GnT-V-mediated aberrant N-glycosylation of TIMP-1 promotes diabetic retinopathy progression.

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway plays an important role in the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR). The glycosylation modification process of many key functional proteins in DR patients is abnormal. However, the potential involvement of abnormal N-glycoproteins in DR progression remains unclear. METHODS: Glycoproteomic profiling of the vitreous humor was performed. The level of protein and N-glycoprotein was confirmed by Western blot and Lectin blot, respectively. The cell viability and migration efficiency were detected by CCK-8 and Transwell assay. Flow cytometry was conducted to analyze the level of cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen specie. Malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase activity and VEGF content were detected by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assays. The interaction of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) with N-acetylglucosamine transferase V (GnT-V) was detected by GST pull-down. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and choroidal and retinal flat mount stained with fluorescein isothiocyanate-Dextran assay were used for functional research in vivo. RESULTS: We found that N-glycosylation was up-regulated in DR rats and high glucose (HG)-induced human retinal pigment epithelium cell line ARPE-19. HG-induced inhibited the viability of ARPE-19 cells and promoted cell apoptosis and oxidative stress (OS), but these effects were reversed with kifunensine treatment, GnT-V knockdown and TIMP-1 mutation. Additionally, GnT-V binds to TIMP-1 to promote N-glycosylation of TIMP-1. Over-expression of GnT-V inhibited the viability of ARPE-19 cells and promoted cell apoptosis, OS and VEGF release, which these effects were reversed with TIMP-1 mutation. Interestingly, over-expression of GnT-V promoted retinal microvascular endothelial cells (RMECs) angiogenesis but was revered with TIMP-1 mutation, which was terminally boosted by VEGF-A treatment. Finally, knockdown of GnT-V relieved DR progression. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that GnT-V can promote RMECs angiogenesis and ARPE-19 cells injury through activation VEGF signaling pathway by increasing TIMP-1 N-glycosylation level, which provides a new theoretical basis for the prevention of DR.

The mechanism by which crocetin regulates the lncRNA NEAT1/miR-125b-5p/SOX7 molecular axis to inhibit high glucose-induced diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a high-incidence microvascular complication with retinal neovascularization that generates irreversible visual impairment. However, the mechanism of DR is unclear and needs to be further explored. To explore the the effects of crocetin on expression of NEAT1 and miR-125b-5p and the proliferation activity, migration ability, and angiogenesis ability of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (hRMECs), RT-qPCR, CCK-8, Transwell, and tube formation assays were performed. Additionally, Western blot was used to detect the expression of SOX7, VEGFA and CD31. Furthermore, a dual-luciferase reporter gene was used to verify the targeting connection. The DR mouse model was constructed by STZ. The effect of crocetin on DR angiogenesis was detected by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), retinal digest preparations and Western blot. The results showed that crocetin inhibited the high-glucose (Hg)-induced upregulation of NEAT1 and SOX7 and the downregulation of miR-125b-5p. Crocetin inhibited Hg-induced proliferation, migration and angiogenesis by upregulating the targeted inhibition of SOX7 by miR-125b-5p through the inhibition of NEAT1. To summarize, our study revealed that crocetin has a protective effect on Hg-induced DR by regulating the lncRNA NEAT1/miR-125b-5p/SOX7 molecular axis.

Global distribution of publications in anesthesiology : A bibliometric analysis from 1999 to 2018.

