Metal Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Frameworks as Open Lewis Acid Catalysts for Two Types of CO2 Transformations.

Efficient and multiple CO2 utilization into high-value-added chemicals holds significant importance in carbon neutrality and industry production. However, most catalysis systems generally exhibit only one type of CO2 transformation with the efficiency to be improved. The restricted abundance of active catalytic sites or an inefficient utilization rate of these sites results in the constraint. Consequently, we designed and constructed two metal hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (M-HOFs) {[M3(L3-)2(H2O)10]·2H2O}n (M = Co (1), Ni (2); L = 1-(4-carboxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylic acid) in this research. 1 and 2 are well-characterized, and both show excellent stability. The networks connected by multiple hydrogen bonds enhance the structural flexibility and create accessible Lewis acidic sites, promoting interactions between the substrates and catalytic centers. This enhancement facilitates efficient catalysis for two types of CO2 transformations, encompassing both cycloaddition reactions with epoxides and aziridines to afford cyclic carbonates and oxazolidinones. The catalytic activities (TON/TOF) are superior compared with those of most other catalysts. These heterogeneous catalysts still exhibited high performance after being reused several times. Mechanistic studies indicated intense interactions between the metal sites and substrates, demonstrating the reason for efficient catalysis. This marks the first instance on M-HOFs efficiently catalyzing two types of CO2 conversions, finding important significance for catalyst design and CO2 utilization.

Seed-borne bacterial synthetic community resists seed pathogenic fungi and promotes plant growth.

AIMS: In this study, the control effects of synthetic microbial communities composed of peanut seed bacteria against seed aflatoxin contamination caused by Aspergillus flavus and root rot by Fusarium oxysporum were evaluated. METHODS AND RESULTS: Potentially conserved microbial synthetic communities (C), growth-promoting synthetic communities (S), and combined synthetic communities (CS) of peanut seeds were constructed after 16S rRNA Illumina sequencing, strain isolation, and measurement of plant growth promotion indicators. Three synthetic communities showed resistance to root rot and CS had the best effect after inoculating into peanut seedlings. This was achieved by increased defense enzyme activity and activated salicylic acid (SA)-related, systematically induced resistance in peanuts. In addition, CS also inhibited the reproduction of A. flavus on peanut seeds and the production of aflatoxin. These effects are related to bacterial degradation of toxins and destruction of mycelia. CONCLUSIONS: Inoculation with a synthetic community composed of seed bacteria can help host peanuts resist the invasion of seeds by A. flavus and seedlings by F. oxysporum and promote the growth of peanut seedlings.

Frizzled receptors (FZDs) in Wnt signaling: potential therapeutic targets for human cancers.

Frizzled receptors (FZDs) are key contributors intrinsic to the Wnt signaling pathway, activation of FZDs triggering the Wnt signaling cascade is frequently observed in human tumors and intimately associated with an aggressive carcinoma phenotype. It has been shown that the abnormal expression of FZD receptors contributes to the manifestation of malignant characteristics in human tumors such as enhanced cell proliferation, metastasis, chemotherapy resistance as well as the acquisition of cancer stemness. Given the essential roles of FZD receptors in the Wnt signaling in human tumors, this review aims to consolidate the prevailing knowledge on the specific status of FZD receptors (FZD1-10) and elucidate their respective functions in tumor progression. Furthermore, we delineate the structural basis for binding of FZD and its co-receptors to Wnt, and provide a better theoretical foundation for subsequent studies on related mechanisms. Finally, we describe the existing biological classes of small molecule-based FZD inhibitors in detail in the hope that they can provide useful assistance for design and development of novel drug candidates targeted FZDs.

[Comprehensive evaluation of Pinellia ternata germplasm resources based on phenotypic trait classification].

