Symptomatic HIV infection and in-hospital outcomes for patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention from national inpatient sample

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection increases the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, little is known about its association with in-hospital outcomes and temporal trends in patients with AMI undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We queried patients with AMI who underwent PCI from the National Inpatient Sample Database (2003-2015) and stratified them into three groups: symptomatic, asymptomatic, and HIV-negative. After 1:2 case-control matching (CCM), logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine how HIV infection affected in-hospital outcomes. We also evaluated their recent trends from 2003 to 2015. The total weighted national estimate of 2,191,129 AMI cases included 2,178,995 HIV/AIDS-negative, 4994 asymptomatic, and 7140 symptomatic HIV cases. Symptomatic but not asymptomatic patients with HIV suffered more than triple the in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.5-5.2), over one-fold incidence of acute kidney injury (aOR 2.6 95% CI 1.9-3.4) and cardiogenic shock risk (aOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.3-2.7), a longer length of hospital stay (beta 1.2, 95% CI 1.0-1.5), and had more procedures (beta 1.3, 95% CI 1.2-1.5). These disparities relating to symptomatic HIV infection persisted from 2003 to 2015. In patients with AMI who underwent PCI, symptomatic HIV infection was associated with higher in-hospital mortality and more severe outcomes.

Obesity is associated with acute kidney injury in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: A national representative cohort study

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent and potentially life-threatening complication after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the relationship between obesity and the risk of AKI in this specific patient population has not been previously examined.

METHODS

We queried the National Inpatient Sample (2016-2019) using ICD-10 codes to obtain a sample of adults with STEMI undergoing PCI. All patients were further subcategorized into obese and nonobese cohorts. The primary outcome was the incidence of AKI. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to assess the impact of obesity on AKI. The consistency of this correlation between subgroups was investigated using subgroup analysis and interaction testing.

RESULTS

A total of 62,599 (weighted national estimate of 529,016) patients were identified, of which 9.80% (n = 6137) had AKI. Obesity comprised 19.78% (n = 1214) of the AKI cohort. Obese patients were on average younger, male, white, and had more comorbidities. Additionally, there was a significant positive association between obesity and AKI incidence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.24, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15-1.34), which was more pronounced in female patients (aOR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.33-1.82, p < 0.001, p-interaction = 0.008). The AKI incidence in these patients increased steadily during the 4-year study period, and it was consistently higher in obese patients than in nonobese patients (p-trend < 0.001 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity was independently associated with a greater risk of AKI among adults with STEMI undergoing PCI, particularly in female patients.

Antenna-Biased Odorant Receptor PstrOR17 Mediates Attraction of Phyllotreta striolata to (S)-Cis-Verbenol and (-)-Verbenone

Phyllotreta striolata, the striped flea beetle, is one of the most destructive pests in Brassicaceae plants worldwide. Given the drawbacks associated with long-term use of chemical insecticides, green strategies based on chemical ecology are an effective alternative for beetle control. However, the lack of information on beetle ecology has hindered the development of effective biocontrol strategies. In this report, we identified two odorants, (S)-cis-verbenol and (-)-verbenone, which displayed significant attraction for P. striolata (p < 0.05), indicating their great potential for P. striolata management. Using the Drosophila "empty neuron" system, an antenna-biased odorant receptor, PstrOR17, was identified as responsible for the detection of (-)-verbenone and (S)-cis-verbenol. Furthermore, the interactions between PstrOR17 and (-)-verbenone or (S)-cis-verbenol were predicted via modeling and molecular docking. Finally, we used RNAi to confirm that PstrOR17 is essential for the detection of (-)-verbenone and (S)-cis-verbenol to elicit an attraction effect. Our results not only lay a foundation for the development of new and effective nonchemical insecticide strategies based on (S)-cis-verbenol and (-)-verbenone, but also provide new insight into the molecular basis of odorant recognition in P. striolata.

A potential link between aromatics-induced oviposition repellency behaviors and specific odorant receptor of Aedes albopictus

BACKGROUND

The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is a competent vector for the spread of several viral arboviruses including dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Several vital mosquito behaviors linked to survival and reproduction are primarily dependent on a sophisticated olfactory system for semiochemical perception. However, a limited number of studies has hampered our understanding of the relationship between the A. albopictus acute olfactory system and the complex chemical world.

RESULTS

Here, we performed a qRT-PCR assay on antennae from A. albopictus of differing sex, age and physiological states, and found that AalbOr10 was enriched in blood-fed female mosquitoes. We then undertook single sensillum recording to de-orphan AalbOr10 using a panel of physiologically and behaviorally relevant odorants in a Drosophila 'empty neuron' system. The results indicated that AalbOr10 was activated by seven aromatic compounds, all of which hampered egg-laying in blood-fed mosquitoes. Furthermore, using a post-RNA interference oviposition assay, we found that reducing the transcript level of AalbOr10 affected repellent activity mediated by 2-ethylphenol at low concentrations (10-4 vol/vol). Computational modeling and molecular docking studies suggested that hydrogen bonds to Y68 and Y150 mediated the interaction of 2-ethylphenol with AalbOr10.

CONCLUSION

We reveal a potential link between aromatics-induced oviposition repellency behaviors and a specific odorant receptor in A. albopictus. Our findings provide a foundation for identifying active semiochemicals for the monitoring or controlling of mosquito populations. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Why emotional neglect brings suicidal ideation? The mediating effect of meaning in life and the moderating effect of post-stress growth

BACKGROUND

Emotional neglect during childhood has long-lasting negative effects on individuals, and it is often hidden and unrecognized. Previous research has not fully understood its unique effects on mental health outcomes, especially when considering the co-occurrence with other forms of maltreatment. The meaning-making coping and growth model suggests that individuals achieve positive psychological outcomes by constructively integrating negative experiences into their self-concept, which may be a protective mechanism against the detrimental effects of emotional neglect.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the relationship between emotional neglect and suicidal ideation among undergraduates, accounting for the presence of emotional abuse and physical neglect, and to investigate the mediating role of meaning in life and the moderating role of post-stress growth in this relationship.

METHODS

A self-reported survey was conducted with 3132 undergraduate students from a university in South China. The survey assessed emotional neglect, emotional abuse, physical neglect, suicidal ideation, post-stress growth, and meaning in life.

RESULTS

Meaning in life partially mediated the relationship between emotional neglect and suicidal ideation. Post-stress growth moderated the association between emotional neglect and the sense of meaning in life, in particular the moderation effect was stronger when emotional abuse was weaker.

CONCLUSIONS

Meaning in life mediated the relationship between emotional neglect and suicide ideation. Post-stress growth moderated the mediation effect such that it was weakened among individual with a higher level of post-stress growth. This study contributes to the understanding of the psychopathological processes following emotional neglect and the development of positive personal changes thereafter.

Nilotinib in combination with sunitinib renders MCL-1 for degradation and activates autophagy that overcomes sunitinib resistance in renal cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

Sunitinib is a recommended drug for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the therapeutic potential of sunitinib is impaired by toxicity and resistance. Therefore, we seek to explore a combinatorial strategy to improve sunitinib efficacy of low-toxicity dose for better clinical application.

METHODS

We screen synergistic reagents of sunitinib from a compound library containing 1374 FDA-approved drugs by in vitro cell viability evaluation. The synergistically antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects were demonstrated on in vitro and in vivo models. The molecular mechanism was investigated by phosphoproteomics, co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence and western-blot assays, etc. RESULTS: From the four-step screening, nilotinib stood out as a potential synergistic killer combined with sunitinib. Subsequent functional evaluation demonstrated that nilotinib and sunitinib synergistically inhibit RCC cell proliferation and promote apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, nilotinib activates E3-ligase HUWE1 and in combination with sunitinib renders MCL-1 for degradation via proteasome pathway, resulting in the release of Beclin-1 from MCL-1/Beclin-1 complex. Subsequently, Beclin-1 induces complete autophagy flux to promote antitumor effect.

CONCLUSION

Our findings revealed that a novel mechanism that nilotinib in combination with sunitinib overcomes sunitinib resistance in RCC. Therefore, this novel rational combination regimen provides a promising therapeutic avenue for metastatic RCC and rationale for evaluating this combination clinically.

Silver nanoparticles induce endothelial cytotoxicity through ROS-mediated mitochondria-lysosome damage and autophagy perturbation: The protective role of N-acetylcysteine

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are used increasingly often in the biomedical field, but their potential deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system remain to be elucidated. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the toxic effects, and the underlying mechanisms of these effects, of AgNPs on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), as well as the protective role of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) against cytotoxicity induced by AgNPs. In this study, we found that exposure to AgNPs affects the morphology and function of endothelial cells which manifests as decreased cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis ability. Mechanistically, AgNPs can induce excessive cellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to damage to cellular sub-organs such as mitochondria and lysosomes. More importantly, our data suggest that AgNPs causes autophagy defect, inhibits mitophagy, and finally activates the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis signaling pathway and evokes cell death. Interestingly, treatment with ROS scavenger-NAC can effectively suppress AgNP-induced endothelial damage.Our results indicate that ROS-mediated mitochondria-lysosome injury and autophagy dysfunction are potential factors of endothelial toxicity induced by AgNPs. This study may provide new evidence for the cardiovascular toxicity of AgNPs and serve as a reference for the safe use of nanoparticles(NPs) in the future.

