Macrophages,existed in almost all organs of the body,are responsible for detecting tissue injury,pathogens,playing a key role in host defense against a variety of invading pathogens triggering inflammatory responses.E...Macrophages,existed in almost all organs of the body,are responsible for detecting tissue injury,pathogens,playing a key role in host defense against a variety of invading pathogens triggering inflammatory responses.Emerging evidence suggests that macrophage-mediated immune responses are efficiently regulated by the ubiquitination modification,which is responsible for normal immune responses.However,numerous studies indicates that the aberrant activation or inhibition of macrophage-mediated immune responses occurs in inflammation,mainly caused by dysregulated ubiquitination modification due to E3 ubiquitin ligases mutations or abnormal expression.Notably,E3 ubiquitin ligases,responsible for recognizing the substrates,are key enzymes in the ubiquitin proteasome system(UPS)composed of ubiquitin(Ub),ubiquitin-activating E1 enzymes,ubiquitin-conjugating E2 enzymes,E3 ubiquitin ligases,26S proteasome,and deubiquitinating enzymes.Intriguingly,several E3 ubiquitin ligases are involved in the regulation of some common signal pathways in macrophage-mediated inflammation,including Toll-like receptors(TLRs),nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain(NOD)-like receptors(NLRs),RIG-I-like receptors(RLRs),C-type lectin receptors(CLRs)and the receptor for advanced glycation end products(RAGE).Herein,we summarized the physiological and pathological roles of E3 ligases in macrophage-mediated inflammation,as well as the inhibitors and agonists targeting E3 ligases in macrophage mediated inflammation,providing the new ideas for targeted therapies in macrophage-mediated inflammation caused aberrant function of E3 ligases.展开更多
In this editorial,we commented on the article by Akers et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Cases.We focused specifically on the role of the transcription factor paired box protein 8(PA...In this editorial,we commented on the article by Akers et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Cases.We focused specifically on the role of the transcription factor paired box protein 8(PAX8)belonging to the family PAX in the carcinogenesis of a gynecologic tumor,endocervical adenocarcinoma,arising from the tissue of mesonephric origin,and the potential diagnostic value for the same type of neoplasms.The global vaccination program of human papillomavirus(HPV)has dramatically reduced the incidence of cervical cancer,including cases of adenocarcinoma.The type of adenoid epithelial origin has a lower frequency of HPV detection but tends to be more aggressive and fatal.Cases of endocervical adenocarcinoma occurring in females of menopause age have been described in the 2023 volume of the World Journal of Clinical Cases and in our study recently published in Oncol Lett.The histopathological findings and immunohistochemical assays showed that the lesions had glandular morphology,and the specimens in these two reports were immunohistochemically positive for the transcription factor PAX8,albeit that they had opposing expression profiles of tumor suppressor p16 and estrogen receptor and the presence of the HPV genome.The presence of a mucin protein,MUC 5AC,as revealed in both studies suggested target molecules for the diagnosis of mucinous adenoid type of uterine tumor and other histological origins.The clinical outcome was unfavorable due to metastasis and recurrence.This prompted the improvement of the antitumor modality,with the introduction of precise targeting therapy.Mucin has now been reported to be the therapeutic target for adenocarcinomas.展开更多
Pathophysiology is an important course to link basic and clinical medicine. To retain the indispensable role of the course in medical education and to further promote the development of the discipline of pathophysiolo...Pathophysiology is an important course to link basic and clinical medicine. To retain the indispensable role of the course in medical education and to further promote the development of the discipline of pathophysiology,we have made great efforts in the reform of pathophysiology teaching.展开更多
To study the inhibitory effect of Huqi San （Qi- protecting powder） on rat prehepatocarcinoma induced by diethylinitrosamine （DEN） by analyzing the mutational activation of c-fos proto-oncogene and over-expression ...To study the inhibitory effect of Huqi San （Qi- protecting powder） on rat prehepatocarcinoma induced by diethylinitrosamine （DEN） by analyzing the mutational activation of c-fos proto-oncogene and over-expression of c-jun and c-myc oncogenes. METHODS： A Solt-Farber two-step test model of prehepatocarcinoma was induced in rats by DEN and 2-acetylaminofluorene （AAF） to investigate the modifying effects of Huqi San on the expression of c-jun, c-fos and c-myc in DEN-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis. Huqi San was made of eight medicinal herbs containing glycoprival granules, in which each milliliter contains 0.38 g crude drugs. T-glutamy-transpeptidase-isoenzyme （T-GTase） was determined with histochemical methods. Level of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine （OHdG） formed in liver and c-jun, c-fos and c-myc proto-oncogenes were detected by immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS： The level of 8-OHdG, a mark of oxidative DNA damage, was significantly decreased in the liver of rats with prehepatocarcinoma induced by DEN who received 8 g/kg body weight or 4 g/kg body weight Huqi San before （1 wk） and after DEN exposure （4 wk）. Huqi San- treated rats showed a significant decrease in number of T-GT positive foci （P 〈 0.001, prevention group： 4.96-0.72 vs 29.46-2.17; large dose therapeutic group： 7.53-0.88 vs 29.46-2.17）. On the other hand, significant changes in expression of c-jun, c-fos and c-myc were found in Huqi San-treated rats. CONCLUSION： Activation of c-jun, c-fos and c-myc plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of liver cancer.Huqi San can inhibit the over-expression of c-jun, c-fos and c-myc oncogenes and liver preneolastic lesions induced by DEN.展开更多
AIM： To explore the antioxidant and free radica scavenger properties of mistletoe alkali （MA）. METHODS： The antioxidant effect of mistletoe alkali on the oxidative stress induced by carbon tetrachloride （CCh） in...AIM： To explore the antioxidant and free radica scavenger properties of mistletoe alkali （MA）. METHODS： The antioxidant effect of mistletoe alkali on the oxidative stress induced by carbon tetrachloride （CCh） in rats was investigated. The rats were divided into four groups （n = 8）： CCh-treated group （1 mL/kg body weight）, MA -treated group （90 mg/kg）, CCh＋MA-treated group and normal control group. After 4 wk of treatment, the level of malondialdehyde （MDA）, a lipid peroxidation product （LPO） was measured in serum and homogenates of liver and kidney. Also, the level of glutathione （GSH）, and activities of glutathione reductase （GR）, glutathione peroxidase （GSPx）, superoxide dismutase （SOD）, and glutathione-S-transferase （GST） in liver and kidney were determined. Scavenging effects on hydroxyl free radicals produced in vitro by Fenton reaction were studied by ESR methods using 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide （DMPO） as a spin trap reagent and H2O2/UV as the OH· source. Urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine （8-OHdG） was determined by competitive ELISA. RESULTS： In CCh-treated group, the level of LPO in serum of liver and kidney was significantly increased compared to controls. The levels of GSH and enzyme activities of SOD, GSPx and GR in liver and kidney were significantly decreased in comparison with controls. In CCl4＋MA-treated group, the changes in the levels of LPO in serum of liver and kidney were not statistically significant compared to controls. The levels of SOD, GSPx and GR in liver and kidney were significantly increased in comparison with controls. There was a significant differ- ence in urinary excretion of 8-OHdG between the CCh- treated and MA-treated groups. CONCLUSION： Oxidative stress may be a major mechanism for the toxicity of CCh. MA has a protective effect against CCl4 toxicity by inhibiting the oxidative damage and stimulating GST activities. Thus, clinical application of MA should be considered in cases with carbon tetrachloride-induced injury.展开更多
