Macrophage migration inhibitory factor facilitates astrocytic production of the CCL2 chemokine following spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury causes accumulation of a large number of leukocytes at the lesion site where they contribute to excessive inflammation.Overproduced chemokines are responsible for the migratory process of the leukocytes,but the regulatory mechanism underlying the production of chemokines from resident cells of the spinal cord has not been fully elucidated.We examined the protein levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and chemokine C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 in a spinal cord contusion model at different time points following spinal cord injury.The elevation of macrophage migration inhibitory factor at the lesion site coincided with the increase of chemokine C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 abundance in astrocytes.Stimulation of primary cultured astrocytes with different concentrations of macrophage migration inhibitory factor recombinant protein induced chemokine C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 production from the cells,and the macrophage migration inhibitory factor inhibitor 4-iodo-6-phenylpyrimidine attenuated the stimulatory effect.Further investigation into the underlying mechanism on macrophage migration inhibitory factor-mediated astrocytic production of chemokine C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 revealed that macrophage migration inhibitory factor activated intracellular JNK signaling through binding with CD74 receptor.Administration of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor inhibitor 4-iodo-6-phenylpyrimidine following spinal cord injury resulted in the reduction of chemokine C-C motif chemokine ligand 2-recruited microglia/macrophages at the lesion site and remarkably improved the hindlimb locomotor function of rats.Our results have provided insights into the functions of astrocyte-activated chemokines in the recruitment of leukocytes and may be beneficial to develop interventions targeting chemokine C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 for neuroinflammation after spinal cord injury.

Risk Factors for Geo-Helminthiasis in Children Aged 6 - 36 Months in a Rural Health District in Cameroon

Introduction and Objectives: Soil-Transmitted-Helminthiasis (STH) is a public health problem in Cameroon. The control strategies currently in place, particularly chemoprevention, has shortcomings linked to the target population, which are school-age children. The objective was to determine the prevalence and the risk factors associated with geo-helminthiasis in children aged 0 to 3 years in a rural health district. Method: From December 2020 to May 2021, a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study of 376 children between 6 and 36 months was carried out in the Akonolinga health district. This was a cluster sampling in 4 health areas. Stool samples were collected and analysed using the mini-FLOTAC method. The results expressed as the number of eggs per gram of stool. A questionnaire on socio-demographic and lifestyle data was administered to the parents. The Chi-squared test was used to measure the association between geo-helminth infection and the data collected. A multivariate analysis using logistic regression was performed (p 0.05). Results: The prevalence of STH was 19.4% (Ascaris lumbricoides: 16% and Trichuris trichiura: 8%). Risk factors were: consumption of contaminated water (AOR = 1.93 [1.03 - 3.6];p = 0.040), early contact of the child with the ground (before age of 4 months) (AOR = 4.9 [2.1 - 11.37];p .001), habit of walking barefoot (AOR = 2.91 [1.1 - 7.97];p = 0.038), and living in a habitat with unpaved ground (AOR = 7.4 [1.55 - 35.7];p = 0.012). Conclusion: The prevalence of STHs in infants was high. Preventive chemotherapy should be extended to this age-group, and other measures intensified.

Factors Associated with Acute Respiratory Infections in Children Aged 0 - 5 Years in the Yénawa District of Cotonou (Benin) in 2023

Introduction: Acute respiratory infections remain one of the main causes of mortality in children aged 0 to 5. This work aimed to study the associated factors with the occurrence of acute respiratory infections in children 0 to 5 years old in Yénawa, Cotonou in 2023. Subjects and Method: It was an analytical cross-sectional study of children aged 0 - 5 years and their mothers in Yénawa, selected by four-degree random sampling. The sampling size, calculated using the Schwartz formula, was 126 children and 126 mothers. The dependent variable was the occurrence of acute respiratory infections. The independent variables were classified into four groups: socio-demographic and economic characteristics, behavioral factors, child-related factors, and environmental factors. Data collected by observation and questionnaire survey were analyzed using STATA version 15 software. Associated factors were investigated by bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression, at the 5% significance level. Results: A total of 126 children aged 0 - 5 years and 126 mothers were surveyed, aged 23.5 (11 - 36) months and 30 (18 - 48) years respectively. The prevalence of acute respiratory infections was 74.60% (CI95% = 66.89 to 82.30). The associated factors were the mother’s age between 18 and 28 (OR = 10.77;CI95% = 1.89 to 61.27;p = 0.007), the use of charcoal/wood for cooking (OR = 7.36;IC = 1.99 to 27.10;p = 0.003)), children's poor personal hygiene (OR = 8.87;IC = 2.92 to 26.97;p 0.001)), and cohabitation with domestic animals (OR = 7.27;IC = 1.67 to 31.71;p = 0.015). Conclusion: Communicating with mothers about the factors identified will help reduce the prevalence of acute respiratory infections in children aged 0 to 5.