PURPOSE: Only few studies have analyzed the global distribution of anesthesia research. This study was designed to reveal the current global research status of anesthesiology. METHODS: Articles published between 1999 and 2018 in international journals in the field of anesthesiology were retrieved from the PubMed database. The top 20 ranked countries were identified. The gross domestic product (GDP) of each country was also retrieved to reveal the correlation between research outputs and the economy. The total outputs and outputs per 10 million inhabitants in each country were calculated and compared. To analyze the quality of publications among the top 10 ranked countries, the impact factor (IF), article influence score (AIS), and immediacy index (ImI) were calculated and analyzed. In addition, the keywords of publications were retrieved to conduct co-occurrence analysis in order to determine the research focus in anesthesiology. RESULTS: A total of 112,918 articles were published in 30 selected journals from 1999 to 2018. There was a positive correlation between research outputs and GDP of 10 countries (p < 0.001, r = 0.825). The USA ranked 1st with 21,703 articles, followed by the UK (8393 articles) and Germany (6504 articles). Canada had the highest number of publications per 10 million inhabitants in 2018. The UK had the highest average IF (4.70), average AIS (1.16), and average ImI (1.64) among the 10 countries. The research highlights in the field of anesthesiology included "mechanism and management of pain", "cardiac anesthesia", "pediatric anesthesia and airway management", "analgesia" and "anesthetic agents". CONCLUSION: Regarding quantity trend, the output of global production in anesthesiology increased continuously as the number of articles from the high-output countries showed an increasing trend; however, there was still a gap between developing and developed countries in research quality. High-quality research should be encouraged in developing countries.

Acteoside inhibits autophagic apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells to rescue glaucoma-induced optic atrophy.

BACKGROUND: Glaucoma is the world's second biggest cause of blindness, and patients progressively lose their eyesight. The current clinical treatment for glaucoma involves controlling intraocular pressure with drugs or surgery; however, some patients still progressively lose their eyesight. This treatment is also similar to the treatment of traumatic optic neuropathy. Thus, saving retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) from apoptosis is essential. METHODS: The role of Acteoside on autophagy modulation in the 661 W cell line. RESULTS: In this study, we first find that Acteoside inhibits autophagy, Rapamycin alleviates this inhibition and the PI3K inhibitor, 3-MA or LY294002, synergistically promotes it. In a mechanistic study, we find that Optineurin (OPTN) mediates Acteoside regulation of autophagy. OPTN overexpression or knockdown activates or inhibits autophagy, respectively. OPTN is inhibited by autophagy inhibitors, such as Acteoside and 3-MA and is promoted by the autophagy activator, Rapamycin. Meanwhile, PI3K and AKT are elevated by Acteoside and 3-MA and inhibited by Rapamycin. Finally, we find that Acteoside inhibits apoptosis in parallel to autophagy and that this inhibition is also mediated by OPTN. CONCLUSION: In summary, we conclude that Acteoside inhibits autophagy-induced apoptosis in RGCs through the OPTN and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and glaucoma patients may benefit from Acteoside treatment alone or in combination with other autophagy inhibitors.

Impact of fenofibrate on choroidal neovascularization formation and VEGF-C plus VEGFR-3 in Brown Norway rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the possible role of fenofibrate in inhibiting choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in Brown Norway (BN) rats. METHODS: BN rats underwent binocular retinal laser photocoagulation to induce CNV. On day one, fenofibrate was injected into the vitreous cavity of rats in the control and experimental groups. Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), isolectin B4-FITC staining, immunofluorescence staining, qRT-PCR and western blot were performed at 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks to observe the morphological changes of CNV and the expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) and the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3). RESULTS: CNV with the spontaneous gradual regression and scarring phenomenon appeared in BN rats. In neovascularization, VEGF-C was mainly distributed in the ganglion cell layer, while VEGFR-3 was mainly expressed in the choroid. In the control group, choroidal VEGF-C initially increased, and subsequently decreased, while VEGFR-3 level maintained a constant level after the decrease. Both had a decreasing expression in the retina. The early formation of CNV was significantly weakened in the experimental group, but there was no difference in the later period. VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 expression in the choroid and retina were lower than in the control group. Furthermore, VEGFR-3 protein was not expressed in the retina. However, this gradually increased in the early period and declined in the terminal stage in the choroid. CONCLUSION: VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 participated in the laser-induced CNV formation in BN rats. Fenofibrate could inhibit CNV formation.

Neuron-Derived ADAM10 Production Stimulates Peripheral Nerve Injury-Induced Neuropathic Pain by Cleavage of E-Cadherin in Satellite Glial Cells.

