Exendin-4 alleviates myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury by enhancing autophagy through promoting nuclear translocation of TFEB.

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury (IRI) is a common clinical consequence of myocardial infarction. Exendin-4 is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog that has been demonstrated to alleviate myocardial IRI. Autophagy, a lysosomal pathway balancing cell survival and cell death, is engaged in myocardial IRI. However, whether exendin-4 exerts a protective effect on myocardial IRI by modulating autophagy remains elusive. Herein, we investigated the effect of exendin-4 on autophagic flux and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms. Our data revealed that the autophagic flux was blocked in the human ventricular cardiomyocyte cell lines (AC16) subjected to oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) in vitro. Exendin-4 pre-treatment markedly restored the blocked autophagic flux induced by OGD/R through promoting nuclear translocation of TFEB and transcription of genes involving autophagy initiation, the effect of which was reversed by TFEB knockdown. The restoration of autophagic flux contributed to multiple beneficial effects of exendin-4 in cardiomyocytes, including reduction of oxidative stress, preservation of mitochondrial network as well as inhibition of cytochrome c leakage from mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) and the resulting apoptosis. Moreover, the administration of exendin-4 reduced infarct size and preserved cardiac function through its anti-apoptosis and antioxidative effects in vivo. These results shed some light on understanding the novel mechanism of exendin-4 as a protective agent against myocardial IRI.

Potential Threats to Human Health from Eurasian Avian-Like Swine Influenza A(H1N1) Virus and Its Reassortants.

During 2018-2020, we isolated 32 Eurasian avian-like swine influenza A(H1N1) viruses and their reassortant viruses from pigs in China. Genomic testing identified a novel reassortant H3N1 virus, which emerged in late 2020. Derived from G4 Eurasian H1N1 and H3N2 swine influenza viruses. This virus poses a risk for zoonotic infection.

[Polygonati Rhizoma: a crop with potential of being consumed as food and medicine].

As revealed by the investigation on the name change, biological characteristics, artificial cultivation, and edible history of Polygonatum kingianum var. grandifolium, it was described as a variation pattern of P. kingianum in the Chinese version of Flora of China(1978) and as a variant of P. kingianum in the revised English version of the Flora of China(2000). P. kingianum var. grandifolium, long been consumed as food by local folks, has been widely cultivated in its natural distribution area and circulated as Polygonati Rhizoma in the market. The important biological properties of P. kingianum var. grandifolium make it possess a great potential of being consumed as both medicine and food. The shoots of P. kingianum var. grandifolium sprout immediately out of the ground after seed germination and a new seedling will be formed at the same year, implying that its seedling cultivation period is at least two years shorter than that of P. cyrtonema. It can sprout more than twice a year, and the adult plants always remain evergreen, thereby obtaining higher biomass. Its rhizome biomass can be more than one time higher than that of P. cyrtonema. With reference to the diploid P. cyrtonema, flow cytometry revealed the polyploid and aneuploid forms in natural populations, which were tall and light-adapted with large underground rhizome. It can grow normally under the forest canopy and in the open field. Furthermore, P. kingianum var. grandifolium has important theoretical values for the study of ploidy variation, bud dormancy mechanism, etc.

[Relative molecular mass distribution and monosaccharide composition of polysaccharides in Polygonatum kingianum var.grandifolium].

Polygonatum kingianum var.grandifolium, different from most Polygonatum species in biological characteristics, sprouts and blooms in spring and autumn, respectively, and it is evergreen in winter.It is difficult to learn from the patterns of other Polygonatum plants because the chemical composition in P.kingianum var.grandifolium changes with phenology, which consequently restricts the production of high-quality medicinal and eatable substances.Samples of P.kingianum var.grandifolium in different months and ages collected from Xiushan, Chongqing were analyzed for polysaccharide content, polysaccharide relative molecular mass, and mono-saccharide composition by anthrone-sulfuric acid colorimetric assay, high-performance gel-permeation chromatography, and trimethylsilane(TMS) derivatization prior to GC-MS.The results showed that the polysaccharide content and composition in the rhizome of P.kingianum var.grandifolium were closely related to the growth period.New shoot sprouting promoted the accumulation of polysaccharides, and flowering and fruiting consumed polysaccharides.The highest polysaccharide content was found in April, reaching 134.04 mg·g~(-1).Polysaccharides in P.kingianum var.grandifolium were divided into five fractions according to the weight-average M_W, i.e., P1(2.02×10~7), P2(5.09×10~6), P3(1.37×10~6), P4(4.73×10~5), and P5(5.11×10~3), and P5 had the highest content.In terms of monosaccharide composition, polysaccharides were mainly composed of fructose, glucose, galactose, mannose, xylose, and arabinose with the average molar ratio of 1.31∶1.00∶0.90∶0.53∶0.22∶0.21.The results of the study provide a scientific basis for the precise harvesting and resource utilization of P.kingianum var.grandifolium.