Inhibition of chemokine-like factor 1 improves bloodbrain barrier dysfunction in rats following focal cerebral ischemia

OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of chemokine-like factor 1(CKLF1),a novel C-C chemokine,on brain-blood barrier(BBB)integrity in rat focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion model.METHODS Antibodies against CKLF1 was applied to the rightcerebral ventricle immediately after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion.Brain water content,Evans blue leakage and the expression of aquaporin-4(AQP-4),matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9),zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)and occludin were measured.RESULTS After treatment with antiCKLF1 antibody,brain water content and Evans blue leakage in ipsilateral hemisphere were decreased in a dose-dependent manner at 24 h after reperfusion,but not changed in contralateral hemisphere.Anti-CKLF1 antibody reduced the expression of AQP-4 and MMP-9,and upregulated the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin.These results suggest that CKLF1 is involved in BBB disruption after reperfusion.CONCLUSION Inhibition of CKLF1 protects against cerebral ischemia by maintaining BBB integrity,possibly via inhibiting the expression of AQP-4 and MMP-9,and increasing the expression of tight junction protein.

Distinct Expression of Chemokine-like Factor 1 in Synovium of Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis

Chemokine-like factor 1（CKLF1） is a newly cloned chemotactic cytokine with CCR4 being its functional receptor. Recent evidence demonstrates a role of CKLF1 in arthritis. The aim of this study was to quantify the expression of CKLF1 as well as assess the correlation between CKLF1 and plasma acute-phase markers. Synovium was obtained from 16 osteoarthritis（OA）, 15 rheumatoid arthritis（RA） and 10 ankylosing spondylitis（AS） patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty, with other 11 patients treated for meniscal tears during sport accidents serving as normal controls. Levels of CKLF1 and CCR4 m RNA were detected by q RT-PCR, and the expression of CKLF1 was investigated by immunohistochemistry staining, subsequently analyzed with semiquantitative scores. Plasma acute-phase markers of inflammation were determined by ELISA. CKLF1 was found with a particularly up-regulated expression in synovim from AS and RA patients, and CCR4 m RNA levels increased in RA patients, not in OA or AS patients. Elevated levels of plasma markers of inflammation including CRP, ESR and Ddimer were observed in RA. Further, significantly positive correlations between relative expression levels of CKLF1 and CRP/ESR in RA patients and a positive correlation between CKLF1 and ESR in AS patients were found. There was no detectable correlation between CKLF1 and plasma D-dimer. This study confirms an increased but different level of CKLF1 in RA, OA and AS patients, all significantly higher than that in controls. Additionally, the significant positive correlations between CKLF1 levels and CRP/ESR in RA and between CKLF1 and ESR suggest that CKLF1 might contribute to the inflammation state and clinical symptoms in these rheumatic diseases. Further studies are required to investigate the utility of targeting specific CKLF1 for symptom control or disease modification in RA and AS.

三黄益肾胶囊调控NF-κB信号通路减轻糖尿病肾病大鼠炎症反应的机制研究

目的:旨在探究三黄益肾胶囊治疗糖尿病肾病(DN)可能的炎症反应机制。方法:按照随机数字表法将60只大鼠分为正常组、模型组、厄贝沙坦组及三黄益肾低、中、高剂量组,每组10只。除正常组外,其余各组大鼠用高糖高脂饲料联合链脲佐菌素(STZ)注射建立DN模型。正常组和模型组给予生理盐水2 mL灌胃;厄贝沙坦组给予厄贝沙坦11.51 mg/kg灌胃;三黄益肾低、中、高剂量组分别给予三黄益肾胶囊0.41、0.81、1.62 g/kg灌胃。各组大鼠均1次/d,连续给药4周。比较各组大鼠空腹血糖(FBG)、体质量、24 h尿白蛋白、肾功能指标、肾组织病理学变化、肾组织抗氧化相关指标(SOD、GSH-Px活性及MDA水平)、肾组织炎症介质[白细胞介素6(IL-6)、白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)]、肾组织诱导型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)、肾组织CD68、CC趋化因子受体2(CCR2)表达、肾组织CC趋化因子配体2(CCL2)、NF-κB P65、p-NF-κB P65、IκB、p-IκB表达。结果:与模型组比较,各三黄益肾胶囊组大鼠体质量高,FBG、血清肌酐(Cr)、尿素氮(BUN)及24 h尿蛋白水平低,肾脏组织病理变化减轻,三肾组织中SOD、GSH-Px活性高,MDA水平低,IL-6、IL-1β、TNF-α水平低,肾组织中iNOS水平低,肾组织CCR2与CD68共定位水平低,CCL2、p-NF-κB P65、p-IκB蛋白表达低。结论:三黄益肾胶囊治疗DN的机制可能与抑制肾组织中NF-κB信号通路激活,减轻肾脏氧化应激及炎症反应有关。

