Gut microbiota induced abnormal amino acids and their correlation with diabetic retinopathy

AIM:To explore the correlation of gut microbiota and the metabolites with the progression of diabetic retinopathy(DR)and provide a novel strategy to elucidate the pathological mechanism of DR.METHODS:The fecal samples from 32 type 2 diabetes patients with proliferative retinopathy(PDR),23 with nonproliferative retinopathy(NPDR),27 without retinopathy(DM),and 29 from the sex-,age-and BMI-matched healthy controls(29 HC)were analyzed by 16S rDNA gene sequencing.Sixty fecal samples from PDR,DM,and HC groups were assayed by untargeted metabolomics.Fecal metabolites were measured using liquid chromatographymass spectrometry(LC-MS)analysis.Associations between gut microbiota and fecal metabolites were analyzed.RESULTS:A cluster of 2 microbiome and 12 metabolites accompanied with the severity of DR,and the close correlation of the disease progression with PDR-related microbiome and metabolites were found.To be specific,the structure of gut microbiota differed in four groups.Diversity and richness of gut microbiota were significantly lower in PDR and NPDR groups,than those in DM and HC groups.A cluster of microbiome enriched in PDR group,including Pseudomonas,Ruminococcaceae-UCG-002,Ruminococcaceae-UCG-005,Christensenellaceae-R-7,was observed.Functional analysis showed that the glucose and nicotinate degradations were significantly higher in PDR group than those in HC group.Arginine,serine,ornithine,and arachidonic acid were significantly enriched in PDR group,while proline was enriched in HC group.Functional analysis illustrated that arginine biosynthesis,lysine degradation,histidine catabolism,central carbon catabolism in cancer,D-arginine and D-ornithine catabolism were elevated in PDR group.Correlation analysis revealed that Ruminococcaceae-UCG-002 and Christensenellaceae-R-7 were positively associated with L-arginine,ornithine levels in fecal samples.CONCLUSION:This study elaborates the different microbiota structure in the gut from four groups.The relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae-UCG-002 and Parabacteroides are associated with the severity of DR.Amino acid and fatty acid catabolism is especially disordered in PDR group.This may help provide a novel diagnostic parameter for DR,especially PDR.

Effect of different drying methods on the amino acids,α-dicarbonyls and volatile compounds of rape bee pollen

The significant demand for high quality food has motivated us to adopt appropriate processing methods to improve the food nutritional quality and flavors.In this study,the effects of five drying methods,namely,pulsed vacuum drying(PVD),freeze drying(FD),infrared drying(IRD),hot-air drying(HAD)and sun drying(SD)on free amino acids(FAAs),α-dicarbonyl compounds(α-DCs)and volatile compounds(VOCs)in rape bee pollen(RBP)were determined.The results showed that FD significantly released the essential amino acids(EAAs)compared with fresh samples while SD caused the highest loss.Glucosone was the dominantα-DCs in RBP and the highest loss was observed after PVD.Aldehydes were the dominant volatiles of RBP and SD samples contained more new volatile substances(especially aldehydes)than the other four drying methods.Comprehensively,FD and PVD would be potential methods to effectively reduce the quality deterioration of RBP in the drying process.

Decoding the nexus:branched-chain amino acids and their connection with sleep,circadian rhythms,and cardiometabolic health

The sleep-wake cycle stands as an integrative process essential for sustaining optimal brain function and,either directly or indirectly,overall body health,encompassing metabolic and cardiovascular well-being.Given the heightened metabolic activity of the brain,there exists a considerable demand for nutrients in comparison to other organs.Among these,the branched-chain amino acids,comprising leucine,isoleucine,and valine,display distinctive significance,from their contribution to protein structure to their involvement in overall metabolism,especially in cerebral processes.Among the first amino acids that are released into circulation post-food intake,branched-chain amino acids assume a pivotal role in the regulation of protein synthesis,modulating insulin secretion and the amino acid sensing pathway of target of rapamycin.Branched-chain amino acids are key players in influencing the brain's uptake of monoamine precursors,competing for a shared transporter.Beyond their involvement in protein synthesis,these amino acids contribute to the metabolic cycles ofγ-aminobutyric acid and glutamate,as well as energy metabolism.Notably,they impact GABAergic neurons and the excitation/inhibition balance.The rhythmicity of branchedchain amino acids in plasma concentrations,observed over a 24-hour cycle and conserved in rodent models,is under circadian clock control.The mechanisms underlying those rhythms and the physiological consequences of their disruption are not fully understood.Disturbed sleep,obesity,diabetes,and cardiovascular diseases can elevate branched-chain amino acid concentrations or modify their oscillatory dynamics.The mechanisms driving these effects are currently the focal point of ongoing research efforts,since normalizing branched-chain amino acid levels has the ability to alleviate the severity of these pathologies.In this context,the Drosophila model,though underutilized,holds promise in shedding new light on these mechanisms.Initial findings indicate its potential to introduce novel concepts,particularly in elucidating the intricate connections between the circadian clock,sleep/wake,and metabolism.Consequently,the use and transport of branched-chain amino acids emerge as critical components and orchestrators in the web of interactions across multiple organs throughout the sleep/wake cycle.They could represent one of the so far elusive mechanisms connecting sleep patterns to metabolic and cardiovascular health,paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.

Standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids in soybean meal fed to non-pregnant and pregnant sows

Background Two studies were designed to determine standard ileal crude protein(CP)and amino acid(AA)digestibility of soybean meal(SBM)from different origins fed to non-pregnant and pregnant sows.Seven solvent-extracted SBMs from soybeans produced in the USA,Brazil,and China were selected.In Exp.1,eight different diets were created:a nitrogen(N)-free diet and 7 experimental diets containing SBM from different origins as the only N source.Eight non-pregnant,multiparous sows were arranged in an 8×8 Latin square design(8 periods and 8 diets).In Exp.2,the diet formula was the same as in Exp.1.Eight gestating sows(parity 3)were assigned to 4 different diets in a replicated 4×3 Youden square design(three periods and four diets)in mid-gestation and again in late-gestation stages.Results When fed to non-pregnant and late-gestating sows,the standardized ileal digestibility(SID)of CP and most AAs from different SBM were not significantly different(P>0.05).When fed to mid-gestating sows,the SID values for Arg,His,Lys,Phe,Cys,Gly,Ser,and Tyr in SBM 1 were lower than in SBM 4 and 5(P<0.05),whereas SID for Leu from SBM 5 was higher than in SBM 1 and 4(P<0.05).SID values for Ile,Ala,and Asp from SBM 4 were lower than in SBM 1 and 5(P<0.05).Sows had significantly greater SID values for Lys,Ala,and Asp during mid-gestation when compared with late-gestation stages(P<0.05).Mid-gestating sows had greater SID value for Val and lower SID value for Tyr when compared with non-pregnant and late-gestating sows(P<0.01),whereas non-pregnant sows had significantly greater SID value for Met when compared with gestating sows(P<0.01).Conclusions When fed to mid-gestating sows,the SID values for most AAs varied among SBM samples.The SID values for Lys,Met,Val,Ala,Asp,and Tyr in SBM were affected by sow gestation stages.Our findings provide a cornerstone for accurate SBM use in sow diets.

Targeting harmful effects of non-excitatory amino acids as an alternative therapeutic strategy to reduce ischemic damage

The involvement of the excitatory amino acids glutamate and aspartate in ce rebral ischemia and excitotoxicity is well-documented.Nevertheless,the role of non-excitatory amino acids in brain damage following a stroke or brain trauma remains largely understudied.The release of amino acids by necrotic cells in the ischemic core may contribute to the expansion of the penumbra.Our findings indicated that the reversible loss of field excitato ry postsynaptic potentials caused by transient hypoxia became irreversible when exposed to a mixture of just four non-excitatory amino acids(L-alanine,glycine,L-glutamine,and L-serine)at their plasma concentrations.These amino acids induce swelling in the somas of neurons and astrocytes during hypoxia,along with permanent dendritic damage mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors.Blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors prevented neuronal damage in the presence of these amino acids during hypoxia.It is likely that astroglial swelling caused by the accumulation of these amino acids via the alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2 exchanger and system N transporters activates volume-regulated anion channels,leading to the release of excitotoxins and subsequent neuronal damage through N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activation.Thus,previously unrecognized mechanisms involving non-excitatory amino acids may contribute to the progression and expansion of brain injury in neurological emergencies such as stroke and traumatic brain injury.Understanding these pathways co uld highlight new therapeutic targets to mitigate brain injury.

