基于ERS信号蛋白异常表达探讨清肝降浊方治疗NAFLD的机制研究

目的通过试验研究探讨清肝降浊方基于ERS信号蛋白异常表达治疗非酒精性脂肪肝病的作用机制。方法采用高脂饮食饲喂的方法,诱导建立非酒精性脂肪肝病大鼠动物模型。给药8周后,进行肝功能指标AST、ALT、AKP检测、血清中TC、TG、NEFA及肝组织匀浆中TC、TG检测、肝组织匀浆中SOD、MDA检测,检测信号通路相关蛋白ATF4、eIF2a、CHOP的表达水平。结果清肝降浊方865.1 mg/kg、432.6 mg/kg和216.3 mg/kg给药组动物血清AST、ALT、AKP活性及肝组织中ATF4、CHOP表达量、TG含量均明显的低于模型组,而肝组织中SOD活性显著高于模型组(P<0.01或P<0.05);865.1 mg/kg和432.6 mg/kg 2个给药组动物血清TC、TG、NEFA含量及肝组织中TC、TG、MDA含量、eIF2a表达量均低于模型组(P<0.01或P<0.05)。结论清肝降浊方治疗NAFLD作用机制可能是通过调节ERS信号蛋白异常表达,从而达到防治非酒精性脂肪肝病。

山莴苣素调控线粒体功能改善FFA诱导HepG2细胞脂质堆积及抗NAFLD的作用研究

研究山莴苣素通过调控线粒体功能对游离脂肪酸(FFA)诱导HepG2细胞脂质堆积的影响,探索抗非酒精性脂肪肝病(NAFLD)机制。FFA诱导HepG2细胞脂质变性(构建NAFLD体外模型),给予山莴苣素共同处理48 h。采用油红O染色观察细胞内脂滴含量,检测细胞内甘油三酯(TG)含量,脂肪酸β氧化的活力以及高通量电子显微镜观察MitoSOX Red与Mitotracker Red的荧光强弱;qRT-PCR法检测脂质代谢与线粒体相关基因的相对表达量;蛋白质印迹法测定PPARα的蛋白水平。结果显示,与模型组相比,山莴苣素抑制FFA诱导HepG2细胞内脂滴的增加,降低TG含量、MitoSOX Red的荧光强度以及SREBP1的mRNA相对表达量;上调脂肪酸β氧化的活力、Mitotracker Red的荧光强度以及AMPK、PPARα、CPT1A、PPARγ、PINK1、Parkin基因的相对表达量和PPARα蛋白表达水平。山莴苣素通过PPARα/CPT1A,PINK1/Parkin的信号转导恢复线粒体功能,改善FFA诱导HepG2细胞脂质堆积。

Microglial response to aging and neuroinflammation in the development of neurodegenerative diseases

Cellular senescence and chronic inflammation in response to aging are considered to be indicators of brain aging;they have a great impact on the aging process and are the main risk factors for neurodegeneration.Reviewing the microglial response to aging and neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases will help understand the importance of microglia in neurodegenerative diseases.This review describes the origin and function of microglia and focuses on the role of different states of the microglial response to aging and chronic inflammation on the occurrence and development of neurodegenerative diseases,including Alzheimer's disease,Huntington's chorea,and Parkinson's disease.This review also describes the potential benefits of treating neurodegenerative diseases by modulating changes in microglial states.Therefore,inducing a shift from the neurotoxic to neuroprotective microglial state in neurodegenerative diseases induced by aging and chronic inflammation holds promise for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in the future.

