ALKBH4 functions as a hypoxia-responsive tumor suppressor and inhibits metastasis and tumorigenesis.

PURPOSE: The human AlkB homolog (ALKBH) dioxygenase superfamily plays a crucial role in gene regulation and is implicated in cancer progression. Under hypoxic conditions, hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) dynamically regulate methylation by controlling various dioxygenases, thereby modulating gene expression. However, the role of hypoxia-responsive AlkB dioxygenase remains unclear. METHODS: The molecular events were examined using real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. Tumor cell aggressiveness was evaluated through migration, invasion, MTT, trypan blue exclusion, and colony formation assays. In vivo metastatic models and xenograft experiments were conducted to evaluate tumor progression. RESULTS: Here, we examined the expression of the ALKBH superfamily under hypoxic conditions and found that ALKBH4 expression was negatively regulated by hypoxia. Knockdown of ALKBH4 enhanced the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell migration, invasion, and growth in vitro. The silencing of ALKBH4 enhanced metastatic ability and tumor growth in vivo. Conversely, overexpression of ALLKBH4 reversed these observations. Furthermore, overexpression of ALKBH4 significantly reversed hypoxia/HIF-1α-induced EMT, cell migration, invasion, tumor metastasis, and tumorigenicity. Notably, high expression of ALKBH4 was associated with better outcomes in head and neck cancer and breast cancer patients. Enrichment analysis also revealed that ALKBH4 was negatively enriched in hypoxia-related pathways. Clinically, a negative correlation between ALKBH4 and HIF-1α protein expression has been observed in tissues from both head and neck cancers and breast cancers. CONCLUSION: These findings collectively suggest that ALKBH4 acts as a tumor suppressor and holds therapeutic potential for hypoxic tumors.

OsPDIL1-5: dual role in promoting growth and development while modulating drought stress tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Drought tolerance and plant growth are critical factors affecting rice yield, and identifying genes that can enhance these traits is essential for improving crop resilience and productivity. Using a growth-depressed and drought-tolerant (gddt) mutant of the indica rice variety Huanghuazhan (HHZ) generated by radiation mutagenesis, we discovered a novel gene, GDDT, which plays a dual role in plant biology: it acts as a positive regulator of growth and development, but as a negative regulator of drought resistance. The gddt mutant displayed a marked reduction in plant growth and seed setting rate, yet exhibited an unexpected advantage in terms of drought tolerance. Our research revealed that the enhanced drought tolerance of the gddt mutant is primarily due to a decrease in stomatal size, density, and aperture, which reduces water loss, and an activation of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging system, which helps protect the plant from oxidative stress. These physiological changes are observed both under drought conditions and in normal growth conditions. This discovery highlights the importance of GDDT as a pleiotropic gene with significant implications for both plant growth and drought resistance. Through map-based cloning, we determined that the protein disulfide isomerase-like (PDIL) gene OsPDIL1-5 is the GDDT gene. The protein encoded by this gene was localized to the endoplasmic reticulum, consistent with its predicted function. Our findings provide new insights into the role of PDIL genes in rice and suggest that further study of GDDT could lead to a better understanding of how these genes contribute to the complex interplay between plant growth, development, and stress responses. This knowledge could pave the way for the development of rice varieties that are more resilient to drought, thereby increasing crop yields and ensuring food security in water-limited environments.

Clinical Predictors of the Rapid Progression and Revascularization of Coronary Non-Target Lesions: A Serial Angiographic Study.

Background: Rapid progression of coronary non-target lesions is essential for the determination of future cardiovascular events. Clinical factors that predict rapid progression of non-target lesions are unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify the clinical predictors of rapid progression and revascularization of coronary non-target lesions. Methods: Consecutive patients with coronary heart disease who had undergone two serial coronary angiograms were enrolled. All coronary non-target lesions were identified and evaluated at both procedures. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to investigate the clinical risk factors associated with rapid progression or revascularization of coronary non-target lesions. Results: A total of 1255 patients and 1670 lesions were enrolled. In this cohort of patients, 239 (19%) had rapid progression and 186 (14.8%) underwent revascularization. At the lesion level, 251 (15.0%) had rapid progression and 194 (11.6%) underwent revascularization. The incidence of lesion revascularization and myocardial infarction was significantly higher in patients with rapid progression. In multivariable analyses, hypertension (hazard ratio [HR], 0.76; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.58-1.00; p = 0.049), ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (HR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.03-2.07; p = 0.035), glycosylated hemoglobin (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01-1.33; p = 0.039) and lesion classification (B2/C versus A/B1) (HR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.27-2.35; p = 0.001) were significant factors associated with rapid progression. The level of triglycerides (HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.00-1.20; p = 0.040) and lesion classification (B2/C versus A/B1) (HR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.09-2.14; p = 0.014) were predictors of lesion revascularization. Conclusions: Hypertension, STEMI, glycosylated hemoglobin and lesion classification may be used as predictors of rapid progression of coronary non-target lesions. The level of triglyceride and lesion classification may predict the revascularization of non-target lesions. In order to prevent future cardiovascular events, increased attention should be paid to patients with these factors.