Phylogenetics, Genomic Recombination, and NSP2 Polymorphic Patterns of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus in China and the United States in 2014-2018.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), an important pathogen that affects the pig industry, is a highly genetically diverse RNA virus. However, the phylogenetic and genomic recombination properties of this virus have not been completely elucidated. In this study, comparative analyses of all available genomic sequences of North American (NA)-type PRRSVs (n = 355, including 138 PRRSV genomes sequenced in this study) in China and the United States during 2014-2018 revealed a high frequency of interlineage recombination hot spots in nonstructural protein 9 (NSP9) and the GP2 to GP3 regions. Lineage 1 (L1) PRRSV was found to be susceptible to recombination among PRRSVs both in China and the United States. The recombinant major parent between the 1991-2013 data and the 2014-2018 data showed a trend from complex to simple. The major recombination pattern changed from an L8 to L1 backbone during 2014-2018 for Chinese PRRSVs, whereas L1 was always the major backbone for US PRRSVs. Intralineage recombination hot spots were not as concentrated as interlineage recombination hot spots. In the two main clades with differential diversity in L1, NADC30-like PRRSVs are undergoing a decrease in population genetic diversity, NADC34-like PRRSVs have been relatively stable in population genetic diversity for years. Systematic analyses of insertion and deletion (indel) polymorphisms of NSP2 divided PRRSVs into 25 patterns, which could generate novel references for the classification of PRRSVs. The results of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the recombination of PRRSVs and indicate the need for coordinated epidemiological investigations among countries.IMPORTANCE Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is one of the most significant swine diseases. However, the phylogenetic and genomic recombination properties of the PRRS virus (PRRSV) have not been completely elucidated. In this study, we systematically compared differences in the lineage distribution, recombination, NSP2 polymorphisms, and evolutionary dynamics between North American (NA)-type PRRSVs in China and in the United States. Strikingly, we found high frequency of interlineage recombination hot spots in nonstructural protein 9 (NSP9) and in the GP2 to GP3 region. Also, intralineage recombination hot spots were scattered across the genome between Chinese and US strains. Furthermore, we proposed novel methods based on NSP2 indel patterns for the classification of PRRSVs. Evolutionary dynamics analysis revealed that NADC30-like PRRSVs are undergoing a decrease in population genetic diversity, suggesting that a dominant population may occur and cause an outbreak. Our findings offer important insights into the recombination of PRRSVs and suggest the need for coordinated international epidemiological investigations.

