Prognostic value of four immune-related genes in lower-grade gliomas: a biomarker discovery study.

Introduction: The tumor microenvironment and IRGs are highly correlated with tumor occurrence, progression, and prognosis. However, their roles in grade II and III gliomas, termed LGGs in this study, remain to be fully elucidated. Our research aims to develop immune-related features for risk stratification and prognosis prediction in LGG. Methods: Using the ssGSEA method, we assessed the immune characteristics of the LGG population. We conducted differential analysis using LGG samples from the TCGA database and normal samples from GTEx, identifying 412 differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIRGs). Subsequently, we utilized univariate Cox, LASSO, and multivariate Cox regression analyses to establish both a gene predictive model and a nomogram predictive model. Results: Here, we found that the ESTIMATE score, immune score and stromal score of high-immunity, high-grade and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) wild-type glioma were higher than those of the corresponding group, and the tumor purity was lower. Higher ESTIMATE scores, stromal scores and immune scores indicated a poor prognosis in patients with LGG. Our four-gene prognostic model demonstrated superior accuracy compared to other molecular features. Validation using the CGGA as a testing set and the combined TCGA and CGGA cohort confirmed its robust prognostic value. Additionally, a nomogram integrating the prognostic model and clinical variables showed enhanced predictive capability. Discussion: Our study highlights the prognostic significance of the identified four DEIRGs (KLRC3, MR1, PDIA2, and RFXAP) in LGG patients. The predictive model and nomogram developed herein offer valuable tools for personalized treatment strategies in LGG. Future research should focus on further validating these findings and exploring the functional roles of these DEIRGs within the LGG tumor microenvironment.

Mettl3-m6A-YTHDF1 axis promotion of mitochondrial dysfunction in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

BACKGROUND: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mRNA modification and mitochondrial function hold paramount importance in the advancement of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). AIM: The aim of this study was to elucidate the impact of m6A on hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction and provide a novel perspective for a more comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of MASLD. METHODS: High-throughput screening methods were used to identify the underlying transcriptome and proteome changes in MASLD model mice. Western blotting, blue native gel electrophoresis (BNGE), dot blot, and Seahorse analyses were conducted to identify and validate the underlying regulatory mechanisms of m6A on mitochondria. RESULTS: In vivo, abnormal m6A modification in MASLD was attributed to the upregulation of methyltransferase like 3 (Mettl3) and the downregulation of YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 1 (YTHDF1) induced by high-fat foods. In vitro, knockdown of Mettl3 inhibited hepatic oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and the mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC), while overexpression of Mettl3 promoted these processes. However, knockout of the reader protein YTHDF1, which plays a crucial role in the m6A modification process, counteracted the effect of Mettl3 and suppressed mitochondrial OXPHOS. CONCLUSIONS: In MASLD, damage to the MRC may be regulated by the Mettl3-m6A-YTHDF1 axis, particularly by the role of YTHDF1. Modulation of the Mettl3-m6A-YTHDF1 axis has the potential to improve mitochondrial function, alleviate MASLD symptoms, and decrease the likelihood of disease progression.

