Exosomes from Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Protect Against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats.

A certain dosage of cyclophosphamide (CYP) in clinical applications contributes to severe cardiotoxicity. Herein, this study explored the impact of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (AdMSC)-exosomes (Exos) on CYP-induced cardiotoxicity.AdMSCs and AdMSCs-Exos were isolated and identified. CYP was utilized for developing a cardiotoxicity rat model, after which blood was collected and then the serum contents of cardiac injury-related indexes (creatine kinase-MB, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase) were detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Oxidative stress (OS)-related indicators were measured with the corresponding kits. Myocardial pathological changes and collagen fibrosis were tested with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining, and apoptosis-related and autophagy-related proteins in rat cardiac tissues with immunohistochemistry and Western blot assays, respectively.AdMSCs and AdMSCs-Exos were successfully isolated. AdMSCs-Exos could target rat hearts. AdMSCs-Exos improved cardiac function and diminished the content of the cardiac injury-related indexes in CYP rats. In addition, AdMSCs-Exos reduced CYP-induced cardiac fibrosis, OS, apoptosis, and autophagy in rats.AdMSCs-Exos alleviated CYP-induced cardiotoxicity in rats via the repression of OS, apoptosis, and autophagy.

Inhibition of miR-322-5p Protects Cardiac Myoblast Cells Against Hypoxia-Induced Apoptosis and Injury Through Regulating CIAPIN1.

ABSTRACT: Hypoxia leads to insufficient supply of blood and nutrients, which is major incentive for cardiomyocyte injury and apoptosis. Previous studies reported the regulation effects of microRNAs (miRNAs) in myocardial infarction, whereas function and molecular mechanisms of miR-322-5p were still unclear. Therefore, our study focused on the biological role of miR-322-5p in hypoxia-induced cardiac myoblast cells apoptosis and injury. The expression levels of miR-322-5p and cytokine-induced apoptosis inhibitor 1 (CIAPIN1) were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in cardiac myoblast cells. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazol-3-ium bromide (MTT), lactic dehydrogenase, and flow cytometry assays were performed to examine proliferation, injury, and apoptosis of cardiac myoblast cells, respectively. The protein expression levels were evaluated with western blot assay. The relationship between miR-322-5p and CIAPIN1 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter analysis. We found that miR-322-5p level was increased in cardiac myoblast cells exposed to hypoxia. In addition, miR-322-5p silencing could weaken injury and apoptosis in cardiac myoblast cells induced by hypoxia; meanwhile, inhibition of miR-322-5p activation of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinases (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signal pathway. Besides, CIAPIN1 was a target mRNA of miR-322-5p based on bioinformatics prediction. CIAPIN1 knockdown reversed the effects of miR-322-5p silencing on hypoxic cardiac myoblast cells. Suppression of miR-322-5p protected cardiac myoblast cells against hypoxia-induced injury and apoptosis through regulation of CIAPIN1 expression and PI3K/AKT signal pathway.

Long Noncoding RNA Taurine-Upregulated Gene 1 Knockdown Protects Cardiomyocytes Against Hypoxia/Reoxygenation-induced Injury Through Regulating miR-532-5p/Sox8 Axis.