Bioinformatics Analyses of Potential miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Axis in HBV-related Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Aims: We aimed to explore the crucial miRNA-mRNA axis through bioinformatics analysis and provide evidences for the development of pathophysiological mechanisms and new therapies for HBV-related HCC. Methods: MiRNA (GSE76903) and mRNA (GSE77509) dataset were used to screen differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) and differentially expressed mRNAs (DE-mRNAs) using R software. Overlapping genes between DE-mRNAs and target genes of DE-miRNAs were identified as candidate genes. Hub genes were obtained via cytohubba analysis. The expression at protein and mRNA levels and prognostic value of hub genes were evaluated based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data. Key miRNA-mRNA axes were constructed according to predicted miRNA-mRNA pairs. MiRNA expression and prognostic role were respectively identified using starBase v3.0 and Kaplan-Meier plotter database. Real-time PCR was performed to verify the expression of crucial miRNAs and mRNAs. Coexpression of crucial miRNA and mRNA were analyzed using starBase v3.0. Results: CDK1, CCNB1, CKS2 and CCNE1 were screened as hub genes, which were significantly upregulated at protein and mRNA levels. These up-regulated hub genes were also significantly associated with poor prognosis. Hsa-mir-195-5p/CDK1, hsa-mir-5589-3p/CCNB1 and hsa-let-7c-3p/CKS2 were screened as critical miRNA-mRNA axes. Critical miRNAs were decreased in HCC, which indicates unfavourable prognosis. QPCR results showed that crucial miRNAs were decreased, whereas critical mRNAs were increased in HBV-related HCC. A reverse relationship between miRNA and mRNA in crucial axis was further verified. Conclusion: This study identified several miRNA-mRNA axes in HBV-related HCC. Hsa-mir-195-5p/CDK1, hsa-mir-5589-3p/CCNB1 and hsa-let-7c-3p/CKS2 might serve as potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HBV-related HCC.

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy features of the thalamus and the cerebellum and their association with clinical features in children with autism spectrum disorder: a prospective study. / å­¤ç‹¬ç—‡è°±ç³»éšœç¢å„¿ç«¥ä¸˜è„‘å’Œå°è„‘ç£å ±æŒ¯æ³¢è°±ç‰¹å¾å’Œä¸´åºŠå ³ç³»çš„å‰çž»æ€§ç ”ç©¶.

OBJECTIVES: To study the changes in biochemical metabolites in the thalamus and the cerebellum and their association with clinical features in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS: In this prospective study, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) with point-resolved spatial selection was used to analyze the thalamus and the cerebellum at both sides in 50 children with ASD aged 2-6 years. Creatine (Cr) was as the internal standard to measure the relative values of N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/Cr, choline (Cho)/Cr, myoinositol (MI)/Cr, and glutamine and glutamate complex (Glx)/Cr, and the differences in metabolites and their association with clinical symptoms were compared. RESULTS: In the children with ASD, NAA/Cr in the left thalamus was positively correlated with the scores of hearing-language and hand-eye coordination in the Griffiths Development Scales-Chinese (P<0.05). Cho/Cr in the right cerebellum was positively correlated with the scores of personal-social competence, hearing-language, and hand-eye coordination (P<0.05). NAA/Cr and Glx/Cr in the left thalamus were positively correlated with those in the left cerebellum (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in metabolites between the left and right sides of the thalamus and the cerebellum in the children with ASD (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There are metabolic disorders in the cerebellum and the thalamus in children with ASD, and there is a correlation between the changes of metabolites in the left cerebellum and the left thalamus. Some metabolic indexes are related to the clinical symptoms of ASD. MRS may reveal the pathological basis of ASD and provide a basis for diagnosis and prognosis assessment of ASD as a noninvasive and quantitative detection method.

Identification of two novel epitopes targeting glycoprotein E of pseudorabies virus using monoclonal antibodies.

Pseudorabies virus (PRV), the agent of pseudorabies, has raised considerable attention since 2011 due to the outbreak of emerging PRV variants in China. In the present study, we obtained two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) known as 2E5 and 5C3 against the glycoprotein E (gE) of a PRV variant (JS-2012 strain). The two mAbs reacted with wild PRV but not the vaccine strain (gE-deleted virus). The 2E5 was located in 161RLRRE165, which was conserved in almost of all PRV strains, while 5C3 in 148EMGIGDY154 was different from almost of all genotype I PRV, in which the 149th amino acid is methionine (M) instead of arginine (R). The two epitopes peptides located in the hydrophilic region and reacted with positive sera against genotype II PRV (JS-2012), which suggests they were likely dominant B-cell epitopes. Furthermore, the mutant peptide 148ERGIGDY154 (genotype I) did not react with the mAb 5C3 or positive sera against genotype II PRV (JS-2012). In conclusion, both mAb 2E5 and 5C3 could be used to identify wild PRV strains from vaccine strains, and mAb 5C3 and the epitope peptide of 5C3 might be used for epidemiological investigation to distinguish genotype II from genotype I PRV.

Two Residues in NSP9 Contribute to the Enhanced Replication and Pathogenicity of Highly Pathogenic Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus.

Highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV) possesses greater replicative capacity and pathogenicity than classical PRRSV. However, the factors that lead to enhanced replication and pathogenicity remain unclear. In our study, an alignment of all available full-length sequences of North American-type PRRSVs (n = 204) revealed two consistent amino acid mutations that differed between HP-PRRSV and classical PRRSV and were located at positions 519 and 544 in nonstructural protein 9. Next, a series of mutant viruses with either single or double amino acid replacements were generated from HP-PRRSV HuN4 and classical PRRSV CH-1a infectious cDNA clones. Deletion of either of the amino acids led to a complete loss of virus viability. In both Marc-145 and porcine alveolar macrophages, the replicative efficiencies of mutant viruses based on HuN4 were reduced compared to the parent, whereas the replication level of CH-1a-derived mutant viruses was increased. Plaque growth assays showed clear differences between mutant and parental viruses. In infected piglets, the pathogenicity of HuN4-derived mutant viruses, assessed through clinical symptoms, viral load in sera, histopathology examination, and thymus atrophy, was reduced. Our results indicate that the amino acids at positions 519 and 544 in NSP9 are involved in the replication efficiency of HP-PRRSV and contribute to enhanced pathogenicity. This study is the first to identify specific amino acids involved in PRRSV replication or pathogenicity. These findings will contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms of PRRSV replication and pathogenicity, leading to better therapeutic and prognostic options to combat the virus.IMPORTANCE Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), caused by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), is a significant threat to the global pig industry. Highly pathogenic PRRSV (HP-PRRSV) first emerged in China in 2006 and has subsequently spread across Asia, causing considerable damage to local economies. HP-PRRSV strains possess a greater replication capacity and higher pathogenicity than classical PRRSV strains, although the mechanisms that underlie these characteristics are unclear. In the present study, we identified two mutations in HP-PRRSV strains that distinguish them from classical PRRSV strains. Further experiments that swapped the two mutations in an HP-PRRSV strain and a classical PRRSV strain demonstrated that they are involved in the replication efficiency of the virus and its virulence. Our findings have important implications for understanding the molecular mechanisms of PRRSV replication and pathogenicity and also provide new avenues of research for the study of other viruses.

[Molecular Mechanism of Ventilator-associated Lung Injury Based on Keap1/Nfr2/ARE Signaling Pathway].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the molecular mechanism of ventilation induced lung injury (VILI) formation based on Keap1/Nfr2/ARE signaling pathway. METHODS: The VILI model was established by excessive mechanical ventilation in SD rats. HE staining was used to detect the pathological changes of lung tissue in the control group, normal tidal volume (VT) group and large VT group (VT 40 mL/kg). The wet weight of lung tissue was detected in each group. Dry weight (W/D) ratio change; BCA method was used to detect the changes of total protein in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of each group; ELISA was used to detect interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and leukocyte in BALF and serum of each group. The content of 8-OHdG in the lung tissue was detected by IL-8 and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the lung tissue was detected by TBA method. The NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 proteins in macrophages were detected by Western blot. The changes of Keap1 and Nrf2 proteins in lung tissues were detected by RT-PCR. The expressions of SOD mRNA and HO-1 mRNA in lung tissues of each group were detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Excessive mechanical ventilation could damage lung tissue, leading to alveolar rupture, inflammatory cell infiltration and erythrocytosis. Compared with the control group and normal VT group, the W/D value, 8-OHdG and MDA content in the large VT group, and total BALF, the contents of IL-1ß and IL-18 in protein, IL-1ß, IL-18 in serum increased significantly ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group and normal VT group, NLRP3, ASC, in macrophage of large VT group, the content of Keap1 protein in caspase-1 protein and lung tissue increased significantly ( P<0.05). The expression of Nrf2 protein, SOD mRNA and HO-1 mRNA in lung tissue decreased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Large VT ventilation can cause acute inflammatory injury in lung tissue and lead to the occurrence of VILI. Inflammatory bodies of NLRP3 in alveolar macrophages are involved in this process, and the mechanism of NLRP3 inflammatory bodies is caused by hyperventilation in addition to mechanical injury. Decreased Keap1/Nrf2-ARE pathway inhibition and ROS clearance may also cause macrophage production of NLRP3 inflammatory bodies.

