Nav1.8 in small dorsal root ganglion neurons contributes to vincristine-induced mechanical allodynia.

Vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN) is a common side effect of vincristine treatment, which is accompanied by pain and can be dose-limiting. The molecular mechanisms that underlie vincristine-induced pain are not well understood. We have established an animal model to investigate pathophysiological mechanisms of vincristine induced pain. Our previous studies have shown that the tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-S) voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.6 in medium-diameter dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons contributes to the maintenance of vincristine-induced allodynia. In this study, we investigated the effects of vincristine administration on excitability in small-diameter DRG neurons and whether the tetrodotoxin-resistant (TTX-R) NaV1.8 channels contribute to mechanical allodynia. Current-clamp recordings demonstrated that small DRG neurons become hyper-excitable following vincristine treatment, with both reduced current threshold and increased firing frequency. Using voltage-clamp recordings in small DRG neurons we now show an increase in TTX-R current density and a -7.3 mV hyperpolarizing shift in V1/2 of activation of NaV1.8 channels in vincristine-treated animals, which likely contributes to the hyperexcitability that we observed in these neurons. Notably, vincristine treatment did not enhance excitability of small DRG neurons from NaV1.8 knockout mice, and the development of mechanical allodynia was delayed but not abrogated in these mice. Together, our data suggest that sodium channel NaV1.8 in small DRG neurons contributes to the development of vincristine-induced mechanical allodynia.

Protective effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) against cerebral ischemic stroke in mice by promoting brain vascular remodeling via the inhibition of ROCK1/p-MLC2 signaling pathway.

Vascular remodeling is essential for patients with cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS). Our previous study proved that low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) could increase cortical hemodynamics. However, the effects and mechanisms of LIPUS on cerebral vascular remodeling after CIS are still unknown. In this study, we applied LIPUS to the mouse brain at 0.5 h after distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (dMCAO) and subsequently daily for a stimulation time of 30 min. Results showed that compared with the dMCAO group, LIPUS markedly increased cerebral blood flow (CBF), reduced brain swelling, and improved functional recovery at day 3 after CIS. LIPUS promoted leptomeningeal vasculature remodeling, enlarged vascular diameter, and increased the average vessel length and density at day 3 after CIS. Proteomic analysis highlighted that LIPUS mainly participated in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton pathway. Rho kinase 1 (ROCK1) was downregulated by LIPUS and participated in regulation of actin cytoskeleton. Subsequently, we verified that ROCK1 was mainly expressed in pericytes. Furthermore, we demonstrated that LIPUS inhibited ROCK1/p-MLC2 signaling pathway after CIS, which had positive effects on vascular remodeling and cerebral blood circulation. In conclusion, our preliminary study revealed the vascular remodeling effects and mechanism of LIPUS in CIS, provided evidence for potential clinical application of LIPUS.

Exploring Patients' Intentions for Usage of Video Telemedicine Follow-Up Services: Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Data suggest that regarding completion rates and lower readmission rates, video telemedicine follow-up is as efficient as in-person consultations. However, evidence of patients' intention to adopt such service is lacking. The objective of this study was to determine the essential factors influencing Chinese patients' intention to adopt video telemedicine follow-up. Methods: The researchers extended the technology acceptance model (TAM) by incorporating trust, subjective norms (SNs), perceived risk (PR), and perceived disease threat (PDT). A survey was conducted with 793 Chinese patients, and the collected data were analyzed using the partial least-squares approach. Results: The study revealed that trust emerged as the strongest factor influencing patients' behavioral intention (BI) to use video telemedicine follow-up, followed by SNs, perceived ease of use (PEOU), and perceived usefulness (PU). PR and PDT had no significant influence on patients' intention to adopt video telemedicine follow-up. PEOU mediated the relationship between trust, SNs, and BI, and PU mediated the relationship between trust and BI. The study also found that gender, age, and usage experience moderated certain relationships in the model. Conclusions: Our findings support the use of the extended TAM in understanding individual's motivations for using video telemedicine follow-up in China. In addition, this study contributes to the existing literature on telemedicine promotion by identifying significant mediation mechanisms. These findings have practical implications for planning, creating, and implementing improved video telemedicine follow-up services.