The role of exosomes in adult neurogenesis:implications for neurodegenerative diseases

Exosomes are cup-shaped extracellular vesicles with a lipid bilayer that is approximately 30 to 200 nm in thickness.Exosomes are widely distributed in a range of body fluids,including urine,blood,milk,and saliva.Exosomes exert biological function by transporting factors between different cells and by regulating biological pathways in recipient cells.As an important form of intercellular communication,exosomes are increasingly being investigated due to their ability to transfer bioactive molecules such as lipids,proteins,mRNAs,and microRNAs between cells,and because they can regulate physiological and pathological processes in the central nervous system.Adult neurogenesis is a multistage process by which new neurons are generated and migrate to be integrated into existing neuronal circuits.In the adult brain,neurogenesis is mainly localized in two specialized niches:the subventricular zone adjacent to the lateral ventricles and the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus.An increasing body of evidence indicates that adult neurogenesis is tightly controlled by environmental conditions with the niches.In recent studies,exosomes released from different sources of cells were shown to play an active role in regulating neurogenesis both in vitro and in vivo,thereby participating in the progression of neurodegenerative disorders in patients and in various disease models.Here,we provide a state-of-the-art synopsis of existing research that aimed to identify the diverse components of exosome cargoes and elucidate the therapeutic potential of exosomal contents in the regulation of neurogenesis in several neurodegenerative diseases.We emphasize that exosomal cargoes could serve as a potential biomarker to monitor functional neurogenesis in adults.In addition,exosomes can also be considered as a novel therapeutic approach to treat various neurodegenerative disorders by improving endogenous neurogenesis to mitigate neuronal loss in the central nervous system.

Lactate metabolism in neurodegenerative diseases

Lactate,a byproduct of glycolysis,was thought to be a metabolic waste until the discovery of the Warburg effect.Lactate not only functions as a metabolic substrate to provide energy but can also function as a signaling molecule to modulate cellular functions under pathophysiological conditions.The Astrocyte-Neuron Lactate Shuttle has cla rified that lactate plays a pivotal role in the central nervous system.Moreover,protein lactylation highlights the novel role of lactate in regulating transcription,cellular functions,and disease development.This review summarizes the recent advances in lactate metabolism and its role in neurodegenerative diseases,thus providing optimal pers pectives for future research.

Limosilactobacillus mucosae FZJTZ26M3 prevents NAFLD in mice through modulation of lipid metabolism and gut microbiota dysbiosis

Lactobacillus are considered promising therapeutic methods for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).The effects of two strains of Ltmosilactobacillus mucosae on NAFLD were investigated in this study.Fourweek-old male C57BL/6J mice were divided into 4 groups(n=8 per group,Control,Model,FZJTZ26M3,FGSYC17L3).L.mucosae FZJTZ26M3 reduced the mice 's body weight,liver weight,and adipose tissue weight after 12 weeks of therapy.According to serum analysis,total cholesterol,triacylglycerol,and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly decreased after L.mucosae FZJTZ26M3 intervention.Liver pathology showed that L.mucosae FZJTZ26M3 was effective to ameliorate lipid deposition in NAFLD mice.Additionally,the expression of the gene related to lipid metabolism in the liver and adipose tissue was analyzed,and the results indicated that L.mucosae FZJTZ26M3 could alleviate NAFLD by regulating lipid metabolism.Furthermore,the results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed a drop in the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae,which is linked to inflammation,but the relative abundance of a potential probiotic Akkermansia significantly increased after L.mucosae FZJTZ26M3 intervention.Generally,L.mucosae FZJTZ26M3 could be a candidate to prevent NAFLD.

