Hypoxia shapes the immune landscape in lung injury and promotes the persistence of inflammation.

Hypoxemia is a defining feature of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), an often-fatal complication of pulmonary or systemic inflammation, yet the resulting tissue hypoxia, and its impact on immune responses, is often neglected. In the present study, we have shown that ARDS patients were hypoxemic and monocytopenic within the first 48 h of ventilation. Monocytopenia was also observed in mouse models of hypoxic acute lung injury, in which hypoxemia drove the suppression of type I interferon signaling in the bone marrow. This impaired monopoiesis resulted in reduced accumulation of monocyte-derived macrophages and enhanced neutrophil-mediated inflammation in the lung. Administration of colony-stimulating factor 1 in mice with hypoxic lung injury rescued the monocytopenia, altered the phenotype of circulating monocytes, increased monocyte-derived macrophages in the lung and limited injury. Thus, tissue hypoxia altered the dynamics of the immune response to the detriment of the host and interventions to address the aberrant response offer new therapeutic strategies for ARDS.

Neutrophil HIF-1α stabilization is augmented by mitochondrial ROS produced via the glycerol 3-phosphate shuttle.

Neutrophils are predominantly glycolytic cells that derive little ATP from oxidative phosphorylation; however, they possess an extensive mitochondrial network and maintain a mitochondrial membrane potential. Although studies have shown neutrophils need their mitochondria to undergo apoptosis and regulate NETosis, the metabolic role of the respiratory chain in these highly glycolytic cells is still unclear. Recent studies have expanded on the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) released from the mitochondria as intracellular signaling molecules. Our study shows that neutrophils can use their mitochondria to generate ROS and that mitochondrial ROS release is increased in hypoxic conditions. This is needed for the stabilization of a high level of the critical hypoxic response factor and pro-survival protein HIF-1α in hypoxia. Further, we demonstrate that neutrophils use the glycerol 3-phosphate pathway as a way of directly regulating mitochondrial function through glycolysis, specifically to maintain polarized mitochondria and produce ROS. This illustrates an additional pathway by which neutrophils can regulate HIF-1α stability and will therefore be an important consideration when looking for treatments of inflammatory conditions in which HIF-1α activation and neutrophil persistence at the site of inflammation are linked to disease severity.

NRF2 Activation Reprograms Defects in Oxidative Metabolism to Restore Macrophage Function in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Rationale: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease characterized by persistent airway inflammation and disordered macrophage function. The extent to which alterations in macrophage bioenergetics contribute to impaired antioxidant responses and disease pathogenesis has yet to be fully delineated. Objectives: Through the study of COPD alveolar macrophages (AMs) and peripheral monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs), we sought to establish if intrinsic defects in core metabolic processes drive macrophage dysfunction and redox imbalance. Methods: AMs and MDMs from donors with COPD and healthy donors underwent functional, metabolic, and transcriptional profiling. Measurements and Main Results: We observed that AMs and MDMs from donors with COPD display a critical depletion in glycolytic- and mitochondrial respiration-derived energy reserves and an overreliance on glycolysis as a source for ATP, resulting in reduced energy status. Defects in oxidative metabolism extend to an impaired redox balance associated with defective expression of the NADPH-generating enzyme, ME1 (malic enzyme 1), a known target of the antioxidant transcription factor NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2). Consequently, selective activation of NRF2 resets the COPD transcriptome, resulting in increased generation of TCA cycle intermediaries, improved energetic status, favorable redox balance, and recovery of macrophage function. Conclusions: In COPD, an inherent loss of metabolic plasticity leads to metabolic exhaustion and reduced redox capacity, which can be rescued by activation of the NRF2 pathway. Targeting these defects, via NRF2 augmentation, may therefore present an attractive therapeutic strategy for the treatment of the aberrant airway inflammation described in COPD.

