Total flavonoids of Astragalus membranaceus protect against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced neurotoxicity in mice by inhibiting ferroptosis through SLC7A11/GPX-4 signaling pathway

Parkinson’s disease(PD)is a common neurodegenerative disorder with no cure.Astragalus membranaceus is used in Chinese culture as a food supplement to boost immunity.The present study aimed to explore the neuroprotective effects of total flavonoids extracted from A.membranaceus(TFA)and their protective mechanisms.TFA offered neuroprotection against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)in the mouse model of Parkinsonism,by improving behavior performance in the gait analysis and pole test,and inhibiting the decline of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)positive neurons and TH protein expression in substantia nigra of mice.TFA also prevented 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium(MPP+)induced neurotoxicity in SHSY5Y cells,by increasing GSH and GSH/GSSG ratio,and reducing reactive oxygen species.In addition,the neuroprotective effects of TFA were associated with its ability to restore MPTP/MPP+induced downregulation of SLC7A11 and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX-4).In conclusion,we demonstrated that TFA exerted significant neuroprotection against MPTP/MPP+induced neurodegeneration by inhibiting ferroptosis through the regulation of SLC7A11/GPX-4 axis,suggesting the use of TFA as a possible food supplement in the prevention of PD.

YTE-17 inhibits colonic carcinogenesis by resetting antitumor immune response via Wnt5a/JNK mediated metabolic signaling

The density and composition of lymphocytes infiltrating colon tumors serve as predictive factors for the clinical outcome of colon cancer.Our previous studies highlighted the potent anti-cancer properties of the principal compounds found in Garcinia yunnanensis(YTE-17),attributing these effects to the regu-lation of multiple signaling pathways.However,knowledge regarding the mechanism and effect of YTE-17 in the prevention of colorectal cancer is limited.In this study,we conducted isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification(iTRAQ)analysis on intestinal epithelial cells(IECs)exposed YTE-17,both in vitro and in vivo,revealing a significant inhibition of the Wnt family member 5a(Wnt5a)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)signaling pathway.Subsequently,we elucidated the influence and mechanism of YTE-17 on the tumor microenvironment(TME),specifically focusing on macrophage-mediated T helper 17(Th17)cell induction in a colitis-associated cancer(CAC)model with Wnt5a deletion.Additionally,we performed the single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)on the colonic tissue from the Wnt5a-deleted CAC model to characterize the composition,lineage,and functional status of immune mesenchymal cells during different stages of colorectal cancer(CRC)progression.Remarkably,our findings demon-strate a significant reduction in M2 macrophage polarization and Th17 cell phenotype upon treatment with YTE-17,leading to the restoration of regulatory T(Treg)/Th17 cell balance in azoxymethane(AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)model.Furthermore,we also confirmed that YTE-17 effectively inhibited the glycolysis of Th17 cells in both direct and indirect co-culture systems with M2 macrophages.Notably,our study shed light on potential mechanisms linking the non-canonical Wnt5a/JNK signaling pathway and well-established canonical b-catenin oncogenic pathway in vivo.Specifically,we proposed that Wnt5a/JNK signaling activity in IECs promotes the development of cancer stem cells with b-catenin activity within the TME,involving macrophages and T cells.In summary,our study undergoes the po-tential of YTE-17 as a preventive strategy against CRC development by addressing the imbalance with the immune microenvironment,thereby mitigating the risk of malignancies.

