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.

Quantitative proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses of the hippocampus reveal the involvement of NMDAR1 signaling in repetitive mild traumatic brain injury

The cumulative damage caused by repetitive mild traumatic brain injury can cause long-term neurodegeneration leading to cognitive impairment.This cognitive impairment is thought to result specifically from damage to the hippocampus.In this study,we detected cognitive impairment in mice 6 weeks after repetitive mild traumatic brain injury using the novel object recognition test and the Morris water maze test.Immunofluorescence staining showed that p-tau expression was increased in the hippocampus after repetitive mild traumatic brain injury.Golgi staining showed a significant decrease in the total density of neuronal dendritic spines in the hippocampus,as well as in the density of mature dendritic spines.To investigate the specific molecular mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment due to hippocampal damage,we performed proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses of the hippocampus with and without repetitive mild traumatic brain injury.The differentially expressed proteins were mainly enriched in inflammation,immunity,and coagulation,suggesting that non-neuronal cells are involved in the pathological changes that occur in the hippocampus in the chronic stage after repetitive mild traumatic brain injury.In contrast,differentially expressed phosphorylated proteins were mainly enriched in pathways related to neuronal function and structure,which is more consistent with neurodegeneration.We identified N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 as a hub molecule involved in the response to repetitive mild traumatic brain injury,and western blotting showed that,while N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 expression was not altered in the hippocampus after repetitive mild traumatic brain injury,its phosphorylation level was significantly increased,which is consistent with the omics results.Administration of GRP78608,an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 antagonist,to the hippocampus markedly improved repetitive mild traumatic brain injury-induced cognitive impairment.In conclusion,our findings suggest that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 signaling in the hippocampus is involved in cognitive impairment in the chronic stage after repetitive mild traumatic brain injury and may be a potential target for intervention and treatment.

Improved methodology for efficient establishment of the myocardial ischemia-reperfusion model in pigs through the median thoracic incision

To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of establishing porcine ischemia-reperfusion models by ligating the left anterior descending(LAD)coronary artery,we first randomly divided 16 male Bama pigs into a sham group and a model group.After anesthesia,we separated the arteries and veins.Subsequently,we rapidly located the LAD coronary artery at the beginning of its first diagonal branch through a mid-chest incision.Then,we loosened and released the ligation line after five minutes of pre-occlusion.Finally,we ligated the LAD coronary artery in situ two minutes later and loosened the ligature 60 min after ischemia.Compared with the sham group,electrocardiogram showed multiple continuous lead ST-segment elevations,and ultrasound cardiogram showed significantly lower ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening at one hour and seven days post-operation in the model group.Twenty-four hours after the operation,cardiac troponin T and creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme levels significantly increased in the model group,compared with the sham group.Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed the presence of many inflammatory cells infiltrating the interstitium of the myocardium in the model group but not in the sham group.Masson staining revealed a significant increase in infarct size in the ischemia/reperfusion group.All eight pigs in the model group recovered with normal sinus heart rates,and the survival rate was 100%.In conclusion,the method can provide an accurate and stable large animal model for preclinical research on ischemia/reperfusion with a high success rate and homogeneity of the myocardial infarction area.

Calcitriol Suppressed Isoproterenol-induced Proliferation of Cardiac Fibroblasts via Integrinβ3/FAK/Akt Pathway

Objective Cardiac fibroblasts(CFs)proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition are important features of cardiac fibrosis.Various studies have indicated that vitamin D displays an anti-fibrotic property in chronic heart diseases.This study explored the role of vitamin D in the growth of CFs via an integrin signaling pathway.Methods MTT and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine assays were performed to determine cell viability.Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA)and integrin signaling pathway.The fibronectin was observed by ELISA.Immunohistochemical staining was employed to evaluate the expression of integrinβ3.Results The PCNA expression in the CFs was enhanced after isoproterenol(ISO)stimulation accompanied by an elevated expression of integrin beta-3(β3).The blockade of the integrinβ3 with a specific integrinβ3 antibody reduced the PCNA expression induced by the ISO.Decreasing the integrinβ3 by siRNA reduced the ISO-triggered phosphorylation of FAK and Akt.Both the FAK inhibitor and Akt inhibitor suppressed the PCNA expression induced by the ISO in the CFs.Calcitriol(CAL),an active form of vitamin D,attenuated the ISO-induced CFs proliferation by downregulating the integrinβ3 expression,and phosphorylation of FAK and Akt.Moreover,CAL reduced the increased levels of fibronectin and hydroxyproline in the CFs culture medium triggered by the ISO.The administration of calcitriol decreased the integrinβ3 expression in the ISO-induced myocardial injury model.Conclusion These findings revealed a novel role for CAL in suppressing the CFs growth by the downregulation of the integrinβ3/FAK/Akt pathway.