利拉鲁肽对NAFLD合并T2DM患者心血管代谢和左心室结构及功能的影响

目的 观察利拉鲁肽对非酒精性脂肪性肝病(NAFLD)合并2型糖尿病(T2DM)患者心血管代谢和左心室结构及功能的影响。方法 回顾性选取2019年1月-2022年12月至我院内分泌科初次就诊的NAFLD合并T2DM患者351例,根据不同治疗方案分为对照组(196例)和观察组(155例)。对照组患者接受常规标准治疗方案,观察组在对照组基础上加用利拉鲁肽注射液0.6 mg/d,皮下注射,每天1次,7 d后调整至1.2 mg/d。两组患者均规律治疗超过12个月。采用倾向性匹配法对两组患者进行1∶1匹配后,比较其心血管代谢指标、心脏超声参数等,并分析左心室结构、功能参数与心血管代谢指标的相关性。结果 倾向性匹配后,两组患者(各155例)治疗前的基线临床资料比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。治疗12个月后,两组患者的腰围、体重、体重指数(BMI)、收缩压(SBP)、空腹血糖(FBG)、糖化血红蛋白(HbA1c)、甘油三酯(TG)和观察组患者的舒张压(DBP)、总胆固醇(TC)、尿酸(UA)、左室心肌质量(LVM)均较同组治疗前显著降低(P<0.05);两组患者的高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、估算肾小球滤过率(eGFR)、二尖瓣舒张早期血流峰值速度与二尖瓣舒张晚期血流峰值速度的比值(E/A比值),对照组患者的天冬氨酸转氨酶(AST),以及观察组患者的左室射血分数(LVEF)均较同组治疗前显著升高(P<0.05),且观察组患者上述指标(TG、SBP除外)的改善普遍较对照组显著(P<0.05)。两组患者治疗前后的左心室结构、功能参数(LVM、LVEF、E/A比值)与其腰围、体重、BMI、SBP、FBG、HbA1c有不同程度的关联,且BMI(观察组:β=0.229,P=0.004)和SBP(对照组:β=0.240,P=0.004;观察组:β=0.226,P=0.007)是患者LVM独立影响因素。结论 在常规标准治疗方案基础上加用利拉鲁肽可有效控制NAFLD合并T2DM患者的血糖,降低其腰围、体重和血压,并改善其血脂紊乱,且对患者心脏结构和功能具有保护作用。

Neuroprotective effects of chaperone-mediated autophagy in neurodegenerative diseases

Chaperone-mediated autophagy is one of three types of autophagy and is characterized by the selective degradation of proteins.Chaperone-mediated autophagy contributes to energy balance and helps maintain cellular homeostasis,while providing nutrients and support for cell survival.Chaperone-mediated autophagy activity can be detected in almost all cells,including neurons.Owing to the extreme sensitivity of neurons to their environmental changes,maintaining neuronal homeostasis is critical for neuronal growth and survival.Chaperone-mediated autophagy dysfunction is closely related to central nervous system diseases.It has been shown that neuronal damage and cell death are accompanied by chaperone-mediated autophagy dysfunction.Under certain conditions,regulation of chaperone-mediated autophagy activity attenuates neurotoxicity.In this paper,we review the changes in chaperone-mediated autophagy in neurodegenerative diseases,brain injury,glioma,and autoimmune diseases.We also summarize the most recent research progress on chaperone-mediated autophagy regulation and discuss the potential of chaperone-mediated autophagy as a therapeutic target for central nervous system diseases.

基于UPLC-Zone TOF-MS/MS联合网络药理学探讨脉复生防治NAFLD作用

依据脉复生的化学成分,采用网络药理学、分子对接技术、构建NAFLD小鼠模型,探究脉复生防治NAFLD的作用机制。通过UPLC-Zone TOF-MS/MS对脉复生全成分进行检测;借助Swiss生物信息学研究平台获取活性成分和靶点,在OMIM、Disgenet数据库筛选NAFLD疾病靶点,对交集靶点进行PPI分析;在Metascape网站进行GO与KEGG富集分析,对核心靶点与活性成分展开分子对接;采用HFD诱导C57BL/6J小鼠构建NAFLD模型进行核心靶点验证;指认得到130个化学成分,筛选得到54个活性成分与176个可能作用于NAFLD的潜在靶点;根据Degree值对排名前10的成分与靶点进行分子对接实验,对结合能最优的对接模型TNF与Quercetin、IL-17与Asiatic acid、IL-1β与Quercetin进行可视化分析;筛选炎症因子和脂肪代谢相关基因进行qPCR测序。富集分析表明脉复生治疗NAFLD与脂肪酸转化、脂质代谢正向调节等生物过程相关,涉及AGE-RAGE、HIF-1、IL-17等信号通路;与对照组相比,模型组血清学检测ALT、TG、LDL-C指标上升并且HDL-C指标下降(P<0.05);与模型组相比,脉复生给药组和辛伐他汀组能够降低小鼠体质量、肝脏和脂肪质量占比(P<0.05),降低血清中TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-17的含量和mRNA表达,在高剂量时具有显著性差异(P<0.01);与对照组相比,脉复生给药组能够通过调节脂质代谢相关基因的表达,降低肝脏脂质堆积,缓解肝脏脂肪变性。