BACKGROUND: Long noncoding RNA taurine-upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) has been reported to involve in the processing of cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury after myocardial infarction. Thus, this study further investigates the underlying mechanisms of TUG1 in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced cardiomyocyte injury in vitro. METHODS: Cell viability, apoptosis, and migration and invasion were detected using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, flow cytometry, and transwell assay, respectively. Western blot was used to examine the levels of matrix metallopeptidase 9, matrix metallopeptidase 2, and sex determining region Y-box transcription factor 8 (Sox8) protein. Levels of lactate dehydrogenase, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase were detected using commercial kits. Levels of TUG1, microRNA-532-5p (miR-532-5p), and Sox8 were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The interaction between miR-532-5p and Sox8 or TUG1 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. RESULTS: H/R induced rat cardiomyocyte H9c2 injury by inhibiting cell viability, migration and invasion, promoting cell apoptosis, and stimulating oxidative stress. H/R-induced H9c2 injury upregulated the level of TUG1, and TUG1 knockdown alleviated H/R-induced cardiomyocyte injury. TUG1 directly bound to miR-532-5p, and miR-532-5p inhibition reversed the action of TUG1 knockdown on H/R-induced cardiomyocyte injury. Sox8 was a target of miR-532-5p, and miR-532-5p blunted H/R-induced cardiomyocyte injury by targeting Sox8. In addition, TUG1 knockdown inhibited H/R-induced Sox8 elevation through miR-532-5p in H9c2 cells. CONCLUSION: TUG1 silence ameliorated H/R-induced cardiomyocytes injury through regulating miR-532-5p/Sox8 axis, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for preventing myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Curcumin Attenuates Retinal Vascular Leakage by Inhibiting Calcium/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II Activity in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Curcumin possesses many pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory effects. Although prior studies indicate that curcumin has beneficial effects for diabetic retinopathy, the mechanism of action is not known. To address this issue, we investigated the effect of curcumin against diabetes-induced retinal vascular damage and its mechanism of action by using cultured retinal Müller cells stimulated with high glucose. METHODS: We studied the effects of curcumin in vivo in the retinas of rats rendered diabetic by streptozotocin and in vitro in Müller cells stimulated with high glucose. We administered curcumin, or KN93, an inhibitor of calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), or saline vehicle to experimental animals on a daily basis for 12 weeks. Primary cultures of rat Müller cells were incubated with normal glucose or high glucose, with or without curcumin, KN93, or pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), an inhibitor of the transcription protein nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). We examined mRNA and protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) by real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Retinal levels of CaMKII and NF-κB were examined by Western blotting. Vascular leakage was evaluated using Evans blue. RESULTS: Curcumin and KN93 significantly inhibited the activation of CaMKII/NF-κB signaling induced by diabetes or elevated glucose, and subsequently decreased the expression of VEGF, iNOS and ICAM-1. These changes were associated with a decrease of diabetes-induced retinal vascular leakage. CONCLUSION: Curcumin protects the diabetic rat retina against early retinal vascular damage, by inhibition of CaMKII activity. Curcumin is currently used to treat a number of clinical conditions, and may prove beneficial for the management of diabetic retinopathy.

Endoscopic Transretracaruncular-Middle Meteas Tract for Insertion of a Porous Polyethylene-Coated Jones Tube.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to describe a modified lacrimal bypass with a porous polyethylene-coated Jones tube. METHODS: A total of 180 patients (180 eyes) with a nonreconstructable lacrimal obstruction underwent lacrimal bypass with a porous polyethylene-coated Jones tube through a retrocaruncular-middle meatus tract approach with endoscopic assistance. All patients were followed up at least for 24 months. Success rate of lacrimal bypass was analyzed and complications were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 174 patients were finally included. Duration of surgery ranged from 28 to 47 minutes (mean 37.2 ±â€Š4.2 minutes). The mean duration of follow-up was 30.0 ±â€Š6.4 months (range 24-48 months). The mean tube length was 23.2 ±â€Š1.9 mm (range 20-28 mm). At the final review, complete success was achieved in 138 (79.3%) patients. Moderate success was achieved in 23 (13.2%) patients, and 13 (7.5%) patients failed. Of the 161 patients successfully treated, 24 patients underwent revision surgery to excise granulomas (15 patients) or adjust tube position (9 patients). The complications included granuloma proliferation around the openings of the tube (28 eyes), downward displacement of the tube (17 eyes), and ocular discomfort (15 eyes). The majority of downward tube migration occurred in patients who had a prior history of dacryocystorhinostomy. The treatment failed for 5 patients because of repeated granulomas covering the nasal tube openings, and the treatment failed for 8 patients because of downward displacement of the tube. CONCLUSIONS: Our procedure appears to be an effective method for closed insertion of a porous polyethylene-coated Jones.

Prediction of the left ventricular mass index in hypertensive patients using the product of red cell distribution width and mean corpuscular volume.

