Artemisia argyi extract subfraction exerts an antifungal effect against dermatophytes by disrupting mitochondrial morphology and function / 中国天然药物

Artemisia argyi (A. argyi), a plant with a longstanding history as a raw material for traditional medicine and functional diets in Asia, has been used traditionally to bathe and soak feet for its disinfectant and itch-relieving properties. Despite its widespread use, scientific evidence validating the antifungal efficacy of A. argyi water extract (AAWE) against dermatophytes, particularly Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Microsporum gypseum, remains limited. This study aimed to substantiate the scientific basis of the folkloric use of A. argyi by evaluating the antifungal effects and the underlying molecular mechanisms of its active subfraction against dermatophytes. The results indicated that AAWE exhibited excellent antifungal effects against the three aforementioned dermatophyte species. The subfraction AAWE6, isolated using D101 macroporous resin, emerged as the most potent subfraction. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of AAWE6 against T. rubrum, M. gypseum, and T. mentagrophytes were 312.5, 312.5, and 625 μg·mL-1, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results and assays of enzymes linked to cell wall integrity and cell membrane function indicated that AAWE6 could penetrate the external protective barrier of T. rubrum, creating breaches ("small holes"), and disrupt the internal mitochondrial structure ("granary"). Furthermore, transcriptome data, quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), and biochemical assays corroborated the severe disruption of mitochondrial function, evidenced by inhibited tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and energy metabolism. Additionally, chemical characterization and molecular docking analyses identified flavonoids, primarily eupatilin (131.16 ± 4.52 mg·g-1) and jaceosidin (4.17 ± 0.18 mg·g-1), as the active components of AAWE6. In conclusion, the subfraction AAWE6 from A. argyi exerts antifungal effects against dermatophytes by disrupting mitochondrial morphology and function. This research validates the traditional use of A. argyi and provides scientific support for its anti-dermatophytic applications, as recognized in the Chinese patent (No. ZL202111161301.9).

Therapeutic potential of NADH: in neurodegenerative diseases characterizde by mitochondrial dysfunction / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide（NADH） in its reduced form of is a key coenzyme in redox reactions, essential for maintaining energy homeostasis.NADH and its oxidized counterpart, NAD+, form a redox couple that regulates various biological processes, including calcium homeostasis, synaptic plasticity, anti-apoptosis, and gene expression. The reduction of NAD+/NADH levels is closely linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, which plays a pivotal role in the cascade of various neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.Auditory neuropathy（AN） is recognized as a clinical biomarker in neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, mitochondrial dysfunction has been identified in patients with mutations in genes like OPA1and AIFM1. However, effective treatments for these conditions are still lacking. Increasing evidence suggests that administratering NAD+ or its precursors endogenously may potentially prevent and slow disease progression by enhancing DNA repair and improving mitochondrial function. Therefore, this review concentrates on the metabolic pathways of NAD+/NADH production and their biological functions, and delves into the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of NADH in treating AN.

Embryo development is impaired by sperm mitochondrial-derived ROS

BACKGROUND: Basal energetic metabolism in sperm, particularly oxidative phosphorylation, is known to condition not only their oocyte fertilising ability, but also the subsequent embryo development. While the molecular pathways underlying these events still need to be elucidated, reactive oxygen species (ROS) could have a relevant role. We, therefore, aimed to describe the mechanisms through which mitochondrial activity can influence the first stages of embryo development. RESULTS: We first show that embryo development is tightly influenced by both intracellular ROS and mitochondrial activity. In addition, we depict that the inhibition of mitochondrial activity dramatically decreases intracellular ROS levels. Finally, we also demonstrate that the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration positively influences sperm DNA integrity, most likely because of the depletion of intracellular ROS formation. CONCLUSION: Collectively, the data presented in this work reveals that impairment of early embryo development may result from the accumulation of sperm DNA damage caused by mitochondrial-derived ROS.