Antisense therapy:a potential breakthrough in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of disorders characterized by the progressive degeneration of neurons in the central or peripheral nervous system.Currently,there is no cure for neurodegenerative diseases and this means a heavy burden for patients and the health system worldwide.Therefore,it is necessary to find new therapeutic approaches,and antisense therapies offer this possibility,having the great advantage of not modifying cellular genome and potentially being safer.Many preclinical and clinical studies aim to test the safety and effectiveness of antisense therapies in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.The objective of this review is to summarize the recent advances in the development of these new technologies to treat the most common neurodegenerative diseases,with a focus on those antisense therapies that have already received the approval of the U.S.Food and Drug Administration.

NADPH oxidase 4(NOX4)as a biomarker and therapeutic target in neurodegenerative diseases

Diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases are defined by inflammation and the damage neurons undergo due to oxidative stress. A primary reactive oxygen species contributor in the central nervous system, NADPH oxidase 4, is viewed as a potential therapeutic touchstone and indicative marker for these ailments. This in-depth review brings to light distinct features of NADPH oxidase 4, responsible for generating superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, emphasizing its pivotal role in activating glial cells, inciting inflammation, and disturbing neuronal functions. Significantly, malfunctioning astrocytes, forming the majority in the central nervous system, play a part in advancing neurodegenerative diseases, due to their reactive oxygen species and inflammatory factor secretion. Our study reveals that aiming at NADPH oxidase 4 within astrocytes could be a viable treatment pathway to reduce oxidative damage and halt neurodegenerative processes. Adjusting NADPH oxidase 4 activity might influence the neuroinflammatory cytokine levels, including myeloperoxidase and osteopontin, offering better prospects for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. This review sheds light on the role of NADPH oxidase 4 in neural degeneration, emphasizing its drug target potential, and paving the path for novel treatment approaches to combat these severe conditions.

Emerging roles of exosomes in oral diseases progression

Oral diseases, such as periodontitis, salivary gland diseases, and oral cancers, significantly challenge health conditions due to their detrimental effects on patient's digestive functions, pronunciation, and esthetic demands. Delayed diagnosis and non-targeted treatment profoundly influence patients' prognosis and quality of life. The exploration of innovative approaches for early detection and precise treatment represents a promising frontier in oral medicine.

ATP-binding cassette transporters as possible targets for the intervention of neurodegenerative diseases

ATP-binding cassette(ABC)transporters are ubiquitous membrane-bound proteins that are responsible for the translocation of a broad spectrum of substrates across cellular membranes,including lipids,amino acids,nucleosides,sugars,and xenobiotics.Interestingly,ABC transporters are highly expressed in the brain.While their functions in the brain still need to be elucidated,several members are implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases,including Alzheimer’s disease(AD),Parkinson’s disease(PD),and frontotemporal dementia.In this perspective,we will review current knowledge of ABC transporters in the central nervous system in terms of physiological functions and pathology in neurodegeneration.Furthermore,we will explore the possibilities of ABC transporters as potential targets in the development of therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases.

Morphological and biochemical characteristics associated with autophagy in gastrointestinal diseases

Autophagy is a cellular catabolic process characterized by the formation of double-membrane autophagosomes.Transmission electron microscopy is the most rigorous method to clearly visualize autophagic engulfment and degradation.A large number of studies have shown that autophagy is closely related to the digestion,secretion,and regeneration of gastrointestinal(GI)cells.However,the role of autophagy in GI diseases remains controversial.This article focuses on the morphological and biochemical characteristics of autophagy in GI diseases,in order to provide new ideas for their diagnosis and treatment.

