G3BP1 promotes DNA binding and activation of cGAS.

Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is a key sensor responsible for cytosolic DNA detection. Here we report that GTPase-activating protein SH3 domain-binding protein 1 (G3BP1) is critical for DNA sensing and efficient activation of cGAS. G3BP1 enhanced DNA binding of cGAS by promoting the formation of large cGAS complexes. G3BP1 deficiency led to inefficient DNA binding by cGAS and inhibited cGAS-dependent interferon (IFN) production. The G3BP1 inhibitor epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) disrupted existing G3BP1-cGAS complexes and inhibited DNA-triggered cGAS activation, thereby blocking DNA-induced IFN production both in vivo and in vitro. EGCG administration blunted self DNA-induced autoinflammatory responses in an Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS) mouse model and reduced IFN-stimulated gene expression in cells from a patient with AGS. Thus, our study reveals that G3BP1 physically interacts with and primes cGAS for efficient activation. Furthermore, EGCG-mediated inhibition of G3BP1 provides a potential treatment for cGAS-related autoimmune diseases.

Senolytic and senomorphic agent procyanidin C1 alleviates structural and functional decline in the aged retina.

Increased cellular senescence burden contributes in part to age-related organ dysfunction and pathologies. In our study, using mouse models of natural aging, we observed structural and functional decline in the aged retina, which was accompanied by the accumulation of senescent cells and senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors. We further validated the senolytic and senomorphic properties of procyanidin C1 (PCC1) both in vitro and in vivo, the long-term treatment of which ameliorated age-related retinal impairment. Through high-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we comprehensively characterized the retinal landscape after PCC1 administration and deciphered the molecular basis underlying the senescence burden increment and elimination. By exploring the scRNA-seq database of age-related retinal disorders, we revealed the role of cellular senescence and the therapeutic potential of PCC1 in these pathologies. Overall, these results indicate the therapeutic effects of PCC1 on the aged retina and its potential use for treating age-related retinal disorders.

Chromatin accessibility mediated transcriptome changes contribute to flavor substance alterations and jasmonic acid hyperaccumulation during oolong tea withering process.

During the oolong tea withering process, abiotic stresses induce significant changes in the content of various flavor substances and jasmonic acid (JA). However, the changes in chromatin accessibility during withering and their potential impact remain poorly understood. By integrating ATAC-seq, RNA-seq, metabolite, and hormone assays, we characterized the withering treatment-induced changes in chromatin accessibility, gene expression levels, important metabolite contents, and JA and JA-ILE contents. Additionally, we analyzed the effects of chromatin accessibility alterations on gene expression changes, content changes of important flavor substances, and JA hyperaccumulation. Our analysis identified a total of 3451 open- and 13 426 close-differentially accessible chromatin regions (DACRs) under withering treatment. Our findings indicate that close-DACRs-mediated down-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) resulted in the reduced accumulation of multiple catechins during withering, whereas open-DACRs-mediated up-regulated DEGs contributed to the increased accumulation of important terpenoids, JA, JA-ILE and short-chain C5/C6 volatiles. We further highlighted important DACRs-mediated DEGs associated with the synthesis of catechins, terpenoids, JA and JA and short-chain C5/C6 volatiles and confirmed the broad effect of close-DACRs on catechin synthesis involving almost all enzymes in the pathway during withering. Importantly, we identified a novel MYB transcription factor (CsMYB83) regulating catechin synthesis and verified the binding of CsMYB83 in the promoter-DACRs regions of key catechin synthesis genes using DAP-seq. Overall, our results not only revealed a landscape of chromatin alters-mediated transcription, flavor substance and hormone changes under oolong tea withering, but also provided target genes for flavor improvement breeding in tea plant.

A flavonoid metabolon: cytochrome b5 enhances B-ring trihydroxylated flavan-3-ols synthesis in tea plants.