NONHSAT248596.1内源性竞争miR-146a-5p调控骨关节炎软骨退变的机制

背景:目前已有针对lncRNA\miRNA\mRNA的共表达网络对骨关节炎发生发展调控机制的研究,课题组前期研究已通过数据库筛选出符合条件的NONHSAT248596.1和miR-146a-5p,尚缺乏体内实验来验证上述调控机制。目的:探究NONHSAT248596.1在基质细胞衍生因子1/4型趋化因子受体轴介导体内骨关节炎软骨退变进程中对miR-146a-5p发挥的竞争性内源性RNA调控作用。方法:取36只新西兰兔,通过向右侧后肢膝关节注射基质细胞衍生因子1溶液建立骨关节炎模型,采用随机数字表法分4组,lncRNA组、miRNA组、ceRNA组、对照组分别向造模膝关节内注射NONHSAT248596.1过表达的慢病毒载体、miR-146a-5p过表达的慢病毒载体、miR-146a-5p+NONHSAT248596.1过表达的慢病毒载体及空慢病毒载体。造模第4,8,12周,取膝关节软骨组织和软骨下骨组织进行相关检测。结果与结论:①苏木精-伊红与番红O固绿染色显示,4组软骨组织都有不同程度的退变表现,造模第4周时,lncRNA组软骨组织中的软骨细胞肿胀、细胞极性消失,细胞外基质破坏,出现表层糜烂、裂缝形成和软骨组织局部或全层缺失,并随时间延长软骨损伤程度逐渐加重,4组中miRNA组关节软骨炎症进展最缓慢;②qRT-PCR检测显示,相同时间点下,lncRNA组软骨组织中NONHSAT248596.1、4型趋化因子受体、基质金属蛋白酶3,9及13的mRNA表达量高于其他3组(P<0.05),miR-146a-5p、聚集蛋白聚糖及Ⅱ型胶原的mRNA表达量低于其他3组(P<0.05);造模后第8,12周,miRNA组软骨组织中的NONHSAT248596.1、4型趋化因子受体、基质金属蛋白酶3,9及13的mRNA表达量低于ceRNA组、对照组(P<0.05),miR-146a-5p、聚集蛋白聚糖及Ⅱ型胶原的mRNA表达量高于ceRNA组、对照组(P<0.05);③Western Blot检测显示,相同时间点下,lncRNA组软骨组织中的聚集蛋白聚糖及Ⅱ型胶原蛋白表达量始终低于其他3组(P<0.05);miRNA组造模后第8,12周软骨组织中的聚集蛋白聚糖及Ⅱ型胶原蛋白表达量高于ceRNA组、对照组(P<0.05);④结果表明,miR-146a-5p作为NONHSAT248596.1的作用靶点会受到其竞争性内源性RNA的作用造成活性被抑制,NONHSAT248596.1作用于miR-146a-5p后调控基质细胞衍生因子1/4型趋化因子受体轴,影响骨关节炎软骨组织中基质金属蛋白、Ⅱ型胶原、聚集蛋白聚糖的表达,造成细胞外基质的降解及蛋白多糖的丢失。

血清CCL28、SDF-1水平与慢性阻塞性肺疾病合并肺动脉高压患者病情及预后的关系

目的探讨血清CC趋化因子配体28(CCL28)、基质细胞衍生因子-1(SDF-1)水平与慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)合并肺动脉高压患者病情及预后的关系。方法选取济宁医学院附属医院2019年1月至2023年6月收治的98例COPD合并肺动脉高压患者作为病例A组,选取100例不合并肺动脉高压的COPD患者作为病例B组,10O例健康体检志愿者作为对照组。对比三组的血清CCL28、SDF-1水平,并分析COPD合并肺动脉高压患者的血清CCL28、SDF-1水平与肺动脉压参数、肺功能指标的相关性,对比COPD合并肺动脉高压患者治疗前后的各项指标变化。结果病例A组的血清CCL28、SDF-1水平显著高于病例B组、对照组,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05);病例B组的血清CCL28、SDF-1水平显著高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。病例A组患者的平均肺动脉压(mPAP)、肺动脉楔压、肺血管阻力、动脉血二氧化碳分压(PaCO,)、残总气量百分比(RV/TLC)高于病例B组,动脉血氧分压(PaO,)、第一秒用力呼气容积占预计值的百分比(FEV pred%)、肺一氧化碳弥散量(DLCO)低于病例B组,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。病例A组患者的血清CCL28、SDF-1水平与mPAP、肺动脉楔压均呈正相关(均P<0.05),与FEV,pred%、RV/TLC、DLCO无关(均P>0.05)。病例A组患者治疗后的血清CCL28、SDF-1水平及mPAP、肺动脉楔压、肺血管阻力、PaCO_(2)、RV/TLC较治疗前显著降低,PaO2、FEV,pred%、DLCO较治疗前显著升高,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。结论COPD合并肺动脉高压患者的血清CCL28、SDF-1水平显著升高,并且与肺动脉高压病情程度密切相关,积极治疗后患者的血清CCL28、SDF-1水平会显著降低。

