Pichia kurtzmaniana f.a. sp. nov., with the transfer of eight Candida species to Pichia.

Three yeast strains belonging to the ascomycetous yeast genus Pichia were isolated from two soil samples from Yunnan and Guizhou provinces and a marine water sample from Liaoning province, PR China. Phylogenetic analyses based on the sequences of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit(LSU) rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region indicate that these three strains, together with 12 additional strains isolated from various substrates collected in different regions or countries of the world, represent a novel species of the genus Pichia, for which the name Pichia kurtzmaniana sp. nov. (holotype: strain CGMCC 2.7213) is proposed. The novel species differs from its close relatives Candida californica by eight (1.5 %) and 26 (11.1 %) mismatches in the D1/D2 domains and the ITS region, respectively; and from Pichia chibodasensis by 11 (2.1 %) and 20 (8.7 %) mismatches in the D1/D2 domains and the ITS region, respectively. In addition, eight Candida species which belong to the Pichia clade are transferred to the genus Pichia, resulting in the proposal of the following new combinations: Pichia cabralensis comb. nov., Pichia californica comb. nov., Pichia ethanolica comb. nov., Pichia inconspicua comb. nov., Pichia phayaonensis comb. nov., Pichia pseudolambica comb. nov., Pichia rugopelliculosa comb. nov., and Pichia thaimueangensis comb. nov.

Saturnispora sinensis sp. nov., a new ascomycetous yeast species from soil and rotten wood.

A yeast strain (CGMCC 2.6937T) belonging to the ascomycetous yeast genus Saturnispora was recently isolated from soil collected in Xinghuacun, Shanxi Province, PR China. The strain produces one or two ellipsoid or spherical ascospores in asci formed by the conjugation between a cell and its bud. Phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene suggest that this strain is conspecific with strains NYNU 14639 isolated from rotten wood collected in Funiu Mountain, Henan province and ES13S05 from soil collected in Nantou County, Taiwan. The CGMCC 2.6937T group is most closely related to Saturnispora dispora and Saturnispora zaruensis. However, strain CGMCC 2.6937T differs from S. dispora by 17 (3.2 %, 13 substitutions and four gaps) and 77 (18.8 %, 52 substitutions and 25 gaps) mismatches, and from S. zaruensis by 15 (2.9 %, 12 substitutions and three gaps) and 64 (15.6 %, 44 substitutions and 20 gaps) mismatches, in the D1/D2 domain and ITS region, respectively. The results suggest that the CGMCC 2.6937T group represents an undescribed species in the genus Saturnispora, for which the name Saturnispora sinensis sp. nov. is proposed. The holotype strain is CGMCC 2.6937T.

Sequential activation of ERα-AMPKα signaling by the flavonoid baicalin down-regulates viral HNF-dependent HBV replication.

Baicalin (BA), a natural component found in many traditional Chinese medicines, exerts protective effects against several viruses. Although our previous studies have revealed that the anti-hepatitis B virus (anti-HBV) activity of BA depends on hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF) signaling, the specific mechanisms remain unclear. The present study explored the potential signaling mechanisms involved in BA-mediated HBV suppression. Transcriptomic analysis suggested that BA significantly modulates the estrogen receptor (ER) and AMPK signaling pathways in HepG2 cells. The ER alpha (ERα) binding affinity of BA and its estrogen-like agonist activity were subsequently verified through molecular docking assays, BA-ERα affinity detection experiments, ERα luciferase reporter gene assays, and qRT-PCR. ERα knockdown (shRNA) and AMPK inhibition (Compound C and doxorubicin [Dox]) experiments revealed that the sequential activation of the ERα-LKB1-AMPK-HNF signaling axis is essential for the anti-HBV effects of BA. This study indicates that BA may trigger the ERα-AMPKα-HNF pathway to inhibit HBV replication, providing insights into its potential protective mechanisms against other viruses.

Species-level understanding of the bacterial community in Daqu based on full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences.

