Bile acids inhibit ferroptosis sensitivity through activating farnesoid X receptor in gastric cancer cells

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is associated with high mortality rates.Bile acids(BAs)reflux is a well-known risk factor for GC,but the specific mechanism remains unclear.During GC development in both humans and animals,BAs serve as signaling molecules that induce metabolic reprogramming.This confers additional cancer phenotypes,including ferroptosis sensitivity.Ferroptosis is a novel mode of cell death characterized by lipid peroxidation that contributes universally to malignant progression.However,it is not fully defined if BAs can influence GC progression by modulating ferroptosis.AIM To reveal the mechanism of BAs regulation in ferroptosis of GC cells.METHODS In this study,we treated GC cells with various stimuli and evaluated the effect of BAs on the sensitivity to ferroptosis.We used gain and loss of function assays to examine the impacts of farnesoid X receptor(FXR)and BTB and CNC homology 1(BACH1)overexpression and knockdown to obtain further insights into the molecular mechanism involved.RESULTS Our data suggested that BAs could reverse erastin-induced ferroptosis in GC cells.This effect correlated with increased glutathione(GSH)concentrations,a reduced GSH to oxidized GSH ratio,and higher GSH peroxidase 4(GPX4)expression levels.Subsequently,we confirmed that BAs exerted these effects by activating FXR,which markedly increased the expression of GSH synthetase and GPX4.Notably,BACH1 was detected as an essential intermediate molecule in the promotion of GSH synthesis by BAs and FXR.Finally,our results suggested that FXR could significantly promote GC cell proliferation,which may be closely related to its anti-ferroptosis effect.CONCLUSION This study revealed for the first time that BAs could inhibit ferroptosis sensitivity through the FXR-BACH1-GSHGPX4 axis in GC cells.This work provided new insights into the mechanism associated with BA-mediated promotion of GC and may help identify potential therapeutic targets for GC patients with BAs reflux.

Influence of Angiotensin II on α1-Adrenergic Receptors Function in Rat Aorta and Expression in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is the main mediator of the Renin-Angiotensin-System acting on AT1 and other AT receptors. It is regarded as a pleiotropic agent that induces many actions, including functioning as a growth factor, and as a contractile hormone, among others. The aim of this work was to examine the impact of Ang II on the expression and function of α1-adrenergic receptors (α1-ARs) in cultured rat aorta, and aorta-derived smooth muscle cells. Isolated Wistar rat aorta was incubated for 24 h in DMEM at 37˚C, then subjected to isometric tension and to the action of added norepinephrine, in concentration-response curves. Ang II was added (1 × 10−5 M), and in some experiments, 5-Methylurapidil (α1A-AR antagonist), AH11110A (α1B-AR antagonist), or BMY-7378 (α1D-AR antagonist), were used to identify the α1-AR involved in the response. Desensitization of the contractile response to norepinephrine was observed due to incubation time, and by the Ang II action. α1D-AR was protected from desensitization by BMY-7378;while RS-100329 and prazosin partially mitigated desensitization. In another set of experiments, isolated aorta-derived smooth muscle cells were exposed to Ang II and α1-ARs proteins were evaluated. α1D-AR increased at 30 and 60 min post Ang II exposure, the α1A-AR diminished from 1 to 4 h, while α1B-AR remained unchanged over 24 h of Ang II exposure. Ang II induced an increase of α1D-AR at short times, and BMY-7378 protected α1D-AR from desensitization.