AIM To determine whether oral glutathione(GSH)administration can alleviate the effects of fasting-induced intestinal atrophy in the small intestinal mucosa. METHODS Rats were divided into eight groups.One group was fe...AIM To determine whether oral glutathione(GSH)administration can alleviate the effects of fasting-induced intestinal atrophy in the small intestinal mucosa. METHODS Rats were divided into eight groups.One group was fed ad libitum,another was fed ad libitum and received oral GSH,and six groups were administrated saline(SA)or GSH orally during fasting.Mucosal height,apoptosis,and cell proliferation in the jejunum were histologically evaluated.i NOS protein expression(by immunohistochemistry),nitrite levels(by high performance liquid chromatography,as a measure of NO production),8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine formation(by ELISA,indicating ROS levels),glutathione/oxidized glutathione(GSH/GSSG)ratio(by enzymatic colorimetric detection),andγ-glutamyl transpeptidase(Ggt1)mR NA levels in the jejunum(by semi-quantitative RT-PCR)were also estimated. RESULTS O r a l G S H a d m i n i s t r a t i o n w a s d e m o n s t r a t e d t o drastically reduce fasting-induced intestinal atrophy in the jejunum.In particular,jejunal mucosal height was enhanced in GSH-treated animals compared to SA-treated animals[527.2±6.9 for 50 mg/kg GSH,567.6±5.4 for 500 mg/kg GSH vs 483.1±4.9(μm),P<0.01at 72 h].This effect was consistent with decreasing changes in GSH-treated animals compared to SA-treated animals for iN OS protein staining[0.337±0.016for 50 mg/kg GSH,0.317±0.017 for 500 mg/kg GSH vs 0.430±0.023(area of staining part/area of tissue),P<0.01 at 72 h]and NO[2.99±0.29 for 50 mg/kg GSH,2.88±0.19 for 500 mg/kg GSH vs 5.34±0.35(nmol/g tissue),P<0.01 at 72 h]and ROS[3.92±0.46for 50 mg/kg GSH,4.58±0.29 for 500 mg/kg GSH vs6.42±0.52(8-OHdG pg/μg DNA),P<0.01,P<0.05at 72 h,respectively]levels as apoptosis mediators in the jejunum.Furthermore,oral GSH administration attenuated cell proliferation decreases in the fasting jejunum[182.5±1.9 for 500 mg/kg GSH vs 155.8±3.4(5-Brd U positive cells/10 crypts),P<0.01 at 72h].Notably,both GSH concentration and Ggt1 m RNA expression in the jejunum were also attenuated in rats following oral administration of GSH during fasting as compared with fasting alone[0.45±0.12 vs 0.97±0.06(nmol/mg tissue),P<0.01;1.01±0.11 vs 2.79±0.39(Ggt1 m RNA/Gapdh m RNA),P<0.01 for 500 mg/kg GSH at 48 h,respectively]. CONCLUSION Oral GSH administration during fasting enhances jejunal regenerative potential to minimize intestinal mucosal atrophy by diminishing fasting-mediated ROS generation and enterocyte apoptosis and enhancing cell proliferation.展开更多
AIM： To evaluate role Cadmium （Cd） exposure line Hep3B cells. of midkine secretion during in the human hepatocyte cell METHODS： Different dosages of Cd （0.5-1-5-10 μg/mL） were applied to Hep3B cells and their e...AIM： To evaluate role Cadmium （Cd） exposure line Hep3B cells. of midkine secretion during in the human hepatocyte cell METHODS： Different dosages of Cd （0.5-1-5-10 μg/mL） were applied to Hep3B cells and their effects to apoptosis, lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） leakage and midkine secretion were evaluated as time dependent manner. Same experiments were repeated with exogenously applied midkine （250-5000 pg/mL） and/or 5 t^g/mL Cd. RESULTS： Cd exposure induced prominent apoptosis and LDH leakage beginning from lower dosages at the 48^th. Cd induced midkine secretion with higher dosages （P 〈 0.001）, （control, Cd 0.5-1-5-10μg/mL respectively： 1123 ± 73, 1157 ± 63, 1242 ± 90, 1886 ± 175, 1712 ± 166 pg/mL）. Exogenous 500-5000 pg/mL midkine application during 5 μg/mL Cd toxicity prevented caspase-3 activation （control, Cd toxicity, 250, 500, 1000, 2500, 5000 pg/mL midkine＋ Cd toxicity, respectively： 374 ± 64, 1786 ± 156, 1545 ± 179, 1203 ± 113, 974 ± 116, 646 ± 56, 556 ± 63 cfu） LDH leakage and cell death in Hep3B cells （P 〈 0.001）. CONCLUSION： Our results showed that midkine secretion from Hep3B cells during Cd exposure protects liver cells from Cd induced cellular damage. Midkine has anti-apoptotic and cytoprotective role during Cd toxicity. Further studies are needed to explain the mechanism of midkine secretion and cytoprotective role of midkine during Cd exposure. Midkine may be a promising theurapatic agent in different toxic hepatic diseases.展开更多
BACKGROUND O_(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase(MGMT)is a suicide enzyme that repairs the mispairing base O_(6)-methyl-guanine induced by environmental and experimental carcinogens.It can transfer the alkyl group...BACKGROUND O_(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase(MGMT)is a suicide enzyme that repairs the mispairing base O_(6)-methyl-guanine induced by environmental and experimental carcinogens.It can transfer the alkyl group to a cysteine residue in its active site and became inactive.The chemical carcinogen N-nitroso compounds(NOCs)can directly bind to the DNA and induce the O_(6)-methylguanine adducts,which is an important cause of gene mutation and tumorigenesis.However,the underlying regulatory mechanism of MGMT involved in NOCs-induced tumorigenesis,especially in the initiation phase,remains largely unclear.AIM To investigate the molecular regulatory mechanism of MGMT in NOCs-induced gastric cell malignant transformation and tumorigenesis.METHODS We established a gastric epithelial cell malignant transformation model induced by N-methyl-N’-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine(MNNG)or N-methyl-N-nitroso-urea(MNU)treatment.Cell proliferation,colony formation,soft agar,cell migration,and xenograft assays were used to verify the malignant phenotype.By using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qPCR)and Western blot analysis,we detected the MGMT expression in malignant transformed cells.We also confirmed the MGMT expression in early stage gastric tumor tissues by qPCR and immunohistochemistry.MGMT gene promoter DNA methylation level was analyzed by methylation-specific PCR and bisulfite sequencing PCR.The role of MGMT in cell malignant transformation was analyzed by colony formation and soft agar assays.RESULTS We observed a constant increase in MGMT mRNA and protein expression in gastric epithelial cell malignant transformation induced by MNNG or MNU treatment.Moreover,we found a reduction of MGMT gene promoter methylation level by methylation-specific PCR and bisulfite sequencing PCR in MNNG/MNU-treated cells.Inhibition of the MGMT expression by O_(6)-benzylguanine promoted the MNNG/MNU-induced malignant phenotypes.Overexpression of MGMT partially reversed the cell malignant transformation process induced by MNNG/MNU.Clinical gastric tissue analysis showed that MGMT was upregulated in the precancerous lesions and metaplasia tissues,but downregulated in the gastric cancer tissues.CONCLUSION Our finding indicated that MGMT upregulation is induced via its DNA promoter hypomethylation.The highly expressed MGMT prevents the NOCs-induced cell malignant transformation and tumorigenesis,which suggests a potential novel approach for chemical carcinogenesis intervention by regulating aberrant epigenetic mechanisms.展开更多