STAT3-Dependent Effects of Polymeric Immunoglobulin Receptor in Regulating Interleukin-17 Signaling and Preventing Autoimmune Hepatitis

One-third of patients with autoimmune hepatitis(AIH)have cirrhosis at the time of diagnosis.The relevance of these variables,although unknown,is believed to be critical in AIH because of suspected interactions between the gut microbiome and genetic factors.Dysbiosis of the gut flora and elevated polymeric immunoglobulin receptor(pIgR)levels have been observed in both patients and mouse models.Moreover,there is a direct relationship between pIgR expression and transaminase levels in patients with AIH.In this study,we aimed to explore how pIgR influences the secretion of regenerating islet-derived 3 beta(Reg3b)and the flora composition in AIH using in vivo experiments involving patients with AIH and a concanavalin A-induced mouse model of AIH.Reg3b expression was reduced in pIgR gene(Pigr)-knockout mice compared to that in wild-type mice,leading to increased microbiota disruption.Conversely,exogenous pIgR supplementation increased Reg3b expression and maintained microbiota homeostasis.RNA sequencing revealed the participation of the interleukin(IL)-17 signaling pathway in the regulation of Reg3b through pIgR.Furthermore,the introduction of external pIgR could not restore the imbalance in gut microbiota in AIH,and the decrease in Reg3b expression was not apparent following the inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3).In this study,pIgR facilitated the upregulation of Reg3b via the STAT3 pathway,which plays a crucial role in preserving the balance of the intestinal microbiota in AIH.Through this research,we discovered new molecular targets that can be used for the diagnosis and treatment of AIH.

血清Nox2、ATG7水平对新生儿窒息心肌损伤的评估价值

目的探讨自噬相关基因-7(ATG7)、烟酰胺腺嘌呤二核苷酸磷酸氧化酶2(Nox2)在新生儿窒息病儿血清中的表达及早期诊断价值。方法选取2019年1月至2021年12月在郑州大学第三附属医院产科分娩的75例新生儿窒息病儿为研究组,根据是否合并心肌损伤将病儿分为窒息心肌损伤组31例,窒息非心肌损伤组44例。同期选择50例健康足月新生儿为对照组。收集一般资料,采用酶联免疫吸附测定(ELISA)测量血清ATG7水平,采用蛋白质印迹法检测Nox2水平,以Nox2/β肌动蛋白的灰度比值为Nox2表达量;采用Pearson法分析ATG7、Nox2表达的相关性及与各指标的相关性;利用受试者操作特征曲线(ROC曲线)评价Nox2、ATG7水平对新生儿窒息心肌损伤的诊断价值。结果与对照组[0.26±0.06、(4.83±0.61)ng/L]比较,新生儿窒息病儿血清Nox2(0.65±0.09)、ATG7[(21.04±3.66)ng/L]表达水平升高,且窒息心肌损伤组[0.85±0.11、(24.23±3.98)ng/L]病儿血清中Nox2、ATG7水平高于窒息非心肌损伤组[0.51±0.08、(18.80±3.43)ng/L](P<0.05);窒息心肌损伤病儿血清中Nox2、ATG7表达呈显著正相关(r=0.57,P<0.05);病儿血清中Nox2和ATG7表达与肌酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)、缺血修饰白蛋白(IMA)、超敏C-反应蛋白(hs-CRP)、氨基末端脑钠肽前体(NT-ProBNP)、肌钙蛋白I(cTnI)、肌红蛋白表达均呈正相关(P<0.05);ROC曲线结果显示,血清Nox2、ATG7水平预测新生儿窒息合并心肌损伤的曲线下面积(AUC)及其95%CI分别为0.91(0.82,0.96)、0.89(0.80,0.95),对应的灵敏度分别为83.87%、87.10%,特异度分别为84.09%、75.00%,二者联合预测的AUC及其95%CI为0.92(0.84,0.97),灵敏度为90.32%,特异度为81.82%。结论窒息心肌损伤病儿血清中Nox2、ATG7表达均上调,二者联合检测对窒息心肌损伤有一定的诊断价值。