Effect of Endometriosis on Cumulus ATP, Number of Mitochondria and Oocyte Maturity in Cumulus Oocyte Complex in Mice / Efeito da endometriose no cumulus ATP, número de mitocôndrias e maturidade oocitária no complexo oocitário cumulus em camundongos

Abstract Objective Endometriosis causes a decrease in oocyte quality. However, this mechanism is not fully understood. The present study aimed to analyze the effect of endometriosis on cumulus cell adenosine triphosphate ATP level, the number of mitochondria, and the oocyte maturity level. Methods A true experimental study with a post-test only control group design on experimental animals. Thirty-two mice were divided into control and endometriosis groups. Cumulus oocyte complex (COC) was obtained from all groups. Adenosine triphosphate level on cumulus cells was examined using the Elisa technique, the number of mitochondria was evaluated with a confocal laser scanning microscope and the oocyte maturity level was evaluated with an inverted microscope. Results The ATP level of cumulus cells and the number of mitochondria in the endometriosis group increased significantly (p < 0.05; p < 0.05) while the oocyte maturity level was significantly lower (p < 0.05). There was a significant relationship between ATP level of cumulus cells and the number of mitochondrial oocyte (p < 0.01). There was no significant relationship between cumulus cell ATP level and the number of mitochondrial oocytes with oocyte maturity level (p > 0.01; p > 0.01). The ROC curve showed that the number of mitochondrial oocytes (AUC = 0.672) tended to be more accurate than cumulus cell ATP level (AUC = 0.656) in determining the oocyte maturity level. Conclusion In endometriosis model mice, the ATP level of cumulus cells and the number of mitochondrial oocytes increased while the oocyte maturity level decreased. There was a correlation between the increase in ATP level of cumulus cells and an increase in the number of mitochondrial oocytes.

Over-expression of gastrin inhibits apoptosis of gastric cancer cells via reactive oxygen species and annexin A2-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction / La sobreexpresión de gastrina inhibe la apoptosis de las células de cáncer gástrico a través de especies reactivas de oxígeno y disfunción mitocondrial mediada por anexina A2

SUMMARY: Gastrin plays a vital role in the development and progression of gastric cancer (GC). Its expression is up-regulated in GC tissues and several GC cell lines. Yet, the underlying mechanism remains to be investigated. Here, we aim to investigate the role and mechanism of gastrin in GC proliferation. Gastrin-overexpressing GC cell model was constructed using SGC7901 cells. Then the differentially expressed proteins were identified by iTRAQ analysis. Next, we use flow cytometry and immunofluorescence to study the effect of gastrin on the mitochondrial potential and mitochondria-derived ROS production. Finally, we studied the underlying mechanism of gastrin regulating mitochondrial function using Co-IP, mass spectrometry and immunofluorescence. Overexpression of gastrin promoted GC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. A total of 173 proteins were expressed differently between the controls and gastrin- overexpression cells and most of these proteins were involved in tumorigenesis and cell proliferation. Among them, Cox17, Cox5B and ATP5J that were all localized to the mitochondrial respiratory chain were down-regulated in gastrin-overexpression cells. Furthermore, gastrin overexpression led to mitochondrial potential decrease and mitochondria-derived ROS increase. Additionally, gastrin-induced ROS generation resulted in the inhibition of cell apoptosis via activating NF-kB, inhibiting Bax expression and promoting Bcl-2 expression. Finally, we found gastrin interacted with mitochondrial membrane protein Annexin A2 using Co-IP and mass spectrometry. Overexpr ession of gastrin inhibits GC cell apoptosis by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction through interacting with mitochondrial protein Annexin A2, then up-regulating ROS production to activate NF-kB and further leading to Bax/Bcl-2 ratio decrease.