Flavan-3-ols are prominent phenolic compounds found abundantly in the young leaves of tea plants. The enzymes involved in flavan-3-ol biosynthesis in tea plants have been extensively investigated. However, the localization and associations of these numerous functional enzymes within cells have been largely neglected. In this study, we aimed to investigate the synthesis of flavan-3-ols in tea plants, particularly focusing on epigallocatechin gallate. Our analysis involving the DESI-MSI method to reveal a distinct distribution pattern of B-ring trihydroxylated flavonoids, primarily concentrated in the outer layer of buds. Subcellular localization showed that CsC4H, CsF3'H, and CsF3'5'H localizes endoplasmic reticulum. Protein-protein interaction studies demonstrated direct associations between CsC4H, CsF3'H, and cytoplasmic enzymes (CHS, CHI, F3H, DFR, FLS, and ANR), highlighting their interactions within the biosynthetic pathway. Notably, CsF3'5'H, the enzyme for B-ring trihydroxylation, did not directly interact with other enzymes. We identified cytochrome b5 isoform C serving as an essential redox partner, ensuring the proper functioning of CsF3'5'H. Our findings suggest the existence of distinct modules governing the synthesis of different B-ring hydroxylation compounds. This study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying flavonoid diversity and efficient synthesis and enhances our understanding of the substantial accumulation of B-ring trihydroxylated flavan-3-ols in tea plants.

In-depth exploration of the genomic diversity in tea varieties based on a newly constructed pangenome of Camellia sinensis.

Tea, one of the most widely consumed beverages globally, exhibits remarkable genomic diversity in its underlying flavour and health-related compounds. In this study, we present the construction and analysis of a tea pangenome comprising a total of 11 genomes, with a focus on three newly sequenced genomes comprising the purple-leaved assamica cultivar "Zijuan", the temperature-sensitive sinensis cultivar "Anjibaicha" and the wild accession "L618" whose assemblies exhibited excellent quality scores as they profited from latest sequencing technologies. Our analysis incorporates a detailed investigation of transposon complement across the tea pangenome, revealing shared patterns of transposon distribution among the studied genomes and improved transposon resolution with long read technologies, as shown by long terminal repeat (LTR) Assembly Index analysis. Furthermore, our study encompasses a gene-centric exploration of the pangenome, exploring the genomic landscape of the catechin pathway with our study, providing insights on copy number alterations and gene-centric variants, especially for Anthocyanidin synthases. We constructed a gene-centric pangenome by structurally and functionally annotating all available genomes using an identical pipeline, which both increased gene completeness and allowed for a high functional annotation rate. This improved and consistently annotated gene set will allow for a better comparison between tea genomes. We used this improved pangenome to capture the core and dispensable gene repertoire, elucidating the functional diversity present within the tea species. This pangenome resource might serve as a valuable resource for understanding the fundamental genetic basis of traits such as flavour, stress tolerance, and disease resistance, with implications for tea breeding programmes.

Procyanidin C1 inhibits bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice by selective clearance of senescent myofibroblasts.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a formidable challenge in chronic and age-related lung diseases. Myofibroblasts secrete large amounts of extracellular matrix and induce pro-repair responses during normal wound healing. Successful tissue repair results in termination of myofibroblast activity via apoptosis; however, some myofibroblasts exhibit a senescent phenotype and escape apoptosis, causing over-repair that is characterized by pathological fibrotic scarring. Therefore, the removal of senescent myofibroblasts using senolytics is an important method for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Procyanidin C1 (PCC1) has recently been discovered as a senolytic compound with very low toxicity and few side effects. This study aimed to determine whether PCC1 could improve lung fibrosis by promoting apoptosis in senescent myofibroblasts and to investigate the mechanisms involved. The results showed that PCC1 attenuates bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. In addition, we found that PCC1 inhibited extracellular matrix deposition and promoted the apoptosis of senescent myofibroblasts by increasing PUMA expression and activating the BAX signaling pathway. Our findings represent a new method of pulmonary fibrosis management and emphasize the potential of PCC1 as a senotherapeutic agent for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, providing hope for patients with pulmonary fibrosis worldwide. Our results advance our understanding of age-related diseases and highlight the importance of addressing cellular senescence in treatment.

De Novo Elastin Assembly Alleviates Development of Supravalvular Aortic Stenosis-Brief Report.

BACKGROUND: A series of incurable cardiovascular disorders arise due to improper formation of elastin during development. Supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS), resulting from a haploinsufficiency of ELN, is caused by improper stress sensing by medial vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to progressive luminal occlusion and heart failure. SVAS remains incurable, as current therapies do not address the root issue of defective elastin. METHODS: We use SVAS here as a model of vascular proliferative disease using both human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived vascular smooth muscle cells and developmental Eln+/- mouse models to establish de novo elastin assembly as a new therapeutic intervention. RESULTS: We demonstrate mitigation of vascular proliferative abnormalities following de novo extracellular elastin assembly through the addition of the polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate to SVAS human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived vascular smooth muscle cells and in utero to Eln+/- mice. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate de novo elastin deposition normalizes SVAS human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived vascular smooth muscle cell hyperproliferation and rescues hypertension and aortic mechanics in Eln+/- mice, providing critical preclinical findings for the future application of epigallocatechin gallate treatment in humans.