Effect of cardiac function in patients with gastrointestinal cancer with or without acute kidney injury assessed using a non-invasive impedance cardiography: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the possible causes of changes in cardiac function and investigate the feasibility of clinical assessment of gastrointestinal cancer in patients with or without acute kidney injury (AKI) assessed using a non-invasive impedance cardiography (ICG, Bioz. Cardio Dynamics, USA) to identify independent risk factors. METHODS: Patients admitted to the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, China, between May 1, 2019, and February 15, 2022, were included in this study. A total of 51 patients with gastrointestinal cancer (31 men and 20 women, mean age 61.1 ± 10.9 years) with or without AKI were evaluated for ICG. A total of 19 patients underwent ultrasound cardiography (UCG) and ICG evaluations. RESULT: There was a significant positive correlation between cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI), stroke volume (SV), left cardiac work index (LCWI), and ejection fraction (EF) measured using UCG and ICG. The relationship was observed between COICG and COUCG (r = 0.707, P = 0.001), CIICG and CIUCG (r = 0.718, P = 0.001), SVICG and SVUCG (r = 0.837, P < 0.001), and LCWIICG and EFUCG (r = 0.540, P = 0.017). Cardiac function parameters measured using ICG were statistically different between patients with gastrointestinal cancer with or without AKI (P ≤ 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that AKI independently affects cardiac function in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. CONCLUSIONS: UCG and ICG methods are significantly associated with cardiac function in patients with or without AKI, and patients with gastrointestinal cancer with AKI are worse than those without AKI. AKI is an independent risk factor for cardiac function in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.

SET8, a novel regulator to ameliorate vascular calcification via activating PI3K/Akt mediated anti-apoptotic effects.

Previous studies have shown that the apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) underlies the mechanism of pathological calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). SET domain-containing protein 8 (SET8) is an efficient protein that modulates apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, esophageal squamous cells, and neuronal cells by regulating pathological processes, such as cell cycle progression and transcription regulation. However, whether SET8 is involved in high phosphorus-induced vascular calcification by mediating apoptosis remains unclear. Here, we report that SET8 is located both in the nucleus and cytoplasm and is significantly downregulated in calcification models. SET8 deficiency promoted apoptosis of VSMCs, as indicated by the increased Bax/Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase-3/total caspase-3 ratios. Mechanistically, the PI3K/Akt pathway was mediated by SET8, and inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by administering LY294002 or transfecting the Akt phosphorylation-inactivated mutation plasmid increased apoptosis and calcification. Akt phosphorylation constitutively activated mutations can reduce the apoptosis and calcification of VSMCs. Furthermore, exogenous overexpression of SET8 reversed the effect of PI3K/Akt inhibition on VSMC apoptosis and calcification. In summary, our research suggests that SET8 overexpression ameliorates high phosphorus-induced calcification of VSMCs by activating PI3K/Akt mediated anti-apoptotic effects.

Ghrelin ameliorates chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-associated infllammation and autophagy.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic and devastating condition characterized by poor airflow and breath. Smoking and other environmental factors-caused inflammations triggered excessive autophagy of normal lung epithelial cells, eventually leading to impaired lung functions. Previous studies showed that ghrelin exhibited beneficial effects on patients with COPD. However, the mechanisms underlying this impact remained largely unknown. In this study, in vitro and in vivo models of COPD-associated inflammation were established, and we found that inflammation and autophagy were abonormally activated through nuclear factor kappa b (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) signaling pathways. Interestingly, ghrelin could inhibit the excessive inflammation pathways and autophagy induced by particle matter and/or cigarette extract in bronchial epithelial cells. Furthermore, NF-κB and AP-1 signaling were both inhibited while lung functions were significantly improved. Taken together, identification of downstream signaling of ghrelin in inflammation provided a new avenue in the treatment of COPD.