Neuroprotective effects of exogenous brain-derived neurotrophic factor on amyloid-beta 1-40-induced retinal degeneration

Amyloid-beta(Aβ)-related alterations,similar to those found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease,have been observed in the retina of patients with glaucoma.Decreased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)are believed to be associated with the neurotoxic effects of Aβpeptide.To investigate the mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effects of BDNF on Aβ_(1-40)-induced retinal injury in Sprague-Dawley rats,we treated rats by intravitreal administration of phosphate-buffered saline(control),Aβ_(1-40)(5 nM),or Aβ_(1-40)(5 nM)combined with BDNF(1μg/mL).We found that intravitreal administration of Aβ_(1-40)induced retinal ganglion cell apoptosis.Fluoro-Gold staining showed a significantly lower number of retinal ganglion cells in the Aβ_(1-40)group than in the control and BDNF groups.In the Aβ_(1-40)group,low number of RGCs was associated with increased caspase-3 expression and reduced TrkB and ERK1/2 expression.BDNF abolished Aβ_(1-40)-induced increase in the expression of caspase-3 at the gene and protein levels in the retina and upregulated TrkB and ERK1/2 expression.These findings suggest that treatment with BDNF prevents RGC apoptosis induced by Aβ_(1-40)by activating the BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway in rats.

The miR-9-5p/CXCL11 pathway is a key target of hydrogen sulfide-mediated inhibition of neuroinflammation in hypoxic ischemic brain injury

We previously showed that hydrogen sulfide(H2S)has a neuroprotective effect in the context of hypoxic ischemic brain injury in neonatal mice.However,the precise mechanism underlying the role of H2S in this situation remains unclear.In this study,we used a neonatal mouse model of hypoxic ischemic brain injury and a lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 cell model and found that treatment with L-cysteine,a H2S precursor,attenuated the cerebral infarction and cerebral atrophy induced by hypoxia and ischemia and increased the expression of miR-9-5p and cystathionineβsynthase(a major H2S synthetase in the brain)in the prefrontal cortex.We also found that an miR-9-5p inhibitor blocked the expression of cystathionineβsynthase in the prefrontal cortex in mice with brain injury caused by hypoxia and ischemia.Furthermore,miR-9-5p overexpression increased cystathionine-β-synthase and H2S expression in the injured prefrontal cortex of mice with hypoxic ischemic brain injury.L-cysteine decreased the expression of CXCL11,an miR-9-5p target gene,in the prefrontal cortex of the mouse model and in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV-2 cells and increased the levels of proinflammatory cytokines BNIP3,FSTL1,SOCS2 and SOCS5,while treatment with an miR-9-5p inhibitor reversed these changes.These findings suggest that H2S can reduce neuroinflammation in a neonatal mouse model of hypoxic ischemic brain injury through regulating the miR-9-5p/CXCL11 axis and restoringβ-synthase expression,thereby playing a role in reducing neuroinflammation in hypoxic ischemic brain injury.

血清核因子-κB、肿瘤坏死因子-α、单核细胞趋化因子-1与老年冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病合并衰弱综合征的关系及预测模型构建

目的分析血清核因子-κB(NF-κB)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、单核细胞趋化因子-1(MCP-1)与老年冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病(CHD)合并衰弱综合征的关系并构建列线图预测模型。方法回顾性分析上海市第一人民医院嘉定分院2021年3月至2023年3月收治的50例老年CHD合并衰弱综合征患者的病例资料,将其设为观察组,采用埃德蒙顿衰弱等级量表(EFS)进行衰弱程度评估,分为轻度、中度、重度三组。另选取同期上海市第一人民医院嘉定分院收治的50例单纯老年CHD患者设为对照组,以及同期进行健康体检的50例老年人设为健康组。比较三组血清NF-κB、TNF-α、MCP-1水平及EFS评分,以及不同衰弱程度组血清NF-κB、TNF-α、MCP-1水平,Pearson法分析血清NF-κB、TNF-α、MCP-1与EFS评分的相关性。采用单因素及多因素logistic回归分析老年CHD合并衰弱综合征的危险因素,通过R软件构建列线图预测模型,以Bootstrap法进行内部验证,Hosmer-Lemeshow拟合优度检验,受试者工作特征曲线(ROC)对预测模型进行评价。结果观察组患者血清NF-κB、TNF-α、MCP-1水平及EFS评分均高于对照组和健康组(P<0.05)。重度组患者血清NF-κB、TNF-α、MCP-1水平均高于中度组、轻度组(P<0.05)。血清NF-κB、TNF-α、MCP-1水平与EFS评分均呈正相关关系(r=0.409、0.392、0.411,P<0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,年龄、抑郁症状、焦虑症状、营养不良、NYHA分级、身体活动量是老年CHD合并衰弱综合征的危险因素(P<0.05)。据此建立的列线图模型预测老年CHD合并衰弱综合征的区分能力较好(C-index=0.912),Hosmer-Lemeshow检验显示其拟合优度良好(χ^(2)=3.068,P=0.412);该预测模型预测老年CHD合并衰弱综合征的曲线下面积为0.915(95%CI 0.823~0.956)。结论老年CHD合并衰弱综合征患者血清NF-κB、TNF-α、MCP-1水平明显增高,且与衰弱严重程度密切相关,三者联合检测可提高对衰弱综合征的诊断效能。衰弱综合征的发生与多种因素有关,临床应针对相应的危险因素及早给予对症处理,以降低衰弱综合征发生风险。