Daqu is used as the fermentation starter of Baijiu and contributes diversified functional microbes for saccharifying grains and converting sugars into ethanol and aroma components in Baijiu products. Daqu is mainly classified into three types, namely low (LTD), medium (MTD) and high (HTD) temperature Daqu, according to the highest temperatures reached in their fermentation processes. In this study, we used the PacBio small-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing technology to determine the full-length 16 S rRNA gene sequences from the metagenomes of 296 samples of different types of Daqu collected from ten provinces in China, and revealed the bacterial diversity at the species level in the Daqu samples. We totally identified 310 bacteria species, including 78 highly abundant species (with a relative abundance >0.1% each) which accounted for 91.90% of the reads from all the Daqu samples. We also recognized the differentially enriched bacterial species in different types of Daqu, and in the Daqu samples with the same type but from different provinces. Specifically, Lactobacillales, Enterobacterales and Bacillaceae were significantly enriched in the LTD, MTD and HTD groups, respectively. The potential co-existence and exclusion relationships among the bacteria species involved in all the Daqu samples and in the LTD, MTD and HTD samples from a specific region were also identified. These results provide a better understanding of the bacterial diversity in different types of Daqu at the species level.

Exploration of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for trauma-related acute kidney injury.

PURPOSE: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most common functional injuries observed in trauma patients. However, certain trauma medications may exacerbate renal injury. Therefore, the early detection of trauma-related AKI holds paramount importance in improving trauma prognosis. METHODS: Qualified datasets were selected from public databases, and common differentially expressed genes related to trauma-induced AKI and hub genes were identified through enrichment analysis and the establishment of protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Additionally, the specificity of these hub genes was investigated using the sepsis dataset and conducted a comprehensive literature review to assess their plausibility. The raw data from both datasets were downloaded using R software (version 4.2.1) and processed with the "affy" package19 for correction and normalization. RESULTS: Our analysis revealed 585 upregulated and 629 downregulated differentially expressed genes in the AKI dataset, along with 586 upregulated and 948 downregulated differentially expressed genes in the trauma dataset. Concurrently, the establishment of the PPI network and subsequent topological analysis highlighted key hub genes, including CD44, CD163, TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 1, cytochrome b-245 beta chain, versican, membrane spanning 4-domains A4A, mitogen-activated protein kinase 14, and early growth response 1. Notably, their receiver operating characteristic curves displayed areas exceeding 75%, indicating good diagnostic performance. Moreover, our findings postulated a unique molecular mechanism underlying trauma-related AKI. CONCLUSION: This study presents an alternative strategy for the early diagnosis and treatment of trauma-related AKI, based on the identification of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Additionally, this study provides theoretical references for elucidating the mechanisms of trauma-related AKI.

Yueomyces silvicola sp. nov., a novel ascomycetous yeast species unable to utilize ammonium, glutamate, and glutamine as sole nitrogen sources.

Five yeast strains isolated from tree bark and rotten wood collected in central and southwestern China, together with four Brazilian strains (three from soil and rotting wood collected in an Amazonian rainforest biome and one from Bromeliad collected in Alagoas state) and one Costa Rican strain isolated from a flower beetle, represent a new species closely related with Yueomyces sinensis in Saccharomycetaceae, as revealed by the 26S ribosomal RNA gene D1/D2 domain and the internal transcribed spacer region sequence analysis. The name Yueomyces silvicola sp. nov. is proposed for this new species with the holotype China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center 2.6469 (= Japan Collection of Microorganisms 34885). The new species exhibits a whole-genome average nucleotide identity value of 77.8% with Y. sinensis. The two Yueomyces species shared unique physiological characteristics of being unable to utilize ammonium and the majority of the amino acids, including glutamate and glutamine, as sole nitrogen sources. Among the 20 amino acids tested, only leucine and tyrosine can be utilized by the Yueomyces species. Genome sequence comparison showed that GAT1, which encodes a GATA family protein participating in transcriptional activation of nitrogen-catabolic genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is absent in the Yueomyces species. However, the failure of the Yueomyces species to utilize ammonium, glutamate, and glutamine, which are generally preferred nitrogen sources for microorganisms, implies that more complicated alterations in the central nitrogen metabolism pathway might occur in the genus Yueomyces.

