Elucidation of the Anti-Lung Cancer Mechanism of Xiao'ai Jiedu Prescription Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking.

Objective: Network pharmacology is an emerging discipline that applies computational methods to understand drug actions and interactions with multiple molecular targets. Xiao'ai Jiedu is a valued traditional Chinese medicine preparation for which the mechanism of action is not yet established. This study aims to explore the mechanism of Xiao'ai Jiedu in treating lung cancer through network pharmacology. Methods: First, the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) data platform was used to analyze the target treatment results of different medicinal materials in Mr. Zhou's cancer prescriptions. Then, functional enrichment analysis was performed to conduct a secondary analysis of the dissemination of cancer biological and pharmacological information in the human body. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was used to obtain several cancer-aggressive target groups, and their transcription RNA was extracted for collection. The CIBERSORT evaluation method was used to conduct a Spearman correlation analysis on the data processing results. Then the matching degree between the experimental cells and the principle of drug treatment was analyzed to improve the statistical analysis. Results: Pharmacology research results showed that the network can accurately eliminate cancer detoxification targeted target correlation set, and through the data interpretation found that four different gene transcription have significant influence on lung cancer. The findings also confirmed that the degree of immune cell infiltration has a key role in lung cancer The study summarizes the active ingredients and their targets and mechanisms of action of the elimination of Xiao'ai Jiedu formula for the treatment of lung cancer. Conclusion: Network pharmacology can carry on the processing of the data, find the key to conform to the goal of research data, and the corresponding results are obtained, and the development of network pharmacology is not limited to, the study of lung cancer.

Chorionic villus-derived mesenchymal stem cells induce E3 ligase TRIM72 expression and regulate cell behaviors through ubiquitination of p53 in trophoblasts.

Preeclampsia is a significant contributor for maternal or fetal morbidity and mortality, which is characterized by reduced invasion capacity of trophoblasts and is regulated by extracellular matrix (ECM). It is still under investigation whether chorionic villus-derived mesenchymal stem cells (CVMSC) could affect the functionality of trophoblasts. In this study, CVMSC-derived exosomes were isolated; their effect on trophoblasts was investigated based on the CCK8 assay, migration assay, and apoptosis detection. And the underlying mechanism of this effect was investigated using mRNA sequencing, western blot, co-immunoprecipitation, luciferase report assay, and ubiquitination assay. The results show that CVMSC-derived exosomes promote migration and proliferation of trophoblasts, and also reduce cell apoptosis. mRNA sequencing confirmed that after treatment of CVMSC-derived exosomes, Tripartite Motif Containing 72 (TRIM72) expression was upregulated and Tumor Protein P53 (P53) expression was downregulated, both significantly in trophoblasts. Subsequent study confirms that TRM72 can directly interact with P53 and promote P53 ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, reducing apoptosis rate and elevating proliferation and migration in trophoblasts. Our study confirms that CVMSC-derived exosomes promote trophoblast migration and proliferation by upregulating TRIM72 expression, and subsequently advance P53 ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation.

Prolonged viral shedding in feces of children with COVID-19: a systematic review and synthesis of data.

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic, many reports have indicated that children shed the virus longer than adults in stool, and that most of the children had mild or even asymptomatic infections, which increased the potential risk for feces to be a source of contamination and may play an important role in the spread of the virus. In this review, we collected relevant literature to summarize the duration of fecal viral shedding in children with COVID-19. We found that in about 60% of the cases, the fecal shedding time was between 28 and 42 days, which was much longer than that of adults. We further explored the possible reason for prolonged shedding and its the potential impact. The poor hand hygiene practices of children, their tendency to swallow sputum and/or saliva, the significant difference in expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in intestine between children and adults, and the variance in immune status and intestinal microbiome could be considered as potential casual agents of longer fecal viral shedding duration of children.   Conclusion: Children with COVID-19 show prolonged fecal shedding compared to adults. Several mechanisms may be involved in the longer fecal viral shedding. Viral shedding in the stool could be contributing to a possible route of transmission. Therefore, we think that further preventive measures in children should be taken to reduce the spread of the disease. What is Known: • Children with COVID-19 are more likely to have asymptomatic infections and to experience mild symptoms. • Some patients continue to shed the virus in feces, despite respiratory samples testing negative. What is New: • Children with COVID-19 carried a longer-term fecal viral shedding than adults. • The poor hand hygiene practices of children, their tendency to swallow sputum and/or saliva, the difference in expression of ACE2 in intestine between children and adults, and the variance in immune status and intestinal microbiome could be considered as potential casual agents of longer fecal viral shedding duration of children.