Genetic Polymorphisms of P2RX7 but Not of ADORA2A Are Associated with the Severity of SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

SARS-CoV-2 infection ranges from mild to severe presentations, according to the intensity of the aberrant inflammatory response. Purinergic receptors dually control the inflammatory response: while adenosine A2A receptors (A2ARs) are anti-inflammatory, ATP P2X7 receptors (P2X7Rs) exert pro-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to assess if there were differences in allelic and genotypic frequencies of a loss-of-function SNP of ADORA2A (rs2298383) and a gain-of-function single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of P2RX7 (rs208294) in the severity of SARS-CoV-2-associated infection. Fifty-five individuals were enrolled and categorized according to the severity of the infection. Endpoint genotyping was performed in blood cells to screen for both SNPs. The TT genotype (vs. CT + CC) and the T allele (vs. C allele) of P2RX7 SNP were found to be associated with more severe forms of COVID-19, whereas the association between ADORA2A SNP and the severity of infection was not significantly different. The T allele of P2RX7 SNP was more frequent in people with more than one comorbidity and with cardiovascular conditions and was associated with colorectal cancer. Our findings suggest a more prominent role of P2X7R rather than of A2AR polymorphisms in SARS-CoV-2 infection, although larger population-based studies should be performed to validate our conclusions.

Peripersonal space in social context is modulated by action reward, but differently in males and females.

The peripersonal space (PPS) is a multisensory representation of the near-body region of space where objects appear at hand. It also represents a buffer zone protecting the body from external threats and as such it contributes to the organization of social interactions. However, how the combination of embodied objects processing and constraints inherent to social interactions contributes to PPS representation remains an open issue. By using a cooperative task where two male (N = 22) or female (N = 18) participants, sharing the same action space, were requested to select a number of stimuli on a touch-screen table, we investigated the effect of non-uniform distribution of reward-yielding stimuli on selection strategy and perceptual judgments of reachability, used as a proxy of PPS representation. The probability to select a reward-yielding stimulus (50% of the stimuli) was 75% in the proximal space of one of the two confederates. Results showed that participants initially prioritized stimuli in their proximal space and were progressively influenced by the spatial distribution of reward-yielding stimuli, thus invading their confederate's action space when associated with higher probability of reward. The distribution of reward-yielding stimuli led to an increase of reachability threshold, but only when biased towards the participants' distal space. Although the invasion of others' PPS was more pronounced in male participants, the biased distribution of reward-yielding stimuli altered the reachability threshold similarly in males and females. As a whole, the data revealed that reward expectations in relation to motor actions influence both PPS exploration and representation in social context, but differently in males and females.

Pyranoanthocyanins Interfering with the Quorum Sensing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.

Bacterial quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-cell communication system that regulates several bacterial mechanisms, including the production of virulence factors and biofilm formation. Thus, targeting microbial QS is seen as a plausible alternative strategy to antibiotics, with potentiality to combat multidrug-resistant pathogens. Many phytochemicals with QS interference activity are currently being explored. Herein, an extract and a compound of bioinspired origin were tested for their ability to inhibit biofilm formation and interfere with the expression of QS-related genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The extract, a carboxypyranoanthocyanins red wine extract (carboxypyrano-ant extract), and the pure compound, carboxypyranocyanidin-3-O-glucoside (carboxypyCy-3-glc), did not cause a visible effect on the biofilm formation of the P. aeruginosa biofilms; however, both significantly affected the formation of biofilms by the S. aureus strains, as attested by the crystal violet assay and fluorescence microscopy. Both the extract and the pure compound significantly interfered with the expression of several QS-related genes in the P. aeruginosa and S. aureus biofilms, as per reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) results. Indeed, it was possible to conclude that these molecules interfere with QS at distinct stages and in a strain-specific manner. An extract with anti-QS properties could be advantageous because it is easily obtained and could have broad, antimicrobial therapeutic applications if included in topical formulations.

IL4Rα Signaling Abrogates Hypoxic Neutrophil Survival and Limits Acute Lung Injury Responses In Vivo.