LncRNA XIST promotes mitochondrial dysfunction of hepatocytes to aggravate hepatic fibrogenesis via miR-539-3p/ADAMTS5 axis.

A previous study indicated that long non-coding RNA X-inactive-specific transcript (XIST) promoted ethanol-induced HSCs autophagy and activation. Considering the critical role of HSC activation in hepatic fibrosis, the aim of the present study was to reveal the exact role of XIST in liver fibrosis and its underlying mechanism. The expression of XIST in the liver from CCL4-induced mice and control mice as well as human fibrotic liver tissue and healthy liver tissue was examined. The mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and mitochondrial morphology were measured to assess the mitochondrial damage. The relationship between XIST and miR-539-3p as well as between miR-539-3p and ADAMTS5 was verified by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. The expression levels of HSCs activation markers were examined by Western blot. The results showed that the XIST was upregulated in fibrotic liver tissue, and overexpression of XIST induced mitochondrial dysfunction in hepatocytes. miR-539-3p directly targeted XIST, and ADAMTS5 mRNA was a downstream target of miR-539-3p. Knockdown of miR-539-3p led to an increased mitochondrial damage in hepatocytes in terms of reduced mitochondrial length, decreased MMP, and increased ROS production. However, the depletion of ADAMTS5 reversed the regulatory effect of XIST on mitochondrial damage in hepatocytes and the activation of HSCs. Our study revealed the critical role of the XIST/miR-539-3p/ADAMTS5 axis in regulating mitochondrial damage in hepatocytes and the activation of HSCs. This study may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Cystofilobasidium josepaulonis sp. nov., a novel basidiomycetous yeast species.

A yeast strain belonging to the basidiomycetous yeast genus Cystofilobasidium was isolated from a marine sediment sample collected in an intertidal zone in Shandong province, PR China. The results of phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of the D1/D2 domain of the 26S ribosomal RNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region indicate that this strain, together with three other strains isolated from basal ice collected in Norway, the gut of an insect and an alga collected in Russia, represent a novel species of the genus, for which the name Cystofilobasidium josepaulonis sp. nov. (holotype strain CGMCC 2.6672T) is proposed. The novel species differs from the known species of the genus Cystofilobasidium by 1.7 %-4.1 and 11.3 %-17.1 % mismatches in the D1/D2 domain and the ITS region, respectively. This species forms teliospores on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and 10 % V8 juice agar, but teliospore germination with basidia was not observed.

Vishniacozyma pseudocarnescens sp. nov., a new anamorphic tremellomycetous yeast species.

Three strains belonging to the basidiomycetous yeast genus Vishniacozyma were isolated from marine water samples collected from intertidal zones in Liaoning province, northeast China. Phylogenetic analyses based on the sequences of the small subunit (SSU) ribosomal DNA (rDNA), the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) ribosomal DNA (rDNA), the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), the two subunits of DNA polymerase II (RPB1 and RPB2), the translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1), and the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b (CYTB) showed that these strains together with 20 strains from various geographic and ecological origins from other regions of the world represent a novel species in the genus Vishniacozyma. We propose the name Vishniacozyma pseudocarnescens sp. nov. (holotype CGMCC 2.6457) for the new species, which differs phenotypically from its close relatives V. carnescens, V. tephrensis, and V. victoriae by its ability to grow at 30 °C and on 50 % (w/v) glucose-yeast extract agar.

Trichosanates A-G and cucurbitacins W-Y, anticomplement monoterpenoids and cucurbitane-type triterpenoids from the pericarps of Trichosanthes kirilowii.