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence suggests the potential involvement of metalloproteinase family proteins in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain, although the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. METHODS: Using the spinal nerve ligation model, we investigated whether ADAM10 proteins participate in pain regulation. By implementing invitro methods, we produced a purified culture of satellite glial cells to study the underlying mechanisms of ADAM10 in regulating neuropathic pain. RESULTS: Results showed that the ADAM10 protein was expressed in calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-containing neurons of the dorsal root ganglia, and expression was upregulated following spinal nerve ligation surgery invivo. Intrathecal administration of GI254023X, an ADAM10 selective inhibitor, to the rats one to three days after spinal nerve ligation surgery attenuated the spinal nerve ligation-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. Intrathecal injection of ADAM10 recombinant protein simulated pain behavior in normal rats to a similar extent as those treated by spinal nerve ligation surgery. These results raised a question about the relative contribution of ADAM10 in pain regulation. Further results showed that ADAM10 might act by cleaving E-cadherin, which is mainly expressed in satellite glial cells. GI254023X reversed spinal nerve ligation-induced downregulation of E-cadherin and activation of cyclooxygenase 2 after spinal nerve ligation. ß-catenin, which creates a complex with E-cadherin in the membranes of satellite glial cells, was also downregulated by spinal nerve ligation surgery in satellite glial cells. Finally, knockdown expression of ß-catenin by lentiviral infection in purified satellite glial cells increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that neuron-derived ADAM10 production stimulates peripheral nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain by cleaving E-cadherin in satellite glial cells.

Involvement of toll-like receptor 2 and pro-apoptotic signaling pathways in bone remodeling in osteomyelitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Osteomyelitis is a common manifestation of invasive Staphylococcus aureus infection characterized by bone loss and destruction. We investigated the role of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) in bacterial recognition and clearance in response to infection with an osteomyelitis isolate of S. aureus. METHODS: Apoptosis was assessed in the osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1 by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and flow cytometry. The expression of TLR2 and apoptosis-related and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway proteins was assessed by qRT-PCR and western blotting. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium deposition were assessed by ALP activity assay and Alizarin red staining. RESULTS: S. aureus induced apoptosis, upregulated TLR2 expression, and activated mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in a time dependent manner. Inhibition of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway downregulated TLR2 and suppressed the S. aureus induced activation of pro-apoptotic pathways. Short-hairpin RNA mediated silencing of TLR2 reversed S. aureus induced apoptosis and decrease in ALP activity and calcium deposition, and inhibition of JNK had a similar effect. CONCLUSION: We showed that osteoblast apoptosis and osteogenic differentiation in response to bacterial invasion are dependent on TLR2 expression and JNK activation, suggesting novel potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of osteomyelitis.

Sestrin2 ameliorates diabetic retinopathy by regulating autophagy and ferroptosis.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious microvascular complication of diabetes. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of Sestrin2 on DR through the regulation of autophagy and ferroptosis levels and its mechanism. In vitro and in vivo DR models were established by high glucose (HG) and streptozotocin (STZ) induction of ARPE-19 human retinal pigment epithelial cells and C57BL/6 mice, respectively. In this study, we demonstrated that after HG treatment, the activity of ARPE-19 cells was decreased, the apoptosis rate was increased, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was activated, autophagy levels were decreased, and ferroptosis levels were increased. Overexpression of Sestrin2 enhanced cell viability, reduced apoptosis and ferroptosis, and enhanced autophagy. However, the effect of overexpression of Sestrin2 was attenuated after the addition of the STAT3 phosphorylation activator Colivelin TFA (C-TFA), the mTOR pathway activator MHY1485 or the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA). In addition, the effect of Sestrin2 knockdown on cells was opposite to the effect of overexpression of Sestrin2, while the effect of Sestrin2 knockdown was attenuated after treatment with the ER stress inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA). Animal experiments also confirmed the results of cell experiments and attenuated the effects of overexpression of Sestrin2 after injection of the ferroptosis activators erastin or 3-MA. Our study revealed that Sestrin2 inhibits ferroptosis by inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation and ER stress and promoting autophagy levels, thereby alleviating DR.