Hyperphosphorylation of Tau in Alzheimer＇s disease （AD） brain appears to be caused by a down-regulation of protein phospbatase 2A （PP2A）. In this study, we selectively inhibited PP2A by injection of okadaic acid...Hyperphosphorylation of Tau in Alzheimer＇s disease （AD） brain appears to be caused by a down-regulation of protein phospbatase 2A （PP2A）. In this study, we selectively inhibited PP2A by injection of okadaic acid （OA） into the Meynert nucleus basalis of rats and found that 0.4 pmol of OA injeetion induced approximately 60% inhibition of PP2A 24 h after injection, 13% inhibition 48 h after injection and no obvious inhibition 72 h after injection. Hyperphosphorylation of Tau at Ser-198/ Ser-199/Ser-202 and Ser-396/Ser-404 and spatial memory deficit of rats were induced 24 h after 0. d prnol of OA injection. This study suggests that a dowreregulation of PP2A may underlie almormal hyperphosphorylation of cytoskeletal proteins leading to neurofibrillary degeneration in AD.展开更多
The work demonstrates an example of application of ^252Cf PDMS （plasma desorption mass spectrometry） to analysis of lipid profile of carotene-containing Blakeslea trispora biomass. It was shown that this method allo...The work demonstrates an example of application of ^252Cf PDMS （plasma desorption mass spectrometry） to analysis of lipid profile of carotene-containing Blakeslea trispora biomass. It was shown that this method allows identification of the individual components in the crude multicomponent mixtures not subjected to previous chromatographic separation or enrichment. Using a very simple pretreatment by different extractants permits to select preferable lipid fractions of microorganisms.展开更多
The purpose of the experiment was the follow-up in time of the course of joint inflammation phenomena in laboratory animals (white female adult Wistar rats) by determining particular biological, hematological, radiolo...The purpose of the experiment was the follow-up in time of the course of joint inflammation phenomena in laboratory animals (white female adult Wistar rats) by determining particular biological, hematological, radiological, osteodensitometric, immunological and anatomic-pathological parameters and by assessing the effects of Leflunomide (Arava) on the course of the disease. ARAVA®(Leflunomide) is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor. The experimental study was conducted for 8 weeks. We have also assessed the side effects of the therapy on their liver, myocardium and kidney. Leflunomide therapy improved the course of the clinical and paraclinical parameters, but it did not cure the condition. The positive results in the joints were accompanied by many histological alterations. The experiment revealed the toxic visceral effects of Leflunomide on the liver, heart and kidney.展开更多
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC),a malignancy of the digestive system,is highly prevalent and the primary cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide due to the lack of early diagnostic biomarkers and effective t...Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC),a malignancy of the digestive system,is highly prevalent and the primary cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide due to the lack of early diagnostic biomarkers and effective therapeutic targets.Dysregulated ribonucleotide reductase(RNR)expression has been confirmed to be causally linked to tumorigenesis.This study demonstrated that ribonucleotide reductase small subunit M2(RRM2)is significantly upregulated in ESCC tissue and that its expression is negatively correlated with clinical outcomes.Mechanistically,HuR promotes RRM2 mRNA stabilization by binding to the adenine/uridine(AU)-rich elements(AREs)within the 3′UTR,resulting in persistent overexpression of RRM2.Furthermore,bifonazole is identified as an inhibitor of HuR via computational screening and molecular docking analysis.Bifonazole disrupts HuR-ARE interactions by competitively binding to HuR at F65,R97,I103,and R153 residues,resulting in reduced RRM2 expression.Furthermore,bifonazole exhibited antitumor effects on ESCC patient-derived xenograft(PDX)models by decreasing RRM2 expression and the dNTP pool.In summary,this study reveals the interaction network among HuR,RRM2,and bifonazole and demonstrated that bifonazole is a potential therapeutic compound for ESCC through inhibition of the HuR/RRM2 axis.展开更多
Treatment options for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)often result in poor prognosis and declining health-related quality of life.Screening FDA-approved drugs for cancer chemoprevention is a prom...Treatment options for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)often result in poor prognosis and declining health-related quality of life.Screening FDA-approved drugs for cancer chemoprevention is a promising and cost-efficient strategy.Here,we found that dronedarone,an antiarrhythmic drug,could inhibit the proliferation of ESCC cells.Moreover,we conducted phosphorylomics analysis to investigate the mechanism of dronedarone-treated ESCC cells.Through computational docking models and pull-down assays,we demonstrated that dronedarone could directly bind to CDK4 and CDK6 kinases.We also proved that dronedarone effectively inhibited ESCC proliferation by targeting CDK4/CDK6 and blocking the G0/G1 phase through RB1 phosphorylation inhibition by in vitro kinase assays and cell cycle assays.Subsequently,we found that knocking out CDK4 and CDK6 decreased the susceptibility of ESCC cells to dronedarone.Furthermore,dronedarone suppressed the growth of ESCC in patient-derived tumor xenograft models in vivo.Thus,our study demonstrated that dronedarone could be repurposed as a CDK4/6 inhibitor for ESCC chemoprevention.展开更多
Skeletal muscle plays a vital role in the regulation of systemic metabolism,partly through its secretion of endocrine factors which are collectively known as myokines.Altered myokine levels are associated with metabol...Skeletal muscle plays a vital role in the regulation of systemic metabolism,partly through its secretion of endocrine factors which are collectively known as myokines.Altered myokine levels are associated with metabolic diseases,such as type 2 diabetes(T2D).The significance of interorgan crosstalk,particularly through myokines,has emerged as a fundamental aspect of nutrient and energy homeostasis.However,a comprehensive understanding of myokine biology in the setting of obesity and T2D remains a major challenge.In this review,we discuss the regulation and biological functions of key myokines that have been extensively studied during the past two decades,namely interleukin 6(IL-6),irisin,myostatin(MSTN),growth differentiation factor 11(GDF11),fibroblast growth factor 21(FGF21),apelin,brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF),meteorin-like(Metrnl),secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine(SPARC),β-aminoisobutyric acid(BAIBA),Musclin,and Dickkopf 3(Dkk3).Related to these,we detail the role of exercise in myokine expression and secretion together with their contributions to metabolic physiology and disease.Despite significant advancements in myokine research,many myokines remain challenging to measure accurately and investigate thoroughly.Hence,new research techniques and detection methods should be developed and rigorously tested.Therefore,developing a comprehensive perspective on myokine biology is crucial,as this will likely offer new insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying obesity and T2D and may reveal novel targets for therapeutic interventions.展开更多
DEAD-box helicase 17(DDX17)is a typical member of the DEAD-box family with transcriptional cofactor activity.Although DDX17 is abundantly expressed in the myocardium,its role in heart is not fully understood.We genera...DEAD-box helicase 17(DDX17)is a typical member of the DEAD-box family with transcriptional cofactor activity.Although DDX17 is abundantly expressed in the myocardium,its role in heart is not fully understood.We generated cardiomyocyte-specific Ddx17-knockout mice(Ddx17-cKO),cardiomyocyte-specific Ddx17 transgenic mice(Ddx17-Tg),and various models of cardiomyocyte injury and heart failure(HF).DDX17 is downregulated in the myocardium of mouse models of heart failure and cardiomyocyte injury.Cardiomyocyte-specific knockout of Ddx17 promotes autophagic flux blockage and cardiomyocyte apoptosis,leading to progressive cardiac dysfunction,maladaptive remodeling and progression to heart failure.Restoration of DDX17 expression in cardiomyocytes protects cardiac function under pathological conditions.Further studies showed that DDX17 can bind to the transcriptional repressor B-cell lymphoma 6(BCL6)and inhibit the expression of dynamin-related protein 1(DRP1).When DDX17 expression is reduced,transcriptional repression of BCL6 is attenuated,leading to increased DRP1 expression and mitochondrial fission,which in turn leads to impaired mitochondrial homeostasis and heart failure.We also investigated the correlation of DDX17 expression with cardiac function and DRP1 expression in myocardial biopsy samples from patients with heart failure.These findings suggest that DDX17 protects cardiac function by promoting mitochondrial homeostasis through the BCL6-DRP1 pathway in heart failure.展开更多
