Molecular Prevalence, Genetic Diversity, and Tissue Tropism of Bartonella Species in Small Mammals from Yunnan Province, China

Bartonella is an intracellular parasitic zoonotic pathogen that can infect animals and cause a variety of human diseases. This study investigates Bartonella prevalence in small mammals in Yunnan Province, China, focusing on tissue tropism. A total of 333 small mammals were sampled from thirteen species, three orders, four families, and four genera in Heqing and Gongshan Counties. Conventional PCR and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) were utilized for detection and quantification, followed by bioinformatic analysis of obtained DNA sequences. Results show a 31.5% detection rate, varying across species. Notably, Apodemus chevrieri, Eothenomys eleusis, Niviventer fulvescens, Rattus tanezumi, Episoriculus leucops, Anourosorex squamipes, and Ochotona Thibetana exhibited infection rates of 44.4%, 27.7%, 100.0%, 6.3%, 60.0%, 23.5%, and 22.2%, respectively. Genetic analysis identified thirty, ten, and five strains based on ssrA, rpoB, and gltA genes, with nucleotide identities ranging from 92.1% to 100.0%. Bartonella strains were assigned to B. grahamii, B. rochalimae, B. sendai, B. koshimizu, B. phoceensis, B. taylorii, and a new species identified in Episoriculus leucops (GS136). Analysis of the different tissues naturally infected by Bartonella species revealed varied copy numbers across different tissues, with the highest load in spleen tissue. These findings underscore Bartonella's diverse species and host range in Yunnan Province, highlighting the presence of extensive tissue tropism in Bartonella species naturally infecting small mammalian tissues.

Molecular epidemiological study of Scrub Typhus in residence, farm and forest habitats from Yunnan Province, China

The number of people suffering from scrub typhus, which is not of concern, is increasing year by year, especially in Yunnan Province, China. From June 1, 2021 to August 15, 2022, a total of 505 mammalian samples were collected from farm, forest, and residential habitats with high incidence of scrub typhus in Yunnan, China, for nPCR (nested PCR) and qPCR (quantitative real-time PCR) detection of Orientia tsutsugamushi. A total of 4 orders of murine-like animals, Rodentia (87.52%, n = 442), Insectivora (10.29%, n = 52), Lagomorpha (1.79%, n = 9) and Scandentia (0.40%, n = 2) were trapped. Comparing the qPCR infection rates in the three habitats, it was no significant difference that the infection rate of residential habitat (44.44%) and that of the farm habitat (45.05%, P>0.05), which is much larger than that of the forest habitat (3.08%) (P<0.001). Three genotypes (Karp-like, Kato-like and TA763-like) of O. tsutsugamushi were found from Yunnan, China in this study.

Integrated bioinformatics analysis of retinal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats with potential key genes

