Microbial extracellular vesicles contribute to antimicrobial resistance

With the escalating global antimicrobial resistance crisis, there is an urgent need for innovative strategies against drug-resistant microbes. Accumulating evidence indicates microbial extracellular vesicles (EVs) contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, comprehensively elucidating the roles and mechanisms of microbial EVs in conferring resistance could provide new perspectives and avenues for novel antimicrobial approaches. In this review, we systematically examine current research on antimicrobial resistance involving bacterial, fungal, and parasitic EVs, delineating the mechanisms whereby microbial EVs promote resistance. Finally, we discuss the application of bacterial EVs in antimicrobial therapy.

Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles regulate macrophage polarization: role and therapeutic perspectives

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important cell-to-cell communication mediators. This paper focuses on the regulatory role of tumor-derived EVs on macrophages. It aims to investigate the causes of tumor progression and therapeutic directions. Tumor-derived EVs can cause macrophages to shift to M1 or M2 phenotypes. This indicates they can alter the M1/M2 cell ratio and have pro-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects. This paper discusses several key points: first, the factors that stimulate macrophage polarization and the cytokines released as a result; second, an overview of EVs and the methods used to isolate them; third, how EVs from various cancer cell sources, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, lung carcinoma, breast carcinoma, and glioblastoma cell sources carcinoma, promote tumor development by inducing M2 polarization in macrophages; and fourth, how EVs from breast carcinoma, pancreatic carcinoma, lungs carcinoma, and glioblastoma cell sources carcinoma also contribute to tumor development by promoting M2 polarization in macrophages. Modified or sourced EVs from breast, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer can repolarize M2 to M1 macrophages. This exhibits anti-tumor activities and offers novel approaches for tumor treatment. Therefore, we discovered that macrophage polarization to either M1 or M2 phenotypes can regulate tumor development. This is based on the description of altering macrophage phenotypes by vesicle contents.

Glycyrrhetinic acid inhibits non-small cell lung cancer via promotion of Prdx6- and caspase-3-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis

Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) shows great efficiency against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but the detailed mechanism is unclear, which has limited its clinical application. Herein, we investigated the potential targets of GA against NSCLC by activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) technology and the combination of histopathology and proteomics validation. In vitro and in vivo results indicated GA significantly inhibited NSCLC via promotion of peroxiredoxin-6 (Prdx6) and caspase-3 (Casp3)-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis. This original finding will provide theoretical and data support to improve the treatment of NSCLC with the application of GA.

Research progress on ferroptosis in the pathogenesis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Globally, millions of individuals are impacted by neurodegenerative disorders including Huntington's disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although a great deal of energy and financial resources have been invested in disease-related research, breakthroughs in therapeutic approaches remain elusive. The breakdown of cells usually happens together with the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the mechanism that triggers neuronal loss is unknown. Lipid peroxidation, which is iron-dependent, causes a specific type of cell death called ferroptosis, and there is evidence its involvement in the pathogenic cascade of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the specific mechanisms are still not well known. The present article highlights the basic processes that underlie ferroptosis and the corresponding signaling networks. Furthermore, it provides an overview and discussion of current research on the role of ferroptosis across a variety of neurodegenerative conditions.

Oxymatrine Inhibition of Hepatitis B Virus Replication Through ERK1/2 Pathway and HNF1α and HNF4α Block <em>in vitro</em>

OBJECTIVE

To explore the molecular mechanism of oxymatrine (OM) by increasing the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 signal factor and blocking the transcription factors HNF1α and HNF4α expression against hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigen secretion and HBV DNA replication in HepG2.2.15 cells.

STUDY DESIGN

An experimental study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Jiangxi, China, between May 2020 and December 2022.

METHODOLOGY

HepG2.2.15 cells, known for stably expressing HBV particles, were utilised as a cell-based model to explore potential pathways pertaining to the OM inhibition of HBV replication. An MTT assay was utilised to measure cytotoxicity. HBsAg or HBeAg content was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. HBV DNA in cell-free culture media was examined using a fluorescent quantitative PCR kit. Real-time PCR was utilised to analyse HNF1α and HNF4α mRNA expression, whereas Western blotting was performed to evaluate HNF1α, HNF4α, and ERK1/2 protein expression.

RESULTS

OM inhibited HBV DNA copy number in the cell supernatant, 3.5-kb RNA gene expression in cells, and HBsAg and HBeAg secretion. OM upregulated p-ERK1/2 protein and significantly downregulated HNF1α and HNF4α gene transcription and protein translation.

CONCLUSION

OM may inhibit the replication of HBV by inducing the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and blocking the transcription factors HNF1α and HNF4α expression that are essential for viral replication.

KEY WORDS

Oxymatrine, ERK1/2, Hepatocyte nuclear factor, Anti-HBV.

Research progress of CTC, ctDNA, and EVs in cancer liquid biopsy

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and extracellular vehicles (EVs) have received significant attention in recent times as emerging biomarkers and subjects of transformational studies. The three main branches of liquid biopsy have evolved from the three primary tumor liquid biopsy detection targets-CTC, ctDNA, and EVs-each with distinct benefits. CTCs are derived from circulating cancer cells from the original tumor or metastases and may display global features of the tumor. ctDNA has been extensively analyzed and has been used to aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of neoplastic diseases. EVs contain tumor-derived material such as DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids, sugar structures, and metabolites. The three provide different detection contents but have strong complementarity to a certain extent. Even though they have already been employed in several clinical trials, the clinical utility of three biomarkers is still being studied, with promising initial findings. This review thoroughly overviews established and emerging technologies for the isolation, characterization, and content detection of CTC, ctDNA, and EVs. Also discussed were the most recent developments in the study of potential liquid biopsy biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, therapeutic monitoring, and prognosis prediction. These included CTC, ctDNA, and EVs. Finally, the potential and challenges of employing liquid biopsy based on CTC, ctDNA, and EVs for precision medicine were evaluated.