Exosomes make a significant contribution during stem cell-based therapy due to the abundant contents.Accumulating evidence implies exosomes can act as potential biological nano agents.We herein propose hypoxic precond...Exosomes make a significant contribution during stem cell-based therapy due to the abundant contents.Accumulating evidence implies exosomes can act as potential biological nano agents.We herein propose hypoxic preconditioning for neural stem cells(NSCs)that could produce hypoxic exosomes for efficient treatment of ischemic stroke.Hypoxic preconditioning on NSCs significantly altered the miRNAs encapsulated in exosomes.Notably,hypoxic exosomes could target the injured brain to regulate the microenvironment to inhibit neuroinflammation and promote blood–brain barrier permeability recovery.Additionally,the autologous NSCs in Nestin-CreER mice could be activated by hypoxic exosomes to facilitate nerve regeneration.After hypoxic preconditioning,exosomes further exerted therapeutic effects on both survival(25%)and behavioral outcomes in ischemic stroke mice.Overall,hypoxic preconditioning NSCs can produce effective nano agent and may represent a promising strategy for clinical neurorestorative therapy.展开更多
Efficient communication between the brain and peripheral organs is indispensable for regulating physiological function and maintaining energy homeostasis. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) in vertebrates, consisting...Efficient communication between the brain and peripheral organs is indispensable for regulating physiological function and maintaining energy homeostasis. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) in vertebrates, consisting of the autonomic and somatic nervous systems, bridges the peripheral organs and the central nervous system (CNS). Metabolic signals are processed by both vagal sensory nerves and somatosensory nerves. The CNS receives sensory inputs via ascending nerves, serves as the coordination and integration center, and subsequently controls internal organs and glands via descending nerves. The autonomic nervous system consists of sympathetic and parasympathetic branches that project peripheral nerves into various anatomical locations to regulate the energy balance. Sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves typically control the reflexive and involuntary functions in organs. In this review article, we outline the innervation of adipose tissue, gut, pancreas, and liver, to illustrate the neurobiological basis of central-peripheral interactions. We emphasize the importance of understanding the functional atlas of neural control of energy metabolism, and more importantly, provide potential avenues for further research in this area.展开更多
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. It is urgent to develop new drugs to improve the prognosis of ESCC patients. Here, we found benzydamine, a locally acti...Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. It is urgent to develop new drugs to improve the prognosis of ESCC patients. Here, we found benzydamine, a locally acting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, had potent cytotoxic effect on ESCC cells. Benzydamine could suppress ESCC proliferation in vivo and in vitro. In terms of mechanism, CDK2 was identified as a target of benzydamine by molecular docking, pull-down assay and in vitro kinase assay. Specifically, benzydamine inhibited the growth of ESCC cells by inhibiting CDK2 activity and affecting downstream phosphorylation of MCM2, c-Myc and Rb, resulting in cell cycle arrest. Our study illustrates that benzydamine inhibits the growth of ESCC cells by downregulating the CDK2 pathway.展开更多
Exercise intervention at the early stage of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)can aid in the maintenance of blood glucose homeostasis and prevent the development of macrovascular and microvascular complications.However,th...Exercise intervention at the early stage of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)can aid in the maintenance of blood glucose homeostasis and prevent the development of macrovascular and microvascular complications.However,the exercise-regulated pathways that prevent the development of T2DM remain largely unclear.In this study,two forms of exercise intervention,treadmill training and voluntary wheel running,were conducted for high-fat diet(HFD)-induced obese mice.We observed that both forms of exercise intervention alleviated HFD-induced insulin resistance and glucose intolerance.Skeletal muscle is recognized as the primary site for postprandial glucose uptake and for responsive alteration beyond exercise training.Metabolomic profiling of the plasma and skeletal muscle in Chow,HFD,and HFD-exercise groups revealed robust alterations in metabolic pathways by exercise intervention in both cases.Overlapping analysis identified nine metabolites,including beta-alanine,leucine,valine,and tryptophan,which were reversed by exercise treatment in both the plasma and skeletal muscle.Transcriptomic analysis of gene expression profiles in the skeletal muscle revealed several key pathways involved in the beneficial effects of exercise on metabolic homeostasis.In addition,integrative transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses uncovered strong correlations between the concentrations of bioactive metabolites and the expression levels of genes involved in energy metabolism,insulin sensitivity,and immune response in the skeletal muscle.This work established two models of exercise intervention in obese mice and provided mechanistic insights into the beneficial effects of exercise intervention on systemic energy homeostasis.展开更多
文摘Macrophages,existed in almost all organs of the body,are responsible for detecting tissue injury,pathogens,playing a key role in host defense against a variety of invading pathogens triggering inflammatory responses.Emerging evidence suggests that macrophage-mediated immune responses are efficiently regulated by the ubiquitination modification,which is responsible for normal immune responses.However,numerous studies indicates that the aberrant activation or inhibition of macrophage-mediated immune responses occurs in inflammation,mainly caused by dysregulated ubiquitination modification due to E3 ubiquitin ligases mutations or abnormal expression.Notably,E3 ubiquitin ligases,responsible for recognizing the substrates,are key enzymes in the ubiquitin proteasome system(UPS)composed of ubiquitin(Ub),ubiquitin-activating E1 enzymes,ubiquitin-conjugating E2 enzymes,E3 ubiquitin ligases,26S proteasome,and deubiquitinating enzymes.Intriguingly,several E3 ubiquitin ligases are involved in the regulation of some common signal pathways in macrophage-mediated inflammation,including Toll-like receptors(TLRs),nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain(NOD)-like receptors(NLRs),RIG-I-like receptors(RLRs),C-type lectin receptors(CLRs)and the receptor for advanced glycation end products(RAGE).Herein,we summarized the physiological and pathological roles of E3 ligases in macrophage-mediated inflammation,as well as the inhibitors and agonists targeting E3 ligases in macrophage mediated inflammation,providing the new ideas for targeted therapies in macrophage-mediated inflammation caused aberrant function of E3 ligases.