Abomasal infusion of branched-chain amino acids or branched-chain keto-acids alter lactation performance and liver triglycerides in fresh cows

Background Dairy cows are at high risk of fatty liver disease in early lactation,but current preventative measures are not always effective.Cows with fatty liver have lower circulating branched-chain amino acid(BCAA)concentra-tions whereas cows with high circulating BCAA levels have low liver triglyceride(TG).Our objective was to determine the impact of BCAA and their corresponding ketoacids(branched-chain ketoacids,BCKA)on production performance and liver TG accumulation in Holstein cows in the first 3 weeks postpartum.Methods Thirty-six multiparous Holstein cows were used in a randomized block design experiment.Cows were abomasally infused for the first 21 d postpartum with solutions of 1)saline(CON,n=12);2)BCA(67 g valine,50 g leu-cine,and 34 g isoleucine,n=12);and 3)BCK(77 g 2-ketovaline calcium salt,57 g 2-ketoleucine calcium salt,and 39 g 2-ketoisoleucine calcium salt,n=12).All cows received the same diet.Treatment effects were determined using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS.Results No differences were detected for body weight,body condition score,or dry matter intake averaged over the first 21 d postpartum.Cows receiving BCK had significantly lower liver TG concentrations compared to CON(6.60%vs.4.77%,standard error of the mean(SEM)0.49)during the first 3 weeks of lactation.Infusion of BCA increased milk yield(39.5 vs.35.3 kg/d,SEM 1.8),milk fat yield(2.10 vs.1.69 kg/d,SEM 0.08),and lactose yield(2.11 vs.1.67 kg/d,SEM 0.07)compared with CON.Compared to CON,cows receiving BCA had lower plasma glucose(55.0 vs.59.2 mg/dL,SEM 0.86)but higherβ-hydroxybutyrate(9.17 vs.6.00 mg/dL,SEM 0.80).Conclusions Overall,BCAA supplementation in this study improved milk production,whereas BCKA supplementa-tion reduced TG accumulation in the liver of fresh cows.

Evolution of free amino acids, biogenic amines and volatile compounds in fermented sausages inoculated with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Staphylococcus simulans

Lactic acid bacteria and coagulase-negative staphylococci play an important role in the production of fermented sausages,such as inhibiting the growth of undesirable bacteria and antioxidant.In this study,the effects of inoculation with different starter cultures(Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HN108 and Staphylococcus simulans NJ209)on the free amino acids(FAAs),biogenic amines(BAs)and volatile compounds of fermented sausages were investigated using an amino acid analyzer,ultra performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry,respectively.The pH and carbonyl content of the inoculated group was significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).L.plantarum HN108 significantly reduced the content of FAAs and BAs in fermented sausage production(P<0.05),while S.simulans NJ209 promoted the formation of FAAs(especially bitter amino acids)and exhibited slight BAs-reducing activity.In addition,L.plantarum HN108 promoted the formation of volatile compounds such as ketones,alcohols and alkenes in sausages.In conclusion,L.plantarum HN108 could contribute to reducing the content of putrescine and tyramine and forming the desirable flavor compounds in fermented sausages.Thus,L.plantarum HN108 is expected to be a starter culture that can improve the safety and flavor of fermented sausages.

Low crude protein formulation with supplemental amino acids for its impacts on intestinal health and growth performance of growing-finishing pigs

Background Low crude protein(CP)formulations with supplemental amino acids(AA)are used to enhance intestinal health,reduce costs,minimize environmental impact,and maintain growth performance of pigs.However,extensive reduction of dietary CP can compromise growth performance due to limited synthesis of non-essential AA and limited availability of bioactive compounds from protein supplements even when AA requirements are met.Moreover,implementing a low CP formulation can increase the net energy(NE)content in feeds causing excessive fat deposition.Additional supplementation of functional AA,coupled with low CP formulation could further enhance intestinal health and glucose metabolism,improving nitrogen utilization,and growth performance.Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of low CP formulations with supplemental AA on the intestinal health and growth performance of growing-finishing pigs.Methods In Exp.1,90 pigs(19.7±1.1 kg,45 barrows and 45 gilts)were assigned to 3 treatments:CON(18.0%CP,supplementing Lys,Met,and Thr),LCP(16.0%CP,supplementing Lys,Met,Thr,Trp,and Val),and LCPT(16.1%CP,LCP+0.05%SID Trp).In Exp.2,72 pigs(34.2±4.2 kg BW)were assigned to 3 treatments:CON(17.7%CP,meeting the requirements of Lys,Met,Thr,and Trp);LCP(15.0%CP,meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,and Phe);and VLCP(12.8%CP,meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,Phe,His,and Leu).In Exp.3,72 pigs(54.1±5.9 kg BW)were assigned to 3 treatments and fed experimental diets for 3 phases(grower 2,finishing 1,and finishing 2).Treatments were CON(18.0%,13.8%,12.7%CP for 3 phases;meeting Lys,Met,Thr,and Trp);LCP(13.5%,11.4%,10.4%CP for 3 phases;meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,and Phe);and LCPG(14.1%,12.8%,11.1%CP for 3 phases;LCP+Glu to match SID Glu with CON).All diets had 2.6 Mcal/kg NE.Results In Exp.1,overall,the growth performance did not differ among treatments.The LCPT increased(P<0.05)Claudin-1 expression in the duodenum and jejunum.The LCP and LCPT increased(P<0.05)CAT-1,4F2hc,and B0AT expressions in the jejunum.In Exp.2,overall,the VLCP reduced(P<0.05)G:F and BUN.The LCP and VLCP increased(P<0.05)the backfat thickness(BFT).In Exp.3,overall,growth performance and BFT did not differ among treatments.The LCPG reduced(P<0.05)BUN,whereas increased the insulin in plasma.The LCP and LCPG reduced(P<0.05)the abundance of Streptococcaceae,whereas the LCP reduced(P<0.05)Erysipelotrichaceae,and the alpha diversity.Conclusions When implementing low CP formulation,CP can be reduced by supplementation of Lys,Thr,Met,Trp,Val,and Ile without affecting the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs when NE is adjusted to avoid increased fat deposition.Supplementation of Trp above the requirement or supplementation of Glu in low CP formulation seems to benefit intestinal health as well as improved nitrogen utilization and glucose metabolism.