Molecular network mechanism of Shexiang Huayu Xingnao granules in treating intracerebral hemorrhage.

We aim to explore the pharmacological efficacy and molecular network mechanism of Shexiang Huayu Xingnao granules (SX granules) in the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) based on experiments and network pharmacology. After the ICH model establishment, the behavioral functions of rats were assessed by the modified neurological severity score (mNSS), the wire suspension test, and the rotarod test. Brain histomorphological changes were observed using 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC), hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Nissl, and TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) combined with neuronal nuclear (NEUN) immunofluorescence staining. The cross-targets of SX granules and ICH were obtained using network pharmacology, gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) signaling pathway analysis were performed. Then, the obtained Hub genes were verified using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The mNSS score was reduced and the duration to remain wire suspended increased in the SX group. In the morphological experiment, SX granules reduced brain tissue damage, neuronal apoptosis, and the number of astrocytes in the ICH rats. Moreover, 607 targets of drug-disease intersection were obtained by network pharmacology, and 10 Hub genes were found. SX granules regulated the expression of HRAS, MAPK3, and STAT3 in ICH condition. In conclusion, SX granules improved behavioral dysfunction, abnormal alterations in brain tissue, and cell morphology in ICH rats, and potential molecular mechanism was linked with the expression of multiple genes.

Molecular network mechanism in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion rats treated with human urine stem cells.

Objective: To explore the effect of human urine-derived stem cells (husc) in improving the neurological function of rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CIR), and report new molecular network by bioinformatics, combined with experiment validation. Methods: After CIR model was established, and husc were transplanted into the lateral ventricle of rats，neurological severe score (NSS) andgene network analysis were performed. Firstly, we input the keywords "Cerebral reperfusion" and "human urine stem cells" into Genecard database and merged data with findings from PubMed so as to get their targets genes, and downloaded them to make Venny intersection plot. Then, Gene ontology (GO) analysis, kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) were performed to construct molecular network of core genes. Lastly, the expressional level of core genes was validated via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and localized by immunofluorescence. Results: Compared with the Sham group, the neurological function of CIR rats was significantly improved after the injection of husc into the lateral ventricle; at 14 days, P = 0.028, which was statistically significant. There were 258 overlapping genes between CIR and husc, and integrated with 252 genes screened from PubMed and CNKI. GO enrichment analysis were mainly involved neutrophil degranulation, neutrophil activation in immune response and platelet positive regulation of degranulation, Hemostasis, blood coagulation, coagulation, etc. KEGG pathway analysis was mainly involved in complement and coagulation cascades, ECM-receptor. Hub genes screened by Cytoscape consist ofCD44, ACTB, FN1, ITGB1, PLG, CASP3, ALB, HSP90AA1, EGF, GAPDH. Lastly, qRT-PCR results showed statistic significance (P < 0.05) in ALB, CD44 and EGF before and after treatment, and EGF immunostaining was localized in neuron of cortex. Conclusion: husc transplantation showed a positive effect in improving neural function of CIR rats, and underlying mechanism is involved in CD44, ALB, and EGF network.

Role of Qufeng Tongqiao Prescription in the protection of cerebral ischemia and associated molecular network mechanism.