槲皮素调节SDF-1/CXCR4信号轴对早发性卵巢功能不全大鼠卵巢结构及功能的影响

目的研究槲皮素通过调节基质细胞衍生因子(SDF-1)/CXC趋化因子受体4(CXCR4)信号通路对早发性卵巢功能不全(POI)大鼠卵巢结构及功能的影响。方法通过注射环磷酰胺构建POI大鼠模型,将大鼠随机分为对照组、模型组、槲皮素低剂量组(25.0 mg/kg)、槲皮素高剂量组(100 mg/kg)、槲皮素高剂量+CTCE-0214组(100 mg/kg槲皮素+10.0 mg/kg CTCE-0214),对照组大鼠给予等量0.9%氯化钠溶液。ELISA试剂盒检测大鼠血清中促卵泡激素(FSH)、雌二醇(E_(2))、抗苗勒管激素(AMH)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、丙二醛(MDA)的表达;计算5组大鼠的卵巢指数;HE染色检测大鼠卵巢组织病理损伤并进行卵泡计数;免疫组化法检测卵巢雌激素受体(ER)蛋白的表达;Western blot检测大鼠卵巢组织中SDF-1、CXCR4蛋白表达。结果与对照组比较,模型组大鼠血清中FSH、MDA水平增加,E_(2)、AMH、SOD水平减少,卵巢指数降低,卵巢组织中成熟卵泡数目降低,ER蛋白表达减少,卵巢组织中闭锁卵泡数量、SDF-1、CXCR4蛋白表达增加(P<0.05)。与模型组比较,槲皮素低剂量组和槲皮素高剂量组大鼠血清中FSH、MDA水平降低,E_(2)、AMH、SOD水平升高,卵巢指数增加,卵巢组织中成熟卵泡数目、ER蛋白表达增加,卵巢组织中闭锁卵泡数量、SDF-1、CXCR4蛋白表达减少(P<0.05)。槲皮素高剂量+CTCE-0214组与槲皮素高剂量组比较,POI大鼠卵巢结构受损加重,卵巢功能受到影响,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论槲皮素可能通过抑制SDF-1/CXCR4信号通路对早发性卵巢功能不全大鼠的卵巢结构及功能发挥保护作用。

GDM患者血清CCL11、IL-13水平预测PE发生风险价值

目的:探讨血清趋化因子配体11(CCL11)、白介素-13(IL-13)水平对妊娠期糖尿病(GDM)患者发生子痫前期(PE)风险的预测价值。方法:回顾性收集2021年9月-2023年8月本院收治的GDM患者144例临床资料,根据是否发生PE分为GDM合并PE组(n=52)和单纯GDM组(n=92),同期产前检查正常孕妇120例作为对照组。比较3组血清CCL11、IL-13水平;采用受试者工作特性(ROC)曲线评估血清CCL11、IL-13对GDM患者发生PE的预测价值;采用二分类logistic逐步回归分析探讨GDM患者发生PE影响因素。结果:血清CCL11水平GDM合并PE组(77.98±8.35 pg/ml)、单纯GDM组(44.69±5.13 pg/ml)、对照组(25.73±4.05 pg/ml)依次降低,血清IL-13水平GDM合并PE组(12.43±2.84 pg/ml)、单纯GDM组(18.23±3.37 pg/ml)、对照组(27.42±4.14 pg/ml)依次升高(均P<0.05)。血清CCL11、IL-13及两项指标联合预测GDM患者发生PE的曲线下面积(AUC)分别为0.768、0.853、0.911,特异度分别为56.1%、65.6%、86.4%,灵敏度分别为90.7%、90.7%、84.5%。回归分析显示,孕前BMI高(OR=2.073)、HOMA-IR高(OR=2.333)、CCL11≥61.10pg/ml(OR=2.697)、IL-13≤15.31pg/ml(OR=0.299)是GDM患者发生PE的独立危险因素(均P<0.05)。结论:GDM患者血清CCL11高表达、IL-13低表达与发生PE有关,且这两项指标可作为预测GDM患者发生PE风险的生物标记物。