MOV10 inhibits replication of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus by retaining viral nucleocapsid protein in the cytoplasm of Marc-145 cells.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has been a major threat to global industrial pig farming ever since its emergence in the late 1980s. Identification of sustainable and effective control measures against PRRSV transmission is a pressing problem. The nucleocapsid (N) protein of PRRSV is specifically localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus of virus-infected cells which is important for PRRSV replication. In the current study, a new host restricted factor, Moloney leukemia virus 10-like protein (MOV10), was identified as an inhibitor of PRRSV replication. N protein levels and viral replication were significantly reduced in Marc-145 cells stably overexpressing MOV10 compared with those in wild-type Marc-145 cells. Adsorption experiments revealed that MOV10 did not affect the attachment and internalization of PRRSV. Co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence co-localization analyses showed that MOV10 interacted and co-localized with the PRRSV N protein in the cytoplasm. Notably, MOV10 affected the distribution of N protein in the cytoplasm and nucleus, leading to the retention of N protein in the former. Taken together, these findings demonstrate for the first time that MOV10 inhibits PRRSV replication by restricting the nuclear import of N protein. These observations have great implications for the development of anti-PRRSV drugs and provide new insight into the role of N protein in PRRSV biology.

Correction to: Annexin A2 binds to vimentin and contributes to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus multiplication.

In the original publication of this article [1], the author found the brand of vimentin antibody was wrong in Fig. 3. The legend of Fig. 3, 'mouse anti-vimentin mAb (Cell Signaling Technology) at 4 °C overnight' should be 'mouse anti-vimentin mAb (Sigma-Aldrich) at 4 °C overnight'.

Annexin A2 binds to vimentin and contributes to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus multiplication.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is an important globally distributed and highly contagious pathogen that has restricted cell tropism in vivo and in vitro. In the present study, we found that annexin A2 (ANXA2) is upregulated expressed in porcine alveolar macrophages infected with PRRSV. Additionally, PRRSV replication was significantly suppressed after reducing ANXA2 expression in Marc-145 cells using siRNA. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that ANXA2 may be relevant to vimentin, a cellular cytoskeleton component that is thought to be involved in the infectivity and replication of PRRSV. Co-immunoprecipitation assays and confocal analysis confirmed that ANXA2 interacts with vimentin, with further experiments indicating that the B domain (109-174 aa) of ANXA2 contributes to this interaction. Importantly, neither ANXA2 nor vimentin alone could bind to PRRSV and only in the presence of ANXA2 could vimentin interact with the N protein of PRRSV. No binding to the GP2, GP3, GP5, nor M proteins of PRRSV was observed. In conclusion, ANXA2 can interact with vimentin and enhance PRRSV growth. This contributes to the regulation of PRRSV replication in infected cells and may have implications for the future antiviral strategies.

The NAD-dependent deacetylase SIRT2 is required for programmed necrosis.

Although initially viewed as unregulated, increasing evidence suggests that cellular necrosis often proceeds through a specific molecular program. In particular, death ligands such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α activate necrosis by stimulating the formation of a complex containing receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIP1) and receptor-interacting protein 3 (RIP3). Relatively little is known regarding how this complex formation is regulated. Here, we show that the NAD-dependent deacetylase SIRT2 binds constitutively to RIP3 and that deletion or knockdown of SIRT2 prevents formation of the RIP1-RIP3 complex in mice. Furthermore, genetic or pharmacological inhibition of SIRT2 blocks cellular necrosis induced by TNF-α. We further demonstrate that RIP1 is a critical target of SIRT2-dependent deacetylation. Using gain- and loss-of-function mutants, we demonstrate that acetylation of RIP1 lysine 530 modulates RIP1-RIP3 complex formation and TNF-α-stimulated necrosis. In the setting of ischaemia-reperfusion injury, RIP1 is deacetylated in a SIRT2-dependent fashion. Furthermore, the hearts of Sirt2(-/-) mice, or wild-type mice treated with a specific pharmacological inhibitor of SIRT2, show marked protection from ischaemic injury. Taken together, these results implicate SIRT2 as an important regulator of programmed necrosis and indicate that inhibitors of this deacetylase may constitute a novel approach to protect against necrotic injuries, including ischaemic stroke and myocardial infarction.