Study on the anti-skin aging effect and mechanism of Sijunzi Tang based on network pharmacology and experimental validation.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Si Jun Zi Tang (SJZT) is a famous traditional Chinese medicine formula composing of 4 herbal medicines (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Atractylodis macrocephalae Rhizoma, Poria, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) with tonifying spleen and anti-aging effects. It is also known that SJZT can be used to tone, nourish the skin and accelerate wound healing. However, due to the complexity of the formulation, the anti-aging especially anti-skin aging mechanisms as well as the key components of SJZT have not been fully investigated. Therefore, further in vitro and in vivo experimental studies are particularly needed to investigate the anti-skin ageing efficacy of SJZT. AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this article was to explore the therapeutic effect and possible pharmacological mechanism of SJZT in the treatment of skin aging by topical application using network pharmacology and to validate the findings using in vitro and in vivo tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Network pharmacology method was applied to predict the underlying biological function and mechanism involved in the anti-skin aging effect of SJZT. Molecular docking was used to preliminarily predict the active components of SJZT-Skin Aging. UPLC QTOF MS/MS was carried out to analyze the chemical compounds. Finally, to confirm the anti-skin aging effort of SJZT, a mouse skin-aging model and UVB-induced EpiSCs (epidermal stem cells) senescence model were established. RESULTS: PPI network analysis and KEGG studies indicated that TP53, CDKN2A, TNF, IL6, and IL1B might be parts of the core targets associated with EpiSCs senescence. Furthermore, molecular docking suggested the top active components, glycyrrhizin, ginsenoside Rg5, ginsenoside Rh2, liquiritin, polyporenic acid C and atractylenolide II showed strong affinity to the key proteins involved in cellular senescence signaling. UPLC QTOF MS/MS analysis of SJZT confirmed the presence of these key components. In-vivo experiments revealed that SJZT could improve UVB-induced skin thickening, increase the number of collagen fibers, strengthen the structure of elastin fibers, and decrease the expression of MDA, as well as increase the expression of CAT and T-SOD in the skin tissue of mouse. And, in-vitro experiments indicated that SJZT could reduce ROS generation and oxidative stress, increase mitochondrial membrane potential, and upregulate the expression of stem cell markers. Moreover, SJZT could suppress the expression of p53, p-p53 and p21, downregulated p38 phosphorylation. Furthermore, the anti-cellular senescence effect of SJZT on EpiSCs disappeared after treatment with the p38 inhibitor adesmapimod. Taken all together, the regulation of senescence signaling in EpiSCs is an important mechanism of SJZT in combating skin aging. CONCLUSION: The research results indicate that SJZT has anti-skin aging effects on UVB-induced skin-aging model, possibly by mediating p38/p53 signaling pathway. These findings strongly demonstrate the great potential of SJZT as an active composite for anti-skin aging and cosmeceutical applications.

Inhalation of Hydrogen-rich Gas before Acute Exercise Alleviates Exercise Fatigue: A Randomized Crossover Study.

Hydrogen, as an antioxidant, may have the potential to mitigate fatigue and improve selected oxidative stress markers induced by strenuous exercise. This study focused on a previously unexplored approach involving pre-exercise inhalation of hydrogen-rich gas (HRG). Twenty-four healthy adult men first completed pre-laboratories to determine maximum cycling power (Wmax) and maximum cycling time (Tmax). Then they were subjected to ride Tmax at 80% Wmax and 60-70 rpm on cycle ergometers after inhaled HRG or placebo gas (air) for 60-minute in a double-blind, counterbalanced, randomized, and crossover design. The cycling frequency in the fatigue modeling process and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) at the beginning and end of the ride were recorded. Before gas inhalation and after fatigue modeling, visual analog scale (VAS) for fatigue and counter-movement jump (CMJ) were tested, and blood samples were obtained. The results showed that compared to a placebo, HRG inhalation induced significant improvement in VAS, RPE, the cycling frequency during the last 30 seconds in the fatigue modeling process, the ability to inhibit hydroxyl radicals, and serum lactate after exercise (p<0.028), but not in CMJ height and glutathione peroxidase activity. The cycling frequency during the last 30 seconds of all other segments in the fatigue modeling process was within the range of 60-70 rpm. In conclusion, HRG inhalation prior to acute exercise can alleviate exercise-induced fatigue, maintain functional performance, and improve hydroxyl radical and lactate levels.

Legumain-deficient macrophages regulate inflammation and lipid metabolism in adipose tissues to protect against diet-induced obesity.

Adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) are key players in the development of obesity and associated metabolic inflammation, which contributes to systemic metabolic dysfunction, and understanding the interaction between macrophages and adipocytes is crucial for developing novel macrophage-based strategies against obesity. Here, we found that Legumain (Lgmn), a well-known lysosomal cysteine protease, is expressed mainly in the ATMs of obese mice. To further define the potential role of Lgmn-expressing macrophages in the generation of an aberrant metabolic state, LgmnF/F; LysMCre mice, which do not express Lgmn in macrophages, were maintained on a high-fat diet (HFD), and metabolic parameters were assessed. Macrophage-specific Lgmn deficiency protects mice against HFD-induced obesity, diminishes the quantity of proinflammatory macrophages in obese adipose tissues, and alleviates hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance. By analysing the transcriptome and proteome of murine visceral white adipose tissue (vWAT) after HFD feeding, we determined that macrophage Lgmn deficiency causes changes in lipid metabolism and the inflammatory response. Furthermore, the reciprocity of macrophage-derived Lgmn with integrin α5ß1 in adipocytes was tested via colocalization analyses. It is further demonstrated in macrophage and adipocyte coculture system that macrophage derived Lgmn bound to integrin α5ß1 in adipocytes, therefore attenuating PKA activation, downregulating lipolysis-related proteins and eventually exacerbating obesity development. Overall, our study identified Lgmn as a previously unrecognized regulator involved in the interaction between ATMs and adipocytes contributing to diet-induced obesity and suggested that Lgmn is a potential target for treating metabolic disorders.

Hydrogen Promotes the Effectiveness of Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation in Rats with Spinal Cord Injury.

Although bone mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) transplantation has been applied to the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI), the effect is unsatisfactory due to the specific microenvironment (inflammation and oxidative stress) in the SCI area, which leads to the low survival rate of transplanted cells. Thus, additional strategies are required to improve the efficacy of transplanted cells in the treatment of SCI. Hydrogen possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, whether hydrogen can enhance the effect of BMSC transplantation in the treatment of SCI has not yet been reported. This study was aimed at investigating whether hydrogen promotes the therapeutic effect of BMSC transplantation in the treatment of SCI in rats. In vitro, BMSCs were cultured in a normal medium and a hydrogen-rich medium to study the effect of hydrogen on the proliferation and migration of BMSCs. BMSCs were treated with a serum-deprived medium (SDM), and the effects of hydrogen on the apoptosis of BMSCs were studied. In vivo, BMSCs were injected into the rat model of SCI. Hydrogen-rich saline (5 ml/kg) and saline (5 ml/kg) were given once a day via intraperitoneal injection. Neurological function was evaluated using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) and CatWalk gait analyses. Histopathological analysis, oxidative stress, inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6), and transplanted cell viability were detected at 3 and 28 days after SCI. Hydrogen can significantly enhance BMSC proliferation and migration and tolerance to SDM. Hydrogen and BMSC codelivery can significantly enhance neurological function recovery by improving the transplant cell survival rate and migration. Hydrogen can enhance the migration and proliferation capacity of BMSCs to repair SCI by reducing the inflammatory response and oxidative stress in the injured area. Hydrogen and BMSC codelivery is an effective method to improve BMSC transplantation in the treatment of SCI.

Hypoxia regulates adipose mesenchymal stem cells proliferation, migration, and nucleus pulposus-like differentiation by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress via the HIF-1α pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Hypoxia can promote stem cell proliferation and migration through HIF-1α. Hypoxia can regulate cellular endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Some studies have reported the relationship among hypoxia, HIF-α, and ER stress, however, while little is known about HIF-α and ER stress in ADSCs under hypoxic conditions. The purpose of the study was to investigate the role and relationship of hypoxic conditions, HIF-1α and ER stress in regulating adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) proliferation, migration, and NPC-like differentiation. METHOD: ADSCs were pretreated with hypoxia, HIF-1α gene transfection, and HIF-1α gene silence. The ADSCs proliferation, migration, and NPC-like differentiation were assessed. The expression of HIF-1α in ADSCs was regulated; then, the changes of ER stress level in ADSCs were observed to investigate the relationship between ER stress and HIF-1α in ADSCs under hypoxic conditions. RESULT: The cell proliferation and migration assay results show that hypoxia and HIF-1α overexpression can significantly increase the ADSCs proliferation and migration, while HIF-1α inhibition can significantly decrease the ADSCs proliferation and migration. The HIF-1α and co-cultured with NPCs played an important role in the directional differentiation of ADSCs into NPCs. The hypoxia-regulated ER stress in ADSCs through the HIF-1α pathway, thereby regulating the cellular state of ADSCs, was also observed. CONCLUSION: Hypoxia and HIF-1α play important roles in proliferation, migration, and NPC-like differentiation of ADSCs. This study provides preliminary evidence that HIF-1α-regulated ER stress thus affects ADSCs proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Therefore, HIF-1α and ER may serve as key points to improve the efficacy of ADSCs in treating disc degeneration.

Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein (HCP) Extracted from Pearls Antagonizes both ET-1 and α-MSH for Skin Whitening.

Pearl powder is a famous traditional Chinese medicine that has a long history in treating palpitations, insomnia, convulsions, epilepsy, ulcers, and skin lightining. Recently, several studies have demonstrated the effects of pearl extracts on protection of ultraviolet A (UVA) induced irritation on human skin fibroblasts and inhibition of melanin genesis on B16F10 mouse melanoma cells. To further explore the effect we focused on the whitening efficacy of pearl hydrolyzed conchiolin protein (HCP) on human melanoma MNT-1 cells under the irritation of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) or endothelin 1 (ET-1) to evaluate the intracellular tyrosinase and melanin contents, as well as the expression levels of tyrosinase (TYR), tyrosinase related protein 1 (TRP-1), and dopachrome tautomerase (DCT) genes and related proteins. We found that HCP could decrease the intracellular melanin content by reducing the activity of intracellular tyrosinase and inhibiting the expression of TYR, TRP-1, DCT genes and proteins. At the same time, the effect of HCP on melanosome transfer effect was also investigated in the co-culture system of immortalized human keratinocyte HaCaT cells with MNT-1. The result indicated that HCP could promote the transfer of melanosomes in MNT-1 melanocytes to HaCaT cells, which might accelerate the skin whitening process by quickly transferring and metabolizing melanosomes during keratinocyte differentiation. Further study is needed to explore the mechanism of melanosome transfer with depigmentation.

Effect of acupuncture at Xinwu acupoint combined with loratadine and fluticasone propionate on symptom alleviation, nasal function, and serum histamine level in patients with allergic rhinitis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of acupuncture at the Xinwu acupoint combined with western medicine (loratadine and fluticasone propionate) on symptom alleviation, nasal mucociliary clearance velocity (MCV), and serum histamine level of patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). METHODS: A total of 122 patients with AR treated in Gansu province hospital of TCM and The Third People's Hospital of Gansu Province from April 2019 to April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 54 patients treated with loratadine and fluticasone propionate were assigned to the control group, and 68 patients treated with additional acupuncture at the Xinwu acupoint based on treatment of the control group were assigned to the observation group. The treatment efficacy of the two groups was compared, and the scores of main symptoms and nasal function were also compared before and after therapy. Additionally, the two groups were compared in the levels of histamine, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and immunoglobulin E (IgE) before and after therapy. RESULTS: After therapy, the observation group yielded a higher total effective rate than the control group (P=0.006) and had lower symptom scores than the control group (P<0.001). Additionally, the MCV of the two groups increased (P<0.001), and the nasal mucociliary transit time (MTT) and nasal resistance (NR) of both groups decreased (P<0.001) after therapy. The observation group showed a greatly better improvement of nasal function than the control group (P<0.001). Moreover, after therapy, the observation group showed lower histamine and IgE levels than the control group (P<0.01) and the observation group presented significantly lower levels than the control group, and had lower rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) scores than the control group (P<0.001). The two groups were not different in the incidence of adverse reactions (P=0.886). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at Xinwu acupoint combined with loratadine and fluticasone propionate can deliver a powerful efficacy on AR and alleviate the clinical symptoms, without increasing adverse reactions.