La gastrina juega un papel vital en el desarrollo y progresión del cáncer gástrico (CG). Su expresión está regulada al alza en tejidos de CG y en varias líneas celulares de CG. Sin embargo, el mecanismo subyacente aun no se ha investigado. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el papel y el mecanismo de la gastrina en la proliferación de CG. El modelo de células CG que sobre expresan gastrina se construyó usando células SGC7901. Luego, las proteínas expresadas diferencialmente se identificaron mediante análisis iTRAQ. A continuación, utilizamos la citometría de flujo y la inmunofluorescencia para estudiar el efecto de la gastrina en el potencial mitocondrial y la producción de ROS derivada de las mitocondrias. Finalmente, estudiamos el mecanismo subyacente de la gastrina que regula la función mitocondrial utilizando Co-IP, espectrometría de masas e inmunofluorescencia. La sobreexpresión de gastrina promovió la proliferación de células CG in vitro e in vivo. Un total de 173 proteínas se expresaron de manera diferente entre los controles y las células con sobreexpresión de gastrina y la mayoría de estas proteínas estaban implicadas en la tumorigenesis y la proliferación celular. Entre estas, Cox17, Cox5B y ATP5J, todas localizadas en la cadena respiratoria mitocondrial, estaban reguladas a la baja en las células con sobreexpresión de gastrina. Además, la sobreexpresión de gastrina provocó una disminución del potencial mitocondrial y un aumento de las ROS derivadas de las mitocondrias. Por otra parte, la generación de ROS inducida por gastrina resultó en la inhibición de la apoptosis celular mediante la activación de NF-kB, inhibiendo la expresión de Bax y promoviendo la expresión de Bcl-2. Finalmente, encontramos que la gastrina interactuaba con la proteína de membrana mitocondrial Anexina A2 usando Co-IP y espectrometría de masas. La sobreexpresión de gastrina inhibe la apoptosis de las células CG al inducir la disfunción mitocondrial a través de la interacción con la proteína mitocondrial Anexina A2, luego regula el aumento de la producción de ROS para activar NF-kB y conduce aún más a la disminución de la relación Bax/Bcl-2.

Research progress of the regulatory role of autophagy in metabolic liver diseases / 中华肝脏病杂志

Autophagy is one of several hepatic metabolic processes in which starved cells are supplied with glucose, free fatty acids, and amino acids to produce energy and synthesize new macromolecules. Moreover, it regulates the quantity and quality of mitochondria and other organelles. As the liver is a vital metabolic organ, specific forms of autophagy are necessary for maintaining liver homeostasis. Protein, fat, and sugar are the three primary nutrients that can be altered by different metabolic liver diseases. Drugs that have an effect on autophagy can either promote or inhibit autophagy, and as a result, it can either increase or inhibit the three major nutritional metabolisms that are affected by liver disease. Thus, this opens up a novel therapeutic option for liver disease.

Role of Mitophagy in Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury and Chinese Medicine Treatment / 中国结合医学杂志

Mitophagy is one of the important targets for the prevention and treatment of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI). Moderate mitophagy can remove damaged mitochondria, inhibit excessive reactive oxygen species accumulation, and protect mitochondria from damage. However, excessive enhancement of mitophagy greatly reduces adenosine triphosphate production and energy supply for cell survival, and aggravates cell death. How dysfunctional mitochondria are selectively recognized and engulfed is related to the interaction of adaptors on the mitochondrial membrane, which mainly include phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN)-induced kinase 1/Parkin, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α/Bcl-2 and adenovirus e1b19k Da interacting protein 3, FUN-14 domain containing protein 1 receptor-mediated mitophagy pathway and so on. In this review, the authors briefly summarize the main pathways currently studied on mitophagy and the relationship between mitophagy and MIRI, and incorporate and analyze research data on prevention and treatment of MIRI with Chinese medicine, thereby provide relevant theoretical basis and treatment ideas for clinical prevention of MIRI.