Rationale: Acute respiratory distress syndrome is defined by the presence of systemic hypoxia and consequent on disordered neutrophilic inflammation. Local mechanisms limiting the duration and magnitude of this neutrophilic response remain poorly understood. Objectives: To test the hypothesis that during acute lung inflammation tissue production of proresolution type 2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13) dampens the proinflammatory effects of hypoxia through suppression of HIF-1α (hypoxia-inducible factor-1α)-mediated neutrophil adaptation, resulting in resolution of lung injury. Methods: Neutrophil activation of IL4Ra (IL-4 receptor α) signaling pathways was explored ex vivo in human acute respiratory distress syndrome patient samples, in vitro after the culture of human peripheral blood neutrophils with recombinant IL-4 under conditions of hypoxia, and in vivo through the study of IL4Ra-deficient neutrophils in competitive chimera models and wild-type mice treated with IL-4. Measurements and Main Results: IL-4 was elevated in human BAL from patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, and its receptor was identified on patient blood neutrophils. Treatment of human neutrophils with IL-4 suppressed HIF-1α-dependent hypoxic survival and limited proinflammatory transcriptional responses. Increased neutrophil apoptosis in hypoxia, also observed with IL-13, required active STAT signaling, and was dependent on expression of the oxygen-sensing prolyl hydroxylase PHD2. In vivo, IL-4Ra-deficient neutrophils had a survival advantage within a hypoxic inflamed niche; in contrast, inflamed lung treatment with IL-4 accelerated resolution through increased neutrophil apoptosis. Conclusions: We describe an important interaction whereby IL4Rα-dependent type 2 cytokine signaling can directly inhibit hypoxic neutrophil survival in tissues and promote resolution of neutrophil-mediated acute lung injury.

Increased levels of chromosomal aberrations and DNA damage in a group of workers exposed to formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde (FA) is a commonly used chemical in anatomy and pathology laboratories as a tissue preservative and fixative. Because of its sensitising properties, irritating effects and cancer implication, FA accounts probably for the most important chemical-exposure hazard concerning this professional group. Evidence for genotoxic effects and carcinogenic properties in humans is insufficient and conflicting, particularly in regard to the ability of inhaled FA to induce toxicity on other cells besides first contact tissues, such as buccal and nasal cells. To evaluate the effects of exposure to FA in human peripheral blood lymphocytes, a group of 84 anatomy pathology laboratory workers exposed occupationally to FA and 87 control subjects were tested for chromosomal aberrations (CAs) and DNA damage (comet assay). The level of exposure to FA in the workplace air was evaluated. The association between genotoxicity biomarkers and polymorphic genes of xenobiotic-metabolising and DNA repair enzymes were also assessed. The estimated mean level of FA exposure was 0.38±0.03 ppm. All cytogenetic endpoints assessed by CAs test and comet assay % tail DNA (%TDNA) were significantly higher in FA-exposed workers compared with controls. Regarding the effect of susceptibility biomarkers, results suggest that polymorphisms in CYP2E1 and GSTP1 metabolic genes, as well as, XRCC1 and PARP1 polymorphic genes involved in DNA repair pathways are associated with higher genetic damage in FA-exposed subjects. Data obtained in this study show a potential health risk situation of anatomy pathology laboratory workers exposed to FA (0.38 ppm). Implementation of security and hygiene measures may be crucial to decrease risk. The obtained information may also provide new important data to be used by health care programs and by governmental agencies responsible for occupational health and safety.

