RIPK1 activation in Mecp2-deficient microglia promotes inflammation and glutamate release in RTT.

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder primarily caused by mutations in the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (Mecp2) gene. Here, we found that inhibition of Receptor-Interacting Serine/Threonine-Protein Kinase 1 (RIPK1) kinase ameliorated progression of motor dysfunction after onset and prolonged the survival of Mecp2-null mice. Microglia were activated early in myeloid Mecp2-deficient mice, which was inhibited upon inactivation of RIPK1 kinase. RIPK1 inhibition in Mecp2-deficient microglia reduced oxidative stress, cytokines production and induction of SLC7A11, SLC38A1, and GLS, which mediate the release of glutamate. Mecp2-deficient microglia release high levels of glutamate to impair glutamate-mediated excitatory neurotransmission and promote increased levels of GluA1 and GluA2/3 proteins in vivo, which was reduced upon RIPK1 inhibition. Thus, activation of RIPK1 kinase in Mecp2-deficient microglia may be involved both in the onset and progression of RTT.

USP14 regulates autophagy by suppressing K63 ubiquitination of Beclin 1.

The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and autophagy are two major intracellular degradative mechanisms that mediate the turnover of complementary repertoires of intracellular proteomes. Simultaneously activating both UPS and autophagy might provide a powerful strategy for the clearance of misfolded proteins. However, it is not clear whether UPS and autophagy can be controlled by a common regulatory mechanism. K48 deubiquitination by USP14 is known to inhibit UPS. Here we show that USP14 regulates autophagy by negatively controlling K63 ubiquitination of Beclin 1. Furthermore, we show that activation of USP14 by Akt-mediated phosphorylation provides a mechanism for Akt to negatively regulate autophagy by promoting K63 deubiquitination. Our study suggests that Akt-regulated USP14 activity modulates both proteasomal degradation and autophagy through controlling K48 and K63 ubiquitination, respectively. Therefore, regulation of USP14 provides a mechanism for Akt to control both proteasomal and autophagic degradation. We propose that inhibition of USP14 may provide a strategy to promote both UPS and autophagy for developing novel therapeutics targeting neurodegenerative diseases.

Multi-omic Analyses Reveal Minimal Impact of the CRISPR-Cas9 Nuclease on Cultured Human Cells.

The CRISPR-Cas9 system is a genomic editing tool widely used in basic research and under investigation for potential applications in gene therapies for human diseases. To accomplish genomic editing, the system requires the expression of a prokaryotic DNA endonuclease enzyme, Cas9, in host cells. Previous studies have mainly focused on the specificity of Cas9 on the host genome, and thus it is unclear whether this bacterium-derived enzyme affects the protein homeostasis of host cells. Here we applied multi-omic analyses, including transcriptome, proteome, phosphoproteome, Cas9-associated protein interactome, protein synthesis, and histone epigenetic modification, to investigate the cellular response of human cells upon the expression of Cas9. We demonstrate that Cas9 has minimal impact on host cells. Our assessment of intracellular effects of Cas9 paves a path for its broad applications in biological studies and potential clinical translations.

Down-Regulation of Neuropathy Target Esterase in Preeclampsia Placenta Inhibits Human Trophoblast Cell Invasion via Modulating MMP-9 Levels.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Neuropathy target esterase (NTE, also known as neurotoxic esterase) is proven to deacylate phosphatidylcholine (PC) to glycerophosphocholine as a phospholipase B. Recently; studies showed that artificial phosphatidylserine/PC microvesicles can induce preeclampsia (PE)-like changes in pregnant mice. However, it is unclear whether NTE plays a key role in the pathology of PE, a pregnancy-related disease, which was characterized by deficient trophoblast invasion and reduced trophoblast-mediated remodeling of spiral arteries. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression pattern of NTE in the placenta from women with PE and normal pregnancy, and the molecular mechanism of NTE involved in the development of PE. METHODS: NTE expression levels in placentas from 20 pregnant women with PE and 20 healthy pregnant women were detected using quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry staining. The effect of NTE on trophoblast migration and invasion and the underlying mechanisms were examined in HTR-8/SVneo cell lines by transfection method. RESULTS: NTE mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly decreased in preeclamptic placentas than normal control. Over-expression of NTE in HTR-8/SVneo cells significantly promoted trophoblast cells migration and invasion and was associated with increased MMP-9 levels. Conversely, shRNA-mediated down-regulation of NTE markedly inhibited the cell migration and invasion. In addition, silencing NTE reduced the MMP-9 activity and phosphorylated Erk1/2 and AKT levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the decreased NTE may contribute to the development of PE through impairing trophoblast invasion by down-regulating MMP-9 via the Erk1/2 and AKT signaling pathway.