Dachaihu decoction ameliorates pancreatic fibrosis by inhibiting macrophage infiltration in chronic pancreatitis

AIM To explore the role of macrophages in chronic pancreatitis(CP) and the effect of Dachaihu decoction(DCHD) on pancreatic fibrosis in mice.METHODS Kun Ming mice were randomly divided into a control group, CP group, and DCHD group. In the CP and DCHD groups, mice were intraperitoneally injected with 20% L-arginine(3 g/kg twice 1 d/wk for 6 wk). Mice in the DCHD group were administered DCHD intragastrically at a dose of 14 g/kg/d 1 wk after CP induction. At 2 wk, 4 wk and 6 wk post-modeling, the morphology of the pancreas was observed using hematoxylin and eosin, and Masson staining. Interleukin-6(IL-6) serum levels were assayed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Double immunofluorescence staining was performed to observe the co-expression of F4/80 and IL-6 in the pancreas. Inflammatory factors including monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α(MIP-1α) and IL-6 were determined using real time-polymerase chain reaction. Western blot analysis was used to detect fibronectin levels in the pancreas. RESULTS Compared with the control group, mice with 20% L-arginine-induced CP had obvious macrophage infiltration and a higher level of fibrosis. IL-6 serum concentrations were significantly increased. Double immunofluorescence staining showed that IL-6 and F4/80 were co-expressed in the pancreas. With the administration of DCHD, the infiltration of macrophages and degree of fibrosis in the pancreas were significantly attenuated; IL-6, MCP-1 and MIP-1α m RNA, and fibronectin levels were reduced. CONCLUSION The dominant role of macrophages in the development of CP was mainly related to IL-6 production. DCHD was effective in ameliorating pancreatic fibrosis by inhibiting macrophage infiltration and inflammatory factor secretion in the pancreas.

New progress in roles of nitric oxide during hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury

Hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury (HIRI) is a clinical condition which may lead to cellular injury and organ dysfunction. The role of nitric oxide (NO) in HIRI is complicated and inconclusive. NO produced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation plays a protective role during early HIRI. But eNOS overexpression and the resulting excessive NO bioavailability can aggravate liver injury. NO induced by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) may have either a protective or a deleterious effect during the early phase of HIRI, but it may protect the liver during late HIRI. Here, we reviewed the latest findings on the role of NO during HIRI: (1) NO exerts a protective effect against HIRI by increasing NO bioavailability, downregulating p53 gene expression, decreasing inflammatory chemokines, reducing ROS via inhibiting the mitochondrial respiratory chain, activating sGC-GTP-cGMP signal pathway to reduce liver cell apoptosis, and regulating hepatic immune functions; (2) eNOS protects against HIRI by increasing NO levels, several eNOS/NO signal pathways (such as Akt-eNOS/NO, AMPK-eNOS/NO and HIF-1 alpha-eNOS/NO) participating in the anti-HIRI process, and inhibiting over-expression of eNOS also protects against HIRI; and (3) the inhibition of iNOS prevents HIRI. Thus, the adverse effects of NO should be avoided, but its positive effect in the clinical treatment of diseases associated with HIRI should be recognized.

Saponins from Panax japonicus attenuate age-related neuroinflammation via regulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathways

Neuroinflammation is recognized as an important pathogenic factor for aging and related cognitive disorders. Mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathways may mediate neuroinflammation. Saponins from Panax japonicus are the most abundant and bioactive members in rhizomes of Panaxjaponicus, and show anti-inflammatory activity. However, it is not known whether saponin from Panaxjaponicus has an anti-inflammatory effect in the aging brain, and likewise its underlying mechanisms. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control groups （3-, 9-, 15-, and 24-month-old groups） and saponins from Panaxjaponicus-treated groups. Saponins from Panaxjaponicus-treated groups were orally administrated saponins from Panaxjaponicus at three doses of 10, 30, and 60 mg/kg once daily for 6 months until the rats were 24 months old. Immunohistochemical staining and western blot assay results demonstrated that many microglia were activated in 24-month-old rats compared with 3- and 9-month-old rats. Expression of interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-a, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase increased. Each dose of saponins from Panaxjaponicus visibly suppressed microglial activation in the aging rat brain, and inhibited expression levels of the above factors. Each dose of saponins from Panax japonicus markedly diminished levels of nuclear factor kappa B, IKBa, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38. These results confirm that saponins from Panaxjaponicus can mitigate neuroinflammation in the aging rat brain by inhibition of the mito- gen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathways.

