Systemic immune profiling of Omicron-infected subjects inoculated with different doses of inactivated virus vaccine.

SARS-CoV-2 primary strain-based vaccination exerts a protective effect against Omicron variants-initiated infection, symptom occurrence, and disease severity in a booster-dependent manner. Yet, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. During the 2022 Omicron outbreak in Shanghai, we enrolled 122 infected adults and 50 uninfected controls who had been unvaccinated or vaccinated with two or three doses of COVID-19 inactive vaccines and performed integrative analysis of 41-plex CyTOF, RNA-seq, and Olink on their peripheral blood samples. The frequencies of HLA-DRhi classical monocytes, non-classical monocytes, and Th1-like Tem tended to increase, whereas the frequency of Treg was reduced by booster vaccine, and they influenced symptom occurrence in a vaccine dose-dependent manner. Intercorrelation and mechanistic analysis suggested that the booster vaccination induced monocytic training, which would prime monocytic activation and maturation rather than differentiating into myeloid-derived suppressive cells upon Omicron infections. Overall, our study provides insights into how booster vaccination elaborates protective immunity across SARS-CoV-2 variants.

The MdERF61-mdm-miR397b-MdLAC7b module regulates apple resistance to Fusarium solani via lignin biosynthesis.

Apple replant disease (ARD) is a worldwide problem that threatens the industry. However, the genetic mechanism underlying plant disease resistance against ARD remains unclear. In this study, a negative regulatory microRNA in Malus domestica, mdm-miR397b \, and its direct target MdLAC7b (Laccase) was selected for examination based on our previous small RNA and degradome sequencing results. Overexpressing the mdm-miR397b-MdLAC7b module altered the lignin deposition and JA contents in apple roots, which also led to increased resistance to Fusarium solani. Additionally, Y1H library screening using mdm-miR397b promoter recombinants identified a transcription factor, MdERF61, that represses mdm-miR397b transcriptional activity by directly binding to two GCC-boxes in the mdm-miR397b promoter. In summary, our results suggest that the MdERF61-mdm-miR397b-MdLAC7b module plays a crucial role in apple resistance to F. solani and offers insights for enhancing plant resistance to soilborne diseases in apple.

Role and mechanism of EphB3 in epileptic seizures and epileptogenesis through Kalirin.

BACKGROUND: The EphB receptor tyrosine kinase family participates in intricate signaling pathways that orchestrate neural networks, guide neuronal axon development, and modulate synaptic plasticity through interactions with surface-bound ephrinB ligands. Additionally, Kalirin, a Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor, is notably expressed in the postsynaptic membrane of excitatory neurons and plays a role in synaptic morphogenesis. This study postulates that Kalirin may act as a downstream effector of EphB3 in epilepsy. This investigation focuses on understanding the link between EphB3 and epilepsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chronic seizure models using LiCl-pilocarpine (LiCl/Pilo) and pentylenetetrazol were developed in rats. Neuronal excitability was gauged through whole-cell patch clamp recordings on rat hippocampal slices. Real-time PCR determined Kalirin's mRNA expression, and Western blotting was employed to quantify EphB3 and Kalirin protein levels. Moreover, dendritic spine density in epileptic rats was evaluated using Golgi staining. RESULTS: Modulation of EphB3 functionality influenced acute seizure severity, latency duration, and frequency of spontaneous recurrent seizures. Golgi staining disclosed an EphB3-driven alteration in dendritic spine density within the hippocampus of epileptic rats, underscoring its pivotal role in the reconfiguration of hippocampal neural circuits. Furthermore, our data propose Kalirin as a prospective downstream mediator of the EphB3 receptor. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings elucidate that EphB3 impacts the action potential dynamics in isolated rat hippocampal slices and alters dendritic spine density in the inner molecular layer of epileptic rat hippocampi, likely through Kalirin-mediated pathways. This hints at EphB3's significant role in shaping excitatory circuit loops and recurrent seizure activity via Kalirin.

The causal relationship between autoimmune thyroid disorders and telomere length: A Mendelian randomization and colocalization study.