The intermediate-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel KCa3.1 contributes to alkalinization-induced vascular calcification in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: In order to find new strategies for the prevention of vascular calcification in uremic individuals especially treated by dialysis and develop novel therapeutic targets in vascular calcification, we explore the role of KCa3.1 in alkalinization-induced VSMCs calcification in vitro. METHOD: Rat VSMCs calcification model was established by beta-glycerophosphate (ß-GP, 10 mM) induction. The pH of Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) was adjusted every 24 h with 10 mM HCl or 10 mM NaHCO3 . The mineralization was measured by Alizarin Red staining and O-cresolphthalein complex one method. mRNA and protein expression were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot or immunofluorescence. Ca2+ influx was measured by Elisa. RESULT: The results indicated that alkalization induced an increase in Ca2+ influx to enhance VSMCs calcification. Furthermore, the increase of calcification was associated with the expression of KCa3.1 via advanced expression of osteoblastic differentiation markers alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2). Blocking KCa3.1 with TRAM-34 or shRNA vector can significantly lowered the effects of calcification in the activity of ALP and Runx2 expression. CONCLUSION: Together all, our studies suggested that alkalinization can promote vascular calcification by upregulating KCa3.1 channel and enhancing osteogenic/chondrogenic differentiation by upregulating Runx2. The specific inhibitor TRAM-34 and KCa3.1-shRNA ameliorated VSMCs calcification by downregulating KCa3.1.

Novel insights into the role of BRD4 in fine particulate matter induced airway hyperresponsiveness.

Epidemiological research has identified that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can increase airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) which is considered a typical characteristic of asthma. Although the effect of PM2.5 on AHR has been elucidated to a certain degree, its exact mechanism remains unclear. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is recognized as a member of the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family, with the ability to maintain higher-order chromatin configuration and regulate gene expression programs. The primary objective of our study was to examine the role of BRD4 in AHR triggered by PM2.5, and to elucidate its possible molecular mechanism. A mouse model with AHR was established using a nose-only PM2.5 exposure system. We observed that PM2.5 enhanced AHR in the experimental group compared to the control group, and this alteration was accompanied by increased lung inflammation and BRD4 expression in bronchi-lung tissue. However, the BRD4 inhibitor (ZL0420) could alleviate the aforementioned alterations in the mouse model with PM2.5 exposure. To explore the exact molecular mechanism, we further examined the role of BRD4 in human airway smooth muscle cells (hASMCs) after exposure to PM2.5 DMSO extracts. We found that PM2.5 DMSO extracts, which promoted the contraction and migration of hASMCs, was accompanied by an increase in the levels of BRD4, kallikrein 14 (KLK14), bradykinin 2 receptor (B2R), matrix metalloproteinases2(MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinases9(MMP-9), vimentin and bradykinin (BK) secretion, while ZL0420 and BRD4 gene silencing could reverse this response. In summary, these results demonstrate that BRD4 is an important player in AHR triggered by PM2.5, and BRD4 inhibition can ameliorate AHR induced by PM2.5. In addition, PM2.5 DMSO extracts can promote the contraction and migration of hASMCs by increasing BRD4 expression.

LRRCA8A and ANO1 contribute to serum-induced VRAC in a Ca2+-dependent manners.

The volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC) plays a central role in maintaining cell volume in response to osmotic stress. Leucine-rich repeat-containing 8A (LRRC8A) was recently identified as an essential component of VRAC although other Cl- channels were also suggested to contribute to VRAC. VRAC is activated when a cell is challenged with a hypotonic environment or even in isotonic conditions challenged with different stimuli. It is not clear how VRAC is activated and whether activation of VRAC in hypotonic and isotonic conditions share the same mechanism. In this present study, we investigated relative contribution of LRRC8A and anoctamin 1(ANO1) to VRAC currents activated by fetal bovine serum (FBS) in isotonic condition, and studied the role of intracellular Ca2+ in this activation. We used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing approach, electrophysiology, and pharmacology approaches to show that VRAC currents induced by FBS is mostly mediated by LRRC8A in HEK293 cells, but also with significant contribution from ANO1. FBS induces Ca2+ transients and these Ca2+ signals are required for the activation of VRAC by serum. These findings will help to further understand the mechanism in activation of VRAC.

