Polyphenol co-pigments enhanced the antioxidant capacity and color stability of blue honeysuckle juice during storage.

The study aimed to assess the impact of incorporating five co-pigments (gallic acid, quercetin, rutin, catechin, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)) on the color stability of blue honeysuckle juice (BHJ). Additionally, it sought to determine the influence of varying proportions of anthocyanins in an accelerated test (light at 40 °C for 24 d). Results indicated that the addition of polyphenol co-pigments effectively mitigated the thermal degradation of anthocyanins, enhancing color saturation and antioxidant capacity of BHJ. Notably, quercetin, rutin, catechin, and EGCG exhibited superior efficacy compared to gallic acid. FTIR analysis revealed non-covalent complex formation between co-pigments and anthocyanins, including hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces, thereby shielding them from degradation. HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS2 identified 15 anthocyanins and 39 non-anthocyanin polyphenols. Addition of co-pigments effectively curbed anthocyanin degradation, thus stabilizing juice system. Consequently, judicious incorporation of co-pigments holds promise as a technology for enhancing the color quality and stability of BHJ during processing.

MicroEpitope: an atlas of immune epitopes derived from cancer microbiomes.

The majority of human cancers harbor molecular evidence of intratumoral microbiota. Microbiota-derived epitopes as molecular mimics of tumor antigens can bind human leukocyte antigen (HLA), thereby modulating host immunity. However, many questions remain regarding the mechanisms underlying the interactions between microbiota and the host's immune system in cancer. Here, MicroEpitope (http://bio-bigdata.hrbmu.edu.cn/MicroEpitope) was developed to provide and analyze the atlas of microbiota-derived epitopes in cancer. We manually collected available mass spectrometry (MS)-based HLA immunopeptidomes of 1190 samples across 24 cancer types. Alignment was performed against an in-house constructed theoretical library of human and intratumor microbiome encoded proteins, including 1298 bacterial and 124 viral species. Currently, MicroEpitope contains 51 497 bacteria and 767 virus-derived epitopes, mainly originating from Bacillus subtilis, Buchnera aphidicola and human cytomegalovirus. The common immunogenic features of epitopes were calculated, as well as their biochemical properties and the clinical relevance of corresponding bacteria and viruses across cancers. MicroEpitope also provides five analytical tools, and multiple visualization methods to facilitate understanding of the roles of microbiota-derived epitopes in cancer immunity. In summary, MicroEpitope represents a vital resource for investigating HLA-presented immunopeptidomes derived from cancer microbiomes, and could further enable rich insight in tumor antigen prioritization strategies.

Investigating the causal association between serum uric acid levels and gastric cancer risk: a Mendelian randomization study.

The causal link between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and gastric cancer susceptibility remains inadequately elucidated. This investigation employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) framework to assess the potential causative link between SUA concentrations and the propensity for developing gastric cancer. To further explore potential racial differences, this MR analysis was conducted on cohorts of both European and East Asian descent. Data from a large-scale GWAS in 343,836 Europeans and 92,615 East Asians were screened for 206 and 45 SNPs significantly linked to SUA levels, respectively, as genetic variants. Subsequently, four distinct MR methodologies were deployed to determine how SUA levels affected gastric cancer risk. Using the fixed-effects IVW approach, our analysis revealed no significant association between SUA levels and gastric cancer risk, with P-values exceeding the threshold of significance in both populations (European P = 0.778; East Asian P = 0.245). The findings were supported by three additional MR methods. The reliability of these results was substantiated by comprehensive sensitivity analyses. In summary, our data do not support a significant causal linkage between SUA levels and gastric cancer risk.

Cardiovascular comorbidities among patients with psoriasis: a national register-based study in China.

This study aims to illustrate epidemiology of comorbid CVD in the real-world clinical setting of patients with psoriasis in China. We used data of adult patients with psoriasis who were registered in the register of China National Clinical Center for Skin and Immune Diseases between August 2020 and September 2021. Psoriasis was clinically diagnosed following the national guidelines. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the factors associated with comorbid CVD in patients with psoriasis. Of the 11,560 psoriasis patients (age ≥ 18 years, mean age 41.87 years, 64.88% males), 236 were ascertained with CVD, with the overall prevalence being 2.62%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of CVD in psoriasis patients was 2.27 (2.03-2.54) for older age (per 10-year increment), 0.65 (0.48-0.90) for female, 2.07 (1.39-3.06) for obesity (BMI ≥ 28 vs. < 24 kg/m2), 2.55 (1.85-2.52) for smoking, 7.63 (5.86-9.94) for hypertension, 4.27 (3.76-4.85) for diabetes, 1.14 (1.00-1.30) for having a history of drug allergy, 2.27 (1.61-3.20) for having family history of psoriasis, and 1.76 (1.16-2.67) for severe disease (severe vs. mild) with a dose-response relationship (Ptrend < 0.001). In patients with psoriasis, comorbid CVD was associated with smoking, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, history of drug allergy, family history of psoriasis, and the psoriasis severity.