Cocoa flavanols, Nrf2 activation, and oxidative stress in peripheral artery disease: mechanistic findings in muscle based on outcomes from a randomized trial.

The pathophysiology of muscle damage in peripheral artery disease (PAD) includes increased oxidant production and impaired antioxidant defenses. Epicatechin (EPI), a naturally occurring flavanol, has antioxidant properties that may mediate the beneficial effects of natural products such as cocoa. In a phase II randomized trial, a cocoa-flavanol-rich beverage significantly improved walking performance compared with a placebo in people with PAD. In the present work, the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of cocoa flavanols were investigated by analyzing baseline and follow-up muscle biopsies from participants. Increases in nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) target antioxidants heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (NQO1) in the cocoa group were significantly associated with reduced accumulation of central nuclei, a myopathy indicator, in type II muscle fibers (P = 0.017 and P = 0.023, respectively). Protein levels of the mitochondrial respiratory complex III subunit, cytochrome b-c1 complex subunit 2 (UQCRC2), were significantly higher in the cocoa group than in the placebo group (P = 0.032), and increases in UQCRC2 were significantly associated with increased levels of Nrf2 target antioxidants HO-1 and NQO1 (P = 0.001 and P = 0.035, respectively). Exposure of non-PAD human myotubes to ex vivo serum from patients with PAD reduced Nrf2 phosphorylation, an indicator of activation, increased hydrogen peroxide production and oxidative stress, and reduced mitochondrial respiration. Treatment of myotubes with EPI in the presence of serum from patients with PAD increased Nrf2 phosphorylation and protected against PAD serum-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Overall, these findings suggest that cocoa flavanols may enhance antioxidant capacity in PAD via Nrf2 activation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The current study supports the hypothesis that in people with PAD, cocoa flavanols activate Nrf2, thereby increasing antioxidant protein levels, protecting against skeletal muscle damage, and increasing mitochondrial protein abundance. These results suggest that Nrf2 activation may be an important therapeutic target for improving walking performance in people with PAD.

CsMYBL2 homologs modulate the light and temperature stress-regulated anthocyanin and catechins biosynthesis in tea plants (Camellia sinensis).

Anthocyanin and catechin production in tea (Camellia sinensis) leaves can positively affect tea quality; however, their regulatory mechanisms are not fully understood. Here we report that, while the CsMYB75- or CsMYB86-directed MYB-bHLH-WD40 (MBW) complexes differentially activate anthocyanin or catechin biosynthesis in tea leaves, respectively, CsMYBL2a and CsMYBL2b homologs negatively modified the light- and temperature-induced anthocyanin and catechin production in both Arabidopsis and tea plants. The MBW complexes activated both anthocyanin synthesis genes and the downstream repressor genes CsMYBL2a and CsMYBL2b. Overexpression of CsMYBL2b, but not CsMYBL2a, repressed Arabidopsis leaf anthocyanin accumulation and seed coat proanthocyanin production. CsMYBL2b strongly and CsMYBL2a weakly repressed the activating effects of CsMYB75/CsMYB86 on CsDFR and CsANS, due to their different EAR and TLLLFR domains and interactions with CsTT8/CsGL3, interfering with the functions of activating MBW complexes. CsMYBL2b and CsMYBL2a in tea leaves play different roles in fine-tuning CsMYB75/CsMYB86-MBW activation of biosynthesis of anthocyanins and catechins, respectively. The CsbZIP1-CsmiR858a-CsMYBL2 module mediated the UV-B- or cold-activated CsMYB75/CsMYB86 regulation of anthocyanin/catechin biosynthesis by repressing CsMYBL2a and CsMYBL2b. Similarly, the CsCOP1-CsbZIP1-CsPIF3 module, and BR signaling as well, mediated the high temperature repression of anthocyanin and catechin biosynthesis through differentially upregulating CsMYBL2b and CsMYBL2a, respectively. The present study provides new insights into the complex regulatory networks in environmental stress-modified flavonoid production in tea plant leaves.

