RefMetaPlant: a reference metabolome database for plants across five major phyla.

Plants are unique with tremendous chemical diversity and metabolic complexity, which is highlighted by estimates that green plants collectively produce metabolites numbering in the millions. Plant metabolites play crucial roles in all aspects of plant biology, like growth, development, stress responses, etc. However, the lack of a reference metabolome for plants, and paucity of high-quality standard compound spectral libraries and related analytical tools, have hindered the discovery and functional study of phytochemicals in plants. Here, by leveraging an advanced LC-MS platform, we generated untargeted mass spectral data from >150 plant species collected across the five major phyla. Using a self-developed computation protocol, we constructed reference metabolome for 153 plant species. A 'Reference Metabolome Database for Plants' (RefMetaPlant) was built to encompass the reference metabolome, integrated standard compound mass spectral libraries for annotation, and related query and analytical tools like 'LC-MS/MS Query', 'RefMetaBlast' and 'CompoundLibBlast' for searches and profiling of plant metabolome and metabolite identification. Analogous to a reference genome in genomic research, RefMetaPlant provides a powerful platform to support plant genome-scale metabolite analysis to promote knowledge/data sharing and collaboration in the field of metabolomics. RefMetaPlant is freely available at https://www.biosino.org/RefMetaDB/.

Quercetin protects against Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis by reducing fungal load and inhibiting TLR-4 induced inflammatory response.

PURPOSE: To investigate the antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects of quercetin in Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) keratitis. METHODS: Draize eye test was performed in mice to evaluate the toxicity of quercetin, and the antifungal effects on A. fumigatus were assessed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), propidium iodide uptake, and adherence assay. In fungal keratitis (FK) mouse models, immunostaining was performed for investigating toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) expression and macrophage infiltration. Real-time PCR, ELISA, and Western blot were used to evaluate the expression of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6 in infected RAW264.7 cells. Cells were also treated with TLR-4 siRNA or agonist CRX-527 to investigate mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory activity of quercetin. RESULTS: Quercetin at 32 µM was non-toxic to corneal epithelial and significantly inhibited A. fumigatus growth and adhesion, and also altered the structure and reduced the number of mycelia. Quercetin significantly reduced macrophage infiltration in the mouse cornea, and attenuated the expression of TLR-4 in the corneal epithelium and stroma of mice with keratitis caused by A. fumigatus. In RAW264.7 cells infected by A. fumigatus, quercetin downregulated TLR-4 along with pro-inflammatory factors IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6. RAW cells with TLR-4 knockdown had reduced expression of factors after A. fumigatus infection, which was decreased even further with quercetin treatment. In contrast, cells with CRX-527 had elevated inflammatory factors compared to control, which was significantly attenuated in the presence of quercetin. CONCLUSION: Quercetin plays a protective role in mouse A. fumigatus keratitis by inhibiting fungal load, disrupting hyphae structure, macrophage infiltration, and suppressing inflammation response in macrophages via TLR-4 mediated signaling pathway.

Lipoxin A4 alleviates inflammation in Aspergillus fumigatus-stimulated human corneal epithelial cells by Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Purpose: To investigate the therapeutic effect of lipoxin A4 (LXA4) on Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus)-stimulated human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). Methods: The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was performed in HCECs to evaluate the toxicity of LXA4. A cell scratch test was used to assess the impact of LXA4 on the migration of HCECs. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and western blot were applied to examine the expression of inflammatory mediators in A. fumigatus-stimulated HCECs. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) nuclear translocation and expression in HCECs were detected by immunofluorescence staining. Results: LXA4 at 0-10 nmol·L-1 (nM) had no significant cytotoxic effect on HCECs. LXA4 at a concentration of 1 nM and 10 nM significantly promoted the migration rate of HCECs. The mRNA and protein levels of pro-inflammatory mediators, including IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6, were remarkably lower in the LXA4-treated group. LXA4 promoted the expression of Nrf2 and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in A. fumigatus-stimulated HCECs compared with the PBS control group. Pretreatment with brusatol (BT, Nrf2 inhibitor) or Zine Protoporphyrin (Znpp, HO-1 inhibitor) receded the anti-inflammatory ability of LXA4. Conclusions: LXA4 plays a protective role in A. fumigatus-stimulated HCECs by inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators through the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