Small extracellular vesicles promote the formation of the pre-metastatic niche through multiple mechanisms in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks among the most prevalent global malignancies, posing significant threats to human life and health due to its high recurrence and metastatic potential. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) released by CRC play a pivotal role in the formation of the pre-metastatic niche (PMN) through various mechanisms, preparing the groundwork for accelerated metastatic invasion. This review systematically describes how sEVs promote CRC metastasis by upregulating inflammatory factors, promoting immunosuppression, enhancing angiogenesis and vascular permeability, promoting lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic network remodeling, determining organophilicity, promoting stromal cell activation and remodeling and inducing the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Furthermore, we explore potential mechanisms by which sEVs contribute to PMN formation in CRC and propose novel insights for CRC diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

Stability in the leaf functional traits of understory herbaceous species after 12-yr of nitrogen addition in temperate larch plantations

Leaf functional traits play critical roles in plant functioning. Although the functional traits of overstory trees have been extensively studied, minimal research has been conducted regarding understory species, despite the understory layer is an important component of temperate forests. Such insufficiency limit the broader understanding of processes and functions in forest ecosystems, particularly when under the increasing atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition. Here, we investigated the responses of 18 leaf functional traits in six understory herbaceous species within young and mature stands (three species per stand) in larch (Larix principis-rupprechtii) plantations that subjected to 12 years of anthropogenic N addition. We found that N addition did not significantly impact the photosynthetic traits of understory herbaceous species in either stand; it only led to increased chlorophyll content in Geum aleppicum Jacq. Similarly, with the exception of decreases in the predawn leaf water potential of Sanguisorba officinalis L., N addition did not significantly affect leaf hydraulic traits. With the exception of changes to adaxial epidermis thickness in Potentilla chinensis Ser. (decreased) and G. aleppicum (increased), N addition had negligible effects on leaf anatomical traits and specific leaf area, however, interspecific variations in the plasticity of leaf anatomical traits were observed. Stable responses to N addition were also observed for nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) and their components (soluble sugars and starch), with the exception of Polygonum divaricatum L., which exhibited increases in NSC. Overall, our results suggest that the functional traits of understory herbaceous species exhibit stability under conditions of long-term N enrichment in temperate plantations.

ZIP14 Affects the Proliferation, Apoptosis, and Migration of Cervical Cancer Cells by Regulating the P38 MAPK Pathway

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer (CC) remains a major public health concern and is a leading cause of female mortality worldwide. Understanding the molecular basis of its pathogenesis is essential for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. In this study, we aimed to dissect the role of a specific molecule, ZIP14, in the initiation and progression of CC.

METHOD

We used Gene Expression Omnibus for target gene identification, while KEGG was used to delineate CC-related pathways. Proliferation, migration, and apoptosis levels in CC cells were assessed using CCK8, Transwell, and flow cytometry, respectively. The effect of the target genes on the in vivo tumorigenesis of CC cells was evaluated using the subcutaneous tumorigenesis assay.

RESULTS

ZIP14 (SLC39A14) was found to be underexpressed in CC samples. Our KEGG pathway analysis revealed the potential involvement of the P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in CC pathogenesis. Overexpression of ZIP14 in HeLa and Caski cells increased p38 phosphorylation, inhibited cell growth and migration, and enhanced apoptosis. Conversely, ZIP14 knockdown produced the opposite effects. Importantly, the bioeffects induced by ZIP14 overexpression could be counteracted by the p38 MAPK pathway inhibitor SB203580. In vivo experiments further confirmed the influence of ZIP14 on CC cell migration.

CONCLUSION

Our study is the first to elucidate the pivotal role of ZIP14 in the pathogenesis of CC, revealing its inhibitory effects through the activation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. The discovery not only provides a deeper understanding of CC's molecular underpinnings, but also highlights ZIP14 as a promising therapeutic target. As ZIP14 holds significant potential for therapeutic interventions, our findings lay a robust foundation for further studies and pave the way for the exploration of novel treatment modalities for cervical cancer.

Characteristics of hearing loss-associated gene mutations: A multi-center study of 119,606 neonates in Gannan

BACKGROUND

HL is the second most common congenital disability in China, and its high incidence brings a serious burden of medical and educational sequelae. HL genetic screening enables the identification of individuals with inherited HL and carriers in a large scale.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to measure the detection rates of hearing loss (HL)-associated gene mutations in the Gannan population. The molecular etiology and risk factors of hereditary HL were also analyzed.

METHODS

In total, 119,606 newborns from 18 districts of Gannan were enrolled in this multi-center study conducted between April 2019 and April 2021. Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) was used for primary hearing screening 3 days after birth in quiet conditions, and OAE combined with automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) was applied 29-42 days after birth for those who failed or missed the initial screening. Meanwhile, high-throughput sequencing of hotspot HL-associated mutations in GJB2, GJB3, MTRNR1, and SLC26A4 were performed.

RESULTS

Among the 119,606 newborns, 7796 (6.52%) failed the hearing screening. Genetic screening revealed that 5092 neonates (4.26%) carried HL-associated mutations. The detection rate of GJB2, SLC26A4, MTRNR1 and GJB3 mutations were 2.09%, 1.51%, 0.42% and 0.24%, respectively. The most prevalent variant was GJB2 c.235delC (1.74%). The second most prevalent variant was SLC26A4 c.919-2A > G (0.93%). The population who failed the hearing screening had a lower proportion (24.64%) of SLC26A4 gene variants compared to the population who passed (37.46%). Genetic screening identified 4612 (3.86%) carriers who were normal in hearing screenings. The concurrent hearing and genetic screening identified 480 (0.40%) neonates at high risk for hereditary HL.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that the concurrent hearing screening and high-throughput genetic screening would greatly improve the effectiveness of newborn HL programs. This integration also facilitates the management of congenital HL, and aids in the prevention of aminoglycoside antibiotics-induced HL.

Research progress on the role of extracellular vesicles in neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease, affect millions of people worldwide. Tremendous efforts have been put into disease-related research, but few breakthroughs have been made in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are heterogeneous cell-derived membrane structures that arise from the endosomal system or are directly separated from the plasma membrane. EVs contain many biomolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, which can be transferred between different cells, tissues, or organs, thereby regulating cross-organ communication between cells during normal and pathological processes. Recently, EVs have been shown to participate in various aspects of neurodegenerative diseases. Abnormal secretion and levels of EVs are closely related to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and contribute to disease progression. Numerous studies have proposed EVs as therapeutic targets or biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we summarize and discuss the advanced research progress on EVs in the pathological processes of several neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, we outline the latest research on the roles of EVs in neurodegenerative diseases and their therapeutic potential for the diseases.

Next-generation sequencing analysis of the molecular spectrum of thalassemia in Southern Jiangxi, China

BACKGROUND

Thalassemia is an extremely prevalent monogenic inherited blood disorder in southern China. It is important to comprehensively understand the molecular spectrum of thalassemia in an area with such a high prevalence of thalassemia before taking appropriate actions for the prevention and treatment of this disorder. Herein, we explored the clinical feasibility of using next-generation sequencing (NGS) for large-scale population screening to illustrate the prevalence and spectrum of thalassemia in Southern Jiangxi.

METHODS

Blood samples collected from 136,312 residents of reproductive age in Southern Jiangxi were characterized for thalassemia by NGS. A retrospective analysis was then conducted on blood samples determined to be positive for thalassemia.