This study aimed to evaluate whether there is a causal relationship between autoimmune thyroid disorders (AITDs) and telomere length (TL) in the European population and whether there is reverse causality. In this study, Mendelian randomization (MR) and colocalization analysis were conducted to assess the potential causal relationship between AITDs and TL using summary statistics from large-scale genome-wide association studies, followed by analysis of the relationship between TL and thyroid stimulating hormone and free thyroxine (FT4) to help interpret the findings. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used to estimate the causal estimates. The weighted median, MR-Egger and leave-one-out methods were used as sensitivity analyses. The IVW method results showed a significant causal relationship between autoimmune hyperthyroidism and TL (ß = -1.93 × 10-2 ; p = 4.54 × 10-5 ). There was no causal relationship between autoimmune hypothyroidism and TL (ß = -3.99 × 10-3 ; p = 0.324). The results of the reverse MR analysis showed that genetically TL had a significant causal relationship on autoimmune hyperthyroidism (IVW: odds ratio (OR) = 0.49; p = 2.83 × 10-4 ) and autoimmune hypothyroidism (IVW: OR = 0.86; p = 7.46 × 10-3 ). Both horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity tests indicated the validity of our bidirectional MR study. Finally, colocalization analysis suggested that there were shared causal variants between autoimmune hyperthyroidism and TL, further highlighting the robustness of the results. In conclusion, autoimmune hyperthyroidism may accelerate telomere attrition, and telomere attrition is a causal factor for AITDs.

ERK1/2 Regulates Epileptic Seizures by Modulating the DRP1-Mediated Mitochondrial Dynamic.

After seizures, the hyperactivation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) causes mitochondrial dysfunction. Through the guidance of dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1), ERK1/2 plays a role in the pathogenesis of several illnesses. Herein, we speculate that ERK1/2 affects mitochondrial division and participates in the pathogenesis of epilepsy by regulating the activity of DRP1. LiCl-Pilocarpine was injected intraperitoneally to establish a rat model of status epilepticus (SE) for this study. Before SE induction, PD98059 and Mdivi-1 were injected intraperitoneally. The number of seizures and the latency period before the onset of the first seizure were then monitored. The analysis of Western blot was also used to measure the phosphorylated and total ERK1/2 and DRP1 protein expression levels in the rat hippocampus. In addition, immunohistochemistry revealed the distribution of ERK1/2 and DRP1 in neurons of hippocampal CA1 and CA3. Both PD98059 and Mdivi-1 reduced the susceptibility of rats to epileptic seizures, according to behavioral findings. By inhibiting ERK1/2 phosphorylation, the Western blot revealed that PD98059 indirectly reduced the phosphorylation of DRP1 at Ser616 (p-DRP1-Ser616). Eventually, the ERK1/2 and DRP1 were distributed in the cytoplasm of neurons by immunohistochemistry. Inhibition of ERK1/2 signaling pathways downregulates p-DRP1-Ser616 expression, which could inhibit DRP1-mediated excessive mitochondrial fission and then regulate the pathogenesis of epilepsy.

m6A modification mediates SLC3A2/SLC7A5 translation in 3-methylcholanthrene-induced uroepithelial transformation.

3-Methylcholanthracene (3-MC) is one of the most carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Long-term exposure to PAHs has been thought of as an important factor in urothelial tumorigenesis. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) exists widely in eukaryotic organisms and regulates the expression level of specific genes by regulating mRNA stability, translation efficiency, and nuclear export efficiency. Currently, the potential molecular mechanisms that regulate m6A modification for 3-MC carcinogenesis remain unclear. Here, we profiled mRNA, m6A, translation and protein level using "-omics" methodologies, including transcriptomes, m6A profile, translatomes, and proteomics in 3-MC-transformed urothelial cells and control cells. The key molecules SLC3A2/SLC7A5 were screened and identified in 3-MC-induced uroepithelial transformation. Moreover, SLC7A5/SLC3A2 promoted uroepithelial cells malignant phenotype in vitro and in vivo. Mechanically, METTL3 and ALKBH5 mediated m6A modification of SLC3A2/SLC7A5 mRNA in 3-MC-induced uroepithelial transformation by upregulating the translation of SLC3A2/SLC7A5. Furthermore, programmable m6A modification of SLC3A2/SLC7A5 mRNA affected the expression of its proteins. Taken together, our results revealed that the m6A modification-mediated SLC3A2/SLC7A5 translation promoted 3-MC-induced uroepithelial transformation, suggesting that targeting m6A modification of SLC3A2/SLC7A5 may be a potential therapeutic strategy for bladder cancer related to PAHs.