Plant phenolics inhibit focal adhesion kinase and suppress host cell invasion by uropathogenic Escherichia coli.

Traditional folk treatments for the prevention and management of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other infectious diseases often include plants and plant extracts that are rich in phenolic compounds. These have been ascribed a variety of activities, including inhibition of bacterial interactions with host cells. Here, we tested a panel of four well-studied phenolic compounds-caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), resveratrol, catechin, and epigallocatechin gallate-for the effects on host cell adherence and invasion by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). These bacteria, which are the leading cause of UTIs, can bind and subsequently invade bladder epithelial cells via an actin-dependent process. Intracellular UPEC reservoirs within the bladder are often protected from antibiotics and host defenses and likely contribute to the development of chronic and recurrent infections. In cell culture-based assays, only resveratrol had a notable negative effect on UPEC adherence to bladder cells. However, both CAPE and resveratrol significantly inhibited UPEC entry into the host cells, coordinate with attenuated phosphorylation of the host actin regulator Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK or PTK2) and marked increases in the numbers of focal adhesion structures. We further show that the intravesical delivery of resveratrol inhibits UPEC infiltration of the bladder mucosa in a murine UTI model and that resveratrol and CAPE can disrupt the ability of other invasive pathogens to enter host cells. Together, these results highlight the therapeutic potential of molecules like CAPE and resveratrol, which could be used to augment antibiotic treatments by restricting pathogen access to protective intracellular niches.IMPORTANCEUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are exceptionally common and increasingly difficult to treat due to the ongoing rise and spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Furthermore, the primary cause of UTIs, uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), can avoid antibiotic exposure and many host defenses by invading the epithelial cells that line the bladder surface. Here, we identified two plant-derived phenolic compounds that disrupt activation of the host machinery needed for UPEC entry into bladder cells. One of these compounds, resveratrol, effectively inhibited UPEC invasion of the bladder mucosa in a mouse UTI model, and both phenolic compounds significantly reduced host cell entry by other invasive pathogens. These findings suggest that select phenolic compounds could be used to supplement existing antibacterial therapeutics by denying uropathogens shelter within host cells and tissues and help explain some of the benefits attributed to traditional plant-based medicines.

Epigallocatechin gallate and curcumin inhibit Bcl-2: a pharmacophore and docking based approach against cancer.

The protein Bcl-2, well-known for its anti-apoptotic properties, has been implicated in cancer pathogenesis. Identifying the primary gene responsible for promoting improved cell survival and development has provided compelling evidence for preventing cellular death in the progression of malignancies. Numerous research studies have provided evidence that the abundance of Bcl-2 is higher in malignant cells, suggesting that suppressing Bcl-2 expression could be a viable therapeutic approach for cancer treatment. In this study, we acquired a compound collection using a database that includes constituents from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Initially, we established a pharmacophore model and utilized it to search the TCM database for potential compounds. Compounds with a fitness score exceeding 0.75 were selected for further analysis. The Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) analysis identified six compounds with favorable therapeutic characteristics. The compounds that successfully passed the initial screening process based on the pharmacodynamic model were subjected to further evaluation. Extra-precision (XP) docking was employed to identify the compounds with the most favorable XP docking scores. Further analysis using the Molecular Mechanics Generalized Born Surface Area (MM-GBSA) method to calculate the overall free binding energy. The binding energy between the prospective ligand molecule and the target protein Bcl-2 was assessed by a 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation for curcumin and Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). The findings of this investigation demonstrate the identification of a molecular structure that effectively inhibits the functionality of the Bcl-2 when bound to the ligand EGCG. Consequently, this finding presents a novel avenue for the development of pharmaceuticals capable of effectively addressing both inflammatory and tumorous conditions.