Bile acids induce visceral hypersensitivity via mucosal mast cell-to-nociceptor signaling that involves the farnesoid X receptor/nerve growth factor/transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 axis.

Increased colonic bile acid (BA) exposure, frequent in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), can affect gut function. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is implicated in the development of visceral hypersensitivity (VH). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that BAs cause VH via mucosal mast cell (MMC)-to-nociceptor signaling, which involves the farnesoid X receptor (FXR)/NGF/transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV)1 axis. BAs were intracolonically administered to rats for 15 d. Visceral sensitivity to colorectal distention and colonic NGF expression were examined. BAs caused VH, an effect that involved MMC-derived NGF and was accompanied by enhanced TRPV1 expression in the dorsal root ganglia. Anti-NGF treatment and TRPV1 antagonism inhibited BA-induced VH. BAs induced NGF mRNA and protein expression and release in cultured mast cells. Colonic supernatants from patients with IBS-D with elevated colonic BA content transcriptionally induced NGF expression. In FXR-/- mice, visceral sensitivity and colonic NGF expression were unaltered after BA treatment. Pharmacological antagonism and FXR silencing suppressed BA-induced NGF expression and release in mast cells. Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MKK) 3/6/p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling was mechanistically responsible for FXR-mediated NGF expression and secretion. The findings show an MMC-dependent and FXR-mediated pronociceptive effect of BAs and identify the BA/FXR/NGF/TRPV1 axis as a key player in MMC-to-neuron communication during pain processing in IBS.-Li, W.-T., Luo, Q.-Q., Wang, B., Chen, X., Yan, X.-J., Qiu, H.-Y., Chen, S.-L. Bile acids induce visceral hypersensitivity via mucosal mast cell-to-nociceptor signaling that involves the farnesoid X receptor/nerve growth factor/transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 axis.

Identification of differentially expressed genes and pathways between intramuscular and abdominal fat-derived preadipocyte differentiation of chickens in vitro.

BACKGROUND: The distribution and deposition of fat tissue in different parts of the body are the key factors affecting the carcass quality and meat flavour of chickens. Intramuscular fat (IMF) content is an important factor associated with meat quality, while abdominal fat (AbF) is regarded as one of the main factors affecting poultry slaughter efficiency. To investigate the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and molecular regulatory mechanisms related to adipogenic differentiation between IMF- and AbF-derived preadipocytes, we analysed the mRNA expression profiles in preadipocytes (0d, Pre-) and adipocytes (10d, Ad-) from IMF and AbF of Gushi chickens. RESULTS: AbF-derived preadipocytes exhibited a higher adipogenic differentiation ability (96.4% + 0.6) than IMF-derived preadipocytes (86.0% + 0.4) (p < 0.01). By Ribo-Zero RNA sequencing, we obtained 4403 (2055 upregulated and 2348 downregulated) and 4693 (2797 upregulated and 1896 downregulated) DEGs between preadipocytes and adipocytes in the IMF and Ad groups, respectively. For IMF-derived preadipocyte differentiation, pathways related to the PPAR signalling pathway, ECM-receptor interaction and focal adhesion pathway were significantly enriched. For AbF-derived preadipocyte differentiation, the steroid biosynthesis pathways, calcium signaling pathway and ECM-receptor interaction pathway were significantly enriched. A large number of DEGs related to lipid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism and preadipocyte differentiation, such as PPARG, ACSBG2, FABP4, FASN, APOA1 and INSIG1, were identified in our study. CONCLUSION: This study revealed large transcriptomic differences between IMF- and AbF-derived preadipocyte differentiation. A large number of DEGs and transcription factors that were closely related to fatty acid metabolism, lipid metabolism and preadipocyte differentiation were identified in the present study. Additionally, the microenvironment of IMF- and AbF-derived preadipocyte may play a significant role in adipogenic differentiation. This study provides valuable evidence to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying adipogenesis and fat deposition in chickens.