The regulation of ovary and conceptus on the uterine natural killer cells during early pregnancy.

Uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are short-lived, terminally differentiated and the most abundant lymphocytes in the uterus which play a crucial role in the spiral arteriole modification and establishment of successful pregnancy. Dysregulation of uNK cells has been linked to gestational implications such as recurrent pregnancy loss, preeclampsia and fetal growth retardation. There is evidence showing that progesterone and estrogen can regulate the recruitment, proliferation, differentiation and function of uNK cells via direct action on intracellular nuclear receptors or through intermediary cells in the uterus during early pregnancy. As the deepening of related research in this field, the role of conceptus in such regulation has received extensive attention, it utilizes endocrine signaling (hCG), juxtacrine signaling (HLA-C, HLA-E, HLA-G) and paracrine signaling (cytokines) to facilitate the activities of uNK cells. In addition, under the influence of ovarian hormones, conceptus can increase expression of PIBF and HLA-G molecules to reduce cytotoxicity of uNK cells and promote angiogenesis. In this review, we aim to concentrate on the novel findings of ovarian hormones in the regulation of uNK cells, emphasize the regulatory role of conceptus on uNK cells and highlight the proposed issues for future research in the field.

Efficacy and safety of lurasidone for schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta­analysis of eight short­term, randomized, double­blind, placebo­controlled clinical trials.

Lurasidone is an atypical anti-psychotic approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. It is mainly used to treat schizophrenia in adults through its antagonistic action on dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors. The present study systematically assessed the efficacy and safety of lurasidone in the treatment of schizophrenia. Clinical, double-blind, parallel, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of lurasidone in the treatment of schizophrenia were retrieved from PubMed\Medline, EBSCO, Embase, Cochrane Library, OVID, Web of Science and related clinical trial registration websites up to May 2023. A total of two investigators independently screened the included references and evaluated their quality. RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis of each measure outcome. The present systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (ID=CRD42018108178). A total of eight RCTs were included in the present study, including a total of 2,456 patients with schizophrenia. All eight references were randomized, double-blind and parallel control trials. All eight references were evaluated as high quality. The meta-analysis results demonstrated that there were no significant change in total Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) score, Clinical Global Impression of Severity (CGI-S) score and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) between the 40 mg lurasidone group and the placebo group (P>0.05). However, as the dosage increased, the 80, 120 and 160 mg lurasidone groups had significant changes in total PANSS score, CGI-S score and MADRS Compared with placebo (P<0.05), although changes in MADRS in the 120 mg lurasidone group were not statistically significant (P>0.05). In terms of safety, the changes in the incidence of agitation in the 40 mg lurasidone group (P<0.05), vomiting in the 80 mg group (P<0.05) and akathisia in the 160 mg group (P<0.05) were statistically significant and there were also statistically significant changes in the incidence of akathisia, nausea, somnolence and extrapyramidal disorder among the 40, 80 and 120 mg lurasidone groups (P<0.05); No statistically significant changes in the in the incidence of other adverse reactions (P>0.05). In conclusion, existing evidence suggests that the initial dose of lurasidone for schizophrenia can be adjusted to 80 mg. As the condition aggravates, the dose can be incrementally increased to 160 mg. A dose of 160 mg lurasidone is recommended as the most efficacious and safe dose for acute schizophrenia and the risk of occurrence of akathisia, nausea, somnolence and extrapyramidal disorder is still high when lurasidone is administered at a dose of 80-120 mg. The dose should be promptly adjusted or the drug should be withdrawn if the aforementioned adverse reactions worsen. Multi-center, high-quality and long-term clinical RCTs influenced by the included references are still necessary to support the aforementioned conclusions.