The pericarps of Trichosanthes kirilowii are often used to treat cough in traditional Chinese medicine, and its ethanol extract exhibited effective therapeutic effects on acute lung injury (ALI) in vivo caused by H1N1. An anticomplement activity-guided fractionation on the extract resulted in the isolation of ten new terpenoids, including seven monoterpenoids, trichosanates A-G (1-7), and three cucurbitane-type triterpenoids, cucurbitacins W-Y (8-10), as well as eleven known terpenoids (11-21). The new terpenoids' structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis, X-ray crystallographic analysis (1), electronic circular dichroism (ECD) analysis and calculations (2-10). Twelve monoterpenoids (1-7 and 11-15) and five cucurbitane-type triterpenoids (8-10, 18, and 20) exhibited anticomplement activity in vitro. For the monoterpenoids, the long aliphatic chain substituents might enhance their anticomplement activity. Additionally, two representative anticomplement terpenoids, 8 and 11, obviously attenuated H1N1-induced ALI in vivo by inhibiting complement overactivation and reducing inflammatory responses.

Oridonin ameliorates caspase-9-mediated brain neuronal apoptosis in mouse with ischemic stroke by inhibiting RIPK3-mediated mitophagy.

Neuronal loss is a primary factor in determining the outcome of ischemic stroke. Oridonin (Ori), a natural diterpenoid compound extracted from the Chinese herb Rabdosia rubescens, has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory and neuroregulatory effects in various models of neurological diseases. In this study we investigated whether Ori exerted a protective effect against reperfusion injury-induced neuronal loss and the underlying mechanisms. Mice were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO), and were injected with Ori (5, 10, 20 mg/kg, i.p.) at the beginning of reperfusion. We showed that Ori treatment rescued neuronal loss in a dose-dependent manner by specifically inhibiting caspase-9-mediated neuronal apoptosis and exerted neuroprotective effects against reperfusion injury. Furthermore, we found that Ori treatment reversed neuronal mitochondrial damage and loss after reperfusion injury. In N2a cells and primary neurons, Ori (1, 3, 6 µM) exerted similar protective effects against oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced injury. We then conducted an RNA-sequencing assay of the ipsilateral brain tissue of tMCAO mice, and identified receptor-interacting protein kinase-3 (RIPK3) as the most significantly changed apoptosis-associated gene. In N2a cells after OGD/R and in the ipsilateral brain region, we found that RIPK3 mediated excessive neuronal mitophagy by activating AMPK mitophagy signaling, which was inhibited by Ori or 3-MA. Using in vitro and in vivo RIPK3 knockdown models, we demonstrated that the anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects of Ori were RIPK3-dependent. Collectively, our results show that Ori effectively inhibits RIPK3-induced excessive mitophagy and thereby rescues the neuronal loss in the early stage of ischemic stroke.

Electroacupuncture Zusanli (ST36) Relieves Somatic Pain in Colitis Rats by Inhibiting Dorsal Root Ganglion Sympathetic-Sensory Coupling and Neurogenic Inflammation.

Referred somatic pain triggered by hyperalgesia is common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It was reported that sprouting of sympathetic nerve fibers into the dorsal root ganglion (DGR) and neurogenic inflammation were related to neuropathic pain, the excitability of neurons, and afferents. The purpose of the study was to explore the potential and mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) at Zusanli (ST36) for the intervention of colon inflammation and hyperalgesia. Sprague-Dawley (SD) was randomly divided into four groups, including control, model, EA, and sham-EA. Our results showed EA treatment significantly attenuated dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced colorectal lesions and inflammatory cytokine secretion, such as TNF-α, IL-1ß, PGE2, and IL-6. EA also inhibited mechanical and thermal pain hypersensitivities of colitis rats. Importantly, EA effectively abrogated the promotion effect of DSS on ipsilateral lumbar 6 (L6) DRG sympathetic-sensory coupling, manifested as the sprouting of tyrosine hydroxylase- (TH-) positive sympathetic fibers into sensory neurons and colocalization of and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Furthermore, EA at Zusanli (ST36) activated neurogenic inflammation, characterized by decreased expression of substance P (SP), hyaluronic acid (HA), bradykinin (BK), and prostacyclin (PGI2) in colitis rat skin tissues corresponding to the L6 DRG. Mechanically, EA treatment reduced the activation of the TRPV1/CGRP, ERK, and TLR4 signaling pathways in L6 DRG of colitis rats. Taken together, we presumed that EA treatment improved colon inflammation and hyperalgesia, potentially by suppressing the sprouting of sympathetic nerve fibers into the L6 DGR and neurogenic inflammation via deactivating the TRPV1/CGRP, ERK, and TLR4 signaling pathways.