Heterogeneously elevated branched-chain/aromatic amino acids among new-onset type-2 diabetes mellitus patients are potentially skewed diabetes predictors

BACKGROUND The lack of specific predictors for type-2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)severely impacts early intervention/prevention efforts.Elevated branched-chain amino acids(BCAAs:Isoleucine,leucine,valine)and aromatic amino acids(AAAs:Tyrosine,tryptophan,phenylalanine)show high sensitivity and specificity in predicting diabetes in animals and predict T2DM 10-19 years before T2DM onset in clinical studies.However,improvement is needed to support its clinical utility.AIM To evaluate the effects of body mass index(BMI)and sex on BCAAs/AAAs in new-onset T2DM individuals with varying body weight.METHODS Ninety-seven new-onset T2DM patients(<12 mo)differing in BMI[normal weight(NW),n=33,BMI=22.23±1.60;overweight,n=42,BMI=25.9±1.07;obesity(OB),n=22,BMI=31.23±2.31]from the First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province,Kunming,China,were studied.One-way and 2-way ANOVAs were conducted to determine the effects of BMI and sex on BCAAs/AAAs.RESULTS Fasting serum AAAs,BCAAs,glutamate,and alanine were greater and high-density lipoprotein(HDL)was lower(P<0.05,each)in OB-T2DM patients than in NW-T2DM patients,especially in male OB-T2DM patients.Arginine,histidine,leucine,methionine,and lysine were greater in male patients than in female patients.Moreover,histidine,alanine,glutamate,lysine,valine,methionine,leucine,isoleucine,tyrosine,phenylalanine,and tryptophan were significantly correlated with abdominal adiposity,body weight and BMI,whereas isoleucine,leucine and phenylalanine were negatively correlated with HDL.CONCLUSION Heterogeneously elevated amino acids,especially BCAAs/AAAs,across new-onset T2DM patients in differing BMI categories revealed a potentially skewed prediction of T2DM development.The higher BCAA/AAA levels in obese T2DM patients would support T2DM prediction in obese individuals,whereas the lower levels of BCAAs/AAAs in NW-T2DM individuals may underestimate T2DM risk in NW individuals.This potentially skewed T2DM prediction should be considered when BCAAs/AAAs are to be used as the T2DM predictor.

Six Amino Acids among Natural Moisturizing Factors Responsible for Skin Hydration: Improvement and Anti-Aging of Skin by Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate-PiteraTM Containing Skin Moisturizer