Construction and in vitro evaluation of pH-sensitive nanoparticles to reverse drug resistance of breast cancer stem cells

Breast cancer is a major threat to safety and health of women. The breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) have multi-drug resistance to chemotherapy drugs, which leads to chemotherapy failure. We proposed a strategy of delivery of tumor-killing drugs and a resistance reversal agent, to enhance inhibition of BCSCs. Here, schisandrin B (SchB)/AP NPs are constructed using acid-grafted-poly (β-amino ester) (ATRA-g-PBAE, AP) grafted polymer nanoparticle encapsulated SchB, with pH-sensitive release function. This drug delivery system has good pharmacological properties and can increase the SchB release with the decrease of pH. The NPs showed cytotoxic effects in reversing ATRA resistance to BCSCs. Lysosomal escape was achieved when the nanoparticles were taken up by BCSCs. In addition, we found that NPs may reverse MDR by inhibiting the expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and affecting the energy supply of drug efflux. This study provides a nanodelivery therapy strategy that reverses BCSCs multidrug resistance (MDR) and demonstrates that it did so by interfering with cancer cell energy metabolism. Therefore, the co-delivery strategy of ATRA and SchB provides a new option for the treatment of breast cancer.

Sodium Selenite Ameliorates Silver Nanoparticles Induced Vascular Endothelial Cytotoxic Injury by Antioxidative Properties and Suppressing Inflammation Through Activating the Nrf2 Signaling Pathway

Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) are the dominant nanomaterials in commercial products and the medical field, but the widespread occurrence of AgNP has become a global threat to human health. Growing studies indicate that AgNP exposure can induce vascular endothelial toxicity by excessive oxidative stress and inflammation, which is closely related to cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the potential intrinsic mechanism remains poorly elucidated. Thus, it has been crucial to control the toxicological effects of AgNP in order to improve their safety and increase the outcome of their applications.Multiple researches have demonstrated that sodium selenite (Se) possesses the capability to counteract the toxicity of AgNP, but the functional role of Se in AgNP-induced CVD is largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to explore the potential protective effect of Se on AgNP-induced vascular endothelial lesion and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. An in vivo model of toxicity in animals was established by the instillation of 200 µL of AgNP into the trachea of rats both with (0.2 mg/kg/day) and without Se treated. In vitro experiments, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were incubated with AgNP (0.3 µg/mL ) and Se for a duration of 24 h. Utilizing transmission electron microscopy, we observed that the internalization of AgNP-induced endothelial cells was desquamated from the internal elastic lamina, the endoplasmic reticulum was dilated, and the medullary vesicle formed. Se treatment reduced the levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), inhibited the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (specifically tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6), improved endothelial cell permeability, integrity, and dysfunction, and prevented damage to the aortic endothelium caused by AgNP. Importantly, we found that Se showed the capacity against AgNP with biological functions in guiding the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and meanwhile exhibiting anti-inflammation effects. Se supplementation decreased the intracellular ROS release and suppressed NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) mediated inflammation within AgNP-intoxicated rats and HUVECs. The anti-oxidant stress and anti-inflammatory effects of Se were at least partly dependent on nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Overall, our results indicated that the protectiveness of Se against AgNP-induced vascular endothelial toxicity injury was at least attributed to the inhibition of oxidative ROS and pro-inflammatory NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome by activating the Nrf2 and antioxidant enzyme (HO-1) signal pathway.

Gut microbiome, metabolome, host immunity associated with inflammatory bowel disease and intervention of fecal microbiota transplantation

Gut dysbiosis has been associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases. The microbial communities play essential roles in host physiology, with profound effects on immune homeostasis, directly or via their metabolites and/or components. There are increasing clinical trials applying fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The restoration of dysbiotic gut microbiome is considered as one of the mechanisms of FMT therapy. In this work, latest advances in the alterations in gut microbiome and metabolome features in IBD patients and experimental mechanistic understanding on their contribution to the immune dysfunction were reviewed. Then, the therapeutic outcomes of FMT on IBD were summarized based on clinical remission, endoscopic remission and histological remission of 27 clinical trials retrieved from PubMed which have been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with the results been published in the past 10 years. Although FMT is established as an effective therapy for both subtypes of IBD, the promising outcomes are not always achieved. Among the 27 studies, only 11 studies performed gut microbiome profiling, 5 reported immune response alterations and 3 carried out metabolome analysis. Generally, FMT partially restored typical changes in IBD, resulted in increased α-diversity and species richness in responders and similar but less pronounced shifts of patient microbial and metabolomics profiles toward donor profiles. Measurements of immune responses to FMT mainly focused on T cells and revealed divergent effects on pro-/anti-inflammatory functions. The very limited information and the extremely confounding factors in the designs of the FMT trials significantly hindered a reasonable conclusion on the mechanistic involvement of gut microbiota and metabolites in clinical outcomes and an analysis of the inconsistencies.

Longitudinal relationship between child maltreatment, bullying victimization, depression, and nonsuicidal self-injury among left-behind children in China: 2-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

Left-behind childre (LBC) in China are deeply concerned by society because of their high risk of emotional and behavioral problems. Depression and nonsuicidal self-injury are the most harmful and worrying negative emotional and behavioral problems in LBC. Unfortunately, LBCs are in unfavorable environments for a long time and are prone to negative interpersonal interactions. Child maltreatment and bullying victimization, as the two most typical negative interpersonal interactions in family and school environments, maybe the key risk factors for depression and nonsuicidal self-injury among LBCs. However, we are less known of the longitudinal effects of child maltreatment and bullying victimization on LBC's depression and nonsuicidal self-injury and their underlying mechanisms.

AIMS

This study used a two-year longitudinal design with three-time points to investigate the longitudinal effects of child maltreatment and bullying victimization on depression, nonsuicidal self-injury, and the mediating role of negative thoughts and self-compassion.

MATERIALS & METHODS

A sample of 592 LBC (390 were males, Mage at time 1 = 9.56, SDage = 0.65; 202 were females, Mage at time 1 = 9.43, SDage = 0.63) completed a set of questionnaires at three-time points. This study used SPSS software (version 25.0) and MPLUS software (version 8.3) for all analyses.

RESULTS

(1) Child maltreatment not only affects depression and nonsuicidal self-injury but also affects depression and nonsuicidal self-injury through negative thoughts. Child maltreatment affects depression through self-compassion and does not affect nonsuicidal self-injury. (2) Bullying victimization affects depression and nonsuicidal self-injury through negative thoughts and bullying victimization further affects depression through self-compassion but does not affect nonsuicidal self-injury.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed the effects of negative interpersonal interactions (child maltreatment, bullying victimization) on LBC's adverse emotions and behaviors, and their underlying mechanisms, which helps to provide parents, schools, and psychoeducational workers with a new perspective on intervention.

Tat-P combined with GAPR1 releases Beclin1 to promote autophagy and improve Bronchopulmonary dysplasia model

Long-term exposure to hyperoxia can leading to the bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The progression of BPD is primarily driven by the apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells, and the regulation of autophagy has an impact on apoptosis. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanism of an autophagy-promoting peptide (Tat-P) in ameliorating BPD. In vitro experiments demonstrated that Tat-P promoted autophagy and partially prevented apoptosis caused by exposure to hyperoxia. Further investigation into the mechanism revealed that Tat-P competitively binds to GAPR1, displacing the Beclin1 protein and thereby inhibiting the apoptosis. In vivo experiments conducted on Sprague-Dawley pups exposed to high oxygen levels demonstrated that Tat-P promoted autophagy and reduced apoptosis in lung tissues and ameliorated BPD-related phenotypes. Our findings elucidate the underlying mechanisms and effects of Tat-P in enhancing autophagy and preventing apoptosis. This study presents an approach for the prevention and treatment of BPD.