Investigation of folate-modified EGCG-loaded thermosensitive nanospheres inducing immunogenic cell death and damage-associated molecular patterns in hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The systemic treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma is currently facing a bottleneck. EGCG, the primary active compound in green tea, exhibits anti-tumor effects through various pathways. However, there is a lack of study on EGCG-induced immunogenic cell death (ICD) in hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: In a previous study, we successfully synthesized folate-modified thermosensitive nano-materials, encapsulated EGCG within nanoparticles using a hydration method, and established the EGCG nano-drug delivery system. The viability of HepG2 cells post-EGCG treatment was assessed via the MTT and EdU assays. Cell migration and invasion were evaluated through wound healing experiments, Transwell assays, and Annexin V-FITC/PI assay for apoptosis detection. Additionally, the expression levels of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) were determined using immunofluorescence, ATP measurement, RT-qPCR, and Western Blot. RESULTS: The drug sensitivity test revealed an IC50 value of 96.94 µg/mL for EGCG in HepG2 cells after 48 h. EGCG at a low concentration (50 µg/mL) significantly impeded the migration and invasion of HepG2 cells, showing a clear dose-dependent response. Moreover, medium to high EGCG concentrations induced cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner and upregulated DAMPs expression. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated a notable increase in CRT expression following low-concentration EGCG treatment. As EGCG concentration increased, cell viability decreased, leading to CRT exposure on the cell membrane. EGCG also notably elevated ATP levels. RT-qPCR and Western Blot analyses indicated elevated expression levels of HGMB1, HSP70, and HSP90 following EGCG intervention. CONCLUSION: EGCG not only hinders the proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and induces apoptosis, but also holds significant clinical promise in the treatment of malignant tumors by promoting ICD and DAMPs secretion.

Gelatin-Encapsulated Tetrahedral DNA Nanostructure Enhances Cellular Internalization for Treating Noise-Induced Hearing Loss.

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery strategies have emerged as a crucial avenue for comprehensive sensorineural hearing loss treatment. Nevertheless, developing therapy vectors crossing both biological and cellular barriers has encountered significant challenges deriving from various external factors. Herein, the rational integration of gelatin nanoparticles (GNPs) with tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDNs) to engineer a distinct drug-delivery nanosystem (designed as TDN@GNP) efficiently enhances the biological permeability and cellular internalization, further resolving the dilemma of noise-induced hearing loss via loading epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) with anti-lipid peroxidation property. Rationally engineering of TDN@GNP demonstrates dramatic alterations in the physicochemical key parameters of TDNs that are pivotal in cell-particle interactions and promote cellular uptake through multiple endocytic pathways. Furthermore, the EGCG-loaded nanosystem (TDN-EGCG@GNP) facilitates efficient inner ear drug delivery by superior permeability through the biological barrier (round window membrane), maintaining high drug concentration within the inner ear. The TDN-EGCG@GNP actively overcomes the cell membrane, exhibiting hearing protection from noise insults via reduced lipid peroxidation in outer hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons. This work exemplifies how integrating diverse vector functionalities can overcome biological and cellular barriers in the inner ear, offering promising applications for inner ear disorders.

(+)-Catechin attenuates CCI-induced neuropathic pain in male rats by promoting the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway to inhibit ROS/TLR4/NF-κB-mediated activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.

The objective of this study was to investigate the potential mechanisms by which (+)-catechin alleviates neuropathic pain. Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: the sham group, the chronic constriction injury (CCI)group, the CCI+ ibuprofen group, and the CCI+ (+)-catechin group. CCI surgery induces thermal hyperalgesia in rats and (+)-catechin ameliorated CCI-induced thermal hyperalgesia and repaired damaged sciatic nerve in rats. CCI decreased SOD levels in male rat spinal cord dorsal horn and promoted MDA production, induced oxidative stress by increasing NOX4 levels and decreasing antioxidant enzyme HO-1 levels, and also increased protein levels of TLR4, p-NF-κB, NLRP3 inflammasome components, and IL-1ß. In contrast, (+)-catechin reversed the above results. In i vitro experiments, (+)-catechin reduced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in GMI-R1 cells after LPS stimulation and attenuated the co-expression of IBA-1 and NLRP3. It also showed significant inhibition of the NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammatory pathways and activation of the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant system. Overall, these findings suggest that (+)-catechin inhibits the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome through the triggering of the Nrf2-induced antioxidant system, the inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, and the production of ROS to alleviate CCI-induced neuropathic pain in male rats.

Polyphenol-Assisted Biomineralization of Metal-Organic Framework Nanoparticles for Precision Delivery of Therapeutic Proteins to Cancer Cells.