Systemic immunity-inflammation index is associated with body fat distribution among U.S. adults: evidence from national health and nutrition examination survey 2011-2018.

OBJECTIVE: The systemic immunity-inflammation index (SII) is a newly developed biomarker that provides an integrated measure of inflammation in the body. We aim to evaluate the relationship between SII and body fat distribution. METHODS: Adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2018 were included. The SII was computed using lymphocyte (LC), neutrophil (NC), and platelet (PC) counts as its components. Body fat distribution was assessed by (total, android, gynoid) percentage fat, total abdominal fat area, subcutaneous adipose tissue area, visceral adipose tissue area, and the ratio of visceral to subcutaneous adipose tissue area (V/S ratio). Multivariable weighted linear regression and subgroup analysis were use to examine the relationships between fat distribution and SII. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) and threshold effect analysis were used to examine analyze nonlinear associations. RESULTS: After exclusions, a total of 11,192 adults with a weighted mean age of 38.46 ± 0.26 years were studied. In multivariable weighted linear regression, each level increase in log2SII was associated with increased of 0.23 SDs total percentage fat (95% CI = 0.03, 0.43) and 0.26 SDs android percentage fat (95% CI = 0.06, 0.47). Besides, the subgroup analysis showed that the positive association between SII and android percentage fat was mainly among obese individuals (BMI > 30 kg/m2) and non-obese individuals without DM or hypertension. Meanwhile, the relationship between SII and the V/S ratio was found to be significant in the female subgroup, the obese subgroup, individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and those without diabetes mellitus. Finally, SII exhibited an inverted U-shaped relationship with total percentage fat, android percent fat and total abdominal fat. Accordingly, threshold effect analysis indicated a positive association between lower SII levels and total percentage fat, android percentage fat and total abdominal fat area. CONCLUSIONS: In the nationwide study, it was observed that the SII exhibited a significant correlation with higher levels of body fat, specifically android fat. This association was particularly noticeable within specific subgroups of the population.

Superoxide dismutases: marker in predicting reduced left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with type 2 diabetes and acute coronary syndrome.

AIM: To examine the prognostic value of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity for monitoring reduced left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)in the patients with type 2 diabetes and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: The population of this cross-sectional study included 2377 inpatients with type 2 diabetes who had an ACS admitted to the Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from January 2016 to January 2021. RESULTS: Diabetic patients with ACS were divided into 2 subgroups based on LVEF. The mean SOD activity was significantly lower in patients with an LVEF ≤ 45% than in those with an LVEF > 45% (149.1 (146.4, 151.9) versus 161.9 (160.8, 163.0)). Using ROC statistic, a cut-off value of 148.8 U/ml indicated an LVEF ≤ 45% with a sensitivity of 51.6% and a specificity of 73.7%. SODs activity were found to be correlated with the levels of NT-proBNP, hs-cTnT, the inflammatory marker CRP and fibrinogen. Despite taking the lowest quartile as a reference (OR 0.368, 95% CI 0.493-0.825, P = 0.001) or examining 1 normalized unit increase (OR 0.651, 95% CI 0.482-0.880, P = 0.005), SOD activity was found to be a stronger predictor of reduced LVEF than CRP and fibrinogen, independent of confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: Our cross-sectional study suggests that SOD activity might be a valuable and easily accessible tool for assessing and monitoring reduced LVEF in the diabetic patients with ACS.

Activated charcoal helps in the diagnosis of dabigatran overdose: A case study.

The direct-acting oral anticoagulant dabigatran etexilate (DE) targets thrombin and is used widely to prevent thromboembolism. A 79-year-old man was admitted to the Emergency Department due to anuria for 2 days. An urgent laboratory examination revealed a serum creatinine concentration of 888 µmol/L. He was diagnosed with acute exacerbation of chronic renal insufficiency. During continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), the coagulation test showed a severe reduction in the fibrinogen level as well as a significantly prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). The patient had been taking DE (110 mg twice daily) for a long time and had not suspended the medication or reduced the dose during the worsening of anuria. Therefore, it should be evaluated before considering plasma replacement therapy for the patient, whether the abnormal coagulation parameters were induced by interference of excessive DE. Tentatively, we used activated charcoal to treat the plasma and then retested the fibrinogen, PT, and APTT. Results showed that the coagulation indices nearly returned to normal. The present case indicated that activated charcoal could adsorb DE in plasma effectively and eliminate its interference with coagulation test results, thereby providing support for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