Ghrelin regulates insulin resistance by targeting insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor via miR-455-5p in hepatic cells

Objective: To explore the mechanism by which ghrelin regulates insulin sensitivity through modulation of miR-455-5p in hepatic cells. Methods: HepG2 cells were treated with or without DAG (1 μM). Glucose consumption, intracellular glycogen content, phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt stimulated by insulin, expression of miR-455-5p, as well as IGF-1R protein level were analyzed. In addition, bioinformatic analysis, dual luciferase reporter assay, miR- 455-5p mimic or inhibitor treatment was conducted to investigate the molecular mechanisms. Results: High glucose treatment upregulated miR-455-5p expression but reduced glucose consumption and glycogen content. DAG reversed the effect of high glucose on glucose metabolism, increased protein level of IGF-1R and phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt stimulated by insulin, as well as downregulated miR-455-5p expression. Bioinformatic analysis indicated IGF-1R was the target of miR-455-5p. Dual luciferase reporter assay, as well as transfection with miR-455-5p mimic/inhibitor confirmed that DAG activated IGF-1R/PI3K/Akt signaling via inhibiting miR-455-5p. Conclusion: DAG improves insulin resistance via miR-455-5p- mediated activation of IGF-1R/PI3K/Akt system, suggesting that suppression of miR-455-5p or activation of DAG may be potential targets for T2DM therapy.

Research progress on lung cancer stem cells in epidermal growth factor receptor–tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeted therapy resistance in lung adenocarcinoma

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally.In recent years,with the widespread use of genetic testing,epidermal growth factor receptor–tyrosine kinase inhibitor(EGFR-TKI)–targeted drugs have been efficacious to patients with lung adenocarcinoma exhibiting EGFR mutations.However,resistance to treatment is inevitable and eventually leads to tumor progression,recurrence,and reduction in the overall treatment efficacy.Lung cancer stem cells play a crucial role in the development of resistance toward EGFR-TKI–targeted therapy for lung adenocarcinoma.Lung cancer stem cells possess self-renewal,multilineage differentiation,and unlimited proliferation capabilities,which efficiently contribute to tumor formation and ultimately lead to tumor recurrence andmetastasis.In this study,we evaluated the origin,markers,stemness index,relevant classic studies,resistance mechanisms,related signaling pathways,and strategies for reversing lung cancer stem cell resistance to EGFR-TKIs to provide new insights on delaying or reducing resistance and to improve the treatment efficacy of patients with EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma in the future.

Milk fat globule membrane supplementation protects againstβ-lactoglobul-ininduced food allergy in mice via upregulation of regulatory T cells and enhancement of intestinal barrier in a microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids manner

Milk fat globule membrane(MFGM),which contains abundant glycoproteins and phospholipids,exerts beneficial effects on intestinal health and immunomodulation.The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects and possible underlying mechanisms of MFGM on cow’s milk allergy(CMA)in aβ-lactoglobulin(BLG)-induced allergic mice model.MFGM was supplemented to allergic mice induced by BLG at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight.Results demonstrated that MFGM alleviated food allergy symptoms,decreased serum levels of lipopolysaccharide,pro-inflammatory cytokines,immunoglobulin(Ig)E,Ig G1,and Th2 cytokines including interleukin(IL)-4,while increased serum levels of Th1 cytokines including interferon-γand regulatory T cells(Tregs)cytokines including IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β.MFGM modulated gut microbiota and enhanced intestinal barrier of BLG-allergic mice,as evidenced by decreased relative abundance of Desulfobacterota,Rikenellaceae,Lachnospiraceae,and Desulfovibrionaceae,while increased relative abundance of Bacteroidetes,Lactobacillaceae and Muribaculaceae,and enhanced expressions of tight junction proteins including Occludin,Claudin-1 and zonula occludens-1.Furthermore,MFGM increased fecal short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)levels,which elevated G protein-coupled receptor(GPR)43 and GPR109A expressions.The increased expressions of GPR43 and GPR109A induced CD103+dendritic cells accumulation and promoted Tregs differentiation in mesenteric lymph node to a certain extent.In summary,MFGM alleviated CMA in a BLG-induced allergic mice model through enhancing intestinal barrier and promoting Tregs differentiation,which may be correlated with SCFAs-mediated activation of GPRs.These findings suggest that MFGM may be useful as a promising functional ingredient against CMA.