Hydrogen-rich saline attenuated neuropathic pain by reducing oxidative stress.

BACKGROUND: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are often associated with persistent pains such as neuropathic and inflammatory pain. Hydrogen gas can reduce ROS and alleviate cerebral, myocardial, and hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injuries. In the present study, we aim to investigate whether hydrogen-rich saline can reduce neuropathic pain in a rat model of chronic constriction injury (CCI). METHODS: Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham group was administered sodium chloride by intrathecal injection (n=10); control groups underwent CCI surgery and were administered sodium chloride by intrathecal injection (n=10); vehicle group underwent CCI surgery and was administered hydrogen-rich saline by intrathecal injection (n=10). Drugs were administered in the dose of 100 ul/kg once a day at 0.5 hours before and 1-7 day after CCI surgery. The mechanical thresholds were tested at one day before and 3-14 day after CCI surgery. RESULTS: We found that hydrogen-rich saline significantly elevated the mechanical thresholds of neuropathic pain compared to vehicle (physiologic saline) control in CCI rats (p<0.05); it also decreased the levels of myeloperoxidase, maleic dialdehyde, and protein carbonyl in spinal cord by 7 days post-chronic constriction injury(p<0.05). In addition, hydrogen-rich saline also suppressed the expression of p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the spinal cord by 7 days post-chronic constriction injury (p<0.01, p<0.01, respectively), but had no effect on P2X4R (p>0.05), an ATP receptor. CONCLUSION: Intrathecal injection of hydrogen-rich saline can decrease oxidative stress and the expression of p38MAPK and BDNF that may contribute to the elevated threshold of neuropathic pain in rat CCI model.Le salin riche en hydrogène atténue la douleur névropathique en réduisant le stress oxydatif.

An anti-infection tissue-engineered construct delivering vancomycin: its evaluation in a goat model of femur defect.

A tissue-engineered construct (TEC) has previously been used for treating bone defects due to its strong osteogenic capability. However, transplantation of a TEC involves an open surgery that can cause infection. To overcome the potential risk of infection after TEC transplantation, we designed a system for the controlled release of antibiotics using fibrin gel-coated vancomycin alginate beads (FG-Vanco-AB) that can supply sustained antibiotics at the graft site. A TEC with FG-Vanco-AB was transplanted into critically sized bone defects of the right femur in a goat. As a control, the TEC without FG-Vanco-AB was transplanted into the left femur defect of the same goat. The breakpoint sensitivity of vancomycin for S. aureus (5 mg/L) was used as a known standard. Study results showed that the duration of time with vancomycin concentrations greater than 5 mg/L in the right graft site, blood, and left graft site were 28 days, 7 days, and 2 days, respectively. The bioactivity regarding vancomycin release was analysed by antibiotic disc diffusion. The vancomycin concentration was decreased from the centre of the graft to both ends of the femur. Radionuclide bone imaging showed no significant difference between the right and left TECs at either 28 or 56 days post-operation. Computed tomography and histological observation showed both sides' bone defects were healed by TEC at 112 days post-operation, and there was no significant difference in computed tomography value. These results suggest that FG-Vanco-AB in transplanted bone provided the ability to kill bacteria in local bone tissue while not interfering with the process of bone reconstruction and wound healing.

DNMT1 regulates miR-20a/TXNIP-mediated pyroptosis of retinal pigment epithelial cells through DNA methylation.