The tissue damage caused by transient ischemic injury is an essential component of the pathogenesis of retinal ischemia, which mainly hinges on the degree and duration of interruption of the blood supply and the subsequent damage caused by tissue reperfusion. Some research indicated that the retinal injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) was related to reperfusion time.In this study, we screened the differentially expressed circRNAs, lncRNAs, and mRNAs between the control and model group and at different reperfusion time (24h, 72h, and 7d) with the aid of whole transcriptome sequencing technology, and the trend changes in time-varying mRNA, lncRNA, circRNA were obtained by chronological analysis. Then, candidate circRNAs, lncRNAs, and mRNAs were obtained as the intersection of differentially expression genes and trend change genes. Importance scores of the genes selected the key genes whose expression changed with the increase of reperfusion time. Also, the characteristic differentially expressed genes specific to the reperfusion time were analyzed, key genes specific to reperfusion time were selected to show the change in biological process with the increase of reperfusion time.As a result, 316 candidate mRNAs, 137 candidate lncRNAs, and 31 candidate circRNAs were obtained by the intersection of differentially expressed mRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs with trend mRNAs, trend lncRNAs and trend circRNAs, 5 key genes (Cd74, RT1-Da, RT1-CE5, RT1-Bb, RT1-DOa) were selected by importance scores of the genes. The result of GSEA showed that key genes were found to play vital roles in antigen processing and presentation, regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, and the ribosome. A network included 4 key genes (Cd74, RT1-Da, RT1-Bb, RT1-DOa), 34 miRNAs and 48 lncRNAs, and 81 regulatory relationship axes, and a network included 4 key genes (Cd74, RT1-Da, RT1-Bb, RT1-DOa), 9 miRNAs and 3 circRNAs (circRNA_10572, circRNA_03219, circRNA_11359) and 12 regulatory relationship axes were constructed, the subcellular location, transcription factors, signaling network, targeted drugs and relationship to eye diseases of key genes were predicted. 1370 characteristic differentially expressed mRNAs (spec_24h mRNA), 558 characteristic differentially expressed mRNAs (spec_72h mRNA), and 92 characteristic differentially expressed mRNAs (spec_7d mRNA) were found, and their key genes and regulation networks were analyzed.In summary, we screened the differentially expressed circRNAs, lncRNAs, and mRNAs between the control and model groups and at different reperfusion time (24h, 72h, and 7d). 5 key genes, Cd74, RT1-Da, RT1-CE5, RT1-Bb, RT1-DOa, were selected. Key genes specific to reperfusion time were selected to show the change in biological process with the increased reperfusion time. These results provided theoretical support and a reference basis for the clinical treatment.

Metabolic Heterogeneity and Potential Immunotherapeutic Responses Revealed by Single-Cell Transcriptomics of Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer (BC) exhibits remarkable heterogeneity. However, the transcriptomic heterogeneity of BC at the single-cell level has not been fully elucidated.

METHODS

We acquired BC samples from 14 patients. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), bioinformatic analyses, along with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) assays were carried out.

RESULTS

According to the scRNA-seq results, 10 different cell types were identified. We found that Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) exhibited distinct biological functions and may promote resistance to therapy. Metabolic analysis of tumor cells revealed heterogeneity in glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and fatty acid synthetase reprogramming, which led to chemotherapy resistance. Furthermore, patients with multiple metastases and progression were predicted to benefit from immunotherapy based on a heterogeneity analysis of T cells and tumor cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the heterogeneity of BC, provide comprehensive insight into the correlation between cancer metabolism and chemotherapy resistance, and enable the prediction of immunotherapy responses based on T-cell heterogeneity.

A TTC19 mutation associated with progressive movement disorders and peripheral neuropathy: Case report and systematic review

BACKGROUND

Mitochondrial complex III (CIII) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by symptoms such as ataxia, cognitive dysfunction, and spastic paraplegia. Multiple genes are associated with complex III defects. Among them, the mutation of TTC19 is a rare subtype.

METHODS

We screened a Chinese boy with weakness of limbs and his non-consanguineous parents by whole exome sequencing and targeted sequencing.

RESULTS

We report a Chinese boy diagnosed with mitochondrial complex III defect type 2 carrying a homozygous variant (c.719-732del, p.Leu240Serfs*17) of the TTC19 gene. According to the genotype analysis of his family members, this is an autosomal recessive inheritance. We provide his clinical manifestation.

CONCLUSIONS

A new type of TTC19 mutation (c.719-732del, p.Leu240Serfs*17) was found, which enriched the TTC19 gene mutation spectrum and provided new data for elucidating the pathogenesis of CIII-deficient diseases.

Integrated analysis and validation of ferroptosis-related genes and immune infiltration in acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is indeed a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in individuals with coronary heart disease. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death, is characterized by the accumulation of intracellular lipid peroxides, which is implicated in cardiomyocyte injury. This study aims to identify biomarkers that are indicative of ferroptosis in the context of AMI, and to examine their potential roles in immune infiltration.