Metabolic and proteostatic differences in quiescent and active neural stem cells

Adult neural stem cells are neurogenesis progenitor cells that play an important role in neurogenesis.Therefore,neural regeneration may be a promising target for treatment of many neurological illnesses.The regenerative capacity of adult neural stem cells can be chara cterized by two states:quiescent and active.Quiescent adult neural stem cells are more stable and guarantee the quantity and quality of the adult neural stem cell pool.Active adult neural stem cells are chara cterized by rapid proliferation and differentiation into neurons which allow for integration into neural circuits.This review focuses on diffe rences between quiescent and active adult neural stem cells in nutrition metabolism and protein homeostasis.Furthermore,we discuss the physiological significance and underlying advantages of these diffe rences.Due to the limited number of adult neural stem cells studies,we refe rred to studies of embryonic adult neural stem cells or non-mammalian adult neural stem cells to evaluate specific mechanisms.

The MORC2 p.S87L mutation reduces proliferation of pluripotent stem cells derived from a patient with the spinal muscular atrophy-like phenotype by inhibiting proliferation-related signaling pathways

Mutations in the microrchidia CW-type zinc finger protein 2(MORC2)gene are the causative agent of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2Z(CMT2Z),and the hotspot mutation p.S87L is associated with a more seve re spinal muscular atrophy-like clinical phenotype.The aims of this study were to determine the mechanism of the severe phenotype caused by the MORC2 p.S87L mutation and to explore potential treatment strategies.Epithelial cells were isolated from urine samples from a spinal muscular atrophy(SMA)-like patient[MORC2 p.S87L),a CMT2Z patient[MORC2 p.Q400R),and a healthy control and induced to generate pluripotent stem cells,which were then differentiated into motor neuron precursor cells.Next-generation RNA sequencing followed by KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes involved in the PI3K/Akt and MAP K/ERK signaling pathways were enriched in the p.S87L SMA-like patient group and were significantly downregulated in induced pluripotent stem cells.Reduced proliferation was observed in the induced pluripotent stem cells and motor neuron precursor cells derived from the p.S87L SMA-like patient group compared with the CMT2Z patient group and the healthy control.G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest was observed in induced pluripotent stem cells derived from the p.S87L SMA-like patient.MORC2 p.S87Lspecific antisense oligonucleotides(p.S87L-ASO-targeting)showed significant efficacy in improving cell prolife ration and activating the PI3K/Akt and MAP K/ERK pathways in induced pluripotent stem cells.Howeve r,p.S87L-ASO-ta rgeting did not rescue prolife ration of motor neuron precursor cells.These findings suggest that downregulation of the PI3K/Akt and MAP K/ERK signaling pathways leading to reduced cell proliferation and G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest in induced pluripotent stem cells might be the underlying mechanism of the severe p.S87L SMA-like phenotype.p.S87L-ASO-targeting treatment can alleviate disordered cell proliferation in the early stage of pluripotent stem cell induction.

Evaluation of the intracellular lipid-lowering effect of polyphenols extract from highland barley in HepG2 cells

Active ingredients from highland barley have received considerable attention as natural products for developing treatments and dietary supplements against obesity.In practical application,the research of food combinations is more significant than a specific food component.This study investigated the lipid-lowering effect of highland barley polyphenols via lipase assay in vitro and HepG2 cells induced by oleic acid(OA).Five indexes,triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(T-CHO),low density lipoprotein-cholesterol(LDL-C),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),and alanine aminotransferase(ALT),were used to evaluate the lipidlowering effect of highland barley extract.We also preliminary studied the lipid-lowering mechanism by Realtime fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction(q PCR).The results indicated that highland barley extract contains many components with lipid-lowering effects,such as hyperoside and scoparone.In vitro,the lipase assay showed an 18.4%lipase inhibition rate when the additive contents of highland barley extract were 100μg/m L.The intracellular lipid-lowering effect of highland barley extract was examined using 0.25 mmol/L OA-induced HepG2 cells.The results showed that intracellular TG,LDL-C,and T-CHO content decreased by 34.4%,51.2%,and 18.4%,respectively.ALT and AST decreased by 51.6%and 20.7%compared with the untreated hyperlipidemic HepG2 cells.q PCR results showed that highland barley polyphenols could up-regulation the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes such as PPARγand Fabp4.