The Influence of Pericardial Fat on Left Ventricular Diastolic Function.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide; left ventricular diastolic dysfunction plays a leading role in this clinical context. Diastolic dysfunction may be predisposed by increased abdominal fat and, consequently, increased pericardial and epicardial adiposity. This study aimed to determine whether pericardial fat (PF) and epicardial fat (EF) are associated with left ventricular diastolic function. METHODS: A total of 82 patients had their abdominal circumference measured and underwent transthoracic echocardiography to measure the thickness of PF and EF and assess the left ventricular diastolic function. Two groups were created based on mean pericardial fat (PF) thickness (4.644 mm) and were related to abdominal circumference and echocardiographic parameters. RESULTS: Subjects in the PF High group showed a significant decrease in septal e' (p < 0.0001), lateral e' (p < 0.0001), and E/A ratio (p = 0.003), as well as a significant increase in E/e' ratio (p < 0.0001), E wave deceleration time (p = 0.013), left atrial volume (p < 0.0001), the left ventricle mass (p = 0.003), tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity (p < 0.0001), and the left ventricle diameter (p = 0.014) compared to the PF Low group. Correlations were found between pericardial fat and nine echocardiographic parameters in the study, while epicardial fat (EP) only correlated with eight. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of abdominal circumference, PF, and EF is an early indicator of diastolic changes with transthoracic echocardiography being the gold standard exam.

Cardiovascular Risk Profile on the Island of Santiago-Cabo Verde (PrevCardio.CV Study).

Cerebrocardiovascular diseases are a major global public health concern, significantly impacting morbidity, mortality, and posing substantial socio-economic challenges. In Cabo Verde, non-communicable diseases have become the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of risk factors for cerebrocardiovascular diseases and their association with cardiac electrical alterations in adults on Santiago Island, Cabo Verde. A cross-sectional population-based study using simple random sampling was conducted on individuals over 18 years of age. The sample size of 599 was based on Santiago Island's 2021 population projection. Data collection occurred in October and November 2021, involving questionnaires on risk factors and cerebrocardiovascular diseases; blood pressure assessments; and capillary blood glucose measurements. The sample was predominantly female, with the 18-27 age group being the largest. Key risk factors included physical inactivity (65.1%), BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (42.6%), hypertension (32.6%), and family history of cerebrocardiovascular diseases (19.9%). Other factors were alcoholism (14.4%), hypercholesterolemia (8.3%), smoking (7.3%), diabetes (4.5%), and hypertriglyceridemia (1.3%). Notably, 9.3% had no risk factors, 27.5% had one, 36.2% had two, and 26.9% had three or more. There is a high prevalence of risk factors for cerebrocardiovascular diseases on Santiago Island, particularly among females.

Investigation of Electrocardiographic Changes in Individuals with Three or More Cardiovascular Risk Factors on Santiago Island-The Cross-Sectional PrevCardio.CV Study.

Cerebrocardiovascular diseases represent one of the greatest public health concerns globally. In Cabo Verde, non-communicable diseases, such as cerebrocardiovascular diseases, have become leading causes of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to correlate risk factors with cardiac electrical changes in adult individuals residing on Santiago Island-Cabo Verde. A cross-sectional population-based study using simple random sampling was conducted in 2021 with individuals aged 18 and over, of both sexes, having authorization 35/2021 from the Cabo Verde Ethics Commission. The sample size was calculated based on Santiago Island's projected population for 2021, considering an estimated prevalence of 50%, a 95% confidence interval, and a standard error of 4%, resulting in a sample of 599 individuals. The data were collected through a questionnaire on risk factors and cerebrocardiovascular diseases, blood pressure measurement, capillary blood glucose evaluation, and a 12-lead electrocardiogram. The study sample was predominantly female (54.8%), with the largest age group being 18-27 years (21%). Among the sample, 9.3% had no risk factors, 27.5% had one risk factor, 36.2% had two risk factors, and 26.9% had three or more risk factors. Of those who underwent electrocardiography, 60.24% showed electrocardiographic changes, with the most prevalent being ventricular repolarization changes, nonspecific repolarization changes, and early repolarization. A relationship was observed between cerebrocardiovascular disease risk factors and the electrocardiographic changes found in the study participants.

Health Status and COVID-19 Epidemiology in an Inland Region of Portugal: A Retrospective Study.

