Eicosapentaenoic Acid Alleviates Inflammatory Response and Insulin Resistance in Pregnant Mice With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

This study investigated the effect of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on insulin resistance in pregnant mice with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and underlying mechanism. C57BL/6 mice fed with a high-fat diet for 4 weeks and the newly gestated were selected and injected with streptozotocin for GDM modeling. We demonstrated that the fasting insulin levels (FINS) and insulin sensitivity index (ISI) in serum and blood glucose level were significantly higher in GDM group than in normal control (NC) group. The low or high dose of EPA intervention reduced these levels, and the effect of high dose intervention was more significant. The area under the curve in GDM group was higher than that of NC group, and then gradually decreased after low or high dose of EPA treatment. The serum levels of TC, TG and LDL were increased in GDM group, while decreased in EPA group. GDM induced down-regulation of HDL level, and the low or high dose of EPA gradually increased this level. The levels of p-AKT2Ser, p-IRS-1Tyr, GLUT4, and ratios of pIRS-1Tyr/IRS-1 and pAKT2Ser/AKT2 in gastrocnemius muscle were reduced in GDM group, while low or high dose of EPA progressively increased these alterations. GDM enhanced TLR4, NF-kappaB p65, IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels in placental tissues, and these expressions were declined at different dose of EPA, and the decrease was greater at high dose. We concluded that EPA receded the release of inflammatory factors in the placental tissues by inhibiting the activation of TLR4 signaling, thereby alleviating the IR.

Enhancing gestational diabetes mellitus risk assessment and treatment through GDMPredictor: a machine learning approach

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a serious health concern that affects pregnant women worldwide and can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Early detection of high-risk individuals and the implementation of appropriate treatment can enhance these outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted a study on a cohort of 3467 pregnant women during their pregnancy, with a total of 5649 clinical and biochemical records collected. We utilized this dataset as our training dataset to develop a web server called GDMPredictor. The GDMPredictor utilizes advanced machine learning techniques to predict the risk of GDM in pregnant women. We also personalize treatment recommendations based on essential biochemical indicators, such as A1MG, BMG, CysC, CO2, TBA, FPG, and CREA. Our assessment of GDMPredictor's effectiveness involved training it on the dataset of 3467 pregnant women and measuring its ability to predict GDM risk using an AUC and auPRC.

RESULTS

GDMPredictor demonstrated an impressive level of precision by achieving an AUC score of 0.967. To tailor our treatment recommendations, we use the GDM risk level to identify higher risk candidates who require more intensive care. The GDMPredictor can accept biochemical indicators for predicting the risk of GDM at any period from 1 to 24 weeks, providing healthcare professionals with an intuitive interface to identify high-risk patients and give optimal treatment recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

The GDMPredictor presents a valuable asset for clinical practice, with the potential to change the management of GDM in pregnant women. Its high accuracy and efficiency make it a reliable tool for doctors to improve patient outcomes. Early identification of high-risk individuals and tailored treatment can improve maternal and fetal health outcomes http://www.bioinfogenetics.info/GDM/ .

Developing Biarylhemiboronic Esters for Biaryl Atropisomer Synthesis via Dynamic Kinetic Atroposelective Suzuki-Miyaura Cross-Coupling

We herein introduce biarylhemiboronic esters as a new type of bridged biaryl reagent for asymmetric synthesis of axially chiral biaryl structures, and the palladium-catalyzed asymmetric Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of biarylhemiboronic esters is developed. This dynamic kinetic atroposelective coupling reaction exhibits high enantioselectivity, good functional group tolerance, and a broad substrate scope. The synthetic application of the current method was demonstrated by transformations of the product and a programmed synthesis of chiral polyarene. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggested that the reaction proceeded via an enantio-determining dynamic kinetic atroposelective transmetalation step.

The clinical outcomes of intra-articular injection of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells vs. bone marrow aspirate concentrate in cartilage regeneration: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review focuses on which sources of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are more beneficial for cartilage repair, specifically comparing umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) in patients treated via a high tibial osteotomy (HTO) plus mesenchymal stem cells augmentation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science were searched for literature published in English that compared the effects of hUCB-MSC amplification and BMAC transplantation in articular cartilage lesions of the human knee with at least 1 year of follow-up after surgery. The risk of bias in the included retrospective studies was assessed via the Coleman Methodology Score. The clinical prognosis was assessed based on the total clinical score, pain, function, and degree of cartilage repair.