Background: Natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) are filaggrin-derived components in the cornified layer that are critical for maintaining healthy skin moisturization and barrier function. However, studies have reported conflicting findings on the relationship between NMF levels and aging, while few studies have investigated this relationship clinically. To fill this research gap, we determined the levels of major NMF components such as free amino acids, pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, and urocanic acids, and individually verified their relationships with skin hydration, barrier function, age, and skin aging. Purpose: The objective of this study was to clinically investigate the relationship between NMF components levels and skin aging in facial skin. The main NMF components were obtained from facial skin and quantified. We then selected NMF components showing strong relationships to skin hydration, and analyzed the relationships of the levels of these selected NMF components with signs of skin aging, namely, texture, pores, wrinkles, and dullness (L-value). We also examined the efficacy of treatment with a skin care formula (SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, called SK-II FTE hereafter) including Galactomyces ferment filtrate (GFF, PiteraTM) on the selected NMF component levels associated with skin hydration and barrier function, and the signs of skin aging of texture, pores, wrinkles, and dullness (L-value). Method: We conducted two clinical trials in this research. In Study 1, we measured 23 NMF components using tape-stripped cornified layer to quantify them via an HPLC method in 196 Asian females aged 20 to 59 (mean S.D., 38.6 9.4). Facial visual aging parameters [texture, pores, wrinkles, and dullness (L-value)], as well as elasticity (R7), skin hydration, and TEWL, were quantified using facial skin imaging and skin physical property measurement devices. Study 2 was performed to evaluate whether the facial application of SK-II FTE affects the NMF levels and skin aging parameters in 63 Asian female volunteers aged 20 to 55 (38.4 9.03). During the course of Study 2, 0.6 mL of SK-II FTE was applied to the face twice daily in the morning and afternoon. Skin measurements were performed at the start of the day (baseline) and at week 8. Results: In Study 1, we examined the stratum corneum levels of 23 NMF components comparing to the skin hydration status in 196 female subjects. The subjects were divided into two groups using the median of each measured NMF component. Skin hydration values were compared between the two groups defined for each NMF component. The results showed that subjects with higher levels of six amino acids, alanine, arginine, asparagine, glutamine, glycine, and histidine, exhibited significantly higher skin hydration than those with lower amino acid levels. No significant differences in skin hydration values were found for the other 17 NMF components. We then analyzed whether the sum of these six amino acid NMF components (called 6-AA-NMFs, hereafter) is affected by aging. The 6-AA-NMF level peaked in the subjects aged 25-29, and then gradually and significantly decreased with age. Interestingly, the 6-AA-NMF level was significantly correlated with the skin hydration value, but not with TEWL. In addition, the 6-AA-NMF level demonstrated significant correlations with the signs of skin aging of texture, pores, wrinkles, and dullness (L-value). Then, in Study 2, we examined whether the daily application of SK-II FTE affects the 6-AA-NMF level and visual aging parameters in 63 females. SK-II FTE demonstrated significant increases of the levels of 6-AA-NMFs and each of its components associated with hydration and barrier function, and improvements of skin texture, pores, wrinkles, and dullness (L-value) during the 8 weeks of treatment of facial skin. Conclusion: These clinical studies with large numbers of subjects across a wide age range revealed that six amino acids as NMF components were highly correlated with facial skin hydration in the stratum corneum. The levels of these six NMF components were also found to decrease at ages after the 30 s and were significantly correlated with major signs of skin aging. Notably, these six NMF components (6-AA-NMFs) were increased by SK-II FTE treatment associated with improvements of skin hydration and signs of skin aging, namely, texture, pores, wrinkles, and dullness (L-value). These studies were limited by the lack of investigation of why some NMF components were not associated with skin hydration. More clinical trials examining various NMF components and their relationship with aging are anticipated.

Metagenomic analysis revealing the metabolic role of microbial communities in the free amino acid biosynthesis of Monascus rice vinegar during fermentation

Free amino acid(FAA)is the important component of vinegar that infl uences quality perception and consumer acceptance.FAA is one of the major metabolites produced by microorganisms;however,the microbial metabolic network on FAA biosynthesis remains unclear.Through metagenomic analysis,this work aimed to elucidate the roles of microbes in FAA biosynthesis during Monascus rice vinegar fermentation.Taxonomic profiles from functional analyses showed 14 dominant genera with high contributions to the metabolism pathways.The metabolic network for FAA biosynthesis was then constructed,and the microbial distribution in different metabolic pathways was illuminated.The results revealed that 5 functional genera were closely involved in FAA biosynthesis.This study illuminated the metabolic roles of microorganisms in FAA biosynthesis and provided crucial insights into the functional attributes of microbiota in vinegar fermentation.