MHC-I-presented non-canonical antigens expand the cancer immunotherapy targets in acute myeloid leukemia.

Identification of tumor neoantigens is indispensable for the development of cancer immunotherapies. However, we are still lacking knowledge about the potential neoantigens derived from sequences outside protein-coding regions. Here, we comprehensively characterized the immunopeptidome landscape by integrating multi-omics data in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Both canonical and non-canonical MHC-associated peptides (MAPs) in AML were identified. We found that the quality and characteristics of ncMAPs are comparable or superior to cMAPs, suggesting ncMAPs are indispensable sources for tumor neoantigens. We further proposed a computational framework to prioritize the neoantigens by integrating additional transcriptome and immunopeptidome in normal tissues. Notably, 6 of prioritized 13 neoantigens were derived from ncMAPs. The expressions of corresponding source genes are highly related to infiltrations of immune cells. Finally, a risk model was developed, which exhibited good performance for clinical prognosis in AML. Our findings expand potential cancer immunotherapy targets and provide in-depth insights into AML treatment, laying a new foundation for precision therapies in AML.

[Change of dietary pattern among young people aged 18-35 in China from 1989 to 2018].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the dietary patterns changes of young people aged 18-35 in 15 provinces(autonomous regions, municipalities) from 1989 to 2018. METHODS: Using the data of China Health and Nutrition Survey, a total of 25 400 young people aged 18-35 with complete dietary and sociodemographic information from 1989 to 2018 in 15 provinces(autonomous regions, municipalities) were selected as the research objects. Nutrition survey was carried out by using 3 consecutive days of 24-hour review method combined with weighing accounting method. Energy and nutrient intake was calculated based on food composition list. The principal component cluster analysis was used to select food groups and K-mean cluster was uesd to extract dietary patterns. Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner was used to test the difference of food intake in different dietary patterns. Cochran-Armitage trend test was to analyze the change of dietary patterns with the years. Chi-square test was to analyze the difference of people with different dietary patterns in 2018. RESULTS: The dietary patterns of young people aged 18-35 in 15 provinces(autonomous regions, municipalities) were mainly divided into three categories: "traditional rice", "traditional pasta" and "high-quality protein". In 2018, the proportion of "traditional rice" dietary patterns was higher for men than for women, and the proportion of "high-quality protein" dietary patterns was lower than for women. The proportion of "traditional pasta" dietary pattern in people aged 25-35 was higher than that aged 18-24, and the proportion of "high-quality protein" dietary pattern was lower than that aged 18-24. The proportion of people in urban with "traditional rice" dietary pattern was lower than that in rural areas, and the proportion of "high-quality protein" dietary pattern was higher than that in rural areas. The northern region was dominated by "traditional pasta" dietary pattern, while the southern region was dominated by "traditional rice" dietary pattern, and the proportion of people with "high-quality protein" dietary pattern was higher in the northern region than in the southern region. With the increase of education level and income level, the proportion of people with "high-quality protein" dietary pattern showed an increasing trend. From 1989 to 2018, the "traditional rice" dietary pattern had always maintained a high proportion among young people aged 18-35 in 15 provinces(autonomous regions, municipalities) in China, and the "traditional pasta" dietary pattern had been decreasing since 2009, and the "high-quality protein" dietary pattern had significantly increased since 2011. CONCLUSION: From 1989 to 2018, the proportion of young people aged 18-35 with reasonable dietary pattern has increased in 15 provinces(autonomous regions, municipalities), but the traditional dietary pattern still needs to be improved.

MicroProteinDB: A database to provide knowledge on sequences, structures and function of ncRNA-derived microproteins.