RESULTS

The risk of bias in the included retrospective cohort studies was evaluated as fair. A formal meta-analysis of outcomes was not possible as the low evidence level and the nature of pooled retrospective studies introduced considerable heterogeneity. At an average of 1 year after surgery, two included studies reported that the ratio of normal and nearly normal cartilage repair assessed by International Cartilage Repair Society grading system (ICRS) grading in the second arthroscopy was higher in the hUCB-MSC group (Lee: 71.2% and 81.3%; Yang: 77.3%) than in the BMAC group (Lee: 45% and 40.5%; Yang: 56.8%). Ryu et al reported no significant difference between groups in the ICRS grade at 1-year post-operation (p = 0.655). Overall clinical outcome, pain and function were significantly improved at the last follow-up in both the BMAC group and the hUCB-MSC group, and there were no significant differences in these measures between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review presents evidence that compared with BMAC injection, intra-articular hUCB-MSCs can induce significantly better tissue repair at 1 year after surgery, as assessed by the ICRS grade. Although there is only short-term follow-up evidence and a lack of histochemical evidence, our systematic review supports the recommendation to use hUCB-MSCs as the source of pluripotent stem cells for treating ICRS III cartilage lesions.

Catalytic asymmetric indolization by a desymmetrizing [3 + 2] annulation strategy

A new catalytic asymmetric indolization reaction by a desymmetrizing [3 + 2] annulation strategy is developed. The reaction proceeds via a rhodium-catalyzed enantioposition-selective addition/5-exo-trig cyclization/dehydration cascade between ortho-amino arylboronic acids and 2,2-disubstituted cyclopentene-1,3-diones to produce N-unprotected cyclopenta[b]indoles bearing an all-carbon quaternary stereocenter in high yields with good enantioselectivities. A quantitative structure-selectivity relationship (QSSR) model was established to identify the optimal chiral ligand, which effectively controlled the formation of the stereocenter away from the reaction site. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations, non-covalent interaction analysis, and Eyring analysis were performed to understand the key reaction step and the function of the ligand.

Rare adult Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma with multiple-bone invasion - clinical experience and literature review

BACKGROUND

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) is a borderline vascular tumor between hemangioma and malignant angiosarcoma. While KHE has strong local invasion with rare spontaneous regression, it is not observed with distant metastasis. Even if KHE is asymptomatic or without the Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP), bone or joint invasion should clearly receive proactive treatment. KHE commonly affects infants/children but is rarely seen in adults.

CASE REPORT

We reported a rare adult KHE case with an invasion of >10 separate forearm/hand bones, who underwent multiple-lesion resection and finger amputation after tumor recurrence. Tumor recurrence and KMP were not observed during the 6-month follow-up after the final operation. During the hospitalization and follow-up period, the patient only received medications for infection prevention and pain relief.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple resectable lesions were found in the distal limb, for which complete resection might not present typical features (high-intensity T2-weighted MRI), which might fail to detect all KHE lesions. Therefore, complete excision is not optimal for multiple resectable KHE lesions.

Rh-catalyzed ring-opening coupling of cyclic vinyl ethers with organometallic reagents

The rhodium-catalyzed ring-opening coupling of cyclic vinyl ethers, including 2,3-dihydrofuran and benzofuran, with organometallic reagents to give homoallylic alcohols and stilbenoids was reported. The suitable organometallic reagent for 2,3-dihydrofuran and benzofuran was found to be substrate-dependent, and a plausible mechanism involving different active organorhodium intermediates was proposed for these coupling reactions.

Cold stress triggers freezing tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) via hormone regulation and transcription of related genes

Low temperatures limit the geographic distribution and yield of plants. Hormones play an important role in coordinating the growth and development of plants and their tolerance to low temperatures. However, the mechanisms by which hormones affect plant resistance to extreme cold stress in the natural environment are still unclear. In this study, two winter wheat varieties with different cold resistances, Dn1 and J22, were used to conduct targeted plant hormone metabolome analysis on the tillering nodes of winter wheat at 5 °C, -10 °C and -25 °C using an LC-ESI-MS/MS system. We screened 39 hormones from 88 plant hormone metabolites and constructed a partial regulatory network of auxin, jasmonic acid and cytokinin. GO analysis and enrichment of KEGG pathways in different metabolites showed that the 'plant hormone signal transduction' pathway was the most common. Our study showed that extreme low temperature increased the most levels of auxin, cytokinin and salicylic acid, and decreased levels of jasmonic acid and abscisic acid, and that levels of auxin, jasmonic acid and cytokinin in Dn1 were higher than those in J22. These changes in hormone levels were associated with changes in gene expression in synthesis, catabolism, transport and signal transduction pathways. These results differ from the previous hormone regulation mechanisms, which were mostly obtained at 4 °C. Our results provide a basis for further understanding the molecular mechanisms by which plant endogenous hormones regulate plant freezing stress tolerance.

Predictive model for deep venous thrombosis caused by closed lower limb fracture after thromboprophylactic treatment

OBJECTIVE

Currently, there are still no convincing clinical models predicting closed lower extremity fracture-associated deep vein thrombosis in patients treated through thromboprophylactic methods. We aimed at using two retrospective cohorts to develop and externally verify a clinical prediction model for deep vein thrombosis in patients treated with anticoagulants after suffering closed lower extremity fractures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We evaluated the patients' pre- and post-operatively, to accurately determine the predictive power of the biomarkers and clinical risk factors. Two retrospective cohorts were used for the development and external verification of a pre-operative clinical prediction model (development: n = 2,253; verification: n = 833) and post-operative clinical prediction model (development: n = 1,422; verification: n = 449), respectively.