The role of Glabridin in antifungal and anti-inflammation effects in Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of Glabridin (GLD) in Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis and its associated mechanisms. METHODS: Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) conidia was inoculated in 96-well plate, and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and biofilm formation ability were evaluated after GLD treatment. Spore adhesion ability was evaluated in conidia infected human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). Keratitis mouse model was created by corneal intrastromal injection with A. fumigatus conidia, and GLD treatment started at the day after infection. The number of fungal colonies was calculated by plate count, and degree of corneal inflammation was assessed by clinical score. Flow cytometry, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and immunofluorescence staining (IFS) experiments were used to assess neutrophil infiltrations. PCR, ELISA and Western blot were conducted to determine levels of TLR4, Dectin-1 as well as downstream inflammatory factors. RESULTS: GLD treatment suppressed the proliferation, biofilm formation abilities and adhesive capability of A. fumigatus. In mice upon A. fumigatus infection, treatment of GLD showed significantly decreased severity of corneal inflammation, reduced number of A. fumigatus in cornea, and suppressed neutrophil infiltration in cornea. GLD treatment obviously inhibited mRNA and protein levels of Dectin-1, TLR4 and proinflammatory mediators such as IL-1ß, HMGB1, and TNF-α in mice corneas compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: GLD has antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects in fungal keratitis through suppressing A. fumigatus proliferation and alleviating neutrophil infiltration, and repressing the expression of TLR4, Dectin-1 and proinflammatory mediators.

Identification of the Regulatory Genes of UV-B-Induced Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Pepper Fruit.

Fruit peels of certain pepper (Capsicum annum L.) varieties accumulate a large amount of anthocyanins and exhibit purple color under medium-wave ultraviolet (UV-B) conditions, which severely impacts the commodity value of peppers. However, the regulatory mechanism of the above process has not been well studied so far. To explore which key genes are involved in this regulatory mechanism, pepper variety 19Q6100, the fruit peels of which turn purple under UV-B conditions, was investigated in this study. Transcription factors with expression levels significantly impacted by UV-B were identified by RNA-seq. Those genes may be involved in the regulation of UV-B-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis. Yeast one-hybrid results revealed that seven transcription factors, CabHLH143, CaMYB113, CabHLH137, CaMYBG, CaWRKY41, CaWRKY44 and CaWRKY53 directly bound to the putative promotor regions of the structural genes in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. CaMYB113 was found to interact with CabHLH143 and CaHY5 by yeast two-hybrid assay, and those three genes may participate collaboratively in UV-B-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis in pepper fruit. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) indicated that fruit peels of CaMYB113-silenced plants were unable to turn purple under UV-B conditions. These findings could deepen our understanding of UV-B-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis in pepper.

Inhibition of AEBP1 predisposes cisplatin-resistant oral cancer cells to ferroptosis.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that excessive iron can lead to an increased incidence of cancer. The role of adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1 (AEBP1) on ferroptosis is unknown. Thus, we explored the effect of AEBP1 silencing in regulation of ferroptosis in cisplatin-resistant oral cancer cells. METHODS: The functions of AEBP1 silencing and sulfasalazine (SSZ) treatment were determined on oral cancer cell lines and tumor xenograft mouse models. Then we evaluated the functions of AEBP1 on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS), labile iron pool (LIP) and free iron, lipid peroxidation, and expression levels of ferroptosis-related genes. RESULTS: AEBP1 was highly expressed in oral cancer cells and tissues. AEBP1 silencing inhibited oral cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion after SSZ treatment. SSZ-induced ferroptosis is due to enhanced ROS level, free iron, and lipid peroxidation, which were distinctly increased by AEBP1 silencing. Meanwhile, AEBP1 silencing enhanced the effects of SSZ on levels of LIP and Fe2+, lipid peroxidation, as well as the expression levels of ferroptosis-related genes in the tumor xenograft mouse models. Importantly, AEBP1 silencing suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, silencing of AEBP1 might activate the JNK/ P38 /ERK pathway. CONCLUSION: This research suggested that silencing of AEBP1 predisposes cisplatin-resistant oral cancer cells to ferroptosis via the JNK/p38 /ERK pathway.

Sperm chromatin-condensing protamine enhances SMYD5 thermal stability.