Leucine to tryptophane substitution in the pore helix IIP1 confer sodium channel resistance to pyrethroids and DDT

Aedes aegypti is responsible for transmitting a variety of arboviral infectious diseases such as dengue and chikungunya. Insecticides, particularly pyrethroids, are used widely for mosquito control. However, intensive used of pyrethroids has led to the selection of kdr mutations on sodium channels. L982W, locating in the PyR1 (Pyrethroid receptor site 1), was first reported in Ae. aegypti populations collected from Vietnam. Recently, the high frequency of L982W was detected in pyrethroid-resistant populations of Vietnam and Cambodia, and also concomitant mutations L982W + F1534C was detected in both countries. However, the role of L982W in pyrethroid resistance remains unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of L982W on gating properties and pyrethroid sensitivity in Xenopus oocytes. We found that mutations L982W and L982W + F1534C shifted the voltage dependence of activation in the depolarizing direction, however, neither mutations altered the voltage dependence of inactivation. L982W significantly reduced channel sensitivity to Type I pyrethroids, permethrin and bifenthrin, and Type II pyrethroids, deltamethrin and cypermethrin. No enhancement was observed when synergized with F1534C. In addition, L982W and L982W + F1534C mutations reduced the channel sensitivity to DDT. Our results illustrate the molecular basis of resistance mediates by L982W mutation, which will be helpful to understand the interacions of pyrethroids or DDT with sodium channels and develop molecular markers for monitoring pest resistance to pyrethroids and DDT.

[Doublecortin-like kinase 1 activates Hippo pathway to promote migration, invasion and proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells]

Objective: To explore the mechanism of Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) in promoting cell migration, invasion and proliferation in pancreatic cancer. Methods: The correlation between DCLK1 and Hippo pathway was analyzed using TCGA and GTEx databases and confirmed by fluorescence staining of pancreatic cancer tissue microarrays. At the cellular level, immunofluorescence staining of cell crawls and western blot assays were performed to clarify whether DCLK1 regulates yes associated protein1 (YAP1), a downstream effector of the Hippo pathway. Reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to analyze the expressions of YAP1 binding transcription factor TEA-DNA binding proteins (TEAD) and downstream malignant behavior-promoting molecules CYR61, EDN1, AREG, and CTGF. Transwell test of the DCLK1-overexpressing cells treated with the Hippo pathway inhibitor Verteporfin was used to examine whether the malignant behavior-promoting ability was blocked. Analysis of changes in the proliferation index of experimental cells used real-time label-free cells. Results: TCGA combined with GTEx data analysis showed that the expressions of DCLK1 and YAP1 molecules in pancreatic cancer tissues were significantly higher than those in adjacent tissues (P<0.05). Moreover, DCLK1was positively correlated with the expressions of many effectors in the Hippo pathway, including LATS1 (r=0.53, P<0.001), LATS2 (r=0.34, P<0.001), MOB1B (r=0.40, P<0.001). In addition, the tissue microarray of pancreatic cancer patients was stained with multicolor fluorescence, indicated that the high expression of DCLK1 in pancreatic cancer patients was accompanied by the up-regulated expression of YAP1. The expression of DCLK1 in pancreatic cancer cell lines was analyzed by the CCLE database. The results showed that the expression of DCLK1 in AsPC-1 and PANC-1 cells was low. Thus, we overexpressed DCLK1 in AsPC-1 and PANC-1 cell lines and found that DCLK1 overexpression in pancreatic cancer cell lines promoted YAP1 expression and accessible to the nucleus. In addition, DCLK1 up-regulated the expression of YAP1 binding transcription factor TEAD and increased the mRNA expression levels of downstream malignant behavior-promoting molecules. Finally, Verteporfin, an inhibitor of the Hippo pathway, could antagonize the cell's malignant behavior-promoting ability mediated by high expression of DCLK1. We found that the number of migrated cells with DCLK1 overexpressing AsPC-1 group was 68.33±7.09, which was significantly higher than 22.00±4.58 of DCLK1 overexpressing cells treated with Verteporfin (P<0.05). Similarly, the migration number of PANC-1 cells overexpressing DCLK1 was 65.66±8.73, which was significantly higher than 37.00±6.00 of the control group and 32.33±9.61 of Hippo pathway inhibitor-treated group (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the number of invasive cells in the DCLK1-overexpressed group was significantly higher than that in the DCLK1 wild-type group cells, while the Verteporfin-treated DCLK1-overexpressed cells showed a significant decrease. In addition, we monitored the cell proliferation index using the real-time cellular analysis (RTCA) assay, and the proliferation index of DCLK1-overexpressed AsPC-1 cells was 0.66±0.04, which was significantly higher than 0.38±0.01 of DCLK1 wild-type AsPC-1 cells (P<0.05) as well as 0.05±0.03 of DCLK1-overexpressed AsPC1 cells treated with Verteporfin (P<0.05). PANC-1 cells showed the same pattern, with a proliferation index of 0.77±0.04 for DCLK1-overexpressed PANC-1 cells, significantly higher than DCLK1-overexpressed PANC1 cells after Verteporfin treatment (0.14±0.05, P<0.05). Conclusion: The expression of DCLK1 is remarkably associated with the Hippo pathway, it promotes the migration, invasion, and proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells by activating the Hippo pathway.

[Dermatophagoides farinae induces conjunctival epithelial cell damage to promote neutrophil migration and neutrophil extracellular traps formation]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanisms underlying allergic conjunctivitis caused by conjunctival epithelial cell damage, neutrophil migration and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation induced by crude extracts of Dermatophagoides farinae mite (CDM).

METHODS

Human conjunctival epithelial cells were stimulated with 500, 1 000, 2 000, 4 000 ng/mL, and the expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and IL-8 were detected using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The culture supernatant of human conjunctival epithelial cells was collected and co-cultured with neutrophils. Neutrophil migration was measured using Transwell migration assay, and the expression of NETs markers myeloperoxidase (MPO) and citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3) was quantified using immunofluorescence staining. Neutrophils were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), and then NETs were collected for treatment of human conjunctival epithelial cells. Cell apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry, and the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-8 were measured in the cell culture supernatant using ELISA.

RESULTS

Treatment with CDM at concentrations of 2 000 ng/mL and 4 000 ng/mL up-regulated IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-8 expression in human conjunctival epithelial cells. Following treatment with CDM at concentrations of 2 000 ng/mL and 4 000 ng/mL, the culture supernatant of human conjunctival epithelial cells promoted neutrophil migration and induced increases in the staining intensity of MPO and CitH3. In addition, increased NETs triggered the apoptosis of human conjunctival epithelial cells and IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-8 secretion in the culture supernatant of human conjunctival epithelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

CDM induces human conjunctival epithelial cell damages, thereby promoting neutrophil migration and NETs formation, while the release of NETs further aggravates human conjunctival epithelial cell damages.

Aspirin ameliorates atherosclerotic immuno-inflammation through regulating the Treg/Th17 axis and CD39-CD73 adenosine signaling via remodeling the gut microbiota in ApoE-/- mice

The gut microbiome has been implicated in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and atherosclerosis (AS), a chronic inflammatory condition. Aspirin may improve the immuno-inflammatory status in AS by regulating microbiota dysbiosis. However, the potential role of aspirin in modulating gut microbiota and microbial-derived metabolites remains less explored. In this study, we investigated the effect of aspirin treatment on AS progression by modulating gut microbiota and microbial-derived metabolites in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE^-/-) mice. We analyzed the fecal bacterial microbiome and targeted metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bile acids (BAs). The immuno-inflammatory status of AS was evaluated by analyzing regulatory T cells (Tregs), Th17 cells, and the CD39-CD73 adenosine signaling pathway involved in purinergic signaling. Our results indicated that aspirin altered gut microbiota, leading to an increase in the phylum Bacteroidetes and a decrease in the Firmicutes to Bacteriodetes (F/B) ratio. Aspirin treatment also increased levels of targeted SCFA metabolites, such as propionic acid, valeric acid, isovaleric acid, and isobutyric acid. Furthermore, aspirin impacted BAs by reducing the level of harmful deoxycholic acid (DCA) and increasing the levels of beneficial isoalloLCA and isoLCA. These changes were accompanied by a rebalancing of the ratio of Tregs to Th17 cells and an increase in the expression of ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73, thereby ameliorating inflammation. These findings suggest that aspirin has an athero-protective effect with an improved immuno-inflammatory profile, partially attributed to its manipulation of the gut microbiota.

Orco mutagenesis causes deficiencies in olfactory sensitivity and fertility in the migratory brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens

BACKGROUND

The migratory brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), is the most destructive pest affecting rice plants in Asia and feeds exclusively on rice. Studies have investigated the olfactory response of BPHs to the major rice volatile compounds in rice. The insect olfactory co-receptor (Orco) is a crucial component of the olfactory system and is essential for odorant detection. Functional analysis of the Orco gene in BPHs would aid in the identification of their host preference.