Targeting RNS/caveolin-1/MMP signaling cascades to protect against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injuries: potential application for drug discovery.

Reactive nitrogen species (RNS) play important roles in mediating cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. RNS activate multiple signaling pathways and participate in different cellular events in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Recent studies have indicated that caveolin-1 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) are important signaling molecules in the pathological process of ischemic brain injury. During cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, the production of nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite (ONOO-), two representative RNS, down-regulates the expression of caveolin-1 (Cav-1) and, in turn, further activates nitric oxide synthase (NOS) to promote RNS generation. The increased RNS further induce MMP activation and mediate disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), aggravating the brain damage in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Therefore, the feedback interaction among RNS/Cav-1/MMPs provides an amplified mechanism for aggravating ischemic brain damage during cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Targeting the RNS/Cav-1/MMP pathway could be a promising therapeutic strategy for protecting against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. In this mini-review article, we highlight the important role of the RNS/Cav-1/MMP signaling cascades in ischemic stroke injury and review the current progress of studies seeking therapeutic compounds targeting the RNS/Cav-1/MMP signaling cascades to attenuate cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Several representative natural compounds, including calycosin-7-O-ß-D-glucoside, baicalin, Momordica charantia polysaccharide (MCP), chlorogenic acid, lutein and lycopene, have shown potential for targeting the RNS/Cav-1/MMP signaling pathway to protect the brain in ischemic stroke. Therefore, the RNS/Cav-1/MMP pathway is an important therapeutic target in ischemic stroke treatment.

Whole-genome resequencing reveals candidate mutations for pig prolificacy.

Changes in pig fertility have occurred as a result of domestication, but are not understood at the level of genetic variation. To identify variations potentially responsible for prolificacy, we sequenced the genomes of the highly prolific Taihu pig breed and four control breeds. Genes involved in embryogenesis and morphogenesis were targeted in the Taihu pig, consistent with the morphological differences observed between the Taihu pig and others during pregnancy. Additionally, excessive functional non-coding mutations have been specifically fixed or nearly fixed in the Taihu pig. We focused attention on an oestrogen response element (ERE) within the first intron of the bone morphogenetic protein receptor type-1B gene (BMPR1B) that overlaps with a known quantitative trait locus (QTL) for pig fecundity. Using 242 pigs from 30 different breeds, we confirmed that the genotype of the ERE was nearly fixed in the Taihu pig. ERE function was assessed by luciferase assays, examination of histological sections, chromatin immunoprecipitation, quantitative polymerase chain reactions, and western blots. The results suggest that the ERE may control pig prolificacy via the cis-regulation of BMPR1B expression. This study provides new insight into changes in reproductive performance and highlights the role of non-coding mutations in generating phenotypic diversity between breeds.

Metal-Free Ring-Expansion Reaction of Six-membered Sulfonylimines with Diazomethanes: An Approach toward Seven-Membered Enesulfonamides.

A new metal-free, ring-expansion reaction of six-membered N-sulfonylimines with unstable diazomethanes, generated in situ from the N-tosylhydrazones, has been developed. This reaction delivers valuable seven-membered enesulfonamides by a Tiffeneau-Demjanov rearrangement and intramolecular proton transfer tautomerization process. Moreover, this ring-expansion reaction can be carried out in a one-pot fashion and scaled up to the gram scale by using aryl aldehydes, without the need to isolate the N-tosylhydrazone.

Application of Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy and Simultaneous Integrated Boost Techniques to Prepare "Safe Margin" in the Rabbit VX2 Limb Tumor Model.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to establish the rabbit VX2 limb tumor model, and then prepare a "necrotic zone" as a safe margin by volumetric modulated arc therapy and simultaneous integrated boost (VMAT-SIB) technique applied in the areas where the tumor is located adjacent to the bone (GTVboost area). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Rabbits in the control group (n=10) were not treated, while those in the test group (n=10) were treated with the SIB schedule delivering a dose of 40Gy, 35Gy, 30Gy, and 25Gy to the GTVboost, GTV (gross tumor volume), CTV (clinical target volume), and PTV (planning target volume) in 10 fractions. Magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging (MRDWI), 3-dimensional power Doppler angiography (3D-PDA), and histological changes were observed after radiotherapy. RESULTS: After radiotherapy, the two groups showed a significant difference in the GTVboost area. In the test group, the tumor necrosis showed a significantly low signal in DWI and high signal in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps. The 3D-PDA observation showed that tumor vascular structures decreased significantly. Histological analysis demonstrated that a necrotic zone could be generated in the GTVboost area, and microscopic examination observed cell necrosis and fibroplasia. CONCLUSIONS: This studies demonstrated the feasibility of using VMAT-SIB technique in the rabbit VX2 limb tumor model. The formation of a necrotic zone can be effectively defined as safe margin in the GTVboost area. showing potential clinical applicability.