The evaluation of germplasm resources is the prerequisite for the development, utilization, and conservation of Chinese medicinal resources. The selection of excellent germplasm is the key to the breeding and orderly production of Pinellia ternata. In this study, 21 germplasm materials of P. ternata from major production areas in China were collected and analyzed for population diversity after phenotypic preliminary screening. The results have revealed that the P. ternata population has abundant phenotypic variation, and the phenotypic changes could be divided into five phenotypes in terms of organ trait variation. Further analysis of variation in 20 quantitative traits of the population revealed that the coefficient of variation for adenosine content(339.05%) was the largest, while the coefficient of variation for the underground plant height(16.35%) was the smallest. Correlation analysis showed that there was a strong correlation among various traits, with 52 pairs of traits showing highly significant correlation(P<0.01) and 19 pairs of traits showing a significant correlation(P<0.05). The 21 germplasms in the test could be classified into three major clusters by cluster analysis, with Cluster Ⅱ having the highest number and content of nucleosides, making it suitable for the selection and breeding of P. ternata varieties with high content of nucleosides. The yield in Cluster Ⅲ was higher than that in other groups, making it suitable for the selection and breeding of P. ternata varieties with a high yield. All trait indicators could be simplified into five principal component factors through principal component analysis, and the cumulative contribution rate was up to 86.04%. Further, comprehensive analysis using membership function and stepwise regression analysis identified nine traits, such as plant height, main leaf length, and underground plant height as characteristic indicators for the comprehensive evaluation of germplasm resources of P. ternata. BX007, BX008, and BX005 were identified as germplasms with both high yield and high uridine content, with BX007 having the highest uridine content of 479.51 µg·g~(-1). It belonged to the germplasm of P. ternata with double bulbils and could be cultivated as a potential good variety. Based on the phenotypic classification of P. ternata, systematic resource evaluation was carried out in this study, which could lay a foundation for the excavation of genetic resources and the breeding of new varieties of P. ternata.

Low expression of exosomal miR-150 predicts poor prognosis in colorectal cancer patients after surgical resections.

Liver metastasis is a leading indicator of poor prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Exosomal intercellular communication has been reported to play an important role in cancer invasion and metastasis. Here, we characterized exosomal miRNAs underlying liver metastasis in CRC patients (Cohort 1, n = 30) using miRNA arrays. Exosomal miR-150 was found to be downregulated in CRC patients with liver metastases compared to those without (P = 0.025, fold change [FC] = 2.01). These results were then validated using another independent cohort of CRC patients (Cohort 2, n = 64). Patients with low expression of exosomal miR-150 had significantly shorter overall survival (OS) time (33.3 months versus 43.3 months, P = 0.002). In addition, the low expression of exosomal miR-150 was significantly correlated with advanced tumor node metastasis staging (P = 0.013), higher CA199 level (P = 0.018), and the presence of liver metastasis (P = 0.048). Multivariate analysis showed that low expression of exosomal miR-150 (P = 0.035) and liver metastasis (P < 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival. In vivo and in vitro studies showed that the viability and invasion of CRC cells were both significantly suppressed by ExomiR-150. Target-prediction assessment and dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated that FTO (the fat mass and obesity-associated gene) was a direct target for miR-150. This study first demonstrated that exosomal miR-150 may be a potential prognostic factor and treatment target for CRC.

Alkaloid Derivative (Z)-3ß-Ethylamino-Pregn-17(20)-en Inhibits Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Metastasis and Angiogenesis by Targeting HSP90α.

Metastasis is an important cause of cancer-related death. Previous studies in our laboratory found that pregnane alkaloids from Pachysandra terminalis had antimetastatic activity against breast cancer cells. In the current study, we demonstrated that treatment with one of the alkaloid derivatives, (Z)-3ß-ethylamino-pregn-17(20)-en (1), led to the downregulation of the HIF-1α/VEGF/VEGFR2 pathway, suppressed the phosphorylation of downstream molecules Akt, mTOR, FAK, and inhibited breast cancer metastasis and angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the antimetastasis and antiangiogenesis effects of 1 treatment (40 mg/kg) were more effective than that of Sorafenib (50 mg/kg). Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis was performed and the result suggested that HSP90α was a direct target of 1. Taken together, our results suggested that compound 1 might represent a candidate antitumor agent for metastatic breast cancer.

A Novel Sirolimus-eluting Biodegradable Magnesium-based Alloy Scaffold: Six-month Results In Porcine Peripheral Arteries.