RESULTS

We identified the BPH Orco homologue (NlOrco) by Blast searching the BPH transcriptome with the Drosophila Orco gene sequence. Spatiotemporal analysis indicated that NlOrco is first expressed in the later egg stage, and is expressed mainly in the antennae in adult females. A NlOrco-knockout line (NlOrco-/- ) was generated through clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis. The NlOrco-/- mutants showed no response to rice volatile compounds and consequently no host-plant preference. In addition, NlOrco-/- mutants exhibited extended nymphal duration and impaired fecundity compared with wild-type BPHs.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated that BPHs exhibit strong olfactory responses to major rice volatile compounds and suggest that NlOrco is required for the maximal fitness of BPHs. Our results may facilitate the identification of potential target genes or chemical compounds for BPH control applications. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

First-line programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitor and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) blockade, combined with platinum-based chemotherapy, for stage IV penile cancer

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the anti-tumour activity and safety of anti-programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) antibody plus epidermal growth factor receptor blockade combined with platinum-based chemotherapy (PEP) as first-line therapy for stage IV penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of 17 patients with stage IV PSCC undergoing first-line PEP at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between January 2018 and September 2021. Clinical responses were assessed using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) version 1.1. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Adverse events (AEs) were graded according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0.

RESULTS

Of 17 patients who received first-line PEP, 13 were observed to have partial responses. Twelve patients subsequently received consolidated surgery. Nine of these achieved pN0 status, of whom six with locally advanced PSCC achieved pathological complete response. The median (range) follow-up time was 24.87 (3.63-29.40) months. Median PFS and median OS were not reached, with 2-year PFS and OS rates being 68.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 48.7-96.1) and 62.9% (95% CI 41.6-95), respectively. Eight patients experienced Grade 3 or 4 treatment-related AEs. No Grade 5 AEs or death associated with treatment was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-PD-1 antibody plus epidermal growth factor receptor blockade and platinum-based chemotherapy showed promising anti-tumour activity, acceptable toxicity, and satisfying long-term survival for stage IV PSCC. Larger clinical trials are needed to validate our findings.

Butyrate suppresses atherosclerotic inflammation by regulating macrophages and polarization via GPR43/HDAC-miRNAs axis in ApoE-/- mice

Chronic low-grade inflammation is regarded to an important signature of atherosclerosis (AS). Macrophage (Mψ) and related polarization have been demonstrated to play a crucial role in the occurrence and development of AS inflammation. Butyrate, a bioactive molecule produced by the intestinal flora, has been increasingly demonstrated to exhibit a vital role for regulating the inflammation in chronic metabolic diseases. However, the effectiveness and multiple anti-inflammation mechanisms of butyrate on AS still need to be further understood. ApoE-/- mice fed with high-fat diet as AS model were administered with sodium butyrate (NaB) for 14 weeks of treatment. Our results showed that the atherosclerotic lesion in the AS group was dramatically reduced after NaB intervention. Moreover, deteriorated routine parameters of AS including body weights (BWs), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) were significantly reversed by NaB administration. Abnormal elevated plasma and aorta pro-inflammatory indicators including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as well as reduced anti-inflammatory IL-10 in plasma were respectively rectified after NaB administration. Consistently, accumulated Mψ and associated imbalance of polarization in the arota were attenuated with NaB treatment. Importantly, we demonstrated that the suppression of Mψ and associated polarization of NaB was dependent on binding G-protein coupled receptor (GPR) and inhibiting histone deacetylase HDAC3. Moreover, we found that intestinal butyrate-producing bacteria, anti-inflammatory bacteria and intestinal tight junction protein zonula occludens-1 (ZO)-1 may contribute to this effectiveness. Intriguingly, according to transcriptome sequencing of atherosclerotic aorta, 29 elevated and 24 reduced miRNAs were found after NaB treatment, especially miR-7a-5p, suggesting that non-coding RNA may possess a potential role in the protection of NaB against AS. Correlation analysis showed that there were close complicated interactions among gut microbiota, inflammation and differential miRNAs. Collectively, this study revealed that dietary NaB may ameliorate atherosclerotic inflammation by regulating Mψ polarization via GPR43/HDAC-miRNAs axis in ApoE-/- mice.

[Efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant toripalimab combined with nimotuzumab and chemotherapy in patients with unresectable stage Ⅳ squamous cell carcinoma of penis]

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone or combined with toripalimab and nimotuzumab in patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of penis. Methods: A total of 33 patients with unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of penis undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone or combined with toripalimab and nimotuzumab at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from May 2015 to June 2021 were enrolled retrospectively. All the patients were male, with a median age (M(IQR))of 49.0 (13.5) years (range: 30 to 70 years). According to the therapy protocols, patients were divided into the chemotherapy group (16 cases) and the triple combination group (17 cases). Log-rank test was used to compare the progression-free survival and overall survival. χ² test or Fisher exact method was used to compare the objective response rate, pathological down-stage rate and adverse events between these two groups. Results: The follow-up time was 28.1(19.2) months (range: 1.5 to 33.4 months). Patients of triple combination group were observed significantly longer progression-free survival (30.0 months vs. 8.2 months, χ²=3.998, P=0.046) than those of chemotherapy group. The median overall survival of the triple combination group and chemotherapy group were not reached and 15.2 months (χ²=3.298, P=0.069), respectively. Although there was no significant difference in the subsequent surgical resection rate between these two groups (12/17 vs.11/16, P=1), the objective response rate and the pathological complete response rate in triple combination group were significantly higher than in chemotherapy group (13/17 vs. 6/16, χ²=5.125, P=0.024; 6/7 vs. 0, P=0.001). The main common grade 1 to 2 adverse events in the triple combination group were alopecia (16 cases), anemia (15 cases), and nausea (14 cases). The main common grade 1 to 2 adverse events in the chemotherapy group were anemia (14 cases), alopecia (12 cases), decreased appetite (12 cases), and nausea (11 cases). The incidence of adverse events ≥grade 3 was similar in the triple combination group and chemotherapy group (8/17 vs. 6/16, χ²=0.308, P=0.579). There was no grade 3 adverse event in both groups. Conclusion: Compared with traditional chemotherapy alone, chemotherapy combined with toripalimab and nimotuzumab provides longer progression-free survival and similar toxicity for unresectable stage Ⅳ squamous cell carcinoma of penis.

[Impact of different obesity patterns on coronary microvascular function in male patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease]

Objective: This study sought to investigate the impact of different obesity patterns on coronary microvascular function in male patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of male patients diagnosed with suspected coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) in the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University between December 2015 and August 2021. All patients underwent the one-day rest and stress ¹³N-ammonia positron emission tomography myocardial perfusion imaging. Overall obesity was defined by body mass index (BMI) ≥28 kg/m² and abdominal obesity was defined by waist circumference ≥90 cm. Hyperemic myocardial blood flow (MBF)<2.3 ml·min^-1·g^-1 or coronary flow reserve (CFR)<2.5 were referred as CMD. All patients were grouped based on their BMI and waist circumference. MBF, CFR, the incidence of CMD, hemodynamic parameters, and cardiac function were compared among the groups. Results: A total of 136 patients were included. According to BMI and waist circumference, patients were categorized into 3 groups: control group (n=45), simple abdominal obesity group (n=53) and compound obesity group (n=38). Resting MBF did not differ between groups (F=0.02,P=0.994). Compared with the control group, hyperemic MBF was significantly lower in the simple abdominal obesity and compound obesity groups ((2.82±0.64) ml·min^-1·g^-1, (2.44±0.85) ml·min^-1·g^-1 and (2.49±0.71) ml·min^-1·g^-1, both P<0.05, respectively). Hyperemic MBF was comparable among the groups of patients with obesity (P=0.772). CFR was significantly lower in the simle abdominal obesity group compared with the control group (2.87±0.99 vs. 3.32±0.62,P=0.012). Compared with the control group, CFR tended to be lower in the compound obesity group (3.02±0.91 vs. 3.32±0.62,P=0.117). The incidence of CMD was significantly higher in both the simple abdominal obesity and compound obesity groups than in the control group (62.3%, 52.6% vs. 22.2%, both P<0.01, respectively). Waist circumference was an independent risk factor for male CMD (OR=1.057, 95%CI: 1.013-1.103, P=0.011). Conclusions: In male patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease, abdominal obesity is associated with decreased coronary microvascular function. Male patients with simple abdominal obesity face the highest risk of CMD.

Silencing of dre4 Contributes to Mortality of Phyllotreta striolata

The striped flea beetle, Phyllotreta striolata, is one of the most destructive pests of Cruciferae crops worldwide. RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising alternative strategy for pest biological control, which overcomes the weakness of synthetic insecticides, such as pest resistance, food safety problems and toxicity to non-target insects. The homolog of Spt16/FACT, dre4 plays a critical role in the process of gene transcription, DNA repair, and DNA replication; however, the effects of dre4 silencing in P. striolata remain elusive. In this study, we cloned and characterized the full-length dre4 from P. striolata and silenced Psdre4 through microinjection and oral delivery; it was found that the silencing of dre4 contributed to the high mortality of P. striolata in both bioassays. Moreover, 1166 differentially regulated genes were identified after Psdre4 interference by RNA-seq analysis, which might have been responsible for the lethality. The GO analysis indicated that the differentially regulated genes were classified into three GO functional categories, including biological process, cellular component, and molecular function. The KEGG analysis revealed that these differentially regulated genes are related to apoptosis, autophagy, steroid hormone biosynthesis, cytochrome P450 and other signaling pathways. Our results suggest that Psdre4 is a fatal RNAi target and has significant potential for the development of RNA pesticides for P. striolata management.

