[Automatic Control System of Oxygen Concentration in Medical Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Based on ZigBee].

In order to effectively prevent the damage to the human body caused by abnormal oxygen concentration in the medical hyperbaric oxygen chamber, a ZigBee-based medical hyperbaric oxygen chamber oxygen concentration automatic control system is designed. The data acquisition module uses the microprocessor STM32F103C8T6 to receive the oxygen concentration data of each acquisition point, and the ZigBee of the data processing module transmits the processing results to the MSP430G2553 single-chip microcomputer at the receiving end of the slave. The MSP430G2553 single-chip microcomputer uses a self-organizing TS fuzzy neural network (SOTSFNN) and adds activation. The intensity concept realizes automatic control of the oxygen concentration in the hyperbaric oxygen chamber, and controls the buzzer to give an alarm when the oxygen concentration is lower than 19 mg/L and higher than 23 mg/L, and displays the current real-time oxygen concentration through LCD12864. The experimental results show that as the communication distance increases, the packet loss rate of the system is always lower than 5%, and the signal strength under the same communication distance is better; the system can effectively control the oxygen concentration value within the set range, and the oxygen concentration. The control accuracy is high and the stability is good.

[Expression of vasohibin-1, MACC1 and KA11 proteins in serous ovarian cancer and their clinical significance].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the expression of vasohibin-1, metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1 (MACC1) and KAI1 proteins in serous ovarian cancer and their clinical significance.
 Methods: In 124 specimens of serous ovarian cancer (serous ovarian cancer group) and 30 specimens of ovarian serous cystadenoma (ovarian serous cystadenoma group), the expression of vasohibin-1, MACC1 and KAI1 protiens were detected by immunohistochemistry ElivisionTM method.
 Results: In the serous ovarian cancer group, the positive rates of vasohibin-1 and MACC1 proteins were 48.4% and 58.1%, respectively, which were both higher than those in the ovarian serous cystadenoma group (10.0% and 13.3%, respectively); while the positive rate of KAI1 protein in the serous ovarian cancer group was 33.9%, which was lower than that in the ovarian serous cystadenoma group (86.7%), there were significant differences between the 2 groups (all P<0.05). In the serous ovarian cancer group, the expression of the 3 proteins were closely related to the pathological grade, Federation International of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage and pelvic lymph node metastasis (all P<0.05). The KAI1 protein was negatively correlated with the levels of vasohibin-1 and MACC1 (r=-0.500, -0.600, respectively, both P<0.01); while there was a positive correlation between the vasohibin-1 and the MACC1 (r=0.518, P<0.01). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the over-expression of vasohibin-1, MACC1 and the low-expression of KAI1 protein were related to the survival rates (all P<0.05). Multi-factor analysis showed that the expression of vasohibin-1, KAI1 protein and the FIGO stage were independent prognosis factors for radical operation of serous ovarian cancer (RR=2.185, 3.893, 0.413; 95% CI=1.263-3.779, 2.190-6.921, 0.251-0.681; all P<0.05).
 Conclusion: The up-regulation of vasohibin-1, MACC1 and down-regulation of KAI1 in serous ovarian cancer are related to the tumor differentiation, clinical stage, metastasis and prognosis. Combined detection of these indexes is useful in predicting the progression and prognosis of serous ovarian cancer.