Multiple factors, from socioeconomic development to genetic background, can affect the regional impact of some diseases, and this has also been seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this retrospective study was to characterize a population in the interior of Portugal regarding health status and COVID-19 epidemiology. Between October 2021 and January 2023, 1553 subjects residing in Beira Baixa, Portugal, were included. Using a self-report approach, demographic and clinical data were obtained. Blood group, blood pressure, peripheral oxygen saturation and anti-spike protein immunoglobulin concentration were also analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics. The average age of the participants was 48.95 (±14.43) years, with 64% being male and 36% being female. The most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension (19.2%), dyslipidemia (12.6%) and diabetes mellitus (6.6%). Half of the population was overweight, and more than half of the subjects had no history of tobacco consumption. Among the participants, 33% were infected with SARS-CoV-2: 70.1% had mild disease, 14.1% moderate disease and 1.4% severe disease. There was a very significant adherence to vaccination (97%). Previously infected or vaccinated people had higher anti-spike protein immunoglobulin values; this value depended on the vaccine administered (p < 0.001). Patients with autoimmune diseases and smokers had lower levels of anti-S IgG antibodies (p = 0.030 and p = 0.024, respectively). The severity of COVID-19 did not affect the concentration of anti-S IgG (p = 0.430). This study highlights the general health statuses and the impact of COVID-19 on a population in the Portuguese interior. Knowledge of the circulation and impact of the virus in this specific population can alert and assist in better interventions being conducted by health authorities.

Insights Into Pediatric Asthma: A Population Study From Alto Minho Health Center.

Background Asthma represents one of the most common diseases in childhood, with a prevalence ranging between 9% and 13% in Portugal. Therefore, it holds significant importance in pediatric health. While existing studies have shed light on asthma in the Portuguese population, they have predominantly concentrated on urban centers, with the population of Alto Minho remaining underrepresented in the literature. This study aims to understand the main factors of exposure, exacerbation, and the most prevalent allergens in a pediatric sample from the Alto Minho Local Health Unit, Portugal. Methodology A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 239 pediatric asthma patients aged between five and 18 years at the Alto Minho Health Center. Data on demographics, clinical information, family history, environmental exposures, exacerbating factors, and prick test results were analyzed. Results Of the 239 patients, 64.44% were male and 35.56% were female. The majority of the sample exhibited a normal body mass index (82.17%) and a family history of atopy (66.67%). Noteworthy patterns emerged in comorbidities, notably an increased association with allergic rhinitis, the most frequent concomitant atopic pathology (79.50%), followed by atopic dermatitis (27.61%) and food allergy (10.88%). Sensitization to dust mites, particularly Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, was widespread among the participants. Environmental exposures were marked by significant factors such as proximity to plants and trees, soft toys, and living in rural areas. Exacerbating factors included common triggers such as exercise, seasonal variations, and even laughter. Statistically significant associations were found between atopic comorbidities, exacerbation factors, exposure factors, and prick test results. Conclusions Our findings align with global trends, emphasizing the prevalence of atopic pathologies in pediatric asthma. Sensitization patterns and environmental exposures are indicative of regional influences. Study limitations include sample size and data standardization issues. Despite these limitations, the study significantly contributes to understanding pediatric asthma in Alto Minho, offering valuable insights for prompt diagnosis and targeted treatments.

Cytogenetic and immunological effects associated with occupational formaldehyde exposure.

Formaldehyde (FA) is a widely used industrial chemical for which exposure is associated with nasopharyngeal and sinonasal cancer. Based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from human investigations, supporting studies on mechanisms underlying carcinogenesis, and experimental evidence in animals, FA status was recently revised and reclassified as a human carcinogen. The highest level of exposure to FA occurs in occupational settings. Although several studies reported FA ability to induce genotoxic responses in exposed workers, not all findings were conclusive. In addition, published studies on the immunological effects of FA indicate that this compound may be able to modulate immune responses, although data in exposed subjects are still preliminary. In this study a group of pathology anatomy workers exposed to FA was evaluated for cytogenetic and immunological parameters. A control group with similar sociodemographic characteristics and without known occupational exposure to FA was also included. Genotoxicity was evaluated by means of micronucleus (MN) test, sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), and T-cell receptor (TCR) mutation assay. Percentages of different lymphocyte subpopulations were selected as immunotoxic biomarkers. The mean level of FA environmental exposure was 0.36 ± 0.03 ppm. MN and SCE frequencies were significantly increased in the exposed group. A significant decrease of the percentage of B cells in the exposed group was also found. Data obtained in this study indicate that genotoxic and immunotoxic increased risk due to FA occupational exposure cannot be excluded. Implementation of effective control measures along with hazard prevention campaigns may be crucial to decrease the risk.