Clinical associations of corneal neuromas with ocular surface diseases

Corneal neuromas,also termed microneuromas,refer to microscopic,irregula rly-shaped enlargements of terminal subbasal nerve endings at sites of nerve damage or injury.The formation of corneal neuromas results from damage to corneal nerves,such as following corneal pathology or corneal or intraocular surge ries.Initially,denervated areas of sensory nerve fibers become invaded by sprouts of intact sensory nerve fibers,and later injured axons regenerate and new sprouts called neuromas develop.In recent years,analysis of corneal nerve abnormalities including corneal neuromas which can be identified using in vivo confocal microscopy,a non-invasive imaging technique with microscopic resolution,has been used to evaluate corneal neuropathy and ocular surface dysfunction.Corneal neuromas have been shown to be associated with clinical symptoms of discomfort and dryness of eyes,and are a promising surrogate biomarker for ocular surface diseases,such as neuropathic corneal pain,dry eye disease,diabetic corneal neuropathy,neurotrophic keratopathy,Sjogren's syndrome,bullous keratopathy,post-refra ctive surgery,and others.In this review,we have summarized the current literature on the association between these ocular surface diseases and the presentation of corneal microneuromas,as well as elaborated on their pathogenesis,visualization via in vivo confocal microscopy,and utility in monitoring treatment efficacy.As current quantitative analysis on neuromas mainly relies on manual annotation and quantification,which is user-dependent and labor-intensive,future direction includes the development of artificial intelligence software to identify and quantify these potential imaging biomarkers in a more automated and sensitive manner,allowing it to be applied in clinical settings more efficiently.Combining imaging and molecular biomarkers may also help elucidate the associations between corneal neuromas and ocular surface diseases.

Nuance of inward rectifying potassium(Kir)channel dysfunctions in neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative disorders are highly prevalent and diverse in nature.Their manifestation largely depends on the cell types involved,with aberrant inflammatory episodes progressively inducing a constellation of phenotypes that are classified into specific diseases based on their neuropathological traits.The two most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases worldwide,Alzheimer’s disease(AD)and Parkinson’s disease(PD),for example,share notable similarities,yet they differ in terms of the specific cell types lost within the central nervous system(CNS).The significant and progressive loss of cortical and certain subcortical neurons in various regions is a major defining trait of AD.In contrast,the specific loss of dopaminergic neurons(DA)within the substantial nigra pars compacta(SNpc)is sufficient to cause motor symptoms associated with PD.Another devastating condition arising from neurodegeneration within the CNS,amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS),results in the progressive death of upper and lower motor neurons.This degeneration originates in oligodendrocytes,whose defective myelination abilities lead to the denervation of the anterior horn,aggravating motor neuron death.

Correlation between the gut microbiome and neurodegenerative diseases:a review of metagenomics evidence

A growing body of evidence suggests that the gut microbiota contributes to the development of neurodegenerative diseases via the microbiota-gut-brain axis.As a contributing factor,microbiota dysbiosis always occurs in pathological changes of neurodegenerative diseases,such as Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease,and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.High-throughput sequencing technology has helped to reveal that the bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system is facilitated by the microbiota’s diverse microorganisms,and for both neuroimmune and neuroendocrine systems.Here,we summarize the bioinformatics analysis and wet-biology validation for the gut metagenomics in neurodegenerative diseases,with an emphasis on multi-omics studies and the gut virome.The pathogen-associated signaling biomarkers for identifying brain disorders and potential therapeutic targets are also elucidated.Finally,we discuss the role of diet,prebiotics,probiotics,postbiotics and exercise interventions in remodeling the microbiome and reducing the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases.