文摘In this editorial,we commented on the article by Akers et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Cases.We focused specifically on the role of the transcription factor paired box protein 8(PAX8)belonging to the family PAX in the carcinogenesis of a gynecologic tumor,endocervical adenocarcinoma,arising from the tissue of mesonephric origin,and the potential diagnostic value for the same type of neoplasms.The global vaccination program of human papillomavirus(HPV)has dramatically reduced the incidence of cervical cancer,including cases of adenocarcinoma.The type of adenoid epithelial origin has a lower frequency of HPV detection but tends to be more aggressive and fatal.Cases of endocervical adenocarcinoma occurring in females of menopause age have been described in the 2023 volume of the World Journal of Clinical Cases and in our study recently published in Oncol Lett.The histopathological findings and immunohistochemical assays showed that the lesions had glandular morphology,and the specimens in these two reports were immunohistochemically positive for the transcription factor PAX8,albeit that they had opposing expression profiles of tumor suppressor p16 and estrogen receptor and the presence of the HPV genome.The presence of a mucin protein,MUC 5AC,as revealed in both studies suggested target molecules for the diagnosis of mucinous adenoid type of uterine tumor and other histological origins.The clinical outcome was unfavorable due to metastasis and recurrence.This prompted the improvement of the antitumor modality,with the introduction of precise targeting therapy.Mucin has now been reported to be the therapeutic target for adenocarcinomas.
文摘Pathophysiology is an important course to link basic and clinical medicine. To retain the indispensable role of the course in medical education and to further promote the development of the discipline of pathophysiology,we have made great efforts in the reform of pathophysiology teaching.
基金Supported by The Chinese Medicine Technology Item of Peking City (No.JJ2005-10)Beijing Municipal Commission of Education (No. M200610025003)
文摘To study the inhibitory effect of Huqi San （Qi- protecting powder） on rat prehepatocarcinoma induced by diethylinitrosamine （DEN） by analyzing the mutational activation of c-fos proto-oncogene and over-expression of c-jun and c-myc oncogenes. METHODS： A Solt-Farber two-step test model of prehepatocarcinoma was induced in rats by DEN and 2-acetylaminofluorene （AAF） to investigate the modifying effects of Huqi San on the expression of c-jun, c-fos and c-myc in DEN-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis. Huqi San was made of eight medicinal herbs containing glycoprival granules, in which each milliliter contains 0.38 g crude drugs. T-glutamy-transpeptidase-isoenzyme （T-GTase） was determined with histochemical methods. Level of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine （OHdG） formed in liver and c-jun, c-fos and c-myc proto-oncogenes were detected by immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS： The level of 8-OHdG, a mark of oxidative DNA damage, was significantly decreased in the liver of rats with prehepatocarcinoma induced by DEN who received 8 g/kg body weight or 4 g/kg body weight Huqi San before （1 wk） and after DEN exposure （4 wk）. Huqi San- treated rats showed a significant decrease in number of T-GT positive foci （P 〈 0.001, prevention group： 4.96-0.72 vs 29.46-2.17; large dose therapeutic group： 7.53-0.88 vs 29.46-2.17）. On the other hand, significant changes in expression of c-jun, c-fos and c-myc were found in Huqi San-treated rats. CONCLUSION： Activation of c-jun, c-fos and c-myc plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of liver cancer.Huqi San can inhibit the over-expression of c-jun, c-fos and c-myc oncogenes and liver preneolastic lesions induced by DEN.
基金Supported by Chinese Medicine Technology Item of Beijing City, China, No.JJ 2004-12Beijing Municipal Commission of Education, No. M200610025003
文摘AIM： To explore the antioxidant and free radica scavenger properties of mistletoe alkali （MA）. METHODS： The antioxidant effect of mistletoe alkali on the oxidative stress induced by carbon tetrachloride （CCh） in rats was investigated. The rats were divided into four groups （n = 8）： CCh-treated group （1 mL/kg body weight）, MA -treated group （90 mg/kg）, CCh＋MA-treated group and normal control group. After 4 wk of treatment, the level of malondialdehyde （MDA）, a lipid peroxidation product （LPO） was measured in serum and homogenates of liver and kidney. Also, the level of glutathione （GSH）, and activities of glutathione reductase （GR）, glutathione peroxidase （GSPx）, superoxide dismutase （SOD）, and glutathione-S-transferase （GST） in liver and kidney were determined. Scavenging effects on hydroxyl free radicals produced in vitro by Fenton reaction were studied by ESR methods using 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide （DMPO） as a spin trap reagent and H2O2/UV as the OH· source. Urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine （8-OHdG） was determined by competitive ELISA. RESULTS： In CCh-treated group, the level of LPO in serum of liver and kidney was significantly increased compared to controls. The levels of GSH and enzyme activities of SOD, GSPx and GR in liver and kidney were significantly decreased in comparison with controls. In CCl4＋MA-treated group, the changes in the levels of LPO in serum of liver and kidney were not statistically significant compared to controls. The levels of SOD, GSPx and GR in liver and kidney were significantly increased in comparison with controls. There was a significant differ- ence in urinary excretion of 8-OHdG between the CCh- treated and MA-treated groups. CONCLUSION： Oxidative stress may be a major mechanism for the toxicity of CCh. MA has a protective effect against CCl4 toxicity by inhibiting the oxidative damage and stimulating GST activities. Thus, clinical application of MA should be considered in cases with carbon tetrachloride-induced injury.