LAMOST的“Unknown”光谱分类研究:ODS-YOLOv7模型

天体识别是天文新发现和深入研究天体的基础。在LAMOST DR8 v1.0发布的低分辨率光谱数据中有约53万条因没有类别标签而被命名为“Unknown”的光谱,其中有88.56%的光谱信噪比在0~10之间,对这批光谱的研究分析将增加LAMOST的有效数据产出。该研究为“Unknown”光谱的分类设计了一种ODS-YOLOv7模型。它是一种端到端的类别预测模型,通过添加一维卷积注意力模块以提高光谱识别能力。在经过一批信噪比在0~10之间的已知类别光谱训练后,ODS-YOLOv7可以学习到低信噪比光谱的有效特征,进而实现对“Unknown”光谱的类别预测。实验表明,该模型在已知类别标记的低信噪比恒星、星系、类星体的光谱识别中,F1-score分别为0.98、0.95、0.95;同时在与传统算法KNN、RF、DT、SVM和深度学习算法1D CNN、1DSSCNN、ResNet、DenseNet、VIT对比实验中取得相对最好的效果。实验结果还给出了ODS-YOLOv7模型对DR8 v1.0中信噪比在0~10的“Unknown”光谱预测置信度分布,在预测类别为恒星、星系、类星体任务中,有92%的分类置信度在60%以上。为保证模型输出质量,本文只选取分类置信度大于99%的光谱类别作为输出结果。以此为依据,在DR8 v1.0和DR9 v0发布的全部“Unknown”光谱中分别有37.19%和47.03%被ODS-YOLOv7模型预测出类别。此外,还增加人工认证以检验该模型预测的正确性。为提升模型的可解释性,参照了二维图像特征可视化的Grad-CAM方法,将其改进为适合于可视化一维光谱数据特征的算法。其结果表明该模型可自动关注到不同的分类特征,使得该模型非常适用于低信噪比“Unknown”光谱的类别预测。

Hypoglycemic mechanism of Tegillarca granosa polysaccharides on type 2 diabetic mice by altering gut microbiota and regulating the PI3K-akt signaling pathwaye

Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a complex metabolic disease threatening human health.We investigated the effects of Tegillarca granosa polysaccharide(TGP)and determined its potential mechanisms in a mouse model of T2DM established through a high-fat diet and streptozotocin.TGP(5.1×10^(3) Da)was composed of mannose,glucosamine,rhamnose,glucuronic acid,galactosamine,glucose,galactose,xylose,and fucose.It could significantly alleviate weight loss,reduce fasting blood glucose levels,reverse dyslipidemia,reduce liver damage from oxidative stress,and improve insulin sensitivity.RT-PCR and Western blotting indicated that TGP could activate the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway to regulate disorders in glucolipid metabolism and improve insulin resistance.TGP increased the abundance of Allobaculum,Akkermansia,and Bifidobacterium,restored the microbiota abundance in the intestinal tracts of mice with T2DM,and promoted short-chain fatty acid production.This study provides new insights into the antidiabetic effects of TGP and highlights its potential as a natural hypoglycemic nutraceutical.

大语言模型驱动的交互式建筑设计新范式——基于Rhino7的概念验证

随着社会对建筑设计质量要求越来越高,建筑设计软件也变得越来越专业和复杂。现在的设计软件不仅学习成本高,而且交互模式复杂。大语言模型(LLM)的最新突破使计算机清晰地理解人类自然语言指令,并准确生成代码语言具有可行性,有望为人与软件的交互范式提供新思路。因此,本文提出了LLM驱动的交互式建筑设计新范式--将设计师通过多次键鼠操作与设计软件交互转变为LLM根据设计师自然语言指令生成并执行API调用脚本的方式;提出了技术路线并验证了其在建筑设计场景落地的可能性。该技术路线包括:①LLM根据用户指令从API库中搜索与任务相关的API;②LLM基于指令和候选API摘要信息编写程序脚本并运行;③LLM根据来自软件环境、用户等反馈改进优化所编写的程序脚本。通过Rhino7设计软件、GPT-4和CodeLlaMa完成多个设计任务,测试当前LLM是否具备执行该技术路线各关键环节的能力。测试结果不仅证明了LLM驱动的交互式设计范式在建筑设计场景已初具落地前景,也为技术落地提供经验和建议。该设计范式的落地可以降低软件的使用门槛和学习成本,提高设计师工作效率;有望在未来的建筑设计软件中发挥重要作用。