Omics-based technologies have revolutionized our comprehension of microproteins encoded by ncRNAs, revealing their abundant presence and pivotal roles within complex functional landscapes. Here, we developed MicroProteinDB (http://bio-bigdata.hrbmu.edu.cn/MicroProteinDB), which offers and visualizes the extensive knowledge to aid retrieval and analysis of computationally predicted and experimentally validated microproteins originating from various ncRNA types. Employing prediction algorithms grounded in diverse deep learning approaches, MicroProteinDB comprehensively documents the fundamental physicochemical properties, secondary and tertiary structures, interactions with functional proteins, family domains, and inter-species conservation of microproteins. With five major analytical modules, it will serve as a valuable knowledge for investigating ncRNA-derived microproteins.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Classifications for Symptom of Adenomyosis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to identify an optimal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based classification for the severity of adenomyosis and explore the factors associated with disease severity (dysmenorrhea or menorrhagia). DESIGN: and Participants: Several classifications based on MRI have been proposed, and their phenotypes are reported to be associated with the severity of adenomyosis. However, a consensus classification based on MRI findings has not yet been reached. Our study was designed to retrospectively analyze data from a cohort of patients in the Affiliated Nanchong Central Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from June 2017 to December 2021 before focused ultrasound ablation surgery (FUAS), identify the optimal classification of adenomyosis severity from different classification criteria, and explore factors associated with the presence of symptoms. METHODS: The proportions of disease severity among different classification groups were compared to obtain the one generating the most considerable χ2 value, which was identified as the optimal classification for informing disease severity. A logistic regression model was constructed to explore factors associated with disease severity. RESULTS: Classification of Kobayashi H (classification 4) concerning the affected areas and size (volumes of lesions) was recognized as the optimal one, which identified dysmenorrhea (χ2 = 18.550, p value = 0.002) and menorrhagia (χ2 = 15.060, p value = 0.010) secondary to adenomyosis. For volumes of the uterine wall <2/3, the dysmenorrhea rate in subtype 4 was higher than that in subtype 1 (χ2 = 4.114, p value = 0.043), and the dysmenorrhea rate in subtype 5 was higher than that in subtype 2 (χ2 = 4.357, p value = 0.037). Age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.899, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.810∼0.997, p value = 0.044) and external phenotype (OR = 3.588, 95% CI = 1.018∼12.643, p value = 0.047) were associated with dysmenorrhea. Concerning volumes of the uterine wall ≥2/3, the menorrhagia rate in subtype 3 remarkably increased compared with that in subtype 6 (χ2 = 9.776, p value = 0.002), and internal phenotype was identified as an independent factor associated with menorrhagia (OR = 1.706, 95% CI = 1.131∼2.573, p value = 0.011). LIMITATIONS: Patients in our study were all included before FUAS, which limited our result interpretation for the general patient population. CONCLUSIONS: MRI-based classification 4 is identified as an optimal classification for informing the severity of adenomyosis. The phenotype of classification is the main characteristic associated with disease severity.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Classification Systems for Informing Better Outcomes of Adenomyosis After Ultrasound-Guided High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablating Surgery.

BACKGROUND: A referenced MRI-based classification associated with focused ultrasound ablation surgery (FUAS) outcomes is lacking in adenomyosis. PURPOSE: To identify an MRI-based classification system for informing the FUAS outcomes. STUDY TYPE: Retrospective. POPULATION: Patients with FUAS for adenomyosis, were divided into a training set (N = 643; 355 with post-FUAS gonadotropin-releasing hormone/levonorgestrel, 288 without post-FUAS therapy) and an external validation set (N = 135; all without post-FUAS therapy). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 1.5 T, turbo spin-echo T2-weighted imaging and single-shot echo-planar diffusion-weighted imaging sequences. ASSESSMENT: Five MRI-based adenomyosis classifications: classification 1 (C1) (diffuse, focal, and mild), C2 (intrinsic, extrinsic, intramural, and indeterminate), C3 (internal, adenomyomas, and external), C4 (six subtypes on areas [internal or external] and volumes [<1/3 or ≥2/3]), and C5 (internal [asymmetric or symmetric], external, intramural, full thickness [asymmetric or symmetric]) for FUAS outcomes (symptom relief and recurrence). STATISTICAL TESTS: The optimal classification was significantly associated with the most subtypes of FUAS outcomes. Relating to the timing of recurrence was measured using Cox regression analysis and median recurrence time was estimated by a Kaplan-Meier curve. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Dysmenorrhea relief and recurrence were only associated with C2 in training patients undergoing FUAS alone. Compared with other subtypes, the extrinsic subtype of C2 was significantly associated with dysmenorrhea recurrence in the FUAS group. Besides, the median dysmenorrhea recurrence time of extrinsic subtype was significantly shorter than that of other subtypes (42.0 months vs. 50.3 months). In the validation cohort, C2 was confirmed as the optimal system and its extrinsic subtype was confirmed to have a significantly shorter dysmenorrhea recurrence time than other subtypes. DATA CONCLUSION: Classification 2 can inform dysmenorrhea relief and recurrence in patients with adenomyosis undergoing FAUS only. Itsextrinsic subtype was associated with an earlier onset of dysmenorrhea recurrence after treatment. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 5.