Studying thermal stability of proteins not only provides insight into protein structure but also is instrumental in identifying previously unknown interaction partners. We develop a machine learning strategy that combines orthogonal partial least squares regression and stability screening of Silver Bullets Bio library to identify biologically active molecules that enhance protein stability. This strategy proves effective in extracting the stability-enhancing molecules for SMYD5, a histone lysine methyltransferase that regulates chromosome integrity. Protamine, a histone substitute in chromatin condensation during spermatogenesis, is identified as the most influential molecule to enhance SMYD5 thermal stability. We find that the C-terminal poly-glutamic acid tract (poly-E) and a 30-residue insertion in MYND domain (M-insertion), which are unique to SMYD5, regulate the structural stability. However, protamine plays a dominant role in SMYD5 stability, and in the presence of protamine, the poly-E tract or M-insertion loses its ability to affect the stability. The stability-enhancing effect of protamine is SMYD5 specific, and for SMYD2, a closely related homolog, protamine exhibits opposite, destabilizing effects. We find that both SMYD5 and SMYD2 interact with protamine, where SMYD5 interaction is independent of the poly-E tract and M-insertion. Protamine not only helps provide insight into the structure-stability relationships of SMYD5, but also suggests a potential functional link of SMYD5 to spermatogenesis. SMYD5 is a ubiquitously expressed gene with the highest expression in testis, especially in the seminiferous ducts that contain germ cells. Thus, our study opens up avenues that could help delineate major mechanisms underlying chromatin dynamics during spermatogenesis.

Complete Mitochondrial Genome Sequence and Identification of a Candidate Gene Responsible for Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in Celery (Apium graveolens L.).

Celery (Apium graveolens L.) is an important leafy vegetable worldwide. The development of F1 hybrids in celery is highly dependent on cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) because emasculation is difficult. In this study, we first report a celery CMS, which was found in a high-generation inbred line population of the Chinese celery "tanzhixiangqin". Comparative analysis, following sequencing and assembly of the complete mitochondrial genome sequences for this celery CMS line and its maintainer line, revealed that there are 21 unique regions in the celery CMS line and these unique regions contain 15 ORFs. Among these ORFs, only orf768a is a chimeric gene, consisting of 1497 bp sequences of the cox1 gene and 810 bp unidentified sequences located in the unique region, and the predicted protein product of orf768a possesses 11 transmembrane domains. In summary, the results of this study indicate that orf768a is likely to be a strong candidate gene for CMS induction in celery. In addition, orf768a can be a co-segregate marker, which can be used to screen CMS in celery.

The characteristics of the frequent exacerbator with chronic bronchitis phenotype and non-exacerbator phenotype in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a meta-analysis and system review.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with different phenotypes show different clinical characteristics. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to explore the clinical characteristics between the non-exacerbator (NE) phenotype and the frequent exacerbator with chronic bronchitis (FE-CB) phenotype among patients with COPD. METHODS: CNKI, Wan fang, Chongqing VIP, China Biology Medicine disc, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases were searched from the times of their inception to April 30, 2019. All studies that reported the clinical characteristics of the COPD phenotypes and which met the inclusion criteria were included. The quality assessment was analyzed by Cross-Sectional/Prevalence Study Quality recommendations. The meta-analysis was carried out using RevMan5.3. RESULTS: Ten cross-sectional observation studies (n = 8848) were included. Compared with the NE phenotype, patients with the FE-CB phenotype showed significantly lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s percent predicted (FEV1%pred) (mean difference (MD) -8.50, 95% CI -11.36--5.65, P < 0.001, I2 = 91%), forced vital capacity percent predicted (FVC%pred) [MD - 6.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) -7.73--5.65, P < 0.001, I2 = 5%], and forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) (MD -3.76, 95% CI -4.58--2.95,P < 0.001, I2 = 0%); in contrast, Charlson comorbidity index (MD 0.47, 95% CI 0.37-0.58, P < 0.001, I2 = 0], COPD assessment test (CAT) score (MD 5.61, 95% CI 4.62-6.60, P < 0.001, I2 = 80%), the quantity of cigarettes smoked (pack-years) (MD 3.09, 95% CI 1.60-4.58, P < 0.001, I2 = 41%), exacerbations in previous year (2.65, 95% CI 2.32-2.97, P < 0.001, I2 = 91%), modified Medical British Research Council (mMRC) score (MD 0.72, 95% CI 0.63-0.82, P < 0.001, I2 = 57%), and body mass index (BMI), obstruction, dyspnea, exacerbations (BODEx) (MD 1.78, 95% CI 1.28-2.28, P < 0.001, I2 = 91%), I2 = 34%) were significantly higher in patients with FE-CB phenotype. No significant between-group difference was observed with respect to BMI (MD-0.14, 95% CI -0.70-0.42, P = 0.62, I2 = 75%). CONCLUSION: COPD patients with the FE-CB phenotype had worse pulmonary function and higher CAT score, mMRC scores, frequency of acute exacerbations, and the quantity of cigarettes smoked (pack-years) than those with the NE phenotype.