BACKGROUND: Pyroptosis of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells is associated with the etiology of diabetic retinopathy (DR). In this study, we investigated the effect of DNMT1 on RPE cell pyroptosis by regulating miR-20a/TXNIP expression through DNA methylation. METHODS: High glucose (HG)-induced ARPE-19 cells and mice were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) to generate DR cells and animal models. RT‒qPCR was used to detect the expression of miR-20a, and methylation-specific PCR (MS-PCR) was used to determine the occurrence of methylation of miR-20a. The expression of pyroptosis-related proteins (caspase-1 and NLRP3) and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT1) was detected by western blotting, and the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-1ß and IL-18) was detected by ELISA. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and TUNEL. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes in retinal tissue in mice. RESULTS: In HG-induced DR cell models, the expression of miR-20a was significantly downregulated, while the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-1ß, IL-18) and pyroptosis-associated proteins (caspase-1, NLRP3) was significantly upregulated. Transfection of miR-20a mimic can effectively reverse HG-induced pyroptosis and release of inflammatory factors. DNMT1 promotes miR-20a methylation and inhibits the expression of miR-20a. DNMT1-mediated methylation is involved in the pyroptosis process of high glucose-induced RPE cells, and silencing DNMT1 can promote the expression of miR-20a, thereby inhibiting the release of IL-1ß and IL-18 and reducing the occurrence of cell pyroptosis. miR-20a targets negative regulation of TXNIP expression, and overexpression of TXNIP can effectively reverse the inhibitory effect of miR-20a on pyroptosis. The methylation inhibitor 5-AZ can inhibit the occurrence of pyroptosis and DR processes, while treatment with a miR-20a inhibitor or OE-TXNIP can reverse the effect of 5-AZ. CONCLUSION: DNMT1 promotes DNA methylation, decreases the expression of miR-20a and increases the expression of TXNIP, which ultimately leads to the occurrence of pyroptosis in RPE cells.

Transient early neurotrophin release and delayed inflammatory cytokine release by microglia in response to PAR-2 stimulation.

Activated microglia exerts both beneficial and deleterious effects on neurons, but the signaling mechanism controlling these distinct responses remain unclear. We demonstrated that treatment of microglial cultures with the PAR-2 agonist, 2-Furoyl-LIGRLO-NH2, evoked early transient release of BDNF, while sustained PAR-2 stimulation evoked the delayed release of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 ß and TNF-α) and nitric oxide. Culture medium harvested during the early phase (at 1 h) of microglial activation induced by 2-Furoyl-LIGRLO-NH2 (microglial conditioned medium, MCM) had no deleterious effects on cultured neurons, while MCM harvested during the late phase (at 72 h) promoted DNA fragmentation and apoptosis as indicated by TUNEL and annexin/PI staining. Blockade of PAR-1 during the early phase of PAR-2 stimulation enhanced BDNF release (by 11%, small but significant) while a PAR-1 agonist added during the late phase (24 h after 2-Furoyl-LIGRLO-NH2 addition) suppressed the release of cytokines and NO. The neuroprotective and neurotoxic effects of activated microglial exhibit distinct temporal profiles that are regulated by PAR-1 and PAR-2 stimulation. It may be possible to facilitate neuronal recovery and repair by appropriately timed stimulation and inhibition of microglial PAR-1 and PAR-2 receptors.

The Impact of Financial Deepening on Carbon Reductions in China: Evidence from City- and Enterprise-Level Data.

This study extends the limited evidence of the China context by establishing a panel fixed-effect model to identify the nexus between financial deepening and carbon emissions. Using newly compiled city-level (287 prefecture-level and above cities) and enterprise-level (resource enterprises listed on the Chinese A-shares) datasets from 2007 to 2019, this study quantitatively evaluated finance deepening and analysed the impact of financial deepening on carbon emissions in China, with a particular consideration of green innovation. Our results document that financial deepening contributes to carbon reductions, as shown by the considerably decreased carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Both the city-level and enterprise-level estimates argue that financial deepening has a promoting effect on green innovation. Stimulating green innovation is identified as an important mechanism through which financial deepening can contribute to carbon reductions. Policy implications are presented based on the empirical results.