Repeated Transient Wallenberg's Syndrome: Probable Association with Ipsilateral Vertebral Artery Hypoplasia and Aortic Valve Disease.

BACKGROUND: Here we report a rare case of repeated transient Wallenberg's syndrome and discuss its mechanism. METHODS: Case report and literature review. RESULTS: A 57-year-old man was admitted for 1.5-month repeated transient Wallenberg's syndrome, including right-sided Horner's syndrome, lower limb weakness, and paresthesia on the right side of the body and face. His symptom appeared mostly during physical activity. Symptoms occurred nearly everyday and lasted from 5 minutes to 30 minutes. His cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including diffusion-weighted MRI imaging was normal, and his cervical contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography reflected right vertebral artery hypoplasia. Twenty-four-hour electrocardiogram and electroencephalography showed no abnormalities. Echocardiography showed aortic valve calcification with moderate aortic stenosis, moderate aortic insufficiency, and dilated aorta. Dual-antiplatelets or warfarin (international normalized ratio reached 2.07) were not effective to reduce the attacks. CONCLUSIONS: Hemodynamic instability due to valve disease combined with right vertebral artery hypoplasia could lead to transient Wallenberg's syndrome. Antithrombotics are often ineffective for this kind of patients and the best therapy for them could be to cure their valve disease. Repeated transient Wallenberg's syndrome is rare and that caused by ipsilateral vertebral artery hypoplasia and severe valve disease has not been reported up till now to our knowledge, so it will widen the knowledge on etiologies of transient ischemic attacks and provide information and reference to cardiologists and neurologists in diagnosis and treatment for patients with similar clinical manifestations.

[Clinicopathological screening of Lynch syndrome: a report of 2 cases and literature review].

Lynch syndrome is an autosomal dominant genetic disease characterized by the early onset of colon cancer, endometrial cancer and other tumors caused by a genetic mutation within DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes. A small subgroup (approximately 3%-5%) of endometrial cancer and colorectal cancer is related to Lynch syndrome. Identification of these patients in clinical practice will be of great benefit to the relatives and patients themselves. We reported two cases, and reviewed the literature and clinical diagnostic guideline. MMR protein was lost in the tumors. Meanwhile the two cases had different clinicopathological characteristics. Together with the literature, our findings may suggest that the MMR protein expression, associated molecular alterations and clinicopathological features and biological behavior of endometrial cancer and colorectal cancer related to Lynch syndrome are different. Thus the algorithm for detection the patients at highest risk is different. To detect the MMR loss by immunohistochemistry is a practicalscreening method.

Corilagin attenuates aerosol bleomycin-induced experimental lung injury.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressing lethal disease with few clinically effective therapies. Corilagin is a tannin derivative which shows anti-inflammatory and antifibrotics properties and is potentiated in treating IPF. Here, we investigated the effect of corilagin on lung injury following bleomycin exposure in an animal model of pulmonary fibrosis. Corilagin abrogated bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis as assessed by H&E; Masson's trichrome staining and lung hydroxyproline content in lung tissue. Corilagin reduced the number of apoptotic lung cells and prevented lung epithelial cells from membrane breakdown, effluence of lamellar bodies and thickening of the respiratory membrane. Bleomycin exposure induced expression of MDA, IKKα, phosphorylated IKKα (p-IKKα), NF-κB P65, TNF-α and IL-1ß, and reduced I-κB expression in mice lung tissue or in BALF. These changes were reversed by high-dose corilagin (100 mg/kg i.p) more dramatically than by low dose (10 mg/kg i.p). Last, corilagin inhibits TGF-ß1 production and α-SMA expression in lung tissue samples. Taken together, these findings confirmed that corilagin attenuates bleomycin-induced epithelial injury and fibrosis via inactivation of oxidative stress, proinflammatory cytokine release and NF-κB and TGF-ß1 signaling. Corilagin may serve as a promising therapeutic agent for pulmonary fibrosis.