RESULTS

In total, 19,827 (14.545%) subjects were diagnosed as thalassemia carriers, and the thalassemia prevalence rate significantly varied by geographical region (p < 0.001). A total of 40 α-thalassemia genotypes including 21 rare genotypes were identified, with -@-SEA/αα being the most prevalent genotype. 42 β-thalassemia genotypes including 27 rare genotypes were identified, with the most common mutation IVS II-654 C > T accounting for 35.257% of these β-thalassemia genotypes. Furthermore, 74 genotypes were identified among 608 individuals with combined α- and β-thalassemia. Notably, most individuals with rare thalassemia mutations had mildly abnormal hematologic parameters including microcytic hypochromia.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate the great heterogeneity and diverse spectrum of thalassemia in Southern Jiangxi, emphasizing the importance and necessity of persistent prevention and control of thalassemia in this region. Additionally, our findings further suggest that NGS can effectively identify rare mutations and reduce the misdiagnosis rate of thalassemia.

The emerging role of extracellular vesicles in fungi: a double-edged sword

Fungi are eukaryotic microorganisms found in nature, which can invade the human body and cause tissue damage, inflammatory reactions, organ dysfunctions, and diseases. These diseases can severely damage the patient's body systems and functions, leading to a range of clinical symptoms that can be life-threatening. As the incidence of invasive fungal infections has progressively increased in the recent years, a wealth of evidence has confirmed the "double-edged sword" role of fungal extracellular vesicles (EVs) in intercellular communication and pathogen-host interactions. Fungal EVs act as mediators of cellular communication, affecting fungal-host cell interactions, delivering virulence factors, and promoting infection. Fungal EVs can also have an induced protective effect, affecting fungal growth and stimulating adaptive immune responses. By integrating recent studies, we discuss the role of EVs in fungi, providing strong theoretical support for the early prevention and treatment of invasive fungal infections. Finally, we highlight the feasibility of using fungal EVs as drug carriers and in vaccine development.

Two cases of placental trisomy 21 mosaicism causing false-negative NIPT results

BACKGROUND

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) using cell-free DNA has been widely used for prenatal screening to detect the common fetal aneuploidies (such as trisomy 21, 18, and 13). NIPT has been shown to be highly sensitive and specific in previous studies, but false positives (FPs) and false negatives (FNs) occur. Although the prevalence of FN NIPT results for Down syndrome is rare, the impact on families and society is significant.

CASE PRESENTATION

This article described two cases of foetuses that tested "negative" for trisomy 21 by NIPT technology using the semiconductor sequencing platform. However, the fetal karyotypes of amniotic fluid were 46,XY, + 21 der(21;21)(q10;q10) and 47,XY, + 21 karyotypes, respectively. Placental biopsies confirmed that, in the first case, the chromosome 21 placenta chimerism ratio ranged from 13 to 88% with the 46,XX, + 21,der(21;21)(q10;q10)[86]/46,XX[14] karyotype of placental chorionic cells (middle of fetal-side placental tissue). However, in the second case, of all the placental biopsies, percentage of total chimerism was less than 30%; and placental biopsies taken at the middle of maternal side and middle of fetal side, also had variable trisomy 2 mosaicism levels of 10% and 8%, respectively. Ultimately, the pregnancies were interrupted at 30 gestational age (GA) and 27GA, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we present two cases of FN NIPT results that might have been caused by biological mechanisms, as opposed to poor quality, technical errors, or negligence. Clinical geneticists and their patients must understand that NIPT is a screening procedure.

Chemoproteomics reveals Sofalcone inhibits the inflammatory response of Caco-2 cells by covalently targeting HMGB1

Sofalcone (Sof), a synthetic analog of sophoradin, is a type of natural phenol derived from the traditional medicinal herb Sophora subprostrata, with potent anti-inflammatory activity. However, the mechanisms of action of Sof for treating intestinal-associated inflammation are not well known. In this work, we identified high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) as the key covalent target of Sof for the anti-inflammatory activity in the human colonic epithelial cells through quantitative chemoproteomics profiling.

Insights into Permanent Encodings of Macroscopic Spike Patterns by Magnetic-Field-Directed Evaporative Self-Assembly from Ferrofluids

Field-directed assembly has the potential to make large hierarchically ordered structures from nanoscale objects. Shear forces and optical, electric, and magnetic fields have been used for this purpose. Ferrofluids consist of magnetic nanoparticles hosted in mobile liquids. Though they exhibit rich structures and lattice patterns in response to an applied magnetic field, the patterns collapse when the field is removed. Recently, we adapted evaporation-induced self-assembly to obtain permanent encodings of the complex field response of magnetite nanoparticles in alkane media. The encodings are characterized by order that culminates in macrostructures comprising kinetically trapped spike patterns. The present work examines a number of variables that control pattern formation associated with this encoding. Control variables include applied magnetic field strength, magnetic field gradient, nanoparticle concentration, solvent evaporation conditions, and alkane solvent chain length. The pattern formation process is captured in six stages of evolution until the solvent host has evaporated and the pattern is permanently fixed. The macropatterns consist of hexagonal arrays that coexist with different pentagonal and heptagonal defects. The Voronoi entropy is calculated for different patterns that arise due to changes in the control parameters. Insight into order in the lattice patterns is achieved by extracting measurables like peak-to-peak spike wavelength, spike population, spike height, and base diameter from the patterns. The pattern measurables depend nonlinearly on the magnetic field gradient, solvent evaporation rate, and solvent chain length. Nanoparticle concentration does not impact the measurables significantly. Nonetheless, the results agree qualitatively with a linear expression for the critical magnetization and wavelength that explicitly contains the field gradient and surface tension.

Colorectal cancer-derived extracellular vesicles containing HSP70 enhance macrophage phagocytosis by up-regulating MARCO expression

In recent years, we have realized that extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a critical role in regulating the intercellular communication between tumor and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (TDEVs) profoundly affect the functional changes of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and promote their M2 polarization. Meanwhile, macrophages have a strong phagocytic ability in phagocytosing apoptotic cells. Especially in the course of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, TAMs can phagocytose and remove apoptotic tumor cells, showing anti-inflammatory and pro-tumor effects. However, the underlying mechanisms by which TDEVs regulate macrophage phagocytosis of apoptotic tumor cells have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we focused on the effect of colorectal cancer-derived extracellular vesicles (CRC-EVs) on macrophages. We demonstrated that CRC-EVs enhanced macrophage phagocytosis of apoptotic CRC cells. We then determined that heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) carried in CRC-EVs was responsible for this effect by using mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis and the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Through transcriptome sequencing of macrophages, we found that the enhanced phagocytosis of macrophages was mainly due to the up-regulation of the macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO). In addition, we confirmed that the up-regulation of MARCO was mediated by the AKT-STAT3 signaling pathway. Taken together, this study revealed a novel EVs-mediated macrophage phagocytosis mechanism involved in the clearance of apoptotic tumor cells in TME. Targeting TDEVs may have potential therapeutic applications in tumor treatment.