SerpinA3N attenuates ischemic stroke injury by reducing apoptosis and neuroinflammation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of serine protein inhibitor A3N (serpinA3N) in ischemic stroke and to explore its mechanism of action. METHODS: Mouse ischemic stroke model was induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by reperfusion. The expression pattern of serpinA3N was assessed using immunofluorescence, Western blot analysis, and real-time quantitative PCR. An adeno-associated virus (AAV) and recombinant serpinA3N were administered. Additionally, co-immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry and immunofluorescence co-staining were used to identify protein interactions. RESULTS: SerpinA3N was upregulated in astrocytes and neurons within the ischemic penumbra after stroke in the acute phase. The expression of serpinA3N gradually increased 6 h after reperfusion, peaked on the day 2-3, and then decreased by day 7. Overexpression of serpinA3N by AAV significantly reduced the infarct size and improved motor function, associated with alleviated inflammation and oxidative stress. SerpinA3N treatment also reduced apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro. Co-immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry and Western blotting revealed that clusterin interacts with serpinA3N, and Akt-mTOR pathway members were upregulated by serpinA3N both in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: SerpinA3N is expressed in astrocytes and penumbra neurons after stroke in mice. It reduces brain damage possibly via interacting with clusterin and inhibiting neuronal apoptosis and neuroinflammation.

Acteoside protects retinal ganglion cells from experimental glaucoma by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway via caveolin 1 upregulation.

Background: Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world and is characterized by optic neuropathy and degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Our preliminary research found that acteoside can inhibit autophagy-induced apoptosis of RGCs via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway. However, it is unclear how acteoside activates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to prevents RGCs autophagic apoptosis. Methods: Animal and cell models were used in this study. Hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed pathological histology of retinas. The number of RGCs in retinas was counted using immunofluorescence. Malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Flow cytometry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling staining were used to detect cell apoptosis. The reactive oxygen species was determined by the Flow cytometry. The proteins were determined by Western blot. Results: The results showed that acteoside treatment significantly reduced RGC loss, oxidative stress, and autophagy, thereby preventing glaucoma exacerbation. Acteoside reversed caveolin 1 (Cav1) expression and PI3K/AKT signaling activation, according to Western blot results. Cav1 knockdown also reversed acteoside's effects on RGC loss, PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activation, autophagy and oxidative stress. Notably, 3-methyladenine, a PI3K inhibitor, reversed the effects of acteoside and Cav1 overexpression on RGC loss, oxidative stress, and autophagy. Conclusions: These finding imply that acteoside alleviates RGC loss and oxidative stress by activating of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by upregulating Cav1.

Acteoside attenuates hydrogen peroxide-induced injury of retinal ganglion cells via the CASC2/miR-155/mTOR axis.

BACKGROUND: Loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which eventually leads to optic nerve atrophy and vision loss, is the main cause of glaucoma and traumatic optic neuropathy. Acteoside is the effective component of Yunnan Kudingcha, which has been reported to exert neuroprotective effects and protects RGCs from injury. However, the underlying mechanisms of acteoside in RGC injury remain largely elusive. METHODS: Human RGCs was treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The expression of miR-155 and lncRNA CASC2 in RGC-5 cells was measured by RT-qPCR. The viability of RGCs was determined by the MTT assay. Flow cytometry and TUNEL staining were used to detect cell apoptosis. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were determined using ELISA kits. The mTOR and autophagic proteins were measured by western blot. RESULTS: We identified the expression of miR-155 was upregulated in H2O2-treated RGCs, and enhanced miR-155 promoted RGC autophagy and apoptosis. Acteoside administration reduced miR-155 expression and abolished miR-155-mediated RGC injury. The expression of CASC2 was decreased in H2O2-treated RGCs. Acteoside administration could increase CASC2 expression and CASC2 overexpression reverses the effect of miR-155 overexpression on acteoside treatment-RGCs. Mechanistically, we discovered that highly expressed miR-155 promoted RGC autophagy and apoptosis via the mTOR pathway. In addition, acteoside attenuated RGC autophagy and apoptosis via the miR-155/mTOR axis. Together, these results identify a mechanism by which acteoside attenuates H2O2-induced RGC apoptosis and autophagy via the CASC2/miR-155/mTOR axis. CONCLUSIONS: Acteoside protects RGC-5 cells against H2O2-induced cell injury via the CASC2/miR-155/mTOR axis. These results provide new insights for early medical interventions in patients with glaucoma.