Effect of Guizhi Fuling Capsule on Apoptosis of Myeloma Cells Through Mitochondrial Apoptosis Pathway / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of Guizhi Fuling Capsule (GZFLC) on myeloma cells and explore the mechanisms.@*METHODS@#MM1S and RPMI 8226 cells were co-cultured with different concentrations of serum and the cell experiments were divided into negative (10%, 20% and 40%) groups, GZFLC (10%, 20%, and 40%) groups and a control group. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays and flow cytometry were used to detect the viability and apoptosis levels of myeloma cells. The effects on mitochondria were examined by reactive oxygen specie (ROS) and tetrechloro-tetraethylbenzimidazol carbocyanine iodide (JC-1) assays. Western blot was used to detect the expression of B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X (Bax), cleaved caspase-3, -9, cytochrome C (Cytc) and apoptotic protease-activating factor 1 (Apaf-1). RPMI 8226 cells (2 × 107) were subcutaneously inoculated into 48 nude mice to study the in vivo antitumor effects of GZFLC. The mice were randomly divided into four groups using a completely randomized design, the high-, medium-, or low-dose GZFLC (840, 420, or 210 mg/kg per day, respectively) or an equal volume of distilled water, administered daily for 15 days. The tumor volume changes in and survival times of the mice in the GZFLC-administered groups and a control group were observed. Cytc and Apaf-1 expression levels were detected by immunohistochemistry.@*RESULTS@#GZFLC drug serum decreased the viability and increased the apoptosis of myeloam cells (P<0.05). In addition, this drug increased the ROS levels and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.01). Western blot showed that the Bcl-2/Bax ratios were decreased in the GZFLC drug serum-treated groups, whereas the expression levels of cleaved caspase-3, -9, Cytc and Apaf-1 were increased (all P<0.01). Over time, the myeloma tumor volumes of the mice in the GZFLC-administered groups decreased, and survival time of the mice in the GZFLC-administered groups were longer than that of the mice in the control group. Immunohistochemical analysis of tumor tissues from the mice in the GZFLC-administered groups revealed that the Cytc and Apaf-1 expression levels were increased (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#GZFLC promoted apoptosis of myeloma cells through the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and significantly reduced the tumor volumes in mice with myeloma, which prolonged the survival times of the mice.

Lyciumbarbarum polysaccharides ameliorate canine acute liver injury by reducing oxidative stress, protecting mitochondrial function, and regulating metabolic pathways / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

The development of acute liver injury can result in liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and even liver cancer, yet there is currently no effective therapy for it. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect and therapeutic mechanism of Lyciumbarbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) on acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). To create a model of acute liver injury, experimental canines received an intraperitoneal injection of 1 mL/kg of CCl4 solution. The experimental canines in the therapy group were then fed LBPs (20 mg/kg). CCl4-induced liver structural damage, excessive fibrosis, and reduced mitochondrial density were all improved by LBPs, according to microstructure data. By suppressing Kelch-like epichlorohydrin (ECH)-associated protein 1 (Keap1), promoting the production of sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1)/p62, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and phase II detoxification genes and proteins downstream of Nrf2, and restoring the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes like catalase (CAT), LBPs can restore and increase the antioxidant capacity of liver. To lessen mitochondrial damage, LBPs can also enhance mitochondrial respiration, raise tissue adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, and reactivate the respiratory chain complexes I‒V. According to serum metabolomics, the therapeutic impact of LBPs on acute liver damage is accomplished mostly by controlling the pathways to lipid metabolism. 9-Hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (9-HODE), lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC/LPC), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) may be potential indicators of acute liver injury. This study confirmed that LBPs, an effective hepatoprotective drug, may cure acute liver injury by lowering oxidative stress, repairing mitochondrial damage, and regulating metabolic pathways.

Berberine targets the electron transport chain complex I and reveals the landscape of OXPHOS dependency in acute myeloid leukemia with IDH1 mutation / 中国天然药物

Metabolic reprogramming, a newly recognized trait of tumor biology, is an intensively studied prospect for oncology medicines. For numerous tumors and cancer cell subpopulations, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is essential for their biosynthetic and bioenergetic functions. Cancer cells with mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) exhibit differentiation arrest, epigenetic and transcriptional reprogramming, and sensitivity to mitochondrial OXPHOS inhibitors. In this study, we report that berberine, which is widely used in China to treat intestinal infections, acted solely at the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complex I, and that its association with IDH1 mutant inhibitor (IDH1mi) AG-120 decreased mitochondrial activity and enhanced antileukemic effect in vitro andin vivo. Our study gives a scientific rationale for the therapy of IDH1 mutant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients using combinatory mitochondrial targeted medicines, particularly those who are resistant to or relapsing from IDH1mi.