基金Supported by Kyowa Hakko Bio Co.,Ltd.to Uchida H
文摘AIM To determine whether oral glutathione(GSH)administration can alleviate the effects of fasting-induced intestinal atrophy in the small intestinal mucosa. METHODS Rats were divided into eight groups.One group was fed ad libitum,another was fed ad libitum and received oral GSH,and six groups were administrated saline(SA)or GSH orally during fasting.Mucosal height,apoptosis,and cell proliferation in the jejunum were histologically evaluated.i NOS protein expression(by immunohistochemistry),nitrite levels(by high performance liquid chromatography,as a measure of NO production),8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine formation(by ELISA,indicating ROS levels),glutathione/oxidized glutathione(GSH/GSSG)ratio(by enzymatic colorimetric detection),andγ-glutamyl transpeptidase(Ggt1)mR NA levels in the jejunum(by semi-quantitative RT-PCR)were also estimated. RESULTS O r a l G S H a d m i n i s t r a t i o n w a s d e m o n s t r a t e d t o drastically reduce fasting-induced intestinal atrophy in the jejunum.In particular,jejunal mucosal height was enhanced in GSH-treated animals compared to SA-treated animals[527.2±6.9 for 50 mg/kg GSH,567.6±5.4 for 500 mg/kg GSH vs 483.1±4.9(μm),P<0.01at 72 h].This effect was consistent with decreasing changes in GSH-treated animals compared to SA-treated animals for iN OS protein staining[0.337±0.016for 50 mg/kg GSH,0.317±0.017 for 500 mg/kg GSH vs 0.430±0.023(area of staining part/area of tissue),P<0.01 at 72 h]and NO[2.99±0.29 for 50 mg/kg GSH,2.88±0.19 for 500 mg/kg GSH vs 5.34±0.35(nmol/g tissue),P<0.01 at 72 h]and ROS[3.92±0.46for 50 mg/kg GSH,4.58±0.29 for 500 mg/kg GSH vs6.42±0.52(8-OHdG pg/μg DNA),P<0.01,P<0.05at 72 h,respectively]levels as apoptosis mediators in the jejunum.Furthermore,oral GSH administration attenuated cell proliferation decreases in the fasting jejunum[182.5±1.9 for 500 mg/kg GSH vs 155.8±3.4(5-Brd U positive cells/10 crypts),P<0.01 at 72h].Notably,both GSH concentration and Ggt1 m RNA expression in the jejunum were also attenuated in rats following oral administration of GSH during fasting as compared with fasting alone[0.45±0.12 vs 0.97±0.06(nmol/mg tissue),P<0.01;1.01±0.11 vs 2.79±0.39(Ggt1 m RNA/Gapdh m RNA),P<0.01 for 500 mg/kg GSH at 48 h,respectively]. CONCLUSION Oral GSH administration during fasting enhances jejunal regenerative potential to minimize intestinal mucosal atrophy by diminishing fasting-mediated ROS generation and enterocyte apoptosis and enhancing cell proliferation.
基金Supported by TUBITAK- project No. SBAG-2812-104S329
文摘AIM： To evaluate role Cadmium （Cd） exposure line Hep3B cells. of midkine secretion during in the human hepatocyte cell METHODS： Different dosages of Cd （0.5-1-5-10 μg/mL） were applied to Hep3B cells and their effects to apoptosis, lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） leakage and midkine secretion were evaluated as time dependent manner. Same experiments were repeated with exogenously applied midkine （250-5000 pg/mL） and/or 5 t^g/mL Cd. RESULTS： Cd exposure induced prominent apoptosis and LDH leakage beginning from lower dosages at the 48^th. Cd induced midkine secretion with higher dosages （P 〈 0.001）, （control, Cd 0.5-1-5-10μg/mL respectively： 1123 ± 73, 1157 ± 63, 1242 ± 90, 1886 ± 175, 1712 ± 166 pg/mL）. Exogenous 500-5000 pg/mL midkine application during 5 μg/mL Cd toxicity prevented caspase-3 activation （control, Cd toxicity, 250, 500, 1000, 2500, 5000 pg/mL midkine＋ Cd toxicity, respectively： 374 ± 64, 1786 ± 156, 1545 ± 179, 1203 ± 113, 974 ± 116, 646 ± 56, 556 ± 63 cfu） LDH leakage and cell death in Hep3B cells （P 〈 0.001）. CONCLUSION： Our results showed that midkine secretion from Hep3B cells during Cd exposure protects liver cells from Cd induced cellular damage. Midkine has anti-apoptotic and cytoprotective role during Cd toxicity. Further studies are needed to explain the mechanism of midkine secretion and cytoprotective role of midkine during Cd exposure. Midkine may be a promising theurapatic agent in different toxic hepatic diseases.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81472543 and No.81772919Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China,No.LY18H160024 and No.LY20H160040
文摘BACKGROUND O_(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase(MGMT)is a suicide enzyme that repairs the mispairing base O_(6)-methyl-guanine induced by environmental and experimental carcinogens.It can transfer the alkyl group to a cysteine residue in its active site and became inactive.The chemical carcinogen N-nitroso compounds(NOCs)can directly bind to the DNA and induce the O_(6)-methylguanine adducts,which is an important cause of gene mutation and tumorigenesis.However,the underlying regulatory mechanism of MGMT involved in NOCs-induced tumorigenesis,especially in the initiation phase,remains largely unclear.AIM To investigate the molecular regulatory mechanism of MGMT in NOCs-induced gastric cell malignant transformation and tumorigenesis.METHODS We established a gastric epithelial cell malignant transformation model induced by N-methyl-N’-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine(MNNG)or N-methyl-N-nitroso-urea(MNU)treatment.Cell proliferation,colony formation,soft agar,cell migration,and xenograft assays were used to verify the malignant phenotype.By using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qPCR)and Western blot analysis,we detected the MGMT expression in malignant transformed cells.We also confirmed the MGMT expression in early stage gastric tumor tissues by qPCR and immunohistochemistry.MGMT gene promoter DNA methylation level was analyzed by methylation-specific PCR and bisulfite sequencing PCR.The role of MGMT in cell malignant transformation was analyzed by colony formation and soft agar assays.RESULTS We observed a constant increase in MGMT mRNA and protein expression in gastric epithelial cell malignant transformation induced by MNNG or MNU treatment.Moreover,we found a reduction of MGMT gene promoter methylation level by methylation-specific PCR and bisulfite sequencing PCR in MNNG/MNU-treated cells.Inhibition of the MGMT expression by O_(6)-benzylguanine promoted the MNNG/MNU-induced malignant phenotypes.Overexpression of MGMT partially reversed the cell malignant transformation process induced by MNNG/MNU.Clinical gastric tissue analysis showed that MGMT was upregulated in the precancerous lesions and metaplasia tissues,but downregulated in the gastric cancer tissues.CONCLUSION Our finding indicated that MGMT upregulation is induced via its DNA promoter hypomethylation.The highly expressed MGMT prevents the NOCs-induced cell malignant transformation and tumorigenesis,which suggests a potential novel approach for chemical carcinogenesis intervention by regulating aberrant epigenetic mechanisms.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(30370560 ,39925012 ,30100057 ,30170221) and a Grant fromthe Li Founda-tion, USA
文摘Hyperphosphorylation of Tau in Alzheimer＇s disease （AD） brain appears to be caused by a down-regulation of protein phospbatase 2A （PP2A）. In this study, we selectively inhibited PP2A by injection of okadaic acid （OA） into the Meynert nucleus basalis of rats and found that 0.4 pmol of OA injeetion induced approximately 60% inhibition of PP2A 24 h after injection, 13% inhibition 48 h after injection and no obvious inhibition 72 h after injection. Hyperphosphorylation of Tau at Ser-198/ Ser-199/Ser-202 and Ser-396/Ser-404 and spatial memory deficit of rats were induced 24 h after 0. d prnol of OA injection. This study suggests that a dowreregulation of PP2A may underlie almormal hyperphosphorylation of cytoskeletal proteins leading to neurofibrillary degeneration in AD.