RESULTS

The C-indices were used to show the predicted incidence of objective thrombosis at the pre- and post-operative stage, which were then compared with the observed incidence of thrombosis in both cohorts. Biomarkers and clinical indicators were included in pre- and post-operative nomograms, which were adequately calibrated in both cohorts. The cross-validated C-indices of the pre- and post-operative clinical prediction models in the verification cohort were 0.706 (95% Cl, 0.67-0.74) and 0.875 (95% Cl, 0.84-0.91), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We present our findings of novel pre- and post-operative nomograms for the prediction of deep venous thrombosis in patients who received thromboprophylaxis after suffering closed lower extremity fractures.

Unveiling the Enhancement of Spontaneous Emission at Exceptional Points

Exceptional points (EPs), singularities of non-Hermitian physics where complex spectral resonances degenerate, are one of the most exotic features of nonequilibrium open systems with unique properties. For instance, the emission rate of quantum emitters placed near resonators with EPs is enhanced (compared to the free-space emission rate) by a factor that scales quadratically with the resonance quality factor. Here, we verify the theory of spontaneous emission at EPs by measuring photoluminescence from photonic-crystal slabs that are embedded with a high-quantum-yield active material. While our experimental results verify the theoretically predicted enhancement, they also highlight the practical limitations on the enhancement due to material loss. Our designed structures can be used in applications that require enhanced and controlled emission, such as quantum sensing and imaging.

Use of a urinary catheter as a guidewire to facilitate safe nasotracheal intubation following iatrogenic retropharyngeal perforation

Nasotracheal intubation facilitates adequate access for surgical procedures in the oral cavity, is not limited by mouth opening and can be better tolerated by patients in intensive care. Complications of nasotracheal intubation can include epistaxis, turbinate injury and sinusitis. Retropharyngeal submucosal perforation by the tracheal tube has also been infrequently reported. Here, we report a case of difficult nasotracheal intubation resulting in retropharyngeal submucosal perforation in a patient with a history of obstructive sleep apnoea listed for uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. To facilitate successful tracheal re-intubation, we used a soft urinary catheter via the other nostril. In this report, we discuss the reasons why this complication may have occurred, how submucosal perforation could be avoided, and reflect on our management of this rare complication. Difficult nasotracheal intubation can present unique challenges, and airway management plans should be made accordingly.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Chemodivergent Pyridylation of Alkynes with Pyridylboronic Acids

The pyridylation of alkynes with pyridylboronic acids is realized under rhodium catalysis. Chemodivergent pyridylation products, including alkenylpyridines produced via the hydropyridylation pathway and cyclopenta[c]pyridines produced via the pyridylation/cyclization pathway, were selectively produced by fine-tuning the reaction conditions. A mechanistic study revealed that 1,4-rhodium migration to the pyridine ring was involved as the key step in the chemodivergent synthesis.

Bacterial driver-passenger model in biofilms: a new mechanism in the development of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease of the intestinal epithelium and ranks the third largest diagnosed malignancy in the world. Many studies have shown that the high risk of CRC is believed to be related to the formation of biofilms. To prove causation, it will be significant to decipher which specific bacteria in biofilms initiate and maintain CRC and fully describe their underlying mechanisms. Here we introduce a bacterial driver-passenger model. This model added a novel and compelling angle to the role of microorganisms, putting more emphasis on the transformation of bacterial composition in biofilms which play different roles in the development of CRC. In this model, bacterial drivers can initiate the formation of CRC through genotoxicity, while bacterial passengers maintain the CRC process through metabolites. On the basis of these pathogens, we further turned our attention to strategies that can inhibit and eradicate these pathogenic biofilms, with the aim of finding new ways to hinder colorectal carcinogenesis.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Formal [2+2+1] Annulation of Arylboronic Acids with Alkynes

A Rh(I)-catalyzed formal [2+2+1] annulation between arylboronic acids and alkynes for the expedient synthesis of indenes is described. A reaction process involving intermolecular carborhodation, 1,4-Rh migration, and intramolecular carborhodation, which...

Association between Preoperative hs-crp/Albumin Ratio and Postoperative sirs in Elderly Patients: A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is one of the severe postoperative complications in elderly patients and seriously affects their prognosis and survival rate. Heretofore, there have been no reliable and accurate methods to predict postoperative SIRS in elderly patients. The aim of this study was to determine whether increased preoperative hs-CRP/albumin ratio (CAR) was associated with postoperative SIRS in elderly population.