Targeted disruption of PDE3B, but not PDE3A, protects murine heart from ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Although inhibition of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase type 3 (PDE3) has been reported to protect rodent heart against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, neither the specific PDE3 isoform involved nor the underlying mechanisms have been identified. Targeted disruption of PDE3 subfamily B (PDE3B), but not of PDE3 subfamily A (PDE3A), protected mouse heart from I/R injury in vivo and in vitro, with reduced infarct size and improved cardiac function. The cardioprotective effect in PDE3B(-/-) heart was reversed by blocking cAMP-dependent PKA and by paxilline, an inhibitor of mitochondrial calcium-activated K channels, the opening of which is potentiated by cAMP/PKA signaling. Compared with WT mitochondria, PDE3B(-/-) mitochondria were enriched in antiapoptotic Bcl-2, produced less reactive oxygen species, and more frequently contacted transverse tubules where PDE3B was localized with caveolin-3. Moreover, a PDE3B(-/-) mitochondrial fraction containing connexin-43 and caveolin-3 was more resistant to Ca(2+)-induced opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Proteomics analyses indicated that PDE3B(-/-) heart mitochondria fractions were enriched in buoyant ischemia-induced caveolin-3-enriched fractions (ICEFs) containing cardioprotective proteins. Accumulation of proteins into ICEFs was PKA dependent and was achieved by ischemic preconditioning or treatment of WT heart with the PDE3 inhibitor cilostamide. Taken together, these findings indicate that PDE3B deletion confers cardioprotective effects because of cAMP/PKA-induced preconditioning, which is associated with the accumulation of proteins with cardioprotective function in ICEFs. To our knowledge, our study is the first to define a role for PDE3B in cardioprotection against I/R injury and suggests PDE3B as a target for cardiovascular therapies.

Kappa-Opioid Agonist U50,488H-Mediated Protection Against Heart Failure Following Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion: Dual Roles of Heme Oxygenase-1.

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: The selective κ-opioid agonist U50,488H protects heart from myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MI/R) injury. We examined whether U50,488H is also beneficial for MI/R induced heart failure. METHODS: Anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 30 min of myocardial ischemia via left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) occlusion, followed by 4 weeks of reperfusion. Infarct size was examined by Evans blue/triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Cardiac function and remodeling were examined by echocardiography and histology. HO-1 gene transcription and expression were measured by RT-PCR and western blot. RESULTS: Compared to vehicle-treated MI/R rats, rats administered a single dose of U50,488H at the beginning of reperfusion exhibited reduced myocardial infarct size, oxidative stress, hypertrophy, and fibrosis, improved mechanical function, and greater neovascularization. U50,488H also increased myocardial heme oxygenase (HO)-1 gene transcription and expression, while pharmacological HO-1 inhibition reversed all protective effects of U50,488H. Furthermore, U50,488H protected control cultured cardiomyoctes against simulated I/R-induced apoptosis but not cultures subjected to shRNA-mediated HO-1 knockdown. Inhibition of HO-1 in the subacute phase of reperfusion reversed the U50,488H-induced increase in neovascularization and suppression of oxidative stress. Finally, U50,488H increased Akt phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Nrf2, a key HO-1 transcription activator, while inhibition of PI3K-Akt signaling abolished U50,488H-induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation, HO-1 upregulation, and cardioprotection. CONCLUSION: Activation of HO-1 expression through the PI3K-Akt-Nrf2 pathway may mediate the acute and long-term protective effects of U50,488H against heart failure by enhancing cardiomyocyte survival and neoangiogenesis and by reducing oxidative stress.

Syndecan-4, a PRRSV attachment factor, mediates PRRSV entry through its interaction with EGFR.