[Expression of AXIN and MACC1 in Gastric Carcinoma and Its Clinical Significance].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of axis inhibition protein (AXIN) and metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1 (MACC1) in gastric carcinoma and their relationship to the clinicopathologic characteristics. METHODS: Expressions of AXIN and MACC1 proteins were examined by immunohistochemistry containing 100 specimens of gastric tissues (gastric carcinoma group) and 60 specimens of normal gastric mucosa tissues (control group,the nearby tissues of the excised specimen of gastric cancer patients,from the tumor of the gastric cancer >5.0 cm,and confirm that there were no cancer cells). RESULTS: The positive rates of AXIN and MACC1 proteins in gastric carcinoma and the control tissues were 37.0% vs. 83.3% and 58.0% vs. 6.7%,respectively. The difference were significant between the two groups (both P<0.05). The expressions of AXIN and MACC1 proteins were significantly related with grades of tumor,depth of invasion,lymph node metastasis,and Duke stages ( P<0.05). Spearman analysis showed that there was a negative relationship between the AXIN expression and MACC1 expression (r=-0.355, P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log-rank single factor analysis showed that AXIN and MACC1 protein expressions were related to the 5-year survival rate of patients (both P<0.05). Cox regression analysis showed that the positive expression of AXIN and the negative expression MACC1 protein,and Duke stages (Ⅲ-Ⅳ) were the independent prognostic factors of gastric carcinoma. CONCLUSION: The expressions of AXIN and MACC1 proteins are related to the prognosis of gastric carcinoma patients,and are involved in the invasion and metastasis of gastric carcinoma.

Evaluation of the correlation of vasculogenic mimicry, ALDH1, KAI1 and microvessel density in the prediction of metastasis and prognosis in colorectal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Metastasis and recurrence are the most common reasons for treatment failure of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Vasculogenic mimicry (VM, blood supply formation often seen in highly aggressive tumors), Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1, a biomarker of cancer stem cells), KAI1 (a suppressor gene of tumor metastasis) are all valuable factors for metastasis and prognosis in diverse human cancers. However, the correlation of VM, ALDH1, KAI1 and microvessel density (MVD) in CRC is unclear. In this study, we analyzed the correlations among VM, ALDH1, KAI1 and MVD, as well as their respective correlations with clinicopathological parameters and survival in CRC. METHODS: The level of VM, ALDH1, KAI1 and MVD in 204 whole tissue samples of CRC were examined by immunhistochemistry. Clinical data was also collected. RESULTS: Levels of VM, ALDH1 and MVD were significantly higher, and levels of KAI1 significantly lower, in CRC tissues than in normal colorectal tissues. Levels of VM, ALDH1 and MVD were positively associated with invasion of depth, lymph node metastasis (LNM), distant metastasis and tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stages, and negatively with patients' overall survival (OS). Levels of KAI1 was negatively correlated with invasion of depth, LNM, distant metastasis and TNM stages, and the KAI1 positive expression subgroup had significantly longer OS than did the KAI1- subgroup. In multivariate analysis, high levels of VM, ALDH1 and KAI1, as well as TNM stages were independently correlated with lower OS in patients with CRC. CONCLUSIONS: VM, MVD and the expression of ALDH1 and KAI1 may represent promising metastatic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as potential therapeutic targets for CRC.

Metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1 and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 are metastatic and prognostic biomarker for non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Tumor recurrence and metastasis are the most common reason for treatment failure. Metastasis-associate in colon cancer-1 (MACC1) has been identified as a metastatic and prognostic biomarker for colorectal cancer and other solid tumors. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1), a marker of cancer stem cells, is also associated with metastasis and poor prognosis in many tumors. However, the prognostic value of either MACC1 or ALDH1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unclear. In this study, we explored the relationship between MACC1 and ALDH1 expression, as well as their respective associations with clinicopathological features, to determine if either could be useful for improvement of survival prognosis in NSCLC. METHODS: The expression levels of both MACC1 and ALDH1 in 240 whole tissue sections of NSCLC were examined by immunohistochemistry. Clinical data were also collected. RESULTS: MACC1 and ALDH1 were significantly overexpressed in NSCLC tissues when compared to levels in normal lung tissues. Investigation of associations between MACC1 or ALDH1 protein levels with clinicopathological parameters of NSCLC revealed correlations between the expression of each with tumor grade, lymph node metastasis, and tumor node metastasis. The overall survival of patients with MACC1- or ALDH1-positive NSCLC tumors was significantly lower than that of those who were negative. Importantly, multivariate analysis suggested that positive expression of either MACC1 or ALDH1, as well as TNM stage, could be independent prognostic factors for overall survival in patients with NSCLC. CONCLUSIONS: MACC1 and ALDH1 may represent promising metastatic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as potential therapeutic targets, for NSCLC.

