Exo-Cleavable Linkers: Enhanced Stability and Therapeutic Efficacy in Antibody-Drug Conjugates.

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) combine cytotoxic payloads with monoclonal antibodies through chemical linkers. Finding linkers that both enhance circulatory stability and enable effective tumor payload release remains a challenge. The conventional valine-citrulline (Val-Cit) linker is associated with several inherent drawbacks, including hydrophobicity-induced aggregation, a limited drug-antibody ratio (DAR), and premature payload release. This study introduces an exolinker approach, repositioning the cleavable peptide linker at the exo position of the p-aminobenzylcarbamate moiety, as an advancement over conventional linear linkers. This design, which incorporates hydrophilic glutamic acid, addresses the limitations of the Val-Cit platform and improves the ADC in vivo profiles. In vitro and in vivo evaluations showed that exolinker ADCs reduced premature payload release, increased drug-to-antibody ratios, and avoided significant aggregation, even with hydrophobic payloads. Furthermore, the payload remained stably attached to the ADC even in the presence of enzymes like carboxylesterases and human neutrophil elastase, indicating the potential for a favorable safety profile.

Association between serum branched chain amino acids, mammalian target of rapamycin levels and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a 1:1 matched case control study.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the association between serum branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) levels and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnant women. METHODS: 1:1 matched case-control study was conducted including 66 GDM patients and 66 matched healthy pregnant women (± 3 years) in 2019, in China. Fasting bloods of pregnant women were collected in pregnancy at 24 ~ 28 weeks gestation. And the serum levels of valine (Val), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile) and mTOR were determined. Conditional logistic regressions models were used to estimate the associations of BCAAs and mTOR concentrations with the risk of GDM. RESULTS: Concentrations of serum Val and mTOR in cases were significantly higher than that in controls (P < 0.05). After adjusted for the confounded factors, both the second tertile and the third tertile of mTOR increased the risk of GDM (OR = 11.771, 95%CI: 3.949-35.083; OR = 4.869 95%CI: 1.742-13.611, respectively) compared to the first tertile of mTOR. However, the second tertile of serum Val (OR = 0.377, 95%CI:0.149-0.954) and the second tertile of serum Leu (OR = 0.322, 95%CI: 0.129-0.811) decreased the risk of GDM compared to the first tertile of serum Val and Leu, respectively. The restricted cubic spline indicated a significant nonlinear association between the serum levels of mTOR and the risk of GDM (P values for non-linearity = 0.0058). CONCLUSION: We confirmed the association of higher mTOR with the increased risk of GDM in pregnant women. Pregnant women who were in the certain range level of Val and Leu were at lower risk of GDM. Our findings provided epidemiological evidence for the relation of serum BCAAs and mTOR with risk of GDM.

FDA-approved antivirals ledipasvir and daclatasvir downregulate the Src-EPHA2-Akt oncogenic pathway in colorectal and triple-negative breast cancer cells.

Direct-acting antivirals ledipasvir (LDV) and daclatasvir (DCV) are widely used as part of combination therapies to treat Hepatitis C infections. Here we show that these compounds inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and colony formation of triple-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, SRC-transduced SW620 colon cancer cells and SRC- transduced NIH3T3 fibroblasts. DCV also inhibits the expression of PDL-1, which is responsible for resistance to immunotherapy in breast cancer cells. The demonstrated low toxicity in many Hepatitis C patients suggests LDV and DCV could be used in combination therapies for cancer patients. At the molecular level, these direct-acting antivirals inhibit the phosphorylation of Akt and the ephrin type A receptor 2 (EPHA2) by destabilizing a Src-EPHA2 complex, although they do not affect the general kinase activity of Src. Thus, LDV and DCV could be effective drugs for Src-associated cancers without the inherent toxicity of classical Src inhibitors.

1.3 Å Crystal Structure of E. coli Peptidyl-Prolyl Isomerase B with Uniform Substitution of Valine by (2S,3S)-4-Fluorovaline Reveals Structure Conservation and Multiple Staggered Rotamers of CH2F Groups.