The protective effect of 999 XiaoErGanMao granules on the lungs and intestines of influenza A virus-infected mice.

CONTEXT: Gastrointestinal symptoms are a common complication of influenza virus infection in children, which the gut-lung axis become involved in its biological progress. The protective effect of 999 XiaoErGanMao granules (XEGMG) on multi-organ injury in viral pneumonia remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effect of XEGMG on lungs and intestines injury in A/FM/1/47 (H1N1) influenza virus-infected mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male BALB/c mice were infected with the 2LD50 H1N1 influenza virus and then treated with XEGMG (6 or 12 g/kg) intragastrically once a day for 4 days. The lung and colon samples were then collected for pathological observation, and assays for inflammatory cytokines and intestinal barrier. Mouse feces were collected to evaluate the intestinal microbiota. RESULTS: Treating with XEGMG (12 g/kg) can mitigate body weight loss caused by 2LD50 H1N1 infection. It can also reduce lung index and pathological damage with the decreased inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-1ß. Furthermore, XEGMG (12 g/kg) can maintain the goblet cell number in the colons to protect the intestinal barrier and regulate the major flora such as Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Muribaculaceae back to normal. Meanwhile, the expression of IL-17A in the colon tissues was significantly lower in the group of XEGMG (6, 12 g/kg) compared to H1N1 group. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: XEGMG can protect against H1N1 invasion involved in gut-lung axis regulation. The results provide new evidence for the protective effect of XEGMG, which is beneficial to vulnerable children.

Role of the LRP1-pPyk2-MMP9 pathway in hyperoxia-induced lung injury in neonatal rats. / LRP1-pPyk2-MMP9é€šè·¯åœ¨é«˜æ°§è¯±å¯¼æ–°ç”Ÿå¤§é¼ è‚ºæŸä¼¤ä¸­çš„ä½œç”¨.

OBJECTIVES: To study the role of the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1)-proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 phosphorylation (pPyk2)-matrix metalloproteinases 9 (MMP9) pathway in hyperoxia-induced lung injury in neonatal rats. METHODS: A total of 16 neonatal rats were randomly placed in chambers containing room air (air group) or 95% medical oxygen (hyperoxia group) immediately after birth, with 8 rats in each group. All of the rats were sacrificed on day 8 of life. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the pathological changes of lung tissue. ELISA was used to measure the levels of soluble LRP1 (sLRP1) and MMP9 in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Western blot was used to measure the protein expression levels of LRP1, MMP9, Pyk2, and pPyk2 in lung tissue. RT-PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of LRP1 and MMP9 in lung tissue. RESULTS: The hyperoxia group had significantly higher levels of sLRP1 and MMP9 in serum and BALF than the air group (P<0.05). Compared with the air group, the hyperoxia group had significant increases in the protein expression levels of LRP1, MMP9, and pPyk2 in lung tissue (P<0.05). The hyperoxia group had significantly higher relative mRNA expression levels of LRP1 and MMP9 in lung tissue than the air group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The activation of the LRP1-pPyk2-MMP9 pathway is enhanced in hyperoxia-induced lung injury in neonatal rats, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Typhaneoside prevents acute myeloid leukemia (AML) through suppressing proliferation and inducing ferroptosis associated with autophagy.