Lower plasma selenoprotein P levels in regularly exercising young adults / Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies

Objective@#Physical exercise can provide many health benefits in humans. Exercise-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and its downstream signaling cascades are reported to induce mitochondrial biogenesis in exercising tissues. Selenoprotein P (SELENOP) is the antioxidant hepatokine whose hypersecretion is associated with various metabolic diseases. It was reported to impair exercise-induced reactive oxygen species signaling and inhibit subsequent mitochondrial biogenesis in mice. However, the relationship between selenoprotein P and mitochondrial dynamics in humans has not yet been reported. While reduction of plasma selenoprotein P becomes an attractive therapeutic target for metabolic diseases, the role of regular exercise in this regard is still unknown. This study aimed to analyze the influence of regular habitual exercise on plasma selenoprotein P levels and its association with leucocyte mitochondrial DNA copy number in healthy young adults.@*Methodology@#Plasma selenoprotein P levels and leucocyte mitochondrial DNA copy numbers were compared in 44 regularly exercising subjects and 44 non-exercising controls, and the correlation between the two parameters was analyzed. Plasma selenoprotein P levels were measured by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay, and leucocyte mitochondrial DNA copy numbers were measured using the qPCR method.@*Results@#The regular-exercise group had lower plasma selenoprotein P levels with higher leucocyte mitochondrial DNA copy numbers than the non-exercise group. There was a tendency of negative correlation between the two variables in our studied population.@*Conclusion@#Regular habitual exercise has a beneficial effect on reducing plasma selenoprotein P levels while raising mitochondrial DNA copy numbers.

Quality control mechanism of mitochondria by 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde through OGT-PINK1 pathway / 中国中药杂志

Based on the O-GlcNAc transferase(OGT)-PTEN-induced putative kinase 1(PINK1) pathway, the mechanism of 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde(DBD) on mitochondrial quality control was investigated. Middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion(MCAO/R) rats were established. SD rats were randomized into sham operation group(sham), model group(MCAO/R), DBD-L group(5 mg·kg~(-1)), and DBD-H group(10 mg·kg~(-1)). After 7 days of administration(ig), MCAO/R was induced in rats except the sham group with the suture method. Twenty-four h after reperfusion, the neurological function and the percentage of cerebral infarct area were measured. Based on hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining and Nissl staining, the pathological damage of cerebral neurons was examined. Then the ultrastructure of mitochondria was observed under the electron microscope, and the co-localization of light chain-3(LC3), sequestosome-1(SQSTM1/P62), and Beclin1 was further detected by immunofluorescence staining. It has been reported that the quality of mitochondria can be ensured by inducing mitochondrial autophagy through the OGT-PINK1 pathway. Therefore, Western blot was employed to detect the expression of OGT, mitophagy-related proteins PINK1 and E3 ubiquitin ligase(Parkin), and mitochondrial kinetic proteins dynamin-like protein 1(Drp1) and optic atrophy 1(Opa1). The results showed that MCAO/R group had neurological dysfunction, large cerebral infarct area(P<0.01), damaged morphological structure of neurons, decreased number of Nissl bodies, mitochondrial swelling, disappearance of mitochondrial cristae, decrease of cells with LC3 and Beclin1, rise of cells with P62(P<0.01), inhibited expression of OGT, PINK1, and Parkin, up-regulated expression of Drp1, and down-regulated expression of Opa1 compared with the sham group(P<0.01). However, DBD improved the behavioral deficits and mitochondrial health of MCAO/R rats, as manifested by the improved morphology and structure of neurons and mitochondria and the increased Nissl bodies. Moreover, DBD increased cells with LC3 and Beclin1 and decreased cells with P62(P<0.01). In addition, DBD promoted the expression of OGT, PINK1, Parkin, and Opa1 and inhibited the expression of Drp1, enhancing mitophagy(P<0.05, P<0.01). In conclusion, DBD can trigger PINK1/Parkin-mediated brain mitophagy through the OGT-PINK1 pathway, which plays a positive role in maintaining the health of the mitochondrial network. This may be a mitochondrial therapeutic mechanism to promote nerve cell survival and improve cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Research progress on the role of chondrocyte mitochondrial homeostasis imbalance in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To summarize the role of chondrocyte mitochondrial homeostasis imbalance in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) and analyze its application prospects.@*METHODS@#The recent literature at home and abroad was reviewed to summarize the mechanism of mitochondrial homeostasis imbalance, the relationship between mitochondrial homeostasis imbalance and the pathogenesis of OA, and the application prospect in the treatment of OA.@*RESULTS@#Recent studies have shown that mitochondrial homeostasis imbalance, which is caused by abnormal mitochondrial biogenesis, the imbalance of mitochondrial redox, the imbalance of mitochondrial dynamics, and damaged mitochondrial autophagy of chondrocytes, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of OA. Abnormal mitochondrial biogenesis can accelerate the catabolic reaction of OA chondrocytes and aggravate cartilage damage. The imbalance of mitochondrial redox can lead to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibit the synthesis of extracellular matrix, induce ferroptosis and eventually leads to cartilage degradation. The imbalance of mitochondrial dynamics can lead to mitochondrial DNA mutation, decreased adenosine triphosphate production, ROS accumulation, and accelerated apoptosis of chondrocytes. When mitochondrial autophagy is damaged, dysfunctional mitochondria cannot be cleared in time, leading to ROS accumulation, which leads to chondrocyte apoptosis. It has been found that substances such as puerarin, safflower yellow, and astaxanthin can inhibit the development of OA by regulating mitochondrial homeostasis, which proves the potential to be used in the treatment of OA.@*CONCLUSION@#The mitochondrial homeostasis imbalance in chondrocytes is one of the most important pathogeneses of OA, and further exploration of the mechanisms of mitochondrial homeostasis imbalance is of great significance for the prevention and treatment of OA.