The non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR) is associated with thyroid hormones and thyroid hormone sensitivity indices: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Lipids and thyroid hormones (TH) are closely interrelated. However, previous studies have not mentioned the linkage encompassing the non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR) alongside TH level, as well as sensitivity indices. METHODS: This cross-sectional study leverages expansive datasets from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2007 to 2012. Weighted multivariate linear regression, smoothed curve fitting and sensitivity analyses were used to investigate the associations of the NHHR with the thyroid. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests were conducted to determine the robustness of the findings across diverse segments of the population, ensuring the consistency and generalizability of the observed associations. RESULTS: The NHHR was significantly positively correlated with free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, the FT3 to FT4 ratio (FT3/FT4), and the quantile-based thyroid feedback index for FT3 (TFQIFT3) and negatively correlated with free thyroxin (FT4) levels [0.17(0.07-0.27), P = 0.001; 0.60 (0.03-1.17), P = 0.040; 0.06 (0.04-0.08), P < 0.0001; 0.23 (0.16-0.30), P < 0.0001; and -0.65 (-1.05--0.24), P = 0.002]. Smoothed curve fitting revealed nonlinear correlations of the NHHR with thyroid function and thyroid hormone sensitivity indices. In subgroup analyses, interaction tests, and smoothed curve fitting analyses, different populations presented largely consistent statistical differences. CONCLUSION: Among American adults, the NHHR was significantly positively correlated with FT3 levels, TSH levels, the FT3/FT4 and the TFQIFT3. Conversely, a negative association was noted between the NHHR and FT4 levels.

PGC-1α Affects Epileptic Seizures by Regulating Mitochondrial Fusion in Epileptic Rats.

BACKGROUND: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), regulated by AMPK, is an important regulator of mitochondrial fusion. At present, whether the AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway regulates mitochondrial dynamics in epileptic rats is still unknown. METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into fourgroups: the control group (0.9% saline, n = 5), the EP groups (lithium-pilocarpine was used to induce epilepsy, and tissues were harvested at 6 and 24 h, every time point, n = 5), the EP + Compound C group (the specific inhibitor of PGC-1α, 15 mg/kg in 2% DMSO, n = 5), and the EP + DMSO group (0.9% saline + 2% DMSO, n = 5). To investigate whether PGC-1α participates in seizures by regulating the expression of mitofusin1/2(MFN1/2)in rats. RESULTS: In this study, the behavioral results indicate that the seizure susceptibility of the rats to epilepsy was increased when the expression of PGC-1α was inhibited. Subsequently, Western blot results suggested that the expression level of both MFN1 and MFN2 in the hippocampus was higher at 6 and 24 h after an epileptic seizure. Besides, the expression of PGC-1α and MFN2 was significantly decreased in the hippocampus when the epileptic rats were treated with Compound C. Furthermore, the immunofluorescence analysis of the localization of MFN1/2 and PGC-1α showed that MFN1/2 was mainly expressed in neurons but not astrocytes in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of rats. Meanwhile, PGC-1α colocalized with the excitatory post-synaptic marker PSD95, suggesting that PGC-1α may regulate the seizure susceptibility of the rats by mediating excitatory post-synaptic signaling. CONCLUSION: The AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway may play an important role in the lithium-pilocarpine-induced epileptic rat model by mediating the expression of fusion proteins.

The causal relationship between thyroid function, autoimune thyroid dysfunction and lung cancer: a mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND: The role of thyroid hormones in cancers has been discussed in observational studies; however, the causal relationship between them remains controversial. METHODS: The SNPs associated with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism were selected from a FinnGen biobank of 342,499 (190,879 females and 151,620 males) Finnish adult subjects. Data from the Thyroidomics Consortium on 72,167 individuals were used to assess genetically determined thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4). Lung cancer, lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell lung cancer GWAS data from the International Lung Cancer Consortium(ILCCO). Six different Mendelian randomization (MR) Methods, including Inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, Simple mode, MR-Pleiotropy Residual Sum and Outlier methods (MR-PRESSO), Weighted mode and Weighted median were used to Two-Sample MR analysis. IVW was used as the primary estimate. Sensitivity analyses were examined via four aspects (Cochran's Q-test, MR Egger intercept analysis, Funnel plot and Leave-one-out sensitivity test). RESULTS: The OR of hypothyroidism on lung cancer was 0.918 (95% CI, 0.859-0.982; p = 0.013) in MR analysis with IVW method. No evidence for effects of hyperthyroidism, TSH and FT4 on lung cancer risk was found via six MR methods. Meanwhile, there was no evidence for effects of lung cancer on hypothyroidism through six MR methods. Lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell lung carcinoma were further analyzed on the basis of lung cancer. The OR of hypothyroidism on lung adenocarcinoma was 0.893(95% CI, 0.813-0.981; p = 0.019), the OR of hypothyroidism on squamous cell lung cancer was 0.888(95%CI,0.797-0.990, p = 0.032) in MR analysis with IVW method. CONCLUSION: In summary, hypothyroidism genetically had a protective causal association with lung cancer. Furthermore, hypothyroidism had protective effects both on lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell lung cancer. Further work is needed to elucidate the potential mechanisms.