METHODS

Firstly, the GSE59867 dataset was used to identify differentially expressed ferroptosis-related genes (DE-FRGs) in AMI. We then performed gene ontology (GO) and functional enrichment analysis on these DE-FRGs. Secondly, we analyzed the GSE76591 dataset and used bioinformatic methods to build ceRNA networks. Thirdly, we identified hub genes in protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. After obtaining the key DE-FRGs through the junction of hub genes with ceRNA and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). ImmucellAI was applied to estimate the immune cell infiltration in each sample and examine the relationship between key DE-FRGs and 24 immunocyte subsets. The diagnostic performance of these genes was further evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Ultimately, we identified an immune-related ceRNA regulatory axis linked to ferroptosis in AMI.

RESULTS

Among 56 DE-FRGs identified in AMI, 41 of them were integrated into the construction of competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks. TLR4 and PIK3CA were identified as key DE-FRGs and PIK3CA was confirmed as a diagnostic biomarker for AMI. Moreover, CD4_native cells, nTreg cells, Th2 cells, Th17 cells, central-memory cells, effector-memory cells, and CD8_T cells had higher infiltrates in AMI samples compared to control samples. In contrast, exhausted cells, iTreg cells, and Tfh cells had lower infiltrates in AMI samples. Spearman analysis confirmed the correlation between 24 immune cells and PIK3CA/TLR4. Ultimately, we constructed an immune-related regulatory axis involving XIST and OIP5-AS1/miR-216a/PIK3CA.

CONCLUSION

Our comprehensive analysis has identified PIK3CA as a robust and promising biomarker for this condition. Moreover, we have also identified an immune-related regulatory axis involving XIST and OIP5-AS1/miR-216a/PIK3CA, which may play a key role in regulating ferroptosis during AMI progression.

Comparison of anterior cervical diskectomy with fusion (ACDF) and laminoplasty treating multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy with developmental canal stenosis: a retrospective study

PURPOSE

To evaluate clinical effectiveness and radiologic results of anterior cervical diskectomy with fusion (ACDF) comparing with laminoplasty (LP) in treating multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (MCSM) with developmental canal stenosis (DCS).

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of 41 patients who had MCSM with DCS treated with ACDF or LP from December 2018 to April 2023. Patients were split into ACDF and LP groups for comparison, and patients were further separated into subgroups based on whether or not a reserving canal space was present. The operation time, hemoglobin, hospital stay, modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score, and visual analog scale (VAS) score were used to assess clinical efficacy. The C2-C7 Cobb angle, C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis, T1 slope, and cervical range of motion were applied to evaluate imaging changes.

RESULTS

Of the 41 patients, 19 received ACDF, and 22 received LP. At the final follow-up, both groups' mJOA scores significantly improved, and the intercomparison showed no differences; the VAS score was much lower in the ACDF group but remained unchanged in the LP group. At the final follow-up, the C2-C7 Cobb angle and T1 slope had significantly increased in the ACDF group, while the LP group showed no change; the cervical range of motion had significantly decreased in both groups, with the ACDF group exhibiting a more marked reduction. Within the ACDF subgroup, there was no postoperative symptom improvement for those with reserving space, whereas there was postoperative symptom resolution for those with non-reserving space; however, postoperative symptom in the LP subgroup was resolved.

CONCLUSIONS

Both ACDF and LP were efficacious for MCSM patients with DCS. While ACDF could improve cervical lordosis and alleviate neck pain more effectively, it can also result in cervical sagittal imbalance and decreased mobility. Furthermore, the recovery from LP was superior to that from ACDF for patients with reserving space. In contrast, the recovery from both decompression techniques was comparable for individuals in non-reserving space.