PKHD1L1 blocks the malignant behavior of lung adenocarcinoma cells and restricts tumor growth by regulating CBX7

Objective:To explore the role of polycystic kidney and hepatic disease 1-like 1(PKHD1L1)in lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD).Methods:Bioinformatics tools were utilized to examine the clinical profile of PKHD1L1 and chromobox protein homolog 7(CBX7)in LUAD.The Cell Counting Kit-8,colony formation,terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling,Transwell,and wound-healing assays were carried out to assess the proliferative,apoptotic,invasive,and migrative capacities of the cells.Furthermore,the interrelation between PKHD1L1 and CBX7 was validated using a co-immunoprecipitation assay.A LUAD mice model was constructed by subcutaneous injection of A549 cells.Finally,immunohistochemical staining was performed to evaluate CBX7 and Ki67 expression.Results:PKHD1L1 was downregulated in LUAD and predicted dismal outcomes in patients with LUAD.PKHD1L1 upregulation repressed the proliferative,invasive,and migrative capabilities of A549 cells and exacerbated the apoptotic rate.Additionally,PKHD1L1 may bind to CBX7 and positively modulate CBX7 expression.CBX7 deletion partly abrogated the effects of PKHD1L1 upregulation on the cellular biological activities in A549 cells.Furthermore,the PKHD1L1/CBX7 axis regulates the Hippo signaling pathway in A549 cells.PKHD1L1 restricted tumor growth in LUAD xenograft mice;this was partly abolished by CBX7 knockdown.Conclusion:PKHD1L1 can hinder LUAD progression by regulating CBX7-mediated Hippo signaling.

Antibacterial mechanism of kojic acid and tea polyphenols against Escherichia coli O157:H7 through transcriptomic analysis

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is one of the major foodborne pathogenic bacterial that cause infectious diseases in humans.The previous found that a combination of kojic acid and tea polyphenols exhibited better activity against E.coli O157:H7 than using either alone.This study aimed to explore responses underlying the antibacterial mechanisms of kojic acid and tea polyphenols from the gene level.The functional enrichment analysis by comparing kojic acid and tea polyphenols individually or synergistically against E.coli O157:H7 found that acid resistance systems in kojic acid were activated,and the cell membrane and genomic DNA were destructed in the cells,resulting in“oxygen starvation”.The oxidative stress response triggered by tea polyphenols inhibited both sulfur uptake and the synthesis of ATP,which affected the bacteria's life metabolic process.Interestingly,we found that kojic acid combined with tea polyphenols hindered the uptake of iron that played an essential role in the synthesis of DNA,respiration,tricarboxylic acid cycle.The results suggested that the iron uptake pathways may represent a novel approach for kojic acid and tea polyphenols synergistically against E.coli O157:H7 and provided a theoretical basis for bacterial pathogen control in the food industry.

Impact of STAT-signaling pathway on cancer-associated fibroblasts in colorectal cancer and its role in immunosuppression

Colorectal cancer(CRC)remains one of the most commonly diagnosed and deadliest types of cancer worldwide.CRC displays a desmoplastic reaction(DR)that has been inversely associated with poor prognosis;less DR is associated with a better prognosis.This reaction generates excessive connective tissue,in which cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)are critical cells that form a part of the tumor microenvironment.CAFs are directly involved in tumorigenesis through different mechanisms.However,their role in immunosuppression in CRC is not well understood,and the precise role of signal transducers and activators of transcription(STATs)in mediating CAF activity in CRC remains unclear.Among the myriad chemical and biological factors that affect CAFs,different cytokines mediate their function by activating STAT signaling pathways.Thus,the harmful effects of CAFs in favoring tumor growth and invasion may be modulated using STAT inhibitors.Here,we analyze the impact of different STATs on CAF activity and their immunoregulatory role.