文摘The work demonstrates an example of application of ^252Cf PDMS （plasma desorption mass spectrometry） to analysis of lipid profile of carotene-containing Blakeslea trispora biomass. It was shown that this method allows identification of the individual components in the crude multicomponent mixtures not subjected to previous chromatographic separation or enrichment. Using a very simple pretreatment by different extractants permits to select preferable lipid fractions of microorganisms.
文摘The purpose of the experiment was the follow-up in time of the course of joint inflammation phenomena in laboratory animals (white female adult Wistar rats) by determining particular biological, hematological, radiological, osteodensitometric, immunological and anatomic-pathological parameters and by assessing the effects of Leflunomide (Arava) on the course of the disease. ARAVA®(Leflunomide) is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor. The experimental study was conducted for 8 weeks. We have also assessed the side effects of the therapy on their liver, myocardium and kidney. Leflunomide therapy improved the course of the clinical and paraclinical parameters, but it did not cure the condition. The positive results in the joints were accompanied by many histological alterations. The experiment revealed the toxic visceral effects of Leflunomide on the liver, heart and kidney.
基金funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant numbers:81872335,82303891 and 82303119)The Central Plains Science and Technology Innovation Leading Talents(No.224200510015,China)+1 种基金Key scientific research project plan of colleges and universities in Henan Province(grant number:24A310025,China)Science and Technology Project of Henan Province(No.242102310414,China).
文摘Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC),a malignancy of the digestive system,is highly prevalent and the primary cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide due to the lack of early diagnostic biomarkers and effective therapeutic targets.Dysregulated ribonucleotide reductase(RNR)expression has been confirmed to be causally linked to tumorigenesis.This study demonstrated that ribonucleotide reductase small subunit M2(RRM2)is significantly upregulated in ESCC tissue and that its expression is negatively correlated with clinical outcomes.Mechanistically,HuR promotes RRM2 mRNA stabilization by binding to the adenine/uridine(AU)-rich elements(AREs)within the 3′UTR,resulting in persistent overexpression of RRM2.Furthermore,bifonazole is identified as an inhibitor of HuR via computational screening and molecular docking analysis.Bifonazole disrupts HuR-ARE interactions by competitively binding to HuR at F65,R97,I103,and R153 residues,resulting in reduced RRM2 expression.Furthermore,bifonazole exhibited antitumor effects on ESCC patient-derived xenograft(PDX)models by decreasing RRM2 expression and the dNTP pool.In summary,this study reveals the interaction network among HuR,RRM2,and bifonazole and demonstrated that bifonazole is a potential therapeutic compound for ESCC through inhibition of the HuR/RRM2 axis.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81872335)Central Plains Science and Technology Innovation Leading Talents(No.224200510015)+2 种基金National Natural Science Youth Foundation(No.81902486)Fundamental Research Project of key scientific research in Henan Province(No.23ZX007)Science and Technology Project of Henan Province(No.212102310187)。
文摘Treatment options for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)often result in poor prognosis and declining health-related quality of life.Screening FDA-approved drugs for cancer chemoprevention is a promising and cost-efficient strategy.Here,we found that dronedarone,an antiarrhythmic drug,could inhibit the proliferation of ESCC cells.Moreover,we conducted phosphorylomics analysis to investigate the mechanism of dronedarone-treated ESCC cells.Through computational docking models and pull-down assays,we demonstrated that dronedarone could directly bind to CDK4 and CDK6 kinases.We also proved that dronedarone effectively inhibited ESCC proliferation by targeting CDK4/CDK6 and blocking the G0/G1 phase through RB1 phosphorylation inhibition by in vitro kinase assays and cell cycle assays.Subsequently,we found that knocking out CDK4 and CDK6 decreased the susceptibility of ESCC cells to dronedarone.Furthermore,dronedarone suppressed the growth of ESCC in patient-derived tumor xenograft models in vivo.Thus,our study demonstrated that dronedarone could be repurposed as a CDK4/6 inhibitor for ESCC chemoprevention.
基金supported by grants from the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2018YFA0800403 and 2021YFC2701903)the Training Program of the Major Research Plan of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(91857110)+3 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81670740,32000817,82100904,and 82300910)the National Natural Science Fund for Excellent Young Scholars of China(81722012)the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(LZ21H070001,LHDMD22H02001,and LHDMD24H030001)the Innovative Institute of Basic Medical Sciences of Zhejiang University,and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities.
文摘Skeletal muscle plays a vital role in the regulation of systemic metabolism,partly through its secretion of endocrine factors which are collectively known as myokines.Altered myokine levels are associated with metabolic diseases,such as type 2 diabetes(T2D).The significance of interorgan crosstalk,particularly through myokines,has emerged as a fundamental aspect of nutrient and energy homeostasis.However,a comprehensive understanding of myokine biology in the setting of obesity and T2D remains a major challenge.In this review,we discuss the regulation and biological functions of key myokines that have been extensively studied during the past two decades,namely interleukin 6(IL-6),irisin,myostatin(MSTN),growth differentiation factor 11(GDF11),fibroblast growth factor 21(FGF21),apelin,brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF),meteorin-like(Metrnl),secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine(SPARC),β-aminoisobutyric acid(BAIBA),Musclin,and Dickkopf 3(Dkk3).Related to these,we detail the role of exercise in myokine expression and secretion together with their contributions to metabolic physiology and disease.Despite significant advancements in myokine research,many myokines remain challenging to measure accurately and investigate thoroughly.Hence,new research techniques and detection methods should be developed and rigorously tested.Therefore,developing a comprehensive perspective on myokine biology is crucial,as this will likely offer new insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying obesity and T2D and may reveal novel targets for therapeutic interventions.
基金supported by grants from the National Key R&D Program of China(2021YFE0114200,2018YFC2000100)the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences(CAMS)Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences(2021-I2M-1-050)+4 种基金the Project funded by China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2023M732704)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81770228,82370584,81470427 and U23A20470)the Beijing Natural Science Foundation(7232141,7212086)the Beijing Hospital Clinical Research 121 Project(121-2016004)the National High Level Hospital Clinical Research Funding(BJ-2021-199,BJ-2023-156,BJ-2019-159).