Leukemia remains a fatal disease for most patients and effective therapeutic strategies are urgently required. Typhaneoside (TYP) is a major flavonoid in the extract of Pollen Typhae, showing significant biological and pharmacological effects. In the present study, we explored the effects of TYP on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) progression. The results indicated that TYP markedly reduced the cell viability of AML cells and arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase by regulating the expression of associated proteins. In addition, TYP significantly induced apoptosis in AML cells by promoting the activation of Caspase-3. Intracellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation were highly detected in AML cells after treatment with TYP. Moreover, TYP clearly induced ferroptosis in AML cells, and this process was iron-dependent and attendant with mitochondrial dysfunction. We also found that TYP significantly triggered autophagy in AML cells by promoting the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, contributing to ferritin degradation, ROS accumulation and ferroptotic cell death ultimately. In conclusion, the findings above provided solid evidences that TYP could be a promising therapeutic agent to prevent AML progression by inducing apoptosis, ROS production, autophagy and ferroptosis.

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy in the evaluation of urban rail transit drivers' mental workload under simulated driving conditions.

The objective of this study is to investigate the potential of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) combined with heart rate variability indices, for the evaluation of the mental workload of urban rail transit drivers under simulated driving conditions, particularly during task engagement and disengagement. Experienced metro drivers wearing fNIRS monitoring systems were asked to drive for 90 min in a professional metro driving simulator. Workload stimulus tasks were added and an n-back task (n = 3) was implemented to induce workload in the simulated driving experiment. Experimental results indicate that fNIRS are sensitive to mental workload and reliable for discriminating the degree of mental workload. Research findings demonstrate the feasibility and reliability of fNIRS as a tool for real-time evaluating and monitoring driver mental workload along with task factors from a perspective of brain activations during simulated or actual driving. Practitioner Summary: This study provides evidence for the potential of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) for the evaluation of the mental workload of urban rail transit drivers under simulated driving conditions. The first fNIRS application to mental workload evaluation in the field of urban rail transportation helps companies develop reasonable shiftwork schedule and ensure operation safety. Abbreviations: fNIRS: functional near-infrared spectroscopy; oxy-Hb: Oxy-hemoglobin; NASA-TLX: National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index; EEG: electroencephalogram; ECG: electrocardiogram; HRV: variability; LF: low-frequency power; HF: high-frequency power; PFC: prefrontal cortex; NIRS: near-infrared spectroscopy; DWT: discrete wavelet transform; EMG: electromyography; DT: determination test; TP: total power; LFnorm: standardized LF; HFnorm: standardized HF; VLF: very low frequency; deoxy-Hb: deoxy-hemoglobin.

Transforming growth factor beta1 from endometriomas promotes fibrosis in surrounding ovarian tissues via Smad2/3 signaling.

To elucidate whether the endometriotic cells of endometriomas synthesize transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) and understand how it affects surrounding ovarian tissue. We collected biopsies of the cystic walls from 42 endometriomas and 29 mature teratomas and compared mRNA and protein expression of fibrosis-related factors between the cystic walls. Then we detected TGFB1 mRNA synthesis in endometriomas, and tested TGF-beta1 fibrotic effect in vitro. Moreover, we verified the expression of Smad2/3 signaling components in the endometriotic cystic wall in order to understand whether TGF-beta1/Smad signaling is involved in fibrosis formation of the tissue surrounding endometriomas. The cystic walls from endometriomas demonstrated severe adhesion to ovarian tissue and obvious fibrosis compared with the mature teratomas, which was proven by the increased mRNA expression of fibrotic markers. Additionally, TGFB1 was obviously expressed in the endometriotic cystic wall, and total TGFB1 protein was significantly higher in the cystic walls of endometriomas than mature teratomas. Interestingly, TGFB1 mRNA was confirmed to be specifically synthesized in the endometriotic loci through fluorescence in situ hybridization. Cultured endometriomas derived stromal cells showed obvious fibrosis after exposed to TGF-beta1. Furthermore, components of the TGF-beta1/Smad pathway such as Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, and their phosphorylated forms were also expressed in the same location as TGF-beta1, TGF-beta receptor1, and fibrotic factors expressed in the endometriotic cystic walls. In summary, endometriotic cells of endometriomas synthesize TGF-beta1 leading to fibrosis and adhesion to ovarian tissues, and TGF-beta1/Smad signaling pathway is involved in this pathological process.