PURPOSE: Magnesium-based alloy scaffold is a promising biodegradable stent due to its intrinsic mechanical performance and biocompatibility. Based on our preliminary experiments, we designed a novel sirolimus-eluting magnesium-based alloy scaffold. This work aimed to assess its safety and degradation performance in vivo. METHODS: The scaffolds were implanted in the lower limb arteries of Bama mini-pigs. Safety was defined as no immediate thrombosis or >30% residual stenosis, which was assessed with optical coherence tomography and digital subtraction angiography. Blood biochemical analyses were performed to evaluate hepatorenal toxicity. The degradation process of the scaffolds, the endothelialization, and lumen loss of the stented-vessels were detected with scanning electron microscopy, immunohistochemical, hematoxylin-eosin staining and optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: Twenty-four scaffolds were successfully implanted in six pigs with no signs of immediate thrombosis or >30% residual stenosis. The scaffolds were covered by endothelium at one month and absolutely resorbed at six months post implantation. Blood analysis showed that the hepatorenal function except for alanine aminotransferase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase was normal. Obvious intimal hyperplasia and lumen loss were found in the stented vessels at three months, while the diameters and inner lumen areas of stented segments had increased significantly at six months (p.

Old drug new tricks: Chlorhexidine acts as a potential allosteric inhibitor toward PAK1.

This paper describes the identification of chlorhexidine, an agent commonly used in clinical as a novel potential allosteric inhibitor of PAK1. In cellular assays, chlorhexidine showed a good inhibitory profile, and its inhibitory profile was even better than IPA-3, a well-known allosteric inhibitor. In pharmacology experiments, chlorhexidine successfully inhibited the relief of PAK1 dimer and inhibited the activation of PAK1. Our findings offer an insight for the new drug development of PAK1 inhibitor. We also provide a possible explanation for the phenomenon that the application of the chlorhexidine in peritoneal lavage inhibited the development of tumor.

Augmented expression of Ki-67 is correlated with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis for lung cancer patients: an up-dated systematic review and meta-analysis with 108 studies and 14,732 patients.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer ranks as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and we performed this meta-analysis to investigate eligible studies and determine the prognostic effect of Ki-67. METHODS: In total, 108 studies in 95 articles with 14,732 patients were found to be eligible, of which 96 studies reported on overall survival (OS) and 19 studies reported on disease-free survival (DFS) with relation to Ki-67 expression in lung cancer patients. RESULTS: The pooled hazard ratio (HR) indicated that a high Ki-67 level could be a valuable prognostic factor for lung cancer (HR = 1.122 for OS, P < 0.001 and HR = 1.894 for DFS, P < 0.001). Subsequently, the results revealed that a high Ki-67 level was significantly associated with clinical parameters of lung cancer including age (odd ratio, OR = 1.246 for older patients, P = 0.018), gender (OR = 1.874 for males, P < 0.001) and smoking status (OR = 3.087 for smokers, P < 0.001). Additionally, significant positive correlations were found between Ki-67 overexpression and poorer differentiation (OR = 1.993, P = 0.003), larger tumor size (OR = 1.436, P = 0.003), and higher pathologic stages (OR = 1.867 for III-IV, P < 0.001). Furthermore, high expression of Ki-67 was found to be a valuable predictive factor for lymph node metastasis positive (OR = 1.653, P < 0.001) and advanced TNM stages (OR = 1.497 for stage III-IV, P = 0.024). Finally, no publication bias was detected in any of the analyses. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights that the high expression of Ki-67 is clinically relevant in terms of the prognostic and clinicopathological characteristics for lung cancer. Nevertheless, more prospective well-designed studies are warranted to validate these findings.

Expression profiles of circular RNAs in sheep skeletal muscle.