Potential rat model of anxiety-like gastric hypersensitivity induced by sequential stress

AIM To establish a rat model of anxiety-like gastric hyper-sensitivity(GHS) of functional dyspepsia(FD) induced by novel sequential stress.METHODS Animal pups were divided into two groups from postnatal day 2: controls and the sequential-stress-treated. The sequential-stress-treated group received maternal separation and acute gastric irritation early in life and restraint stress in adulthood; controls were reared undisturbed with their mothers. Rats in both groups were followed to adulthood(8 wk) at which point the anxietylike behaviors and visceromotor responses to gastric distention(20-100 mm Hg) and gastric emptying were tested. Meanwhile, alterations in several anxiety-related brain-stomach modulators including 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT), γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA), brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) and nesfatin-1 in the rat hippocampus, plasma and gastric fundus and the 5-HT1 A receptor(5-HT1 AR) in the hippocampal CA1 subfield and the mucosa of the gastric fundus were examined.RESULTS Sequential-stress-treated rats simultaneously demonstrated anxiety-like behaviors and GHS in dose-dependent manner compared with the control group. Although rats in both groups consumed similar amount of solid food, the rate of gastric emptying was lower in the sequentialstress-treated rats than in the control group. Sequential stress significantly decreased the levels of 5-HT(51.91 ± 1.88 vs 104.21 ± 2.88, P < 0.01), GABA(2.38 ± 0.16 vs 5.01 ± 0.13, P < 0.01) and BDNF(304.40 ± 10.16 vs 698.17 ± 27.91, P < 0.01) in the hippocampus but increased the content of nesfatin-1(1961.38 ± 56.89 vs 1007.50 ± 33.05, P < 0.01) in the same site; significantly decreased the levels of 5-HT(47.82 ± 2.29 vs 89.45 ± 2.61, P < 0.01) and BDNF(257.05 ± 12.89 vs 536.71 ± 20.73, P < 0.01) in the plasma but increased the content of nesfatin-1 in it(1391.75 ± 42.77 vs 737.88 ± 33.15, P < 0.01); significantly decreased the levels of 5-HT(41.15 ± 1.81 vs 89.17 ± 2.31, P < 0.01) and BDNF(226.49 ± 12.10 vs 551.36 ± 16.47, P < 0.01) in the gastric fundus but increased the content of nesfatin-1 in the same site(1534.75 ± 38.52 vs 819.63 ± 38.04, P < 0.01). The expressions of 5-HT1 AR in the hippocampal CA1 subfield and the mucosa of the gastric fundus were down-regulated measured by IHC(Optical Density value: Hippocampus 15253.50 ± 760.35 vs 21149.75 ± 834.13; gastric fundus 15865.25 ± 521.24 vs 23865.75 ± 1868.60; P < 0.05, respectively) and WB(0.38 ± 0.01 vs 0.57 ± 0.03, P < 0.01)(n = 8 in each group). CONCLUSION Sequential stress could induce a potential rat model of anxiety-like GHS of FD, which could be used to research the mechanisms of this intractable disease.

Boron neutron capture therapy for malignant melanoma： first clinical case report in China

A phase Ⅰ/Ⅱ clinical trial for treating malignant melanoma by boron neutron capture therapy（BNCT） was designed to evaluate whether the world＇s first in-hospital neutron irradiator（IHNI） was qualified for BNCT. In this clinical trial planning to enroll 30 patients, the first case was treated on August 19, 2014. We present the protocol of this clinical trial, the treating procedure, and the clinical outcome of this first case. Only grade 2 acute radiation injury was observed during the first four weeks after BNCT and the injury healed after treatment. No late radiation injury was found during the 24-month follow-up. Based on positron emission tomography-computed tomography（PET/CT） scan, pathological analysis and gross examination, the patient showed a complete response to BNCT,indicating that BNCT is a potent therapy against malignant melanoma and IHNI has the potential to enable the delivery of BNCT in hospitals.