Effects of abrocitinib on pruritus and eczema symptoms and tolerance in patients with moderate­to­severe atopic dermatitis in randomized, double­blind and placebo­controlled trials: A systematic review and a meta­analysis.

Abrocitinib is a highly selective Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor that can block a multitude of inflammatory signaling pathways that underlie atopic dermatitis (AD). In addition, abrocitinib inhibits JAK1 signaling in sensory neurons to alleviate acute and chronic pruritus during AD. However, substantial variations in efficacy and safety risks remain due to variations in doses applied in clinical use. Therefore for the present study, differences in the efficacy and tolerability of 100 and 200 mg abrocitinib for treating pruritus and eczema symptoms in patients with moderate-to-severe AD were evaluated compared with placebo. Specifically, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of abrocitinib compared with placebo for the treatment of moderate-to-severe AD were searched on Pubmed, E.B. Stephens Company, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Medical network, Web of Science and related Clinical Trials Registry up to November 2023. In total, two researchers evaluated the quality of the included literature according to the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews. RevMan 5.3 software was used to conduct a meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety indicators in a cross-comparison of the effects exerted by placebo and 100 and 200 mg abrocitinib. A total of 1,825 patients with moderate-to-severe AD were included across five double-blind, placebo RCTs. Compared with the placebo group, during the double-blind trial period, significant improvements were observed in the investigator's global assessment score, response rate of eczema area and severity index (EASI)-50, EASI-75, EASI-90 and pruritus numerical rating scale (P-NRS) in the 100 and 200 mg abrocitinib groups (P<0.05). However, pairwise control analysis of the 100 and 200 mg group yielded significant differences (P<0.05) in all of the aforementioned therapeutic indicators except for the P-NRS score. In terms of safety, compared with the placebo group, there were significantly higher incidence of nausea, upper respiratory tract viral infection, infections and infestations in the 100 mg abrocitinib group (P<0.05). In addition, there were significantly higher incidence of nausea, gastrointestinal disorder, headache and dizziness in the 200 mg group (P<0.05). There were also significant differences in the incidence of nausea, gastrointestinal disorder and dizziness between the 100 and 200 mg groups (P<0.05). For patients with moderate-to-severe AD, oral administration of 100 or 200 mg abrocitinib once/day was concluded to ameliorate skin pruritus and eczema symptoms to varying degrees, with the efficacy significantly superior at the 200 mg dose. However, the risk of a number of adverse reactions, such as headache, dizziness, nausea and gastrointestinal dysfunction, is also significantly increased. Therefore, patients should be made aware of the risk of adverse drug effects prior to the administration of long-term high abrocitinib doses. Furthermore, large-scale, multi-center, rigorous clinical trials remain necessary to validate the findings from the present study.

ω­3 fatty acids in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (Review).

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. Epidemiological evidence and clinical trials have shown that ω-3 fatty acids have a variety of promoting effects in reducing the risk of ASCVD, but different conclusions of large randomized controlled trials make their clinical use in the prevention and treatment of ASCVD controversial. The present review focuses on the pharmacological mechanism, clinical trials and evidence value of clinical applications of ω-3 fatty acids in order to provide theoretical and practical evidence for the clinical application strategy, and follow-up research and development of ω-3 fatty acids as anti-ASCVD drugs.