CancerProteome: a resource to functionally decipher the proteome landscape in cancer.

Advancements in mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics have greatly facilitated the large-scale quantification of proteins and microproteins, thereby revealing altered signalling pathways across many different cancer types. However, specialized and comprehensive resources are lacking for cancer proteomics. Here, we describe CancerProteome (http://bio-bigdata.hrbmu.edu.cn/CancerProteome), which functionally deciphers and visualizes the proteome landscape in cancer. We manually curated and re-analyzed publicly available MS-based quantification and post-translational modification (PTM) proteomes, including 7406 samples from 21 different cancer types, and also examined protein abundances and PTM levels in 31 120 proteins and 4111 microproteins. Six major analytical modules were developed with a view to describe protein contributions to carcinogenesis using proteome analysis, including conventional analyses of quantitative and the PTM proteome, functional enrichment, protein-protein associations by integrating known interactions with co-expression signatures, drug sensitivity and clinical relevance analyses. Moreover, protein abundances, which correlated with corresponding transcript or PTM levels, were evaluated. CancerProteome is convenient as it allows users to access specific proteins/microproteins of interest using quick searches or query options to generate multiple visualization results. In summary, CancerProteome is an important resource, which functionally deciphers the cancer proteome landscape and provides a novel insight for the identification of tumor protein markers in cancer.

SORC: an integrated spatial omics resource in cancer.

The interactions between tumor cells and the microenvironment play pivotal roles in the initiation, progression and metastasis of cancer. The advent of spatial transcriptomics data offers an opportunity to unravel the intricate dynamics of cellular states and cell-cell interactions in cancer. Herein, we have developed an integrated spatial omics resource in cancer (SORC, http://bio-bigdata.hrbmu.edu.cn/SORC), which interactively visualizes and analyzes the spatial transcriptomics data in cancer. We manually curated currently available spatial transcriptomics datasets for 17 types of cancer, comprising 722 899 spots across 269 slices. Furthermore, we matched reference single-cell RNA sequencing data in the majority of spatial transcriptomics datasets, involving 334 379 cells and 46 distinct cell types. SORC offers five major analytical modules that address the primary requirements of spatial transcriptomics analysis, including slice annotation, identification of spatially variable genes, co-occurrence of immune cells and tumor cells, functional analysis and cell-cell communications. All these spatial transcriptomics data and in-depth analyses have been integrated into easy-to-browse and explore pages, visualized through intuitive tables and various image formats. In summary, SORC serves as a valuable resource for providing an unprecedented spatially resolved cellular map of cancer and identifying specific genes and functional pathways to enhance our understanding of the tumor microenvironment.

Systematic analysis of DNA methylation-mediated TF dysregulation on lncRNAs reveals critical roles in tumor immunity.

Emerging evidence suggests that DNA methylation affects transcriptional regulation and expression perturbations of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer. However, a comprehensive investigation into the transcriptional control of DNA methylation-mediated dysregulation of transcription factors (TFs) on lncRNAs has been lacking. Here, we integrated the transcriptome, methylome, and regulatome across 21 human cancers and systematically identified the transcriptional regulation of DNA methylation-mediated TF dysregulations (DMTDs) on lncRNAs. Our findings reveal that TF regulation of lncRNAs is significantly impacted by DNA methylation. Comparative analysis of DMTDs on mRNAs revealed a conserved pattern of TFs involvement. Pan-cancer Methylation TFs (MethTFs) and Methylation LncRNAs (MethLncRNAs) were identified, and were found to be closely associated with cancer hallmarks and clinical features. In-depth analysis of co-expressed mRNAs with pan-cancer MethLncRNAs unveiled frequent disruptions in cancer immunity, particularly in the context of inflammatory response. Furthermore, we identified five immune-related network modules that contribute to immune cell infiltration in cancer. Immune-related subtypes were subsequently classified, characterized by high levels of immune cell infiltration, expression of immunomodulatory genes, and relevant immune cytolytic activity score, major histocompatibility complex score, response to chemotherapy, and prognosis. Our findings provide valuable insights into cancer immunity from the epigenetic and transcriptional regulation perspective.