Copper homeostasis and cuproptosis in cancer immunity and therapy

Copper is an essential nutrient for maintaining enzyme activity and transcription factor function. Excess copper results in the aggregation of lipoylated dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase (DLAT), which correlates to the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, resulting in proteotoxic stress and eliciting a novel cell death modality: cuproptosis. Cuproptosis exerts an indispensable role in cancer progression, which is considered a promising strategy for cancer therapy. Cancer immunotherapy has gained extensive attention owing to breakthroughs in immune checkpoint blockade; furthermore, cuproptosis is strongly connected to the modulation of antitumor immunity. Thus, a thorough recognition concerning the mechanisms involved in the modulation of copper metabolism and cuproptosis may facilitate improvement in cancer management. This review outlines the cellular and molecular mechanisms and characteristics of cuproptosis and the links of the novel regulated cell death modality with human cancers. We also review the current knowledge on the complex effects of cuproptosis on antitumor immunity and immune response. Furthermore, potential agents that elicit cuproptosis pathways are summarized. Lastly, we discuss the influence of cuproptosis induction on the tumor microenvironment as well as the challenges of adding cuproptosis regulators to therapeutic strategies beyond traditional therapy.

[Investigation and analysis on the detection of IgG antibodies against the rubella virus among rural childbearing-age women in preconception period in Yunnan Province from 2013 to 2019]

A study was conducted on rural women of childbearing age aged 20-49 who underwent the National Free Preconception Health Examination Project (NFPHEP)in Yunnan Province from 2013 to 2019. Descriptive analysis was conducted to determine the negative rate of IgG antibodies against the rubella virus and its differences among various socio-demographic characteristics. Among the 1 511 203 study subjects, the negative rate of IgG antibodies against the rubella virus was 24.36%. Only 2.64% of the population had received rubella virus vaccine. The negative rate of IgG antibodies among rural childbearing-age women in the preconception period in Yunnan Province decreased with age and educational level (Ptrend<0.001). The negative rate of IgG antibodies in ethnic minority women of childbearing age in the preconception period (25.19%) was higher than that of Han women (23.88%). Among the 22 ethnic groups with over 1 000 participants, the negative rates of IgG antibodies in women of childbearing age from the Blang (32.85%), Bouyei (31.03%), Zhuang (31.01%), and Miao (30.70%) ethnic groups were higher than those of women from other ethnic groups. Among the 16 states (cities) in Yunnan Province, the negative rate of IgG antibodies in pregnant women of childbearing age in Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (38.06%) and Lincang City (32.63%) was higher than that in other states (cities). The negative rate of serum IgG antibodies in women who reported having received rubella virus vaccine (18.60%) was lower than that in other non-vaccinated populations (24.52%). The proportion of rural women of childbearing age in Yunnan Province who were susceptible to the rubella virus before pregnancy was still high. It is necessary to promote rubella vaccination among people susceptible to rubella, especially pregnant women, to prevent rubella virus infection and reduce the incidence rate and disease burden of rubella people.

Targeting the ZNF-148/miR-335/SOD2 signaling cascade triggers oxidative stress-mediated pyroptosis and suppresses breast cancer progression

BACKGROUND

The implication of zinc finger protein 148 (ZNF-148) in pathophysiology of most human cancers has been reported; however, the biological functions of ZNF-148 in breast cancer remain unclear. This study sought to elucidate the potential molecular mechanism of ZNF-148 on breast cancer pathology.

METHODS

ZNF148 expression was tested in breast cancer tissues and cells. Then, cells were transfected with ZNF-148 overexpression or downregulation vector, and the cell proliferation, pyroptosis, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were analyzed by MTT, western blot, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence staining, respectively. Tumor-bearing nude mouse was used to evaluate tumorigenesis of ZNF-148. Mechanisms underpinning ZNF-148 were examined using bioinformatics and luciferase assays.