Role of N4-acetylcytidine for continuously activating NLRP3 inflammosome by HMGB1 pathway in microglia

N4-acetylcytidine(N4A) is an organic compound and a metabolite of transferrable ribonucleic acid.Its molecular formula is C_(11)H_(15)N_3O_6.

Application of modern neuroimaging technology in the diagnosis and study of Alzheimer’s disease

Neurological abnormalities identified via neuroimaging are common in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.However,it is not yet possible to easily detect these abnormalities using head computed tomography in the early stages of the disease.In this review,we evaluated the ways in which modern imaging techniques such as positron emission computed tomography,single photon emission tomography,magnetic resonance spectrum imaging,structural magnetic resonance imaging,magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging,magnetic resonance perfusion weighted imaging,magnetic resonance sensitive weighted imaging,and functional magnetic resonance imaging have revealed specific changes not only in brain structure,but also in brain function in Alzheimer’s disease patients.The reviewed literature indicated that decreased fluorodeoxyglucose metabolism in the temporal and parietal lobes of Alzheimer’s disease patients is frequently observed via positron emission computed tomography.Furthermore,patients with Alzheimer’s disease often show a decreased N-acetylaspartic acid/creatine ratio and an increased myoinositol/creatine ratio revealed via magnetic resonance imaging.Atrophy of the entorhinal cortex,hippocampus,and posterior cingulate gyrus can be detected early using structural magnetic resonance imaging.Magnetic resonance sensitive weighted imaging can show small bleeds and abnormal iron metabolism.Task-related functional magnetic resonance imaging can display brain function activity through cerebral blood oxygenation.Resting functional magnetic resonance imaging can display the functional connection between brain neural networks.These are helpful for the differential diagnosis and experimental study of Alzheimer’s disease,and are valuable for exploring the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.

Tumor-specific expression of sh VEGF and suicide gene as a novel strategy for esophageal cancer therapy

AIM: To develop a potent and safe gene therapy for esophageal cancer.METHODS: An expression vector carrying fusion suicide gene(y CDgly TK) and sh RNA against vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) was constructed and delivered into EC9706 esophageal cancer cells by calcium phosphate nanoparticles(CPNP). To achieve tumor selectivity, expression of the fusion suicide gene was driven by a tumor-specific human telomerase reverse transcriptase(h TERT) promoter. The biologic properties and therapeutic efficiency of the vector, in the presence of prodrug 5-fluorocytosine(5-FC), were evaluated in vitro and in vivo.RESULTS: Both in vitro and in vivo testing showed that the expression vector was efficiently introduced by CPNP into tumor cells, leading to cellular expression of y CDgly TK and decreased VEGF level. With exposure to 5-FC, it exhibited strong anti-tumor effects against esophageal cancer. Combination of VEGF sh RNA with the fusion suicide gene demonstrated strong anti-tumor activity.CONCLUSION: The sh VEGF-h TERT-y CDgly TK/5-FC system provided a novel approach for esophageal cancer-targeted gene therapy.

Hepatocyte growth factor gene transfer effects on the femoral and intramuscular nerve in a canine model of lower limb ischemia

