Hepatic steatosis, metabolic dysfunction and risk of mortality: findings from a multinational prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are implicated in the aetiology of non-communicable diseases. Our study aimed to evaluate associations between NAFLD and MetS with overall and cause-specific mortality. METHODS: We used dietary, lifestyle, anthropometric and metabolic biomarker data from a random subsample of 15,784 EPIC cohort participants. NAFLD was assessed using the fatty liver index (FLI) and MetS using the revised definition. Indices for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) were calculated. The individual associations of these indices with overall and cause-specific mortality were assessed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs). As a subobjective, risk associations with adaptations of new classifications of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic and alcohol-related liver disease (MetALD) were also assessed. RESULTS: Among the 15,784 sub-cohort participants, a total of 1997 deaths occurred (835 due to cancer, 520 to CVD, 642 to other causes) over a median 15.6 (IQR, 12.3-17.1) years of follow-up. Compared to an FLI < 30, FLI ≥ 60 was associated with increased risks of overall mortality (HR = 1.44, 95%CI = 1.27-1.63), and deaths from cancer (HR = 1.32, 95%CI = 1.09-1.60), CVD (HR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.61-2.63) or other causes (HR = 1.21, 95%CI = 0.97-1.51). Mortality risk associations were also elevated for individuals with MAFLD compared to those without. Individuals with MetS were at increased risk of all mortality endpoints, except cancer-specific mortality. MASLD and MetALD were associated with higher risk of overall mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings based on a prospective cohort suggest that individuals with hepatic steatosis or metabolic dysfunction have a higher overall and cause-specific mortality risk.

SARS-CoV-2 and Stroke Characteristics: A Report From the Multinational COVID-19 Stroke Study Group.

[Figure: see text].

The Tudor protein survival motor neuron (SMN) is a chromatin-binding protein that interacts with methylated lysine 79 of histone H3.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a muscular disease characterized by the death of motoneurons, and is a major genetic cause of infant mortality. Mutations in the SMN1 gene, which encodes the protein survival motor neuron (SMN), are responsible for the disease. SMN belongs to the Tudor domain protein family, whose members are known to interact with methylated arginine (R) or lysine (K) residues. SMN has well-defined roles in the metabolism of small non-coding ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) and spliceosome activity. We previously showed that SMN relocated to damaged interphase centromeres, together with the Cajal-body-associated proteins coilin and fibrillarin, during the so-called interphase centromere damage response (iCDR). Here we reveal that SMN is a chromatin-binding protein that specifically interacts with methylated histone H3K79, a gene expression- and splicing-associated histone modification. SMN relocation to damaged centromeres requires its functional Tudor domain and activity of the H3K79 methyltransferase DOT1L. In vitro pulldown assays showed that SMN interacts with H3K79me1,2 at its functional Tudor domain. Chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed that SMN binds to H3K79me1,2-containing chromatin in iCDR-induced cells. These data reveal a novel SMN property in the detection of specific chromatin modifications, and shed new light on the involvement of a putative epigenetic dimension to the occurrence of SMA.

Posttraumatic stress disorder among the Lebanese population and Syrian refugees: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe and disabling condition that can lead to functional impairment and decreased productivity. The purpose of this systematic review was to compile and evaluate existing research on PTSD in Lebanon and among Syrian refugees. METHOD: We searched the databases OVID Medline, EMBASE, and PsycINFO for articles that used validated tools to report the screening or diagnosis of PTSD among our population of interest. RESULTS: We included 102 articles out of a total of 10,367 screened manuscripts. We identified 24 studies discussing PTSD in the Lebanese population and 78 among Syrian refugees. A total of 90 studies described the epidemiological characteristics of PTSD while 12 assessed different treatment options. There was no significant difference in PTSD rates between males and females. We also identified several risks and protective factors for developing PTSD. The former included female gender, marriage, older age, and exposure to war. CONCLUSION: PTSD among Lebanese individuals and Syrian refugees is multifactorial in nature, but commonly involves war-related events. There is a significant evidence gap regarding intervention strategies in this population group. Targeted, multidisciplinary, and holistic interventions are required. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

A novel cell response triggered by interphase centromere structural instability.

Interphase centromeres are crucial domains for the proper assembly of kinetochores at the onset of mitosis. However, it is not known whether the centromere structure is under tight control during interphase. This study uses the peculiar property of the infected cell protein 0 of herpes simplex virus type 1 to induce centromeric structural damage, revealing a novel cell response triggered by centromere destabilization. It involves centromeric accumulation of the Cajal body-associated coilin and fibrillarin as well as the survival motor neuron proteins. The response, which we have termed interphase centromere damage response (iCDR), was observed in all tested human and mouse cells, indicative of a conserved mechanism. Knockdown cells for several constitutive centromere proteins have shown that the loss of centromeric protein B provokes the centromeric accumulation of coilin. We propose that the iCDR is part of a novel safeguard mechanism that is dedicated to maintaining interphase centromeres compatible with the correct assembly of kinetochores, microtubule binding, and completion of mitosis.

SARS-CoV-2 involvement in central nervous system tissue damage.