The product of red cell distribution width (RDW) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) has been identified as an indicator of target organ damage in cases of hypertension. However, the role of the RDW-MCV product in assessing carotid alteration, renal damage, and left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with hypertension has not been elucidated. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 1115 participants with hypertension were included. The RDW and MCV at admission were measured using an automated hematology analyzer. Organ damage was determined by the left ventricular mass index (LVMI), carotid intima-media thickness, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. The prevalence rates of carotid alteration and left ventricular hypertrophy were 57.0% and 18.0%, respectively. A higher RDW-MCV product and RDW were observed in hypertensive patients who developed carotid alteration. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the correlations of the RDW-MCV product (P = .285) and RDW (P = .346) with carotid alteration were not significant. Moreover, the analysis of variance showed no significant correlation between RDW and LVMI (P = .186). However, the RDW-MCV product was higher in individuals with a high LVMI compared to those with a normal LVMI. Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that the RDW-MCV product was independently associated with the LVMI (ß = 2.519, 95% CI: 0.921-4.116; P = .002), but not the estimated glomerular filtration rate (ß = -0.260, 95% CI: -2.031-1.511; P = .773). An elevated RDW-MCV product may be a predictor for left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with hypertension.

Association between RC/HDL-C ratio and risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the United States.

Background: The occurrence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing worldwide. The link between serum remnant cholesterol (RC) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio and NAFLD remains unclear. Therefore, we sought to clarify the relationship between the RC/HDL-C ratio and the NAFLD. Methods: Data for our cross-sectional study came from the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with 2,269 participants. Associations between RC/HDL-C levels and the prevalence of NAFLD and hepatic fibrosis were evaluated using adjusted multivariate logistic regression analyses. A generalized additive model examined the non-linear relationship between RC/HDL-C and the probability of developing NAFLD. Results: Among 2,269 participants, 893 (39.36%) were diagnosed with NAFLD. In each of the three models, RC/HDL-C and NAFLD had a strong positive statistical relationship: model 1 (OR = 9.294, 95%CI: 6.785, 12.731), model 2 (OR = 7.450, 95%CI: 5.401, 10.278), and model 3 (OR = 2.734, 95%CI: 1.895, 3.944). In addition, the subgroup analysis by gender and BMI suggested that RC/HDL-C showed a positive correlation with NAFLD. The RC/HDL-C ratio was positively correlated with the degree of liver steatosis. There was an inverted U-shaped connection between the prevalence of NAFLD and RC/HDL-C, with an inflection point of 0.619 for all participants and 0.690 for men. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that the predictive value of RC/HDL-C for NAFLD (area under the curve: 0.7139; 95%CI: 0.6923, 0.7354; P < 0.001), was better than traditional lipid parameters. Conclusion: Increased RC/HDL-C levels are independently associated with an increased risk of NAFLD and the severity of liver steatosis in the American population. In addition, the RC/HDL-C ratio can be used as a simple and effective non-invasive biomarker to identify individuals with a high risk of NAFLD.

Efficacy and safety of efdamrofusp alfa versus aflibercept in participants with neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a randomized, double-masked, active-controlled, non-inferiority, phase 2 trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate efficacy and safety of efdamrofusp alfa compared with aflibercept in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). DESIGN: Randomized, double-masked, multicenter, active-controlled, non-inferiority phase 2 study PARTICIPANTS: A total of 231 treatment-naïve and previously treated participants with active choroidal neovascularization secondary to nAMD were enrolled. METHODS: Eligible participants were randomized (1:1:1) to 2 mg efdamrofusp alfa, 4 mg efdamrofusp alfa or 2 mg aflibercept groups. Participants in all groups received three initial monthly loading doses, followed by treatment every 8 weeks with assessment every 4 weeks up to week 52. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary endpoint was the mean BCVA change from baseline to week 36. The pre-specified noninferiority margin was set as -5 letters (80% CI). RESULTS: Each treatment group included 77 participants. The mean BCVA changes from baseline to week 36 for 2 mg efdamrofusp alfa, 4 mg efdamrofusp alfa and aflibercept groups were +10.6, +11.4, +12.0 letters, respectively; Least Squares (LS) mean difference were -1.4 (80% CI: -3.5 to 0.7) between 2 mg efdamrofusp alfa and aflibercept, and -0.6 (80% CI: -2.7 to 1.6) between 4 mg efdamrofusp alfa and aflibercept. Mean central retinal thickness changes were consistent across groups. Adverse event rate was comparable among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Efdamrofusp alfa demonstrated noninferiority to aflibercept in BCVA improvement, accompanied by a similar safety profile.