Phospholipase Cγ2 is critical for Ca2+ flux and cytokine production in anti-fungal innate immunity of human corneal epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Fungal keratitis (FK) is a sight-threatening disease, accounting for a significant portion with its complex presentation, suboptimal efficacy of the existing therapies and uncontrollable excessive innate inflammation. Phospholipase C-γ2 (PLCγ2) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that plays an important role at the early period of innate immunity. This study aimed to identify the role of PLCγ2 in Dectin-1-mediated Ca2+ Flux and its effect on the expression of proinflammatory mediators at the exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) hyphae antigens in human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). METHODS: The HCECs were preincubated with or without different inhibitors respectively before A. fumigatus hyphae stimulation. Intracellular calcium flux in HCECs and levels of PLCγ2 and spleen-tyrosine kinase (Syk) were detected by fluorescence imaging and Western Blotting. The expression of proinflammatory mediators was determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: We demonstrated that an intracellular Ca2+ flux in HCECs was triggered by A. fumigatus hyphae and could be reduced by pre-treatment with PLCγ2-inhibitor U73122. A. fumigatus hyphae induced PLCγ2 phosphorylation was regulated by Dectin-1 via Syk. Furthermore, PLCγ2-deficient HCECs showed a drastic impairment in the Ca2+ signaling and the secretion of IL-6, CXCL1 and TNF-α. CONCLUSIONS: PLCγ2 plays a critical role for Ca2+ Flux in HCECs stimulated by A. fumigatus hyphae. Syk acts upstream of PLCγ2 in the Dectin-1 signaling pathway. The expressions of proinflammatory mediators induced by A. fumigatus are regulated by the activation of Dectin-1-mediated PLCγ2 signaling pathway in HCECs.

Structural basis of PDZ-mediated chemokine receptor CXCR2 scaffolding by guanine nucleotide exchange factor PDZ-RhoGEF.

The CXC chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) is a G protein coupled receptor mediating interleukin-8 chemotactic signaling and plays an important role in neutrophil mobility and tumor migration. However, efficient CXCR2 signaling requires PDZ domain-mediated scaffolding of signaling complexes at the plasma membrane and functional coupling of the signaling to specific downstream signaling pathways, in which only one PDZ protein has been characterized to interact with CXCR2. Here, we identified five novel CXCR2-binding PDZ-containing proteins, among which PDZ-RhoGEF is of particular interest because this PDZ and RGS-containing guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) is also involved in cell signaling and mobility. To reveal the molecular basis of the interaction, we solved the crystal structure of PDZ-RhoGEF PDZ domain in complex with the CXCR2 C-terminal PDZ binding motif. The structure reveals that the PDZ-CXCR2 binding specificity is achieved by numerous hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts with the last four CXCR2 residues contributing to specific interactions. Structural comparison of CXCR2-binding PDZ domains and PDZ-RhoGEF PDZ bound with different ligands reveals PDZ- and ligand-specific interactions that may underlie the ability of promiscuous CXCR2 binding by different PDZ domains and PDZ binding promiscuity. The structure also reveals an unexpected asymmetric disulfide bond-linked PDZ dimer that allows simultaneous parallel binding of CXCR2 to two PDZ domains. This study provides not only the structural basis for PDZ-mediated CXCR2-PDZ-RhoGEF interaction, but also a new mode of PDZ dimerization, which both could prove valuable in understanding signaling complex scaffolding in CXCR2 signaling and coupling to specific signaling pathways.

Self-Healable Organogel Nanocomposite with Angle-Independent Structural Colors.