Application of small extracellular vesicles in the diagnosis and prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor originating from the epithelium of the nasopharynx. The disease is insidious, and most patients are diagnosed at the advanced stage, resulting in poor prognosis. Early diagnosis is important to reduce NPC mortality. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are rich in a variety of bioactive molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, which can participate in the physiological and pathological regulation of the body by affecting the function of target cells. Numerous studies have shown that some RNAs and proteins in sEVs of tumor origin have a key role in the development of NPC and are potential candidates for malignancy detection. Studying the relationship between the cargoes of these sEVs and NPC may help in the diagnosis of the disease. Here in this review, we summarize the application of sEVs as biomarkers in the diagnosis of NPC and their role in NPC metastasis and prognosis. In addition, we discuss possible future applications and limitations of sEVs as biomarkers.

Novel copper-containing ferrite nanoparticles exert lethality to MRSA by disrupting MRSA cell membrane permeability, depleting intracellular iron ions, and upregulating ROS levels

Objective

The widespread use of antibiotics has inevitably led to the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), making treatment of this infection a serious challenge. This study aimed to explore new treatment strategies for MRSA infection.

Methods

The structure of Fe₃O₄ NPs with limited antibacterial activity was optimized, and the Fe²⁺ ↔ Fe³⁺ electronic coupling was eliminated by replacing 1/2 Fe²⁺ with Cu²⁺. A new type of copper-containing ferrite nanoparticles (hereinafter referred to as Cu@Fe NPs) that fully retained oxidation-reduction activity was synthesized. First, the ultrastructure of Cu@Fe NPs was examined. Then, antibacterial activity was determined by testing the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and safety for use as an antibiotic agent. Next, the mechanisms underlying the antibacterial effects of Cu@Fe NPs were investigated. Finally, mice models of systemic and localized MRSA infections was established for in vivo validation.

Results

It was found that Cu@Fe NPs exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against MRSA with MIC of 1 μg/mL. It effectively inhibited the development of MRSA resistance and disrupted the bacterial biofilms. More importantly, the cell membranes of MRSA exposed to Cu@Fe NPs underwent significant rupture and leakage of the cell contents. Cu@Fe NPs also significantly reduced the iron ions required for bacterial growth and contributed to excessive intracellular accumulation of exogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, these findings may important for its antibacterial effect. Furthermore, Cu@Fe NPs treatment led to a significant reduction in colony forming units within intra-abdominal organs, such as the liver, spleen, kidney, and lung, in mice with systemic MRSA infection, but not for damaged skin in those with localized MRSA infection.

Conclusion

The synthesized nanoparticles has an excellent drug safety profile, confers high resistant to MRSA, and can effectively inhibit the progression of drug resistance. It also has the potential to exert anti-MRSA infection effects systemically in vivo. In addition, our study revealed a unique multifaceted antibacterial mode of Cu@Fe NPs: (1) an increase in cell membrane permeability, (2) depletion of Fe ions in cells, (3) generation of ROS in cells. Overall, Cu@Fe NPs may be potential therapeutic agents for MRSA infections.

An Enrichment Method for Small Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Liver Cancer Tissue

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) derived from tissue can reflect the functional status of the source cells and the characteristics of the tissue's interstitial space. The efficient enrichment of these sEVs is an important prerequisite to the study of their biological function and a key to the development of clinical detection techniques and therapeutic carrier technology. It is difficult to isolate sEVs from tissue because they are usually heavily contaminated. This study provides a method for the rapid enrichment of high-quality sEVs from liver cancer tissue. The method involves a four-step process: the incubation of digestive enzymes (collagenase D and DNase Ι) with tissue, filtration through a 70 µm cell strainer, differential ultracentrifugation, and filtration through a 0.22 µm membrane filter. Owing to the optimization of the differential ultracentrifugation step and the addition of a filtration step, the purity of the sEVs obtained by this method is higher than that achieved by classic differential ultracentrifugation. It provides an important methodology and supporting data for the study of tissue-derived sEVs.

microRNAs profiling of small extracellular vesicles from midbrain tissue of Parkinson's disease

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are generated by all types of cells during physiological or pathological conditions. There is growing interest in tissue-derived small extracellular vesicles (tdsEVs) because they can be isolated from a single tissue source. Knowing the representation profile of microRNA (miRNA) in midbrain tissue-derived sEVs (bdsEVs) and their roles is imperative for understanding the pathological mechanism and improving the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). bdsEVs from a rat model of PD and a sham group were separated and purified using ultracentrifugation, size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), and ultrafiltration. Then, miRNA profiling of bdsEVs in both groups was performed using next-generation sequencing (NGS). The expression levels of 180 miRNAs exhibited significant differences between the two groups, including 114 upregulated and 66 downregulated genes in bdsEVs of PD rats compared with the sham group (p < 0.05). Targets of the differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted by miRanda and RNAhybrid, and their involvement in the signaling pathways and cellular function has been analyzed through the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO). Furthermore, we explored the expression levels of miR-103-3p, miR-107-3p, miR-219a-2-3p, and miR-379-5p in bdsEVs, sEVs derived from plasma, and plasma of both groups of rats. Interestingly, the expression levels of miR-103-3p, miR-107-3p, miR-219a-2-3p, and miR-379-5p were elevated in bdsEVs and sEVs from plasma; in contrast, their expression levels were decreased in plasma of the rat model of PD. In summary, miRNAs may play a significant role in the onset and development of PD, and miRNAs need to be selected carefully as a research subject for exploring the pathological mechanism and the potential therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers of PD.

Role of CD147 in the development and diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer, and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. HCC is characterized by insidious onset, and most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage with a poor prognosis. Identification of biomarkers for HCC onset and progression is imperative to development of effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. CD147 is a glycoprotein that is involved in tumor cell invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis through multiple mechanisms. In this review, we describe the molecular structure of CD147 and its role in regulating HCC invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. We highlight its potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for HCC.

The Biological Effect of Small Extracellular Vesicles on Colorectal Cancer Metastasis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignancy that seriously threatens human health, and metastasis from CRC is a major cause of death and poor prognosis for patients. Studying the potential mechanisms of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) in tumor development may provide new options for early and effective diagnosis and treatment of CRC metastasis. In this review, we systematically describe how sEVs mediate epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), reconfigure the tumor microenvironment (TME), modulate the immune system, and alter vascular permeability and angiogenesis to promote CRC metastasis. We also discuss the current difficulties in studying sEVs and propose new ideas.