To explore the of Qufeng Tongqiao Prescription in the treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CIR) and associated molecular network mechanism. Venny diagram, gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI), hub genes mining, molecular docking, combined with animal experiments and Nissl stain were performed to determine the molecular network mechanism of Qufeng Tongqiao Prescription for CIR treatment. Fifty three intersecting genes between Qufeng Tongqiao Prescription and cerebral ischemia reperfusion were acquired from Venny analysis. GO analysis showed that the main biological process (BP) was response to lipopolysaccharide, and the main cell localization (CC) process was membrane raft, while the most important molecular function (MF) process is Cytokine receptor binding. Moreover, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications is the most important signaling pathway in KEGG pathway. Through molecular docking, it was found that Astragalus membranaceus was docked with MAPK14, IL4, FOS, IL6, and JUN; pueraria membranaceus was directly docked with JUN and IL4; Acorus acorus was linked to JUN and MAPK14; Ganoderma ganoderma and human were involved in JUN docking, and Ligusticum chuanqi and pueraria could not be docked with MAPK14, respectively. The results of animal experiments showed that Qufeng Tongqiao Prescription significantly improved behavioral performance and reduced the number of neuronal deaths in rats subjected to CIR, and molecular mechanisms are associated with FOS, IL-6, IL4, JUN, and MAPK14, of there, IL-6, as a vital candidator, which has been confirmed by immunostaining detection. Together, Qufeng Tongqiao Prescription has positive therapeutic effect on CIR, and the underlying mechanism is involved MAPK14, FOS, IL4, and JUN network, while IL-6 may be as a vital target.

Tunable C-H functionalization and dearomatization enabled by an organic photocatalyst.

C-H functionalization and dearomatization constitute fundamental transformations of aromatic compounds, which find wide applications in various research areas. However, achieving both transformations from the same substrates with a single catalyst by operating a distinct mechanism remains challenging. Here, we report a photocatalytic strategy to modulate the reaction pathways that can be directed toward either C-H functionalization or dearomatization under redox-neutral or net-reductive conditions, respectively. Two sets of indoles and indolines bearing tertiary alcohols are divergently furnished with good yields and high selectivity. The key to success is the introduction of isoazatruxene ITN-2 as a novel photocatalyst (PC), which outperforms the commonly used PCs. The ready synthesis and high modulability of isoazatruxene type PCs indicate their great application potential.

Salidroside protects RGC from pyroptosis in diabetes-induced retinopathy associated with NLRP3, NFEZL2 and NGKB1, revealed by network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of salidroside (SAL) in protecting retinal ganglion cell (RGC) from pyroptosis and explore associated molecular network mechanism in diabetic retinapathy (DR) rats. METHODS: HE, Nissl and immunofluorescence staining were used to observe the retinal morphological change, and the related target genes for salidroside, DR and pyroptosis were downloaded from GeneCard database. Then Venny, PPI, GO, KEGG analysis and molecular docking were used to reveal molecular network mechanism of SAL in inhibiting the pyroptosis of RGC. Lastly, all hub genes were confirmed by using qPCR. RESULTS: HE and Nissl staining showed that SAL could improve the pathological structure known as pyroptosis in diabetic retina, and the fluorescence detection of pyroptosis marker in DM group was the strongest, while they decreased in the SAL group(P < 0.05)). Network pharmacological analysis showed 6 intersecting genes were obtained by venny analysis. GO and KEGG analysis showed 9 biological process, 3 molecular function and 3 signaling pathways were involved. Importantly, molecular docking showed that NFE2L2, NFKB1, NLRP3, PARK2 and SIRT1 could combine with salidroside, and qPCR validates the convincible change of CASP3, NFE2L2, NFKB1, NLRP3, PARK2 and SIRT1. CONCLUSION: Salidroside can significantly improve diabetes-inducedRGC pyrotosis in retina, in which, the underlying mechanism is associated with the NLRP3, NFEZL2 and NGKB1 regulation.