BACKGROUND： Recent advancements in gene therapy have provided new methodology for treating ischemia in lower extremities. Gene transfer of angiogenic factors to ischemic tissues may promote local proliferation of new vessels and form collateral circulation. OBJECTIVE： To observe histopathological changes in the femoral and intramuscular nerve three months after intramuscular injection of hepatocyte growth factor （HGF） into the peripheral skeletal muscle in a canine model of lower limb ischemia. DESIGN： Randomized occlusion modelled and verification animal study. SETTING： Experimental Center, Lanzhou General Hospital of Lanzhou Military Area Command of Chinese PLA. MATERIALS： This study was performed at Animal Experimental Center, Lanzhou General Hospital of Lanzhou Military Area Command of Chinese PLA from September to November 2006. A total of eight male mongrel dogs, weighing 12–15 kg and 1.5–3 years of age, were selected for this study. This experimental study was in accordance with local ethics standards. Recombinant plasmid carrying HGF （pUDKH） and occlusion model plasmid （pUDK） were provided by the Third Laboratory of Radiation Medical Institute, Academy of Military Medical Sciences of PLA. METHODS： Grouping and model establishment： under anesthesia, complete vascular occlusion models were established on the left lower extremities. The experimental dogs were randomly divided into a model group and a pUDKH treatment group, with four dogs in each group. Dogs in the pUDKH group were injected with 0.15 mg/kg pUDKH. Ten minutes later, intramuscular injections were performed at three spots into the peripheral skeletal muscle of the left hind limb, as well as lateral injections at two spots. The injection volume at each spot was 0.2 mL. Dogs in the model group were injected with pUDK, and dosage and injection method were identical to the treatment group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Histopathological changes in the femoral nerve, as well as internal and external intramuscular nerve tissues in the hind limb of dogs three months after plasmid injection under optic microscope. RESULTS： （1） Histopathological changes in the femoral nerve： tiny nerves from the femoral nerve to the intramuscular nerve exhibited marked degeneration in the model group. The degenerating features included neurites, myelin sheaths, and Schwann cell nuclei. Neuropathy in the pUDKH treatment group was not detected. （2） Histopathological changes of the intramuscular nerve： large and irregular vacuoles were present on several longitudinal sections of intramuscular nerve fibers in the model group, as well as annular-shaped blank regions on transverse sections of peripheral neurites. In the pUDKH treatment group, large, blank regions were present in several segments of partial nerve fibers of the longitudinal intramuscular nerve region, but only a few nerve fibers exhibited annular-shaped blank regions on the transverse section of peripheral neurites. CONCLUSION： Local pUDKH injection may relieve or block femoral and intramuscular nerve tissue injury in a canine mocel of lower limb ischemia.

Alterations in Cardiac Structure and Function in a Modified Rat Model of Myocardial Hypertrophy

This study was aimed to establish a stable animal model of left ventricular hypertrophy （LVH） to provide theoretical and experimental basis for understanding the development of LVH. The abdominal aorta of male Wistar rats （80-100 g） was constricted to a diameter of 0.55 mm between the branches of the celiac and anterior mesenteric arteries. Echocardiography using a linear phased array probe was performed as well as pathological examination and plasma B-type natriuretic peptide （BNP） measurement at 3, 4 and 6 weeks after abdominal aortic constriction （AAC）. The results showed that the acute mortality rate （within 24 h） of this modified rat model was 8%. Animals who underwent AAC demonstrated significantly increased interventricular septal （IVS）, LV posterior wall （LVPWd）, LV mass index （LVMI）, cross-sectional area （CSA） of myocytes, and perivascular fibrosis; the ejection fraction （EF）, fractional shortening （FS）, and cardiac output （CO） were consistently lower at each time point after AAC. Notably, differences in these parameters between AAC group and sham group were significant by 3 weeks and reached peaks at 4th week. Following AAC, the plasma BNP was gradually elevated compared with the sham group at 3rd and 6th week. It was concluded that this modified AAC model can develop LVH, both stably and safely, by week four post-surgery; echocardiography is able to assess changes in chamber dimensions and systolic properties accurately in rats with LVH.

Mesenchymal stem cells and mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles:Potential roles in rheumatic diseases

BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)have been widely investigated in rheumatic disease due to their immunomodulatory and regenerative properties.Recently,mounting studies have implicated the therapeutic potency of MSCs mostly due to the bioactive factors they produce.Extracellular vesicles(EVs)derived from MSCs have been identified as a promising cell-free therapy due to low immunogenicity.Rheumatic disease,primarily including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis,is a group of diseases in which immune dysregulation and chronic progressive inflammation lead to irreversible joint damage.Targeting MSCs and MSC-derived EVs may be a more effective and promising therapeutic strategy for rheumatic diseases.AIM To evaluate the potential therapeutic effectiveness of MSCs and EVs generated from MSCs in rheumatic diseases.METHODS PubMed was searched for the relevant literature using corresponding search terms alone or in combination.Papers published in English language from January 1999 to February 2020 were considered.Preliminary screening of papers concerning analysis of"immunomodulatory function"or"regenerative function"by scrutinizing the titles and abstracts of the literature,excluded the papers not related to the subject of the article.Some other related studies were obtained by manually retrieving the reference lists of papers that comply with the selection criteria,and these studies were screened to meet the final selection and exclusion criteria.RESULTS Eighty-six papers were ultimately selected for analysis.After analysis of the literature,it was found that both MSCs and EVs generated from MSCs have great potential in multiple rheumatic diseases,such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis,in repair and regeneration of tissues,inhibition of inflammatory response,and regulation of body immunity via promoting chondrogenesis,regulating innate and adaptive immune cells,and regulating the secretion of inflammatory factors.But EVs from MSCs exhibit much more advantages over MSCs,which may represent another promising cell-free restorative strategy.Targeting MSCs and MSC-derived EVs may be a more efficient treatment for patients with rheumatic diseases.CONCLUSION The enormous potential of MSCs and EVs from MSCs in immunomodulation and tissue regeneration offers a new idea for the treatment of rheumatism.However,more in-depth exploration is needed before their clinical application.