(2S,3S)-4-Fluorovaline (FVal) is an analogue of valine, where a single CH3 group is substituted by a CH2F group. In the absence of valine, E. coli valyl-tRNA synthetase uses FVal as a substitute, enabling the production of proteins uniformly labeled with FVal. Here, we describe the production and analysis of E. coli peptidyl-prolyl isomerase B where all 16 valine residues have been replaced by FVal synthesized with a 13C-labeled CH2F group. Although the melting temperature is lower by about 11 °C relative to the wild-type protein, the three-dimensional protein structure is almost completely conserved, as shown by X-ray crystallography. The CH2F groups invariably populate staggered rotamers. Most CH2F groups populate two different rotamers. The increased space requirement of fluorine versus hydrogen does not prohibit rotamers that position fluorine next to a backbone carbonyl carbon. 19F NMR spectra show a signal dispersion over 25 ppm. The most high-field shifted 19F resonances correlate with large 3JHF coupling constants, confirming the impact of the γ-gauche effect on the signal dispersion. The present work is the second experimental verification of the effect and extends its validity to fluorovaline. The abundance of valine in proteins and structural conservation with FVal renders this valine analogue attractive for probing proteins by 19F NMR spectroscopy.

Multiple Effects of L-Leucine in Escherichia coli Lead to L-Leucine-Sensitive Growth in the Absence of Unphosphorylated PtsN.

In E. coli K-12, the absence of unphosphorylated PtsN (unphospho-PtsN) has been proposed to cause an L-leucine-sensitive growth phenotype (LeuS) by hyperactivated K+ uptake mediated impairment of the expression of the ilvBN operon, encoding subunits of the L-valine (Val)-sensitive acetohydroxyacid synthase I (AHAS I) that renders residual AHAS activity susceptible to inhibition by Leu and K+. This leads to AHAS insufficiency and a requirement for L-isoleucine (Ile). Herein, we provide an alternate mechanism for the LeuS of the ∆ptsN mutant. Genetic and physiological studies with suppressors of the LeuS indicate that impaired expression of the ilvBN operon jointly caused by the absence of unphospho-PtsN and the presence of Leu coupled to Leu-mediated repression of expression of AHAS III leads to AHAS insufficiency rendering residual AHAS activity susceptible to chronic Val stress that may be generated by exogenous Leu. Hyperactivated K+ uptake and an elevated α-ketobutyrate level mediate elevation of ilvBN expression and alleviate the LeuS. The requirement of unphospho-PtsN as a positive regulator of ilvBN expression may buffer Ile biosynthesis against Leu-mediated AHAS insufficiency and protect AHAS I function from chronic endogenous Val generated by Leu and could be realized in certain environments that impair AHAS function.

Prediction of Degradation Profiles for Various Sartans under Solvent-Free Mechanochemical Conditions.

For the approval of a drug, the stability data must be submitted to regulatory authorities. Such analyses are often time-consuming and cost-intensive. Forced degradation studies are mainly carried out under harsh conditions in the dissolved state, often leading to extraneous degradation profiles for a solid drug. Oxidative mechanochemical degradation offers the possibility of generating realistic degradation profiles. In this study, a sustainable mechanochemical procedure is presented for the degradation of five active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from the sartan family: losartan potassium, irbesartan, valsartan, olmesartan medoxomil, and telmisartan. High-resolution mass spectrometry enabled the detection of impurities already present in untreated APIs and allowed the elucidation of degradation products. Significant degradation profiles could already be obtained after 15-60 min of ball milling time. Many of the identified degradation products are described in the literature and pharmacopoeias, emphasizing the significance of our results and the applicability of this approach to predict degradation profiles for drugs in the solid state.