The delivery of proteins into the cytosol holds great promise for cell signaling manipulation and the development of precision medicine. However, this potency is challenged by achieving targeted and controlled delivery, specifically within diseased cells. In this study, we introduce a versatile and effective method for the precision delivery of therapeutic proteins to cancer cells by designing polyphenol-assisted biomineralization of zeolite imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8). We demonstrate that by leveraging the strong noncovalent binding affinity of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) with both proteins and ZIF-8, our approach significantly enhances the biomineralization of ZIF-8, which in turn improves the efficiency of protein encapsulation and intracellular delivery. Moreover, the incorporation of EGCG within ZIF-8 enables controlled degradation of the nanoparticles and the selective release of the encapsulated proteins in cancer cells. This selective release is triggered by the oxidation of EGCG in response to the high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) found within cancer cells that destabilize the EGCG/ZIF-8 nanoparticles. We have further demonstrated the ability of EGCG/ZIF-8 to deliver a wide range of proteins into cancer cells, including bacterial virulence protein, to rewire cell signaling and prohibit tumor cell growth in a mouse xenograft model. Our strategy and findings underscore the potential of designing the EGCG/ZIF-8 interface for specific and controlled protein delivery for targeted cancer therapy.

Theaflavin-3,3'-digallate effectively attenuates biofilm formation by Enterococcus faecalis via the targeting of specific quorum sensing pathways.

Enterococcus faecalis, an opportunistic pathogen responsible for nosocomial infections, exhibits increased pathogenicity via biofilm formation. Theaflavin-3,3'-digallate (TF3), a theaflavin extracted from black tea, exhibits potent antibacterial effects. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of TF3 on E. faecalis. Our results indicated that TF3 significantly inhibited E. faecalis ATCC 29212 biofilm formation. This observation was further confirmed via crystal violet staining, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and field emission-scanning electron microscopy. To disclose the underlying mechanisms, RNA-seq was applied. TF3 treatment significantly altered the transcriptomic profile of E. faecalis, as evidenced by identification of 248 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Through functional annotation of these DEGs, several quorum-sensing pathways were found to be suppressed in TF3-treated cultures. Further, gene expression verification via real-time PCR confirmed the downregulation of gelE, sprE, and secY by TF3. These findings highlighted the ability of TF3 to impede E. faecalis biofilm formation, suggesting a novel preventive strategy against E. faecalis infections.

Effects of catechin on the malignant biological behavior of gastric cancer cells through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Catechin is a kind of flavonoids, mainly derived from the plant Camellia sinensis. It has a strong antioxidant effect, and it also has significant therapeutic effects on anti-cancer, anti-diabetes, and anti-infection. This study was intended to look at how catechin affected the malignant biological activity of gastric cancer cells. We used databases to predict the targets of catechin and the pathogenic targets of gastric cancer. Venn diagram was used to find the intersection genes, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses were performed on intersection genes. Using the STRING database, the Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network was built. The top 8 genes were screened by Cytoscape 3.9.1, then their binding was verified by molecular docking. The proliferation ability, cell cycle, apoptosis and migration of gastric cancer cells were detected, as well as the protein expression levels of PI3K, p-AKT, and AKT and the mRNA expression levels of AKT1, VEGFA, EGFR, HRAS, and HSP90AA1 in gastric cancer cells. Our research revealed that different concentrations of catechin could effectively inhibit the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells, regulate the cell cycle, and promote the death of these cells, and it's possible that the PI3K/Akt pathway was crucial in mediating this impact. Moreover, adding the PI3K/Akt pathway agonist significantly reduced the promoting effect of catechin on the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells. This study suggested that catechin was a potential drug for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Characterizing the Oligomers Distribution along the Aggregation Pathway of Amyloid Aß1-40 by NMR.

This study delves into the early aggregation process of the Aß1-40 amyloid peptide, elucidating the associated oligomers distribution. Motivated by the acknowledged role of small oligomers in the neurotoxic damage linked to Alzheimer's disease, we present an experimental protocol for preparing 26-O-acyl isoAß1-40, a modified Aß1-40 peptide facilitating rapid isomerization to the native amide form at neutral pH. This ensures seed-free solutions, minimizing experimental variability. Additionally, we demonstrate the efficacy of coupling NMR diffusion ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) with the Inverse Laplace Transform (ILT) reconstruction method, for effective characterization of early aggregation processes. This innovative approach efficiently maps oligomers distributions across a wide spectrum of initial peptide concentrations offering unique insights into the evolution of oligomers relative populations. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate the efficacy of our approach assessing the impact of Epigallocathechin gallate, a known remodeling agent of amyloid fibrils, on the oligomeric distributions of aggregated Aß1-40. The DOSY-ILT proposed approach stands as a robust and discriminating asset, providing a powerful strategy for rapidly gaining insight into potential inhibitors' impact on the aggregation process.