OBJECTIVE: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a newfound class of non-coding RNA in animals and plants. Recent studies have revealed that circRNAs play important roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, autophagy and apoptosis during development. However, there are few reports about muscle development-related circRNAs in livestock. METHODS: RNA sequencing analysis was employed to identify and annotate circRNAs from longissimus dorsi of sheep. Reverse transcription followed by real-time quantitative (q) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis verified the presence of these circRNAs. Targetscan7.0 and miRanda were used to analyse the interaction of circRNA-microRNA (miRNA). To investigate the function of circRNAs, an experiment was conducted to perform enrichment analysis hosting genes of circRNAs using gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathways. RESULTS: About 75.5 million sequences were obtained from RNA libraries of sheep skeletal muscle. These sequences were mapped to 729 genes in the sheep reference genome. We identified 886 circRNAs, including numerous circular intronic RNAs and exonic circRNAs. Reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and DNA sequencing analysis confirmed the presence of several circRNAs. Real-Time RT-PCR analysis exhibited resistance of sheep circRNAs to RNase R digestion. We found that many circRNAs interacted with muscle-specific miRNAs involved in growth and development of muscle, especially circ776. The GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that hosting genes of circRNAs was involved in muscle cell development and signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: The study provides comprehensive expression profiles of circRNAs in sheep skeletal muscle. Our study offers a large number of circRNAs to facilitate a better understanding of their roles in muscle growth. Meanwhile, we suggested that circ776 could be analyzed in future study.

Potassium-Zincate-Catalyzed Benzylic C-H Bond Addition of Diarylmethanes to Styrenes.

Direct functionalization of the benzylic C-H bond of diarylmethanes is an important strategy for the synthesis of diarylmethine-containing compounds. However, the methods developed to date for this purpose require a stoichiometric amount (usually more) of either a strong base or an oxidant. Reported here is the first catalytic benzylic C-H bond addition of diarylmethanes to styrenes and conjugated dienes. A potassium zincate complex, generated from potassium benzyl and zinc amide, acts as a catalyst and displays good activity and chemoselectivity. Considering the atom economy of the reaction and the ready availability of the catalyst, this reaction constitutes a practical, efficient method for diarylalkane synthesis.

Potassium Amide-Catalyzed Benzylic C-H Bond Addition of Alkylpyridines to Styrenes.

The benzylic functionalization of alkylpyridines is an important pathway for pyridine derivatives synthesis. The reaction partners, however, were mostly limited to highly reactive polar electrophiles. Herein, we report a potassium amide-catalyzed selective benzylic C-H bond addition of alkylpyridines to styrenes. Potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (KHMDS), a readily available Brønsted base, showed excellent catalytic activity and chemoselectivity. A series of alkylpyridine derivatives, including benzylic quaternary carbon substituted pyridines, were obtained in good to high yield. Preliminary mechanistic studies revealed that the deprotonation equilibrium is probably responsible for the excellent selectivity.

Bioactive terpenoids from Silybum marianum and their suppression on NO release in LPS-induced BV-2 cells and interaction with iNOS.

Three new (1-3) and one known (4) bioactive terpenoids were isolated from the seeds of Silybum marianum based on the investigation to get new NO inhibitors. Their structures were determined by extensive NMR (1D and 2D NMR) and MS spectroscopic data, and the absolute configurations were identified by experimental and calculated ECD spectra. The NO inhibitory activities in murine microglial BV-2 cells and interactions with iNOS protein by molecular docking were evaluated for all compounds. The results showed that these compounds had potent NO inhibitory effects.

Anatomic study of the musculus longus capitis flap.

PURPOSE: To clearly delineate the anatomy of the musculus longus capitis, determine its clinical applications for reconstruction surgery, and provide a safer surgical method of developing the longus capitis muscle flap. METHODS: Anatomical investigations were performed in seven adult cadavers (five cadavers for gross anatomy and two for transparent specimen preparation) with respect to the location, morphology, arterial supply, and innervation of the musculus longus capitis, as well as its spatial relationship with the cervical sympathetic trunk, superior cervical ganglion, carotid sheath, and other surrounding structures. RESULTS: The musculus longus capitis is located anterior to the C1-6 vertebrae, segmentally supplied by branches of the ascending cervical artery, innervated by the C1-5 nerve, and spatially close to the cervical sympathetic trunk, superior cervical ganglion, and carotid sheath. These anatomic findings indicate that the development of a cranial or caudal pedicled longus capitis muscle flap is feasible. CONCLUSION: The musculus longus capitis can be developed into a cranial or caudal pedicled flap for repair of head and neck defects with negligible morbidity of the donor site.