Efficacy and safety of different pharmacological interventions in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to indirectly compare and rank the different drugs that have been studied in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in patients with tardive dyskinesia (TD) in terms of their efficacy in ameliorating the symptoms of TD and safety. DESIGN: A network meta-analysis and a systematic review were registered prospectively on PROSPERO under the ID: CRD42023407823 and were conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-NMA guidelines. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Scopus, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Sciences, and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched to identify relevant records. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: Any parallel randomized blinded controlled clinical trials that studied the use of any medications in treating TD and assessed the symptoms using a functional scale that has been previously validated. DATA EXTRACTION: The standardized mean difference of improvement along with the reported adverse events for each drug was extracted from each trial, and a network meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model. RESULTS: One thousand eight hundred seventeen patients in 33 RCTs were included in the analysis. Twenty-three different drugs were compared to placebo in terms of reduction in TD symptoms. Among these, valbenazine 80 mg (SMD = - 1.66, 95%CI = [- 2.55; - 0.78]), valbenazine 40 mg (- 1.00, [- 1.89; - 0.11]), and vitamin E (- 0.77, [- 1.45; - 0.1]) significantly reduced TD symptoms in comparison to placebo, while deutetrabenazine 36 mg (- 1.00, [- 2.12; 0.11]) and reserpine (- 0.54, [- 1.09; 0.02]) did not significantly reduce symptoms. Some serious adverse events were reported for valbenazine and deutetrabenazine, which included mainly psychiatric symptoms such as depression, worsening of schizophrenia, and suicidal ideation, while mild adverse events were reported for other drugs, and their incidence in the treatment arms was comparable to those in the placebo arm. CONCLUSIONS: Valbenazine (80 and 40 mg) and vitamin E demonstrated efficacy in treating tardive dyskinesia. However, the significant side effects of valbenazine should prompt further investigation of alternative treatment modalities.

Metabolic Engineering of Corynebacterium glutamicum for the High-Level Production of l-Valine under Aerobic Conditions.

l-Valine, an essential amino acid, serves as a valuable compound in various industries. However, engineering strains with both high yield and purity are yet to be delivered for microbial l-valine production. We engineered a Corynebacterium glutamicum strain capable of highly efficient production of l-valine. We initially introduced an acetohydroxy acid synthase mutant from an industrial l-valine producer and optimized a cofactor-balanced pathway, followed by the activation of the nonphosphoenolpyruvate-dependent carbohydrate phosphotransferase system and the introduction of an exogenous Entner-Doudoroff pathway. Subsequently, we weakened anaplerotic pathways, and attenuated the tricarboxylic acid cycle via start codon substitution in icd, encoding isocitrate dehydrogenase. Finally, to balance bacterial growth and l-valine production, an l-valine biosensor-dependent genetic circuit was established to dynamically repress citrate synthase expression. The engineered strain Val19 produced 103 g/L of l-valine with a high yield of 0.35 g/g glucose and a productivity of 2.67 g/L/h. This represents the highest reported l-valine production in C. glutamicum via direct fermentation and exhibits potential for its industrial-scale production, leveraging the advantages of C. glutamicum over other microbes.

A Model-Informed Drug Development Approach Supporting the Approval of an Unstudied Valbenazine Dose for Patients With Tardive Dyskinesia.

Valbenazine is a highly potent and selective inhibitor of synaptic vesicular monoamine transporter 2. The current therapeutic doses of valbenazine for tardive dyskinesia (TD) are 40, 60, or 80 mg capsules, given orally, once daily (QD). While 40 and 80 mg were investigated in phase 3 KINECT® 3 trial and initially approved, the approval of valbenazine 60 mg was based on the analysis utilizing the Model-informed drug development (MIDD) approach, facilitated through the US Food and Drug Administration's MIDD Pilot Program. This study aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of 60 mg QD dose through model simulations using an established exposure-response (E-R) relationship between valbenazine active metabolite [+]-α-dihydrotetrabenazine exposure and the change from baseline in Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale total score (AIMS-CFB). A longitudinal E-R model was constructed based on the 40 and 80 mg data from the KINECT 3 trial. The final Emax model adequately predicted dose-dependent improvement in the primary endpoint and was used to interpolate AIMS-CFB for 60 mg at week 6. The efficacy of the unstudied 60 mg dose regimen is expected to be within the range of doses studied clinically with predicted mean AIMS-CFB (95% confidence interval) of -2.69 (-3.30, -2.13) between observed mean AIMS-CFB for 40 mg of -1.92 and 80 mg of -3.39. Results from this analysis provided the key evidence to establish efficacy of 60 mg QD without the need for an additional clinical trial. The availability of valbenazine 60 mg dose fills an existing medical need for patients with TD who could benefit from this third effective dose.