Melatonin regulates dihydrotestosterone formation via its membrane receptor in the epididymal epithelial cells of sheep.

Both melatonin and androgen, which affect sperm fertility, are the important factors in epididymis of male animal. In the present study, we confirmed that melatonin regulates the formation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in sheep epididymides. Here, we investigated the localization and the expression levels of melatonin keys synthases AANAT and HIOMT, membrane receptors MT1 and MT2, and nuclear receptor RORα in sheep epididymides and testes. We also cultured epididymal epithelial cells and treated them with different concentrations of melatonin (10-11-10-7 M) and luzindole (10-5 M) and 4P-PDOT (10-5 M) to investigate whether melatonin is involved in the regulation of DHT formation and whether these effects are mediated through its receptor pathways. The results showed that AANAT, HIOMT, MT1, MT2, and RORα were differentially expressed between sheep epididymides and testes. In addition, melatonin is involved in mediating the formation of DHT in epididymal epithelial cells, and its influence on DHT is at least partially regulated by the melatonin receptor pathway. Our findings showed that melatonin regulates the functions of the testes and epididymides through an autocrine mechanism and regulates the formation of androgen in sheep epididymides via the receptor pathway. These results provide a basis for further exploring the regulatory mechanisms of melatonin in animal reproduction.

Subacute Ruminal Acidosis as a Potential Factor that Induces Endometrium Injury in Sheep.

The demand for economic benefits has led to an increase in the proportion of high-concentrate (HC) feed in the ruminant diet, resulting in an increased incidence of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). During SARA, a high concentration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) translocated in the rumen induces a systemic inflammatory response. Inflammatory diseases, such as endometritis and mastitis, are often associated with SARA; however, in sheep, the mechanism of the effect of SARA on the endometrium has rarely been reported. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the influence of LPS translocation on endometrial tight junctions (TJs) during SARA in sheep. The results showed that LPS and TNFα levels in the ruminal fluid, serum, and endometrial tissue supernatant during SARA increased, transcription levels of TLR4, NFκB, and TNFα in the endometrium increased, the protein expression level of claudin-1 in the endometrium increased, and the protein expression level of occludin decreased. 17ß-estradiol (E2) inhibits claudin-1 protein expression and promotes occludin expression, and progesterone (P4) promotes claudin-1 protein expression and inhibits occludin protein expression. E2 and P4 regulate claudin-1 and occludin protein expression through their receptor pathways. Here, we found that LPS hindered the regulatory effect of E2 and P4 on endometrial TJs by inhibiting their receptor expression. The results of this study indicate that HC feeding can cause SARA-induced LPS translocation in sheep, increase susceptibility to systemic inflammation, induce the endometrial inflammatory response, and cause endometrial epithelial TJ damage directly and/or by obstructing E2 and P4 function. LPS translocation caused by SARA has also been suggested to induce an endometrial inflammatory response, resulting in endometrial epithelial barrier damage and physiological dysfunction, which seriously affects ruminant production. Therefore, this study provides new evidence that SARA is a potential factor that induces systemic inflammation in ruminants. It provides theoretical support for research on the prevention of endometritis in ruminants.