Mechanism of action of cordycepin in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma via regulation of the Hippo signaling pathway

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the common most malignant tumors.This study aimed to determine the in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity of cordycepin and elucidate its mechanism of action.The results of in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that cordycepin inhibited proliferation and migration in HepG-2 cells and inhibited the growth of HepG-2 xenograft-bearing nude mice by inducing apoptosis.Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed a total of 403 differential genes,which revealed that cordycepin may play an anti-HCC role by regulating Hippo signaling pathway.The regulatory effects of cordycepin on the Hippo signaling pathway was further investigated using a YAP1 inhibitor.The results demonstrated that cordycepin upregulated the expression of MST1 and LAST1,and subsequently inhibited YAP1,which activated the Hippo signaling pathway.This in turn downregulated the expression of GBP3 and ETV5,and subsequently inhibited cell proliferation and migration.Additionally,YAP1 regulated the expression of Bax and Bcl-2,regulated the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway,and induced apoptosis by upregulating the expression of the caspase-3 protein.In summary,this study reveals that cordycepin exerts its anti-hepatocarcinoma effect through regulating Hippo signaling pathway,and GBP3 and ETV5 may be potential therapeutic targets for hepatocarcinoma.

Metabotropic glutamate receptors(mGluRs)in epileptogenesis:an update on abnormal mGluRs signaling and its therapeutic implications

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by high morbidity,high recurrence,and drug resistance.Enhanced signaling through the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate is intricately associated with epilepsy.Metabotropic glutamate receptors(mGluRs)are G protein-coupled receptors activated by glutamate and are key regulators of neuronal and synaptic plasticity.Dysregulated mGluR signaling has been associated with various neurological disorders,and numerous studies have shown a close relationship between mGluRs expression/activity and the development of epilepsy.In this review,we first introduce the three groups of mGluRs and their associated signaling pathways.Then,we detail how these receptors influence epilepsy by describing the signaling cascades triggered by their activation and their neuroprotective or detrimental roles in epileptogenesis.In addition,strategies for pharmacological manipulation of these receptors during the treatment of epilepsy in experimental studies is also summarized.We hope that this review will provide a foundation for future studies on the development of mGluR-targeted antiepileptic drugs.

Carbon Monoxide Modulates Auxin Transport and Nitric Oxide Signaling in Plants under Iron Deficiency Stress

Carbon monoxide(CO)and nitric oxide(NO)are signal molecules that enhance plant adaptation to environmental stimuli.Auxin is an essential phytohormone for plant growth and development.CO and NO play crucial roles in modulating the plant’s response to iron deficiency.Iron deficiency leads to an increase in the activity of heme oxygenase(HO)and the subsequent generation of CO.Additionally,it alters the polar subcellular distribution of Pin-Formed 1(PIN1)proteins,resulting in enhanced auxin transport.This alteration,in turn,leads to an increase in NO accumulation.Furthermore,iron deficiency enhances the activity of ferric chelate reductase(FCR),as well as the expression of the Fer-like iron deficiency-induced transcription factor 1(FIT)and the ferric reduction oxidase 2(FRO2)genes in plant roots.Overexpression of the long hypocotyl 1(HY1)gene,which encodes heme oxygenase,or the CO donor treatment resulted in enhanced basipetal auxin transport,higher FCR activity,and the expression of FIT and FRO2 genes under Fe deficiency.Here,a potential mechanism is proposed:CO and NO interact with auxin to address iron deficiency stress.CO alters auxin transport,enhancing its accumulation in roots and up-regulating key iron-related genes like FRO2 and IRT1.Elevated auxin levels affect NO signaling,leading to greater sensitivity in root development.This interplay promotes FCR activity,which is crucial for iron absorption.Together,these molecules enhance iron uptake and root growth,revealing a novel aspect of plant physiology in adapting to environmental stress.