Clinical efficacy and safety of TCM prescriptions combined with nucleoside(acid)analogues in treating chronic hepatitis B:a meta-analysis

Objective There are many clinical reports on traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)combined with nucleoside(acid)analogues(NAs)for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B(CHB),but its efficacy and safety are not completely clear.This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety thus providing evidence for clinical applications.Methods We searched Chinese databases the China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang Data,and China Science and Technology Journal Database(VIP),as well as English databases Pub Med and Cochrane Library,from time of establishment to April 14,2021.Literature quality was evaluated according to the bias risk assessment criteria of Cochrane Collaboration network.Rev Man 5.3 and Stata 12.0 software were used to perform this research.Results A total of 23 articles,3282 patients,and 25 TCM prescriptions were included in this study.NAs plus TCM remarkably improved the clinical total effective rate[Odds ratio(OR)=3.92,P<0.00001],TCM syndrome score(Mean difference=-3.73,P<0.00001),hepatitis B virus(HBV)DNA negative conversion rate(OR=1.49,P=0.0001),hepatitis Be antigen(HBe Ag)negative conversion rate(OR=2.03,P<0.00001),alanine aminotransferase levels[Std mean difference(SMD)=-0.95,P<0.00001],and aspartate aminotransferase levels(SMD=-0.70,P=0.0004).Adverse reaction rates did not increase in the combined treatment group(OR=0.97,P=0.84).A comprehensive analysis of the 25 TCM prescriptions suggested that the combination of spleen-strengthening prescriptions with NAs showed better effects than other prescriptions.Conclusion TCM in combination with NAs,demonstrated better clinical efficacy against CHB than NAs alone.In addition,the combination of spleen-strengthening prescriptions and NAs was identified as the best therapeutic strategy.However,more randomized controlled trials of high quality are needed to provide more reliable clinical basis for the application of TCM.

辅酶Q10对鱼藤酮诱导的SHSY-5Y细胞凋亡效应的保护作用研究

AIM: To determine whether the use of an antioxidant reagent coenzyme Q10 can protect human dopaminergic cell line SHSY-5Y against rotenone-induced apoptosis. METHODS: Cell viability was quantified by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the apoptosis induced by rotenone was observed by Hoechst 33342, propidium iodide, and calcein AM staining in SHSY-5Y cells. RESULTS: Rotenone, a commonly used natural pesticide, inhibitor of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I, was shown to decrease cell viability and induce apoptosis in SHSY-5Y cells. Pretreated with coenzyme Q10, the electron transporter in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, remarkably increased cell viability as well as significantly reduced the percentage of apoptotic SHSY5Y cells induced by rotenone. CONCLUSION: Coenzyme Q10 has a beneficial effect in protecting against rotenone-induced apoptosis in SHSY-5Y cells. The results support the hypothesis that coenzyme Q10 is a component of the antioxidant machinery that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage and decreases apoptosis. Further evaluation is required to determine whether the neuroprotective action of coenzyme Q10 can be used for the prevention and therapy of neurodegenerative diseases.

Effects of Avastin on Expression of AQP4 in Müller Cells under Hypoxia

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Avastin on aquaporin4(AQP4) expression in human retinal Müller cells in vitro under hypoxia,so as to explore the mechanism of Avastin treating retinal edema.The human Müller cells were cultured using the enzymatic digestion method.Müller cells were identified under the transmission electron microscopy and by using immunofluorescence staining.By using semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),the expression of AQP4 mRNA and VEGF mRNA in Müller cells cultured with 500 μmol/L CoCl 2 for 0,3,6,12 and 24 h,and with 0,100,300,500 and 700 μmol/L CoCl 2 for 24 h was detected.The expression of AQP4 mRNA in Müller cells cultured with 50 ng/mL exogenous vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) for 0,0.5,1,2 and 4 h,and with 0,25,50 and 75 ng/mL VEGF for 24 h was detected.Amplified cDNA products of AQP4 mRNA in Müller cells cultured with 500 μmol/L CoCl 2 and 200 μg/mL Avastin for 24 h were detected.The results showed that more than 95% cells displayed positive immunofluorescence reaction.Characteristic 8-10 nm intracellular filaments could be seen in the cytoplasm under the transmission electron microscopy.In the CoCl 2 experimental groups,the expression of AQP4 mRNA and VEGF mRNA in Müller cells was increased as compared with the control group.Alteration of AQP4 mRNA and VEGF mRNA levels showed a significantly positive correlation(r 2 =0.822,P<0.05).The expression of AQP4 mRNA in Müller cells was increased by VEGF.The expression of AQP4 mRNA was significantly decreased by Avastin as compared with the control group.It is suggested that Avastin can decrease the expression of AQP4 mRNA in human Müller cells under chemical hypoxic conditions partially via VEGF path,which may be one of the mechanisms of Avastin treating retinal edema.