Hypertension risk is associated with elevated concentrations of rare earth elements in serum

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is a major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, affecting over 17.1 million individuals worldwide. Environmental exposure such as toxic trace elements could be risk factors for hypertension, but the associations of toxic metal exposure with hypertension are not well understood.

METHODS

We recruited 400 volunteers consisting of 200 patients with hypertension (cases) and 200 healthy individuals without hypertension (controls). In the case or control group, half of the subjects came from the rare earth mining (REM) areas and the other half from non-REM areas. Serum levels of 8 rare earth elements (REEs) and 13 non-REEs were determined.

RESULTS

The concentrations of Ce and La were significant higher in the cases than in the controls in all comparisons. Serum concentrations of Mg, Mn, Dy, Ce and La were positively correlated with blood pressure, while those of concentrations K and Se were negatively correlated with blood pressure (p < 0.05). Compared with the lowest quartiles, participants in the highest quartiles of Sm, Gd, Dy, Yb, La and Ce had a 6.01-fold (95 % CI: 2.28, 15.8), 3.29-fold (95 % CI: 1.18, 9.16), 4.07-fold (95 % CI: 1.51,10.9), 7.83-fold (95 % CI: 2.78, 22.4), 20.00-fold (95 % CI: 5.48-72.9) and 6.13-fold (95 % CI: 2.13-17.6) increase in the probability of having hypertension respectively. Among all the detected metals, the univariate odds ratios (UORs) and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) of hypertension for highest vs. lowest quartile serum concentrations of Sm, Gd, Dy, Yb, La and Ce were significantly > 1 (p < 0.05), with the positive dose-response relationships observed between their serum levels and ORs associated with hypertension risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, there appears to be a positive correlation between hypertension and environmental exposure to REEs, especially La and Ce. Further studies are warranted to investigate the underlying mechanisms responsible for the risk.

Application of extracellular vesicles proteins in cancer diagnosis

Early tumor diagnosis is crucial for its treatment and reduction of death, with effective tumor biomarkers being important tools. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small vesicles secreted by cells with various biomolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. They harbor a double membrane structure. Previous studies on EVs in cancer diagnosis and therapy focused on miRNAs. Nonetheless, EVs contain proteins that represent physiological and pathological state of their parental cells. EVs proteins can reflect the pathological state of some diseases, which provides a basis for diagnosis and treatment. This study describes the role of EVs in cancer and summarizes the use of EVs proteins as diagnostic markers in different cancer types. Specifically, we discuss the potential and shortcomings of EVs as tumor biomarkers.

Multiple roles of neuronal extracellular vesicles in neurological disorders

Neuropathy is a growing public health problem in the aging, adolescent, and sport-playing populations, and the number of individuals at risk of neuropathy is growing; its risks include aging, violence, and conflicts between players. The signal pathways underlying neuronal aging and damage remain incompletely understood and evidence-based treatment for patients with neuropathy is insufficiently delivered; these are two of the reasons that explain why neuropathy is still not completely curable and why the progression of the disease cannot be inhibited. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) shuttling is an important pathway in disease progression. Previous studies have focused on the EVs of cells that support and protect neurons, such as astrocytes and microglia. This review aims to address the role of neuronal EVs by delineating updated mechanisms of neuronal damage and summarizing recent findings on the function of neuronal EVs. Challenges and obstacles in isolating and analyzing neuronal EVs are discussed, with an emphasis on neuron as research object and modification of EVs on translational medicine.

The role and application of small extracellular vesicles in breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. Currently, patients’ survival remains a challenge in BC due to the lack of effective targeted therapies and the difficult condition of patients with higher aggressiveness, metastasis and drug resistance. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), which are nanoscale vesicles with lipid bilayer envelopes released by various cell types in physiological and pathological conditions, play an important role in biological information transfer between cells. There is growing evidence that BC cell-derived sEVs may contribute to the establishment of a favorable microenvironment that supports cancer cells proliferation, invasion and metastasis. Moreover, sEVs provide a versatile platform not only for the diagnosis but also as a delivery vehicle for drugs. This review provides an overview of current new developments regarding the involvement of sEVs in BC pathogenesis, including tumor proliferation, invasion, metastasis, immune evasion, and drug resistance. In addition, sEVs act as messenger carriers carrying a variety of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and metabolites, making them as potential liquid biopsy biomarkers for BC diagnosis and prognosis. We also described the clinical applications of BC derived sEVs associated MiRs in the diagnosis and treatment of BC along with ongoing clinical trials which will assist future scientific endeavors in a more organized direction.

Current perspectives on clinical use of exosomes as novel biomarkers for cancer diagnosis

Exosomes are a heterogeneous subset of extracellular vesicles (EVs) that biogenesis from endosomes. Besides, exosomes contain a variety of molecular cargoes including proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, which play a key role in the mechanism of exosome formation. Meanwhile, exosomes are involved with physiological and pathological conditions. The molecular profile of exosomes reflects the type and pathophysiological status of the originating cells so could potentially be exploited for diagnostic of cancer. This review aims to describe important molecular cargoes involved in exosome biogenesis. In addition, we highlight exogenous factors, especially autophagy, hypoxia and pharmacology, that regulate the release of exosomes and their corresponding cargoes. Particularly, we also emphasize exosome molecular cargoes as potential biomarkers in liquid biopsy for diagnosis of cancer.

Multi-omics analysis reveals the metabolic regulators of duodenal low-grade inflammation in a functional dyspepsia model

Several gastrointestinal phenotypes and impairment of duodenal mucosal barrier have been reported in clinical studies in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD). Due to the preferential colonization of the mucosa, intestinal microbes and their metabolites are commonly involved in host metabolism and immune responses. However, there are no studies on the intertwined correlation among multi-level data. For more comprehensive illustrating, a multi-omics analysis focusing on the duodenum was performed in the FD rat model. We found that differential microbiomes in the duodenum were significantly correlated with the biosynthesis of lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycan. The innate immune response-related genes, which were upregulated in the duodenum, were associated with the TLR2/TLR4-NFκB signaling pathway. More importantly, arachidonyl ethanolamide (anandamide, AEA) and endocannabinoid analogues showed linear relationships with the FD phenotypes. Taken together, multi-level data from microbiome, transcriptome and metabolome reveal that AEA may regulate duodenal low-grade inflammation in FD. These results suggest an important cue of gut microbiome–endocannabinoid system axis in the pathogenesis of FD.