Cinobufotalin prevents bone loss induced by ovariectomy in mice through the BMPs/SMAD and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways

Background:Osteoporosis is a chronic bone disease characterized by bone loss and decreased bone strength.However,current anti-resorptive drugs carry a risk of various complications.The deep learning-based efficacy prediction system(DLEPS)is a forecasting tool that can effectively compete in drug screening and prediction based on gene expression changes.This study aimed to explore the protective effect and potential mechanisms of cinobufotalin(CB),a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),on bone loss.Methods:DLEPS was employed for screening anti-osteoporotic agents according to gene profile changes in primary osteoporosis.Micro-CT,histological and morphological analysis were applied for the bone protective detection of CB,and the osteogenic differentiation/function in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(hBMMSCs)were also investigated.The underlying mechanism was verified using qRT-PCR,Western blot(WB),immunofluorescence(IF),etc.Results:A safe concentration(0.25mg/kg in vivo,0.05μM in vitro)of CB could effectively preserve bone mass in estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss and promote osteogenic differentiation/function of hBMMSCs.Both BMPs/SMAD and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways participated in CB-induced osteogenic differentiation,further regulating the expression of osteogenesis-associated factors,and ultimately promoting osteogenesis.Conclusion:Our study demonstrated that CB could significantly reverse estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss,further promoting osteogenic differentiation/function of hBMMSCs,with BMPs/SMAD and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways involved.

Naringin ameliorates H_(2)O_(2)-induced oxidative damage in cells and prolongs the lifespan of female Drosophila melanogaster via the insulin signaling pathway

Naringin exists in a wide range of Chinese herbal medicine and has proven to possess several pharmacological properties.In this study,PC12,HepG2 cells,and female Drosophila melanogaster were used to investigate the antioxidative and anti-aging effects of naringin and explore the underlying mechanisms.The results showed that naringin inhibited H_(2)O_(2)-induced decline in cell viability and decreased,the content of reactive oxygen species in cells.Meanwhile,naringin prolonged the lifespan of flies,enhanced the abilities of climbing and the resistance to stress,improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes,and decreased malondialdehyde content.Naringin also improved intestinal barrier dysfunction and reduced abnormal proliferation of intestinal stem cells.Moreover,naringin down-regulated the mRNA expressions of inr,chico,pi 3k,and akt-1,and up-regulated the mRNA expressions of dilp2,dilp3,dilp5,and foxo,thereby activating autophagy-related genes and increasing the number of lysosomes.Furthermore,the mutant stocks assays and computer molecular simulation results further indicated that naringin delayed aging by inhibiting the insulin signaling(IIS)pathway and activating the autophagy pathway,which was consistent with the result of network pharmacological predictions.

TCGA-based analysis of oncogenic signaling pathways underlying oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background:Oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)represents a prevalent malignancy in the oral and maxillofacial area,having a considerable negative impact on both the quality of life and overall survival of affected individuals.Our research endeavors to leverage bioinformatic approaches to elucidate oncogenic signaling pathways,with the ultimate goal of gaining deeper insights into the molecular underpinnings of OSCC pathogenesis,and thus laying the groundwork for the development of more effective therapeutic and preventive strategies.Methods:Differential expression analysis was performed on mRNA data from tumor and normal tissue groups to identify genes associated with OSCC,using The Cancer Genome Atlas database.Predictions of oncogenic signaling pathways linked to differentially expressedmRNAs were made,and these results were presented visually using R software,using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichments.Results:GO and KEGG analyses of 2938 differentially expressed genes in OSCC highlighted their significant involvement in various biological processes.Notably,these processes were related to the extracellular matrix,structural organization,connective tissue development,and cell cycle regulation.Conclusions:The comprehensive exploration of gene expression patterns provides valuable insights into potential oncogenic mechanisms in OSCC.