PHF5A is a potential diagnostic, prognostic, and immunological biomarker in pan-cancer.

Studying the molecular mechanisms and regulatory functions of genes is crucial for exploring new approaches and tactics in cancer therapy. Studies have shown that the aberrant expression of PHF5A in tumors is linked to the origin and advancement of multiple cancers. However, its role in diagnosis, prognosis, and immunological prediction has not been comprehensively investigated in a pan-cancer analysis. Using several bioinformatic tools, we conducted a systematic examination of the potential carcinogenesis of PHF5A in various tumors from multiple aspects. Our analysis indicated that PHF5A expression varied between normal and tumor tissues and was linked to clinical diagnosis and prognosis in various cancers. The results confirmed a notable variation in the levels of PHF5A promoter methylation among several types of primary tumor and normal tissues and methylation of the PHF5A promoter played a guiding role in prognosis in some cancers. According to our findings, PHF5A played a critical role in tumor immunity and it might be an excellent target for anticancer immunotherapy. To sum up, PHF5A can be used in pan-cancer diagnostics, prognostics, and immunotherapy.

Spatial dynamics of pH in the rhizosphere of Leersia hexandra Swartz at different chromium exposure.

The roots of hyperaccumulators can significantly alter soil pH and thus change the chromium (Cr) availability in the rhizosphere. The pH dynamics in the rhizosphere of Cr hyperaccumulator Leersia hexandra Swartz remains unknown. In this study, the spatial dynamics of pH in the rhizosphere of L. hexandra at different Cr exposure were examined using planar optode (PO). The effects of different Cr concentrations on the biomass, physiological parameters, and soil enzyme activity were investigated. The results showed that pH in the rhizosphere of L. hexandra was highly heterogeneous and followed the root shape. There were obvious soil acidification in all groups and the average pH values in the control, Cr50, and Cr100 groups decreased by 0.26, 0.27, and 0.35 pH unit, respectively. At a certain concentration (50 mg kg-1), Cr significantly increased the plant height and biomass of L. hexandra compared to the control (p < 0.05). The concentrations of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll in the leaves increased with increasing Cr concentrations. The acid phosphatase, urease, and catalase activities in the rhizosphere were higher than those in the bulk soil. These results provide new insights into elucidating the hyperaccumulating mechanism of Cr and improving the phytoremediation efficiency.

Insight into the regulatory mechanism of dynamic chromatin 3D interactions during cardiomyocyte differentiation in human.

Cardiogenesis is an extremely complicated process involved with DNA regulatory elements, and trans factors regulate gene expression pattern spatiotemporally. Enhancers, as the well-known DNA elements, activate target gene expression by transcription factors (TFs) occupied to organize dynamic three-dimensional (3D) interactions, which when affected or interrupted might cause heart defects or diseases. In this study, we integrated transcriptome, 3D genome, and regulatome to reorganize the global 3D genome in cardiomyogenesis, showing a gradually decreased trend of both chromatin interactions and topological associating domains (TADs) during cardiomyocyte differentiation. And almost all of the chromatin interactions occurred within the same or between adjacent TADs involved with enhancers, indicating that dynamical rewiring of enhancer-related chromatin interactions in the continuous expansive TADs is closely correlated to cardiogenesis. Moreover, we found stage-specific interactions activate stage-specific expression to be involved within corresponding biological functions, and the stage-specific combined regulations of enhancers and binding TFs form connected networks to control stage-specific expression and biological processes, which promote cardiomyocyte differentiation. Finally, we identified markers based on regulatory networks, which might drive cardiac development. This study demonstrates the power of enhancer interactome combined with active TFs to reveal insights into transcriptional regulatory networks during cardiomyogenesis.

Handgrip Strength and Muscle Quality: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Database.

BACKGROUND: Handgrip strength (HGS) and the appendicular lean mass index (ALMI) are important determinants of sarcopenia. Muscle quality (MQ) is a measure of muscle strength relative to muscle mass. We examined trends in handgrip strength, the appendicular lean mass index, and analyzed their relationship with age, anthropometry, and body composition in a sample of participants in the United States (US). METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 14,741 US males (49.7%) and females (50.3%) 6-80 years old who responded to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2014. Dual X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure appendicular skeletal muscle mass. HGS was evaluated using the Takei Digital Grip Strength Dynamometer. Smoothed normative curves for HGS and the ALMI were constructed using a generalized additive model. Multiple regression analyses were used to examine associations of HGS and the ALMI with age, nutrition-related factors, physical activity, and body composition. RESULTS: Mean HGS and the ALMI declined with advancing age. While mean HGS increased with the ALMI, it decreased with the fat mass index. HGS increased in males with an increase in body mass index, energy intake, the ALMI, and vitamins; however, HGS in females increased with albumin, but it had a negative association with the fat mass index and age, but not with increasing adiposity. CONCLUSIONS: HGS and the ALMI change with age: HGS increases with age, then stabilizes and declines; the ALMI increases with age, then stabilizes. In addition, we provide evidence for the effect of anthropometry, nutrition, physical activity, and body composition on HGS and the ALMI in US population.