Regulation and influence of mitochondria on macrophages during hepatitis B virus infection / 中华肝脏病杂志

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an important public health concern, as approximately 3.5% of the world's population is currently chronically infected. Chronic HBV infection is the primary cause of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and deaths related to liver disease globally. Studies have found that in HBV infection, viruses can directly or indirectly regulate mitochondrial energy metabolism, oxidative stress, respiratory chain metabolites, and autophagy, thereby altering macrophage activation status, differentiation types, and related cytokine secretion type and quantity regulations. Therefore, mitochondria have become an important signal source for macrophages to participate in the body's immune system during HBV infection, providing a basis for mitochondria to be considered as a potential therapeutic target for chronic hepatitis B.

Overexpression of miR-431-5p impairs mitochondrial function and induces apoptosis in gastric cancer cells via the Bax/Bcl-2/caspase3 pathway / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the expression of microRNA miR-431-5p in gastric cancer (GC) tissues and its effects on apoptosis and mitochondrial function in GC cells.@*METHODS@#The expression level of miR-431-5p in 50 clinical samples of GC tissues and paired adjacent tissues was detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, and its correlation with the clinicopathological features of the patients was analyzed. A cultured human GC cell line (MKN-45 cells) were transfected with a miR-431-5p mimic or a negative control sequence, and the cell proliferation, apoptosis, mitochondrial number, mitochondrial potential, mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content were detected using CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, fluorescent probe label, or ATP detection kit. The changes in the expression levels of the apoptotic proteins in the cells were detected with Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#The expression level of miR-431-5p was significantly lower in GC tissues than in the adjacent tissues (P < 0.001) and was significantly correlated with tumor differentiation (P=0.0227), T stage (P=0.0184), N stage (P=0.0005), TNM stage (P=0.0414) and vascular invasion (P=0.0107). In MKN-45 cells, overexpression of miR-431-5p obviously inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis, causing also mitochondrial function impairment as shown by reduced mitochondrial number, lowered mitochondrial potential, increased mPTP opening, increased ROS production and reduced ATP content. Overexpression of miR-431-5p significantly downregulated the expression of Bcl-2 and increased the expressions of pro-apoptotic proteins p53, Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase-3 protein.@*CONCLUSION@#The expression of miR-431-5p is down-regulated in GC, which results in mitochondrial function impairment and promotes cell apoptosis by activating the Bax/Bcl-2/caspase3 signaling pathway, suggesting the potential role of miR-431-5p in targeted therapy for GC.

The role of mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes in age-related cardiovascular diseases / 生理学报

Mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs) are the physical connection sites between mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). As the compartments controlling substance and information communications between ER and mitochondria, MAMs were involved in the regulation of various pathophysiological processes, such as calcium homeostasis, mitochondrial morphology and function, lipid metabolism and autophagy. In the past decades, accumulating lines of evidence have revealed the pivotal role of MAMs in diverse cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Aging is one of the major independent risk factors for CVD, which causes progressive degeneration of the cardiovascular system, leading to increased morbidity and mortality of CVD. This review aims to summarize the research progress of MAMs in age-related CVD, and explore new targets for its prevention and treatment.