Model reduction of fractional impedance spectra for time–frequency analysis of batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors

Joint time–frequency analysis is an emerging method for interpreting the underlying physics in fuel cells,batteries,and supercapacitors.To increase the reliability of time–frequency analysis,a theoretical correlation between frequency-domain stationary analysis and time-domain transient analysis is urgently required.The present work formularizes a thorough model reduction of fractional impedance spectra for electrochemical energy devices involving not only the model reduction from fractional-order models to integer-order models and from high-to low-order RC circuits but also insight into the evolution of the characteristic time constants during the whole reduction process.The following work has been carried out:(i)the model-reduction theory is addressed for typical Warburg elements and RC circuits based on the continued fraction expansion theory and the response error minimization technique,respectively;(ii)the order effect on the model reduction of typical Warburg elements is quantitatively evaluated by time–frequency analysis;(iii)the results of time–frequency analysis are confirmed to be useful to determine the reduction order in terms of the kinetic information needed to be captured;and(iv)the results of time–frequency analysis are validated for the model reduction of fractional impedance spectra for lithium-ion batteries,supercapacitors,and solid oxide fuel cells.In turn,the numerical validation has demonstrated the powerful function of the joint time–frequency analysis.The thorough model reduction of fractional impedance spectra addressed in the present work not only clarifies the relationship between time-domain transient analysis and frequency-domain stationary analysis but also enhances the reliability of the joint time–frequency analysis for electrochemical energy devices.

Overexpression of TRPV1 activates autophagy in human lens epithelial cells under hyperosmotic stress through Ca^(2+)-dependent AMPK/mTOR pathway

●AIM:To explore whether autophagy functions as a cellular adaptation mechanism in lens epithelial cells(LECs)under hyperosmotic stress.●METHODS:LECs were treated with hyperosmotic stress at the concentration of 270,300,400,500,or 600 mOsm for 6,12,18,24h in vitro.Polymerase chain reaction(PCR)was employed for the mRNA expression of autophagyrelated genes,while Western blotting detected the targeted protein expression.The transfection of stub-RFP-sens-GFPLC3 autophagy-related double fluorescence lentivirus was conducted to detect the level of autophagy flux.Scanning electron microscopy was used to detect the existence of autolysosome.Short interfering RNA of autophagy-related gene(ATG)7,transient receptor potential vanilloid(TRPV)1 overexpression plasmid,related agonists and inhibitors were employed to their influence on autophagy related pathway.Flow cytometry was employed to test the apoptosis and intracellular Ca^(2+)level.Mitochondrial membrane potential was measured by JC-1 staining.The cell counting kit-8 assay was used to calculate the cellular viability.The wound healing assay was used to evaluate the wound closure rate.GraphPad 6.0 software was utilized to evaluate the data.●RESULTS:The hyperosmotic stress activated autophagy in a pressure-and time-dependent manner in LECs.Beclin 1 protein expression and conversion of LC3B II to LC3B I increased,whereas sequestosome-1(SQSTM1)protein expression decreased.Transient Ca^(2+)influx was stimulated caused by hyperosmotic stress,levels of mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)phosphorylation decreased,and the level of AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)phosphorylation increased in the early stage.Based on this evidence,autophagy activation through the Ca^(2+)-dependent AMPK/mTOR pathway might represent an adaptation process in LECs under hyperosmotic stress.Hyperosmotic stress decreased cellular viability and accelerated apoptosis in LECs and cellular migration decreased.Inhibition of autophagy by ATG7 knockdown had similar results.TRPV1 overexpression increased autophagy and might be crucial in the occurrence of autophagy promoted by hyperosmotic stress.●CONCLUSION:A combination of hyperosmotic stress and autophagy inhibition may be a promising approach to decrease the number of LECs in the capsular bag and pave the way for improving prevention of posterior capsular opacification and capsular fibrosis.