Recovery of Li, Ni, Co and Mn from spent lithium-ion batteries assisted by organic acids: Process optimization and leaching mechanism

The proper recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)can promote the recovery and utilization of valuable resources,while also negative environmental effects resulting from the presence of toxic and hazardous substances.In this study,a new environmentally friendly hydro-metallurgical process was proposed for leaching lithium(Li),nickel(Ni),cobalt(Co),and manganese(Mn)from spent LIBs using sulfuric acid with citric acid as a reductant.The effects of the concentration of sulfuric acid,the leaching temperature,the leaching time,the solid-liquid ratio,and the reducing agent dosage on the leaching behavior of the above elements were investigated.Key parameters were optimized using response surface methodology(RSM)to maximize the recovery of metals from spent LIBs.The maxim-um recovery efficiencies of Li,Ni,Co,and Mn can reach 99.08%,98.76%,98.33%,and 97.63%.under the optimized conditions(the sulfuric acid concentration was 1.16 mol/L,the citric acid dosage was 15wt%,the solid-liquid ratio was 40 g/L,and the temperature was 83℃ for 120 min),respectively.It was found that in the collaborative leaching process of sulfuric acid and citric acid,the citric acid initially provided strong reducing CO_(2)^(-),and the transition metal ions in the high state underwent a reduction reaction to produce transition metal ions in the low state.Additionally,citric acid can also act as a proton donor and chelate with lower-priced transition metal ions,thus speeding up the dissolution process.

Enabling heterogeneous catalysis to achieve carbon neutrality: Directional catalytic conversion of CO_(2) into carboxylic acids

The increase in anthropogenic carbon dioxide(CO_(2))emissions has exacerbated the deterioration of the global environment,which should be controlled to achieve carbon neutrality.Central to the core goal of achieving carbon neutrality is the utilization of CO_(2) under economic and sustainable conditions.Recently,the strong need for carbon neutrality has led to a proliferation of studies on the direct conversion of CO_(2) into carboxylic acids,which can effectively alleviate CO_(2) emissions and create high-value chemicals.The purpose of this review is to present the application prospects of carboxylic acids and the basic principles of CO_(2) conversion into carboxylic acids through photo-,electric-,and thermal catalysis.Special attention is focused on the regulation strategy of the activity of abundant catalysts at the molecular level,inspiring the preparation of high-performance catalysts.In addition,theoretical calculations,advanced technologies,and numerous typical examples are introduced to elaborate on the corresponding process and influencing factors of catalytic activity.Finally,challenges and prospects are provided for the future development of this field.It is hoped that this review will contribute to a deeper understanding of the conversion of CO_(2) into carboxylic acids and inspire more innovative breakthroughs.

Bile acids,gut microbiota,and therapeutic insights in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a prevalent and aggressive liver malignancy.The interplay between bile acids(BAs)and the gut microbiota has emerged as a critical factor in HCC development and progression.Under normal conditions,BA metabolism is tightly regulated through a bidirectional interplay between gut microorganisms and BAs.The gut microbiota plays a critical role in BA metabolism,and BAs are endogenous signaling molecules that help maintain liver and intestinal homeostasis.Of note,dysbiotic changes in the gut microbiota during pathogenesis and cancer development can disrupt BA homeostasis,thereby leading to liver inflammation and fibrosis,and ultimately contributing to HCC development.Therefore,understanding the intricate interplay between BAs and the gut microbiota is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms underlying hepatocarcinogenesis.In this review,we comprehensively explore the roles and functions of BA metabolism,with a focus on the interactions between BAs and gut microorganisms in HCC.Additionally,therapeutic strategies targeting BA metabolism and the gut microbiota are discussed,including the use of BA agonists/antagonists,probiotic/prebiotic and dietary interventions,fecal microbiota transplantation,and engineered bacteria.In summary,understanding the complex BA-microbiota crosstalk can provide valuable insights into HCC development and facilitate the development of innovative therapeutic approaches for liver malignancy.

Increased excitatory amino acid transporter 2 levels in basolateral amygdala astrocytes mediate chronic stress–induced anxiety-like behavior