Structural colors have profound implications in the fields of pigments, displays and sensors, but none of the current non-iridescent photonic materials can restore their functions after mechanical damage. Herein, we report the first self-healable organogel nanocomposites with angle-independent structural colors. The organogel nanocomposites were prepared through the co-assembly of oleophilic silica nanoparticles, silicone-based supramolecular gels, and carbon black. The organogel system enables amorphous aggregation of silica nanoparticles and the angle-independent structural colors in the nanocomposites. Moreover, the hydrogen bonding in the supramolecular gel provides self-healing ability to the system, and the structural colored films obtained could heal themselves in tens of seconds to restore storage modulus, structural color, and surface slipperiness from mechanical cuts or shear failure repeatedly.

Acute hyperglycemia suppresses left ventricular diastolic function and inhibits autophagic flux in mice under prohypertrophic stimulation.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is closely associated with LV hypertrophy or diabetes, as well as insufficient autophagic flux. Acute or chronic hyperglycemia is a prognostic factor for patients with myocardial infarction. However, the effect of acute hyperglycemia on LV dysfunction of the hypertrophic heart and the mechanisms involved are still unclear. This study aimed to confirm our hypothesis that either acute or chronic hyperglycemia suppresses LV diastolic function and autophagic flux. METHODS: The transverse aortic constriction (TAC) model and streptozocin-induced type 1 diabetic mellitus mice were used. LV function was evaluated with a Millar catheter. Autophagic levels and autophagic flux in the whole heart and cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes in response to hyperglycemia were examined by using western blotting of LC3B-II and P62. We also examined the effect of an autophagic inhibitor on LC3B-II and P62 protein expression and LC3 puncta. RESULTS: In mice with TAC, we detected diastolic dysfunction as early as 30 min after TAC. This dysfunction was indicated by a greater LV end-diastolic pressure and the exponential time constant of LV relaxation, as well as a smaller maximum descending rate of LV pressure in comparison with sham group. Similar results were also obtained in mice with TAC for 2 weeks, in addition to increased insulin resistance. Acute hyperglycemic stress suppressed diastolic function in mice with myocardial hypertrophy, as evaluated by invasive LV hemodynamic monitoring. Mice with chronic hyperglycemia induced by streptozocin showed myocardial fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction. In high glucose-treated cardiomyocytes and streptozocin-treated mice, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α was downregulated, while P62 was upregulated. Autophagic flux was also significantly inhibited in response to high glucose exposure in angiotensin-II treated cardiomyocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Acute hyperglycemia suppresses diastolic function, damages mitochondrial energy signaling, and inhibits autophagic flux in prohypertrophic factor-stimulated cardiomyocytes.

Comparative microarray profile of the hepatopancreas in the response of "Huanghai No. 2" Fenneropenaeus chinensis to white spot syndrome virus.

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infects all shrimp species and is the greatest detriment to shrimp culture. To better understand the mechanism of molecular responses to WSSV infection in "Huanghai No. 2" Fenneropenaeus chinensis, a microarray technique was used. Microarray gene expression profiling of 59,137 unigenes identified Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) both in live and moribund shrimp at early, peak and late phases. In live shrimp, 1307, 1479 and 1539 DEGs were obtained in the early, peak and late phase, respectively. Meanwhile, 1536, 2181 and 1591 DEGs were obtained in moribund shrimp. Twenty known annotation genes are uniquely expressed in the late phase of live shrimp, including adhesion regulating molecule 1, arginine kinase, BUD31 homolog, and QM. Compared to WSSV-susceptible shrimp, 75 known annotation genes are uniquely expressed in WSSV-resistant shrimp, including arginine kinase, BUD31 homolog, clottable protein 2, caspase 2, cathepsin C, calnexin, HMGBb, Histone 3, and selenoprotein M. The gene expression patterns of the infected shrimp were altered by WSSV infection. To further confirm the expression of differentially expressed genes, real-time RT-PCR was performed to test six randomly selected genes. The data will provide valuable information to understand the immune mechanism of shrimp's response to WSSV.