N6-methyladenosine mediates Nrf2 protein expression involved in PM2.5-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

It has been reported that particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of <2.5 µm (PM2.5) could induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)- and extracellular matrix (ECM)-related pulmonary fibrosis (PF). The transcription factor Nrf2 alleviated PM2.5-induced PF by antagonizing oxidative stress. The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification plays a significant role in the stress response. However, the effect of m6A modification on the mechanisms of Nrf2-mediated defense against PM2.5-induced PF remained unknown. Here, we explored the role and the underlying molecular mechanisms of m6A methylation of Nrf2 mRNA in PM2.5-induced PF. We established filtered air (FA), unfiltered air (UA), and concentrated PM2.5 air (CA) group mice model and 0, 50, and 100 µg/mL PM2.5-treated 16HBE cell models. The extent of lung fibrosis in mice and fibrosis indicators were detected by histopathological analysis, immunohistochemical staining and western blotting. The molecular mechanism of m6A-modified Nrf2 was demonstrated by m6A-methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP), RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), qRT-PCR and T3 ligase-based PCR. Our data showed that PM2.5 exposure for 16 weeks could induce pulmonary fibrosis and activate Nrf2 signaling pathway. m6A methyltransferase METTL3 was upregulated after PM2.5 treatment in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, METTL3 mediated m6A modification of Nrf2 mRNA and promoted Nrf2 translation in mice and 16HBE cells after PM2.5 exposure. Mechanistically, three m6A-modified sites (1317, 1376 and 935; numbered relative to the first nucleotide of 3'UTR) of Nrf2 mRNA were identified in PM2.5-treatment 16HBE cells. Furthermore, the m6A binding proteins YTHDF1/IGF2BP1 promoted Nrf2 translation by binding to m6A residues of Nrf2 mRNA. Our results revealed the mechanism of m6A mediated Nrf2 signaling pathway against oxidative stress, which affected the development of PM2.5-induced PF.

Transcriptomic Analysis of the Dehydration Rate of Mature Rice (Oryza sativa) Seeds.

In this study, a transcriptomic analysis of the dehydration rate of mature rice seeds was conducted to explore candidate genes related to the dehydration rate and provide a theoretical basis for breeding and utilization. We selected two rice cultivars for testing (Baghlani Nangarhar, an extremely rapid dehydration genotype, and Saturn, a slow dehydration genotype) based on the results determined by previous studies conducted on the screening of 165 germplasm materials for dehydration rate phenotypes. A rapid dehydration experiment performed on these two types of seeds was conducted. Four comparative groups were set up under control and dehydration conditions. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were quantified via transcriptome sequencing and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). GO (Gene ontology) and KEGG(Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) analyses were also conducted. In Baghlani Nangarhar, 53 DEGs were screened, of which 33 were up-regulated and 20 were down-regulated. In Saturn, 25 DEGs were screened, of which 19 were up-regulated and 6 were down-regulated. The results of the GO analysis show that the sites of action of the differentially expressed genes enriched in the rapid dehydration modes are concentrated in the cytoplasm, internal components of the membrane, and nucleosomes. They play regulatory roles in the processes of catalysis, binding, translocation, transcription, protein folding, degradation, and replication. They are also involved in adaptive responses to adverse external environments, such as reactive oxygen species and high temperature. The KEGG analysis showed that protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, amino acid biosynthesis, and oxidative phosphorylation were the main metabolic pathways that were enriched. The key differentially expressed genes and the most important metabolic pathways identified in the rapidly and slowly dehydrated genotypes were protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative phosphorylation metabolism. They were presumed to have important regulatory roles in the mechanisms of stress/defense, energy metabolism, protein synthesis/folding, and signal transduction during the dehydration and drying of mature seeds. The results of this study can potentially provide valuable information for further research on the genes and metabolic pathways related to the dehydration rate of mature rice seeds, and provide theoretical guidance for the selection and breeding of new rice germplasm that can be rapidly dehydrated at the mature stage.