The causative agent of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome is the PRRS virus (PRRSV), an enveloped, single-stranded and positive-sense RNA virus. The host factors and mechanisms that are involved in PRRSV entry are still largely unknown. In our present studies, we found that syndecan-4, one of the heparan sulfate proteoglycans, plays a critical role in PRRSV entry, especially in PRRSV attachment. Moreover, EGFR interacts with syndecan-4 in MACR-145 cells and disruption of their interaction impaired PRRSV entry. Furthermore, EGFR inhibitor AG1478 or syndecan-4 derived peptide SSTN87-131 inhibited syndecan-4 endocytosis induced by PRRSV entry. Altogether, syndecan-4, a PRRSV attachment factor, mediated PRRSV entry by interacting with EGFR.

Importation and Recombination Are Responsible for the Latest Emergence of Highly Pathogenic Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus in China.

In China, a majority of the highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (HP-PRRSV) strains were seeded by the 2006 outbreak. However, the most recently emerged (2013-2014) HP-PRRSV strain has a very different genetic background. It is a NADC30-like PRRSV strain recently introduced from North America that has undergone genetic exchange with the classic HP-PRRSV strains in China. Subsequent isolation and characterization of this variant suggest high pathogenicity, so it merits special attention in control and vaccine strategies.

Tetrandrine prevents monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension in rats through regulation of the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclic guanosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase type 1.

OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a fatal disease characterized by a persistent elevation of pulmonary artery pressure and ventricular hypertrophy. Tetrandrine is a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid that can decrease blood pressure, inhibit the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, and block cardiac hypertrophy, but whether it has a therapeutic effect on PAH remains poorly defined. This study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of tetrandrine on PAH. METHODS: Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly and equally divided into four groups. The control group was injected with normal saline; the others were injected with monocrotaline (MCT) to induce PAH, then treated with saline, tetrandrine, and vardenafil, respectively, from day 21 to day 42. On day 43, we measured the mean pulmonary artery pressure under general anesthesia, dissected the rat, and calculated the right ventricular hypertrophy index [right ventricle/(left ventricle plus septum)]. Later we observed the changes in the pulmonary vascular wall; measured the expression of cyclic guanosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase type 1 and inducible nitric oxide synthase; measured the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione, malondialdehyde, and catalase; and then compared the results among groups. RESULTS: Compared with the MCT group, rats treated with tetrandrine had attenuated mean pulmonary artery pressure (20.48 ± 1.49 vs 30.07 ± 1.51; P < .01) and right ventricular hypertrophy index (49.19 ± 2.45 vs 68.50 ± 1.95; P < .01), inhibited proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, and improved endothelial function. Tetrandrine also upregulated the expression of protein kinase type 1 (90.86 ± 1.95 vs 67.34 ± 1.50; P < .01); downregulated the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (74.76 ± 1.48 vs 80.19 ± 0.28; P < .01); increased levels of superoxide dismutase (245.54 ± 12.98 vs 166.16 ± 21.42; P < .01), glutathione (0.699 ± 0.032 vs 0.514 ± 0.056; P < .01), and catalase (32.13 ± 2.33 vs 27.19 ± 2.72; P < .01); and decreased malondialdehyde (1.027 ± 0.039 vs 1.462 ± 0.055; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Tetrandrine alleviated MCT-induced PAH through regulation of nitric oxide signaling pathway and antioxidant and antiproliferation effects.

The tumor promoting roles of HSP60 and HIF2α in gastric cancer cells.

The roles of HSP60 and HIF2α in diagnosis, prognosis, and prevention and treatment of various human cancers have been detected. However, the combined roles of HSP60 and HIF2α on the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer remain unclear. In this work, we confirmed that the levels of HSP60 and HIF2α messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein were higher in gastric cancer tissues than that in matched normal tissues by using real-time PCR and Western blot. Furthermore, we confirmed that inhibition of HSP60 or HIF2α could induce apoptosis and inhibit cell mobility. Co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) was performed to determine the interaction between HSP60 and HIF2α. Lastly, we confirmed that knockdown of HSP60 or HIF2α induced apoptosis in gastric cancer cells is negatively related to the MEK/ERK signaling in vitro. In summary, HSP60 or HIF2α protein expression may be a predictive marker for the prognosis of the patients with gastric cancer. Targeting HSP60 and HIF2α could be a future strategy to improve survival of gastric patients with poor prognosis.