Long non­coding RNA PEG13 regulates endothelial cell senescence through the microRNA­195/IRS1 axis.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by endothelial dysfunction and plaque formation. The present study aimed to elucidate the pathological role of the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) paternally expressed 13 (PEG13) in the onset and progression of atherosclerosis. Specifically, its effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation, angiogenesis, senescence and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP)-related factors were investigated using cell proliferation, cellular angiogenesis, ß-galactosidase staining, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The results showed that oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) inhibited lncRNA PEG13 expression and HUVEC viability in a dose-dependent manner and PEG13 overexpression partially reversed these effects. Additionally, PEG13 overexpression ameliorated the ox-LDL-induced impairment of angiogenesis, cellular senescence and SASP. Furthermore, lncRNA PEG13 directly targeted microRNA (miR/miRNA)-195-5p, suppressing the ox-LDL-induced upregulation of the miRNA. The gene coding for insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1), an activator of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway, was confirmed as a direct target of miR-195. PEG13 overexpression attenuated the ox-LDL-induced inhibition of IRS1 expression and PI3K/AKT signaling and its protective effects on HUVEC viability, angiogenesis and senescence were partially reversed by small interfering RNAs targeting IRS1. The present study demonstrated that lncRNA PEG13 attenuates ox-LDL-induced senescence in HUVECs by modulating the miR-195/IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

LIN28A attenuates high glucose-induced retinal pigmented epithelium injury through activating SIRT1-dependent autophagy.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of LIN28A (human) on high glucose-induced retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cell injury and its possible mechanism. METHODS: Diabetic retinopathy model was generated following 48h of exposure to 30 mmol/L high glucose (HG) in ARPE-19 cells. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot tested the expression of the corresponding genes and proteins. Cell viability as well as apoptosis was determined through cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry assays. Immunofluorescence assay was adopted to evaluate autophagy activity. Caspase 3 activity, oxidative stress markers, and cytokines were appraised adopting their commercial kits, respectively. Finally, ARPE-19 cells were preincubated with EX527, a Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) inhibitor, prior to HG stimulation to validate the regulatory mechanism. RESULTS: LIN28A was downregulated in HG-challenged ARPE-19 cells. LIN28A overexpression greatly inhibited HG-induced ARPE-19 cell viability loss, apoptosis, oxidative damage as well as inflammatory response. Meanwhile, the repressed autophagy and SIRT1 in ARPE-19 cells challenged with HG were elevated after LIN28A overexpression. In addition, treatment of EX527 greatly inhibited the activated autophagy following LIN28A overexpression and partly abolished the protective role of LIN28A against HG-elicited apoptosis, oxidative damage as well as inflammation in ARPE-19 cells. CONCLUSION: LIN28A exerts a protective role against HG-elicited RPE oxidative damage, inflammation, as well as apoptosis via regulating SIRT1/autophagy.

Efficacy and safety of single-dose intravitreal dexamethasone implant in non-infectious uveitic macular edema: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy and safety of single-dose intravitreal dexamethasone (DEX) implant for treating non-infectious uveitic macular edema (UME). Methods: Studies including clinical outcomes of the DEX implant in UME were comprehensively searched in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for potential studies from inception to July 2022. The primary outcomes were best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) during the follow-up period. Stata 12.0 was used to perform the statistical analyses. Results: Six retrospective studies and one prospective investigation involving 201 eyes were ultimately included. Significantly improved BCVA was observed from baseline to 1 month (WMD = -0.15, 95%CI = -0.24, -0.06), 3 months (WMD = -0.22, 95%CI = -0.29, -0.15), and 6 months (WMD = -0.24, 95%CI = -0.35, -0.13), after single-dose DEX implant. When considering CMT, macular thickness of 1 month (WMD = -179.77, 95%CI = -223.45, -136.09), 3 months (WMD = -179.13, 95%CI = -232.63, -125.63), and 6 months (WMD = -140.25, 95%CI = -227.61, -52.88) decreased in comparison with baseline, with statistical significance. Conclusion: Based on the current results, this meta-analysis confirmed favorable visual prognosis and anatomical improvement in patients with UME, after receiving the single-dose DEX implant. The most common adverse event is increased intraocular pressure, which could be controlled with topical medications.Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022325969.