Uncovering the Early Events Associated with Oligomeric Aß-Induced Src Activation.

Soluble Aß1-42 oligomers (AßO) are formed in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and were previously shown to trigger enhanced Ca2+ levels and mitochondrial dysfunction via the activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR). Src kinase is a ubiquitous redox-sensitive non-receptor tyrosine kinase involved in the regulation of several cellular processes, which was demonstrated to have a reciprocal interaction towards NMDAR activation. However, little is known about the early-stage mechanisms associated with AßO-induced neurodysfunction involving Src. Thus, in this work, we analysed the influence of brief exposure to oligomeric Aß1-42 on Src activation and related mechanisms involving mitochondria and redox changes in mature primary rat hippocampal neurons. Data show that brief exposure to AßO induce H2O2-dependent Src activation involving different cellular events, including NMDAR activation and mediated intracellular Ca2+ rise, enhanced cytosolic and subsequent mitochondrial H2O2 levels, accompanied by mild mitochondrial fragmentation. Interestingly, these effects were prevented by Src inhibition, suggesting a feedforward modulation. The current study supports a relevant role for Src kinase activation in promoting the loss of postsynaptic glutamatergic synapse homeostasis involving cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS generation after brief exposure to AßO. Therefore, restoring Src activity can constitute a protective strategy for mitochondria and related hippocampal glutamatergic synapses.

Restoration of c-Src/Fyn Proteins Rescues Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Huntington's Disease.

Aims: Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal-dominant neurodegenerative disorder with no effective therapies. Mutant huntingtin protein (mHTT), the main HD proteinaceous hallmark, has been linked to reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and mitochondrial dysfunction, among other pathological mechanisms. Importantly, Src-related kinases, c-Src and Fyn, are activated by ROS and regulate mitochondrial activity. However, c-Src/Fyn involvement in HD is largely unexplored. Thus, in this study, we aimed at exploring changes in Src/Fyn proteins in HD models and their role in defining altered mitochondrial function and dynamics and redox regulation. Results: We show, for the first time, that c-Src/Fyn phosphorylation/activation and proteins levels are decreased in several human and mouse HD models mainly due to autophagy degradation, concomitantly with mHtt-expressing cells showing enhanced TFEB-mediated autophagy induction and autophagy flux. c-Src/Fyn co-localization with mitochondria is also reduced. Importantly, the expression of constitutive active c-Src/Fyn to restore active Src kinase family (SKF) levels improves mitochondrial morphology and function, namely through improved mitochondrial transmembrane potential, mitochondrial basal respiration, and ATP production, but it did not affect mitophagy. In addition, constitutive active c-Src/Fyn expression diminishes the levels of reactive species in cells expressing mHTT. Innovation: This work supports a relevant role for c-Src/Fyn proteins in controlling mitochondrial function and redox regulation in HD, revealing a potential HD therapeutic target. Conclusion: c-Src/Fyn restoration in HD improves mitochondrial morphology and function, precluding the rise in oxidant species and cell death. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 38, 95-114.