RESULTS

We found that ZNF-148 was upregulated in breast cancer tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of ZNF-148 suppressed malignant phenotypes, including cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo, while ZNF-148 overexpression had the opposite effects. Further experiments showed that ZNF-148 deficiency promoted ROS production and triggered both apoptotic and pyroptotic cell death, which were restored by cotreating cells with ROS scavengers. A luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR-335 was the downstream target of ZNF-148 and that overexpressed ZNF-148 increased superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) expression by sponging miR-335. In parallel, both miR-335 downregulation and SOD2 overexpression abrogated the antitumor effects of ZNF-148 deficiency on proliferation and pyroptosis in breast cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated that ZNF-148 promotes breast cancer progression by triggering miR-335/SOD2/ROS-mediated pyroptotic cell death and aid the identification of potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer.

Long noncoding RNA HOTAIR promotes breast cancer development through the lncRNA HOTAIR/miR-1/GOLPH3 axis

BACKGROUND

The lncRNA HOTAIR is frequently overexpressed in breast cancer tissues and plays an important role in the development of breast cancer. Here, we investigated the effect of the lncRNA HOTAIR on the biological behaviour of breast cancer cells and its molecular mechanism.

METHODS

We investigated the level of HOTAIR in breast cancer and its clinical pathological characteristics by bioinformatic methods. Then, we evaluated the effects of HOTAIR and miRNA-1 expression on the biological behaviour of breast cancer cells by qPCR, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, clonogenic assays, Transwell assay and flow cytometry for cell proliferation, invasion migration and apoptosis, and cell cycle analysis. Finally, the target genes of the lncRNA HOTAIR/miR-1/GOLPH3 regulatory axis were validated by luciferase reports.

RESULTS

The expression of HOTAIR in breast cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in normal breast tissues (P < 0.05). Silencing of HOTAIR suppressed cell proliferation, invasion and migration, promoted apoptosis and induced G1 phase block in breast cancer (P < 0.0001). We also verified that miR-1 is a target of HOTAIR and that GOLPH3 is a target of miR-1 by luciferase reporter assays (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of HOTAIR was significantly elevated in breast cancer tissues. Reducing the expression of HOTAIR inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of breast cancer cells and promoted apoptosis, and the mechanism was mainly the effect of the lncRNA HOTAIR/miR-1/GOLPH3 regulatory axis on the biological behaviour of breast cancer cells.

Correlation of CTLA-4 polymorphism and the risk of gastric cancer in a Chinese Bai population

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) is involved in the regulation of immune responses mediated by T cells. This study aimed to explore the correlation between CTLA-4 gene polymorphisms and the risk of gastric cancer (GC) in the Bai minority population of southwestern China. A total of 422 GC patients and 397 healthy controls (HC) were included in this case-control study. Four single nucleotide polymorphism sites of CTLA-4 gene (rs231775, rs733618, rs16840252 and rs3087243) were selected and analysed. The results showed a significant difference in the rs733618 loci between GC and HC groups. The frequency of the rs733618 polymorphism 'TC' genotype was significantly lower in GC group compared to the HC group [odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI): .47 (.35-.63), p < .001]. GC cases with dominant genetic model 'TC + CC' had a 47% reduced risk of GC [OR, 95%CI: .53 (.40-.71), p < .001]. Subgroup analyses revealed that the rs733618 'TC + CC' genotype was associated with a lower risk of GC in male patients [OR, 95%CI: .42 (.31-.58), p < .001], those aged ≤60 years old [OR, 95%CI: .27 (.18-.42), p < .001], non-drinkers [OR, 95%CI: .21 (.13-.33), p < .001], non-smokers [OR, 95%CI: .38 (.25-.57), p < .001] and individuals without Helicobacter pylori infection [OR, 95%CI: .16 (.10-.26), p < .001]. Further multivariated analyses indicated that individuals with the 'TC + CC' rs733618 genotype who were aged ≤60 years old [OR, 95%CI: .42 (.29-.83), p = .032] and had no H. pylori infection [OR, 95%CI: .35 (.28-.76), p = .018] were found to have a protective effect against GC. Additionally, soluble CTLA-4 were significantly lower in GC patients with 'TC' and 'TC + CC' genotypes (all p < .05). Our findings suggest that the rs733618 polymorphism of CTLA-4 gene may play a critical role in the prevention of GC.