Calcium entry mediates hyperglycemia-induced apoptosis through Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase II in retinal capillary endothelial cells.

PURPOSE: Hyperglycemia-induced vascular cell apoptosis is a seminal early event in diabetic retinopathy. Prolonged hyperglycemia is known to increase intracellular cytosolic free calcium ([Ca(2+)]i) in retinal vascular endothelial cells (RECs), suggesting that [Ca(2+)]i is a critical trigger for microvascular degeneration. This study aims to elucidate Ca(2+)-dependent signaling mechanisms that mediate hyperglycemia-induced apoptosis in RECs. METHODS: A cultured macaque choroid-retinal endothelial cell line (RF/6A) was incubated in normal glucose (NG), NG plus the Ca(2+) entry blocker 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB), high glucose (HG), or HG plus either 2-APB, the c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP600125, or the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) inhibitor KN93. Changes in [Ca(2+)]i evoked by adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) were measured in fluo-3/AM-loaded RF/6A cells by confocal microscopy. The mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and apoptosis were assessed by flow cytometry. Expression levels of CaMKII, phosphorylated CaMKII (p-CaMKII), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phosphorylated JNK (p-JNK), the death receptor (Fas), and cytochrome c were detected by western blotting analysis. RESULTS: Prolonged exposure to HG (96 h) potentiated ATP-evoked Ca(2+) entry as well as CaMKII phosphorylation and RF/6A cell apoptosis. Enhanced apoptosis was blocked by 2-APB and KN93. Furthermore, HG increased JNK phosphorylation and Fas expression, and both responses were partially blocked by 2-APB and KN93, while the JNK inhibitor SP600125 partially reduced HG-induced Fas expression. In addition, HG depolarized the ΔΨm and triggered the release of mitochondrial cytochrome c. These early signs of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis were partially reversed by 2-APB and KN93. CONCLUSIONS: HG-induced apoptosis in RF/6A cells depends on Ca(2+) entry and CaMKII activation, leading to the activation of both Fas-dependent and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis pathways. The CaMKII-JNK-Fas pathway is involved in HG-evoked apoptosis of RECs.

Calcium mediates high glucose-induced HIF-1α and VEGF expression in cultured rat retinal Müller cells through CaMKII-CREB pathway.

AIM: To investigate the effects of high glucose (HG) medium on expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in cultured rat retinal Müller cells and to determine the signaling pathways mediating the effects. METHODS: Primary cultures of retinal Müller cells were prepared from Sprague-Dawley rats, and incubated in a medium containg HG (30 mmol/L) in the presence of the membrane-permeable Ca(2+) chelator BAPTA-AM (10 µmol/L) or the CaMKII inhibitor KN93 (10 µmol/L). The levels of CaMKII, p-CaMKII, CREB, p-CREB, HIF-1α, and VEGF proteins were measured with Western blotting, while HIF-1á and VEGF mRNA levels were determined using real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS: The stimulation of retinal Müller cell with HG for 24 h remarkably increased the expression levels of HIF-1α and VEGF. These responses were significantly inhibited in the presence of BAPTA-AM or KN93. Both BAPTA-AM and KN93 also significantly inhibited HG-induced phosphorylation of CaMKII and CREB in the cultured retinal Müller cells. Transfection of the cultured retinal Müller cells with antisense CREB oligonucleotide (300 nmol/L) was similarly effective in blocking the HG-induced increase of HIF-1α and VEGF. CONCLUSION: HG-induced HIF-1α and VEGF expression in cultured rat retinal Müller cells depends on intracellular free Ca(2+) and activation of CaMKII-CREB pathway. The activation of CaMKII-CREB pathway by HG may be a possible mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.

Clinical Comparative Study of Intravitreal Injection of Triamcinolone Acetonide and Aflibercept in the Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Cystoid Macular Edema.