Cardiac effects of direct anti-viral treatment in type II diabetic patients with hepatitis C infection.

BACKGROUND: The link between diabetes mellitus and chronic hepatitis C infection remains well established. It is estimated that up to one third of chronic hepatitis C patients have type II diabetes mellitus. Hepatitis C virus infection is one of the main global health burdens. Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir are used as effective antiviral inhibitors of hepatitis C virus. The cardiovascular effects of those drugs are not well studied. We used electrocardiography and echocardiography with global longitudinal strain assessment by speckle tracking to detect their effect on cardiac function. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred diabetic patients with hepatitis C infection were included in the study. Abdominal ultrasound and laboratory work up were carried out for all participants. Left ventricular systolic and diastolic function were assessed by 2D-echocardiography and global longitudinal strain, before and 3 months after treatment. Results showed significant decrease in global longitudinal strain 3 months after therapy (-21 ± 4 vs. -18 ± 7; P < 0.001) but other echocardiographic findings showed no significant changes. CONCLUSIONS: Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir were associated with early left ventricular systolic dysfunction as assessed by global longitudinal strain in diabetic patients. More deterioration in left ventricular systolic function was detected among those with Child-Pough class B. Further long-term follow-up may be required.

Diagnosis and management of a herpes nipple infection that resulted in neonatal HSV encephalitis.

We present a case of a primigravida in her 30s who had a caesarean delivery of dichorionic diamniotic twins at 33 weeks of gestation. Her postpartum course was complicated by a herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection of her nipple, found after her neonates were diagnosed with HSV encephalitis. She was evaluated at her 3-week postpartum visit and reported that her neonates were concurrently admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with disseminated neonatal HSV-1. The patient and her partner were in a monogamous relationship with no known history of HSV. Physical examination demonstrated a vertical fissure on the face of her right nipple and a small cluster of vesicles on her left hand. PCR swabs of the lesions were positive for HSV-1 at both locations. The patient was started on oral valacyclovir 1000 mg two times per day, topical acyclovir ointment applied 4-6 times per day and mupirocin ointment applied 3 times per day to her breast with resolution of her breast lesions. She was able to continue expressing her breastmilk with the help of a pump and then resumed breastfeeding once her infection was cleared. Her infants recovered after prolonged parenteral antiviral therapy with age-appropriate development at follow-up.

Glycine to valine substitution in the short intracellular linkers of domain II enhances I1011M-mediated sodium channel resistance to Type I pyrethroids, but not Type II pyrethroids.

Pyrethroids are widely used against agricultural pests and human disease vectors due to their broad insecticidal spectrum, fast action, and low mammalian toxicity. Unfortunately, overuse of pyrethroids has led to knockdown resistance (kdr) caused by mutations in voltage-gated sodium channels. Mutation I1011M was repeatedly detected in numerous pyrethroid-resistant Aedes aegypti populations from Latin American and Brazil. In addition, mutation G923V was first reported to coexist with I1011M in permethrin/DDT-resistant Ae. aegypti, whether G923V enhances the I1011M-mediated pyrethroid resistance in sodium channels remains unclear. In this study, we introduced mutations G923V and I1011M alone or in combination into the pyrethroid-sensitive sodium channel AaNav1-1 and examined the effects of these mutations on gating properties and pyrethroid sensitivity. We found mutations I1011M and G923V + I1011M shifted the voltage dependence of activation in the depolarizing direction, and none of mutations affect the voltage-dependence of inactivation. G923V and G923V + I1011M mutations reduced the channel sensitivity to both Type I and Type II pyrethroids. However, I1011M alone conferred resistance to Type I pyrethroids, not to Type II pyrethroids. Interestingly, significant synergism effects on Type I pyrethroids were observed between mutations G923V and I1011M. The effects of all mutations on channel sensitivity to DDT were identical with those to Type I pyrethroids. Our results confirm the molecular basis of resistance mediated by mutations G923V and I1011M and may contribute to develop molecular markers for monitoring pest resistance to pyrethroids.

