis M2006B significantly attenuated various models of experimental colitis in wild-type, antibiotic-treated, germ-free, and IL10^-/- mice by activating farnesoid X receptor (FXR). Among the seven acyclic sesquiterpenoids (F1-F7) identified as major secondary metabolites of M2006B, F4 and F5 attenuated colitis in mice by acting as novel FXR agonists. The therapeutic effects of M2006B and its metabolites on colitis via specific FXR activation were confirmed in Fxr ^-/- mice.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that C. metapsilosis M2006B significantly attenuated colitis in mice and identified two acyclic sesquiterpenoids (F4 and F5) as major active metabolites of M2006B. Notably, these metabolites were able to effectively treat experimental colitis by selectively activating FXR. Together, this study demonstrates that M2006B could be a beneficial intestinal fungus for treating and preventing IBD.

Optimization and evaluation of viral metagenomic amplification and sequencing procedures toward a genome-level resolution of the human fecal DNA virome

INTRODUCTION

Viruses in the human gut have been linked to health and disease. Deciphering the gut virome is dependent on metagenomic sequencing of the virus-like particles (VLPs) purified from the fecal specimens. A major limitation of conventional viral metagenomic sequencing is the low recoverability of viral genomes from the metagenomic dataset.

OBJECTIVES

To develop an optimal method for viral amplification and metagenomic sequencing for maximizing the recovery of viral genomes.

METHODS

We performed parallel virus enrichment and DNA extraction to generate ∼ 30 viral DNA samples from each of 5 fresh fecal specimens and conducted the experiments including 1) optimizing the cycle number for high-fidelity enzyme-based PCR amplification, 2) evaluating the reproducibility of the optimally whole viral metagenomic experimental process, 3) evaluating the reliability of multiple displacement amplification (MDA), 4) testing the capability of long-read sequencing for improving viral metagenomic assembly, and 5) comparing the differences between viral metagenomic and bulk metagenomic approaches.

RESULTS

Our results revealed that the optimal cycle number for PCR amplification is 15. We verified the reliability of MDA and the effectiveness of long-read sequencing. Based on our optimized results, we generated 151 high-quality viruses using the dataset combined from short-read and long-read sequencing. Genomic analysis of these viruses found that most (60.3%) of them were previously unknown and showed a remarkable diversity of viral functions, especially the existence of 206 viral auxiliary metabolic genes. Finally, we uncovered significant differences in the efficiency and coverage of viral identification between viral metagenomic and bulk metagenomic approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates the potential of optimized experiment and sequencing strategies in uncovering viral genomes from fecal specimens, which will facilitate future research about the genome-level characterization of complex viral communities.

Prdx6-induced inhibition of ferroptosis in epithelial cells contributes to liquiritin-exerted alleviation of colitis

Inhibition of ferroptosis in intestinal epithelial cells ameliorates clinical symptoms and improves endoscopic presentations in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Licorice is used worldwide in food and medicine fields. Liquiritin, a flavonoid component in licorice, is an effective substance used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant food that has been shown to improve chemically induced colitis. Herein we evaluated the therapeutic effects of liquiritin on colitis and determined whether liquiritin could affect colitis by modulating ferroptosis in epithelial cells. A colitis model was induced in mice by oral administration with 2.5% DSS dissolved in drinking water. The results showed that liquiritin significantly alleviated symptoms, suppressed intestinal inflammation and restored the epithelial barrier function in the colitis mouse model. Liquiritin supplementation upregulated colonic ferritin expression, increased the storage of cellular iron, reduced the cellular iron level and further inhibited ferroptosis in epithelial cells from the colitis model. Pharmacological stimulation of ferroptosis largely blocked liquiritin-induced alleviation of colitis. Peroxiredoxin-6 (Prdx6) expression was significantly decreased in the DSS group, which was reversed by liquiritin treatment. Genetic or pharmacological silencing of Prdx6 largely reversed liquiritin-induced modulation of the ferritin/iron level and ferroptosis in epithelial cells. Molecular docking results showed that liquiritin could bind to Prdx6 through the hydrogen bond interaction with amino acid residues Thr208, Val206 and Pro203. In conclusion, liquiritin treatment largely alleviated DSS induced colitis by inhibiting ferroptosis in epithelial cells. Liquiritin negatively regulated ferroptosis in epithelial cells in colitis by activating Prdx6, increasing the expression of ferritin and subsequently reducing the cellular iron level.