As the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to spread globally, it became evident that the SARS-CoV-2 virus infects multiple organs including the brain. Several clinical studies revealed that patients with COVID-19 infection experience an array of neurological signs ranging in severity from headaches to life-threatening strokes. Although the exact mechanism by which the SARS-CoV-2 virus directly impacts the brain is not fully understood, several theories have been suggested including direct and indirect pathways induced by the virus. One possible theory is the invasion of SARS-CoV-2 to the brain occurs either through the bloodstream or via the nerve endings which is considered to be the direct route. Such findings are based on studies reporting the presence of viral material in the cerebrospinal fluid and brain cells. Nevertheless, the indirect mechanisms, including blood-clotting abnormalities and prolonged activation of the immune system, can result in further tissue and organ damages seen during the course of the disease. This overview attempts to give a thorough insight into SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus neurological infection and highlights the possible mechanisms leading to the neurological manifestations observed in infected patients.

Glycomic and Glycoproteomic Techniques in Neurodegenerative Disorders and Neurotrauma: Towards Personalized Markers.

The proteome represents all the proteins expressed by a genome, a cell, a tissue, or an organism at any given time under defined physiological or pathological circumstances. Proteomic analysis has provided unparalleled opportunities for the discovery of expression patterns of proteins in a biological system, yielding precise and inclusive data about the system. Advances in the proteomics field opened the door to wider knowledge of the mechanisms underlying various post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins, including glycosylation. As of yet, the role of most of these PTMs remains unidentified. In this state-of-the-art review, we present a synopsis of glycosylation processes and the pathophysiological conditions that might ensue secondary to glycosylation shortcomings. The dynamics of protein glycosylation, a crucial mechanism that allows gene and pathway regulation, is described. We also explain how-at a biomolecular level-mutations in glycosylation-related genes may lead to neuropsychiatric manifestations and neurodegenerative disorders. We then analyze the shortcomings of glycoproteomic studies, putting into perspective their downfalls and the different advanced enrichment techniques that emanated to overcome some of these challenges. Furthermore, we summarize studies tackling the association between glycosylation and neuropsychiatric disorders and explore glycoproteomic changes in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We finally conclude with the role of glycomics in the area of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and provide perspectives on the clinical application of glycoproteomics as potential diagnostic tools and their application in personalized medicine.

Mitoquinone supplementation alleviates oxidative stress and pathologic outcomes following repetitive mild traumatic brain injury at a chronic time point.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of disability and death. Mild TBI (mTBI) constitutes ~75% of all TBI cases. Repeated exposure to mTBI (rmTBI), leads to the exacerbation of the symptoms compared to single mTBI. To date, there is no FDA-approved drug for TBI or rmTBI. This research aims to investigate possible rmTBI neurotherapy by targeting TBI pathology-related mechanisms. Oxidative stress is partly responsible for TBI/rmTBI neuropathologic outcomes. Thus, targeting oxidative stress may ameliorate TBI/rmTBI consequences. In this study, we hypothesized that mitoquinone (MitoQ), a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, would ameliorate TBI/rmTBI associated pathologic features by mitigating rmTBI-induced oxidative stress. To model rmTBI, C57BL/6 mice were subjected to three concussive head injuries. MitoQ (5 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to rmTBI+MitoQ mice twice per week over one month. Behavioral and cognitive outcomes were assessed, 30 days following the first head injury, using a battery of behavioral tests. Immunofluorescence was used to assess neuroinflammation and neuronal integrity. Also, qRT-PCR was used to evaluate the expression levels of antioxidant enzymes. Our findings indicated that MitoQ alleviated fine motor function and learning impairments caused by rmTBI. Mechanistically, MitoQ reduced astrocytosis, microgliosis, dendritic and axonal shearing, and increased the expression of antioxidant enzymes. MitoQ administration following rmTBI may represent an efficient approach to ameliorate rmTBI neurological and cellular outcomes with no observable side effects.

Stroke in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Pictorial Overview of the Pathoetiology.

Since the early days of the pandemic, there have been several reports of cerebrovascular complications during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Numerous studies proposed a role for SARS-CoV-2 in igniting stroke. In this review, we focused on the pathoetiology of stroke among the infected patients. We pictured the results of the SARS-CoV-2 invasion to the central nervous system (CNS) via neuronal and hematogenous routes, in addition to viral infection in peripheral tissues with extensive crosstalk with the CNS. SARS-CoV-2 infection results in pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine release and activation of the immune system, COVID-19-associated coagulopathy, endotheliitis and vasculitis, hypoxia, imbalance in the renin-angiotensin system, and cardiovascular complications that all may lead to the incidence of stroke. Critically ill patients, those with pre-existing comorbidities and patients taking certain medications, such as drugs with elevated risk for arrhythmia or thrombophilia, are more susceptible to a stroke after SARS-CoV-2 infection. By providing a pictorial narrative review, we illustrated these associations in detail to broaden the scope of our understanding of stroke in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. We also discussed the role of antiplatelets and anticoagulants for stroke prevention and the need for a personalized approach among patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Drug Repurposing: Promises of Edaravone Target Drug in Traumatic Brain Injury.