Identification of antigenic domains in the non-structural protein of Muscovy duck parvovirus.

Muscovy duck parvovirus (MDPV) infection is widespread in many Muscovy-duck-farming countries, leading to a huge economic loss. By means of overlapping peptides expressed in Escherichia coli in combination with Western blot, antigenic domains on the non-structural protein (NSP) of MDPV were identified for the first time. On the Western blot, the fragments NS(481-510), NS (501-530), NS (521-550), NS (541-570), NS (561-590), NS (581-610) and NS (601-627) were positive (the numbers in parentheses indicate the location of amino acids), and other fragments were negative. These seven fragments were also reactive in an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA). We therefore conclude that a linear antigenic domain of the NSP is located at its C-terminal end (amino acid residues 481-627). These results may facilitate future investigations into the function of NSP of MDPV and the development of immunoassays for the diagnosis of MDPV infection.

The expression of metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1 and KAI1 in gastric adenocarcinoma and their clinical significance.

BACKGROUND: The most common reason for malignant tumor treatment failure is recurrence and metastasis. Metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1 (MACC1) was originally identified as a metastatic and prognostic biomarker for colon cancer and later other solid tumors. Kangai 1 (KAI1), a marker of suppressor of metastasis, is also associated with metastasis and poor prognosis in many tumors. However, the prognostic value of either MACC1 or KAI1 in gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) is unclear. In this study, we explored the relationship between MACC1 and KAI1 expression, as well as their respective correlation with clinicopathological features, to determine if either could be helpful for improvement of survival prognosis in GAC patients. METHODS: The expression levels of both MACC1 and KAI1 in 325 whole-tissue sections of GAC were examined by immunohistochemistry. Clinical data was also collected. RESULTS: MACC1 was significantly overexpressed in GAC tissues when compared to levels in normal gastric tissues; KAI1 was significantly down-expressed in GAC tissues when compared to levels in normal gastric tissues. Investigation of association between MACC1 and KAI1 protein levels with clinicopathological parameters of GAC indicated association between the expression of each with tumor grade, lymph node metastasis, invasive depth, and TNM stages. The overall survival time of patients with MACC1- or KAI1-positive GAC tumors was significantly shorter or longer than that of those who were negative. Importantly, multivariate analysis suggested that positive expression of either MACC1 or KAI1, as well as TNM stage, could be independent prognostic factors for overall survival in patients with GAC. CONCLUSIONS: MACC1 and KAI1 may represent promising metastatic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as potential therapeutic targets, for GAC.

Clinicopathological significance of CD133 and CD44 expression in infiltrating ductal carcinoma and their relationship to angiogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in females worldwide, and the majority type is infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC). Most of IDC patients died of metastasis and recurrence. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are defined with the ability to be self-renewal and potentially promote proliferation and formation of tumors. CSCs are related to angiogenesis and are important targets in new cancer treatment strategies. In this study, we purposed to investigate on expression and clinical significances of CSCs marked by CD133 and CD44 in IDC and their relationship to angiogenesis. METHODS: The specimens of IDC from 325 Chinese patients with follow-up were analyzed for CD133, CD44, CD82, and CD34 protein expression by immunohistochemical staining. The Pearson chi-square test and t test were used to assess the associations among the positive staining of these markers and clinicopathological characteristics. Postoperative overall survival time in these patients with IDC was analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: In IDC tissues, positive rates of 48.6%, 53.8%, and 42.2% were obtained for CD133, CD44, and CD82 protein, respectively; the mean score of microvessel density (MVD) was 20.5 ± 7.0 in IDC group. And there was a significant difference between the two groups. There was a positive relationship between the expression of CD133, CD44, and the score of MVD and the grades of tumor, lymph node metastasis, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stages (all P < 0.05); and the expression of CD82 was negatively related to grades of tumor, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stages (all P < 0.05). The overall mean survival time of the patients with CD133, CD44, and the score of MVD (≥21) positive expression was lower than that of patients with negative expression. The overall mean survival time of patients of CD82-positive expression was longer than that of patients of the negative expression group. The positive expression of CD133 and CD82, and TNM stages were independent prognostic factors of IDC (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CSCs, angiogenesis, and aberrant expression of CD82 may be involved in the initiation, development, metastasis, and recurrence. It is suggested that CSCs, angiogenesis, and CD82 be possible as a therapeutic marker for anti-tumor therapy.