Anesthesia and Intubation of Preadolescent Mouse Pups for Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Murine surgical models play an important role in preclinical research. Mechanistic insights into myocardial regeneration after cardiac injury may be gained from cardiothoracic surgery models in 0-14-day-old mice, the cardiomyocytes of which, unlike those of adults, retain proliferative capacity. Mouse pups up to 7 days old are effectively immobilized by hypothermia and do not require intubation for cardiothoracic surgery. Preadolescent (8-14-day-old) mouse pups, however, do require intubation, but this is challenging and there is little information regarding anesthesia to facilitate intubation. Here, we present dosage regimens of ketamine/xylazine/atropine in 10-day-old C57BL/6J mouse pups that allow endotracheal intubation, while minimizing animal mortality. Empirical titration of ketamine/xylazine/atropine dosage regimens to body weight indicated that the response to anesthesia of mouse pups of different weights was non-linear, whereby doses of 20/4/0.12 mg/kg, 30/4/0.12 mg/kg, and 50/6/0.18 mg/kg facilitated intubation of pups weighing between 3.15-4.49 g (n = 22), 4.50-5.49 g (n = 20), and 5.50-8.10 g (n = 20), respectively. Lower-body-weight pups required more intubation attempts than heavier pups (p < 0.001). Survival post-intubation correlated with body weight (59%, 70%, and 80% for low-, mid-, and high-weight groups, respectively, R2 = 0.995). For myocardial infarction surgery after intubation, a surgical plane of anesthesia was induced with 4.5% isoflurane in 100% oxygen and maintained with 2% isoflurane in 100% oxygen. Survival post-surgery was similar for the three weight groups at 92%, 86%, and 88% (p = 0.91). Together with refinements in animal handling practices for intubation and surgery, and minimizing cannibalization by the dam post-surgery, overall survival for the entire procedure (intubation plus surgery) correlated with body weight (55%, 60%, and 70% for low-, mid-, and high-weight groups, respectively, R2 = 0.978). Given the difficulty encountered with intubation of 10-day old pups and the associated high mortality, we recommend cardiothoracic surgery in 10-day-old pups be restricted to pups weighing at least 5.5 g.

Aberrant Gcm1 expression mediates Wnt/ß-catenin pathway activation in folate deficiency involved in neural tube defects.

Wnt signaling plays a major role in early neural development. An aberrant activation in Wnt/ß-catenin pathway causes defective anteroposterior patterning, which results in neural tube closure defects (NTDs). Changes in folate metabolism may participate in early embryo fate determination. We have identified that folate deficiency activated Wnt/ß-catenin pathway by upregulating a chorion-specific transcription factor Gcm1. Specifically, folate deficiency promoted formation of the Gcm1/ß-catenin/T-cell factor (TCF4) complex formation to regulate the Wnt targeted gene transactivation through Wnt-responsive elements. Moreover, the transcription factor Nanog upregulated Gcm1 transcription in mESCs under folate deficiency. Lastly, in NTDs mouse models and low-folate NTDs human brain samples, Gcm1 and Wnt/ß-catenin targeted genes related to neural tube closure are specifically overexpressed. These results indicated that low-folate level promoted Wnt/ß-catenin signaling via activating Gcm1, and thus leaded into aberrant vertebrate neural development.

The effect of folic acid deficiency on Mest/Peg1 in neural tube defects.

OBJECTIVE: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are one of the most common and serious birth defects in human beings caused by genetic and environmental factors. Folate insufficiency is involved in the occurrence of NTDs and folic acid supplementation can prevent NTDs occurrence, however, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. METHODS: We established cell and animal models of folic acid deficiency to detect the methylation modification and expression levels of genes by MassARRAY and real-time PCR, respectively. Results and conclusion: In the present study, we found firstly that in human folic acid-insufficient NTDs, the methylation level of imprinted gene Mest/Peg1 was decreased. By using a folic acid-deficient cell model, we demonstrated that Mest/Peg1 methylation was descended. Meanwhile, the mRNA level of Mest/Peg1 was up-regulated via hypomethylation modification under low folic acid conditions. Consistent with the results in cell models, Mest/Peg1 expression was elevated through hypomethylation regulation in folate-deficient animal models. Furthermore, the up-regulation of Mest/Peg1 inhibited the expression of Lrp6 gene, a crucial component of Wnt pathway. Similar results with Lrp6 down-regulation of fetal brain were verified in animal models under folic acid-deficient condition. Taken together, our findings indicated folic acid increased the expression of Mest/Peg1 via hypomethylation modification, and then inhibited Lrp6 expression, which may ultimately impact on the development of nervous system through the inactivation of Wnt pathway.