Phase I/II clinical trial of efficacy and safety of EGCG oxygen nebulization inhalation in the treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia patients with cancer.

BACKGROUND: The antiviral drug Nirmatrelvir was found to be a key drug in controlling the progression of pneumonia during the infectious phase of COVID-19. However, there are very few options for effective treatment for cancer patients who have viral pneumonia. Glucocorticoids is one of the effective means to control pneumonia, but there are many adverse events. EGCG is a natural low toxic compound with anti-inflammatory function. Thus, this study was designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) aerosol to control COVID-19 pneumonia in cancer populations. METHODS: The study was designed as a prospective, single-arm, open-label phase I/II trial at Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, between January 5, 2023 to March 31,2023 with viral pneumonia on radiographic signs after confirmed novel coronavirus infection. These patients were treated with EGCG nebulization 10 ml three times daily for at least seven days. EGCG concentrations were increased from 1760-8817umol/L to 4 levels with dose escalation following a standard Phase I design of 3-6 patients per level. Any grade adverse event caused by EGCG was considered a dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) is defined as the highest dose with less than one-third of patients experiencing dose limiting toxicity (DLT) due to EGCG. The primary end points were the toxicity of EGCG and CT findings, and the former was graded by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v. 5.0. The secondary end point was the laboratory parameters before and after treatment. RESULT: A total of 60 patients with high risk factors for severe COVID-19 pneumonia (factors such as old age, smoking and combined complications)were included in this phase I-II study. The 54 patients in the final analysis were pathologically confirmed to have tumor burden and completed the whole course of treatment. A patient with bucking at a level of 1760 umol/L and no acute toxicity associated with EGCG has been reported at the second or third dose gradients. At dose escalation to 8817umol/L, Grade 1 adverse events of nausea and stomach discomfort occurred in two patients, which resolved spontaneously within 1 hour. After one week of treatment, CT showed that the incidence of non-progression of pneumonia was 82% (32/39), and the improvement rate of pneumonia was 56.4% (22/39). There was no significant difference in inflammation-related laboratory parameters (white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, IL-6, ferritin, C-reactive protein and lactate dehydrogenase) before and after treatment. CONCLUSION: Aerosol inhalation of EGCG is well tolerated, and preliminary investigation in cancer population suggests that EGCG may be effective in COVID-19-induced pneumonia, which can promote the improvement of patients with moderate pneumonia or prevent them from developing into severe pneumonia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05758571. Date of registration: 8 February 2023.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate restores mitochondrial homeostasis impairment by inhibiting HDAC1-mediated NRF1 histone deacetylation in cardiac hypertrophy.

Decompensated cardiac hypertrophy is accompanied by impaired mitochondrial homeostasis, whether histone acetylation is involved in this process is yet to be determined. The role of HDAC1-mediated NRF1 histone deacetylation was investigated in transverse aortic constriction (TAC)-induced hypertrophy in rats and phenylephrine (PE)-induced hypertrophic cardiomyocytes. Administration of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), an inhibitor of HDAC1, restored cardiac function, decreased heart/body weight and fibrosis, increased the ratio of mtDNA/nDNA and the percentage of LysoTracker+ CMs in TAC, compared with TAC without receiving EGCG. In PE-treated hypertrophic H9C2 cells, EGCG attenuated cell hypertrophy and increased LC3B II+MitoTracker+ puncta, as well as the ratio of mtDNA/nDNA. Interestingly, NRF1 but not PGC-1α expression was decreased in TAC- or PE-induced hypertrophic hearts or cells, respectively, while EGCG upregulated both NRF1 and PGC-1α in vitro. EGCG treatment also increased the interaction between PGC-1α and NRF1. In addition to inhibiting HDAC1 expression, EGCG decreased the binding of HDAC1 and increased the binding of acH3K9 or acH3K14 in the promotor regions of PGC-1α and NRF1. In neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, restored NRF1, TFAM and FUNDC1 were abolished by the overexpression of HDAC1. Collectively, data suggest that NRF1 reduction was averted by EGCG via inhibiting HDAC1-mediated histone deacetylation. Acetylation of NRF1 histone may play a key role in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis associated with cardiac hypertrophy.