Clinicopathological significance of cancer stem cells marked by CD133 and KAI1/CD82 expression in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Presently, CD133 is one of the hottest markers to characterize cancer stem cells and KAI1/CD82 is reported as an important marker for the metastasis and prognosis of many cancers. The purpose of our study is to explore the relationship between cancer stem cells (CSCs) marked by CD133 and KAI1/CD82 expression and the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). METHODS: Immunohistochemical analysis was used to detect the expression of CD133 and KAI1/CD82 in 83 archival surgical specimens of human LSCC and 83 cases of normal laryngeal tissues. RESULTS: In LSCC, positive rates of 49.4% and 41.0% were obtained for CD133 and KAI1/CD82, respectively. The expression of CD133 in LSCC tissues was significantly higher than that in normal tissues (P<0.001), and the expression of CD133 was positively associated with pTNM stage (P=0.005), pathological grade (P=0.001), and lymph node metastasis (P<0.001). The reduced expression of KAI1/CD82 was present in LSCC tissues. The positive rate of KAI1/CD82 expression was negatively correlated with pTNM stage (P=0.014), pathological grade (P<0.001), and lymph node metastasis (P=0.007). A correlation analysis showed that there was a negative relationship between the expression of CD133 and KAI1/CD82 protein in LSCC tissues (P<0.001). By Kaplan-Meier analysis, the expression of CD133 was negatively correlated with overall survival (OS) (log-rank=40.949, P<0.001) and disease-free survival (DFS) (log-rank=39.307, P<0.001) time of LSCC. The expression of KAI1/CD82 was positively correlated with OS (log-rank=40.279, P<0.001) and DFS (log-rank=39.271, P<0.001) time of LSCC. Cox regression analysis: the expression of CD133 and KAI1/CD82, and pTNM stages were independent prognostic factors of LSCC (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Thus the detection of CD133 and KAI1/CD82 proteins may be used as a potential indicator of LSCC prognosis.

[The expression of KAI1 in gastric adenocarcinoma and relationship with angiogenesis/lymphangiogenesis].

OBJECTIVE: To seek good markers to predict invasion and metastasis of gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC). METHODS: Expression of Kangai 1 (KAI1), CD34, and D2-40 were examined by immunohistochemistry containing 145 specimens of GAC and 50 specimens of normal gastric tissue. Microvessel density (MVD) and lymph vessel density (LVD) were determined by the mean number of small CD34-positive or D2-40-positive vessels counted. And the relationship of KAI1, MVD and LVD, as well as the role of them on invasion, metastasis and prognosis in GAC were analyzed. RESULTS: The positive rate of KAI1, the median scores of MVD and LVD in normal gastric tissue and GAC tissue were 92.0%, (9.2 +/- 7.8)/LP, (7.5 +/- 7.6)/LP and 37.2%, (21.6 +/- 9. 1)/ LP, (22.6 +/- 12.7)/LP, respectively. And there was a significant different between the two groups (P < 0.05). The expression of KAI1, the scores of MVD and LVD were significantly related with pathologic-tumor-node metastasis (pTNM) stages, depth of invation and lymph node metastasis (all P < 0.05). There was a significant relationship between the expression of KAI1 and the scores of MVD or LVD. The survival rate of the KAI1-positive or KAI1-negative group was significantly different (P < 0.01); the survival rates were significantly lower in MVD > or = 22's group than that in MVD < 22's group, so was the same relationship between the LVD > or = 23's group and the LVD < 23's group (both P < 0.01). Cox regression analysis: pTNM stage, expression of KAI1, and the scores of MVD were independent factors of postoperative survival time in GAC (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The combined detection of KAI1, CD34, and D2-40 has an important role in predicting the progression and prognosis of GAC.