Comprehensive Pan-Cancer Analysis of Senescence With Cancer Prognosis and Immunotherapy

Senescence is a double-edged sword in tumorigenesis and affects the immunotherapy response through the modulation of the host’s immune system. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive analysis of the senescence-related genes (SRGs) in human cancers, and the predictive role of senescence in cancer immunotherapy response has not been explored. The multi-omics approaches were performed in this article to conduct a systematic pan-cancer genomic analysis of SRGs in cancer. In addition, we calculated the generic senescence score (SS) to quantify the senescence levels in cancers and explored the correlations of SS with cancer prognosis, biological processes, and tumor microenvironment (TME). The gene signatures were deregulated in multiple cancers and indicated a context-dependent correlation with prognosis, tumor-immune evasion, and response to therapy across various tumor types. Further analysis disclosed that SS was positively associated with the infiltration levels of immune suppressive cells, including induced Tregs (iTregs), central memory Ts (Tcms), and natural Tregs (nTregs), and negatively associated with immune killer cells, including natural killers (NKs) and mucosal-associated invariant Ts (MAITs). Moreover, the SS was significantly correlated with tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), immune-related genes, and immune checkpoints and had a predictive value of immunotherapy response. Thus, the expression of SRGs was involved in resistance to several anticancer drugs. Our work illustrates the characterization of senescence across various malignancies and highlights the potential of senescence as a biomarker of the response to immunotherapy.

[The relation between residual β-cell function and autoimmune status in long-term type 1 diabetes patients]

Objective: We aimed to investigate the autoimmune status of long-term type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients with residual β-cell function. Methods: The residual β-cell function of long-term (disease duration≥10 years) autoimmune T1DM patients from the T1DM Integrated Management Clinic of the Second Xiangya Hospital was assessed by serum C-peptide levels. Patients with fasting or 2-hour postprandial C-peptide levels over the lower sensitivity limit of detection (16.7 pmol/L) were grouped as C-peptide-positive, and others were grouped as C-peptide-negative. We screened and enrolled all the C-peptide-positive patients (n=19). C-peptide-negative patients with matched sex, age, duration, BMI (n=19) and healthy controls (n=19) were recruited at the same time. The frequencies of CD4+T cell (Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg) and B cell (MZB/FoB/B10) subsets, the expression of PD-1/PD-L1 on T and B lymphocytes, and the levels of T1DM related cytokines including IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-1RA, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p40, IL-12p70, IL-23 and IP-10 were tested. We compared these parameters in patients with different levels of β-cell function. Results: In healthy controls, C-peptide-negative and C-peptide-positive patients, the frequencies M (Q₁, Q₃) of Th1 cells were 9.93% (7.45%, 15.20%), 14.90% (11.70%, 18.00%) and 10.20% (6.93%, 15.80%) (P=0.015), and the frequencies M (Q₁, Q₃) of Treg cells were 3.52% (2.92%, 5.68%),2.88% (1.64%, 3.22%) and 3.12% (2.81%, 4.81%) (P=0.005), and the frequencies M(Q₁,Q₃) of PD-1+B cells were 4.69% (2.64%, 6.37%), 2.11% (1.45%, 3.63%) and 4.20% (2.53%, 6.01%) (P=0.003), respectively. The levels of IL-6 M(Q₁,Q₃)were 26.43(18.06, 33.35) ng/L, 42.97 (25.52, 66.30) ng/L, and 22.07 (14.85, 34.45) ng/L (P=0.006), and the levels of IP-10 M(Q₁,Q₃) were 107.39 (76.19, 126.07) ng/L, 188.82 (131.27, 348.18) ng/L and 128.26 (114.31, 136.50) ng/L (P<0.001) in healthy controls, C-peptide-negative and C-peptide-positive patients, respectively. Compared with C-peptide-positive patients, the frequency of Th1 cells and the levels of IL-6 and IP-10 cytokines were higher, while the frequencies of Treg cells and PD-1+B cells were lower in C-peptide-negative patients (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Long-term T1DM patients with residual β-cell function had lower frequency of Th1 cells, lower levels of IL-6, IP-10 cytokines, and higher frequencies of Treg and PD-1+B cells, which indicated a pronounced autoimmune tolerance.

Transcriptome and Lipid Metabolomics-Based Discovery: Glycyrrhizic Acid Alleviates Tripterygium Glycoside Tablet-Induced Acute Liver Injury by Regulating the Activities of CYP and the Metabolism of Phosphoglycerides

Background: Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) has been reported to be liver protective; however, the characters and underlying mechanisms of GA against tripterygium glycoside tablet (TGT)-induced acute liver injury remain unelucidated.

Hypothesis/Purpose: We assumed that GA could relieve TGT-induced acute liver injury by regulating liver function-related genes and lipid metabolites.

Study Design: TGT-induced acute liver injury models were constructed in vivo and in vitro. Then the liver protective effect and mechanisms of GA were investigated by a combination of transcriptome, lipid metabolomics, and experimental validation.

Methods: Intraperitoneal injection of GA was given in advance for six successive days. Then, the TGT-induced acute liver injury model was constructed by a single oral administration of TGT at 270 mg/kg, except for the normal group. All animals were sacrificed 18 h later. The serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TBIL), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were quantified. Liver tissues were used to observe pathological changes through hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining and selected for transcriptome and metabolome sequencing. The underlying mechanisms were analyzed and further validated both in vivo and in vitro.

Results: Pre-administration of GA markedly decreased the serum concentrations of AST, ALT, ALP, and TBIL but increased those of SOD and GSH-Px, improving the liver morphology of mice with TGT-induced acute liver injury. In addition, GA significantly increased the gene levels of Cyp2b13, Cyp2c69, Cyp3a16, Cyp3a44, Fmo3, and Nipal1. Differentially accumulated metabolites were screened and classified as phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). The in vitro results indicated that pre-administration of GA markedly alleviated the inhibitory effect of TGT on BRL-3A activity.

Conclusion: This study combined transcriptome, lipid metabolomics, and experimental validation to offer convincing evidence that GA alleviates TGT-induced acute liver injury partially by regulating the activities of CYP and the metabolism of PC and PE.

Advances in Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes as Drug Delivery Vehicles

Exosomes are tiny vesicles with a double membrane structure that cells produce. They range in diameter from 40 to 150 nm and may contain a variety of biomolecules including proteins and nucleic acids. Exosomes have low toxicity, low immunogenicity, and the ability to encapsulate a wide variety of substances, making them attractive drug delivery vehicles. MSCs secrete large amounts of exosomes and hence serve as an excellent source of exosomes. MSCs-derived exosomes have regenerative and tissue repair functions comparable to MSCs and can circumvent the risks of immune rejection and infection associated with MSC transplantation, indicating that they may be a viable alternative to MSCs’ biological functions. In this review, we summarized the drug delivery methods and advantages of exosomes, as well as the advancement of MSC exosomes as drug carriers. The challenges and prospects of using exosomes as drug delivery vectors are presented.