吴茱萸碱调节SDF-1α/CXCR4信号通路对颅内动脉瘤血管平滑肌细胞增殖和凋亡的影响

目的探究吴茱萸碱通过调节基质细胞衍生因子1α(SDF-1α)/CXC趋化因子受体4(CXCR4)信号通路对颅内动脉瘤(IA)血管平滑肌细胞(VSMCs)的增殖和凋亡的作用。方法24只小鼠随机分为对照组和IA组,每组12只。IA组通过定位手术注射弹性蛋白酶制造IA模型小鼠,然后通过HE染色观察动脉组织变化。随后将小鼠主动脉血管平滑肌细胞(MOVAS)先用MTT法检测吴茱萸碱浓度对细胞的活性影响,然后将MOVAS分为ctrl组、Model组(H_(2)O_(2)诱导损伤组)、低浓度吴茱萸碱组(0.50μmol/L)、高浓度吴茱萸碱组(1.00μmol/L)、高浓度吴茱萸碱+CTCE-0214组(1.00μmol/L吴茱萸碱+10 mg/kg SDF-1α/CXCR4激活剂)。CCK-8试剂盒检测细胞活性;流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡;Western blot检测SDF-1α、CXCR4、BAX、增殖细胞核抗原(PCNA)、平滑肌22α(SM22α)和平滑肌α肌动蛋白(α-SMA)的蛋白表达。结果与对照组正常动脉组织比较,IA组的IA组织出现明显的病理变化,损伤严重。在MOVAS细胞实验中,与ctrl组比较,Model组的细胞凋亡率、SDF-1α、CXCR4、BAX蛋白表达增加,而细胞存活率、PCNA、SM22α、α-SMA含量降低(P<0.05)。与Model组比较,低浓度吴茱萸碱组、高浓度吴茱萸碱组的细胞凋亡率、SDF-1α、CXCR4、BAX蛋白表达降低,而细胞存活率、PCNA、SM22α、α-SMA含量升高(P<0.05);与高浓度吴茱萸碱组比较,高浓度吴茱萸碱+CTCE-0214组细胞凋亡率、SDF-1α、CXCR4、BAX蛋白表达升高,而细胞存活率、PCNA、SM22α、α-SMA含量降低(P<0.05)。结论吴茱萸碱可能通过抑制SDF-1α/CXCR4信号通路进而抑制颅内动脉瘤血管平滑肌细胞的凋亡,促进其增殖。

Targeted anti-cancer therapy: Co-delivery of VEGF siRNA and Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) via cRGD-modified lipid nanoparticles for enhanced anti-angiogenic efficacy

Anti-tumor angiogenesis therapy, targeting the suppression of blood vessel growth in tumors, presents a potent approach in the battle against cancer. Traditional therapies have primarily concentrated on single-target techniques, with a specific emphasis on targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor, but have not reached ideal therapeutic efficacy. In response to this issue, our study introduced a novel nanoparticle system known as CS-siRNA/PEITC&L-cRGD NPs. These chitosan-based nanoparticles have been recognized for their excellent biocompatibility and ability to deliver genes. To enhance their targeted delivery capability, they were combined with a cyclic RGD peptide (cRGD). Targeted co-delivery of gene and chemotherapeutic agents was achieved through the use of a negatively charged lipid shell and cRGD, which possesses high affinity for integrin αvβ3 overexpressed in tumor cells and neovasculature. In this multifaceted approach, co-delivery of VEGF siRNA and phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) was employed to target both tumor vascular endothelial cells and tumor cells simultaneously. The co-delivery of VEGF siRNA and PEITC could achieve precise silencing of VEGF, inhibit the accumulation of HIF-1α under hypoxic conditions, and induce apoptosis in tumor cells. In summary, we have successfully developed a nanoparticle delivery platform that utilizes a dual mechanism of action of anti-tumor angiogenesis and pro-tumor apoptosis, which provides a robust and potent strategy for the delivery of anti-cancer therapeutics.

MicroRNA-584-5p/RUNX family transcription factor 2 axis mediates hypoxia-induced osteogenic differentiation of periosteal stem cells

BACKGROUND The hypoxic environment during bone healing is important in regulating the differentiation of periosteal stem cells(PSCs)into osteoblasts or chondrocytes;however,the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.AIM To determine the effect of hypoxia on PSCs,and the expression of microRNA-584-5p(miR-584-5p)and RUNX family transcription factor 2(RUNX2)in PSCs was modulated to explore the impact of the miR-584-5p/RUNX2 axis on hypoxiainduced osteogenic differentiation of PSCs.METHODS In this study,we isolated primary mouse PSCs and stimulated them with hypoxia,and the characteristics and functional genes related to PSC osteogenic differentiation were assessed.Constructs expressing miR-584-5p and RUNX2 were established to determine PSC osteogenic differentiation.RESULTS Hypoxic stimulation induced PSC osteogenic differentiation and significantly increased calcified nodules,intracellular calcium ion levels,and alkaline phosphatase(ALP)activity in PSCs.Osteogenic differentiation-related factors such as RUNX2,bone morphogenetic protein 2,hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha,and ALP were upregulated;in contrast,miR-584-5p was downregulated in these cells.Furthermore,upregulation of miR-584-5p significantly inhibited RUNX2 expression and hypoxia-induced PSC osteogenic differentiation.RUNX2 was the target gene of miR-584-5p,antagonizing miR-584-5p inhibition in hypoxia-induced PSC osteogenic differentiation.CONCLUSION Our study showed that the interaction of miR-584-5p and RUNX2 could mediate PSC osteogenic differentiation induced by hypoxia.