Metabolomic analyses reveal new stage-specific features of COVID-19.

The current pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected >160 million individuals to date, and has caused millions of deaths worldwide, at least in part due to the unclarified pathophysiology of this disease. Identifying the underlying molecular mechanisms of COVID-19 is critical to overcome this pandemic. Metabolites mirror the disease progression of an individual and can provide extensive insights into their pathophysiological significance at each stage of disease. We provide a comprehensive view of metabolic characterisation of sera from COVID-19 patients at all stages using untargeted and targeted metabolomic analysis. As compared with the healthy controls, we observed different alteration patterns of circulating metabolites from the mild, severe and recovery stages, in both the discovery cohort and the validation cohort, which suggests that metabolic reprogramming of glucose metabolism and the urea cycle are potential pathological mechanisms for COVID-19 progression. Our findings suggest that targeting glucose metabolism and the urea cycle may be a viable approach to fight COVID-19 at various stages along the disease course.

Presence of TSHR in NK Cells and Action of TSH on NK Cells.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) is widely expressed in human tissues and cells. TSHR is not only involved in thyroid disease but also in the neuroendocrine-immune regulatory network. However, no study has exclusively focused on the expression and function of TSHR in natural killer (NK) cells. METHODS: We studied TSHR expression using reverse transcription PCR to verify TSHR mRNA transcripts in human and mouse NK cells. Human and mouse thyroid and liver tissues as well as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or spleen lymphoid cells (SLCs) were used as controls. The TSHR protein levels in NK-92 cells were determined by immunofluorescence staining. The function of TSHR in NK cells was investigated by measuring the TSH-stimulated cAMP levels. RESULTS: TSHR mRNA was detected in human and mouse NK cells as well as in NK-92 cells and had the same sequence as that of thyroid-derived, PBMC-derived, and liver-derived mRNA. The TSHR protein was also expressed in the cell membrane of NK-92 cells. Furthermore, the cAMP levels in NK-92 cells were significantly higher after adding 102 mIU/mL of bovine TSH at p < 0.05, which stimulated cAMP production in NK-92 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm that TSHR is present and functional in NK cells and provide key clues for the potential regulatory effects of TSH on TSHR in NK cells in the immune system.

High prevalence of thyroid hormone autoantibody and low rate of thyroid hormone detection interference.

OBJECTIVE: Thyroid hormone autoantibody (THAb) is a common antibody in autoimmune disease and can interfere with the detection of thyroid hormone (TH). There was no research reporting the prevalence of THAb in Chinese and the rate of THAb interfering with TH detection. METHODS: We collected 114 patients with autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) (Hashimoto's thyroiditis, 57 cases; Graves' disease, 57 cases), 106 patients with nonthyroid autoimmune diseases (NTAID), and 120 healthy subjects. According to the presence or absence of thyroid antibodies, patients with NTAID were divided into two groups: NTAID-AITD and NTAID groups. Radioimmunoprecipitation technique was used to detect THAb in all subjects. TH was detected on Abbot and Roche platforms in patients with positive THAb. RESULTS: The prevalence of THAb was 22.8% in Hashimoto's thyroiditis and 45.6% in Graves' disease. The prevalence of THAb in AITD group was lower than that in NTAID or NTAID-AITD groups (34.2% vs. 61.5%, p = 0.014; 34.2% vs. 71.3%, p < 0.01). Among total 98 patients with positive THAb, TH levels of 9 patients were falsely elevated (9.18%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of THAb in AITD patients was lower than that in NTAID patients. Although THAb had a high frequency in various autoimmune diseases, the prevalence of THAb interfering with TH detection was only 9.18%.