Targeting valine catabolism to inhibit metabolic reprogramming in prostate cancer.

Metabolic reprogramming and energetic rewiring are hallmarks of cancer that fuel disease progression and facilitate therapy evasion. The remodelling of oxidative phosphorylation and enhanced lipogenesis have previously been characterised as key metabolic features of prostate cancer (PCa). Recently, succinate-dependent mitochondrial reprogramming was identified in high-grade prostate tumours, as well as upregulation of the enzymes associated with branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism. In this study, we hypothesised that the degradation of the BCAAs, particularly valine, may play a critical role in anapleurotic refuelling of the mitochondrial succinate pool, as well as the maintenance of intracellular lipid metabolism. Through the suppression of BCAA availability, we report significantly reduced lipid content, strongly indicating that BCAAs are important lipogenic fuels in PCa. This work also uncovered a novel compensatory mechanism, whereby fatty acid uptake is increased in response to extracellular valine deprivation. Inhibition of valine degradation via suppression of 3-hydroxyisobutyryl-CoA hydrolase (HIBCH) resulted in a selective reduction of malignant prostate cell proliferation, decreased intracellular succinate and impaired cellular respiration. In combination with a comprehensive multi-omic investigation that incorporates next-generation sequencing, metabolomics, and high-content quantitative single-cell imaging, our work highlights a novel therapeutic target for selective inhibition of metabolic reprogramming in PCa.

Design of C2-symmetric pseudopeptides for in vivo detection of Cu(II) through controlled supramolecular nano-assembly.

Pseudopeptides are emerging next-generation soft bioinspired materials for biological applications. Therefore, a new class of C2-symmetric L-valine-derived pseudopeptides has been designed and developed. The newly developed pseudopeptides exhibit intracellular Cu(II) ion detection in live-cell fluorescence studies on RAW264.7 cells. We find that the changes in the amino acid side chain in desired pseudopeptidic moieties lead to a drastic change in their selectivity towards different metal ions. The L-valine-derived pseudopeptides exhibit selectivity towards Cu(II) ions through turn-off fluorescence, and the L-phenylalanine-derived pseudopeptides exhibit selectivity towards Zn(II) ions through turn-on fluorescence. In addition, the L-valine-derived pseudopeptides show an increase in spherical-shaped structures upon incubation with Cu(II) ions during supramolecular nano-assembly formation. In contrast, the L-phenylalanine-derived pseudopeptides show a decrease in spherical-shaped structures upon adding Zn(II) ions. The judiciously designed L-valine-derived and L-phenylalanine-derived bioinspired pseudopeptides are promising for exploring similar effects in various peptidomimetics in advanced biological applications.

Association between Branched-Chain amino acids and Epilepsy: A Mendelian randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) have been affected epilepsy, yet conclusions remain inconclusive, lacking causal evidence regarding whether BCAAs affect epilepsy. Systematic exploration of the causal relationship between BCAAs and epilepsy could hand out new ideas for the treatment of epilepsy. METHODS: Utilizing bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) study, we investigated the causal relationship between BCAA levels and epilepsy. BCAA levels from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), including total BCAAs, leucine levels, isoleucine levels, and valine levels, were employed. Causal relationships were explored applying the method of inverse variance-weighted (IVW) and MR-Egger, followed by sensitivity analyses of the results to evaluate heterogeneity and pleiotropy. RESULTS: Through strict genetic variant selection, we find some related SNPs, total BCAA levels (9), leucine levels (11), isoleucine levels (7), and valine levels (6) as instrumental variables for our MR analysis. Following IVW and sensitivity analysis, total BCAAs levels (OR = 1.14, 95 % CI = 1.019 âˆ¼ 1.285, P = 0.022) and leucine levels (OR = 1.15, 95 % CI = 1.018 âˆ¼ 1.304, P = 0.025) had significant correlation with epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS: There exists a causal relationship between the levels of total BCAAs and leucine with epilepsy, offering the new ideas into epilepsy potential mechanisms, holding significant implications for its prevention and treatment.