ZBTB20 mediates stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity via activating the NF-κB/transient receptor potential channel pathway.

BACKGROUND: Psychological stress is a major trigger for visceral hypersensitivity (VH) in irritable bowel syndrome. The zinc finger protein ZBTB20 (ZBTB20) is implicated in somatic nociception via modulating transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, but its role in the development of VH is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of ZBTB20/TRP channel axis in stress-induced VH. METHODS: Rats were subjected to water avoidance stress (WAS) for 10 consecutive days. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting ZBTB20 was intrathecally administered. Inhibitors of TRP channels, stress hormone receptors, and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) were administered. Visceromotor response to colorectal distension was recorded. Dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) were dissected for Western blot, coimmunoprecipitation, and chromatin immunoprecipitation. The DRG-derived neuron cell line was applied for specific research. KEY RESULTS: WAS-induced VH was suppressed by the inhibitor of TRPV1, TRPA1, or TRPM8, with enhanced expression of these channels in L6-S2 DRGs. The inhibitor of glucocorticoid receptor or ß2-adrenergic receptor counteracted WAS-induced VH and TRP channel expression. Concurrently, WAS-induced stress hormone-dependent ZBTB20 expression and NF-κB activation in DRGs. Intrathecally injected ZBTB20 siRNA or an NF-κB inhibitor repressed WAS-caused effect. In cultured DRG-derived neurons, stress hormones promoted nuclear translocation of ZBTB20, which preceded p65 nuclear translocation. And, ZBTB20 siRNA suppressed stress hormone-caused NF-κB activation. Finally, WAS enhanced p65 binding to the promoter of TRPV1, TRPA1, or TRPM8 in rat DRGs. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: ZBTB20 mediates stress-induced VH via activating NF-κB/TRP channel pathway in nociceptive sensory neurons.

Complement C1q-mediated microglial synaptic elimination by enhancing desialylation underlies sevoflurane-induced developmental neurotoxicity.

BACKGROUND: Repeated neonatal sevoflurane exposures led to neurocognitive disorders in young mice. We aimed to assess the role of microglia and complement C1q in sevoflurane-induced neurotoxicity and explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Neonatal mice were treated with sevoflurane on postnatal days 6, 8, and 10, and the Morris water maze was performed to assess cognitive functions. For mechanistic explorations, mice were treated with minocycline, C1q-antibody ANX005, and sialidase-inhibitor N-acetyl-2,3-dehydro-2-deoxyneuraminic acid (NADNA) before sevoflurane exposures. Western blotting, RT-qPCR, Golgi staining, 3D reconstruction and engulfment analysis, immunofluorescence, and microglial morphology analysis were performed. In vitro experiments were conducted in microglial cell line BV2 cells. RESULTS: Repeated neonatal sevoflurane exposures resulted in deficiencies in learning and cognition of young mice, accompanied by microglial activation and synapse loss. Sevoflurane enhanced microglia-mediated synapse elimination through C1q binding to synapses. Inhibition of microglial activation and phagocytosis with minocycline significantly reduced the loss of synapses. We further revealed the involvement of neuronal sialic acids in this process. The enhanced activity of sialidase by sevoflurane led to the loss of sialic acids, which facilitated C1q binding to synapses. Inhibition of C1q with ANX005 or inhibition of sialidase with NADNA significantly rescued microglia-mediated synapse loss and improved neurocognitive function. Sevoflurane enhanced the engulfment of BV2 cells, which was reversed by ANX005. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated that C1q-mediated microglial synaptic elimination by enhancing desialylation contributed to sevoflurane-induced developmental neurotoxicity. Inhibition of C1q or sialidase may be a potential therapeutic strategy for this neurotoxicity.