Therapeutic material basis and underling mechanisms of Shaoyao Decoction-exerted alleviation effects of colitis based on GPX4-regulated ferroptosis in epithelial cells

Background

Shaoyao Decoction (SYD) is a canonical herbal medicine prescription formulated by Liu Wan-Su in AD 1186. SYD has been widely used to treat inflammatory bowel disease by clearing heat and damp, removing stasis toxin in the intestine; however, the precise mechanisms and therapeutic material basis remain largely unclear. In the present study, we measured the effects of SYD on colitis symptom, epithelial barrier function, epithelial ferroptosis, colonic protein and mRNA expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in colitis model, and determined whether SYD restored barrier loss in colitis by modulation of GPX4-regulated ferroptosis pathway.

Methods

Colitis was established by infusion with 1 mL 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) dissolved in ethanol (40% v/v) in rats at a 125 mg/kg dose. Ferroptosis in epithelial cells was determined by flow cytometer. GPX4 promoter-firefly luciferase fusion construct was transfected to Caco-2 cell to determine GPX4 transcription. MS analysis was used to identified ingredients in SYD.

Results

Different doses of SYD significantly alleviated colitis, decreased ferroptosis in epithelial cells, knockout of GPX4 significantly reversed SYD-induced alleviation effects on colitis, restoration of epithelial barrier function, and epithelial ferroptosis. Wogonoside, wogonin, palmatine, paeoniflorin and liquiritin were identified as active ingredients of SYD-exerted alleviation effects of colitis based on GPX4 agonistic transcription.

Conclusion

SYD alleviated chemically induced colitis by activation of GPX4, inhibition of ferroptosis in epithelial cells and further restoration of barrier function. Wogonoside, wogonin, palmatine, paeoniflorin and liquiritin were identified as the key therapeutic material basis of SYD-exerted anti-colitis effects. The findings provide a scientific basis for the therapeutic effect of SYD on colitis.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13020-022-00652-1.

Simultaneous Determination of Ten Active Components From Jinhongtang Granule in Rat Plasma by LC-MS/MS and its Application to a Comparative Pharmacokinetic Study in Normal and Sepsis Rats In Vivo and In Vitro

Jinhongtang granule (JHT) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula used for treatment of infection diseases including severe COVID-19. However, pharmacokinetics of JHT was unknown, especially in infection condition. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed to simultaneously quantify ten active components form JHT in rat plasma. MS detection was performed by MRM scanning operating in the negative ionization mode. The method showed good linearity (r > 0.997). The accuracy, precision, matrix effect, recovery and stability were all satisfactory with current criterion. The method was successfully applied to compare the pharmacokinetic difference between normal and sepsis rats. The pharmacokinetic behaviors of analytes in sepsis rats were significantly different from those in normal rats. Cmax and AUC of rhein, emodin, aloe emodin, rhein-8-glucoside, aloe emodin 8-glucoside, protocatechuic acid, epicatechin and salidroside, were significantly increased in sepsis rats, except for 4-hydroxycinnamic acid and ferulic acid. In vitro intestinal absorption study using everted intestinal sac preparations indicated that the intestinal permeability was altered under sepsis. In conclusion, pharmacokinetic difference of JHT between normal and sepsis rats were evaluated for the first time, which provided useful information for the clinical application of JHT as an integrative therapy for severe and critical COVID-19.

Body mass index increases the recurrence risk of breast cancer: a dose-response meta-analysis from 21 prospective cohort studies

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on the recurrence risk of breast cancer.

STUDY DESIGN

Dose-response meta-analysis.

METHODS

Cohort studies that included BMI and the recurrence of breast cancer were selected through various databases including PubMed, Web of Science, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journals (VIP), and Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform (WanFang) until November 30, 2021. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to evaluate the quality of literature. A two-stage random-effects meta-analysis was performed to assess the dose-response relationship between BMI and breast cancer recurrence risk. Heterogeneity between studies is assessed using I².