Implantation of human urine stem cells promotes neural repair in spinal cord injury rats associated cadeharin-1 and integrin subunit beta 1 expression.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of human urine-derived stem cells (HUSCs) for the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI) and investigate associated the molecular network mechanism by using bioinformatics combined with experimental validation. METHODS: After the contusive SCI model was established, the HUSC-expressed specific antigen marker was implanted into the injury site immediately, and the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale (BBB scale) was utilized to evaluate motor function so as to determine the effect of HUSCs for the neural repair after SCI. Then, the geneCards database was used to collect related gene targets for both HUSCs and SCI, and cross genes were merged with the findings of PubMed screen. Subsequently, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment, as well as core network construction, were performed using Cytoscape software. Lastly, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunofluorescence were employed to validate the mRNA expression and localization of 10 hub genes, and two of the most important, designated as cadherin 1 (CDH1) and integrin subunit beta 1 (ITGB1), were identified successfully. RESULTS: The immunophenotypes of HUSCs were marked by CD90+ and CD44+ but not CD45, and flow cytometry confirmed their character. The expression rates of CD90, CD73, CD44 and CD105 in HUSCs were 99.49, 99.77, 99.82 and 99.51%, respectively, while the expression rates of CD43, CD45, CD11b and HLA-DR were 0.08, 0.30, 1.34 and 0.02%, respectively. After SCI, all rats appeared to have severe motor dysfunction, but the BBB score was increased in HUSC-transplanted rats compared with control rats at 28 days. By using bioinformatics, we obtained 6668 targets for SCI and 1095 targets for HUSCs and identified a total of 645 cross targets between HUSCs and SCI. Based on the PPI and Cytoscape analysis, CD44, ACTB, FN1, ITGB1, HSPA8, CDH1, ALB, HSP90AA1 and GAPDH were identified as possible therapeutic targets. Enrichment analysis revealed that the involved signal pathways included complement and coagulation cascades, lysosome, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc. Lastly, quantificational real-time (qRT)-PCR confirmed the mRNA differential expression of CDH1/ITGB1 after HUSC therapy, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunofluorescence staining showed that the astrocyte proliferation at the injured site could be reduced significantly after HUSC treatment. CONCLUSIONS: We validated that HUSC implantation is effective for the treatment of SCI, and the underlying mechanisms associated with the multiple molecular network. Of these, CDH1 and ITGB1 may be considered as important candidate targets. Those findings therefore provided the crucial evidence for the potential use of HUSCs in SCI treatment in future clinic trials.

Interplay between lncRNA RP11-367G18.1 variant 2 and YY1 plays a vital role in hypoxia-mediated gene expression and tumorigenesis.

BACKGROUND: The hypoxia-responsive long non-coding RNA, RP11-367G18.1, has recently been reported to induce histone 4 lysine 16 acetylation (H4K16Ac) through its variant 2; however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. METHODS: RNA pull-down assay and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry were performed to identify RP11-367G18.1 variant 2-binding partner. The molecular events were examined utilizing western blot analysis, real-time PCR, luciferase reporter assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and chromatin isolation by RNA purification assays. The migration, invasion, soft agar colony formation, and in vivo xenograft experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of RP11-367G18.1 variant 2-YY1 complex on tumor progression. RESULTS: In this study, RNA sequencing data revealed that hypoxia and RP11-367G18.1 variant 2 co-regulated genes were enriched in tumor-related pathways. YY1 was identified as an RP11-367G18.1 variant 2-binding partner that activates the H4K16Ac mark. YY1 was upregulated under hypoxic conditions and served as a target gene for hypoxia-inducible factor-1α. RP11-367G18.1 variant 2 colocalized with YY1 and H4K16Ac in the nucleus under hypoxic conditions. Head and neck cancer tissues had higher levels of RP11-367G18.1 and YY1 which were associated with poor patient outcomes. RP11-367G18.1 variant 2-YY1 complex contributes to hypoxia-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell migration, invasion, and tumorigenicity. YY1 regulated hypoxia-induced genes dependent on RP11-367G18.1 variant 2. CONCLUSIONS: RP11-367G18.1 variant 2-YY1 complex mediates the tumor-promoting effects of hypoxia, suggesting that this complex can be targeted as a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.