Objective To compare the curative effect of intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide and aflibercept on diabetic retinopathy (DR) cystoid macular edema. Methods A total of 102 patients with DR cystoid macular edema admitted to the hospital were enrolled between July 2018 and July 2021. According to random number table method, they were divided into the control group (intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide) and the observation group (intravitreal injection of aflibercept), 51 cases in each group. All were followed up for half a year. The clinical curative effect, visual acuity, central subfield macular thickness (CSMT), macular volume, scores of quality of life, and levels of cytokines in aqueous humor (vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), human angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4)] at different time points (before and at 6 months after surgery) were compared between the two groups. The times of drugs injection and occurrence of adverse reactions in both groups were statistically analyzed. Results The total effective rate in observation group was higher than that in the control group (96.08% vs 82.35%) (P < 0.05). After 6 months of treatment, visual acuity was improved, and CSMT and macular volume were decreased in both groups. Also, the above changes were more significant in the observation group than those in the control group (P < 0.05). After 6 months of treatment, levels of cytokines in aqueous humor were decreased in both groups. The levels of VEGF, MCP-1, and ANGPTL4 in observation group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). After 6 months of treatment, quality of life scores in observation group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). In the follow-up period, average times of drugs injection in the observation group were more than those in the control group, and the incidence of adverse reactions was lower than that in control group (5.88% vs 21.57%) (P < 0.05). Conclusion The curative effect of intravitreal injection of both triamcinolone acetonide and aflibercept is good on DR cystoid macular edema. The curative effect of aflibercept is better, which can improve visual acuity and quality of life, and regulate cytokines in aqueous humor, with high safety. However, aflibercept has a high price, and further research is needed to determine whether its price can be matched with clinical benefits. In clinic, medication plan should be selected according to the actual situation.

Retinal and choroidal microvascular alterations in Behcet's disease without ocular manifestations: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the microvascular alterations in non-ocular Behcet's disease (BD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods: A comprehensive search was performed in Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane databases for eligible studies from inception to February 2022. Detailed clinical demographics were extracted from each study by two independent reviewers. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to compare the OCTA parameters between non-ocular BD and healthy controls. Stata 12.0 was adopted to conduct statistical analyses. Results: Ten cross-sectional studies involving 386 eyes in non-ocular BD and 418 eyes in healthy volunteers were ultimately included in the present analysis. When considering superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP), no significant differences of vessel densities in the whole enface image, fovea and perifovea were evaluated between two groups. Significantly reduced parafoveal vessel density of SCP was observed in non-ocular BD in comparison with healthy group (WMD = -1.33, 95%CI: -1.78, -0.89; I 2 = 0.6%), while slightly decreased parafoveal vessel density was assessed in DCP (WMD = -1.47, 95%CI: -3.30, 0.35; I 2 = 89.3%). Significantly increasing foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area was observed in non-ocular BD when compared to healthy controls (WMD = 0.11, 95%CI: 0.03, 0.19; I 2 = 95.3%). There was no significant difference in flow area of choriocapillaris between non-ocular BD and control group (WMD = 0.06, 95%CI: -0.19, 0.32; I 2 = 0%). Conclusion: Based on current analysis, our results demonstrated significantly lower parafoveal vessel density of SCP and lager FAZ area in full vasculature in non-ocular BD. The retinal microvascular alterations appear before the emergence of ocular manifestations. Systematic Trial Registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/], identifier [CRD42021244856].

[Effects of environment and canopy structure on stem sap flow in a Larix principis-rupprechtii plantation.] / çŽ¯å¢ƒå’Œå† å±‚ç»“æž„å¯¹åŽåŒ—è½å¶æ¾æž—æ ‘å¹²æ¶²æµçš„å½±å“.