METHODS

The data of patients aged ≥ 65 years who underwent general anesthesia in two centers of Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between January 2015 and September 2020 were retrieved and analyzed. Based on the perioperative dataset, we used the targeted maximum likelihood estimation (TMLE) to estimate the association between preoperative CAR and postoperative SIRS in elderly population. Patients' CAR was calculated and divided into two groups (< 0.278 and ≥ 0.278) according to its normal range in our hospital. Adjusted odd ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated respectively. Further sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the robustness of the results.

RESULTS

A total of 16141 elderly patients were accessed and 7009 of them were enrolled in the final analysis, and 1674 (23.9%) patients developed SIRS within 3 days after surgery. Compared with non-SIRS patients, patients with SIRS had a significantly longer postoperative hospitalization, higher cost and higher risk of in-hospital mortality. Compared with patients with preoperative CAR < 0.278, we found that CAR ≥ 0.278 had a significantly higher risk for the development of postoperative SIRS after multivariable adjustment [aOR = 1.27; 95% CI (1.21, 1.33)]. The interaction effect of preoperative CAR ≥ 0.278 and SIRS was stronger among patients with the following characteristics: aged ≥ 75 years, male, comorbid with diabetes mellitus and admitted to ICU after surgery, duration of surgery < 120 minutes, underwent cerebral surgery or skin, spine and joint surgery (all P < 0.001). The above results remained robust in the sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative CAR ≥ 0.278 was significantly associated with increased risk of postoperative SIRS in elderly patients. Special attention should be paid to elderly patients with a preoperative CAR ≥ 0.278 so as to reduce the incidence of postoperative SIRS.

Identification and structure-activity relationship exploration of uracil-based benzoic acid and ester derivatives as novel dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 inhibitors for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Our previously reported carboxyl-containing DPP-4 inhibitors were highly potent but were poorly bioavailable. Esters of the carboxyl analogs exhibited a significant DPP-4 potency loss albeit with enhanced oral absorption. Herein, we described identification and structure-activity relationship (SAR) exploration of a novel series of benzoic acid and ester derivatives as low single-digit nanomolar DPP-4 inhibitors. Importantly, the esters displayed comparable activities to the acids counterparts. Molecular simulation revealed that ester adopts a similar binding mode to acid. Moreover, the selected esters and acids demonstrated high selectivity and low cytotoxicity, as well as good metabolic stability. And more importantly, the esters possessed excellent pharmacokinetic profiles for oral administration. The best compound ester 19b demonstrated long DPP-4 inhibition in vivo, and robustly improved the glucose tolerance in normal and db/db mice while ensuring glucose-lowering potency in chronic treatment. Our results supported that the compound 19b can be served as a potential candidate for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

[Expression profile of intervertebral disc degeneration-specific genes: a transcriptome sequencing-based analysis]

OBJECTIVE

To identify new therapeutic targets for intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) by analyzing gene variations in IDD.

OBJECTIVE

We analyzed surgical samples of intervertebral disc from 4 patients with IDD and 3 patients with non-IDD using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology to identify significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in IDD. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases were utilized for gene enrichment studies to acquire the key genes and signal pathways during IDD progression. The differential expressions of the identified genes in IDD were validated in clinical samples with qRT-PCR.

OBJECTIVE

The transcriptome profile revealed 512 significant DEGs, which were enriched in terms of keratinization, extracellular matrix (ECM) components, growth factor binding, and inflammatory chemotaxis in GO analysis. The top 10 terms of KEGG enrichment included amoebiasis, viral protein interaction with cytokine and cytokine receptor, ECM-receptor interaction, IL-17 signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, TNF signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, chemokine signaling pathway and estrogen signaling pathway. Thirteen DEGs selected as the targets for qRT-PCR validation showed significant differential expressions in IDD (P < 0.001), and their expression trends were all consistent with the results of RNA-seq. Among these genes, 10 genes showed significant intergroup fold change (Log2FoldChange>1).

OBJECTIVE

ECM, growth factors, collagen components, inflammatory chemokines and such signal pathways as TNF-α and PI3K-Akt all have important contributions to IDD progression and may thus serve as new therapeutic targets for treatment of IDD.

A rhodium-catalysed conjugate addition/cyclization cascade for the asymmetric synthesis of 2-amino-4H-chromenes

The enantioselective synthesis of 2-amino-4H-chromenes via the cascade rhodium-catalysed conjugate addition/hetero Thorpe-Ziegler reaction is reported. Moderate to good yields (up to 98%) and high enantioselectivities (up to 92% ee) were obtained with a chiral diene-coordinated rhodium complex as the catalyst. This protocol remedies the methodological deficiency in the asymmetric synthesis of 4-aryl 2-amino-4H-chromenes.

Suppression of myocardial HIF-1 by pubertal insulin resistance compromises metabolic adaptation and impairs cardiac function in patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease

Background

Cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) is a complex pathophysiological condition involving systemic chronic hypoxia (CH). A proportion of CCHD patients are unoperated due to various reasons. These patients remain CH all their lives and are at increased risk of heart failure as they age. Hypoxia activates cellular metabolic adaptation to balance energy demands by accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α).

