Highly specific characterization and discrimination of monosodium urate crystals in gouty arthritis based on aggregation-induced emission luminogens

Existing technologies used to detect monosodium urate(MSU)crystals for gout diagnosis are not ideal due to their low sensitivity and complexity of operation.The purpose of this study was to explore whether aggregation-induced emission luminogens(AIEgens)can be used for highly specific imaging of MSU crystals to assist in the diagnosis of gout.First,we developed a series of luminogens(i.e.,tetraphenyl ethylene(TPE)-NH_(2),TPE-2NH_(2),TPE-4NH_(2),TPE-COOH,TPE-2COOH,TPE-4COOH,and TPE-Ketoalkyne),each of which was then evenly mixed with MSU crystals.Next,optimal fluorescence imaging of each of the luminogens was characterized by a confocal laser scanning microscope(CLSM).This approach was used for imaging standard samples of MSU,hydroxyapatite(HAP)crystals,and mixed samples with 1:1 mass ratio of MSU/HAP.We also imaged samples from mouse models of acute gouty arthritis,HAP deposition disease,and comorbidities of interest.Subsequently,CLSM imaging results were compared with those of compensated polarized light microscopy,and we assessed the biosafety of TPE-Ketoalkyne in the RAW264.7 cell line.Finally,CLSM time series and three-dimensional imaging were performed on MSU crystal samples from human gouty synovial fluid and tophi.As a promising candidate for MSU crystal labeling,TPE-Ketoalkyne was found to detect MSU crystals accurately and rapidly in standard samples,animal samples,and human samples,and could precisely distinguish gout from HAP deposition disease.This work demonstrates that TPE-Ketoalkyne is suitable for highly specific and timely imaging of MSU crystals in gouty arthritis and may facilitate future research on MSU crystal-related diseases.

Advances in Research on Anti-tumor Active Components of Labiatae Plants

In recent years, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of the Labiatae plants have been widely recognized, and have been used in clinical practice, and their anti-tumor effects are also very significant, and receiving more and more attention. At present, malignant tumors are still the first killer threatening human health. Because of the long-term use of chemical anti-tumor drugs with certain drug resistance and obvious side effects, finding high-efficiency anti-tumor active ingredients from natural plants and Chinese herbal medicines has become a hot spot in the field of pharmacy. Literature survey indicates that the active ingredients in Labiatae plants have anti-tumor effects. Therefore, this paper summarized and discussed the anti-tumor types, mechanisms and active components of the Labiatae plants, so as to provide a basis and reference for the development of new anti-tumor drugs or preparations.

Effects of Injection of Oregano Oil Submicron Emulsion on Lipopolysaccharide-induced Pneumonia in Rats

[Objectives]To explore the effects of injection of oregano oil submicron emulsion on lipopolysaccharide-induced pneumonia in rats.[Methods]Rats induced by lipopolysaccharide were used as animal models of acute pneumonia.The experiment was divided into blank group,model group,administration group and positive drug control group.The morphology of lung tissue and the changes of cells and inflammatory factors in each group were observed,and the anti-inflammatory effects of injection of oregano oil submicron emulsion.[Results]The injection of oregano oil submicron emulsion can improve the pathological injury of rat lung tissue,inhibit the release of IL-6,IL-10,TNF-αcytokines induced by lipopolysaccharide,and significantly reduce the value of CRP.[Conclusions]Oregano oil submicron emulsion has a certain therapeutic effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced pneumonia in rats,and its mechanism may be related to reducing the release of cytoinflammatory factor IL-6,IL-10,and TNF-αand alleviating the injury to tissues and organs.

Detection of Prognostic Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma through CircRNA-associated CeRNA Analysis

Background and Aims:The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is extremely poor;therefore,there is an urgent need for novel prognostic molecular biomarkers of HCC.The current investigation utilized circular(circ)RNA-associated competing endogenous(ce)RNAs analysis in order to identify significant prognostic biomarkers of HCC.Methods:CircRNAs and mRNAs that were differentially expressed between normal and HCC tissues were identi-fied.Their respective functions were predicted with Gene Ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses.A nomogram was used for model verification.Results:A ceRNA network composed of differentially expressed circRNAs and mRNAs was con-structed.Significant hub nodes in the ceRNA network were hsa_circ_0004662,hsa_circ_0005735,hsa_circ_0006990,hsa_circ_0018403 and hsa_circ_0100609.By using this in-formation,a prognostic risk assessment tool was developed based on the expressions of seven genes(PLOD2,TARS,RNF19B,CCT2,RAN,C5orf30 and MCM10).Furthermore,multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed risk and T-stage parameters as independent prognostic factors.The nomograms that were constructed from risk and T-stage groups were used to further assess the prediction of HCC patient survival rates.The nomogram,which consisted of risk and T-stage scores assessment models,was found to be an independent factor for predicting prognosis of HCC.Conclusions:Five circRNAs,including hsa_circ_0004662,hsa_circ_0005735,hsa_circ_0006990,hsa_circ_0018403 and hsa_circ_0100609,that may play key roles in the pro-gression of HCC were identified.Seven gene signatures were identified,which were associated with the aforemen-tioned circRNAs,including PLOD2,TARS,RNF19B,CCT2,RAN,C5orf30 and MCM10,all of which were significant genes involved in the pathophysiology of HCC.These genes may be used as a prognosticating tool in HCC patients.