Εfficacy and safety of vortioxetine (Lu AA21004) in the treatment of adult patients with major depressive disorder: A systematic review and a meta­analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Vortioxetine is a novel drug for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). It has been reported that vortioxetine exhibits positive effect on the acute stage of MDD, while it can effectively prevent the recurrence of MDD during the maintenance period. Currently, the results of systematic reviews on vortioxetine are insufficient since several efficacy measures, such as the 24-Items Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HADRS-24) total score and other safety factors have not been evaluated. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different doses of vortioxetine on the treatment of adult patients with MDD via assessing more efficacy and safety indicators. The clinical, double-blind, parallel and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of vortioxetine on MDD were retrieved from PubMed\Medline, EBSCO, Embase, Cochrane Library, OVID, Web of Science and clinical trial registration websites from database inception to November 2022. A total of two investigators independently screened the included references and independently evaluated their quality. The meta-analysis was performed using Revman 5.0 software. The present systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (registration no. CRD42018106343). In the present study 11 RCTs were included, with a total of 4,908 adult patients with MDD. More specifically, 1,158 patients were included in the 5-mg vortioxetine group, 736 in the 10-mg group, 298 in the 15-mg group, 864 in the 20-mg group and 1,852 in the placebo group. All 11 studies were randomized, double-blinded and parallel control trials, and all publications were evaluated as high quality. The meta-analysis results showed that patients in the 5-, 10- and 20-mg vortioxetine groups exhibited significantly higher Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) response (≥50%) and remission (≤10%) rates compared with the placebo group (P<0.05). The pooled analysis also revealed a statistically significant change in the total score of HADRS-24, MADRS, Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), Clinical Global Impression Scale-Improvement (CGI-I) and HADRS-24 response rate in the 10- and 20-mg vortioxetine groups compared with the placebo group (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant changes in the total score of HADRS-24, MADRS, SDS, CGI-I and HADRS-24 response rate were obtained in the 5-mg group compared with the placebo group (P>0.05). Furthermore, the most common adverse events were nausea, hyperhidrosis, insomnia and vomiting, the incidence of which was increased with higher doses of vortioxetine. Overall, the results suggested that vortioxetine administration at doses of 5-20 mg was significantly effective and safe compared with placebo in the treatment of MDD. However, 5 mg vortioxetine displayed no difference in the HADRS-24, MADRS, SDS and CGI-I total scores, and HADRS-24 response rate. Furthermore, patient treatment with increasing vortioxetine doses was associated with good tolerance and high safety. Nevertheless, more multi-center, high-quality and long-term RCTs are still needed to support the aforementioned findings.

Mutual-Assistance Learning for Object Detection.

Object detection is a fundamental yet challenging task in computer vision. Despite the great strides made over recent years, modern detectors may still produce unsatisfactory performance due to certain factors, such as non-universal object features and single regression manner. In this paper, we draw on the idea of mutual-assistance (MA) learning and accordingly propose a robust one-stage detector, referred as MADet, to address these weaknesses. First, the spirit of MA is manifested in the head design of the detector. Decoupled classification and regression features are reintegrated to provide shared offsets, avoiding inconsistency between feature-prediction pairs induced by zero or erroneous offsets. Second, the spirit of MA is captured in the optimization paradigm of the detector. Both anchor-based and anchor-free regression fashions are utilized jointly to boost the capability to retrieve objects with various characteristics, especially for large aspect ratios, occlusion from similar-sized objects, etc. Furthermore, we meticulously devise a quality assessment mechanism to facilitate adaptive sample selection and loss term reweighting. Extensive experiments on standard benchmarks verify the effectiveness of our approach. On MS-COCO, MADet achieves 42.5% AP with vanilla ResNet50 backbone, dramatically surpassing multiple strong baselines and setting a new state of the art.

Towards Large-Scale Small Object Detection: Survey and Benchmarks.

With the rise of deep convolutional neural networks, object detection has achieved prominent advances in past years. However, such prosperity could not camouflage the unsatisfactory situation of Small Object Detection (SOD), one of the notoriously challenging tasks in computer vision, owing to the poor visual appearance and noisy representation caused by the intrinsic structure of small targets. In addition, large-scale dataset for benchmarking small object detection methods remains a bottleneck. In this paper, we first conduct a thorough review of small object detection. Then, to catalyze the development of SOD, we construct two large-scale Small Object Detection dAtasets (SODA), SODA-D and SODA-A, which focus on the Driving and Aerial scenarios respectively. SODA-D includes 24828 high-quality traffic images and 278433 instances of nine categories. For SODA-A, we harvest 2513 high resolution aerial images and annotate 872069 instances over nine classes. The proposed datasets, as we know, are the first-ever attempt to large-scale benchmarks with a vast collection of exhaustively annotated instances tailored for multi-category SOD. Finally, we evaluate the performance of mainstream methods on SODA. We expect the released benchmarks could facilitate the development of SOD and spawn more breakthroughs in this field.