Integrated analysis of mRNA-m6A-protein profiles reveals novel insights into the mechanisms for cadmium-induced urothelial transformation.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying Cd-induced urothelial transformation, using multi-omics analyses (transcriptome, epitranscriptome, and proteome).Methods: Transcriptomics analysis was performed to estimate the expression of genes, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing analysis was used to detect m6A modification, while proteomics analysis was used to identify differentially expressed proteins. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were subjected to Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis.Results: A total of 9491 DEGs, 711 differentially expressed proteins, and 633 differentially m6A modified genes between Cd-transformed cells and control cells were identified. The regulation of most genes varied at different omics layers. The three omics data shared 57 genes, and these genes were enriched in response to DNA damage stimulus and cell proliferation. Interestingly, 13 genes, most of which are related to the onset or progression of cancer, were shared by the m6A and proteomics data, but not the transcriptome data. This suggested that m6A modification is crucial for post-transcriptional regulation related to Cd2+-induced malignant transformation.Conclusion: Our multi-omics analysis provided a comprehensive reference map of gene activity and revealed m6A signalling pathways crucial for Cd2+ carcinogenesis.

Association of Plasma Pro-Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (proBDNF)/Mature Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (mBDNF) Levels with BDNF Gene Val66Met Polymorphism in Alcohol Dependence.

BACKGROUND In a previous study, we reported that pro-brain-derived neurotrophic factor (proBDNF) was involved in the pathology of alcohol dependence, and the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) Val66Met was located at the prodomain of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF). This polymorphism has been reported to affect intracellular trafficking and activity-dependent secretion of BDNF. Our present research investigated the relationships between the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and the plasma levels of proBDNF and mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) in patients with alcohol dependence. MATERIAL AND METHODS The BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphism was genotyped in 59 alcohol-dependent patients and 37 age- and sex-matched controls, and the plasma levels of proBDNF and mBDNF were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in all participants. RESULTS No association was found between the BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphism and alcohol dependence (P>0.05). In comparison with the control group, the level of plasma proBDNF in the alcohol-dependence group was notably increased (Z=-2.228, P=0.026), while the level of mBDNF was remarkedly decreased (Z=-2.014, P=0.044). In the alcohol-dependence group, significant associations were not found between the Val66Met polymorphisms and proBDNF and mBDNF plasma levels (P>0.05). The plasma level of proBDNF was positively correlated with the average daily alcohol consumption in the last month (r=0.344, P=0.008) and drinking history (r=0.317, P=0.014), while the plasma level of mBDNF had negative effects (r=-0.361, P=0.005, with the average daily alcohol consumption; r=-0.427, P=0.001, with drinking history). CONCLUSIONS The BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphism does not appear to affect the secretion of proBDNF and mBDNF in Chinese patients with alcohol dependence. Furthermore, this study reconfirmed that the plasma levels of proBDNF and mBDNF were correlated with the average daily alcohol consumption in the last month and with drinking history.

Associations of midpoint of sleep and night sleep duration with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Chinese rural population: the Henan rural cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to investigate the independent and combined effects of midpoint of sleep and night sleep duration on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in areas with limited resources. METHODS: A total of 37,276 participants (14,456 men and 22,820 women) were derived from the Henan Rural Cohort Study. Sleep information was assessed based on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Logistic regression models and restricted cubic splines were used to estimate the relationship of the midpoint of sleep and night sleep duration with T2DM. RESULTS: Of the 37,276 included participants, 3580 subjects suffered from T2DM. The mean midpoint of sleep among the Early, Intermediate and Late groups were 1:05 AM ±23 min, 1:56 AM ±14 min, and 2:57 AM ±34 min, respectively. Compared to the Intermediate group, adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of T2DM were 1.13 (1.04-1.22) and 1.14 (1.03-1.26) in the Early group and the Late group. Adjusted OR (95% CI) for T2DM compared with the reference (7- h) was 1.28 (1.08-1.51) for longer (≥ 10 h) night sleep duration. The combination of late midpoint of sleep and night sleep duration (≥ 9 h) increased 38% (95% CI 10-74%) prevalence of T2DM. These associations were more obvious in women than men. CONCLUSIONS: Late and early midpoint of sleep and long night sleep duration were all associated with higher prevalence of T2DM. Meanwhile, midpoint of sleep and night sleep duration might have combined effects on the prevalence of T2DM, which provided potential health implications for T2DM prevention, especially in rural women. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Henan Rural Cohort Study has been registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Register (Registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699 ). Date of registration: 2015-07-06.