Feasibility analysis of rapid gene detection using intraoperative frozen tissues: comparison of intraoperative frozen tissues with paraffin-embedded tissues in epidermal growth factor receptor gene mutation detection of lung adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is the driver gene with the highest frequency of mutations in lung adenocarcinoma and can guide the development of targeted therapies. The detection of routine gene mutations must be performed after the preparation of paraffin samples in a standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) laboratory, which is time-consuming. The Idylla™ EGFR fully automatic PCR system for rapid detection requires no special detection environment and completes the process in only 2.5 h. It has been applied to tissues embedded in paraffin.

METHODS

The Idylla™ EGFR automated PCR system was used to detect EGFR gene mutations in intraoperative frozen fresh tissues and paraffin-embedded tissues from 47 enrolled patients with lung adenocarcinoma. The gold standard amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) method for gene mutation detection was used for verification, and the concordance between the three detection results was compared, to investigate the feasibility of detecting rapid gene mutations in intraoperative frozen samples.

RESULTS

The EGFR mutation rate in 47 fresh samples of lung adenocarcinoma was 61.7% (29/47), which is consistent with the mutation level of lung adenocarcinoma in the Asian population (38.8-64.0%). The concordance rate between the Idylla™ frozen tissues and paraffin-embedded tissues was 91.4% (43/47) when compared to the ARMS method, while the coincidence rate between the two methods was 93.6% (44/47). The three methods had a total consistency rate of 89.4% (42/47).

CONCLUSIONS

The Idylla™ EGFR fully automatic PCR system directly detects EGFR mutations in fresh tissues. The operation is simple, the detection time is short, and the accuracy is high. The detection time is reduced to 1/4-1/3 of the original time while meeting clinical standards for detecting the gene status of patients, thus saving crucial time for individualized and accurate treatment of patients. The method has promising clinical application prospects.

Nelson Bay Reovirus Isolated from Bats and Blood-Sucking Arthropods Collected in Yunnan Province, China

Nelson Bay reovirus (NBV) is an emerging zoonotic virus that can cause acute respiratory disease in humans. These viruses are mainly discovered in Oceania, Africa, and Asia, and bats have been identified as their main animal reservoir. However, despite recent expansion of diversity for NBVs, the transmission dynamics and evolutionary history of NBVs are still unclear. This study successfully isolated two NBV strains (MLBC1302 and MLBC1313) from blood-sucking bat fly specimens (Eucampsipoda sundaica) and one (WDBP1716) from the spleen specimen of a fruit bat (Rousettus leschenaultii), which were collected at the China-Myanmar border area of Yunnan Province. Syncytia cytopathic effects (CPE) were observed in BHK-21 and Vero E6 cells infected with the three strains at 48 h postinfection. Electron micrographs of ultrathin sections showed numerous spherical virions with a diameter of approximately 70 nm in the cytoplasm of infected cells. The complete genome nucleotide sequence of the viruses was determined by metatranscriptomic sequencing of infected cells. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the novel strains were closely related to Cangyuan orthoreovirus, Melaka orthoreovirus, and human-infecting Pteropine orthoreovirus HK23629/07. Simplot analysis revealed the strains originated from complex genomic reassortment among different NBVs, suggesting the viruses experienced a high reassortment rate. In addition, strains successfully isolated from bat flies also implied that blood-sucking arthropods might serve as potential transmission vectors. IMPORTANCE Bats are the reservoir of many viral pathogens with strong pathogenicity, including NBVs. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether arthropod vectors are involved in transmitting NBVs. In this study, we successfully isolated two NBV strains from bat flies collected from the body surface of bats, which implies that they may be vectors for virus transmission between bats. While the potential threat to humans remains to be determined, evolutionary analyses involving different segments revealed that the novel strains had complex reassortment histories, with S1, S2, and M1 segments highly similar to human pathogens. Further experiments are required to determine whether more NBVs are vectored by bat flies, their potential threat to humans, and transmission dynamics.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Novel Pathogenic Leptospira Species in Bats in Yunnan Province, China