Biological effect of NK4 gene mediated by attenuated Salmonella typhimurium on hepatocellular carcinoma cell HepG2

Objective： The aim of the study was to construct a stable strain of recombined attenuated Salmonella typhimurium expressing NK4 gene, and observe the effect of the strain on the metastatic potentiality of HepG2 cells. Methods： The NK4 cDNA was isolated from PCAGGS/hNK4 plasmid by PCR, and subcloned into eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA4. The recombinant plasmid was electro-transferred into attenuated Salmonella typhimurium Ty21a to obtain the recombinant strain encoding NK4 gene （TPN）. Simultaneously, the recombinant attenuated Salmonella typhimurium carrying GFP gene （TPG） was also constructed. After the TPG and TPN were transferred into HepG2 cells, the transfection rate and the expression level of NK4 protein were detected by flow cytometry and ELISA, and the effects of expression product on the proliferation and migration of HepG2 and angiogenesis were observed. Results： The TPN and TPG were successfully constructed. Fortyeight hours after transfection with TPG, the infection rate was 82.58% ± 1.74%, and the expression level of NK4 protein in supernatant was （181.5 ± 11.7） ng/6 × 10^5 cells. The supematant had obviously depressant effect on the proliferative activity of HepG2 cells （P 〈 0.05）, and could obviously restrain the hepatocyte growth factor-mediated migration of tumor cells （P 〈 0.01）. The inhibitory effect of the expression product on the tumor angiopoiesis was obviously observed （P 〈 0.05）, without a dosage-effect relation. Conclusion： The TPN could effectively transfer tumor cells in vitro and express interest NK4 protein. The expression product could effectively inhibit the proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and the tumor angiopoiesis.

Sialyltransferase ST3GAL6 silencing reduces α2,3-sialylated glycans to regulate autophagy by decreasing HSPB8-BAG3 in the brain with hepatic encephalopathy

End-stage liver diseases,such as cirrhosis and liver cancer caused by hepatitis B,are often combined with hepatic encephalopathy(HE);ammonia poisoning is posited as one of its main pathogenesis mechanisms.Ammonia is closely related to autophagy,but the molecular mechanism of ammonia’s regulatory effect on autophagy in HE remains unclear.Sialylation is an essential form of glycosylation.In the nervous system,abnormal sialylation affects various physiological processes,such as neural development and synapse formation.ST3 β-galactoside α2,3-sialyltransferase 6(ST3GAL6)is one of the significant glycosyltransferases responsible for addingα2,3-linked sialic acid to substrates and generating glycan structures.We found that the expression of ST3GAL6 was upregulated in the brains of mice with HE and in astrocytes after ammonia induction,and the expression levels of α2,3-sialylated glycans and autophagy-related proteins microtubule-associated protein light chain 3(LC3)and Beclin-1 were upregulated in ammonia-induced astrocytes.These findings suggest that ST3GAL6 is related to autophagy in HE.Therefore,we aimed to determine the regulatory relationship between ST3GAL6 and autophagy.We found that silencing ST3GAL6 and blocking or degrading α2,3-sialylated glycans by way of Maackia amurensis lectin-II(MAL-II)and neuraminidase can inhibit autophagy.In addition,silencing the expression of ST3GAL6 can downregulate the expression of heat shock proteinβ8(HSPB8)and Bcl2-associated athanogene 3(BAG3).Notably,the overexpression of HSPB8 partially restored the reduced autophagy levels caused by silencing ST3GAL6 expression.Our results indicate that ST3GAL6 regulates autophagy through the HSPB8-BAG3 complex.