[Vasculogenic mimicry in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and its clinicopathological significance].

The present paper aims to investigate whether or not vasculogenic mimicry (VM) exists in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), and to elucidate its relationship to microvessel density (MVD), galectin-3 (Gal-3) expression, and clinicopathological factors of patients with LSCC. VM, score of MVD and expression of Gal-3 protein were detected by immunohistochemistry and histochemistry in 83 specimens of LSCC tissue and 20 specimens of normal laryngeal tissue. The positive rate of VM in normal laryngeal tissues was 0%, and was 33.7% in LSCC tissues. There was a significant difference between the two groups (P<0. 01). VM or MVD was significantly related to differentiation, pTNM stages and lymph node metastasis of LSCC (P<0.05), but not to age, gender and tumor site (P>0. 05). And there was a positive correlation between every two of VM, score of MVD, and Gal-3 protein (P< 0. 05). The results suggest that expression of Gal-3 protein may be related to the initiation, angiogenesis and VM formation in LSCC; And VM, angiogenesis and Gal-3 protein may be involved in the development, invasion and metastasis of LSCC.

Lactobacillus plantarum LLY-606 Supplementation Ameliorates the Cognitive Impairment of Natural Aging in Mice: The Potential Role of Gut Microbiota Homeostasis.

This work explored the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum LLY-606 (LLY-606) on cognitive function in aging mice. Our findings demonstrated that LLY-606 effectively prolonged the lifespan of mice and improved age-related cognitive impairments. Additionally, our study revealed that supplementation with LLY-606 resulted in the downregulation of inflammatory cytokine levels and the upregulation of antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, probiotic supplementation effectively mitigated the deterioration of the intestinal barrier function in aging mice. Amplicon analysis indicated the successful colonization of probiotics, facilitating the regulation of age-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis. Notably, the functional abundance prediction of microbiota indicated that tryptophan metabolism pathways, glutamatergic synapse pathways, propanoate metabolism pathways, and arginine and proline metabolism pathways were enriched after the LLY-606 intervention. In summary, LLY-606 emerged as a potential functional probiotic capable of influencing cognitive function in aging mice. This effect was achieved through the modulation of gut microbiota, the regulation of synaptic plasticity, and the enhancement of neurotrophic factor levels.

Chloride Homeostasis Regulates cGAS-STING Signaling.

The cGAS-STING signaling pathway has emerged as a key mediator of inflammation. However, the roles of chloride homeostasis on this pathway are unclear. Here, we uncovered a correlation between chloride homeostasis and cGAS-STING signaling. We found that dysregulation of chloride homeostasis attenuates cGAS-STING signaling in a lysosome-independent manner. Treating immune cells with chloride channel inhibitors attenuated 2'3'-cGAMP production by cGAS and also suppressed STING polymerization, leading to reduced cytokine production. We also demonstrate that non-selective chloride channel blockers can suppress the NPC1 deficiency-induced, hyper-activated STING signaling in skin fibroblasts derived from Niemann Pick disease type C (NPC) patients. Our findings reveal that chloride homeostasis majorly affects cGAS-STING pathway and suggest a provocative strategy to dampen STING-mediated inflammation via targeting chloride channels.

Dietary lipoic acid alleviates autism-like behavior induced by acrylamide in adolescent mice: the potential involvement of the gut-brain axis.