Serum luteinizing hormone level on the third day after ovarian stimulation in GnRH agonist short protocol is predictive of outcome in poor responders but not in normal responders.

OBJECTIVES: To identify whether prognostic value of LH measurement in normal responders (NR) is different from poor responders (POR). METHODS: A retrospective, single-center study was conducted among patients who underwent ovarian stimulation with short protocol, with 300 NR and 101 POR, according to Bologna Consensus criteria. LH was measured on 3rd and 5th day after stimulation and HCG administration day. RESULTS: There was significant difference in the clinical pregnancy rate per cycle initiated among those with LH level on the third day after stimulation (a) below the 25 centile (b) between the 25 and 75 centile and (c) above the 75 centile in women with POR (7.7%, 15.1% vs. 36.4%, p = 0.02) but not in NR. There was significant correlation between LH ranks and clinical pregnancy rate in POR (p = 0.02) but not in NR. Factors associated with clinical pregnancy rate in POR were age and LH on the third of stimulation, while factors in NR were age, AFC and FSH. CONCLUSION: LH level on the 3rd day of stimulation was predictive of clinical pregnancy in POR but not in NR.

The Association between the C5263T Mutation in the Mitochondrial ND2 Gene and Coronary Heart Disease among Young Chinese Han People.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the genetic background of mitochondrial genes in young patients with Coronary heart disease (CHD) to provide a foundation for the early prevention of young patients with CHD. METHODS: 115 cases of young (⋜ 45 years) CHD Chinese Han patients (case group), 100 cases of older (> 45 years) Chinese Han CHD patients (experimental group) hospitalized and 100 cases of healthy people through physical examination (control group) at the General Hospital of PLA between January 2014 and December 2015 were selected. General information, clinical assessment, pedigree analysis, and mitochondrial full sequence scanning were performed. The pedigrees of one patient harbouring the C5263T mutation were recruited. Mitochondrial functional analysis including cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were performed on pedigrees with the C5263T mutation (mutation group) and without the mutation (non-mutation group). RESULTS: The differences in biochemical tests (P > 0.05) between the case group and experimental group were not significant. The C5263T single-nucleotide mutation of the mitochondrial ND2 gene was observed in 2 young CHD patients in the case group. The premature CHD of these 2 patients followed a pattern of maternal inheritance. The mutation group (I1, II2) had higher ROS levels (4750.82 ± 1045.55 vs. 3888.58 ± 487.60, P = 0.022) and lower MMP levels (P = 0.045) than the non-mutation group (II1, III1, III2). CONCLUSION: We speculated that the mitochondrial C5263T mutation might be associated with the occurrence CHD in Chinese Han young people.

The effect of intravenous immunoglobulin passive immunotherapy on unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion: a meta-analysis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of passive immunotherapy using intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) on unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Live birth rates were analysed and binary data were calculated using risk ratio and 95% confidence interval. Meta-analysis of 11 studies showed that the difference in the live birth rate between the IVIG treatment and placebo groups was on the margin of significance (RR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.56, P = 0.05). Both cumulative and trial sequential meta-analyses indicated potential beneficial effect of IVIG but the evidence was inconclusive. Subgroup analysis showed that the live birth rate in primary (RR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.07) and secondary (RR = 1.26, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.61) RSA patients was not significantly different between the IVIG and placebo groups. Live birth rate was significantly different when IVIG was administered before conception (RR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.30 to 2.14, P < 0.0001) but not after implantation (RR = 1.10, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.29). Evidence is insufficient to support the beneficial effects of IVIG on an unexplained RSA. Further high quality studies are needed to elucidate the effectiveness of IVIG.