The conventional perception of astrocytes as mere supportive cells within the brain has recently been called into question by empirical evidence, which has revealed their active involvement in regulating brain function and encoding behaviors associated with emotions.Specifically, astrocytes in the basolateral amygdala have been found to play a role in the modulation of anxiety-like behaviors triggered by chronic stress. Nevertheless, the precise molecular mechanisms by which basolateral amygdala astrocytes regulate chronic stress–induced anxiety-like behaviors remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we found that in a mouse model of anxiety triggered by unpredictable chronic mild stress, the expression of excitatory amino acid transporter 2 was upregulated in the basolateral amygdala. Interestingly, our findings indicate that the targeted knockdown of excitatory amino acid transporter 2 specifically within the basolateral amygdala astrocytes was able to rescue the anxiety-like behavior in mice subjected to stress. Furthermore, we found that the overexpression of excitatory amino acid transporter 2 in the basolateral amygdala, whether achieved through intracranial administration of excitatory amino acid transporter 2agonists or through injection of excitatory amino acid transporter 2-overexpressing viruses with GfaABC1D promoters, evoked anxiety-like behavior in mice. Our single-nucleus RNA sequencing analysis further confirmed that chronic stress induced an upregulation of excitatory amino acid transporter 2 specifically in astrocytes in the basolateral amygdala. Moreover, through in vivo calcium signal recordings, we found that the frequency of calcium activity in the basolateral amygdala of mice subjected to chronic stress was higher compared with normal mice.After knocking down the expression of excitatory amino acid transporter 2 in the basolateral amygdala, the frequency of calcium activity was not significantly increased, and anxiety-like behavior was obviously mitigated. Additionally, administration of an excitatory amino acid transporter 2 inhibitor in the basolateral amygdala yielded a notable reduction in anxiety level among mice subjected to stress. These results suggest that basolateral amygdala astrocytic excitatory amino acid transporter 2 plays a role in in the regulation of unpredictable chronic mild stress-induced anxiety-like behavior by impacting the activity of local glutamatergic neurons, and targeting excitatory amino acid transporter 2 in the basolateral amygdala holds therapeutic promise for addressing anxiety disorders.

Stabilizing perovskite precursors with the reductive natural amino acid for printable mesoscopic perovskite solar cells

Solution processability significantly advances the development of highly-efficient perovskite solar cells.However,the precursor solution tends to undergo irreversible degradation reactions,impairing the device performance and reproducibility.Here,we utilize a reductive natural amino acid,Nacetylcysteine(NALC),to stabilize the precursor solution for printable carbon-based hole-conductorfree mesoscopic perovskite solar cells.We find that I_(2) can be generated in the aged solution containing methylammonium iodide(MI) in an inert atmosphere and speed up the MA-FA^(+)(formamidinium) reaction which produces large-size cations and hinders the formation of perovskite phase.NALC effectively stabilizes the precursor via its sulfhydryl group which reduces I_(2) back to I^(-)and provides H^(+).The NALC-stabilized precursor which is aged for 1440 h leads to devices with a power conversion efficiency equivalent to 98% of that for devices prepared with the fresh precursor.Furthermore,NALC improves the device power conversion efficiency from 16.16% to 18.41% along with enhanced stability under atmospheric conditions by modifying grain boundaries in perovskite films and reducing associated defects.

Effects of improved amino acid balance diet on lysine mammary utilization, whole body protein turnover and muscle protein breakdown on lactating sows

Background The study objective was to test the hypothesis that low crude protein(CP)diet with crystalline amino acids(CAA)supplementation improves Lys utilization efficiency for milk production and reduces protein turnover and muscle protein breakdown.Eighteen lactating multiparous Yorkshire sows were allotted to 1 of 2 isocaloric diets(10.80 MJ/kg net energy):control(CON;19.24%CP)and reduced CP with“optimal”AA profile(OPT;14.00%CP).Sow body weight and backfat were recorded on d 1 and 21 of lactation and piglets were weighed on d 1,14,18,and 21 of lactation.Between d 14 and 18,a subset of 9 sows(CON=4,OPT=5)was infused with a mixed solution of 3-[methyl-2H3]histidine(bolus injection)and[13C]bicarbonate(priming dose)first,then a constant 2-h[13C]bicarbonate infusion followed by a 6-h primed constant[1-13C]lysine infusion.Serial blood and milk sampling were performed to determine plasma and milk Lys enrichment,Lys oxidation rate,whole body protein turnover,and muscle protein breakdown.Results Over the 21-d lactation period,compared to CON,sows fed OPT had greater litter growth rate(P<0.05).Compared to CON,sows fed OPT had greater efficiency of Lys(P<0.05),Lys mammary flux(P<0.01)and whole-body protein turnover efficiency(P<0.05).Compared to CON,sows fed OPT tended to have lower whole body protein breakdown rate(P=0.069).Muscle protein breakdown rate did not differ between OPT and CON(P=0.197).Conclusion Feeding an improved AA balance diet increased efficiency of Lys and reduced whole-body protein turnover and protein breakdown.These results imply that the lower maternal N retention observed in lactating sows fed improved AA balance diets in previous studies may be a result of greater partitioning of AA towards milk rather than greater body protein breakdown.