Icetexane diterpenoids from Perovskia atriplicifolia.

Five new icetexane diterpenoids, namely, perovskatones B-D (1, 3, 4), 1α-hydroxybrussonol (2), and 1α-hydroxypisiferanol (5), were isolated from Perovskia atriplicifolia, together with a new natural product (6) and two known compounds, przewalskin E (7) and brussonol (8). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by detailed analyses of their MS, IR, 1D, and 2D NMR data. Compounds 1-8 were assayed for their inhibitory hepatitis B virus activities in the HepG 2.2.15 cell line. The results suggested that compounds 1 and 2 possessed noticeable anti-hepatitis B virus activity in vitro, suppressing the replication of hepatitis B virus DNA with selectivity index values of 154.3 and 137.7, respectively.

Protective Effect of Procyanidin B2 against CCl4-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice.

Procyanidin B2 has demonstrated several health benefits and medical properties. However, its protective effects against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity have not been clarified. The present study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of procyanidin B2 in CCl4-treated mice. Our data showed that procyanidin B2 significantly decreased the CCl4-induced elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase activities, as well as improved hepatic histopathological abnormalities. Procyanidin B2 also significantly decreased the content of MDA but enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and GSH-Px. Further research demonstrated that procyanidin B2 decreased the expression of TNF-α, IL-1ß, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), as well as inhibited the translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 from the cytosol to the nuclear fraction in mouse liver. Moreover, CCl4-induced apoptosis in mouse liver was measured by (terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling) TUNEL assay and the cleaved caspase-3. Meanwhile, the expression of apoptosis-related proteins Bax and Bcl-xL was analyzed by Western blot. Results showed that procyanidin B2 significantly inhibited CCl4-induced hepatocyte apoptosis, markedly suppressed the upregulation of Bax expression and restored the downregulation of Bcl-xL expression. Overall, the findings indicated that procyanidin B2 exhibited a protective effect on CCl4-induced hepatic injury by elevating the antioxidative defense potential and consequently suppressing the inflammatory response and apoptosis of liver tissues.

Effect of Crosslinks on the Stability of the Spine and the Pedicle Screw Fixation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of crosslinks on the stability of the spine and pedicle screws. METHODS: Compression fracture of the L1 vertebra was produced in 30 fresh thoracic and lumbar vertebrae samples obtained from adult sheep, which were divided into 3 groups (n=10)with lot-drawing method. Four screws were fixed onto the superior and inferior pedicles of vertebral arch close to the fractured vertebrae, with different number of crosslinks (0 in Group A,1 in Group B, and 2 in Group C) on the rods. After fixation, the samples were subject to 10 000 times of fatigue test with 1.5 Hz load on the HY-3080 computer-control electronic universal test machine and HY-1000NM computer-control torsion test machine. The axial compressive stiffness, maximum pullout strength,and range of motion (ROM) of 6 directions, i.e., flexion, extension, left and right lateral bending, and left and right axial rotation of the 3 groups were measured and compared. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in axial compressive stiffness as well as the ROM of flexion, extension, and left and right lateral bending (all P>0.05). The maximum pullout strength was significantly smaller in Group A and Group B than in Group C [(129.56±29.63)N vs.(294.67±23.25) N,P=0.000;(254.02±36.29)vs.(294.67±23.25)N, P=0.006]. The ROM of left axial rotation was the highest in Group A(13.35°±1.06°), followed by Group B(12.23°±1.06°)and Group C (11.04°±0.74°)(F=13.44, P=0.000; Group B vs. Group A, P=0.000; Group B vs. Group C, P=0.001; Group C vs. Group A,P=0.000). The ROM of right axial rotation was also the highest in Group A(13.56°±1.15°), lower in Group B (12.39°±1.01°) and the lowest in Group C (10.81°±0.51°) (F=21.91, P=0.000; Group B vs. Group A,P=0.002; Group B vs. Group C, P=0.001; Group C vs. Group A, P=0.000). CONCLUSION: Crosslinks may reinforce the pullout strength of the screws and improve the axial stability of the spine.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress regulates rat mandibular cartilage thinning under compressive mechanical stress.