4D-DIA quantitative proteomics revealed the core mechanism of diabetic retinopathy after berberine treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To reveal the core mechanism of berberine (BBR) in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy (DR), by using Four-dimensional independent data acquisition (4D-DIA) proteomics combined bioinformatics analysis with experimental validation. METHODS: DR injury model was established by injecting streptozotocin intraperitoneally. At 8 weeks after BBR administration, optical coherence tomography (OTC) photos and Hematoxylin-eosin staining from retina in each group were performed, then the retina was collected for 4D-DIA quantitative proteomics detection. Moreover, difference protein analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, as well as molecular docking was performed, respectively. In the part of experiment, Western blot (WB) and immunofluorescent staining was used to confirm the change and distribution of carbonic anhydrase 1 (CA1), one of the most important molecules from quantitative PCR detection. Lastly, RNA knockdown was used to determine the crucial role of CA1 in retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPEs) administrated with berberine. RESULTS: OCT detection showed that the outer nucleus, inner layer and outer accessory layer of RPEs were thinned in DR group, compared with in sham one, while they were thickened after berberine administration, when compared with in DR group. 10 proteins were screened out by using proteomic analysis and Venny cross plot, in which, denn domain containing 1A (DENND1A) and UTP6 small subunit processome component (UTP6) was down-regulated, while ATPase copper transporting alpha (ATP7A), periplakin (PPL), osteoglycin (OGN), nse1 Homolog (NSMCE1), membrane metalloendopeptidase (MME), lim domain only 4 (LMO4), CA1 and fibronectin 1 (FN1) was up-regulated in DR group, and the BBR treatment can effectively reverse their expressions. PPI results showed that 10 proteins shared interactions with each other, but only ATP7A, FN1 and OGN exhibited directly associated with each other. Moreover, we enlarged the linked relation up to 15 genes in network, based on 10 proteins found from proteomics detection, so as to perform deep GO and KEGG analysis. As a result, the most important biological process is involving rRNA processing; the most important cell component is small subunit processor; the most important molecular function is Phospholipid binding; the KEGG pathway was Ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes. Moreover, molecular docking showed that LMO4, ATP7A, PPL, NSMCE1, MME, CA1 could form a stable molecular binding pattern with BBR. Of these, the mRNA expression of CA1, PPL and ATP7A and the protein level of CA1 was increased in DR, and decreased in BBR group. Lastly, CA1 RNA knockdown confirmed the crucial role of CA1 in RPE administered with BBR. CONCLUSION: The present findings confirmed the role of BBR in DR treatment and explained associated molecular network mechanism, in which, CA1 could be considered as a crucial candidate in the protection of RPEs with berberine treatment.

Correlation of an immune-related 8-gene panel with pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with primary breast cancers.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT)-induced pathologic complete response (pCR) is associated with a favorable prognosis for breast cancer. Prior research links tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes with breast cancer chemotherapy response, suggesting the tumor-immune microenvironment's role. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immune-related genes that exhibit associations with the response to NACT. In this study, we analyzed a total of 37 patients (aged 27-67) who received NACT as the first-line treatment for primary breast cancer, followed by surgery. This group consisted of nine patients (24.3 %) with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive/HER2-negative status, ten patients (27.0 %) with ER-positive/HER2-positive status, five patients (13.5 %) with ER-negative/HER2-positive status, and thirteen patients (35.1 %) with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Among these patients, twelve (32.4 %) achieved a pCR, with eight (66.6 %) having HER2-positive tumors, and the remaining four having TNBC. To identify immune-related genes linked with pCR in subjects with breast cancer prior to NACT, we collected fresh tissues for next-generation sequencing. Patients with pCR had higher expressions of eight genes, KLRK1, IGJ, CD69, CD40LG, MS4A1, CD1C, KLRB1, and CA4, compared to non-pCR patients. The 8-gene signature was associated with good prognosis and linked to better relapse-free survival in patients receiving chemotherapy. The expression of these genes was involved in better drug response, displaying a positive correlation with the infiltration of immune cells. In conclusion, we have identified eight immune-related genes that are associated with a favorable prognosis and positive responses to drugs. This 8-gene signature could potentially provide prognostic insights for breast cancer patients undergoing NACT.

Regorafenib induces damage-associated molecular patterns, cancer cell death and immune modulatory effects in a murine triple negative breast cancer model.

Damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), including calreticulin (CRT) exposure, high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) elevation, and ATP release, characterize immunogenic cell death (ICD) and may play a role in cancer immunotherapy. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an immunogenic subtype of breast cancer with higher lymphocyte infiltration. Here, we found that regorafenib, a multi-target angiokinase inhibitor previously known to suppress STAT3 signaling, induced DAMPs and cell death in TNBC cells. Regorafenib induced the expression of HMGB1 and CRT, and the release of ATP. Regorafenib-induced HMGB1 and CRT were attenuated following STAT3 overexpression. In a 4T1 syngeneic murine model, regorafenib treatment increased HMGB1 and CRT expression in xenografts, and effectively suppressed 4T1 tumor growth. Immunohistochemical staining revealed increased CD4+ and CD8+ tumor-infiltrating T cells in 4T1 xenografts following regorafenib treatment. Regorafenib treatment or programmed death-1 (PD-1) blockade using anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody reduced lung metastasis of 4T1 cells in immunocompetent mice. While regorafenib increases the proportion of MHC II high expression on dendritic cells in mice with smaller tumors, the combination of regorafenib and PD-1 blockade did not show a synergistic effect on anti-tumor activity. These results suggest that regorafenib induces ICD and suppresses tumor progression in TNBC. It should be carefully evaluated when developing a combination therapy with an anti-PD-1 antibody and a STAT3 inhibitor.

Network pharmacology mechanism of Scutellarin to inhibit RGC pyroptosis in diabetic retinopathy.

To investigate the effect of scutellarin (SCU) in diabetic retinopathy (DR) and explore the associated molecular network mechanism. The animal model of DR was established from diabetic mellitus (DM) rats by intraperitoneally injected streptozotocin (STZ) at dosage 55 mg/kg. Meanwhile, SCU was intraperitoneally administrated to protect retina from cell pyroptosis induced by DM, and cell pyroptosis was detected by using HE, Nissl staining, and immunofluorescence recognition. Moreover, the hub gene involving in pyroptosis in DR was screened by bioinformatics and network pharmacology, designated as Venny intersection screen, GO and KEGG analysis, PPI protein interaction, and molecular docking. Lastly, the expressional change of hub genes were validated with experimental detection. Cell pyroptosis of the DR, specifically in retina ganglion cells (RGC), was induced in DM rats; SCU administration results in significant inhibition in the cell pyroptosis in DR. Mechanically, 4084 genes related to DR were screened from GeneCards and OMIM databases, and 120 SCU therapeutic targets were obtained, by using GeneCards, TCMSP with Swiss Target Prediction databases. Moreover, 357 targets related to pyroptosis were found using GenenCards database, and Drug, disease and phenotypic targets were analyzed online using the Draw Venn Diagram website, and 12 cross targets were obtained. Through GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, 659 BP related items, 7 CC related items, 30 MF related items, and 70 signal pathways were screened out; Of these, eleven proteins screened from cross-target PPI network were subsequently docked with the SCU, and their expressions including caspase-1, IL-1ß, IL-18, GSDMD and NLRP3 in RGC indicated by immunofluorescence, and the mRNA expression for caspase-1 in DR indicated by quantitative PCR, were successfully validated. SCU can effectively protect RGC pyroptosis in DR, and underlying mechanisms are involved in the inhibition of caspase-1, GSDMD, NLRP3, IL-1ß and IL-18. Our findings therefore provide crucial evidence to support the clinic practice of SCU for the treatment of DR, and explained the underlying molecular network mechanism.

Mortality and associated risk factors between young and elderly maintenance haemodialysis patients: a multicentre retrospective cohort study in China.

OBJECTIVES: Mortality and associated risk factors in young and elderly haemodialysis patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) have not been well examined in China. Therefore, we aimed to assess the all-cause mortality and risk factors associated with all-cause mortality between young and elderly haemodialysis patients in China. DESIGN: A population-based multicentre retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Using the Dialysis Initiation based on Fuzzy mathematics Equation study data, patients with ESKD undergoing maintenance haemodialysis from 24 centres in China from 1 January 2008 to 30 September 2015. PARTICIPANTS: 1601 enrolled patients with ESKD were categorised into young group (18-44 years old) and elderly (≥60 years old) group. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. We estimated overall survival using a log-rank test. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was implemented to identify risk factors and HR associated all-cause mortality. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 48.17±25.59 months, of the 1601 subjects, 319 (19.92%) patients death, including 64 (9.97%) in young group and 255 (26.59%) in elderly group, respectively. The cumulative survival in elderly group was lower than young group (Log Rank tests=63.31, p<0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis showed the cardiovascular disease (HR, 2.393; 95% CI 1.532 to 3.735; p<0.001), cerebrovascular disease (HR, 2.542; 95% CI 1.364 to 4.739; p=0.003) and serum albumin<3.5 g/dL (HR, 1.725; 95% CI 1.091 to 2.726; p=0.020) at the haemodialysis initiation were associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality in elderly groups; however, the cardiovascular disease only was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality in young groups. CONCLUSIONS: The all-cause mortality of elderly haemodialysis patients were higher than young haemodialysis patients in China. Identified risk factors associated all-cause mortality may inform development of age-appropriate treatment, intervention strategies and improve survival prognosis of this unique population.