[Willingness of receiving influenza vaccine and its influencing factors among health care workers in Yangtze River Delta region from 2020 to 2021]

Objective: To analyze the willingness of receiving influenza vaccine and its influencing factors among health care workers (HCWs) in Yangtze River Delta region from 2020 to 2021. Methods: Convenient sampling method was adopted. From July 2020 to March 2021, 76 hospitals in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui and Shanghai provinces were selected according to the hospital level and job position, and a questionnaire survey was conducted on the willingness of receiving influenza vaccination. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of vaccination intention. Results: A total of 1 332 HCWs were investigated, with a ratio of male to female about 1∶3.2, and the length of working years was (15.07±9.75) years. A total of 614 HCWs had received influenza vaccine in 2019, with a vaccination rate of 46.09%. About 63.21% (842/1 332) of HCWs were willing to be vaccinated with influenza vaccine. The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that the willingness of receiving influenza vaccine among HCWs in primary hospitals was higher than that in secondary hospitals (OR=0.573) and tertiary hospitals (OR=0.357). The willingness of HCWs who had received influenza vaccine in 2019 was higher than that of HCWs who had not received influenza vaccine (OR=0.226) and had unknown history of influenza vaccination (OR=0.228). The willingness of HCWs in departments of prevention, health care and infection was higher than that in departments of pre-examination, outpatient, emergency, pediatrics and respiratory (OR=1.670). Conclusion: The willingness of receiving influenza vaccination among HCWs in Yangtze River Delta region is high, but it is still lower than that in developed countries. It is necessary to strengthen publicity and education to improve the influenza immunization level of HCWs.

The application of gargle containing honeysuckle and semen oroxyli to reduce the pain and complications after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

Purpose: The main purpose of this pilot study was to detect the positive effects of our self-made gargle containing honeysuckle and semen oroxyli on post-operative pain and complications after Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP).

Methods: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who had underwent elective UPPP during the period of April 2019 to January 2022 were randomly divided into treatment group and control group. The patients in the treatment group were instructed to gargle the solution containing honeysuckle and semen oroxyli (25 ml) four times a day for 2 weeks. The patients in the control group were instructed to gargle normal saline (25 ml) at the same schedule. The post-operative resting throat pain, swallowing throat pain and patient comfort level were evaluated at 12 h, 1 week and 2 weeks after UPPP. The post-operative complications were collected and analyzed.

Results: During the study period, 218 patients completed all the post-operative assessments. For resting throat pain, the treatment group had much lower VAS scores at 1 week and 2 weeks after UPPP. For swallowing throat pain, treatment group had much lower VAS scores than control group at 2 weeks after surgery. And patients in the treatment group felt more comfortable comparing to those in control group at 1 week and 2 weeks after UPPP. Although the treatment group had less numbers of patients with post-operative wound infection or bleeding, the difference between the 2 groups was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: The gargle containing honeysuckle and semen oroxyli could relieve both resting and swallowing throat pain and increase patient comfort after UPPP.

Understanding the tonifying and the detoxifying properties of Chinese medicines from their impacts on gut microbiota and host metabolism: a case study with four medicinal herbs in experimental colitis rat model

BACKGROUND

Chinese medicines (CMs) have emerged as an alternative therapy for ulcerative colitis through reinforcing the vital qi and/or eliminating the pathogenic factors according to the traditional Chinese medicinal theory. Presystemic interactions of CMs with gut microbiota and the associated metabolic network shift are believed to be essential to achieve their holistic health benefits in traditional oral application.

METHODS

This study first employed 16S rDNA-based microbial profiling and mass spectrometry-based urinary metabolomics to simultaneously evaluate four single CMs frequently prescribed as main constituent herbs for alleviating UC, the tonic ginseng and Astragali Radix (AR) and the detoxifying Scutellaria Radix (SR) and Rhubarb, on a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis rat model, with aims to understanding the tonifying or detoxifying properties of CMs through clinical phenotypes, the common features and herb-specific signatures in gut microbial alterations and the associated host metabolic shifts. Colitis was induced in rats receiving 5% DSS for consecutive 7 days. Control group received water alone. Herbal groups received 5% DSS and respective herbal preparation by gavage once daily. Body weight, stool consistency, and rectal bleeding were recorded daily. Feces and urine were freshly collected at multiple time points. On day 7, blood and colon tissues were collected to determine anti-/pro-inflammatory cytokines levels, colonic myeloperoxidase activity, and histopathologic alterations.

RESULTS

Gut microbiome was more prone to herb intervention than metabolome and displayed increasing associations with metabolic dynamics. Although both the tonic and the detoxifying herbs alleviated colitis and caused some similar changes in DSS-induced microbiome and metabolome disturbance, the tonic herbs were more effective and shared more common microbial and metabolic signatures. The detoxifying herbs elicited herb-specific changes. Rhubarb uniquely affected phenylalanine metabolism and established high correlations between Akkermansia muciniphila and Parasutterella and hydroxyphenylacetylglycine and phenylbutyrylglycine, while SR caused significant elevation of steroidal glucuronides dehydropregnenolone glucuronide and estriol glucuronide, both displaying exclusive correlations with genus Acetatifactor.

CONCLUSION

Both tonic and detoxifying herbs tested ameliorated experimental colitis and elicited alternative microbial and host metabolic reprogramming. The findings highlight the importance of presystemic interactions with gut microbiota to host metabolic shifts and promote modern translation of tonic and detoxifying properties of CMs.

Inhibition and structure-activity relationship of dietary flavones against three Loop 1-type human gut microbial β-glucuronidases

Gut microbial β-glucuronidases (GUSs) inhibition is a new approach for managing some diseases and medication therapy. However, the structural and functional complexity of GUSs have posed tremendous challenges to discover specific or broad-spectrum GUSs inhibitors using Escherichia coli GUS (EcoGUS) alone. This study first assessed the effects of twenty-one dietary flavones employing three Loop 1-type GUSs of different taxonomic origins, which were considered to be the main GUSs involved in deglucuronidation of small molecules, on p-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucuronide hydrolysis and a structure-activity relationship is preliminarily proposed based on both in vitro assays and a docking study with representative compounds. EcoGUS and Staphylococcus pasteuri GUS showed largely similar inhibition propensities with potencies positively correlating with the total hydroxyl groups and those at ring B of flavones, while docking results revealed strong interactions developed via ring A and/or C. Streptococcus agalactiae GUS (SagaGUS) exhibited distinct inhibition propensities, displaying late-onset inhibition and steep dose-response profiles with most tested compounds. The α-helix in loop 1 region of SagaGUS which causes spatial hindrance but offers a hydrophobic surface for contacting with the carbonyl group on ring C of flavones is believed to be essential for the allosteric inhibition of SagaGUS. Taken together, the study with a series of flavones revealed varied preferences for GUSs belonging to the same Loop 1-type, highlighting the necessity of adopting multi-GUSs instead of EcoGUS alone for screening broad-spectrum GUSs inhibitors or tailoring the inhibition based on specific GUS structure.

Metabolic competency of larval zebrafish in drug-induced liver injury: a case study of acetaminophen poisoning

Larval zebrafish is emerging as a new model organism for studying drug-induced liver injury (DILI) with superiorities in visual assessment, genetic engineering as well as high throughput. Metabolic bioactivation to form reactive intermediates is a common event that triggers DILI. This study first addressed the correlation between acetaminophen metabolism and hepatotoxicity in zebrafish larvae (3 days post-fertilization) and demonstrated the occurrence of cytochrome P450 enzymes-mediated APAP bioactivation at early developmental stage through characterizing the dose-effect (0-1.6 mg/mL) and the time-course (0-72 h) of liver injury and metabolism in the AB strain and LiPan transgenic line Tg(lfabp10a: DsRed; elaA: egfp) expressing liver-specific fluorescent protein. APAP caused multi-organ developmental retardation and elicited dose- and time-dependent hepatotoxicity. Liver imaging revealed significant changes earlier than histological and biochemical measurements. APAP bioactivation in larval zebrafish was first confirmed by the detection of the glutathione conjugate of the reactive intermediate NAPQI (NAPQI-GSH) and subsequent mercapturate derivatives NAPQI-cysteine and NAPQI-N-acetylcysteine after even short (0.5-hour post exposure) or low (0.2 mg/mL) APAP exposure. APAP overdose impaired metabolic function, in particular sulfation, while facilitated GSH depletion and APAP sulfate excretion. Meanwhile, APAP displayed triphasic accumulation in the larvae, agreeing with fluctuating metabolic capabilities with sulfation dominating the early larval developmental stage. Most importantly, the dose-response effects and time-course of APAP accumulation and metabolism agree well with those of the liver injury development. Overall, larval zebrafish has developed mammalian-like metabolic function, enabling it an ideal model organism for high throughput screening hepatotoxicity and mechanistic study of bioactivation-based DILI.