Rapid diagnosis of seven high-risk human papillomavirus subtypes by a novel loop-mediated isothermal amplification method

Current human papillomavirus (HPV) detection methods require complex instruments, skilled staff and have a high cost. Therefore, novel testing approaches are needed which are easy to implement, highly sensitive, and low cost. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is an isothermal amplification technique. In this study, according to the conditions in China, a novel LAMP method for detecting seven high-risk HPV subtypes (16, 18, 33, 39, 45, 52, and 58) was designed and evaluated. The DNA from plasmid and cervical specimens was extracted using Chelex 100 and measured by qPCR and LAMP assay. LAMP products were observed under ultraviolet light. HPV sequences were successfully amplified and a plateau time of 19-75 min was maintained. The concentration of positive reactions ranged between 20 copies/μL and 200000 copies/μL. Additionally, there was no cross-reactivity between HPV16, 18, 33, 39, 45, 52, 58, 31, 35, 45, 51, 56, 59, 66, or 68. For clinical samples, the LAMP assay had high sensitivity and specificity for HPV16, 18, 33, 39, 45, 52, and 58. However, 5% (72/1447) of the samples tested yielded false-positive results. In conclusion, the novel LAMP assay for HPV16, 18, 33, 39, 45, 52, and 58 has high sensitivity and specificity, a low cost, and is simple and rapid to perform. The LAMP assay can improve HPV detection in resource-limited settings, especially in primary care hospitals and rural areas.

[Analysis of the effect of microwave ablation in the treatment of small liver cancer]

Objective: To explore the clinical effect of microwave ablation in the treatment of early small liver cancer (≤3 cm). Methods: 103 cases with small liver cancer (tumor number < 3 and maximum tumor diameter < 3 cm) who underwent microwave ablation from November 2016 to November 2018 were retrospectively collected. The rate of residual lesions, recurrence rate one-year after the operation, and surgical complications were observed and grouped according to tumor size (< 2 cm and≥2 cm group) and tumor numbers (solitary and 2 ~ 3 lesion groups). The therapeutic effects of each group were compared and analyzed. Results: The tumor residual rate and one-year recurrence rate of small liver cancer after microwave ablation were 11.7% and 35.0%, respectively. The post-ablation syndrome incidence rate was 52.4%, with no serious adverse events. Compared with tumors < 2 cm, patients with≥2 cm had a higher postoperative residual rate (χ(2) = 7.651, P = 0.006), and the one-year recurrence rate of more solitary nodular tumors was lower (χ(2) = 10.125, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Microwave ablation is a safe and effective treatment for early small liver cancer, and it is more effective for small solitary nodules (< 2 cm).

The hepatic AMPK-TET1-SIRT1 axis regulates glucose homeostasis

Ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase 1 (TET1) is involved in multiple biological functions in cell development, differentiation, and transcriptional regulation. Tet1 deficient mice display the defects of murine glucose metabolism. However, the role of TET1 in metabolic homeostasis keeps unknown. Here, our finding demonstrates that hepatic TET1 physically interacts with silent information regulator T1 (SIRT1) via its C-terminal and activates its deacetylase activity, further regulating the acetylation-dependent cellular translocalization of transcriptional factors PGC-1α and FOXO1, resulting in the activation of hepatic gluconeogenic gene expression that includes PPARGC1A, G6PC, and SLC2A4. Importantly, the hepatic gluconeogenic gene activation program induced by fasting is inhibited in Tet1 heterozygous mice livers. The adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activators metformin or AICAR-two compounds that mimic fasting-elevate hepatic gluconeogenic gene expression dependent on in turn activation of the AMPK-TET1-SIRT1 axis. Collectively, our study identifies TET1 as a SIRT1 coactivator and demonstrates that the AMPK-TET1-SIRT1 axis represents a potential mechanism or therapeutic target for glucose metabolism or metabolic diseases.

Comparison of the Variability of Small Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Human Liver Cancer Tissues and Cultured from the Tissue Explants Based on a Simple Enrichment Method

A potential use of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes has recently generated a great interest. sEVs, when purified directly from various tissues with proper procedures, can reflect the physiological and pathological state of the organism. However, the quality of sEV is affected by many factors during isolation, including separation of sEV from cell and tissues debris, the use of enzymes for tissue digestion, and the storage state of tissues. In the present study, we established an assay for the isolation and purification of liver cancer tissues-derived sEVs (tdsEVs) and cultured explants-derived sEVs (cedsEVs) by comparing the quality of sEVs derived from different concentration of digestion enzyme and incubation time. The nano-flow cytometry (NanoFCM) showed that the isolated tdsEVs by our method are purer than those obtained from differential ultracentrifugation. Our study thus establishes a simple and effective approach for isolation of high-quality sEVs that can be used for analysis of their constituents.

Advances in Biological Function and Clinical Application of Small Extracellular Vesicle Membrane Proteins

Small extracellular vesicles are membrane-bound vesicles secreted into extracellular spaces by virtually all types of cells. These carry a large number of membrane proteins on their surface that are incorporated during their biogenesis in cells. The composition of the membrane proteins hence bears the signature of the cells from which they originate. Recent studies have suggested that the proteins on these small extracellular vesicles can serve as biomarkers and target proteins for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. This article classifies small extracellular vesicle membrane proteins and summarizes their pathophysiological functions in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Metformin: A Potential Candidate for Targeting Aging Mechanisms

Aging is a universal phenomenon in all biological organisms, defined by the loss of reproductive capacity and a progressive decline in fitness. In humans, aging is further associated with an increased incidence of disease conditions. The current aging population has become a primary public burden of the 21^st century. Therefore, to delay the aging process and maintain fitness in the aging population, the discovery of novel anti-aging drugs remains an urgent need. In recent years, metformin, a widely used hypoglycemic drug, has attracted growing attention in the field of anti-aging research. Reportedly, numerous studies have indicated that metformin regulates aging-related pathways, possibly delaying the aging process by modulating these pathways. The elucidation of these anti-aging effects may provide insights into the age-retarding potential of metformin. The present review focuses on the predominant molecular mechanisms associated with aging, as well as the anti-aging effects of metformin.

miR‑519d‑3p/HIF‑2α axis increases the chemosensitivity of human cervical cancer cells to cisplatin via inactivation of PI3K/AKT signaling