The Role of Peroxiredoxins in Cancer Development.

Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are antioxidant enzymes with ubiquitous expression in human tissues. Prxs are expressed in archaea, bacteria, and eukaryota, often in multiple isoforms. Because of their abundant expression in different cellular organelles and extraordinary sensitivity to H2O2, Prxs are among the first defenses against oxidative stress. Prxs undergo reversible oxidation to disulfides, and some family members perform chaperone or phospholipase functions upon further oxidation. Prxs are upregulated in cancer cells. Research has suggested that Prxs can function as tumor promoters in various cancers. The major objective of this review is to summarize novel findings regarding the roles of Prxs in common cancer types. Prxs have been shown to influence differentiation of inflammatory cells and fibroblasts, remodeling of extracellular matrix, and regulation of stemness. Since aggressive cancer cells have higher intracellular levels of ROS that they can utilize to proliferate and metastasize compared to normal cells, it is critical that we understand the regulation and functions of primary antioxidants such as Prxs. These small but mighty proteins could prove to be key for improving cancer therapeutics and patient survival.

High-resolution imaging of O2 dynamics and metal solubilization in the rhizosphere of the hyperaccumulator Leersia hexandra Swartz.

The mobilization of trace metals in the rhizosphere can be affected by the redox potential, which is closely related to the O2 dynamics. This study examined the distributions of O2 and trace metals in the rhizosphere of the subaquatic hyperaccumulator Leersia hexandra Swartz under chromium (Cr) stress using planar optodes and the diffusive gradients in thin films technique coupled with laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The O2 concentrations and oxidized areas in the rhizosphere significantly increased with increases in the light intensity, air humidity, and atmospheric CO2 concentrations (p < 0.05). The O2 concentration first increased with increasing ambient temperatures, then decreased when the temperature increased from 25 to 32 â„ƒ. The O2 concentration in the rhizosphere was significantly decreased under Cr stress (p < 0.05), with a prolonged response time to the altered ambient temperature. Cr stress led to decreased mobilities of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sb, V, W, and Zn in the rhizosphere, which were negatively correlated with the concentrations of O2. These results provide new insights into the role of changes in the O2 concentration induced by the roots of hyperaccumulator plants in controlling the mobility of trace metals in soils.

Loss of Peroxiredoxin IV Protects Mice from Azoxymethane/Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colorectal Cancer Development.

Peroxiredoxin IV (Prx4), a typical two-cysteine-containing member of the peroxidase family, functions as an antioxidant to maintain cellular redox homeostasis through the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via cycles of oxidation-reduction reactions. Under oxidative stress, all Prxs including Prx4 are inactivated as their catalytic cysteines undergo hyperoxidation, and hyperoxidized two-cysteine Prxs can be exclusively repaired and revitalized through the reduction cycle catalyzed by sulfiredoxin (Srx). Previously, we showed that Prx4 is a preferred substrate of Srx, and knockout of Srx in mice leads to resistance to azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium (AOM/DSS)-induced colon carcinogenesis. To further understand the significance of the Srx/Prx4 axis in colorectal cancer development, Prx4-/- mice were established and subjected to standard AOM/DSS protocol. Compared with wildtype littermates, mice with Prx4-/- genotype had significantly fewer and smaller tumors. Histopathological analysis revealed that loss of Prx4 leads to increased cell death through lipid peroxidation and lower infiltration of inflammatory cells in the knockout tumors compared to wildtype. Treatment with DSS alone also showed decreased infiltration of macrophages and lymphocytes in the colon of knockout mice, suggesting a role for Prx4 in inflammatory response. In addition, loss of Prx4 caused alterations in plasma cytokines and chemokines after DSS and AOM/DSS treatments. These findings suggest that loss of Prx4 protects mice from AOM/DSS-induced colon tumorigenesis. Thus, targeting Prx4 may provide novel strategies for colon cancer prevention and treatment.