Leptospirosis has been identified as a zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the bacterial genus Leptospira. Rodents are considered the primary hosts of these bacteria, whereas many recent studies suggest that bats may serve as potential natural reservoirs. However, studies on pathogenic spirochetes hosted by bat populations still need to be completed in China. In this study, a total of 276 bats belonging to five genera collected in Yunnan Province (Southwest China) from 2017 to 2021 were included in the screening. Pathogenic spirochetes were detected by PCR amplification and sequencing targeting four genes (rrs, secY, flaB, and LipL32), resulting in 17 positive samples. Phylogenetic analysis based on multi-loci concatenated sequences, inferred by MLST approach, identified the strains as two novel Leptospira species within the pathogenic group. Of note, only Rousettus leschenaultii was found to harbor these spirochetes, suggesting it may be one of the potential natural reservoirs in circulating leptospires in this region. Nevertheless, the pathogenesis and transmission dynamics still need to be fully understood, requiring in-depth studies on other animals and the surrounding population.

The role of CNPY2 in endothelial injury and inflammation during the progress of atherosclerosis

Vascular endothelial cells (VECs) injury is closely related to the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis. Canopy FGF signaling regulator 2 (CNPY2), a novel unfolded protein response promoter, has been reported to activate the PERK-CHOP pathway. This study aimed to explore whether CNPY2 is associated with atherosclerosis mediated by VEC injury. By establishing ApoE^-/- mouse atherosclerosis model and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) cell model, we found that CNPY2 was abnormally highly expressed in ApoE^-/- mice and ox-LDL-induced mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAECs). Exogenous CNPY2 can significantly aggravate the activation, inflammation, and apoptosis of MAECs induced by ox-LDL and promote the activation of PERK/eIF2α/CHOP signal. The PERK inhibitor GSK2606414 can inhibit CNPY2-induced MAECs injury and PERK signal activation. In addition, in vivo animal experiments furtherly confirmed that CNPY2 could aggravate the process of atherosclerosis in ApoE^-/- mice by activating PERK signaling. In conclusion, this study indicated that high level of CNPY2 induces VECs injury by activating PERK signaling and thus participating in the progress of atherosclerosis.

Role of Serum Inflammatory Cytokines in Sepsis Rats Following BMSCs Transplantation: Protein Microarray Analysis

Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) have emerged as a potential therapy for sepsis, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of BMSCs on serum inflammatory cytokines in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis. Sepsis was induced by intravenous injection of LPS, followed by transplantation of BMSCs. We monitored survival rates for 72 h and evaluated organ functions, histopathological changes, and cytokines expression. Sepsis rats showed decreased levels of white blood cells, platelets, lymphocyte ratio, and oxygen partial pressure, along with increased levels of neutrophil ratio, carbon dioxide partial pressure, lactic acid, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase. Histologically, lung, intestine, and liver tissues exhibited congestion, edema, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. However, after BMSCs treatment, there was improvement in organ functions, histopathological injuries, and survival rates. Protein microarray analysis revealed significant changes in the expression of 12 out of 34 inflammatory cytokines. These findings were confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pro-inflammatory factors, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-1α, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), tissue inhibitor of metal protease 1 (TIMP-1), matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8), Leptin, and L-selectin were upregulated in sepsis, whereas anti-inflammatory and growth factors, including IL-4, β-nerve growth factor (β-NGF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), interferon γ (IFN-γ), and Activin A were downregulated. BMSCs transplantation led to a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines and an increase in anti-inflammatory and growth factors. We summarized relevant molecular signaling pathways that resulted from cytokines in BMSCs for treating sepsis. Our results illustrated that BMSCs could promote tissue repair and improve organ functions and survival rates in sepsis through modulating cytokine networks.