Cisplatin (DDP)‑based chemotherapy is a standard treatment for cervical cancer, although chemotherapy resistance remains a major concern. Hypoxia‑inducible factor‑2 α (HIF‑2α) plays an important role in chemotherapy resistance. MicroRNAs (miRs) can inhibit gene expression by binding to the 3'‑untranslated region of the target gene. The authors' previous study showed that miR‑519d‑3p plays an important role in the regulation of HIF‑2α expression under hypoxic conditions in cervical cancer. However, the function and regulatory mechanisms of the miR‑519d‑3p/HIF‑2α axis in DDP‑resistance in cervical cancer are not fully understood. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether the miR‑519d‑3p/HIF‑2α axis increased DDP resistance by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. It was found that the expression of miR‑519d‑3p was lower in DDP‑resistant cervical cancer cells (CaSki/DDP and HeLa/DDP) compared with CaSki and HeLa cells under hypoxic conditions. Additionally, miR‑519d‑3p overexpression decreased the IC50 value in CaSki/DDP and HeLa/DDP cells, and inhibited HIF‑2α protein expression and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway under hypoxic conditions. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that HIF‑2α overexpression reduced the effect of miR‑519d‑3p overexpression on HeLa/DDP and CaSki/DDP cells. Moreover, the present results suggested that HIF‑2α overexpression increased the IC50 value in CaSki/DDP and HeLa/DDP cells. It was also found that HIF‑2α overexpression reduced the effect of miR‑519d‑3p overexpression on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, the present results indicated that the miR‑519d‑3p/HIF‑2α axis increased DDP resistance of cervical cancer cells by suppressing the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway under hypoxic conditions.

MicroRNA‑129 inhibits colorectal cancer cell proliferation, invasion and epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition by targeting SOX4

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common digestive tract cancers and ~90% of CRC‑related deaths are caused by metastasis. MicroRNA (miR)‑129 has been reported to be involved in the metastasis of various malignant tumors. However, the role of miR‑129 in CRC metastasis remains unclear. The purpose of the present study was to identify the potential functions and mechanisms of action of miR‑129 in CRC progression. The expression of miR‑129 and sex‑determining region Y‑related high‑mobility group‑box 4 (SOX4) was determined in CRC tissues or cell lines by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR, western blot or immunofluorescence assays. The mechanism underlying the role of miR‑129 in CRC progression was assessed by MTT, wound healing, Transwell, western blot and dual‑luciferase report assays. The results revealed that miR‑129 was significantly decreased, whereas SOX4 was increased, in CRC tissues and cell lines. SW620 and SW480 cells exhibited a higher proliferation, migration and invasion capacity compared with NCM460 cells. miR‑129 overexpression significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition (EMT), and it activated the nuclear factor (NF)‑κB signaling pathway in CRC cells, while the inhibition of miR‑129 exerted opposite effects. Additionally, SOX4 was identified as a direct target gene of miR‑129. Taken together, the findings of the present study suggested that miR‑129 may act as a tumor suppressor in CRC by inhibiting CRC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT, in part through targeting the 3'‑untranslated region of SOX4 mRNA, and the mechanism may involve activation of the NF‑κB signaling pathway.

Single probe PCR melting curve analysis MTHFR C677T SNP sites

BACKGROUND

The detection and analysis of methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) from blood samples is time-consuming and costly. We aimed to establish a method to detect these SNPs by direct whole blood PCR and without DNA extraction.

METHODS

Probes modified by different fluorescent groups on the same sequence were designed. Various MTHFR genotypes from direct blood PCR experiments were used to verify the similarity of the obtained and sequencing results. The SNP sites adjacent to the MTHFR C677T SNP were used to verify whether the method can accurately distinguish these sites.

RESULTS

The ROX probe was found to be the most suitable for this study. We tested 291 samples with 1 μL whole blood as a template, and obtained 126, 43, and 122 cases of C677C, C677T, and C677 C/T genotypes, respectively. The melting curve was consistent with the sequencing results. The detection limit was approximately 1000 white blood cells/μL. Through PCR and the melting curve method, the adjacent sites were accurately distinguished.

CONCLUSION

We established a reliable, simple, rapid, and low-cost direct blood PCR method for the detection of MTHFR C677T SNPs. This could also be used as a potential diagnostic tool for a variety of diseases.

Evaluation of the clinical performance of single-, dual-, and triple-target SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR methods

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Evaluating the single-, dual-, triple-target detection kits based on RT-qPCR.

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The number of targets in a detection kit is not a key factor affecting sensitivity.

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The amount of sample loading may influence the performance of a detection kit.

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Providing a guide when developing a nucleic acid detection kit for SARS-CoV-2.

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Digital PCR can be used to review clinically suspected samples.

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a pandemic. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) has played a vital role in the diagnosis of COVID-19, but the rates of false negatives is not ideal in dealing with this highly infectious virus. It is thus necessary to systematically evaluate the clinical performance of the single-, dual-, triple-target detection kits to guide the clinical diagnosis of this disease.

Methods

A series of reference materials calibrated by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and 57 clinical samples were used to evaluate the clinical performance of six single-, dual-, triple-target SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detection kits based on RT-qPCR.

Results

The dual-target kits, kit B and kit C had the highest and the lowest detection sensitivity, which was 125 copies/mL and 4000 copies/mL, respectively. Among the 57 clinical samples from patients with COVID-19, 47 were tested positive by the kit B, while 35, 29, 28, 30, and 29 were found positive by the kits A, C, D, E, and F, respectively. The number of targets in a detection kit is not a key factor affecting sensitivity, while the amount of sample loading may influence the performance of a detection kit.

Conclusions

This study provides a guide when choosing or developing a nucleic acid detection kit for the diagnosis of COVID-19. Also, the absolute-quantification feature and high-sensitivity performance of ddPCR, suggesting that it can be used to review clinically suspected samples.

Advances in the research on the targets of anti-malaria actions of artemisinin

Malaria has been a global epidemic health threat since ancient times. It still claims roughly half a million lives every year in this century. Artemisinin and its derivatives, are frontline antimalarial drugs known for their efficacy and low toxicity. After decades of wide use, artemisinins remain our bulwark against malaria. Here, we review decades of efforts that aim to understand the mechanism of action (MOA) of artemisinins, which help explain the specificity and potency of this anti-malarial drug. We summarize the methods and approaches employed to unravel the MOA of artemisinin over the last three decades, showing how the development of advanced techniques can help provide mechanistic insights and resolve some long-standing questions in the field of artemisinin research. We also provide examples to illustrate how to better repurpose artemisinins for anti-cancer therapies by leveraging on MOA. These examples point out a practical direction to engineer artemisinin for broader applications beyond malaria.