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of CH on cardiac metabolism and function in CCHD patients and how it relates with age. The mechanistic role of HIF-1α in this process was investigated and potential therapeutic targets were explored.

Methods

CCHD patients (n=20) were evaluated for cardiac metabolism and function by positron-emission tomography/computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Heart tissues collected during surgical intervention were subjected to metabolomic and protein analyses. CH rodent models were generated to enable continuous observation of changes in cardiac metabolism and function. The role of HIF-1α in cardiac metabolic adaptation to CH was investigated using genetically modified animals and isotope-labeled metabolomic-pathway tracing studies.

Results

Prepubertal CCHD patients had glucose-dominant cardiac metabolism and normal cardiac function. By comparison, among patients who had entered puberty, the level of myocardial glucose uptake and glycolytic intermediates were significantly lower, but fatty acids were significantly higher, along with decreased left ventricular ejection fraction. These clinical phenotypes were replicated in CH rodent models. In patients and animals with CH, myocardial HIF-1α was upregulated prior to puberty, but was significantly downregulated during puberty. In cardiomyocyte-specific Hif-1α-knockout mice, CH failed to initiate the switch of myocardial substrates from fatty acids to glucose, leading to inhibition of ATP production and impairment of cardiac function. Increased insulin resistance (IR) suppressed myocardial HIF-1α and was responsible for cardiac metabolic maladaptation under CH during puberty. Pioglitazone significantly reduced myocardial IR, restored glucose metabolism, and improved cardiac function in pubertal animals.

Conclusions

In CCHD patients, maladaptation of cardiac metabolism occurred during puberty, impairing cardiac function. HIF-1α was identified as the key regulator of cardiac metabolic adaptation under CH but its expression was suppressed by pubertal IR. The use of pioglitazone during puberty might help improve cardiac function in these patients.

Metabolic maladaptation in CCHD patients

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): National Natural Science Foundation of China (81525002, 31971048) and Shanghai Outstanding Medical Academic Leader

Clinicopathologic features and prognosis of synchronous and metachronous multiple primary colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

Multiple primary colorectal cancers (MPCCs) are different from solitary colorectal cancers in many aspects, which are not well studied. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinicopathological features and prognosis of MPCCs.

METHODS

The data of 64 patients with MPCCs out of 2300 patients with colorectal cancers (CRCs) from January 2009 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Stratified analysis was conducted based on subtypes and microsatellite status.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of MPCC was 2.8% and the median follow-up duration was 51.5 (range 1-120) months. Metachronous CRCs (MCRCs) are more likely to appear in the right colon (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences regarding age, sex, BMI, tumor size, smoking/drinking history, TNM stage, family history of cancer, and 5-year survival rate were observed between synchronous CRC (SCRC) and MCRC. Advanced TNM stage (III) and the presence of polyps were found to be independent poor prognostic factors for MPCCs. The prevalence of mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) in MPCCs was 28.1%. Deficient MMR is more likely to appear in younger, lighter MPCC patients with polyps (p < 0.05). Of four mismatch repair proteins, MLH-1, MSH-2, MSH-6, and PMS-2 were negative in nine, nine, five, and nine patients, respectively. The 5-year survival rate did not differ significantly between MMR-proficient (pMMR) and dMMR groups (p = 0.752).

CONCLUSIONS

Synchronous CRC (SCRC) and MCRC might represent similar disease entities with different courses. Deficient MMR is more likely to appear in younger, lighter MPCC patients with polyps and it is an essential indicator for screening Lynch syndrome.

Optimization of the benzamide fragment targeting the S2' site leads to potent dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitors

Our recently successful identification of benzoic acid-based DPP-4 inhibitors spurs the further quest for in-depth structure-activity relationships (SAR) study in S₂' site DPP-4. Thus novel benzamide fragments were designed to target the S₂' site to compromise lipophilicity and improve oral activity. Exploring SAR by introduction of a variety of amide and halogen on benzene ring led to identification of several compounds, exerting moderated to excellent DPP-4 activities, in which 4'-chlorine substituted methyl amide 17g showed most potent DPP-4 activity with the IC₅₀ value of 1.6 nM. Its activity was superior to reference alogliptin. Docking study ideally verified and interpreted the obtained SAR of designed compounds. As a continuation, DPP-8/9 assays revealed the designed compounds exhibited good selectivity over DPP-8 and DPP-9. Subsequent cell-based test indicated compound 17g displayed low toxicity toward the LO2 cell line up to 100 μM. In vivo evaluation showed compound 17g robustly improved the glucose tolerance in normal mice. Importantly, 17g exhibited reasonable pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles for oral delivery. Overall, compound 17g has the potential to a safe and efficacious DPP-4 inhibitor for T2DM treatment.