Fine particulate matter increases airway hyperresponsiveness through kallikrein-bradykinin pathway.

Epidemiological studies have reported short-term fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure to increase incidence of asthma, related to the increase of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR); however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Aim of this study was to elucidate the role of kallikrein in PM2.5-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and understand the underlying mechanism. Nose-only PM2.5 exposure system was used to generate a mouse model of airway hyperresponsiveness. Compared with the control group, PM2.5 exposure could significantly increase airway resistance, lung inflammation, kallikrein expression of bronchi-lung tissue and bradykinin (BK) secretion. However, these changes could be alleviated by kallikrein inhibitor. In addition，PM2.5 could increase the viability of human airway smooth muscle cells (hASMCs), accompanied by increased expression of kallikrein 14 (Klk14), bradykinin 2 receptor (B2R), bradykinin secretion and cytosol calcium level, while kallikrein 14 gene knockdown could significantly amelioratethe above response induced by PM2.5. Taken together, the data suggested kallikrein to play a key role in PM2.5-induced airway hyperresponsiveness, and that it could be a potential therapeutic target in asthma.

Volume-regulated Cl- current: contributions of distinct Cl- channels and localized Ca2+ signals.

The swelling-activated chloride current (ICl,swell) is induced when a cell swells and plays a central role in maintaining cell volume in response to osmotic stress. The major contributor of ICl,swell is the volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC). Leucine-rich repeat containing 8A (LRRC8A; SWELL1) was recently identified as an essential component of VRAC, but the mechanisms of VRAC activation are still largely unknown; moreover, other Cl- channels, such as anoctamin 1 (ANO1), were also suggested to contribute to ICl,swell. In this present study, we investigated the roles of LRRC8A and ANO1 in activation of ICl,swell; we also explored the role of intracellular Ca2+ in ICl,swell activation. We used a CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing approach, electrophysiology, live fluorescent imaging, selective pharmacology, and other approaches to show that both LRRC8A and ANO1 can be activated by cell swelling in HEK293 cells. Yet, both channels contribute biophysically and pharmacologically distinct components to ICl,swell, with LRRC8A being the major component. Cell swelling induced oscillatory Ca2+ transients, and these Ca2+ signals were required to activate both the LRRC8A- and ANO1-dependent components of ICl,swell. Both ICl,swell components required localized rather than global Ca2+ for activation. Interestingly, while intracellular Ca2+ was necessary and sufficient to activate ANO1, it was necessary but not sufficient to activate LRRC8A-mediated currents. Finally, Ca2+ transients linked to the ICl,swell activation were mediated by the G protein-coupled receptor-independent PLC isoforms.

The effect and burden modification of heating on adult asthma hospitalizations in Shijiazhuang: a time-series analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have found associations between asthma morbidity and air pollution especially in young population, (PLoS One 12:e0180522, 2017; Can J Public Health 103:4-8, 2012; Environ Health Perspect 118:449-57, 2010; Am J Respir Crit Care Med 182:307-16, 2010; J Allergy Clin Immunol 104:717-22, 2008; J Allergy Clin Immunol 104:717-22, 1999; Environ Res 111:1137-47, 2011) but most of them were conducted in areas with relatively low air pollutant level. Moreover, very few studies have investigated the effect and burden modification of heating season during which the ambient air pollution level is significantly different from that during non-heating season in north China. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effect and burden modification of heating on short-term associations between adult asthma hospitalizations and ambient air pollution in the north China city of Shijiazhuang. METHODS: Generalized additive models combined with penalized distributed lag nonlinear models were used to model associations between daily asthma hospitalizations and ambient air pollutants from 1 January 2013 to 16 December 2016 in Shijiazhuang city, adjusting for long-term and seasonality trend, day of week, statutory holiday, daily mean air pressure and temperature. Attributable risks were calculated to evaluate the burden of asthma hospitalizations due to air pollutants exposure. The effect of pollutants on hospitalization and the attributable measures were estimated in heating and non-heating season separately and the comparisons between the two seasons were conducted. RESULTS: All pollutants demonstrated positive and significant impacts on asthma hospitalizations both in heating season and non-heating season, except for O3 in heating season where a negative association was observed. However, the differences of the pollutant-specific effects between the two seasons were not significant. SO2 and NO2 exposure were associated with the heaviest burden among all pollutants in heating season; meanwhile, PM10 and PM2.5 were associated with the heaviest burden in heating season. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we found evidence of the effect of ambient air pollutants on asthma hospitalizations in Shijiazhuang. The central heating period could modify the effects in terms of attributable risks. The disease burden modification of heating should be taken into consideration when planning intervention measures to reduce the risk of asthma hospitalization.