Expression and functional study of cholecystokinin-A receptors on the interstitial Cajal-like cells of the guinea pig common bile duct

BACKGROUND Many studies have shown that interstitial Cajal-like cell(ICLC)abnormalities are closely related to a variety of dynamic gastrointestinal disorders.ICLCs are pacemaker cells for gastrointestinal movement and are involved in the transmission of nerve impulses.AIM To elucidate the expression profile and significance of cholecystokinin-A(CCK-A)receptors in ICLCs in the common bile duct(CBD),as well as the role of CCK in regulating CBD motility through CCK-A receptors on CBD ICLCs.METHODS The levels of tyrosine kinase receptor(c-kit)and CCK-A receptors in CBD tissues and isolated CBD cells were quantified using the double immunofluorescence labeling technique.The CCK-mediated enhancement of the movement of CBD muscle strips through CBD ICLCs was observed by a muscle strip contraction test.RESULTS Immunofluorescence showed co-expression of c-kit and CCK-A receptors in the CBD muscularis layer.Observations of isolated CBD cells showed that c-kit was expressed on the surface of ICLCs,the cell body and synapse were colored and polygonal,and some cells presented protrusions and formed networks adjacent to the CBD while others formed filaments at the synaptic terminals of local cells.CCK-A receptors were also expressed on CBD ICLCs.At concentrations ranging from 10^(-6) mol/L to 10^(-10) mol/L,CCK promoted CBD smooth muscle contractility in a dose-dependent manner.In contrast,after ICLC removal,the contractility mediated by CCK in CBD smooth muscle decreased.CONCLUSION CCK-A receptors are highly expressed on CBD ICLCs,and CCK may regulate CBD motility through the CCK-A receptors on ICLCs.

Cell replacement with stem cell-derived retinal ganglion cells from different protocols

Glaucoma,characterized by a degenerative loss of retinal ganglion cells,is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide.There is currently no cure for vision loss in glaucoma because retinal ganglion cells do not regenerate and are not replaced after injury.Human stem cell-derived retinal ganglion cell transplant is a potential therapeutic strategy for retinal ganglion cell degenerative diseases.In this review,we first discuss a 2D protocol for retinal ganglion cell differentiation from human stem cell culture,including a rapid protocol that can generate retinal ganglion cells in less than two weeks and focus on their transplantation outcomes.Next,we discuss using 3D retinal organoids for retinal ganglion cell transplantation,comparing cell suspensions and clusters.This review provides insight into current knowledge on human stem cell-derived retinal ganglion cell differentiation and transplantation,with an impact on the field of regenerative medicine and especially retinal ganglion cell degenerative diseases such as glaucoma and other optic neuropathies.

The combined application of stem cells and three-dimensional bioprinting scaffolds for the repair of spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury is considered one of the most difficult injuries to repair and has one of the worst prognoses for injuries to the nervous system.Following surgery,the poor regenerative capacity of nerve cells and the generation of new scars can make it very difficult for the impaired nervous system to restore its neural functionality.Traditional treatments can only alleviate secondary injuries but cannot fundamentally repair the spinal cord.Consequently,there is a critical need to develop new treatments to promote functional repair after spinal cord injury.Over recent years,there have been seve ral developments in the use of stem cell therapy for the treatment of spinal cord injury.Alongside significant developments in the field of tissue engineering,three-dimensional bioprinting technology has become a hot research topic due to its ability to accurately print complex structures.This led to the loading of three-dimensional bioprinting scaffolds which provided precise cell localization.These three-dimensional bioprinting scaffolds co uld repair damaged neural circuits and had the potential to repair the damaged spinal cord.In this review,we discuss the mechanisms underlying simple stem cell therapy,the application of different types of stem cells for the treatment of spinal cord injury,and the different manufa cturing methods for three-dimensional bioprinting scaffolds.In particular,we focus on the development of three-dimensional bioprinting scaffolds for the treatment of spinal cord injury.