Preparation and immunological characterization of an inactivated canine Clostridium perfringens type A vaccine

Clostridium perfringens is the main cause of sudden death in dogs and currently there is no vaccine to prevent it. In this study, a canine C. perfringens type A strain was used to prepare a vaccine. C. perfringens was inactivated by formaldehyde and adjuvants were added. The safety and immunological characteristics of the inactivated C. perfringens vaccine were evaluated in mice and dogs. The results showed that the C. perfringens vaccine was safe and had immunoprotective activity. The serum antibody titre of immunized mice reached up to 6·25 × 10⁴ . Both single immunization of 4 ml and dual immunizations of 2 ml each provided good immune protection, with five of five immunized dogs surviving. This study also studied a detoxified crude α-toxin extract vaccine. The results showed that a single immunization with 0·5 ml of the detoxified crude α-toxin extract vaccine provided immune protection, with five of five immunized dogs surviving. The inactivated C. perfringens type A vaccine can be used to prevent canine C. perfringens infections. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Clostridium perfringens is the main cause of sudden death in dogs and currently there is no vaccine to prevent it. In this study, an inactivated canine C. perfringens vaccine and a detoxified crude α-toxin vaccine were prepared. The safety and protective effects of these vaccines were evaluated using mouse and dog models. The vaccines were shown to be safe and to provide immune protection effects that can be used to prevent canine C. perfringens infection.

Identification of novel uracil derivatives incorporating benzoic acid moieties as highly potent Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV inhibitors

Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV (DPP-4) is a validated therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes. Aiming to interact with both residues Try629 and Lys554 in S₂' site, a series of novel uracil derivatives 1a-l and 2a-i incorporating benzoic acid moieties at the N₃ position were designed and evaluated for their DPP-4 inhibitory activity. Structure-activity relationships (SAR) study led to the identification of the optimal compound 2b as a potent and selective DPP-4 inhibitor (IC₅₀ = 1.7 nM). Docking study revealed the additional salt bridge formed between the carboxylic acid and primary amine of Lys554 has a key role in the enhancement of the activity. Furthermore, compound 2b exhibited no cytotoxicity in human hepatocyte LO2 cells up to 50 μM. Subsequent in vivo evaluations revealed that the ester of 2b robustly improves the glucose tolerance in normal mice. The overall results have shown that compound 2b has the potential to a safe and efficacious treatment for T2DM.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of anthranilamide derivatives as potential factor Xa (fXa) inhibitors

Factor Xa (fXa) is a crucial player in various thromboembolic disorders. Inhibition of fXa can provide safe and effective antithrombotic effects. In this study, a series of anthranilamide compounds were designed by utilizing structure-based design strategies. Optimization at P1 and P4 groups led to the discovery of compound 16g: a highly potent, selective fXa inhibitor with pronounced in vitro anticoagulant activity. Moreover, 16g also displayed excellent in vivo antithrombotic activity in the rat venous thrombosis (VT) and arteriovenous shunt (AV-SHUNT) models. The bleeding risk evaluation showed that 16g had a safer profile than that of betrixaban at 1 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg dose. Additionally, 16g also exhibited satisfactory PK profiles. Eventually, 16g was selected to investigate its effect on hypoxia-reoxygenation- induced H9C2 cell viability. MTT results showed that H9C2 cell viability can be remarkably alleviated by 16g.

Recombinant phosphoglucomutase and CAMP factor as potential subunit vaccine antigens induced high protection against Streptococcus iniae infection in flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

AIMS

The aim of this study was to screen vaccine candidates from virulence factors of Streptococcus iniae in flounder model.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The immunogenicity of recombinant phosphoglucomutase (rPGM) and rCAMP factor was confirmed by Western blot. The percentage of surface membrane immunoglobulin-positive (sIg⁺ ) lymphocytes in peripheral blood leucocytes, the specific and total serum IgM and the activity of acid phosphatase (ACP) and peroxidase (POD) in flounder were determined with flow cytometry, ELISA and commercial enzyme activity kits, respectively, after intraperitoneal immunization with rPGM and rCAMP factor. The results showed that rPGM and rCAMP factor could induce significant rise in sIg⁺ lymphocytes, specific serum IgM and activities of ACP and POD. Additionally, the relative percent survival rate of the vaccinated flounder was 64 and 54% in challenge experiment using S. iniae, respectively. These results indicated that rPGM and rCAMP factor could evoke humoural and innate immune response in flounder and provide high-efficiency immunoprotection against S. iniae infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Phosphoglucomutase (PGM) and CAMP factor were promising vaccine candidates against S. iniae in flounder.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Phosphoglucomutase and CAMP factor have the potential to be vaccine candidates, which provide important information for us to develop the effective subunit vaccines, especially the multivaccine, against S .iniae in aquaculture.

Multiregion whole-exome sequencing of matched primary and metastatic tumors revealed genomic heterogeneity and suggested polyclonal seeding in colorectal cancer metastasis

Background

Distant metastasis accounts for 90% of deaths from colorectal cancer (CRC). Genomic heterogeneity has been reported in various solid malignancies, but remains largely under-explored in metastatic CRC tumors, especially in primary to metastatic tumor evolution.