RP11-367G18.1 V2 enhances clear cell renal cell carcinoma progression via induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

PURPOSE: Metastasis is the end stage of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common malignant subtype. The hypoxic microenvironment is a common feature in ccRCC and plays an essential role in the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Accumulating evidence manifests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in RCC tumorigenesis and regulate hypoxia-induced EMT. Here, we identified a lncRNA RP11-367G18.1 induced by hypoxia, that was overexpressed in ccRCC tissues. METHODS: A total of 216 specimens, including 149 ccRCC tumor samples and 67 related normal kidney parenchyma tissue samples, were collected. To investigate the biological fucntions of RP11.367G18.1 in ccRCC, migration, invasion, soft agar colony formation, xenograft tumorigenicity assays, and tail vein and orthotopic metastatic mouse models were performed. The relationship between RP11-367G18.1 and downstream signaling was analyzed utilizing reporter assay, RNA pull-down, chromatin immunopreciptation, and chromatin isolation by RNA purification assays. RESULTS: Hypoxic conditions and overexpression of HIF-1α increased the level of RP11-367G18.1. RP11-367G18.1 induced EMT and enhanced cell migration and invasion through variant 2. Inhibition of RP11-367G18.1 variant 2 reversed hypoxia-induced EMT phenotypes. An in vivo study revealed that RP11-367G18.1 variant 2 was required for hypoxia-induced tumor growth and metastasis in ccRCC. Mechanistically, RP11-367G18.1 variant 2 interacted with p300 histone acetyltransferase to regulate lysine 16 acetylation on histone 4 (H4K16Ac), thus contributing to hypoxia-regulated gene expression. Clinically, RP11-367G18.1 variant 2 was upregulated in ccRCC tissues, particularly metastatic ccRCC tissues, and it is linked to poor overall survival. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate the prognostic value and EMT-promoting role of RP11-367G18.1 and indicate that this lncRNA may provide a therapeutic target for ccRCC.

Prognostic impact of lipoprotein(a) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention modified by low density lipoprotein cholesterol.

BACKGROUND: It is well established that lipoprotein(a)[Lp(a)] and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) play a vital role in atherosclerosis. We investigated the prevalence and prognostic implications of increased Lp(a) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) according to different LDL-C concentrations. METHODS: A total of 9,190 patients with CAD after PCI were consecutively enrolled in the study and subsequently divided into three groups according to baseline LDL-C at cut-off of 70 and 100 mg/dl. Increased Lp(a) was defined as > 30 mg/dl. The primary endpoint was all-cause death. Second endpoint was cardiac death. Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier and Sensitivity analysis were performed. RESULTS: During an average of 5.0 y of follow-up, 354 (3.9 %) patients experienced all-cause death with 213(2.3 %) of whom from cardiac death. Increased Lp(a) was present in 25.7 %, 34.2 %, and 40.6 % across the LDL-C < 70, 70-100 and≧100 mg/dl groups, respectively. After multivariate adjustment, Lp(a) elevation remained significantly associated with 5-y all-cause death (adjusted HR, 1.243; 95 % CI 1.001-1.544; p = 0.048) in the total cohort and only in those with LDL-C ≥ 100 mg/dl (adjusted HR, 1.642; 95 % CI 1.139-2.367; p = 0.008) when analyzed within each LDL-C category. Consistently with the results of associations between Lp(a) and cardiac death (adjusted HR, 1.534; 95 % CI 1.164-2.021; p = 0.002 for total cohort and adjusted HR, 2.404; 95 % CI 1.439-3.872; p < 0.001 for LDL-C ≥ 100 mg/dl). And this relationship holds after adjusting for LDL-Ccorr additionally. These findings are confirmed again in sensitivity analyses that excluded patients with Lp(a) concentrations in the top or the bottom 5 %. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed that increased Lp(a) was associated with increased risk of long-term outcomes, and such an association was modified by the baseline LDL-C concentrations. Screening of high Lp(a) in individuals with elevations of LDL-C may enables risk stratification for poor prognosis.