Metabolic orchestration of cell death by AMPK-mediated phosphorylation of RIPK1.

Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity is stimulated to promote metabolic adaptation upon energy stress. However, sustained metabolic stress may cause cell death. The mechanisms by which AMPK dictates cell death are not fully understood. We report that metabolic stress promoted receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) activation mediated by TRAIL receptors, whereas AMPK inhibited RIPK1 by phosphorylation at Ser415 to suppress energy stress-induced cell death. Inhibiting pS415-RIPK1 by Ampk deficiency or RIPK1 S415A mutation promoted RIPK1 activation. Furthermore, genetic inactivation of RIPK1 protected against ischemic injury in myeloid Ampkα1-deficient mice. Our studies reveal that AMPK phosphorylation of RIPK1 represents a crucial metabolic checkpoint, which dictates cell fate response to metabolic stress, and highlight a previously unappreciated role for the AMPK-RIPK1 axis in integrating metabolism, cell death, and inflammation.

Prolonged hypoxia alleviates prolyl hydroxylation-mediated suppression of RIPK1 to promote necroptosis and inflammation.

The prolyl hydroxylation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) mediated by the EGLN-pVHL pathway represents a classic signalling mechanism that mediates cellular adaptation under hypoxia. Here we identify RIPK1, a known regulator of cell death mediated by tumour necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1), as a target of EGLN1-pVHL. Prolyl hydroxylation of RIPK1 mediated by EGLN1 promotes the binding of RIPK1 with pVHL to suppress its activation under normoxic conditions. Prolonged hypoxia promotes the activation of RIPK1 kinase by modulating its proline hydroxylation, independent of the TNFα-TNFR1 pathway. As such, inhibiting proline hydroxylation of RIPK1 promotes RIPK1 activation to trigger cell death and inflammation. Hepatocyte-specific Vhl deficiency promoted RIPK1-dependent apoptosis to mediate liver pathology. Our findings illustrate a key role of the EGLN-pVHL pathway in suppressing RIPK1 activation under normoxic conditions to promote cell survival and a model by which hypoxia promotes RIPK1 activation through modulating its proline hydroxylation to mediate cell death and inflammation in human diseases, independent of TNFR1.

PP6 negatively modulates LUBAC-mediated M1-ubiquitination of RIPK1 and c-FLIPL to promote TNFα-mediated cell death.

Activation of TNFR1 by TNFα induces the formation of a membrane-associated, intracellular complex termed complex I. Complex I orchestrates a complex pattern of modifications on key regulators of TNF signaling that collectively determines the cell fate by activating pro-survival or executing cell death programs. However, the regulatory mechanism of complex I in cell-fate decision is not fully understood. Here we identify protein phosphatase-6 (PP6) as a previously unidentified component of complex I. Loss of PP6 protects cells from TNFα-mediated cell death. The role of PP6 in regulating cell death requires its phosphatase activity and regulatory subunits. Further mechanistic studies show that PP6 modulates LUBAC-mediated M1-ubiquitination of RIPK1 and c-FLIPL to promote RIPK1 activation and c-FLIPL degradation. We also show that melanoma-associated PP6 inactivating mutants offer resistance to cell death due to the loss of sensitivity to TNFα. Thus, our study provides a potential mechanism by which melanoma-related PP6 inactivating mutations promote cancer progression.

Preoperative Progressive Pneumoperitoneum and Botulinum Toxin Type A in Patients With Large Parastomal Hernia.