Effect of uridine on mitochondrial function / 生物工程学报

Uridine is one of the essential nutrients in organisms. To maintain normal cell growth and intracellular metabolism, the uridine must be maintained at certain concentration. Recent studies have shown that uridine can reduce inflammatory response in organisms, participate in glycolysis, and regulate intracellular protein modification, such as glycosylation and acetylation. Furthermore, it can protect cells from hypoxic injury by reducing intracellular oxidative stress, promoting high-energy compounds synthesis. Previous studies have shown that the protective effects of uridine are closely related to its effect on mitochondria. This review summarizes the effect of uridine on mitochondrial function.

Research progress in mitochondrial gene editing technology / 浙江大学学报·医学版

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations result in a variety of genetic diseases. As an emerging therapeutic method, mtDNA editing technology recognizes targets more based on the protein and less on the nucleic acid. Although the protein recognition type mtDNA editing technology represented by zinc finger nuclease technology, transcription activator like effector nuclease technology and base editing technology has made some progress, the disadvantages of complex recognition sequence design hinder further popularization. Gene editing based on nucleic acid recognition by the CRISPR system shows superiority due to the simple structure, easy design and modification. However, the lack of effective means to deliver nucleic acids into mitochondria limits application in the field of mtDNA editing. With the advances in the study of endogenous and exogenous import pathways and the deepening understanding of DNA repair mechanisms, growing evidence shows the feasibility of nucleic acid delivery and the broad application prospects of nucleic acid recognition type mtDNA editing technology. Based on the classification of recognition elements, this article summarizes the current principles and development of mitochondrial gene editing technology, and discusses its application prospects.

Regulation of Neuro-Microenvironment on Mitochondrial Mass of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the effects of the neuro-microenvironment on the mass of mitochondria in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC), and to understand the potential mechanisms how nerve regulates HSPC.@*METHODS@#6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and capsaicin were used to interfere with the function of sympathetic nerve and nociceptive nerve in mitochondria-GFP reporter mice, respectively. The fluorescence intensity of GFP in bone marrow and spleen was measured by flow cytometry. The GFP median fluorescence intensity (MFI) of HSPC in normal bone marrow and spleen was analyzed and compared. The changes of the mitochondrial mass in HSPCs in each group after denervation were compared.@*RESULTS@#Hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) had the highest mito-GFP MFI in steady-state (49 793±1 877), and the mito-GFP MFI gradually decreased during the differentiation of HSCs. Compared with control group, pharmaceutical nociceptive denervation significantly increased the mito-GFP MFI of bone marrow multipotent progenitor-1 (MPP1, 50 751±420 vs 44 020±510) and LKS- cells (15 673±65 vs 13 979±103); pharmaceutical sympathetic denervation significantly reduced the mito-GFP MFI of bone marrow LKS+ cells (21 667±351 vs 29 249±973).@*CONCLUSION@#Sympathetic and nociceptive nerves can regulate the mass of mitochondria in HSPC and affect the function of HSPCs.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced mitochondrial dysfunction inhibits proinflammatory cytokine secretion and enhances cytotoxicity in mouse macrophages in a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent way / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

随着铜绿假单胞菌（铜绿）的耐药性逐年增强，铜绿感染已经成为公共医疗卫生的重点关注问题。线粒体自噬及其介导的线粒体功能障碍在多种细菌感染中已被报道，但线粒体功能障碍在宿主调控铜绿感染中的作用尚不明确。因此，本研究建立铜绿刺激小鼠巨噬细胞感染模型和小鼠急性铜绿感染模型，探讨铜绿是否通过诱导线粒体自噬改变线粒体功能，进而影响宿主免疫炎症反应和细胞毒性，并通过监测生存率和肺组织病理学变化进一步确定线粒体自噬在小鼠铜绿体内感染模型中的作用。结果表明，铜绿引起小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞线粒体功能障碍，并通过线粒体自噬途径清除铜绿刺激引起的活性氧（ROS）累积，从而抑制铜绿引起的促炎性细胞因子分泌并增强细胞毒性。体内实验进一步确认线粒体自噬在铜绿体内感染中的作用。