RESULTS

The relative risk (RR) of BMI <25 kg/m² vs BMI ≥25 kg/m², BMI <30 kg/m² vs BMI ≥30 kg/m² were 1.09 (95% CI: 1.00-1.19) and 1.15 (95% CI: 1.04-1.27), suggesting that BMI had a significant effect on the recurrence risk of breast cancer, and there might be a dose-response relationship between them. A total of 21 studies were included in dose-response meta-analysis, which showed that there was a positive linear correlation between BMI and the risk of recurrence (RR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.03). For every 1 kg/m² increment of BMI, the risk of recurrence increased by approximately 2%. In subgroup analyses, positive linear dose-response relationships between BMI and recurrence risk were observed among Asian and study period >10 years groups. For every 1 kg/m² increment of BMI, the risk of recurrence increased by 3.41% and 1.87%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The recurrence risk of breast cancer increases with BMI, which is most obvious among Asian women.

[Management of the internal carotid artery during lateral skull base surgery: a series of 41 cases]

Objective: To introduce our experience on dealing with the internal carotid artery (ICA) during the resection of lateral skull base tumors, and to explore the reference values for using radiological findings to make a rational surgical plan. Methods: A retrospective study of patients who underwent resection of lateral skull base tumors involving ICA at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from May 2015 to May 2021 was conducted. The demographic information, preoperative examinations, diagnosis, surgical details and follow-ups were collected. A total of 41 patients were enrolled [24 (58.5%] females, 17 (41.5%) males], with an average age of 47.9 years. According to the preoperative imaging findings, the relationships between the tumors and ICA were divided into four types: adjacency, compression, invasion and ICA aneurysm. Results: The ICA was preserved in 32 (78.0%, 32/41) cases and was reconstructed in nine (22.0%, 9/41) cases. All the 27 (65.9%, 27/41) tumors adjacent to ICA were successfully separated from the artery. Among the 11 tumors compressing the ICA, six were resected with the involved ICA segment and vascular reconstruction was conducted. One (2.4%, 1/41) tumor invading ICA and two (4.9%, 2/41) ICA aneurysms required revascularization. The mean follow-up time was (26.1±2.9) months. There was no recurrence, except one case of adenoid cystic carcinoma which had brain metastases one year after surgery. Conclusions: According to the preoperative imaging, lateral skull base tumors adjacent to ICA can be detached from the vascular surface. Separation should be attempted first for tumors compressing ICA, and revascularization should be followed if separation failed. Vascular reconstruction is usually needed in the removal of tumors invading ICA and ICA aneurysms. Preoperative radiology can provide good references for planning a surgery for lateral skull base tumors.

Endoplasmic Reticulum-Targeting Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probe for CYP2J2 Activity and Its Imaging Application in Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Tumor

CYP2J2 as an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-expressed vital cytochrome P450 isoform participates in the metabolism of endogenous polyunsaturated fatty acids. Its abnormal expression and function are closely related to the progress of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Herein, an ER-targeting near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe ER-BnXPI was developed for monitoring CYP2J2 activity, which possessed a high selectivity and sensitivity toward CYP2J2 among various CYP450 isoforms and exhibited excellent subcellular localization for ER. Then, the CYP2J2 variation behavior under the ER stress model was imaged by ER-BnXPI in living cells and successfully used for the in vivo imaging in different tumors that well distinguished tumor tissues from para-cancerous tissues. All these findings fully demonstrated that ER-BnXPI could be used as a promising tool for exploring the physiological function of CYP2J2 and provided some novel approach for the diagnosis and therapy of CYP2J2-related vascular inflammation and cancer.

[Berberine inhibits erastin-induced ferroptosis of mouse hippocampal neuronal cells possibly by activating the Nrf2-HO-1/GPX4 pathway]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the mechanism by which berberine inhibits ferroptosis of mouse hippocampal neuronal cells (HT22).