Natural and synthetic flavonoids, novel blockers of the volume-regulated anion channels, inhibit endothelial cell proliferation.

Natural flavonoids are ubiquitous in dietary plants and vegetables and have been proposed to have antiviral, antioxidant, cardiovascular protective, and anticancer effects. Volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs), which are essential for cell volume regulation, have been proposed to play a key role in cell proliferation and migration, apoptosis, transepithelial transport, and cancer development. In this study, we screened a group of 53 structurally related natural flavonoids and three synthetic flavonoids for their inhibitory activities on VRAC currents. A whole-cell patch technique was used to record VRAC currents in the human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 and human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVEC) cells. The 5'-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) assay technique was used to investigate cell proliferation. At 100 µM, 34 of 53 compounds significantly inhibited hypotonic extrasolution-induced VRAC currents by > 50% in HEK293 cells. Among these compounds, luteolin, baicalein, eupatorin, galangin, quercetin, fisetin, karanjin, Dh-morin, genistein, irisolidone, and prunetin exhibited the highest efficacy for VRAC blockade (the mean inhibition > 80%) with IC50s of 5-13 µM and Emaxs of about 87-99%. We also studied the effects of three synthetic flavonoids on VRAC currents in HEK293 cells. Flavoxate showed high inhibition efficacy toward VRAC currents (IC50 = 2.3 ± 0.3 µM; Emax = 91.8% ± 2.7%). Finally, these flavonoids inhibited endogenous VRAC currents and cell proliferation in endothelial cells. This study demonstrates that natural and synthetic flavonoids are potent VRAC current inhibitors, and VRAC inhibition by flavonoids might be responsible for their anti-angiogenic effects.

Extracellular acidosis suppresses calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells by inhibiting calcium influx via L-type calcium channels.

Vascular calcification such as arteriosclerosis, which is characterized by a calcification of the tunica media, is a severe complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD), contributing to the high prevalence of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with CKD. An essential step during the development of arteriosclerosis is the transdifferentiation/calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), resembling osteogenesis. Metabolic acidosis, a common clinical manifestation in CKD, is known to decrease vascular calcification. To understand the underlying regulatory mechanisms of acidosis, we investigated whether the acidosis-decreased VSMC calcification involves altered signaling of the LTCC/Ca2+/Runx2 pathway. Vascular calcifications, calcium content, runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), L-type calcium channel (LTCC) ß3 subunits, and calcium influx were measured in vivo or in vitro. Calcified nodules and calcium content increased either in aorta sections of vascular calcified rats or in VSMCs induced by ß-GP. The expression of Runx2 and ALP activity markedly rose, accompanied by the increasing expression of LTCC ß3 subunits and calcium influx. However, acidosis supplementation successfully attenuated VC and VSMC calcification and inhibited Runx2, ALP, LTCC ß3 subunits, and calcium influx. In conclusion, acidosis significantly attenuated vascular calcification in association with downregulation of the LTCC/Ca2+/Runx2 pathway.