Long non-coding RNA H19 regulates neurogenesis of induced neural stem cells in a mouse model of closed head injury

Stem cell-based therapies have been proposed as a potential treatment for neural regeneration following closed head injury.We previously reported that induced neural stem cells exert beneficial effects on neural regeneration via cell replacement.However,the neural regeneration efficiency of induced neural stem cells remains limited.In this study,we explored differentially expressed genes and long non-coding RNAs to clarify the mechanism underlying the neurogenesis of induced neural stem cells.We found that H19 was the most downregulated neurogenesis-associated lnc RNA in induced neural stem cells compared with induced pluripotent stem cells.Additionally,we demonstrated that H19 levels in induced neural stem cells were markedly lower than those in induced pluripotent stem cells and were substantially higher than those in induced neural stem cell-derived neurons.We predicted the target genes of H19 and discovered that H19 directly interacts with mi R-325-3p,which directly interacts with Ctbp2 in induced pluripotent stem cells and induced neural stem cells.Silencing H19 or Ctbp2 impaired induced neural stem cell proliferation,and mi R-325-3p suppression restored the effect of H19 inhibition but not the effect of Ctbp2 inhibition.Furthermore,H19 silencing substantially promoted the neural differentiation of induced neural stem cells and did not induce apoptosis of induced neural stem cells.Notably,silencing H19 in induced neural stem cell grafts markedly accelerated the neurological recovery of closed head injury mice.Our results reveal that H19 regulates the neurogenesis of induced neural stem cells.H19 inhibition may promote the neural differentiation of induced neural stem cells,which is closely associated with neurological recovery following closed head injury.

Mechanism of inflammatory response and therapeutic effects of stem cells in ischemic stroke:current evidence and future perspectives

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide,with an increasing trend and tendency for onset at a younger age.China,in particular,bears a high burden of stroke cases.In recent years,the inflammatory response after stroke has become a research hotspot:understanding the role of inflammatory response in tissue damage and repair following ischemic stroke is an important direction for its treatment.This review summarizes several major cells involved in the inflammatory response following ischemic stroke,including microglia,neutrophils,monocytes,lymphocytes,and astrocytes.Additionally,we have also highlighted the recent progress in various treatments for ischemic stroke,particularly in the field of stem cell therapy.Overall,understanding the complex interactions between inflammation and ischemic stroke can provide valuable insights for developing treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes.Stem cell therapy may potentially become an important component of ischemic stroke treatment.

Effect of VEGF/GREDVY Modified Surface on Vascular Cells Behavior

We synthesized B-He/B-GREDVY and immobilized them on avidin-coated surfaces.To examine the immobilization of molecules in the material, the following experiments were performed:fluorescein isothiocyanate(FITC) fluorescence staining, water contact angle and atomic force microscopy(AFM) measurements. Besides, the biological evaluation experiments were also performed, such as platelets adhesion and activation, the culturing of smooth muscle cells(SMC) and endothelial cells(EC). These experimental results show that the modified surfaces could prevent the hyperproliferation of SMC, and promote the proliferation and migration of EC and EPC. Furthermore, the adding of VEGF improved the EC adhesion in a dynamic environment. Generally, it is expected that the modified surfaces could be used to accelerate the formation of the newly endothelial layer for the construction of platforms for coronary artery stent therapy.