Consuming fried foods has been associated with an increased susceptibility to mental health disorders. Nevertheless, the impact of alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA, LA) on fried food-induced autism-like behavior remains unclear. This study aimed to explore how LA affects autism-related behavior and cognitive deficits caused by acrylamide in mice, a representative food hazard found in fried foods. This improvement was accomplished by enhanced synaptic plasticity, increased neurotrophin expression, elevated calcium-binding protein D28k, and restored serotonin. Additionally, LA substantially influenced the abundance of bacteria linked to autism and depression, simultaneously boosted short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels in fecal samples, and induced changes in serum amino acid concentrations. In summary, these findings suggested that exposure to acrylamide in adolescent mice could induce the development of social disorders in adulthood. LA showed promise as a nutritional intervention strategy to tackle emotional disorders during adolescence.

Leucine-Restricted Diet Ameliorates Obesity-Linked Cognitive Deficits: Involvement of the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis.

Leucine restriction (LR) improves insulin resistance and promotes white adipose tissue browning. However, the effect of LR on obesity-associated cognitive impairment remains unclear. The present study found that an 8-week LR dramatically improved high-fat diet (HFD)-induced cognitive decline by preventing synaptic dysfunction, increasing the expressions of neurotrophic factors, and inhibiting neuroinflammation in memory-related brain regions. Moreover, LR notably reshaped the structure of gut microbiota, which was manifested by downregulating the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, reducing the relative abundance of inflammation-related bacteria including Acetatifactor, Helicobacter, Mucispirillum, and Oscillibacter but increasing short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacterial genera including Alistipes, Allobaculum, Odoribacter, and Olsenella. Notably, HFD-caused SCFA reduction, gut barrier damage, and LPS leakage were recovered by LR. Our findings suggested that LR could serve as an effective approach to attenuate obesity-induced cognitive deficits, which may be achieved by balancing gut microbiota homeostasis and enhancing SCFA production.

Lactobacillus plantarum LLY-606 supplementation ameliorates hyperuricemia via modulating intestinal homeostasis and relieving inflammation.

Gut microbiota is associated with hyperuricemia progression and can be regulated by Lactobacillus plantarum. However, the role of Lactobacillus plantarum in hyperuricemia is still unknown. Thus, we constructed the mouse model of hyperuricemia using potassium oxonate and hypoxanthine treatment to explore the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum LLY-606 supplementation on the development of hyperuricemia. The results showed that Lactobacillus plantarum LLY-606 significantly reduced the level of serum uric acid through inhibiting uric acid secretion and regulating uric acid transport. We also found that Lactobacillus plantarum LLY-606 supplementation inhibited the inflammatory response and the activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in mice. Microbiome sequencing and analysis suggested the successful colonization of probiotics, which could regulate intestinal flora dysbiosis induced by hyperuricemia. The abundance of Lactobacillus plantarum was significantly negatively correlated with hyperuricemia-related indicators. Notably, the functional abundance prediction of microbiota indicated that lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis protein pathways and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis pathways were inhibited after the probiotic intervention. In conclusion, Lactobacillus plantarum LLY-606 can serve as a potential functional probiotic to affect the development of hyperuricemia through modulating gut microbiota, downregulating renal inflammation, and regulating uric acid metabolism.

Stevioside Ameliorates Prenatal Obesity Induced Postpartum Depression: The Potential Role of Gut Barrier Homeostasis.

SCOPE: Postpartum depression and cognitive impairment are the common complications of prenatal obesity. Stevioside is a non-nutritive natural sweetener with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. However, its effects on depression behaviors and cognitive impairment induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) remain unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: An 8-week HFD is used to establish a prenatal obesity model in female C57BL/6J mice to explore the improvement effects of stevioside (0.5 mg mL-1 in drinking water) on maternal depression and cognitive dysfunction after weaning. The results demonstrated that stevioside improves behavioral performance of obese maternal mice, and inhibits neuronal damage and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) abnormality induced by HFD. In addition, stevioside inhibits oxidative stress by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) activities in the brains of obese maternal mice. Additionally, stevioside improves gut barrier integrity and prevented lipopolysaccharide (LPS) extravasation, and alleviates neuroinflammation. Correlation analysis shows that gut barrier and serum LPS are closely related to behavioral performance and brain biochemical indicators. CONCLUSION: Stevioside is capable to prevent prenatal obesity-induced cognitive and mood disorders by restoring intestinal barrier damage and inhibiting inflammation.