Patients and methods

We conducted high-depth whole-exome sequencing in multiple regions of matched primary and metastatic CRC tumors. Using a total of 28 tumor, normal, and lymph node tissues, we analyzed inter- and intra-individual heterogeneity, inferred the tumor subclonal architectures, and depicted the subclonal evolutionary routes from primary to metastatic tumors.

Results

CRC has significant inter-individual but relatively limited intra-individual heterogeneity. Genomic landscapes were more similar within primary, metastatic, or lymph node tumors than across these types. Metastatic tumors exhibited less intratumor heterogeneity than primary tumors, indicating that single-region sequencing may be adequate to identify important metastasis mutations to guide treatment. Remarkably, all metastatic tumors inherited multiple genetically distinct subclones from primary tumors, supporting a possible polyclonal seeding mechanism for metastasis. Analysis of one patient with the trio samples of primary, metastatic, and lymph node tumors supported a mechanism of synchronous parallel dissemination from the primary to metastatic tumors that was not mediated through lymph nodes.

Conclusions

In CRC, metastatic tumors have different but less heterogeneous genomic landscapes than primary tumors. It is possible that CRC metastasis is, at least partly, mediated through a polyclonal seeding mechanism. These findings demonstrated the rationale and feasibility for identifying and targeting primary tumor-derived metastasis-potent subclones for the prediction, prevention, and treatment of CRC metastasis.

Access to Chiral HWE Reagents by Rhodium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Arylation of γ,δ-Unsaturated β-Ketophosphonates

Asymmetric arylation of γ,δ-unsaturated β-ketophosphonates with arylboronic acids is reported. By using the ( R)-diene* ligated rhodium(I) chloride complex as a catalyst under none basic conditions, the corresponding β-ketophosphonates bearing a δ-chiral center were obtained in high yields (up to 99%) with good to excellent enantioselectivities (up to >99% ee). The enantioenriched products can be readily converted to diverse chiral β'-aryl enones by the Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction.

[Comparison of the efficacies of cross priming amplification and RealAmp with XpertMTB/RIF for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis at peripheral microscopic center]

Objective: To compare the efficacies of cross priming amplification (CPA) and RealAmp with XpertMTB/RIF for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis(TB) at peripheral microscopic centers. Methods: From December of 2014 to December of 2015, 3 193 patients suspected with TB were enrolled consecutively at 3 county level TB clinical clinics in Zhongmu, Xinmi and Dengzhou of Henan province. Totally 3 193 collected sputum samples were detected by smear microscopy, L-J media culture, CPA, RealAmp and Xpert MTB/RIF. The culture positive samples were tested by MPB64 for strain identification. The sensitivity and specificity of CPA, RealAmp and Xpert MTB/RIF were calculated according to L-J solid culture results and clinical diagnosis results. Results: The sensitivity of CPA, RealAmp and Xpert MTB/RIF were 85.5%(413/483), 85.5%(413/483) and 87.9%(422/480), respectively, compared with L-J solid culture, the difference among the 3 methods being not significant(χ(2)=1.6, P>0.05). The specificity of CPA, RealAmp and Xpert MTB/RIF were 96.8%(2 624/2 170), 93.2%(2 527/2 170) and 95.3%(2 567/2 170) compared with culture; and there was a significantly statistic difference among the 3 methods(χ(2)=37.8, P<0.001). The sensitivity of smear microscopy, culture, CPA, RealAmp and Xpert MTB/RIF was 21.7%(300/1 383), 34.9%(483/1 383), 34.6%(478/1 383), 39.2%(542/1 383) and 38.1%(526/1 381) compared with clinical diagnosis. The sensitivity of CPA, RealAmp and Xpert MTB/RIF was higher than that of smear (χ(2) =31.9, P<0.01), but there was no significantly statistic difference between the 3 molecular methods(χ(2)=2.9, P>0.05). The specificity of smear microscopy, L-J solid culture, CPA, RealAmp and Xpert MTB/RIF was 100%(1 810/1 810), 100%(1 810/1 810), 98.8%(1 789/1 810), 98.8%(1 756/1 810) and 97.0%(1 788/1 810), and there was no significantly statistic difference among the 3 molecular methods(χ(2)=0.16, P>0.05). Conclusion: The capability of CPA and RealAmp for diagnosing pulmonary TB was similar to Xpert MTB/RIF.The former 2 methods were more suitable to apply to the diagnoses of pulmonary TB in peripheral laboratories.