Argon preconditioning protects neuronal cells with a Toll-like receptor-mediated effect

The noble gas argon has the potential to protect neuronal cells from cell death.So far,this effect has been studied in treatment after acute damage.Preconditioning using argon has not yet been investigated.In this study,human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were treated with different concentrations of argon(25%,50%,and 74%;21%O_(2),5%CO_(2),balance nitrogen)at different time intervals before inflicting damage with rotenone(20μM,4 hours).Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry after annexin V and propidium iodide staining.Surface expressions of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 were also examined.Cells were also processed for analysis by western blot and qPCR to determine the expression of apoptotic and inflammatory proteins,such as extracellular-signal regulated kinase(ERK1/2),nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB),protein kinase B(Akt),caspase-3,Bax,Bcl-2,interleukin-8,and heat shock proteins.Immunohistochemical staining was performed for TLR2 and 4 and interleukin-8.Cells were also pretreated with OxPAPC,an antagonist of TLR2 and 4 to elucidate the molecular mechanism.Results showed that argon preconditioning before rotenone application caused a dose-dependent but not a time-dependent reduction in the number of apoptotic cells.Preconditioning with 74%argon for 2 hours was used for further experiments showing the most promising results.Argon decreased the surface expression of TLR2 and 4,whereas OxPAPC treatment partially abolished the protective effect of argon.Argon increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 but decreased NF-κB and Akt.Preconditioning inhibited mitochondrial apoptosis and the heat shock response.Argon also suppressed the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-8.Immunohistochemistry confirmed the alteration of TLRs and interleukin-8.OxPAPC reversed the argon effect on ERK1/2,Bax,Bcl-2,caspase-3,and interleukin-8 expression,but not on NF-κB and the heat shock proteins.Taken together,argon preconditioning protects against apoptosis of neuronal cells and mediates its action via Toll-like receptors.Argon may represent a promising therapeutic alternative in various clinical settings,such as the treatment of stroke.

Therapeutic and regenerative potential of different sources of mesenchymal stem cells for cardiovascular diseases

Mesenchymalstemcells(MSCs)areidealcandidatesfortreatingmanycardiovasculardiseases.MSCscanmodify the internal cardiac microenvironment to facilitate their immunomodulatory and differentiation abilities,which are essential to restore heart function.MSCs can be easily isolated from different sources,including bone marrow,adipose tissues,umbilical cord,and dental pulp.MSCs from various sources differ in their regenerative and therapeutic abilities for cardiovascular disorders.In this review,we will summarize the therapeutic potential of each MSC source for heart diseases and highlight the possible molecular mechanisms of each source to restore cardiac function.

Meningeal lymphatic vessel crosstalk with central nervous system immune cells in aging and neurodegenerative diseases

Meningeal lymphatic vessels form a relationship between the nervous system and periphery, which is relevant in both health and disease. Meningeal lymphatic vessels not only play a key role in the drainage of brain metabolites but also contribute to antigen delivery and immune cell activation. The advent of novel genomic technologies has enabled rapid progress in the characterization of myeloid and lymphoid cells and their interactions with meningeal lymphatic vessels within the central nervous system. In this review, we provide an overview of the multifaceted roles of meningeal lymphatic vessels within the context of the central nervous system immune network, highlighting recent discoveries on the immunological niche provided by meningeal lymphatic vessels. Furthermore, we delve into the mechanisms of crosstalk between meningeal lymphatic vessels and immune cells in the central nervous system under both homeostatic conditions and neurodegenerative diseases, discussing how these interactions shape the pathological outcomes. Regulation of meningeal lymphatic vessel function and structure can influence lymphatic drainage, cerebrospinal fluid-borne immune modulators, and immune cell populations in aging and neurodegenerative disorders, thereby playing a key role in shaping meningeal and brain parenchyma immunity.

Mesenchymal stem cells for repairing glaucomatous optic nerve

Glaucoma is a common and complex neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells(RGCs)and axons.Currently,there is no effective method to address the cause of RGCs degeneration.However,studies on neuroprotective strategies for optic neuropathy have increased in recent years.Cell replacement and neuroprotection are major strategies for treating glaucoma and optic neuropathy.Regenerative medicine research into the repair of optic nerve damage using stem cells has Received considerable attention.Stem cells possess the potential for multidirectional differentiation abilities and are capable of producing RGCfriendly microenvironments through paracrine effects.This article reviews a thorough researches of recent advances and approaches in stem cell repair of optic nerve injury,raising the controversies and unresolved issues surrounding the future of stem cells.