Anti-EGFR antibody plus anti-PD-1 antibody and chemotherapy as a neoadjuvant regimen for patients with locally-advanced penile squamous cell carcinoma: A prospective, single-arm, single-center, phase II clinical trial

5037

Background: Advanced penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) is a rare disease with a poor prognosis. We performed a monocentric, Simon’s two-stage phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PD-1 blockade plus anti-EGFR target therapy and chemotherapy as neoadjuvant therapy in patients with locally advanced PSCC. We previously reported promising results in the first stage. The enrollment of the second stage had been completed by January 2022, herein we reported the updated results. Methods: Patients with chemotherapy-naive, locally-advanced PSCC (cT4 or cTxN3M0) were enrolled. The neoadjuvant regimen consists of anti–PD-1 antibody toripalimab, anti–EGFR antibody nimotuzumab, and chemotherapy (albumin-bound paclitaxel plus cisplatin and ifosfamide). Curative surgery was performed following a maximum of four cycles of treatment. The primary endpoint is the pathological complete response (pCR) rate. Secondary endpoints include overall response rate (ORR), relapse-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), and treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). Results: A total of 29 patients were enrolled in two stages, with a median age of 57 (range 31-71) years. Till January 2022, 21 patients had completed the neoadjuvant treatment, 17 (81%) achieved an objective response, (CR 5, PR 12), 2 had SD, and 2 showed PD. Among 18 patients who underwent radical surgery, 11 showed no residual tumor on histopathology, with a pCR rate of 61.1% (11/18). The median follow-up time was 10.6 months. Two patients with PD died from disease, and 2 patients who experienced disease relapsed after radical surgery, in which 1 with SD, and 1 with PR. No relapse was observed among patients with pCR. The survival data are still immature. No unexpected toxicities and treatment-related death were recorded. Five out of 21 (23.8%) patients experienced grade 3 or 4 TRAEs. Grade 3 neutropenia occurred in 3 (14.3%) patients with 10 used G-CSF prophylaxis. No febrile neutropenia occurred. Other grades 3 toxicities included 1 case of peripheral sensory neuropathy and 1 anemia. The most common grade 1/2 TRAEs were alopecia (100%), decreased appetite (85.7%), nausea (71.4%), peripheral sensory neuropathy (66.7%), anemia (66.7%), neutropenia (33.3%), and infusion-related reactions (28.6%). The most common immune-related adverse events (IRAEs) were grade 1/2 hypothyroidism (19.0%), and grade 1 hyperthyroidism (4.8%). No severe IRAEs including pneumonitis, colitis, and myocarditis were observed. Conclusions: The triple combination is a provoking safe and efficacious neoadjuvant regimen for patients with advanced PSCC. Clinical trial information: NCT04475016.

Knowledge and attitudes toward repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a treatment for postpartum and peripartum depression

Introduction

Postpartum and peripartum depression are debilitating disorders that impact the mother and their ability to care for their children’s emotional, social, and physical needs. Current treatments include psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and electroconvulsive therapy. These treatments are moderately effective or come with side effects that can negatively impact mother and child. As a result, many mothers view some treatments as unacceptable while pregnant or breastfeeding. Over the last decade, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has shown promise as an effective and safe treatment option for postpartum and peripartum depression. However, little is known regarding people’s knowledge and attitudes towards this emerging technology, with no research assessing this in Canada.

Objectives

We aim to identify gaps in knowledge and to assess attitudes toward rTMS as a treatment for postpartum and peripartum depression in mental health professionals, patients, and the general public living in Canada.

Methods

A mixed methods study design will be employed. The qualitative portion will consist of individual semi-structured interviews. An inductive thematic analysis will be completed. The quantitative portion will consist of an anonymous, self-administered survey shared through REDCap. Focus groups with rTMS experts will be conducted to inform survey creation.

Results

No resulst at this time.

Conclusions

Understanding gaps in knowledge and attitudes toward rTMS is the first step toward ensuring that everyone is well informed and able to access safe and effective treatments. With limited treatment options available to a postpartum and/or peripartum depression patients being well informed on all treatments is crucial towards accessing treatments that best suit their needs.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

[Advances in research of interchangeable immunization with live attenuated Japanese encephalitis vaccines and inactivated vaccines]

Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable encephalitis in Asia and the Western Pacific, which mainly invades central nervous system. Vaccination is the most important strategy to prevent JE. Currently, both live attenuated Japanese encephalitis vaccines (JE-L) and inactivated vaccines (JE-I) are in use. Due to the supply of vaccines and the personal choice of recipients, there will be a demand for interchangeable immunization of these two vaccines. However, relevant research is limited. By reviewing domestic and foreign research evidence, this article summarizes the current situation of the interchangeable use of JE-L and JE-I, and makes recommendations when the interchangeable immunization is in urgent need, so as to provide reference for practical vaccination and policymaking in China.

Identification of the metabolic remodeling profile in the early-stage of myocardial ischemia and the contributory role of mitochondrion

Cardiac remodeling is the primary pathological feature of chronic heart failure. Prompt inhibition of remodeling in acute coronary syndrome has been a standard procedure, but the morbidity and mortality are still high. Exploring the characteristics of ischemia in much earlier stages and identifying its biomarkers are essential for introducing novel mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Metabolic and structural remodeling of mitochondrion is identified to play key roles in ischemic heart disease. The mitochondrial metabolic features in early ischemia have not previously been described. In the present study, we established a mouse heart in early ischemia and explored the mitochondrial metabolic profile using metabolomics analysis. We also discussed the role of mitochondrion in the global cardiac metabolism. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that mitochondrial structural injury was invoked at 8 minutes post-coronary occlusion. In total, 75 metabolites in myocardium and 26 in mitochondria were screened out. About 23% of the differentiated metabolites in mitochondria overlapped with the differentiated metabolites in myocardium; Total 81% of the perturbed metabolic pathway in mitochondria overlapped with the perturbed pathway in myocardium, and these pathways accounted for 50% of the perturbed pathway in myocardium. Purine metabolism was striking and mechanically important. In conclusion, in the early ischemia, myocardium exacerbated metabolic remodeling. Mitochondrion was a contributor to the myocardial metabolic disorder. Purine metabolism may be a potential biomarker for early ischemia diagnosis. Our study introduced a perspective for prompt identification of ischemia.

Longitudinal Relationship Between Bullying Victimization and Depression Among Left-Behind Children: Roles of Negative Thoughts and Self-Compassion

Background

Left-behind children (LBC) in China have aroused widespread concern in society and the academic field because they have a high risk of psychological problems. For left-behind children, depression is the most serious problem. Bullying victimization has been evidenced as one of the most common causes of children’s depression. However, less is known about its longitudinal association and the process for how bullying victimization influences depression among left-behind children. Thus, the presentation aims to explore the mechanisms underlying by considering the roles of left-behind children’s negative thoughts and self-compassion.

Methods

The 3-wave longitudinal data were collected from a sample of 605 aged 8–11 from central China. We used the Olweus bully and victimization questionnaire, the children’s automatic thoughts scale, the depression scale, and the self-compassion scale.

Results

Bullying victimization positively predicted the depression level of left-behind children. Negative thoughts and self-compassion mediate the relationship between bullying victimization and depression. In the mechanism of bullying victimization on depression exists gender differences among left-behind children.

Conclusion

The present study suggested the association between bullying victimization and left-behind children’s depression and revealed the internal mechanism of negative thoughts and self-compassion. These findings provide a new perspective for left-behind children’s mental health education and intervention.

[Epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal clustering of hepatitis A in Zhejiang Province from 2010 to 2019]

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal clustering of hepatitis A in Zhejiang Province from 2010 to 2019. Methods: The data of hepatitis A incidence in Zhejiang Province from 2010 to 2019 were collected from the infectious disease surveillance system of China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. ArcGIS 10.7 software was used for spatial autocorrelation analysis. SaTScan 9.6 software was used for spatiotemporal scanning analysis. SPSS 25.0 software was used for additional analysis. Results: Zhejiang Province has reported 5 465 cases of hepatitis A in 2010-2019 years, with an average annual incidence rate of 1.00/100 000, and periodicity and seasonality are not obvious. The incidence of male was higher than that of female (P=0.023), and the highest incidence rate was 50-59 years old. Spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that there was a positive spatial correlation between the incidence of hepatitis A in Zhejiang Province from 2010 to 2017, with the weakest correlation in 2010 (Moran's I =0.103, Z=1.769, P=0.049), and the strongest correlation in 2016 (Moran's I=0.328, Z=4.979, P=0.001). Spatiotemporal scanning analysis showed that there was spatial aggregation of hepatitis A in Zhejiang Province from 2010 to 2019, with a total of three aggregation areas identified. Among them, the mostly aggregation area was concentrated in Xiangshan county of Ningbo city, which covered 10 counties (cities and districts), including Ninghai county and Yinzhou district, and appeared from January 1 to June 30, 2012. Conclusion: The incidence level of hepatitis A in Zhejiang Province shows a stable fluctuation trend from 2010 to 2019, and the seasonal regularity is not obvious. The population group aged 50-59 years old is the key population. There is spatial aggregation in the epidemic situation of hepatitis A. Targeted prevention and control measures of hepatitis A should be done based on the law of spatiotemporal aggregation and local incidence.

Dietary α-Linolenic Acid-Rich Flaxseed Oil Ameliorates High-Fat Diet-Induced Atherosclerosis via Gut Microbiota-Inflammation-Artery Axis in ApoE−/− Mice

Atherosclerosis (AS) is closely associated with abnormally chronic low-grade inflammation and gut dysbiosis. Flaxseed oil (FO) rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are mainly composed of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3 omega-3), has been demonstrated to exhibit pleiotropic benefits in chronic metabolic diseases. However, the impact of dietary ALA-rich FO on AS and its associated underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Thus, the present study was designed as two phases to investigate the effects in atherosclerotic Apolipoprotein E (ApoE)^−/− mice. In the initial portion, the ApoE^−/− mice were randomly allocated to three groups: control group (CON), model group (MOD), and FO-fed model group (MOD/FO) and were treated for 12 weeks. The second phase used antibiotic (AB)-treated ApoE^−/− mice were divided into two groups: AB-treated model group (AB/MOD) and FO-fed AB-treated model group (AB/FO). In the results, the dietary ALA-rich FO administration ameliorated atherosclerotic lesion, as well as the parameters of AS (body weights (BWs) and the total bile acids (TBA). Chronic systemic/vascular inflammatory cytokines and in situ macrophages (Mψs) were reduced with FO intervention. In addition, the FO improved the gut integrity and permeability by decreasing the plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Moreover, gut dysbiosis and metabolites [short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bile acids (BAs)] in AS were modulated after FO treatment. Intriguingly, during an AB-treated condition, a significantly weakened amelioration of FO-treated on AS proposed that the intestinal microbiota contributed to the FO effects. A correlation analysis showed close relationships among gut bacteria, metabolites, and inflammation. Collectively, these results suggested that the dietary ALA-rich FO ameliorated the AS in ApoE^−/− mice via the gut microbiota-inflammation-artery axis.

Exosomes derived from human placental mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate myocardial infarction via anti-inflammation and restoring gut dysbiosis

BACKGROUND

Myocardial infarction (MI) represents a severe cardiovascular disease with limited therapeutic agents. This study was aimed to elucidate the role of the exosomes derived from human placental mesenchymal stem cells (PMSCs-Exos) in MI.

METHODS

PMSCs were isolated and cultured in vitro, with identification by both transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). To further investigate the effects of PMSC-Exos on MI, C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into Sham group, MI group, and PMSC-Exos group. After 4 weeks of the intervention, cardiac function was assessed by cardiac echocardiography, electrocardiogram and masson trichrome staining; lipid indicators were determined by automatic biochemical instrument; inflammatory cytokines were measured by cytometric bead array (CBA); gut microbiota, microbial metabolites short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as well as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were separately investigated by 16S rRNA high throughput sequencing, gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and tachypleus amebocyte lysate kit; transcriptome analysis was used to test the transcriptional components (mRNA\miRNA\cirRNA\lncRNA) of PMSC-Exos.

RESULTS

We found that human PMSC-Exos were obtained and identified with high purity and uniformity. MI model was successfully established. Compared to MI group, PMSC-Exos treatment ameliorated myocardial fibrosis and left ventricular (LV) remodeling (P < 0.05). Moreover, PMSC-Exos treatment obviously decreased MI molecular markers (AST/BNP/MYO/Tn-I/TC), pro-inflammatory indicators (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1), as well as increased HDL in comparison with MI group (all P < 0.05). Intriguingly, PMSC-Exos intervention notably modulated gut microbial community via increasing the relative abundances of Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Actinobacteria, Akkermansia, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Thauera and Ruminiclostridium, as well as decreasing Firmicutes (all P < 0.05), compared with MI group. Furthermore, PMSC-Exos supplementation increased gut microbiota metabolites SCFAs (butyric acid, isobutyric acid and valeric acid) and decreased LPS in comparison with MI group (all P < 0.05). Correlation analysis indicated close correlations among gut microbiota, microbial SCFAs and inflammation in MI.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study highlighted that PMSC-Exos intervention alleviated MI via modulating gut microbiota and suppressing inflammation.

[Evaluating the real-world vaccine effectiveness using a regression discontinuity design]

Estimating the actual real-world effectiveness of the vaccine is an essential part of the post-marketing evaluation. This regression discontinuity design (RDD) using observational data is designed to quantify the effect of an intervention when eligibility for the intervention is based on a defined cutoff as age, making it suited to estimate vaccine effects. This approach can avoid the high cost and ethical issues; overcome difficulties in the organization and practice process in randomized controlled trials, which leads to a higher level of causal inference evidence and more realistic results. Here, we describe key features of RDD in general, and then specific scenarios, with examples, to illustrate that RDD are an essential tool for advancing our understanding of vaccine effects.

Molecular and functional characterization of a conserved odorant receptor from Aedes albopictus

Background

The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus is a competent vector of several viral arboviruses including yellow fever, dengue fever, and chikungunya. Several vital mosquito behaviors (e.g., feeding, host-seeking, mating, and oviposition) are primarily dependent on the olfactory system for semiochemicals detection and discrimination. However, the limited number of studies hampers our understanding of the relationships between the Ae. albopictus olfactory system and the complex chemical world.

Methods

We performed RT-qPCR assay on antennae of Ae. albopictus mosquitoes of different sexes, ages and physiological states, and found odorant receptor 11 (AalbOr11) enriched in non-blood-fed female mosquitoes. Then, we examined the odorant preference with a panel of physiologically and behaviorally relevant odorants in Xenopus oocytes.

Results

The results indicated that AalbOr11 could be activated by ten aromatics, seven terpenes, six heterocyclics, and three alcohols. Furthermore, using post-RNA interference (RNAi) hand-in-cage assay, we found that reducing the transcript level of AalbOr11 affected the repellency activity mediated by (+)-fenchone at a lower concentration (0.01% v/v).

Conclusions

Using in vitro functional characterization, we found that AalbOr11 was a broadly tuned receptor. Moreover, we found that AalbOr11 shared a conserved odorant reception profile with homologous Anopheles gambiae Or11. In addition, RNAi and bioassay suggested that AablOr11 might be one of the receptors mediating (+)-fenchone repellency activity. Our study attempted to link odor-induced behaviors to odorant reception and may lay the foundation for identifying active semiochemicals for monitoring or controlling mosquito populations.

Graphical Abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05158-1.

Extensive mitochondrial proteome disturbance occurs during the early stages of acute myocardial ischemia

Mitochondrial malfunction leads to the remodeling of myocardial energy metabolism during myocardial ischemia (MI). However, the alterations to the mitochondrial proteome profile during this period has not yet been clarified. An acute MI model was established by high position ligation of the left anterior descending artery in 8-week-old C57BL/6N mice. After 15 min of ligation, the animals were euthanized, and their hearts were collected. The myocardial ultrastructure was observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The cardiac mitochondrial proteome profile was analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and bioinformatics analyses. TEM showed that the outer membrane of the mitochondria was dissolved, and the inner membrane (cristae) was corrupted and broken down extensively in the MI group. The mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased. More than 1,700 mitochondrial proteins were identified by LC-MS/MS analysis, and 119 were differentially expressed. Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional enrichment analysis showed that endopeptidase activity regulation, the mitochondrial inner membrane, oxidative phosphorylation, the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 signaling pathway, the pentose phosphate pathway and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathway were involved in the pathophysiological process in the early stage of acute MI. Extensive and substantial changes in the mitochondrial proteins as well as mitochondrial microstructural damage occur in the early stages of acute MI. In the present study, the series of proteins crucially involved in the pathways of mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolism were identified. Further studies are needed to clarify the roles of these proteins in myocardial metabolism remodeling during acute MI injury.