Dexamethasone ameliorates H2S-induced acute lung injury by increasing claudin-5 expression via the PI3K pathway

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a major outcome of exposure to high levels of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). Dexamethasone (DXM) has been used to treat ALI. However, the mechanisms involved in H₂S-induced ALI and the protective mechanisms of DXM in treating ALI are still nebulous. To explore the mechanisms involved, we evaluated the role of claudin-5 in the protective effect of DXM against H₂S-induced ALI. Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to H₂S to establish the ALI model. In parallel with the animal model, a cell model was also established by incubating human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with NaHS. Lung hematoxylin-eosin staining, electron microscope assay, and wet/dry ratio were used to identify whether the ALI was successfully induced by H₂S, and changes in claudin-5 expression were detected in both rats and HUVECs. Our results revealed that claudin-5 was markedly decreased after H₂S exposure and that DXM significantly attenuated the H₂S-induced downregulation of claudin-5 in both rats and HUVECs. In the animal experiment, p-Akt and p-FoxO₁ presented a similar tendency as claudin-5, but their levels decreased 6 h prior to the levels of claudin-5. In a further investigation, the DXM-induced protective effect on ALI and rescue effect on downregulation of claudin-5 were both blocked by LY294002. The current study demonstrated that claudin-5 was involved in the development of H₂S-induced ALI and that DXM exerted protective effects through increasing claudin-5 expression by activating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway. Therefore, claudin-5 might represent a novel pharmacological target for treating ALI induced by H₂S and other hazardous gases.

Thymidylate synthase gene polymorphisms as important contributors affecting hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis

BACKGROUND

Thymidylate synthase (TYMS), a key rate-limiting enzyme in the folate metabolism, plays essential roles in the development of several malignancies including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nonetheless, the association of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TYMS gene with the prognosis of Chinese HCC patients remains unknown.

METHODS

A total of 492 HCC patients who underwent surgery treatment were included in this study. Five functional SNPs (rs2847153, rs2853533, rs502396, rs523230, and rs9967368) in TYMS gene were genotyped using the iPLEX genotyping system. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model and Kaplan-Meier curve were used to analyze the association of SNPs with survival and recurrence of HCC patients.

RESULTS

Two SNPs (rs523230 and rs9967368) in TYMS gene were significantly associated with the overall survival of HCC patients. Patients carrying homozygous variant genotype (VV) of rs523230 had significantly decreased risk of death (hazard ratio [HR], 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.46-1.00; P=0.048) when compared with those carrying homozygous wild-type (WW) or heterozygous (WV) genotypes, while patients carrying WV+VV genotype of rs9967368 had significantly increased risk of death (HR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.05-2.04; P=0.026) when compared with those carrying WW genotypes. Cumulative effect analysis showed a significant dose-dependent effect of unfavorable SNPs on OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study for the first time demonstrates the association of SNPs in TYMS gene and clinical outcome of HCC, suggesting that rs523230 and rs9967368 in TYMS gene might be used to predict clinical outcome of Chinese HCC patients.

Development and application of monoclonal antibodies against IgM of black rockfish Sebastes schlegeli

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against black rockfish Sebastes schlegeli serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) were developed, which showed a specific reaction with the heavy chain of S. schlegeli IgM in Western blotting and with surface IgM positive (sIgM⁺ ) lymphocytes in indirect immunofluorescence. mAb 2A6 was employed to investigate the antibody and sIgM⁺ lymphocyte responses of S. schlegeli injected with inactivated Edwardsiella tarda, by ELISA and flow cytometry. Compared with controls, the level of specific antibodies and the percentage of sIgM⁺ lymphocytes both increased in the immunized fish and simultaneously reached their peaks at day 35 after immunization.

High-resolution copy number variation analysis of schizophrenia in Japan

Recent schizophrenia (SCZ) studies have reported an increased burden of de novo copy number variants (CNVs) and identified specific high-risk CNVs, although with variable phenotype expressivity. However, the pathogenesis of SCZ has not been fully elucidated. Using array comparative genomic hybridization, we performed a high-resolution genome-wide CNV analysis on a mainly (92%) Japanese population (1699 SCZ cases and 824 controls) and identified 7066 rare CNVs, 70.0% of which were small (<100 kb). Clinically significant CNVs were significantly more frequent in cases than in controls (odds ratio=3.04, P=9.3 × 10^-9, 9.0% of cases). We confirmed a significant association of X-chromosome aneuploidies with SCZ and identified 11 de novo CNVs (e.g., MBD5 deletion) in cases. In patients with clinically significant CNVs, 41.7% had a history of congenital/developmental phenotypes, and the rate of treatment resistance was significantly higher (odds ratio=2.79, P=0.0036). We found more severe clinical manifestations in patients with two clinically significant CNVs. Gene set analysis replicated previous findings (e.g., synapse, calcium signaling) and identified novel biological pathways including oxidative stress response, genomic integrity, kinase and small GTPase signaling. Furthermore, involvement of multiple SCZ candidate genes and biological pathways in the pathogenesis of SCZ was suggested in established SCZ-associated CNV loci. Our study shows the high genetic heterogeneity of SCZ and its clinical features and raises the possibility that genomic instability is involved in its pathogenesis, which may be related to the increased burden of de novo CNVs and variable expressivity of CNVs.