Accurately quantifying the impacts of environmental factors and canopy structure on stem sap flow is of great significance for deeply understanding water use strategies of trees in changing environment. The stem sap flow of Larix principis-rupprechtii plantation was observed using thermal diffusion probes from June to September of 2019 in the Xiangshuihe small watershed of Liupan Mountains, with the meteorological conditions, root-zone soil water content and canopy structure being simultaneously recorded. We first analyzed the relationships of sap flow rate (Jc) to potential evapotranspiration (PET), relative extract water (REW) and canopy leaf area index (LAI), and then quantified their relative contribution to Jc. The results showed that the response of Jc to PET, LAI, and REW conformed to binomial, linearly increase and saturated exponential function, respectively. The Jc model coupling multiple factors was established as a continuous multiplication of the response functions of Jc to PET, REW and LAI, which had good simulation precision. PET was the main factor leading to the difference of Jc in different weather conditions. The average contribution rate of PET had obvious difference in sunny (with a contribution rate of 40.3%), cloudy (4.3%), and rainy days (-26.3%). PET and LAI were the leading factors affecting the Jc variation among months. The ranges of the contribution rates of PET and LAI were from -23.1% to 16.8% and from -12.3% to 11.0%, respectively. The Jc model coupling the multi-factor effect developed in this study could be used to predict Jc, and quantify the impacts of each leading factor, which had the potential to be an effective tool to analyze the water use of trees in the changing environment.

Osteoglycin silencing exerts inhibitory effects on myocardial fibrosis and epithelial/endothelial-mesenchymal transformation in a mouse model of myocarditis.

Osteoglycin (Ogn), a class III SLRP member with multiple glycosylation sites, has been proposed to be engaged in cardiac dysfunction and adverse remodeling in human heart failure following myocardial infarction. However, the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. Thus, we sought to define the role of Ogn in regulation of the Wnt pathway on myocardial fibrosis and epithelial/endothelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT/EndMT) in mice with myocarditis. The pathological changes are observed, while hematoxylin-eosin staining and picric acid Sirius red staining were conducted in successfully constructed myocarditis mouse models. Immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were adopted to determine Ogn and ß-catenin levels and serum procollagen propeptide concentrations in the mouse myocardial tissues, respectively. Expression of Ogn and Wnt signaling pathway-related factors were measured by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot assay, cell viability by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and cell cycle distribution and apoptosis by flow cytometry. We saw indicative pathological changes accompanied by many Ogn and ß-catenin positive cells and increased serum procollagen propeptide, in the mouse myocardial tissues. Loss function assays showed reduced levels of Ogn, ß-catenin, LRP6, TGF-ß1, Twist, FSP-1, α-SMA and higher levels of E-cadherin and VE-cadherin, together with decreased proliferation rate, as well as increased apoptosis rate, indicating that the Wnt signaling pathway, proliferation were inhibited while apoptosis was enhanced with upon gene silencing. Coherently, depletion of Ogn inhibits myocardial fibroblasts proliferation and EMT/EndMT while facilitating myocardial fibroblasts apoptosis in myocarditis through the Wnt signaling pathway, thus serving as an intervention target for the molecular treatment of myocarditis.

lncRNA FGD5 antisense RNA 1 upregulates RORA to suppress hypoxic injury of human cardiomyocyte cells by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis via miR­195.

FGD5 antisense RNA 1 (FGD5­AS1) is a long non­coding RNA in acute myocardial infarction (AMI), which is primarily caused by myocardial ischemia­hypoxia. Retinoid acid receptor­related orphan receptor α (RORA) is a key protector in maintaining heart function. However, the roles of FGD5­AS1 and RORA in AMI have not previously been elucidated. The present study investigated the effect and mechanism of FGD5­AS1 and RORA in human cardiomyocyte AC16 cells under hypoxia. Reverse transcription­quantitative PCR and western blotting demonstrated that FGD5­AS1 and RORA were downregulated in the serum of patients with AMI and hypoxia­challenged AC16 cells. Functional experiments were performed via assays, flow cytometry and western blotting. In response to hypoxia, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was inhibited, but apoptosis rate and levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde were promoted in AC16 cells, accompanied by increased Bax and cleaved caspase­3 expression levels, and decreased SOD2 and glutathione peroxidase 1 expression levels. However, hypoxia­induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in AC16 cells were attenuated by ectopic expression of FGD5­AS1 or RORA. Moreover, silencing RORA counteracted the suppressive role of FGD5­AS1 overexpression in hypoxic injury. FGD5­AS1 controlled RORA expression levels via microRNA­195­5p (miR­195), as confirmed by dual­luciferase reporter and RNA pull­down assays. Consistently, miR­195 knockdown suppressed hypoxia­induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in AC16 cells, which was abrogated by downregulating FGD5­AS1 or RORA. In conclusion, FGD5­AS1 modulated hypoxic injury in human cardiomyocytes partially via the miR­195/RORA axis, suggesting FGD5­AS1 as a potential target in interfering with the progression of AMI.