Edaravone is a potent free-radical scavenger that has been in the market for more than 30 years. It was originally developed in Japan to treat strokes and has been used there since 2001. Aside from its anti-oxidative effects, edaravone demonstrated beneficial effects on proinflammatory responses, nitric oxide production, and apoptotic cell death. Interestingly, edaravone has shown neuroprotective effects in several animal models of diseases other than stroke. In particular, edaravone administration was found to be effective in halting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) progression during the early stages. Accordingly, after its success in Phase III clinical studies, edaravone has been approved by the FDA as a treatment for ALS patients. Considering its promises in neurological disorders and its safety in patients, edaravone is a drug of interest that can be repurposed for traumatic brain injury (TBI) treatment. Drug repurposing is a novel approach in drug development that identifies drugs for purposes other than their original indication. This review presents the biochemical properties of edaravone along with its effects on several neurological disorders in the hope that it can be adopted for treating TBI patients.

Risk of stroke in hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 infected patients: A multinational study.

BACKGROUND: There is an increased attention to stroke following SARS-CoV-2. The goal of this study was to better depict the short-term risk of stroke and its associated factors among SARS-CoV-2 hospitalized patients. METHODS: This multicentre, multinational observational study includes hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 patients from North and South America (United States, Canada, and Brazil), Europe (Greece, Italy, Finland, and Turkey), Asia (Lebanon, Iran, and India), and Oceania (New Zealand). The outcome was the risk of subsequent stroke. Centres were included by non-probability sampling. The counts and clinical characteristics including laboratory findings and imaging of the patients with and without a subsequent stroke were recorded according to a predefined protocol. Quality, risk of bias, and heterogeneity assessments were conducted according to ROBINS-E and Cochrane Q-test. The risk of subsequent stroke was estimated through meta-analyses with random effect models. Bivariate logistic regression was used to determine the parameters with predictive outcome value. The study was reported according to the STROBE, MOOSE, and EQUATOR guidelines. FINDINGS: We received data from 26,175 hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 patients from 99 tertiary centres in 65 regions of 11 countries until May 1st, 2020. A total of 17,799 patients were included in meta-analyses. Among them, 156(0.9%) patients had a stroke-123(79%) ischaemic stroke, 27(17%) intracerebral/subarachnoid hemorrhage, and 6(4%) cerebral sinus thrombosis. Subsequent stroke risks calculated with meta-analyses, under low to moderate heterogeneity, were 0.5% among all centres in all countries, and 0.7% among countries with higher health expenditures. The need for mechanical ventilation (OR: 1.9, 95% CI:1.1-3.5, p = 0.03) and the presence of ischaemic heart disease (OR: 2.5, 95% CI:1.4-4.7, p = 0.006) were predictive of stroke. INTERPRETATION: The results of this multi-national study on hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection indicated an overall stroke risk of 0.5%(pooled risk: 0.9%). The need for mechanical ventilation and the history of ischaemic heart disease are the independent predictors of stroke among SARS-CoV-2 patients. FUNDING: None.

Thyroxine (T4) Transfer from Blood to Cerebrospinal Fluid in Sheep Isolated Perfused Choroid Plexus: Role of Multidrug Resistance-Associated Proteins and Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptides.

Thyroxine (T4) enters the brain either directly across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) or indirectly via the choroid plexus (CP), which forms the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (B-CSF-B). In this study, using isolated perfused CP of the sheep by single-circulation paired tracer and steady-state techniques, T4 transport mechanisms from blood into lateral ventricle CP has been characterized as the first step in the transfer across the B-CSF-B. After removal of sheep brain, the CPs were perfused with 125I-T4 and 14C-mannitol. Unlabeled T4 was applied during single tracer technique to assess the mode of maximum uptake (Umax) and the net uptake (Unet) on the blood side of the CP. On the other hand, in order to characterize T4 protein transporters, steady-state extraction of 125I-T4 was measured in presence of different inhibitors such as probenecid, verapamil, BCH, or indomethacin. Increasing the concentration of unlabeled-T4 resulted in a significant reduction in Umax%, which was reflected by a complete inhibition of T4 uptake into CP. In fact, the obtained Unet% decreased as the concentration of unlabeled-T4 increased. The addition of probenecid caused a significant inhibition of T4 transport, in comparison to control, reflecting the presence of a carrier mediated process at the basolateral side of the CP and the involvement of multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs: MRP1 and MRP4) and organic anion transporting polypeptides (Oatp1, Oatp2, and Oatp14). Moreover, verapamil, the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrate, resulted in ~34% decrease in the net extraction of T4, indicating that MDR1 contributes to T4 entry into CSF. Finally, inhibition in the net extraction of T4 caused by BCH or indomethacin suggests, respectively, a role for amino acid "L" system and MRP1/Oatp1 in mediating T4 transfer. The presence of a carrier-mediated transport mechanism for cellular uptake on the basolateral membrane of the CP, mainly P-gp and Oatp2, would account for the efficient T4 transport from blood to CSF. The current study highlights a carrier-mediated transport mechanism for T4 movement from blood to brain at the basolateral side of B-CSF-B/CP, as an alternative route to BBB.