Autophagy in neural stem cells and glia for brain health and diseases

Autophagy is a multifaceted cellular process that not only maintains the homeostatic and adaptive responses of the brain but is also dynamically involved in the regulation of neural cell generation,maturation,and survival.Autophagy facilities the utilization of energy and the microenvironment for developing neural stem cells.Autophagy arbitrates structural and functional remodeling during the cell differentiation process.Autophagy also plays an indispensable role in the maintenance of stemness and homeostasis in neural stem cells during essential brain physiology and also in the instigation and progression of diseases.Only recently,studies have begun to shed light on autophagy regulation in glia(microglia,astrocyte,and oligodendrocyte)in the brain.Glial cells have attained relatively less consideration despite their unquestioned influence on various aspects of neural development,synaptic function,brain metabolism,cellular debris clearing,and restoration of damaged or injured tissues.Thus,this review composes pertinent information regarding the involvement of autophagy in neural stem cells and glial regulation and the role of this connexion in normal brain functions,neurodevelopmental disorders,and neurodegenerative diseases.This review will provide insight into establishing a concrete strategic approach for investigating pathological mechanisms and developing therapies for brain diseases.

The History of Controlling and Treating Infectious Diseases in Ancient China

Infectious diseases are the common enemies of mankind.In the course of historical development,they persistently threaten human health and safety.Even today,despite the developments in medical science,we cannot escape the fear and suffering caused by infectious diseases.Whether in ancient or modern times,the source of infection,route of transmission,and a susceptible population are the three key conditions for the prevalence and spread of infectious diseases.All factors closely related to these three conditions can affect the prevalence of infectious diseases.China is one of the cradles of world civilization.The ancient people accumulated a great deal of experience and lessons in the long struggle against infectious diseases.In the face of the current threat posed by widespread infectious disease,it is imperative to review and summarize ancient Chinese ideas and health policies on epidemic prevention and control to inspire contemporary efforts in the prevention and control of infectious disease.The combination of prevention-oriented epidemic prevention ideology and traditional medicine provides valuable insights,especially for impoverished and medically underserved regions.

Bridging the gap:Unveiling the crisis of physical inactivity in inflammatory bowel diseases

In this editorial we comment on the article titled“Inflammatory bowel diseases patients suffer from significant low levels and barriers to physical activity:The BE-FIT-IBD study”published in a recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroen-terology 2023;29(41):5668-5682.Inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD)are emerging as a significant global health concern as their incidence continues to rise on a global scale,with detrimental impacts on quality of life.While many advances have been made regarding the management of the disease,physical inactivity in these patients represents an underexplored issue that may hold the key for further and better understanding the ramifications of IBD.Chronic pain,fatigue,and fear of exacerbating symptoms promotes physical inactivity among IBD patients,while the lack of clear guidelines on safe exercise regimens contributes to a norm of physical inactivity.Physical activity(PA)is accepted to have a positive effect on disease outcomes and quality of life,while inactivity exacerbates comorbidities like cardiovascular disease and mental health disorders.The“BE-FIT-IBD”study,focusing on PA levels and barriers in IBD patients of Southern Italy,revealed that a significant proportion(42.9%)were physically inactive.This lack of PA is attributed to barriers such as fear of flare-ups and misconceptions about exercise exacerbating the disease.The study also highlighted the need for better communication between healthcare providers and patients regarding the benefits of PA and safe incorporation into lifestyles.Moreover,physical inactivity may also contribute to disability in IBD patients,having a great impact on employment status.Of note is the fact that IBD also comes with an important psychological burden with relevant evidence suggesting that regular PA can improve mood,reduce anxiety,and enhance mental health.The“BE-FIT-IBD”study advocated for the integration of PA into IBD management,emphasizing the bidirectional link between PA and IBD.Regular exercise can influence the course of IBD,potentially reducing symptom severity and prolonging remission periods.As such,it is mandatory that healthcare providers actively educate patients,dispel misconceptions,and tailor exercise recommendations to improve the quality of life and reduce IBD-related complications.