文摘DEAD-box helicase 17(DDX17)is a typical member of the DEAD-box family with transcriptional cofactor activity.Although DDX17 is abundantly expressed in the myocardium,its role in heart is not fully understood.We generated cardiomyocyte-specific Ddx17-knockout mice(Ddx17-cKO),cardiomyocyte-specific Ddx17 transgenic mice(Ddx17-Tg),and various models of cardiomyocyte injury and heart failure(HF).DDX17 is downregulated in the myocardium of mouse models of heart failure and cardiomyocyte injury.Cardiomyocyte-specific knockout of Ddx17 promotes autophagic flux blockage and cardiomyocyte apoptosis,leading to progressive cardiac dysfunction,maladaptive remodeling and progression to heart failure.Restoration of DDX17 expression in cardiomyocytes protects cardiac function under pathological conditions.Further studies showed that DDX17 can bind to the transcriptional repressor B-cell lymphoma 6(BCL6)and inhibit the expression of dynamin-related protein 1(DRP1).When DDX17 expression is reduced,transcriptional repression of BCL6 is attenuated,leading to increased DRP1 expression and mitochondrial fission,which in turn leads to impaired mitochondrial homeostasis and heart failure.We also investigated the correlation of DDX17 expression with cardiac function and DRP1 expression in myocardial biopsy samples from patients with heart failure.These findings suggest that DDX17 protects cardiac function by promoting mitochondrial homeostasis through the BCL6-DRP1 pathway in heart failure.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.U22A20383 and 82003668)the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province(Nos.LD22H300002 and LQ21H300002)+2 种基金China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.2020M671771)Ningbo Technology Innovation 2025 Major Special Project(No.2022Z150)the innovative team of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for prevention and treatment of senile neurodegenerative diseases.
文摘Exosomes make a significant contribution during stem cell-based therapy due to the abundant contents.Accumulating evidence implies exosomes can act as potential biological nano agents.We herein propose hypoxic preconditioning for neural stem cells(NSCs)that could produce hypoxic exosomes for efficient treatment of ischemic stroke.Hypoxic preconditioning on NSCs significantly altered the miRNAs encapsulated in exosomes.Notably,hypoxic exosomes could target the injured brain to regulate the microenvironment to inhibit neuroinflammation and promote blood–brain barrier permeability recovery.Additionally,the autologous NSCs in Nestin-CreER mice could be activated by hypoxic exosomes to facilitate nerve regeneration.After hypoxic preconditioning,exosomes further exerted therapeutic effects on both survival(25%)and behavioral outcomes in ischemic stroke mice.Overall,hypoxic preconditioning NSCs can produce effective nano agent and may represent a promising strategy for clinical neurorestorative therapy.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32225019,91857110,32000817)grants from the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2018YFA0800403)+3 种基金the Beijing Natural Science Foundation of China(5222010)the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(LZ21H070001,LHDMD22H02001)the Tsinghua University(School of Medicine)-Xiamen Changgeng Hospital Co Ltd Joint Research Center for Anaphylactic DiseaseThe work was also supported by the Center for Life Sciences,the Institute for Immunology,and the School of Medicine at Tsinghua University.
文摘Efficient communication between the brain and peripheral organs is indispensable for regulating physiological function and maintaining energy homeostasis. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) in vertebrates, consisting of the autonomic and somatic nervous systems, bridges the peripheral organs and the central nervous system (CNS). Metabolic signals are processed by both vagal sensory nerves and somatosensory nerves. The CNS receives sensory inputs via ascending nerves, serves as the coordination and integration center, and subsequently controls internal organs and glands via descending nerves. The autonomic nervous system consists of sympathetic and parasympathetic branches that project peripheral nerves into various anatomical locations to regulate the energy balance. Sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves typically control the reflexive and involuntary functions in organs. In this review article, we outline the innervation of adipose tissue, gut, pancreas, and liver, to illustrate the neurobiological basis of central-peripheral interactions. We emphasize the importance of understanding the functional atlas of neural control of energy metabolism, and more importantly, provide potential avenues for further research in this area.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundations of China(No.81872335)the National Natural Science Youth Foundation(No.81902486)+2 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Henan(No.161100510300)the Central Plains Science and Technology Innovation Leading Talents(No.224200510015)the Science and Technology Project of Henan Province(No.212102310187).
文摘Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. It is urgent to develop new drugs to improve the prognosis of ESCC patients. Here, we found benzydamine, a locally acting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, had potent cytotoxic effect on ESCC cells. Benzydamine could suppress ESCC proliferation in vivo and in vitro. In terms of mechanism, CDK2 was identified as a target of benzydamine by molecular docking, pull-down assay and in vitro kinase assay. Specifically, benzydamine inhibited the growth of ESCC cells by inhibiting CDK2 activity and affecting downstream phosphorylation of MCM2, c-Myc and Rb, resulting in cell cycle arrest. Our study illustrates that benzydamine inhibits the growth of ESCC cells by downregulating the CDK2 pathway.
基金supported by grants from the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2018YFA0800403 and 2021YFC2701903)the Training Program of the Major Research Plan of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(91857110)+5 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81670740,82100904,and 32000817)the National Natural Science Fund for Excellent Young Scholars of China(81722012)Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(LZ21H070001 and LQ21C110001)the Innovative Institute of Basic Medical Sciences of Zhejiang University,the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,the Construction Fund of Medical Key Disciplines of Hangzhou,Hangzhou Science and Technology Bureau(20150733Q13 and ZD20200129)the Construction Fund of Key Medical Disciplines of Hangzhou(OO20200055)the K.C.Wong Education Foundation.
文摘Exercise intervention at the early stage of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)can aid in the maintenance of blood glucose homeostasis and prevent the development of macrovascular and microvascular complications.However,the exercise-regulated pathways that prevent the development of T2DM remain largely unclear.In this study,two forms of exercise intervention,treadmill training and voluntary wheel running,were conducted for high-fat diet(HFD)-induced obese mice.We observed that both forms of exercise intervention alleviated HFD-induced insulin resistance and glucose intolerance.Skeletal muscle is recognized as the primary site for postprandial glucose uptake and for responsive alteration beyond exercise training.Metabolomic profiling of the plasma and skeletal muscle in Chow,HFD,and HFD-exercise groups revealed robust alterations in metabolic pathways by exercise intervention in both cases.Overlapping analysis identified nine metabolites,including beta-alanine,leucine,valine,and tryptophan,which were reversed by exercise treatment in both the plasma and skeletal muscle.Transcriptomic analysis of gene expression profiles in the skeletal muscle revealed several key pathways involved in the beneficial effects of exercise on metabolic homeostasis.In addition,integrative transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses uncovered strong correlations between the concentrations of bioactive metabolites and the expression levels of genes involved in energy metabolism,insulin sensitivity,and immune response in the skeletal muscle.This work established two models of exercise intervention in obese mice and provided mechanistic insights into the beneficial effects of exercise intervention on systemic energy homeostasis.