Embryo-fetal development toxicity of honokiol microemulsion intravenously administered to pregnant rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the embryo-fetal development toxicity of honokiol microemulsion. The drug was intravenously injected to pregnant SD rats at dose levels of 0, 200, 600 and 2000 µg/kg/day from day 6-15 of gestation. All the pregnant animals were observed for body weights and any abnormal changes and subjected to caesarean-section on gestation day (GD) 20; all fetuses obtained from caesarean-section were assessed by external inspection, visceral and skeletal examinations. No treatment-related external alterations as well as visceral and skeletal malformations were observed in honokiol microemulsion groups. There was no significant difference in the body weight gain of the pregnant rats, average number of corpora lutea, and the gravid uterus weight in the honokiol microemulsion groups compared with the vehicle control group. However, at a dose level of 2000 µg/kg/day, there was embryo-fetal developmental toxicity observed, including a decrease in the body length and tail length of fetuses. In conclusion, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of honokiol microemulsion is 600 µg/kg/day, 75 times above the therapeutic dosage and it has embryo-fetal toxicity at a dose level of 2000 µg/kg/day, which is approximately 250 times above the therapeutic dosage.

The Impact of the VEGF/VEGFR2/PI3K/AKT Signaling Axis on the Proliferation and Migration Abilities of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells.

The potential therapeutic benefits of human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs) in dental regenerative medicine have been demonstrated. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms regulating the biological characteristics of HDPSCs. The experiment aims to explore whether VEGF activates signaling pathways such as FAK, PI3K, Akt, and p38 in HDPSCs, and to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which VEGF influences proliferation and migration of HDPSCs. Normal and inflamed human dental pulp (HDP) samples were collected, and the levels of VEGF in HDP were assessed. HDPSCs were cultured and purified. HDPSCs were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at gradient concentrations, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to assess changes in VEGF mRNA. Gradient concentrations of VEGF were used to stimulate HDPSCs, and cell migration ability was evaluated through scratch assays and Transwell chamber experiments. Phosphorylation levels of FAK, AKT, and P38 were assessed using Western blotting. Inhibitors of VEGFR2, FAK, AKT, P38, and VEGF were separately applied to HDPSCs, and cell migration ability and phosphorylation levels of FAK, AKT, and P38 were determined. The results indicated significant differences in VEGF levels between normal and inflamed HDP tissues, with levels in the inflamed state reaching 435% of normal levels (normal: 87.91 ng/mL, inflamed: 382.76 ng/mL, P < 0.05). LPS stimulation of HDPSCs showed a significant increase in VEGF mRNA expression with increasing LPS concentrations (LPS concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 µg/mL resulted in VEGF mRNA expressions of 181.2%, 274.2%, 345.8%, and 460.9%, respectively, P < 0.05). VEGF treatment significantly enhanced the migration ability of HDPSCs in Transwell chamber experiments, with migration rates increasing with VEGF concentrations (VEGF concentrations of 0, 1, 10, 20, 50, and 100 ng/mL resulted in migration rates of 8.41%, 9.34%, 21.33%, 28.41%, 42.87%, and 63.15%, respectively, P < 0.05). Inhibitors of VEGFR2, FAK, AKT, P38, and combined VEGF stimulation demonstrated significant migration inhibition, with migration rates decreasing to 8.31%, 12.64%, 13.43%, 18.32%, and 74.17%, respectively. The migration rate with combined VEGF stimulation showed a significant difference (P < 0.05). The analysis of phosphorylation levels revealed that VEGF stimulation significantly activated phosphorylation of FAK, AKT, and P38, with phosphorylation levels increasing with VEGF concentrations (P < 0.05). The VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling axis regulated the migration ability of HDPSCs through the FAK/PI3K/AKT and P38MAPK pathways. This finding highlighted not only the crucial role of VEGF in injury repair of HDPSCs but also provided important clues for a comprehensive understanding of the potential applications of this signaling axis in dental regenerative medicine.

The Therapeutic Role and Mechanism of Glabridin Under Aspergillus fumigatus Infection.

Purpose: To characterize the efficiency of glabridin alone and in combination with clinical antifungals in Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis. Methods: The broth microdilution method was performed to investigate whether glabridin exerted an antifungal role on planktonic cells and immature and mature biofilm. Antifungal mechanism was evaluated by Sorbitol and Ergosterol Assays. The synergistic effect of glabridin and antifungals was assessed through the checkerboard microdilution method and time-killing test. Regarding anti-inflammatory role, inflammatory substances induced by A. fumigatus were assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Drug toxicity was assessed by Draize test in vivo. Macrophage phenotypes were examined by flow cytometry. Results: Regarding antifungal activity, glabridin destroyed fungal cell wall and membrane on planktonic cells and suppressed immature and mature biofilm formation. After combining with natamycin or amphotericin B, glabridin possessed a potent synergistic effect against A. fumigatus. Regarding anti-inflammatory aspects, Dectin-1, toll­like receptor (TLR)-2 and TLR-4 expression of human corneal epithelial cells were significantly elevated after A. fumigatus challenge and reduced by glabridin. The elevated expression of interleukin-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-alpha induced by A. fumigatus or corresponding agonists were reversed by glabridin, equivalent to the effect of corresponding inhibitors. Glabridin could also contribute to anti-inflammation by downregulating inflammatory mediator expression to suppress macrophage infiltration. Conclusions: Glabridin contributed to fungal clearance by destroying fungal cell wall and membrane, and disrupting biofilm. Combining glabridin with clinical antifungals was superior in reducing A. fumigatus growth. Glabridin exerted an anti-inflammatory effect by downregulating proinflammatory substance expression and inhibiting macrophage infiltration, which provide a potential agent and treatment strategies for fungal keratitis.