Compressive mechanical stress-induced cartilage thinning has been characterized as a key step in the progression of temporomandibular joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying this loss have not been thoroughly studied. Here, we used an established animal model for loading compressive mechanical stress to induce cartilage thinning in vivo. The mechanically stressed mandibular chondrocytes were then isolated to screen potential candidates using a proteomics approach. A total of 28 proteins were identified that were directly or indirectly associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress, including protein disulfide-isomerase, calreticulin, translationally controlled tumor protein, and peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans-isomerase protein. The altered expression of these candidates was validated at both the mRNA and protein levels. The induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress by mechanical stress loading was confirmed by the activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress markers, the elevation of the cytoplasmic Ca(2+) level, and the expansion of endoplasmic reticulum membranes. More importantly, the use of a selective inhibitor to block endoplasmic reticulum stress in vivo reduced the apoptosis observed at the early stages of mechanical stress loading and inhibited the proliferation observed at the later stages of mechanical stress loading. Accordingly, the use of the inhibitor significantly restored cartilage thinning. Taken together, these results demonstrated that endoplasmic reticulum stress is significantly activated in mechanical stress-induced mandibular cartilage thinning and, more importantly, that endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibition alleviates this loss, suggesting a novel pharmaceutical strategy for the treatment of mechanical stress-induced temporomandibular joint diseases.

FADD is essential for glucose uptake and survival of thymocytes.

Fas-associated protein with death domain (FADD) has been implicated in T lymphocytes, but the nature of FADD-dependent mechanism in early T cell development has not been completely elucidated. In this study, using T-cell specific deletion mice, we observed that FADD deficiency in thymocytes led to increased apoptosis and reduced cell numbers, which may be attributed to the reduction of Glut1 expression and correspondingly decreased glucose uptake. Furthermore, an abnormal transduction of Akt signaling was discovered in FADD(-/-) thymocytes, which may be responsible for the declined Glut1 expression. Collectively, our results demonstrate the new function of FADD in glucose metabolism and survival of early T cells.

The association between plasma free amino acids and type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with infection in Chinese patients.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), one of the most common public diseases threatening human health, is always accompanied by infection. Though there are still a variety of flaws in the treatment of some infectious diseases, metabolomics provides a fresh perspective to explore the relationship between T2DM and infection. Our research aimed to investigate the association between plasma free amino acids (PFAAs) and T2DM complicated with infection in Chinese patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2015 to August 2016. We retrieved the medical records of 1032 inpatients with T2DM from Liaoning Medical University First Affiliated Hospital and we used mass spectrometry to quantify 23 PFAAs. Infections contained 15 individual categories that could be retrieved from the database. Principal component analysis was used to extract factors of PFAAs. Multi-variable binary logistic regression was used to obtain odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Among 1032 inpatients,109 (10.6%) had infectious diseases. Six factors, accounting for 68.6% of the total variance, were extracted. Factor 4 consisted of Glu, Asp and Orn. Factor 5 consisted of Hcy and Pip. After adjusting for potential confounders, factor 4 was positively correlated with T2DM complicated with infection in Chinese T2DM patients (OR: 1.27, 95%CI: 1.06-1.52). Individual Hcy in factor 5 was positively associated with T2DM complicated with infection (OR: 1.33, 95%CI: 1.08-1.64). Furthermore, factor 4 (OR: 1.44, 95%CI: 1.11-1.87), Orn (OR: 1.01, 95%CI: 1.00-1.02) and Hcy (OR: 1.56, 95%CI: 1.14-3.14) were positively associated with bacterial infection in Chinese T2DM patients, while factor 5 (OR: 0.71, 95%CI: 0.50-1.00) was negatively associated with bacterial infection. CONCLUSIONS: Urea cycle-related metabolites (Orn, Asp, Glu) and Hcy were positively associated with T2DM complicated with infection in China. Orn and Hcy were positively associated with bacterial infection in T2DM patients in China.