Mepiquat chloride increases the Cry1Ac protein content of Bt cotton under high temperature and drought stress by regulating carbon and amino acid metabolism

The effects of mepiquat chloride(DPC)on the Cry1Ac protein content in Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt)cotton boll shells under high temperature and drought stress were investigated to provide a theoretical reference for Bt cotton breeding and high-yield and-efficiency cotton cultivation.This study was conducted using Bt cotton cultivar‘Sikang 3'during the 2020 and 2021 growing seasons at Yangzhou University Farm,Yangzhou,Jiangsu Province,China.Potted cotton plants were exposed to high temperature and drought stress,and sprayed with either 20 mg L^(-1)DPC or water(CK).Seven days after treatment,the Cry1Ac protein content,α-ketoglutarate content,pyruvic acid content,glutamate synthase activity,glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase activity,soluble protein content,and amino acid content were measured,and transcriptome sequencing was performed.DESeq was used for differential gene analysis.Under the DPC treatment,the Cry1Ac protein content increased by 4.7-11.9% compared to CK.Theα-ketoglutarate content,pyruvic acid content,glutamate synthase activity,glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase activity,soluble protein content,and amino acid content all increased.Transcriptome analysis revealed 7,542 upregulated genes and 10,449 downregulated genes for DPC vs.CK.Gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes(KEGG)analyses showed that the differentially expressed genes were mainly involved in biological processes,such as carbon and amino acid metabolism.For example,genes encoding 6-phosphofructokinase,pyruvate kinase,glutamic pyruvate transaminase,pyruvate dehydrogenase,citrate synthase,isocitrate dehydrogenase,2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase,glutamate synthase,1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase,glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase,amino-acid N-acetyltransferase,and acetylornithine deacetylase were all significantly upregulated.The DPC treatment increased pyruvate,α-ketoglutarate,and oxaloacetate by increasing the operational rate of the glycolytic pathway of the citric acid cycle.It also significantly upregulated the genes encoding glutamate synthase,pyrrolidine-5-carboxylic acid dehydrogenase,glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase,and N-acetylglutamate synthetase,while it downregulated the genes encoding glutamine synthetase.Therefore,the synthesis of aspartic acid,glutamic acid,pyruvate,and arginine increased after treatment with DPC,and the Cry1Ac protein content was increased by regulating carbon and amino acid metabolism.

Branched chain amino acids in hepatic encephalopathy and sarcopenia in liver cirrhosis:Evidence and uncertainties

Liver cirrhosis is commonly associated with nutritional alterations,reported in 20% of patients with compensated disease and over 60% of patients with decompensated cirrhosis.Nutritional disturbances are associated with a worse prognosis and increased risk of complication.Serum levels of branched-chain amino acids(BCAAs)are decreased in patients with liver cirrhosis.The imbalance of amino acids levels has been suggested to be associated with the development of complications,such as hepatic encephalopathy and sarcopenia,and to affect the clinical presentation and prognosis of these patients.Several studies investigated the efficacy of BCAAs supplementation as a therapeutic option in liver cirrhosis,but uncertainties remain about the real efficacy,the best route of administration,and dosage.

Edaravone-loaded poly(amino acid) nanogel inhibits ferroptosis for neuroprotection in cerebral ischemia injury

Neurological injury caused by ischemic stroke is a major cause of permanent disability and death. The currently available neuroprotective drugs fail to achieve desired therapeutic efficacy mainly due to short circulation half-life and poor blood−brain barrier (BBB) permeability. For that, an edaravone-loaded pH/glutathione (pH/GSH) dual-responsive poly(amino acid) nanogel (NG/EDA) was developed to improve the neuroprotection of EDA. The nanogel was triggered by acidic and EDA-induced high-level GSH microenvironments, which enabled the selective and sustained release of EDA at the site of ischemic injury. NG/EDA exhibited a uniform sub-spherical morphology with a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 112.3 ± 8.2 nm. NG/EDA efficiently accumulated at the cerebral ischemic injury site of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) mice, showing an efficient BBB crossing feature. Notably, NG/EDA with 50 µM EDA significantly increased neuron survival (29.3%) following oxygen and glucose deprivation by inhibiting ferroptosis. In addition, administering NG/EDA for 7 d significantly reduced infarct volume to 22.2% ± 7.2% and decreased neurobehavioral scores from 9.0 ± 0.6 to 2.0 ± 0.8. Such a pH/GSH dual-responsive nanoplatform might provide a unique and promising modality for neuroprotection in ischemic stroke and other central nervous system diseases.