Aberrant expression of CD133 in non-small cell lung cancer and its relationship to vasculogenic mimicry.

BACKGROUND: To investigate on expressions and clinical significances of CD133 protein and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: The specimens of NSCLC from 305 Chinese patients with follow-up were analyzed for CD133 protein expression and VM by immunohistochemical and histochemical staining. RESULTS: In NSCLC, positive rates of 48.9% and 35.7% were obtained for CD133 and VM, respectively. The VM and expression of CD133 were significantly higher in carcinoma than in normal. There were a positive relationship between the VM and expression of CD133 and the tumor grade, lymph node metastasis and clinical stage (all P<0.05). The overall mean survival time of the patients with CD133 and VM positive expression was lower than that of patients with negative expression. Microvessel density (MVD) was positive corresponded with the grade, lymph node metastasis and clinical stage (all P<0.05). The overall mean survival time of the patients with MVD≥22's group was shorter than that of patients with MVD<22's group. Pathological-tumor-node-metastasis (pTNM) stage, positive expression of CD133 and VM, postoperative therapy and MVD were independent prognostic factors of NSCLC (P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry revealed an important intratumoral heterogeneity in all four CD133 expression profiles. CONCLUSIONS: VM, MVD and expression of CD133 are related to differentiation, lymph node metastasis, clinical stage, and prognosis. It is suggested that CD133, VM and MVD should be considered as a potential marker for the prognosis.

Dietary protein and amino acid restriction: Roles in metabolic health and aging-related diseases.

The prevalence of obesity is a worldwide phenomenon in all age groups and is associated with aging-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, as well metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The use of dietary restriction (DR) while avoiding malnutrition has many profound beneficial effects on aging and metabolic health, and dietary protein or specific amino acid (AA) restrictions, rather than overall calorie intake, are considered to play key roles in the effects of DR on host health. Whereas comprehensive reviews of the underlying mechanisms are limited, protein restriction and methionine (Met) restriction improve metabolic health and aging-related neurodegenerative diseases, and may be associated with FGF21, mTOR and autophagy, improved mitochondrial function and oxidative stress. Circulating branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are inversely correlated with metabolic health, and BCAAs and leucine (Leu) restriction promote metabolic homeostasis in rodents. Although tryptophan (Trp) restriction extends the lifespan of rodents, the Trp-restricted diet is reported to increase inflammation in aged mice, while severe Trp restriction has side effects such as anorexia. Furthermore, inadequate protein intake in the elderly increases the risk of muscle-centric health. Therefore, the restriction of specific AAs may be an effective and executable dietary manipulation for metabolic and aging-related health in humans, which warrants further investigation to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Tryptophan-rich diet ameliorates chronic unpredictable mild stress induced depression- and anxiety-like behavior in mice: The potential involvement of gut-brain axis.

Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, has been reported that it has the potential to regulate depression-like behavior. Meanwhile, Chronic stress-induced depression also has a close relationship with gut microbiota structure and composition. In the current research, we demonstrated that a tryptophan-rich diet (0.6% tryptophan w/w) significantly attenuated depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-treated mouse model. Tryptophan supplementation improved neuroinflammation, increased expression of BDNF, and improved mitochondrial energy metabolism in the brain of CUMS-treated mice. Besides, CUMS also enhanced the kynurenine pathway, but repressed the serotonin pathway and indole pathway of tryptophan metabolism, leading to a decrease in 5-HT and indole in serum, whereas tryptophan supplementation might shift the tryptophan metabolism more toward the serotonin pathway in CUMS-treated mice. The gut microbiome was restructured by increasing the relative abundance of Lachnospiracea, Clostridium, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium in tryptophan-treated depressive mice. Moreover, tryptophan administration inhibited stress-induced gut barrier damage and decreased inflammatory responses in the colon. Together, our study purports the gut-brain axis as a mechanism for the potential of tryptophan to improve depression and anxiety-related behavior.