Discovery of a naturally occurring broad-spectrum inhibitor against gut bacterial β-glucuronidases from Ginkgo biloba

Gut bacterial β-glucuronidases (GUS) play an important role in deconjugation of various O-glucuronides, which are tightly linked with the drug-induced intestinal toxicity. Increasing evidence has indicated that inhibition of bacterial GUS could alleviate GUS-associated intestinal toxicity, but the potent and broad-spectrum inhibitors against multiple bacterial GUS have been rarely reported. This study aimed to find potent and broad-spectrum GUS inhibitors from Ginkgo biloba. It was found that amentoflavone displayed relatively strong inhibition on three GUS including CpGUS, SpasGUS and EcGUS. Further investigations demonstrated that amentoflavone could inhibit GUS-mediated PNPG hydrolysis in a dose-dependent manner with IC₅₀ values of 2.36 μM, 2.88 μM and 3.43 μM for CpGUS, SpasGUS and EcGUS, respectively. Inhibition kinetic studies showed that amentoflavone functioned as a non-competitive inhibitor against all tested GUS with K_i values of less than 2 μM. Docking simulations indicated that amentoflavone could tightly bind on allosteric sites of three GUS mainly via hydrogen bonding interactions, and the number of hydroxyl groups of amentoflavone played crucial roles in these interactions. Collectively, our findings suggested that amentoflavone was a potent broad-spectrum inhibitor against bacterial GUS, which can be used as a promising lead compound for developing novel agents to alleviate GUS-associated intestinal toxicity.

Role of PCSK9 in Homocysteine-Accelerated Lipid Accumulation in Macrophages and Atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- Mice

Background: Homocysteine (Hcy) has been established as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis, and the involvement of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) in atherosclerotic lesions is complex. Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9) has vital importance in lipid metabolism, and its inhibitors have intense lipid-lowering and anti-atherosclerotic effects. However, the underlying effect of PCSK9 on HHcy-accelerated dyslipidemia of macrophages is still uncertain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential role of PCSK9 in Hcy-induced lipid accumulation and atherosclerotic lesions.

Methods:In vitro, gene and protein expressions were assessed by real-time quantitative PCR and western blot in THP-1 macrophages with Hcy incubation. Lipid accumulation and cholesterol efflux were evaluated with Hcy treatment. SBC-115076 was used to examine the role of PCSK9 in ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 and G1 (ABCA1 and ABCG1)-dependent cholesterol efflux. In vivo, lesion area, lipid deposition and collagen contents were determined in aortas of ApoE^−/− mice under a methionine diet. SBC-115076 was subcutaneously injected to explore the potential effects of PCSK9 inhibition on alleviating the severity of HHcy-related atherosclerotic lesions.

Results: In THP-1 macrophages, Hcy dose- and time-dependently promoted PCSK9 gene and protein levels without regulating the translation of Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). SBC-115076 used to inhibit PCSK9 largely alleviated lipid accumulation and reversed the cholesterol efflux to apolipoprotein-I(apoA-I) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) mediated by ABCA1 and ABCG1. In ApoE^−/− mice, methionine diet induced HHcy caused larger lesion area and more lipid accumulation in aortic roots. SBC-115076 reduced atherosclerotic severity by reducing the lesion area and lipid accumulation and increasing expressions of ABCA1 and ABCG1 in macrophages from atherosclerotic plaque. In addition, SBC-115076 decreased plasma Hcy level and lipid profiles significantly.

Conclusion: PCSK9 promoted lipid accumulation via inhibiting cholesterol efflux mediated by ABCA1 and ABCG1 from macrophages and accelerated atherosclerotic lesions under HHcy treatment. Inhibiting PCSK9 may have anti-atherogenic properties in HHcy-accelerated atherosclerosis.

Fecal multi-omics analysis reveals diverse molecular alterations of gut ecosystem in COVID-19 patients

Gut ecosystem has profound effects on host physiology and health. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms were frequently observed in patients with COVID-19. Compared with other organs, gut antiviral response can result in more complicated immune responses because of the interactions between the gut microbiota and host immunity. However, there are still large knowledge gaps in the impact of COVID-19 on gut molecular profiles and commensal microbiome, hindering our comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and the treatment of COVID-19. We performed longitudinal stool multi-omics profiling to systemically investigate the molecular phenomics alterations of gut ecosystem in COVID-19. Gut proteomes of COVID-19 were characterized by disturbed immune, proteolysis and redox homeostasis. The expression and glycosylation of proteins involved in neutrophil degranulation and migration were suppressed, while those of proteases were upregulated. The variable domains of Ig heavy chains were downregulated and the overall glycosylation of IgA heavy chain constant regions, IgGFc-binding protein, and J chain were suppressed with glycan-specific variations. There was a reduction of beneficial gut bacteria and an enrichment of bacteria derived deleterious metabolites potentially associated with multiple types of diseases (such as ethyl glucuronide). The reduction of Ig heave chain variable domains may contribute to the increase of some Bacteroidetes species. Many bacteria ceramide lipids with a C17-sphingoid based were downregulated in COVID-19. In many cases, the gut phenome did not restore two months after symptom onset. Our study indicates widely disturbed gut molecular profiles which may play a role in the development of symptoms in COVID-19. Our findings also emphasis the need for ongoing investigation of the long-term gut molecular and microbial alterations during COVID-19 recovery process. Considering the gut ecosystem as a potential target could offer a valuable approach in managing the disease.

Pyrethrins elicit olfactory response and spatial repellency in Aedes albopictus

BACKGROUND

Pyrethrum from dry flowers of Chrysanthemum is a well-known botanical insecticide and repellent. Its insecticidal activity attributes to its six insecticidal esters, collectively known as pyrethrins. Pyrethrins and its synthetic analogs pyrethroids exert their toxic action by modifying the function of voltage-gated sodium channels. Aside from insecticidal activity, pyrethrum has also been used to repel mosquitoes for centuries. Today, pyrethrum continues to be used as an active ingredient in mosquito coils and other mosquito-repellent devices globally. However, the mechanism of pyrethrum repellency remains largely unknown.

RESULTS

Here we report that pyrethrum vapor induced spatial (non-contact) repellency in Aedes albopictus, a major vector of dengue and West Nile viruses. Using electroantennogram (EAG) recordings from adult antennae, we found that pyrethrum elicited EAG response in a dose-dependent manner. We then isolated the six insecticidal esters, pyrethrins I and II, cinerins I and II, jasmolins I and II from pyrethrum extract and discovered that five of the six esters, except jasmolin I, all elicited EAG responses. Furthermore, pyrethrins I and II, cinerin II and jasmolin II induced repellency, whereas cinerin I and jasmolin I did not.

CONCLUSION

Of the six pyrethrins, four of them, pyrethrins I and II, cinerin II and jasmolin II, activate olfactory-receptor neurons and elicit spatial repellency in Ae. albopictus. Our study provided a foundation for future structure-function studies of pyrethrins, their cognate olfactory receptors and efficacies of repellency and for the development of new and more effective mosquito repellents for controlling vector-borne human diseases. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Metformin intervention ameliorates AS in ApoE-/- mice through restoring gut dysbiosis and anti-inflammation

Atherosclerosis (AS) is closely associated with chronic low-grade inflammation and gut dysbiosis. Metformin (MET) presents pleiotropic benefits in the control of chronic metabolic diseases, but the impacts of MET intervention on gut microbiota and inflammation in AS remain largely unclear. In this study, ApoE^-/- mice with a high-fat diet (HFD) were adopted to assess the MET treatment. After 12 weeks of MET intervention (100mg·kg^-1·d^-1), relevant indications were investigated. As indicated by the pathological measurements, the atherosclerotic lesion was alleviated with MET intervention. Moreover, parameters in AS including body weights (BWs), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were elevated; whereas high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) levels were decreased, which could be reversed by MET intervention. Elevated pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and lipopolysaccaride (LPS) in AS were decreased after MET administration. However, anti-inflammatory IL-10 showed no significant difference between AS group and AS+MET group. Consistently, accumulated macrophages in the aorta of AS were conversely lowered with MET treatment. The results of 16S rRNA sequencing and analysis displayed that the overall community of gut microbiota in AS was notably changed with MET treatment mainly through decreasing Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Romboutsia, Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes, as well as increasing Akkermansia, Bacteroidetes, Bifidobacterium. Additionally, we found that microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) including acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and valeric acid in AS were decreased, which were significantly up-regulated with MET intervention. Consistent with the attenuation of MET on gut dysbiosis, decreased intestinal tight junction protein zonula occludens-1 (ZO)-1 in AS was restored after MET supplementation. Correlation analysis showed close relationships among gut bacteria, microbial metabolites SCFAs and inflammation. Collectively, MET intervention ameliorates AS in ApoE^-/- mice through restoring gut dysbiosis and anti-inflammation, thus can potentially serve as an inexpensive and effective intervention for the control of the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.