SIRT4 suppresses the PI3K/Akt/NF­κB signaling pathway and attenuates HUVEC injury induced by oxLDL.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic and progressive disease. Its morbidity and mortality rates have demonstrated an increase in recent years. The present study aimed to explore the role of sirtuin (SIRT) 4 in the development of atherosclerosis. Alterations in SIRT4 expression in response to oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) were quantified in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) using western blotting. Cell counting kit­8 and flow cytometry assays were used in order to explore the effects of SIRT4 on HUVEC proliferation and apoptosis. The effect of SIRT4 on the expression of inflammatory factors in HUVECs was analyzed using ELISA. The expression and phosphorylation of proteins in the phosphoinositide 3­kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/nuclear factor (NF)­κB pathway were comparatively analyzed using western blotting. Nuclear translocation of p65 NF­κB was examined using immunofluorescence. The present study indicated that oxLDL treatment decreased the expression of SIRT4 in HUVECs in a dose­ and time­dependent manner. SIRT4 overexpression promoted oxLDL­induced HUVEC proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis. Furthermore, SIRT4 overexpression suppressed the PI3K/Akt/NF­κB pathway by inhibiting PI3K phosphorylation and phosphorylated (p)­Akt, p­nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B­cells inhibitor α and p­p65 NF­κB expression; blocking p65 NF­κB nuclear translocation and decreasing interleukin (IL)­1ß, IL­6, and tumor necrosis factor α expression in oxLDL­induced HUVECs. In conclusion, SIRT4 overexpression enhanced HUVEC survival, suppressed the PI3K/Akt/NF­κB signaling pathway and inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines in oxLDL­induced HUVECs.

[The serum levels of cytokines in patients with rheumatoid arthritis associated interstitial lung disease and their clinical significance].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical significance of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta1) in the serum of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) associated interstitial lung disease (ILD). METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with RA only (the RA group) and 28 patients with RA associated ILD (the RA-ILD group) were included in the study. Patients in the RA-ILD group were divided into 2 subgroups, 16 in the early RA-ILD group and 12 in the late RA-ILD group. Twenty-nine healthy volunteers served as the control group. ELISA was used to detect the levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1, TGF-beta1 in the serum of the three groups. RESULTS: The TIMP-1 levels of both the RA and the RA-ILD groups [(645 +/- 220) microg/L, (536 +/- 188) microg/L] were significantly higher than that of the control group [(392 +/- 92) microg/L, F = 15.221, P < 0.01]. The TGF-beta1 level of the RA-ILD group [(13.1 +/- 10.0) microg/L] was significantly higher than those of the control group and the RA group [(3.9 +/- 2.9) microg/L, (2.4 +/- 1.7) microg/L, F = 26.455, P < 0.01]. There was no difference in the TIMP-1 level between RA-ILD and RA groups, the TGF-beta1 level between the control group and the RA group, the MMP-9 level and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio among the three groups. The TIMP-1 level in the late RA-ILD group [(690 +/- 110) microg/L] was higher than that of the early RA-ILD group [(420 +/- 147) microg/L, t = -5.347, P < 0.01]. The TGF-beta1 level in the late RA-ILD group [(17.9 +/- 8.2) microg/L] was higher than that of the early RA-ILD group [(9.5 +/- 9.9) microg/L, t = - 2.39, P < 0.05]. The MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio of the late RA-ILD group (0.9 +/- 0.1) was lower than that of the early RA-ILD group (1.2 +/- 0.4, z = 4.307, P < 0.01). There was no statistic significance in the MMP-9 level between the early and the late RA-ILD groups [(537 +/- 309) microg/L, (595 +/- 110) microg/L, t = - 1.397, P = 0.174]. CONCLUSIONS: TGF-beta1, can be used as a diagnostic marker of ILD in RA patients and it also reflects the pathological change of the lung. The decrease of MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio in RA patients with ILD can reflect the severity degree of lung pathological changes.