Phosphoinositide kinases play key roles in norepinephrine- and angiotensin II-induced increase in phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and modulation of cardiac function.

The seemly paradoxical Gq agonist-stimulated phosphoinositide production has long been known, but the underlying mechanism and its physiological significance are not known. In this study, we studied cardiac phosphoinositide levels in both cells and whole animals under the stimulation of norepinephrine (NE), angiotensin II (Ang II), and other physiologically relevant interventions. The results demonstrated that activation of membrane receptors related to NE or Ang II caused an initial increase and a later fall in phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) levels in the primary cultured cardiomyocytes from adult rats. The possible mechanism underlying this increase in PIP2 was found to be through an enhanced activity of phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIIß, which was mediated by an up-regulated interaction between phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIIß and PKC; the increased activity of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase γ was also involved for NE-induced increase of PIP2. When the systolic functions of the NE/Ang II-treated cells were measured, a maintained or failed contractility was found to be correlated with a rise or fall in corresponding PIP2 levels. In two animal models of cardiac hypertrophy, PIP2 levels were significantly reduced in hypertrophic hearts induced by isoprenaline but not in those induced by swimming exercise. This study describes a novel mechanism for phosphoinositide metabolism and modulation of cardiac function.

Characterization of the effects of Cl⁻ channel modulators on TMEM16A and bestrophin-1 Ca²âº activated Cl⁻ channels.

The Ca(2+) activated Cl(-) channels (CaCCs) play a multitude of important physiological functions. A number of candidate proteins have been proposed to form CaCC, but only two families, the bestrophins and the TMEM16 proteins, recapitulate the properties of native CaCC in expression systems. Studies of endogenous CaCCs are hindered by the lack of specific pharmacology as most Cl(-) channel modulators lack selectivity and a systematic comparison of the effects of these modulators on TMEM16A and bestrophin is missing. In the present study, we studied seven Cl(-) channel inhibitors: niflumic acid (NFA), NPPB, flufenamic acid (FFA), DIDS, tannic acid, CaCCinh-A01 and T16Ainh-A01 for their effects on TMEM16A and bestrophin-1 (Best1) stably expressed in CHO (Chinese hamster ovary) cells using patch clamp technique. Among seven inhibitors studied, NFA showed highest selectivity for TMEM16A (IC50 of 7.40 ± 0.95 µM) over Best1 (IC50 of 102.19 ± 15.05 µM). In contrast, DIDS displayed a reverse selectivity inhibiting Best1 with IC50 of 3.93 ± 0.73 µM and TMEM16A with IC50 of 548.86 ± 25.57 µM. CaCCinh-A01 was the most efficacious blocker for both TMEM16A and Best1 channels. T16Ainh-A01 partially inhibited TMEM16A currents but had no effect on Best1 currents. Tannic acid, NPPB and FFA had variable intermediate effects. Potentiation of channel activity by some of these modulators and the effects on TMEM16A deactivation kinetics were also described. Characterization of Cl(-) channel modulators for their effects on TMEM16A and Best1 will facilitate future studies of native CaCCs.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the D-loop region of mitochondrial DNA is associated with the kidney survival time in chronic kidney disease patients.

BACKGROUND: The mitochondrial displacement loop (D-loop) is known to accumulate mutations and SNPs at a higher frequency than other regions of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). We had identified chronic kidney disease (CKD) risk-associated SNPs in the D-loop of CKD patients previously. In this study, we investigated the association of SNPs in the D-loop of mtDNA with the kidney survival of CKD. METHODS: The D-loop region of mtDNA was sequenced for 119 CKD patients from the inpatient of the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to identify disease outcome-associated SNPs in the D-loop of CKD patients. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify risk factors for the kidney survival of CKD. RESULTS: In the present study, we identified 20 SNPs with a frequency higher than 5% and assessed the relationship of these SNPs with kidney survival time in CKD patients, a SNP of 146 was identified by log-rank test for statistically significant prediction of the kidney survival time. In an overall multivariate analysis, allele 146 was identified as an independent predictor of kidney survival time in CKD patients. The survival time of kidney in the CKD patients with 146C was significantly shorter than that of kidney in CKD patients with 146T (relative risk, 2.336; 95% CI, 1.319-3.923; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: SNPs in the D-loop can predict the kidney survival of CKD patients. Analysis of genetic polymorphisms in the mitochondrial D-loop can help to identify CKD patient subgroup at high risk of a poor disease outcome.