METHODS

Cultured HT22 cells were pretreated with 30 or 60 μmol/L berberine for 2 h before exposure to 0.5 μmol/L erastin for 8 h, and the cell proliferation, intracellular ferric iron level, changes in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell apoptosis were detected using CCK-8, Fe²⁺ fluorescent probe, fluorescent dye (DAPI) and fluorescent probe (H2DCFH-DA). RT-qPCR and Western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2, HO-1 and GPX4 in the cells. We further tested the effects of treatments with 2 μmol/L ML385 (a Nrf2 inhibitor), 60 μmol/L berberine and erastin in the cells to explore the protective mechanism of berberine against erastin-induced ferroptosis in the neuronal cells.

RESULTS

Treatment with 0.5 μmol/L erastin significantly lowered the viability of HT22 cells (P < 0.05) and increased the production of ROS, cell apoptosis rate and ferric iron level (P < 0.05). Pretreatment with 30 and 60 μmol/L berberine both significantly increased the vitality of erastin-exposed cells (P < 0.05) and lowered the levels of intracellular ROS and ferric iron content (P < 0.05). RT-qPCR and Western blotting showed that berberine obviously promoted the expressions of Nrf2, HO-1 and GPX4 in the cells (P < 0.05), and treatment with ML385 significantly inhibited the Nrf2-HO-1/GPX4 pathway, increased intracellular ROS and ferric iron contents and mitigated the protective effect of berberine against erastin-induced ferroptosis (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Berberine can inhibit erastin-induced ferroptosis in HT22 cells possibly by activating the Nrf2-HO-1/ GPX4 pathway.

The Safety and Efficacy of Flow Diversion versus Conventional Endovascular Treatment for Intracranial Aneurysms: A Meta-analysis of Real-world Cohort Studies from the Past 10 Years

BACKGROUND

Although the flow diverter has advantages in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms, pooled studies that directly compare it with conventional endovascular treatments are rare.

PURPOSE

Our aim was to compare the safety and efficacy of flow-diverter and conventional endovascular treatments in intracranial aneurysms.

DATA SOURCES

We performed a comprehensive search of the literature using PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database.

STUDY SELECTION

We included only studies that directly compared the angiographic and clinical outcomes of flow-diverter and conventional endovascular treatments.

DATA ANALYSIS

Random effects or fixed effects meta-analysis was used to pool the cumulative rate of short- and long-term angiographic and clinical outcomes.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Eighteen studies with 1001 patients with flow diverters and 1133 patients with conventional endovascular treatments were included; 1015 and 1201 aneurysm procedures were performed, respectively. The flow-diverter group had aneurysms of a larger size (standard mean difference, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.03-0.41; P = .026). There was a higher risk of complications in the flow-diverter group compared with the conventional endovascular group (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.01-1.96; P = .045) during procedures. The follow-up angiographic results of flow-diverter treatment indicated a higher rate of complete occlusion (OR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.70-3.83; P < .001) and lower rates of recurrence (OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.12-0.46; P < .001) and retreatment (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.21-0.47; P < .001).

LIMITATIONS

Limitations include a retrospective, observational design in some studies, high heterogeneity, and selection bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with the conventional endovascular treatments, the placement of a flow diverter may lead to more procedure-related complications, but there is no difference in safety, and it is more effective in the long term.

Characterization of a small-molecule inhibitor targeting NEMO/IKKβ to suppress colorectal cancer growth

NEMO/IKKβ complex is a central regulator of NF-κB signaling pathway, its dissociation has been considered to be an attractive therapeutic target. Herein, using a combined strategy of molecular pharmacological phenotyping, proteomics and bioinformatics analysis, Shikonin (SHK) is identified as a potential inhibitor of the IKKβ/NEMO complex. It destabilizes IKKβ/NEMO complex with IC50 of 174 nM, thereby significantly impairing the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells by suppressing the NF-κB pathway in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we also elucidated the potential target sites of SHK in the NEMO/IKKβ complex. Our study provides some new insights for the development of potent small-molecule PPI inhibitors.

[Etiology, diagnosis and treatment of infraoccluded primary second molars]

Infraocclusion is a phenomenon that the relative occlusal growth of a tooth stops after the period of active eruption and then the tooth becomes depressed below the occlusal plane. Infraocclusion occurred more commonly in children and the mostly affected teeth were the primary mandibular second molars. The occlusal problem caused by infraocclusion may progressively worsen with age. This review summarizes the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of infraoccluded second primary molars, so as to provide reference for the dental clinicians.