Non-pharmacological treatment-related changes of molecular biomarkers in major depressive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious mood disorder and leading cause of disability. Despite treatment advances, approximately 30% of individuals with MDD do not achieve adequate clinical response. Better understanding the biological mechanism(s) underlying clinical response to specific psychopharmacological interventions may help fine tune treatments in order to further modulate their underlying mechanisms of action. However, little is known regarding the effect of non-pharmacological treatments (NPTs) on candidate molecular biomarker levels in MDD. This review aims to identify molecular biomarkers that may elucidate NPT response for MDD. Methods: We performed a systematic review and a multilevel linear mixed-effects meta-analyses, and a meta-regression. Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO in October 2020 and July 2021. Results: From 1387 retrieved articles, 17 and six studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analyses, respectively. Although there was little consensus associating molecular biomarker levels with symptomology and/or treatment response, brain metabolites accessed via molecular biomarker-focused neuroimaging techniques may provide promising information on whether an individual with MDD would respond positively to NPTs. Furthermore, non-invasive brain stimulation interventions significantly increased the expression of neurotrophic factors (NTFs) compared to sham/placebo, regardless of add-on pharmacological treatment. Conclusions: NTFs are candidate biomarkers to fine-tune NIBS for MDD treatment.

Differential roles for the oxygen sensing enzymes PHD1 and PHD3 in the regulation of neutrophil metabolism and function.

Background: Neutrophils are essential in the early innate immune response to pathogens. Harnessing their antimicrobial powers, without driving excessive and damaging inflammatory responses, represents an attractive therapeutic possibility. The neutrophil population is increasingly recognised to be more diverse and malleable than was previously appreciated. Hypoxic signalling pathways are known to regulate important neutrophil behaviours and, as such, are potential therapeutic targets for regulating neutrophil antimicrobial and inflammatory responses. Methods: We used a combination of in vivo and ex vivo models, utilising neutrophil and myeloid specific PHD1 or PHD3 deficient mouse lines to investigate the roles of oxygen sensing prolyl hydroxylase enzymes in the regulation of neutrophilic inflammation and immunity. Mass spectrometry and Seahorse metabolic flux assays were used to analyse the role of metabolic shifts in driving the downstream phenotypes. Results: We found that PHD1 deficiency drives alterations in neutrophil metabolism and recruitment, in an oxygen dependent fashion. Despite this, PHD1 deficiency did not significantly alter ex vivo neutrophil phenotypes or in vivo outcomes in mouse models of inflammation. Conversely, PHD3 deficiency was found to enhance neutrophil antibacterial properties without excessive inflammatory responses. This was not linked to changes in the abundance of core metabolites but was associated with increased oxygen consumption and increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) production. Conclusions: PHD3 deficiency drives a favourable neutrophil phenotype in infection and, as such, is an important potential therapeutic target.

Multiple genotoxic activities of ptaquiloside in human lymphocytes: aneugenesis, clastogenesis and induction of sister chromatid exchange.

Ptaquiloside, a norsesquiterpene glycoside from bracken (Pteridium aquilinum), is a known carcinogen towards animals. Its genotoxicity is mainly attributed to its DNA-alkylating and clastogenic properties. This study analyses various modes of genotoxic action of ptaquiloside in human mononuclear blood cells. The alkaline comet assay was performed on cells exposed to 5µg/ml ptaquiloside for 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50min. Tail length was used as a DNA-damage parameter. Assays to determine structural and numerical chromosomal aberrations and sister-chromatid exchange were conducted on cells exposed to 5, 10 or 20µg/ml ptaquiloside for 48h. The tail length showed maximum DNA damage at 20-30min, diminishing onwards. Highly significant (p<0.001) dose-dependent increases in structural and numerical chromosomal aberrations and SCE were observed in response to ptaquiloside. These results indicate that ptaquiloside is not only a DNA-alkylating agent, but expresses its genotoxicity through multiple mechanisms including clastogenesis, aneugenesis and the mechanism underlying SCE induction, which is not entirely understood. Recent studies support the role played by aneuploidy in oncogenesis, highlighting the importance of this endpoint for mutagenicity screening. SCE are thought to represent the long-term effects of mutagens and are an important genotoxicity biomarker. The present results also agree with data from epidemiological studies and from animal in vivo studies, further supporting the hypothesis that ptaquiloside may represent a significant threat to human health.