Limonin inhibits the stemness of cancer stem-like cells derived from colorectal carcinoma cells potentially via blocking STAT3 signaling

BACKGROUND Limonin is one of the most abundant active ingredients of Tetradium ruticarpum.It exerts antitumor effects on several kinds of cancer cells.However,whether limonin exerts antitumor effects on colorectal cancer(CRC)cells and cancer stem-like cells(CSCs),a subpopulation responsible for a poor prognosis,is unclear.AIM To evaluate the effects of limonin on CSCs derived from CRC cells.METHODS CSCs were collected by culturing CRC cells in serum-free medium.The cytotoxicity of limonin against CSCs and parental cells(PCs)was determined by cholecystokinin octapeptide-8 assay.The effects of limonin on stemness were detected by measuring stemness hallmarks and sphere formation ability.RESULTS As expected,limonin exerted inhibitory effects on CRC cell behaviors,including cell proliferation,migration,invasion,colony formation and tumor formation in soft agar.A relatively low concentration of limonin decreased the expression stemness hallmarks,including Nanog andβ-catenin,the proportion of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1-positive CSCs,and the sphere formation rate,indicating that limonin inhibits stemness without presenting cytotoxicity.Additionally,limonin treatment inhibited invasion and tumor formation in soft agar and in nude mice.Moreover,limonin treatment significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3 at Y705 but not S727 and did not affect total STAT3 expression.Inhibition of Nanog andβ-catenin expression and sphere formation by limonin was obviously reversed by pretreatment with 2μmol/L colievlin.CONCLUSION Taken together,these results indicate that limonin is a promising compound that targets CSCs and could be used to combat CRC recurrence and metastasis.

加味四妙散对急性痛风性关节炎大鼠的疗效及对滑膜组织中嘌呤能离子通道型受体7 NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3表达的影响

目的通过研究加味四妙散干预急性痛风性关节炎大鼠滑膜组织中嘌呤能离子通道型受体7(P2X7R)、NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3(NLRP3)表达的影响,探讨加味四妙散在防治急性痛风性关节炎的疗效及抗炎作用机制。方法选择雄性SD大鼠60只,按照随机数字表法分为6组,分别为空白对照组、模型组、秋水仙碱组、加味四妙散低剂量组、加味四妙散中剂量组、加味四妙散高剂量组,每组10只。空白对照组给予等体积0.9%氯化钠注射液在相应的部位,其余5组复制高尿酸血症并急性痛风性关节炎大鼠模型。加味四妙散组予加味四妙散低、中、高剂量水提液(4.24 g/kg、8.48 g/kg、16.96 g/kg)灌胃、秋水仙碱组予秋水仙碱混悬液(3 mg/kg)灌胃。模型组予等量0.9%氯化钠注射液灌胃。经过4 h、8 h、12 h、24 h和48 h的治疗,对右踝关节的肿胀情况及大鼠步态进行观察。末次给药2 h后,通过腹主动脉采血,采用生化法检测血清尿酸浓度、肝肾功能及血清三磷酸腺苷(ATP)水平,酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)测定血清中白细胞介素(IL)-1β、IL-8含量,取受试踝关节滑膜组织,苏木精-伊红染色(HE)观察滑膜组织病理情况,利用蛋白免疫印迹法检测滑膜组织中NLRP3、P2X7R蛋白的表达。结果除空白对照组外,各组大鼠的踝关节肿胀率从造模后4~8 h开始上升,24 h达高峰后下降。在造模48 h后,秋水仙碱组和加味四妙散的低、中、高剂量组的肿胀率减轻,步态逐渐改善(P<0.05),与空白组比较,模型组中滑膜组织表现出关节炎病理改变,显微镜下可见滑膜脱落、坏死,滑膜细胞增生,相较于模型组,加味四妙散的低、中、高剂量组以及秋水仙碱组在血清ATP、IL-1β、血尿酸、IL-8均降低,滑膜组织关节炎病理情况得到改善。滑膜组织P2X7R、NLRP3蛋白表达均降低(P<0.05),与秋水仙碱组相比,加味四妙散对大鼠肝肾功能的损害较小(P<0.05)。结论加味四妙散可以降低高尿酸血症和痛风模型大鼠的血尿酸水平,减少对肝肾功能的损害,抑制急性痛风性关节炎大鼠踝关节滑膜组织中NLRP3、P2X7R蛋白的表达,降低局部组织炎症反应,从而发挥治疗作用。