Genipin Cross-Linked Decellularized Nucleus Pulposus Hydrogel-Like Cell Delivery System Induces Differentiation of ADSCs and Retards Intervertebral Disc Degeneration.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the pathological basis of disc degenerative diseases (DDD). Reduction in the number of cells and degeneration of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the nucleus pulposus (NP) are characteristics of IDD. Bio-hydrogel combined with stem cell transplantation is a promising treatment. Injectable ECM hydrogels have good biological activity and in-situ gelatinization. However, its biomechanics and stability are insufficient to provide adequate mechanical support for intervertebral discs and to maintain the long-term differential stimulus for seeded stem cells. In our study, we developed genipin cross-linked decellularized nucleus pulposus hydrogel (GDH) as delivery system. We evaluated the mechanical properties, stability, biocompatibility, and differentiation induction of GDH cross-linked with different concentrations of genipin in vitro. The GDH-loaded adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) (GDHA) were injected into the rat degenerated coccygeal intervertebral disc. The effect of intervertebral disc regeneration in vivo was evaluated. The results showed that GDH with 0.02% of genipin had similar elastic modulus to human nucleus pulposus, good biocompatibility, and inducibility of expressing NP-related genes. In vivo studies showed that GDHA improved the survival of ADSCs and improved the intervertebral height, MRI index, and histological grading score. In conclusion, GDH, as an outstanding bio-hydrogel cell delivery system, has the therapeutic potential for retarding IDD.

Pressure overload by suprarenal aortic constriction in mice leads to left ventricular hypertrophy without c-Kit expression in cardiomyocytes.

Animal models of pressure overload are valuable for understanding hypertensive heart disease. We characterised a surgical model of pressure overload-induced hypertrophy in C57BL/6J mice produced by suprarenal aortic constriction (SAC). Compared to sham controls, at one week post-SAC systolic blood pressure was significantly elevated and left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy was evident by a 50% increase in the LV weight-to-tibia length ratio due to cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. As a result, LV end-diastolic wall thickness-to-chamber radius (h/R) ratio increased, consistent with the development of concentric hypertrophy. LV wall thickening was not sufficient to normalise LV wall stress, which also increased, resulting in LV systolic dysfunction with reductions in ejection fraction and fractional shortening, but no evidence of heart failure. Pathological LV remodelling was evident by the re-expression of fetal genes and coronary artery perivascular fibrosis, with ischaemia indicated by enhanced cardiomyocyte Hif1a expression. The expression of stem cell factor receptor, c-Kit, was low basally in cardiomyocytes and did not change following the development of robust hypertrophy, suggesting there is no role for cardiomyocyte c-Kit signalling in pathological LV remodelling following pressure overload.

Comparison of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with radiofrequency ablation or microwave ablation for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a systemic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and microwave ablation (MWA) are regarded as effective therapies for treating unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We conducted this study to compare the efficiency and safety of TACE combined with RFA (TR group) or MWA (TM group).Method: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Ovid Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), response rates, and complications.Result: Eight cohort studies and one randomized controlled trial were included. The TM group had better OS (Hazard ratio [HR]: 1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-2.21, p = 0.01) and a better 2- and 3-year OS rate, 24-month PFS rate (Risk ratio [RR]: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.46-0.96, p = 0.03), and complete response rate (RR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.79-0.96, p = 0.003) than the TR group. Furthermore, the TM and TR groups did not show significant differences in PFS, the disease control rate or complications. The advantage of TM was mainly reflected in younger patients (50-60 years old) compared with patients aged 60-70 years, as well as in patients with larger tumors (≥3 cm) compared with patients with tumors <3 cm. Moreover, patients treated with conventional TACE (cTACE) in the TM group showed longer OS, while patients treated with drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) in the TR group showed a higher overall response rate.Conclusion: TM seems to be a more effective therapy than TR for unresectable HCC, with better survival and similar safety.

Reduced H3K27me3 leads to abnormal Hox gene expression in neural tube defects.