Analysis of the susceptibility of refractory hepatitis C virus resistant to nonstructural 5A inhibitors.

Resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) affect the efficacy of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). In this study, we aimed to clarify the susceptibility of the coexistence of nonstructural (NS) 5A Q24K/L28M/R30Q (or R30E)/A92K RASs, which were observed in patients with DAAs re-treatment failure and to consider new therapeutic agents. We used a subgenomic replicon system in which HCV genotype 1B strain 1B-4 was electroporated into OR6c cells derived from HuH-7 cells (Wild-type [WT]). We converted WT genes to NS5A Q24K/L28M/R30Q/A92K or Q24/L28K/R30E/A92K. Compared with the WT, the Q24K/L28M/R30Q/A92K RASs was 36,000-fold resistant to daclatasvir, 440,000-fold resistant to ledipasvir, 6300-fold resistant to velpatasvir, 3100-fold resistant to elbasvir, and 1.8-fold resistant to pibrentasvir. Compared with the WT, the Q24K/L28M/R30E/A92K RASs was 640,000-fold resistant to daclatasvir and ledipasvir, 150,000-fold resistant to velpatasvir, 44,000-fold resistant to elbasvir, and 1500-fold resistant to pibrentasvir. The Q24K/L28M/R30E/A92K RASs was 816.3 times more resistant to pibrentasvir than the Q24K/L28M/R30Q/A92K RASs. Furthermore, a combination of pibrentasvir and sofosbuvir showed therapeutic efficacy against these RASs. Combination regimens may eradicate HCV with NS5A Q24K/L28M/R30E/A92K RASs.

Protonitazene detection in two cases of opioid toxicity following the use of tetrahydrocannabinol vape products in Australia.

INTRODUCTION: Protonitazene is an opioid belonging to the 2-benzylbenzimidazole structural class. We describe two cases of opioid toxicity involving the reported inhalation of a delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol vape product in which protonitazene was detected. CASE REPORTS: Case 1 was a young male found unconscious after the reported use of a delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol vape. He suffered two subsequent apnoeic episodes requiring bag-valve-mask ventilation before eventual recovery. Only protonitazene was detected in blood at a concentration of 0.74 µg/L. Case 2 was a young male who died shortly after being found unresponsive. The postmortem femoral blood concentrations of protonitazene and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol were 0.33 µg/L and 2 µg/L, respectively. Analysis of a pod vaping device found in the decedent's hand and a separate e-liquid bottle labelled as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol showed a mixture of protonitazene and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. DISCUSSION: The opioid effects of protonitazene are mediated through ß-arrestin2 and mu opioid receptor signalling pathways. Benzimidazole opioids are lipophilic and, when mixed with a suitable solvent, can be used in a vape device. It is anticipated that naloxone would have provided effective reversal of toxicity in our cases. CONCLUSIONS: Novel routes of opioid administration, like vaping, may appear relatively innocuous in comparison to intravenous administration, but opioids may still be absorbed at high concentrations, resulting in severe opioid toxicity or death.

L-valine derived from the gut microbiota protects sepsis-induced intestinal injury and negatively correlates with the severity of sepsis.