Background: The combination of preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum (PPP) and botulinum toxin type A (BTA) in adjuvant treatment of large parastomal hernia (LPH) has not been reported in the previous literature. Methods: From February 2018 to June 2019, 16 patients were diagnosed with LPH in our hospital were included in this study. All patients received PPP and BTA treatment to expand abdominal volume and extend abdominal muscle before surgery. The laparoscopic Sugarbaker method was preferred for defect close. Results: Before and after PPP and BTA, the mean volume of the parastomal hernia (VPH) was 1,522 and 1,644 cc, respectively (P < 0.01), and the mean volume of the abdominal cavity (VAC) was 5,847 and 9,408 cc, respectively (P < 0.01). The VPH/VAC ratio was decreased by an average of 8.4% after the combination management. And the lateral abdominal muscle length was increased by an average of 4.8 cm/side (P < 0.01). These patients underwent surgery successfully, and no hernia recurrence after (17.6 ± 2.4) months of follow-up. Conclusions: The combination of PPP and BTA effectively expand the abdominal volume, decrease the risk of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) postoperatively, and beneficial to laparoscopic repair of LPH.

Polyphyllin I, a lethal partner of Palbociclib, suppresses non-small cell lung cancer through activation of p21/CDK2/Rb pathway in vitro and in vivo.

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are hyperactive in many cancers and have served as cancer therapeutic targets for decades. Palbociclib (Palb) is the first approved CDK4/6 inhibitor to treat hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer. Acquired drug resistance is one obstacle of Palb be utilized in other cancer. CDK2 compensation of CDK4/6 loss is one of the causes that cancer cells are resistant to Palb. Hence, targeting multiple CDKs could be a novel strategy to prevent the drug resistance of cancer cells and expand the application of Palb in other cancer. In this study, we initially indicated Polyphyllin I (PPI) significantly inhibits non-small lung cancer cell (NSCLC) proliferation, promotes cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, PPI can inhibit Rb through the p21/CDK2/Rb signaling pathway in NSCLC. A combination of PPI and Palb exerts a significant synergistic anti-cancer ability on NSCLC. Of note, PPI can reverse Palb drug resistance. Herein, we first time demonstrated PPI can disturb CDK2 function through upregulation of p21. The PPI effect on CDK2 provides a choice for a chemotherapeutic strategy for the elimination of NSCLC. Our study highlighted the clinical significance of simultaneously blocking of CDK2 and CDK4/6 for NSCLC treatment.

Gestational exposure to acrylamide inhibits mouse placental development in vivo.

Acrylamide, a carcinogen and neurotoxic substance, recently has been discovered in various heat-treated carbohydrate-rich foods. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acrylamide exposure on placental development. Pregnant mice received acrylamide by gavage at dosages of 0, 10, and 50 mg/kg/day from gestational days (GD) 3 until GD 8 or GD 13. The results showed that acrylamide feeding significantly decreased the numbers of viable embryos and increased the numbers of resorbed embryos on GD 13. Acrylamide exposure reduced the absolute and relative weight of placentas and embryos, and inhibited the development of ectoplacental cone (EPC) and placenta, as shown by the atrophy of EPC and reduced placental area. Acrylamide markedly reduced the numbers of labyrinth vessels. Expression levels of most placental key genes such as Esx1, Hand1, and Hand2 mRNA dramatically decreased in acrylamide-treated placentas. Furthermore, acrylamide treatment inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of placentas, as shown by decreased Ki67-positive cells and Bcl-2 protein, and increased the expression of Bax, cleaved-caspase-3, and cleaved-caspase-8 proteins. In conclusion, our results indicated that gestational exposure to acrylamide inhibits placental development through dysregulation of placental key gene expression and labyrinth vessels, suppression of proliferation, and apoptosis induction in mice.

Lectin histochemical analysis of uterine natural killer cells in normal, hydatidiform molar and invasive molar pregnancy.