BACKGROUND: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are severe, common birth defects that result from failure of normal neural tube closure during early embryogenesis. Accumulating strong evidence indicates that genetic factors contribute to NTDs etiology, among them, HOX genes play a key role in neural tube closure. Although abnormal HOX gene expression can lead to NTDs, the underlying pathological mechanisms have not fully been understood. METHOD: We detected that H3K27me3 and expression of the Hox genes in a retinoic acid (RA) induced mouse NTDs model on E8.5, E9.5 and E10.5 using RNA-sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing assays. Furthermore, we quantified 10 Hox genes using NanoString nCounter in brain tissue of fetuses with 39 NTDs patients including anencephaly, spina bifida, hydrocephaly and encephalocele. RESULTS: Here, our results showed differential expression in 26 genes with a > 20-fold change in the level of expression, including 10 upregulated Hox genes. RT-qPCR revealed that these 10 Hox genes were all upregulated in RA-induced mouse NTDs as well as RA-treated embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Using ChIP-seq assays, we demonstrate that a decrease in H3K27me3 level upregulates the expression of Hox cluster A-D in RA-induced mouse NTDs model on E10.5. Interestingly, RA treatment led to attenuation of H3K27me3 due to cooperate between UTX and Suz12, affecting Hox gene regulation. Further analysis, in human anencephaly cases, upregulation of 10 HOX genes was observed, along with aberrant levels of H3K27me3. Notably, HOXB4, HOXC4 and HOXD1 expression was negatively correlated with H3K27me3 levels. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that abnormal HOX gene expression induced by aberrant H3K27me3 levels may be a risk factor for NTDs and highlight the need for further analysis of genome-wide epigenetic modification in NTDs.

Folate deficiency induced H2A ubiquitination to lead to downregulated expression of genes involved in neural tube defects.

BACKGROUND: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are common congenital malformations resulting in failure of the neural tube closure during early embryonic development. Although it is known that maternal folate deficiency increases the risk of NTDs, the mechanism remains elusive. RESULTS: Herein, we report that histone H2A monoubiquitination (H2AK119ub1) plays a role in neural tube closure. We found that the folate antagonist methotrexate induced H2AK119ub1 in mouse embryonic stem cells. We demonstrated that an increase in H2AK119ub1 downregulated expression of the neural tube closure-related genes Cdx2, Nes, Pax6, and Gata4 in mouse embryonic stem cells under folate deficiency conditions. We also determined that the E3 ligase Mdm2 was responsible for the methotrexate-induced increase in H2AK119ub1 and downregulation of neural tube closure-related genes. Surprisingly, we found that Mdm2 is required for MTX-induced H2A ubiquitination and is recruited to the sites of DSB, which is dependent on DNA damage signaling kinase ATM. Furthermore, folic acid supplementation restored H2AK119ub1 binding to neural tube closure-related genes. Downregulation of these genes was also observed in both brain tissue of mouse and human NTD cases, and high levels of H2AK119ub1 were found in the corresponding NTDs samples with their maternal serum folate under low levels. Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between expression of the neural precursor genes and H2AK119ub1. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that folate deficiency contributes to the onset of NTDs by altering H2AK119ub1 and subsequently affecting expression of neural tube closure-related genes. This may be a potential risk factor for NTDs in response to folate deficiency.

Fatty Liver Disease Caused by High-Alcohol-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae.

The underlying etiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is believed to be quite varied. Changes in the gut microbiota have been investigated and are believed to contribute to at least some cases of the disease, though a causal relationship remains unclear. Here, we show that high-alcohol-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (HiAlc Kpn) is associated with up to 60% of individuals with NAFLD in a Chinese cohort. Transfer of clinical isolates of HiAlc Kpn by oral gavage into mice induced NAFLD. Likewise, fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) into mice using a HiAlc-Kpn-strain-containing microbiota isolated from an individual with NASH induced NAFLD. However, selective elimination of the HiAlc Kpn strain before FMT prevented NAFLD in the recipient mice. These results suggest that at least in some cases of NAFLD an alteration in the gut microbiome drives the condition due to excess endogenous alcohol production.