Association of sequence polymorphism in the mitochondrial D-loop with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: The mitochondrial displacement loop (D-loop) is known to accumulate mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at a higher frequency than other regions of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). METHODS: This is a case-control study. We sequenced SNPs in the D-loop of mtDNA and investigated their association with the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). RESULTS: A total of 144 SNPs referring to the positions of the Revised Cambridge Reference Sequence (rCRS) for mitochondrial genome were identified in a case-control study. The minor alleles of nucleotides 73G, 146C, 150T, 194T, 195C and 310C were associated with an increased risk for CKD patients. CONCLUSION: Analysis of genetic polymorphisms in the mitochondrial D-loop can help identify the people who are at a high risk of developing chronic kidney disease. These SNPs can be considered as potential predictors for CKD.

Impact of electronic cigarette usage on the onset of respiratory symptoms and COPD among Chinese adults.

The prevalence of dual usage and the relatively low cessation rate among e-cigarette (EC) users suggest that ECs have not demonstrated significant effectiveness as a smoking cessation tool. Furthermore, there has been a substantial increase in the prevalence of EC usage in recent years. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the association between EC use and the incidence of respiratory symptoms and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A total of 10,326 participants aged between 20 and 55 years, without any respiratory diseases or COPD, were recruited for the study. These individuals attended employee physical examinations conducted at 16 public hospitals in Hebei province, China from 2015 to 2020. Logistic regression models were utilized to assess the association between EC use and the risk of respiratory symptoms and COPD using risk ratios along with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Restricted cubic spline functions were employed to investigate the dose-response non-linear relationship. The robustness of the logistic regression models was evaluated through subgroup analyses, and sensitivity analyses. During the 5-year follow-up period, a total of 1071 incident cases of respiratory symptoms and 146 incident cases of COPD were identified in this cohort study. After adjusting for relevant confounding factors, EC users demonstrated a respective increase in the risk of reporting respiratory symptoms and COPD by 28% and 8%. Furthermore, dual users who used both ECs and combustible cigarettes exhibited an elevated risk of incident respiratory symptoms and COPD by 41% and 18%, respectively, compared to those who had never used non-users of any cigarette products. The association between daily EC consumption and the development of respiratory symptoms, as well as COPD, demonstrated a significant J-shaped pattern. The potential adverse association between the consumption of ECs, particularly when used in combination with combustible cigarettes, and the development of respiratory symptoms and COPD necessitates careful consideration. Policymakers should approach ECs cautiously as a prospective smoking cessation tool.

TMC7 functions as a suppressor of Piezo2 in primary sensory neurons blunting peripheral mechanotransduction.

The transmembrane channel-like (TMC) protein family comprises eight members, with TMC1 and TMC2 being extensively studied. This study demonstrates substantial co-expression of TMC7 with the mechanosensitive channel Piezo2 in somatosensory neurons. Genetic deletion of TMC7 in primary sensory ganglia neurons in vivo enhances sensitivity in both physiological and pathological mechanosensory transduction. This deletion leads to an increase in proportion of rapidly adapting (RA) currents conducted by Piezo2 in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and accelerates RA deactivation kinetics. In HEK293 cells expressing both proteins, TMC7 significantly suppresses the current amplitudes of co-expressed Piezo2. Our findings reveal that TMC7 and Piezo2 exhibit physical interactions, and both proteins also physically interact with cytoskeletal ß-actin. We hypothesize that TMC7 functions as an inhibitory modulator of Piezo2 in DRG neurons, either through direct inhibition or by disrupting the transmission of mechanical forces from the cytoskeleton to the channel.