Uterine natural killer (uNK) cells have been hypothesized to serve a role in controlling trophoblast invasion and proliferation. The aim of the present study was to identify the distribution and number of uNK cells in normal pregnancy (NP), partial mole (PM), complete mole (CM) and invasive mole (IM). uNK cells were detected using dolichos biflorus agglutinin lectin immunohistochemistry in decidual and villous tissues from early NP (n=15), late NP (n=15), PM (n=22), CM (n=20) and IM (n=10). A scaled eye piece was used for cell counting to obtain semi-quantitative results. It was revealed that uNK cells were mainly located in the uterine deciduas of early NP. As pregnancy progressed, the number of decidual uNK cells significantly decreased. Decidual uNK cells of PM, CM and IM were located near blood vessel endothelial cells. No significant differences were detected with respect to the numbers of decidual uNK between early NP and PM. However, the number of decidual uNK cells was significantly reduced in CM and IM compared with early NP. The populations of decidual uNK cells were not significantly different between CM and IM. No uNK cells were detected in the villi of PM, CM or IM. The decrease of decidual uNK cells in late NP, CP and IM, compared with early NP, suggested that uNK cells served an important role in controlling trophoblast invasion and proliferation.

Gestational exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles impairs the placentation through dysregulation of vascularization, proliferation and apoptosis in mice.

BACKGROUND: Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) have recently found applications in a wide variety of consumer goods. TiO2 NPs exposure significantly increases fetal deformities and mortality. However, the potential toxicity of TiO2 NPs on the growth and development of placenta has been rarely studied during mice pregnancy. PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of maternal exposure of TiO2 NPs on the placentation. METHODS: Mice were administered TiO2 NPs by gavage at 0, 1 and 10 mg/kg/day from gestational day (GD) 1 to GD 13. Uteri and placentas from these mice were collected and counted the numbers of implanted and resorbed embryo and measured the placental weight on GD 13. Placental morphometry was observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The levels of Hand1, Esx1, Eomes, Hand2, Ascl2 and Fra1 mRNA were assessed by qRT-PCR. Uterine NK (uNK) cells were detected by using DBA lectin. Laminin immunohistochemical staining was to identify fetal vessels. Western blotting and transmission electron micrograph (TEM) were used to assess the apoptosis of placenta. RESULTS: No treatment-related difference was observed in the numbers of implanted and resorbed embryos and weight of placenta between the groups. However, 1 mg/kg/day TiO2 NPs treatment significantly reduced the ratio of placenta/body weight on GD 13. The proportion of spongiotrophoblast in the 10 mg/kg/day dose group became higher than that in the control group, yet that of labyrinth was significantly lower in 10 mg/kg/day mice. The expression levels of Hand1, Esx1, Eomes, Hand2, Ascl2 and Fra1 mRNA markedly decreased in TiO2 NP treated placentas. Furthermore, TiO2 NPs treatment impaired the formation of intricate networks of fetal vessels and reduced the number of uNK cells, and inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of placenta by nuclear pyknosis, the activation of caspase-3 and upregulation of Bax protein and downregulation of Bcl-2 protein on GD 13. CONCLUSION: Gestational exposure to TiO2 NPs significantly impairs the growth and development of placenta in mice, with a mechanism that seems to be involved in the dysregulation of vascularization, proliferation and apoptosis. Therefore, our results suggested the need for great caution while handling of the nanomaterials by workers and specially pregnant consumers.

Maternal exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid inhibits luteal function via oxidative stress and apoptosis in pregnant mice.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a synthetic perfluorinated compound, which has been reported to exert adverse effect on the pregnancy. However, whether it is associated with alteration of luteal function remains unknown. Mice were administered PFOA by gavage from gestational days (GD) 1-7 or 13. PFOA treatment did not significantly affect numbers of embryo implantation. Nevertheless, on GD 13, 10mg/kg PFOA treatment significantly increased numbers of resorbed embryo. Furthermore, PFOA exposure markedly reduced serum progesterone levels but did not affect estradiol levels. Treatment also showed concomitant decreases in transcript levels for key steroidogenic enzymes, and reduced numbers and sizes of corpora lutea. In addition, PFOA administration inhibited activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, and increased generation of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde, and down-regulated level of Bcl-2 and up-regulated p53 and BAX proteins. In conclusion, PFOA exposure significantly inhibits luteal function via oxidative stress and apoptosis in pregnant mice.