Ternary heterojunction of cross-linked benzene Polymer/Bi2MoO6-Graphene oxide catalysts promote efficient adsorption and photocatalytic removal of oxytetracycline.

Antibiotics are refractory degradable organic pollutants that present a significant hazard to water environments. In this work, a ternary composite (KB/BMO-GO) comprising of graphene oxide (GO), Bi2MoO6 (BMO), and a cross-linked benzene polymer (KB) was synthesized and applied to promote the synergistic adsorption-photocatalytic degradation of the refractory pollutant, oxytetracycline (OTC). The inclusion of GO and KB in the composite enhanced the OTC adsorption performance of the catalysts, and the construction of Z-scheme heterojunction promoted the photogenerated charge separation efficiency and broadened the range of light absorption, thereby enhancing the photocatalytic performance. Moreover, we compared the performance of catalysts loaded with different mass ratios of KB (x% KB/BMO-GO). Among them, the 15 % KB/BMO-GO catalyst sample had the best OTC degradation performance. Specifically, 15 % KB/BMO-GO could adsorb 69.7 % of OTC in 30 min, reaching an OTC degradation rate of 93.3 % under visible light irradiation. h+ and 1O2 are the main active substances in the photocatalytic process. In addition, the catalysts are acid-alkali and salt-resistant, as well as good reusability. This study provides a valuable reference for the preparation of highly efficient photocatalysts for synergistic adsorption-photodegradation processes.

The differences of characteristics and allergenicity between natural and recombinant tropomyosin of Macrobrachium nipponense.

Tropomyosin (TM) is the main allergen of Macrobrachium nipponense. Recombinant allergens have great prospects in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of food allergens. The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in structure and allergenicity between natural TM and recombinant TM. Recombinant TM of M. nipponense with a molecular weight of 38 kDa was successfully expressed in the Escherichia coli system. The amino acid sequence as well as secondary structure between natural and recombinant TM were similar, which were verified by mass and CD spectrometry, respectively. Studies showed that both natural TM and recombinant TM had strong allergenicity, and recombinant TM was more allergenic, which could be used as a substitute for natural TM in the diagnosis and treatment of shrimp allergy. This study provided stable and reliable allergen components for the detection of crustacean allergens and the diagnosis and treatment of food allergies caused by crustacean allergens.

The macrophage polarization in allergic responses induced by tropomyosin of Macrobrachium nipponense in cell and murine models.

Macrophages are one of the important immune cells, which play important roles in innate and adaptive immune. However, the roles of macrophages in food allergy are not thoroughly understood. To investigate the roles of macrophages during food allergy, we focused on the relationship between macrophage polarization and allergic responses induced by tropomyosin (TM) in the present study. Arg 1 and CD206 expressions in the TM group were significantly higher than those of the PBS group, while iNOS and TNF-α expressions were no obvious difference, moreover, the morphology of macrophages stimulated by TM was similar to that of M2 macrophages. These results indicated macrophages were mainly polarized toward M2 phenotypes in vitro. The antibodies, mMCP-1, histamine and cytokines, revealed that macrophages could participate in food allergy, and macrophage polarization was associated with changes in allergic-related factors. The cytokine levels of M2 phenotypes were significantly higher than those of M1 phenotypes in peripheral blood. The mRNA expressions and protein levels of Arg1 and iNOS in the jejunum and peritoneal cells indicated that M2 phenotypes were the major macrophage in these tissues compared with M1 phenotypes. Hence, macrophage polarization plays an important role in food allergy.