Oleanolic acid inhibits colon cancer cell stemness and reverses chemoresistance by suppressing JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway

Background:Oleanolic acid(OA),a pentacyclic triterpenoid exhibiting specific anti-cancer properties and highly effective antioxidant activity,was isolated from traditional Chinese medicinal herbs.Conversely,the OA that impacts colon cancer(CC)cells and its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.Methods:The cytotoxic effect of OA alone or OA-5-Fluorouracil(5-FU)combination on normal and CC cells was analyzed by methyl thiazolyl diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide(MTT).Then,the impact of OA on CC cell lines(LoVo and HT-29)proliferation and stemness were measured using colon formation and tumorsphere formation assays.Octamer-binding transcription factor 4(Oct4),Prominin-1(CD133),Nanog,and transcription factor SOX-2(SOX2)are cell stemness-related indicators whose expression was assessed usingfluorescence qPCR assay,Western blotting,and immunohistochemistry.The effect of OA on the proliferative potency of CC cells was evaluated using an in vivo model.Results:The stem-like characteristics and clone production of colon cancer cells were markedly reduced by OA alone or in combination with OA-5-FU.Moreover,OA increases the susceptibility of CC cells to 5-FU by blocking the cell stemness-related markers(CD133,Nanog,SOX2,and Oct4)expression levels both in vitro and in vivo,as well as by inactivating the activator of transcription 3(STAT3 signaling)and Janus kinase 2/signal transducer(JAK2).Conclusion:Thesefindings imply that oleanolic acid,both in vitro and in vivo,suppresses the JAK2/STAT3 pathway,which in turn reverses chemoresistance and decreases colon cancer cell stemness.Therefore,by reducing the recommended amount of 5-FU,this strategy may improve chemotherapeutic effectiveness and minimize undesired side effects.

Human herpesvirus 7 meningitis in an adolescent with normal immune function:A case report

BACKGROUND Human herpesvirus type 7(HHV-7)is a less common herpes virus that usually causes mild,self-limiting illnesses.However,in recent years,there have been increasing reports of HHV-7 causing serious central nervous system infections,especially meningitis.The pathogenesis and clinical features of HHV-7 meningitis,particularly in adolescents with normal immune function,remain incompletely studied.Therefore,the purpose of this report is to share a case of HHV-7 meningitis in an immunocompetent adolescent with a view to deepening our understanding of the disease.CASE SUMMARY A 12-year-old female was admitted with fever,headache,and vomiting.4 d before admission,the patient developed a fever without obvious induction,with a temperature up to 39.5℃,no convulsions,accompanied by chills,headaches,fatigue,and no muscle aches.The patient was treated with fever reduction,which could be reduced to 38℃;repeated high fever,accompanied by vomiting 7-8 times;and no abdominal pain or diarrhea.The patient was diagnosed with"acute suppurative tonsillitis"in a local hospital,and the blood routine was generally normal.The patient was given symptomatic support treatment such as"ceftriaxone sodium"and antiemetic rehydration for 2 d,and his condition did not improve.The patient's physical examination showed pharyngeal congestion,bilateral tonsil grade I hypertrophy,regression of purulent secretions,and cervical resistance.Ocular B-ultrasound:Opacity of the vitreous body and edema of the optic disc in both eyes.Optical coherence tomography examination showed that the macular fovea was generally normal in both eyes,with edema of the optic disc.DNA virus monitoring results:HHV-7.We gave ganciclovir antiviral therapy,dexamethasone anti-inflammatory treatment,mannitol to reduce cranial pressure,omeprazole to protect gastrointestinal mucosa,and calcium and potassium supplementation.CONCLUSION This study reports a case of HHV-7 meningitis in an adolescent with normal immune function.Through comprehensive analysis of the clinical manifestations,laboratory tests,and treatment methods of the patient,it is found that early identification and antiviral treatment are essential for the outcome of the disease.This case suggests that despite normal immune function,adolescents may still suffer from herpes virus type 7 meningitis,so clinicians should be vigilant and take effective treatment measures in time.