Sulforaphane ameliorates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by KLF4-mediated macrophage M2 polarization

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a global issue and a severe threat to public health.However, to date, no approved therapeutic drugs have been developed. Dietary interventions with naturalproducts have shown promise in preventing and treating NAFLD. Sulforaphane (SFN) is a phytocompoundwith antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and previous research has demonstrated that SFN canameliorate hepatic lipid accumulation and inflammation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying thesebeneficial effects remain unclear. In this study, we confirmed the protective effects of SFN on excessive lipidaccumulation and inflammatory injury in a high-fat, high-fructose diet-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH) mouse model. We found that SFN attenuates the inflammatory injury in a macrophage cell line andthe liver of NASH mice, owing to the promotion of M1-type macrophage polarization toward the M2-type andthe regulation of inflammatory mediators. Further analysis demonstrated that this SFN-induced macrophageM2-type polarization occurs in a Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4)-dependent manner. In summary, we uncovereda new mechanism of action underlying SFN activity and provide evidence that dietary intervention with SFNmight be protective against NASH.

西格列汀激活基质细胞衍生因子-1/CXC趋化因子受体4信号通路对脂多糖诱导的人牙周膜干细胞增殖、凋亡、炎症和成骨分化的影响

目的 探讨西格列汀对脂多糖(LPS)诱导的炎症微环境下人牙周膜干细胞(hPDLSCs)增殖、凋亡、炎症和成骨分化的影响及分子机制。方法 体外培养hPDLSCs,用不同浓度的西格列汀处理后检测细胞活力,以确定后续西格列汀实验浓度。采用1μg/mL LPS刺激诱导24 h建立hPDLSCs炎症模型并分为空白组、对照组、西格列汀低浓度组(0.5μmol/L)、西格列汀中浓度组(1μmol/L)、西格列汀高浓度组(2μmol/L)、西格列汀高浓度+基质细胞衍生因子-1 (SDF-1)/CXC趋化因子受体4 (CXCR4)通路抑制剂(AMD3100)组(2μmol/L+10μg/mL)。细胞计数试剂盒-8检测培养24、48、72 h后的hPDLSCs增殖活性;流式细胞术检测培养72 h后hPDLSCs凋亡情况;诱导成骨分化21 d后茜素红染色检测hPDLSCs成骨分化能力,试剂盒测定hPDLSCs中碱性磷酸酶(ALP)活性;酶联免疫吸附检测hPDLSCs培养上清液中炎症因子肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α、白细胞介素(IL)-1β、IL-6水平;实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(RT-qPCR)检测hPDLSCs中成骨分化相关基因Runt相关转录因子2 (RUNX2)、骨钙素(OCN)、骨桥蛋白(OPN)及SDF-1和CXCR4 mRNA表达;Western blot检测hPDLSCs中SDF-1、CXCR4蛋白表达。结果 与空白组比较,对照组hPDLSCs增殖活性、矿化结节数量、染色强度、ALP活性和RUNX2、OCN、OPN mRNA及SDF-1、CXCR4 mRNA和蛋白表达水平显著降低,凋亡率、TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6水平显著升高(P<0.05);与对照组比较,西格列汀低、中、高浓度组hPDLSCs增殖活性、矿化结节数量、染色强度、ALP活性和RUNX2、OCN、OPN mRNA及SDF-1、CXCR4 mRNA和蛋白表达水平依次升高,凋亡率、TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6水平依次降低(P<0.05);AMD3100可部分逆转高浓度西格列汀对LPS诱导的hPDLSCs的作用效果(P<0.05)。结论 西格列汀可能通过激活SDF-1/CXCR4信号通路促进LPS诱导的炎症微环境下hPDLSCs的增殖和成骨分化,抑制hPDLSCs凋亡和炎症反应。