PKCiota Inhibits the Ferroptosis of Esophageal Cancer Cells via Suppressing USP14-Mediated Autophagic Degradation of GPX4.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most frequent malignant tumors, and the mechanisms underlying the anti-ferroptosis of esophageal cancer cells are still largely unclear. This study aims to explore the roles of amplified protein kinase C iota (PKCiota) in the ferroptosis of ESCC cells. Cell viability, colony formation, MDA assay, Western blotting, co-IP, PLA, and RNA-seq technologies are used to reveal the roles and mechanisms underlying the PKCiota-induced resistance of ESCC cells to ferroptosis. We showed here that PKCiota was amplified and overexpressed in ESCC and decreased during RSL3-induced ferroptosis of ESCC cells. PKCiota interacted with GPX4 and the deubiquitinase USP14 and improved the protein stability of GPX4 by suppressing the USP14-mediated autophagy-lysosomal degradation pathway. PKCiota was negatively regulated by miR-145-5p, which decreased in esophageal cancer, and also regulated by USP14 and GPX4 by a positive feedback loop. PKCiota silencing and miR-145-5p overexpression suppressed tumor growth of ESCC cells in vivo, respectively; even a combination of silencing PKCiota and RSL3 treatment showed more vital suppressive roles on tumor growth than silencing PKCiota alone. Both PKCiota silencing and miR-145-5p overexpression sensitized ESCC cells to RSL3-induced ferroptosis. These results unveiled that amplified and overexpressed PKCiota induced the resistance of ESCC cells to ferroptosis by suppressing the USP14-mediated autophagic degradation of GPX4. Patients with PKCiota/USP14/GPX4 pathway activation might be sensitive to GPX4-targeted ferroptosis-based therapy.

Blocking SLC7A11 attenuates the proliferation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells.

The role of ferroptosis-associated gene SLC7A11 in esophageal cancer progression is largely unknown, therefore, the effects of blocking SLC7A11 on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells are evaluated. Results showed that SLC7A11 was overexpressed in ESCC tissues both in mRNA and protein levels. Blocking SLC7A11 using Erastin suppressed the proliferation and colony formation of ESCC cells, decreased cellular ATP levels, and improved ROS production. Sixty-three SLC7A11-binding proteins were identified using the IP-MS method, and these proteins were enriched in four signaling pathways, including spliceosome, ribosome, huntington disease, and diabetic cardiomyopathy. The deubiquitinase inhibitors PR-619, GRL0617, and P 22077 could reduce at least 40% protein expression level of SLC7A11 in ESCC cells, and PR-619 and GRL0617 exhibited suppressive effects on the cell viability and colony formation ability of KYSE30 cells, respectively. Erastin downregulated GPX4 and DHODH and also reduced the levels of ß-catenin, p-STAT3, and IL-6 in ESCC cells. In conclusion, SLC7A11 was overexpressed in ESCC, and blocking SLC7A11 using Erastin mitigated malignant phenotypes of ESCC cells and downregulated key ferroptosis-associated molecules GPX4 and DHODH. The therapeutic potential of targeting SLC7A11 should be further evaluated in the future.

CHOP/ORP150 ratio in endoplasmic reticulum stress: a new mechanism for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Peripheral neuropathy is a frequent and severe diabetic complication characterized by progressive loss of peripheral nerve axons and manifested by pain and eventually complete loss of sensation. Effective therapy for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is still lacking due to our limited understanding of the mechanisms for nerve injury. METHODS: Here we tested the roles of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the ER stress-activated pro-apoptotic protein CHOP and anti-apoptotic protein ORP150 in DPN in a rat model of high-fat/streptozotocin diabetes and in cultured Schwann cells (SCs). RESULTS: No significant DPN was seen in the early stage of diabetes (4 weeks following verification of diabetes). However, after prolonged diabetes (16 weeks following verification of diabetes), DPN was severely developed as reflected by slowed motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity, blunted thermal nociception, and decreased intraepidermal nerve fiber profiles in the hindpaw. Meanwhile, while it was not noticed in sciatic nerves of early diabetes, ER stress in prolonged diabetic rats was indicated by robust increases in H2O2 production and expression of the ER chaperon glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78). ORP150 expression was substantially upregulated, accompanied by mild increase in CHOP expression, resulting in a low CHOP/ORP150 ratio, in early diabetes. In contrast, with prolonged diabetes, CHOP expression exceeded ORP150 expression, resulting in an increased CHOP/ORP150 ratio. In vivo knockdown of ORP150 induced DPN in early diabetes and exacerbated the DPN after prolonged diabetes, whereas knockdown of CHOP ameliorated DPN in rats with prolonged diabetic. On the other hand, in vitro knockdown of ORP150 promoted high glucose-induced SC apoptosis, whereas knockdown of CHOP protected SCs from apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Taken together, we have provided evidence for the critical role of ER stress in the development of DN and also uncovered CHOP/ORP150 ratio as an important mechanism for determining neuronal apoptosis during ER stress. In the early stage of diabetes, CHOP/ORP150 ratio was relatively low favoring neuronal cell survival, whereas after prolonged diabetes, CHOP/ORP150 ratio increased resulting in apoptotic cell death leading to accelerated DPN.

Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase promotes cell proliferation and suppresses cell death in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and colorectal carcinoma.

Background: Ferroptosis is defined as an iron-dependent non-apoptotic form of programmed cell death. Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is a newly discovered anti-ferroptosis molecule independent from the well-known GPX4 and AIFM2. However, the expression pattern and especially the functional roles of DHODH during cancer cell death are generally unknown. Methods: The databases of Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), Kaplan-Meier Plotter, and Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER), and methods of colony formation, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) detection, RNA-seq, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and western blotting were used to analyze the expression level, prognostic role, and oncogenic roles of DHODH in cancers. Results: DHODH overexpression was identified in many types of cancers including esophageal carcinoma (ESCA), colon adenocarcinoma (COAD), rectum adenocarcinoma (READ), and so on. Silence and inactivation of DHODH decreased the abilities of cell proliferation, colony formation, and cellular ATP levels both in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Z-VAD-FMK (an apoptosis inhibitor) partially rescued blockade of DHODH-induced death of ESCC cells, and ferroptosis inhibitors (ferrostatin-1 and liproxstatin-1) together with the necroptosis inhibitor (necrostatin-1) partially rescued inhibition of DHODH-induced death of CRC cells, respectively. Pathways including rheumatoid arthritis, salmonella infection, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, pertussis, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) were enriched in DHODH-silenced ESCC cells. Conclusions: Overexpression of DHODH augments cell proliferation and suppresses cell death in ESCC and CRC, and DHODH might be developed as a potential anticancer target.

Ibrutinib facilitates the sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells to ferroptosis through BTK/NRF2 pathway.

Ibrutinib is a drug that inhibits the protein Burton's tyrosine kinase and thereby the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, which played a key role in mediating the activation of antioxidants during stress conditions and ferroptosis resistance. This study aimed to identify the effect of Ibrutinib and ferroptosis inducer on colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment and its underlying mechanism. In our study, we found the upregulation of Nrf2 was correlated with CRC progression and antioxidant proteins. Ibrutinib sensitized CRC to ferroptosis inducers, suggested by further reduced CRC cell viability, proliferation and decreased antioxidant protein levels in CRC cells after combination treatment of Ibrutinib and RSL3 or Ibrutinib and Erastin both in vivo and in vitro. Knockout of Nrf2 diminished the regulatory effect of Ibrutinib on CRC sensitivity to ferroptosis inducers. Altogether, this study demonstrated that Ibrutinib increases the sensitivity of CRC cell to ferroptosis inducers by inhibiting Nrf2.

Gut microbiota interactions with antitumor immunity in colorectal cancer: From understanding to application.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of highly prevalent cancer. Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has dramatically changed the landscape of treatment for many advanced cancers, but CRC still exhibits suboptimal response to immunotherapy. The gut microbiota can affect both anti-tumor and pro-tumor immune responses, and further modulate the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, particularly in the context of therapy with ICIs. Therefore, a deeper understanding of how the gut microbiota modulates immune responses is crucial to improve the outcomes of CRC patients receiving immunotherapy and to overcome resistance in nonresponders. The present review aims to describe the relationship between the gut microbiota, CRC, and antitumor immune responses, with a particular focus on key studies and recent findings on the effect of the gut microbiota on the antitumor immune activity. We also discuss the potential mechanisms by which the gut microbiota influences host antitumor immune responses as well as the prospective role of intestinal flora in CRC treatment. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential and limitations of different modulation strategies for the gut microbiota are also discussed. These insights may facilitate to better comprehend the interplay between the gut microbiota and the antitumor immune responses of CRC patients and provide new research pathways to enhance immunotherapy efficacy and expand the patient population that could be benefited by immunotherapy.