METTL4-mediated nuclear N6-deoxyadenosine methylation promotes metastasis through activating multiple metastasis-inducing targets.

BACKGROUND: DNA N6-methyldeoxyadenosine (6mA) is rarely present in mammalian cells and its nuclear role remains elusive. RESULTS: Here we show that hypoxia induces nuclear 6mA modification through a DNA methyltransferase, METTL4, in hypoxia-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor metastasis. Co-expression of METTL4 and 6mA represents a prognosis marker for upper tract urothelial cancer patients. By RNA sequencing and 6mA chromatin immunoprecipitation-exonuclease digestion followed by sequencing, we identify lncRNA RP11-390F4.3 and one novel HIF-1α co-activator, ZMIZ1, that are co-regulated by hypoxia and METTL4. Other genes involved in hypoxia-mediated phenotypes are also regulated by 6mA modification. Quantitative chromatin isolation by RNA purification assay shows the occupancy of lncRNA RP11-390F4.3 on the promoters of multiple EMT regulators, indicating lncRNA-chromatin interaction. Knockdown of lncRNA RP11-390F4.3 abolishes METTL4-mediated tumor metastasis. We demonstrate that ZMIZ1 is an essential co-activator of HIF-1α. CONCLUSIONS: We show that hypoxia results in enriched 6mA levels in mammalian tumor cells through METTL4. This METTL4-mediated nuclear 6mA deposition induces tumor metastasis through activating multiple metastasis-inducing genes. METTL4 is characterized as a potential therapeutic target in hypoxic tumors.

The neuroprotective effects of Lutongkeli in traumatic brain injury rats by anti-apoptosis mechanism.

PURPOSE: To explore the neuroprotective effects of Lutongkeli (LTKL) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and detect the related mechanism. METHODS: TBI model was established with LTKL administration (2 and 4 g/kg/d, p.o.). Motor function of rats was examined by Rotarod test. Nissl staining was used to show neuron morphology. Furthermore, the disease-medicine common targets were obtained with the network pharmacology and analyzed with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. Lastly, the predicted targets were validated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: After LTKL administration, neural behavior was significantly improved, and the number of spared neurons in brain was largely increased. Moreover, 68 bioactive compounds were identified, corresponding to 148 LTKL targets; 2,855 genes were closely associated with TBI, of which 87 overlapped with the LTKL targets and were considered to be therapeutically relevant. Functional enrichment analysis suggested LTKL exerted its pharmacological effects in TBI by modulating multiple pathways including apoptosis, inflammation, etc. Lastly, we found LTKL administration could increase the mRNA level of Bcl-2 and decrease the expression of Bax and caspase-3. CONCLUSIONS: This study reported the neuroprotective effect of LTKL against TBI is accompanied with anti-apoptosis mechanism, which provides a scientific explanation for the clinical application of LTKL in the treatment of TBI.

Using bioinformatics approaches to identify survival-related oncomiRs as potential targets of miRNA-based treatments for lung adenocarcinoma.

Lung cancer is a major cause of cancer-associated deaths worldwide, and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common lung cancer subtype. Micro RNAs (miRNAs) regulate the pattern of gene expression in multiple cancer types and have been explored as potential drug development targets. To develop an oncomiR-based panel, we identified miRNA candidates that show differential expression patterns and are relevant to the worse 5-year overall survival outcomes in LUAD patient samples. We further evaluated various combinations of miRNA candidates for association with 5-year overall survival and identified a four-miRNA panel: miR-9-5p, miR-1246, miR-31-3p, and miR-3136-5p. The combination of these four miRNAs outperformed any single miRNA for predicting 5-year overall survival (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.47, log-rank p-value = 0.000271). Experiments were performed on lung cancer cell lines and animal models to validate the effects of these miRNAs. The results showed that singly transfected antagomiRs largely inhibited cell growth, migration, and invasion, and the combination of all four antagomiRs considerably reduced cell numbers, which is twice as effective as any single miRNA-targeted transfected. The in vivo studies revealed that antagomiR-mediated knockdown of all four miRNAs significantly reduced tumor growth and metastatic ability of lung cancer cells compared to the negative control group. The success of these in vivo and in vitro experiments suggested that these four identified oncomiRs may have therapeutic potential.