甲基莲心碱调节SDF-1/CXCR4信号通路对糖尿病肾病的影响

目的·探讨甲基莲心碱(neferine,Nef)对糖尿病肾病(diabetic nephropathy,DN)大鼠肾组织的作用及其相关机制。方法·采用高脂饲料喂食联合腹腔注射链脲佐菌素的方法构建DN模型大鼠,并将造模成功的大鼠随机分为DN组、Nef(低、中、高)剂量组、Nef高剂量+通路拮抗剂(AMD3100)组,每组10只。同时,选10只普通大鼠作为正常组。检测6组大鼠的空腹血糖(fasting blood glucose,FBG)、24 h尿蛋白、血清糖化血红蛋白(glycosylated hemoglobin,HbA1c)、血清肌酐(serum creatinine,Scr)、尿素氮(blood urea nitrogen,BUN)水平及肾指数。分别采用苏木精-伊红(hematoxylin-eosin,H-E)染色、马松(Masson)染色观察6组大鼠的肾组织的病理变化。采用硫代巴比妥酸(thiobarbituric acid,TBA)法检测肾组织丙二醛(malondialdehyde,MDA)含量,分别采用水溶性四氮唑(water soluble tetrazolium,WST-1)法、钼酸铵法检测肾组织超氧化物歧化酶(superoxide dismutase,SOD)、过氧化氢酶(catalase,CAT)的活性。分别采用实时荧光定量PCR(quantitative real-time PCR,qPCR)和蛋白质印迹法(Western blotting)检测肾组织中基质细胞衍生因子-1(stromal cell-derived factor-1,SDF-1)、CXC趋化因子受体4(CXC chemokine receptor 4,CXCR4)的mRNA以及蛋白表达。采用高糖(30 mmol/L葡萄糖)诱导大鼠肾小管上皮细胞NRK-52E,以建立DN细胞模型。将该细胞分为对照组、高糖(HG)组、HG+Nef(低、中、高)剂量组(即HG+Nef-L、M、H组)、HG+Nef-H+AMD3100组。分别采用WST-1法、钼酸铵法检测模型细胞中SOD、CAT活性,采用TBA法检测MDA含量,分别采用qPCR、Western blotting检测SDF-1、CXCR4的mRNA及蛋白表达,采用CCK-8法、流式细胞术检测细胞活力和凋亡率。结果·与DN组比较,Nef(低、中、高)剂量组和Nef高剂量+AMD3100组大鼠的FBG、24 h尿蛋白、HbA1c、Scr、BUN水平以及肾指数、MDA水平均较低,SDF-1、CXCR4的mRNA和蛋白表达以及SOD、CAT活性均较高(均P<0.05),肾组织病理损伤、纤维化程度有所减轻,且均呈剂量依赖性;AMD3100能减弱高剂量Nef对DN大鼠的肾保护作用。与HG组比较,HG+Nef-L、M、H组NRK-52E细胞的活力,SOD、CAT活性,SDF-1、CXCR4的mRNA和蛋白表达均较高,MDA含量及凋亡率均较低(均P<0.05);AMD3100可逆转Nef-H对NRK-52E细胞损伤的保护作用。结论·Nef可能通过激活SDF-1/CXCR4信号通路来控制DN大鼠的血糖水平并提高其抗氧化能力,从而发挥肾保护作用。

CXCR1、ESM-1及IGFBP-2与COPD合并肺部感染患者疾病严重程度、预后的关系

目的 分析血清趋化因子受体1(CXCR1)、内皮细胞特异性分子-1(ESM-1)、胰岛素样生长因子结合蛋白2(IGFBP-2)水平与慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)合并肺部感染患者疾病严重程度、预后的关系。方法 选取2021年1月至2023年1月于阜阳市人民医院就诊的COPD患者325例,根据肺部感染情况分为感染组及未感染组。比较两组入院时的血清CXCR1、ESM-1、IGFBP-2水平及常规感染指标[C-反应蛋白(CRP)、降钙素原(PCT)]水平,采用Pearson相关分析感染组上述指标的关系。比较不同病情严重程度COPD合并肺部感染患者入院时的CXCR1、ESM-1、IGFBP-2水平。对感染组患者跟踪随访6个月或死亡止,根据预后情况分为存活亚组及死亡亚组,比较两亚组患者入院时的血清CXCR1、ESM-1、IGFBP-2水平;采用受试者工作曲线(ROC)分析上述指标对COPD合并肺部感染患者死亡的预测价值。结果 325例COPD患者包括感染组109例及未感染组216例。感染组患者入院时的血清CXCR1、ESM-1、IGFBP-2、CRP、PCT水平高于未感染组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。不同病情严重程度COPD合并肺部感染患者入院时的血清CXCR1、ESM-1、IGFBP-2水平比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。Pearson相关分析显示,感染组入院时的血清CRP水平与CXCR1、ESM-1水平呈正相关(P<0.05)。随访期间感染组死亡19例(17.43%),存活90例(82.57%),死亡亚组入院时的血清CXCR1、ESM-1、IGFBP-2水平高于存活亚组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。ROC结果显示,血清CXCR1、IGFBP-2水平预测COPD合并肺部感染患者死亡具有一定局限性(AUC=0.636、0.769),ESM-1的预测效能较好(AUC=0.827),CXCR1+ESM-1+IGFBP-2三项联合诊断的预测效能最佳(AUC=0.904)。结论 血清CXCR1、ESM-1、IGFBP-2水平在COPD合并肺部感染患者的疾病严重程度及预后评估方面具有一定指导意义。