Background: The protective role of gut microbiota and its metabolites against intestinal damage in sepsis patients remain unclear. Methods: Fecal samples were acquired from patients categorized into sepsis and non-sepsis groups for analysis of microbial composition via 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics analysis. We assessed the impact of gut microbiota from sepsis patients on intestinal barriers in antibiotic-treated mice. Furthermore, We conducted spearman's correlation analysis to examine the relationship between metabolites and the severity of sepsis. Additionally, we performed animal experiments to validate the functionality of identified metabolites. Results: The diversity of intestinal flora is decreased in patients with sepsis compared to the control group. Through fecal microbiota transplantation experiments, it was discovered that the gut microbiota derived from sepsis patients could induce intestinal damage in antibiotic-treated mice. Metabolomics analysis of the microbiota revealed a significant enrichment of the Valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis pathway. Further analysis showed a significant decrease in the abundance of L-valine in sepsis patients, which was negatively correlated with APACHE-II and SOFA scores. In sepsis mouse experiments, it was found that L-valine could alleviate sepsis-induced intestinal damage. Conclusion: Alterations in microbial and metabolic features in the gut can affect the severity of sepsis. Furthermore, L-valine can protect against sepsis-induced intestinal injury.

Mining of neurological adverse events associated with valbenazine: A post-marketing analysis based on FDA adverse event reporting system.

PURPOSE: Valbenazine is commonly used to treat tardive dyskinesia, and we conducted a pharmacovigilance analysis using the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) to evaluate neurological safety signals associated with valbenazine. METHODS: Data was collected in FAERS from the second quarter of 2017 to the fourth quarter of 2023 for data cleaning. Neurological adverse event (AE) signals of valbenazine were mined by calculating reporting odds ratios (ROR), information component (IC) and empirical Bayesian geometric mean (EBGM). The serious and non-serious cases and signals were prioritized using a rating scale. RESULTS: The number of neurological AE reports where the primary suspect (PS) drug was 8981 for valbenazine. Significant AE signals were identified by the preferred term (PT) analysis for valbenazine, including somnolence (ROR 19.69), tremor (ROR 15.17), and tardive dyskinesia (ROR 236.91), among which 18 AEs were identified as new signals. Patient age (p < 0.009) and sex (p = 0.197) might be associated with an increased risk of neurological AE severity. Notably, the association between valbenazine and neurological disorders remained when stratified by sex, age, and reporter type. AE timing analysis was performed for the drug and four moderate clinical priority signals [i.e., somnolence, balance disorder, parkinsonism, and akathisia (priorities 7)], showing the same early failure type profiles. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in neurological safety signals is identified in the post-marketing research of valbenazine. Clinicians need to pay attention to not only common AEs but also be alert to new neurological AE signals when using valbenazine.

Valine administration in the hypothalamus alters the brain and plasma metabolome in rainbow trout.

Central administration of valine has been shown to cause hyperphagia in fish. Although mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is involved in this response, the contributions to feed intake of central and peripheral metabolite changes due to excess valine are unknown. Here, we investigated whether intracerebroventricular injection of valine modulates central and peripheral metabolite profiles and may provide insights into feeding response in fish. Juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were administered an intracerebroventricular injection of valine (10 µg·µL-1 at 1 µL·100·g-1 body wt), and the metabolite profile in plasma, hypothalamus, and rest of the brain (composing of telencephalon, optic tectum, cerebellum, and medulla oblongata) was carried out by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS)-based metabolomics. Valine administration led to a spatially distinct metabolite profile at 1 h postinjection in the brain: enrichment of amino acid metabolism and energy production pathways in the rest of the brain but not in hypothalamus. This suggests a role for extrahypothalamic input in the regulation of feed intake. Also, there was enrichment of several amino acids, including tyrosine, proline, valine, phenylalanine, and methionine, in plasma in response to valine. Changes in liver transcript abundance and protein expression reflect an increased metabolic capacity, including energy production from glucose and fatty acids, and a lower protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation in the valine group. Altogether, valine intracerebroventricular administration affects central and peripheral metabolism in rainbow trout, and we propose a role for the altered metabolite profile in modulating the feeding response to this branched-chain amino acid.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Valine causes hyperphagia in fish when it is centrally administered; however, the exact mechanisms are far from clear. We tested how intracerebroventricular injection of valine in rainbow trout affected the brain and plasma metabolome. The metabolite changes in response to valine were more evident in the rest of the brain compared with the hypothalamus. Furthermore, we demonstrated for the first time that central valine administration affects peripheral metabolism in rainbow trout.