The Effect of Tramadol Versus Sufentanil on Controlling Postoperative Pain for Men Who Smoke and Do Not Smoke: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Smoking behavior alters the analgesic threshold, which challenges postoperative pain management for patients who smoke. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the analgesic efficacy of tramadol versus sufentanil in relieving postoperative pain for patients who do and do not smoke who underwent a partial hepatectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Double-blinded randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China. METHODS: All patients in this study were men. A total of 66 patients who smoke were randomly assigned to receive tramadol or sufentanil (n = 33 each). In addition, a total of 66 patients who do not smoke were randomly assigned to receive tramadol or sufentanil (n = 33 each). The primary outcome was the consumption of additional analgesics within the first 48 hours to control postoperative pain. Secondary outcomes included the postoperative pain level, the frequency of postoperative nausea and vomiting, the sedation score, and the frequency of fever within 48 hours postsurgery. RESULTS: A significant interaction between "analgesic strategy" and "smoking history" was detected on the consumption of additional analgesics. In those who smoke, the requests for additional doses of analgesics were significantly less in those receiving tramadol than those receiving sufentanil; such a difference was not observed in those who do not smoke. The postoperative pain level was not significantly different between the tramadol group and the sufentanil group within patients who smoke within 48 hours postsurgery. The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was not significantly different between the tramadol group and the sufentanil group within both those who do and do not smoke. LIMITATIONS: Only men patients were included. Also, the superior analgesic effect and the incidence of adverse events of tramadol in patients who smoke were only assessed within the first 48 hours postsurgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that tramadol has a better analgesic effect than sufentanil in relieving postoperative pain in patients who smoke.

CY-09 Inhibits NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation to Relieve Pain via TRPA1.

Peripheral tissue damage leads to inflammatory pain, and inflammatory cytokine releasing is the key factor for inducing the sensitization of nociceptors. As a calcium ion channel, TRPA1 plays an important role in pain and inflammation, thus becoming a new type of anti-inflammatory and analgesic target. However, there is no consensus on the role of this channel in mechanical hyperalgesia caused by inflammation. Here, we aim to explore the role and underlying mechanism of the inflammasome inhibitor CY-09 in two classic inflammatory pain models. We evaluated pain behavior on animal models, cytokine levels, intracellular Ca2+ levels, transient TRPA1 expression, NF-κB transcription, and NLPR3 inflammasome activation. Consistently, CY-09 reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines, intracellular Ca2+ levels, and the activation of TRPA1 by inhibiting the activation of inflammasomes, thereby reducing the proinflammatory polarization of macrophages and alleviating animal pain and injury. Importantly, AITC (TRPA1 agonist) significantly reversed the analgesic effect of CY-09, indicating that TRPA1 was involved in the analgesic effect of CY-09. Our findings indicate that CY-09 relieves inflammation and pain via inhibiting TRPA1-mediated activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes. Thus, NLRP3 inflammasome may be a potential therapeutic target for pain treatment and CY-09 may be a pharmacological agent to relieve inflammatory pain, which needs further research.

Molecular Basis of Prostate Cancer and Natural Products as Potential Chemotherapeutic and Chemopreventive Agents.

Prostate cancer is the second most common malignant cancer in males. It involves a complex process driven by diverse molecular pathways that closely related to the survival, apoptosis, metabolic and metastatic characteristics of aggressive cancer. Prostate cancer can be categorized into androgen dependent prostate cancer and castration-resistant prostate cancer and cure remains elusive due to the developed resistance of the disease. Natural compounds represent an extraordinary resource of structural scaffolds with high diversity that can offer promising chemical agents for making prostate cancer less devastating and curable. Herein, those natural compounds of different origins and structures with potential cytotoxicity and/or in vivo anti-tumor activities against prostate cancer are critically reviewed and summarized according to the cellular signaling pathways they interfere. Moreover, the anti-prostate cancer efficacy of many nutrients, medicinal plant extracts and Chinese medical formulations were presented, and the future prospects for the application of these compounds and extracts were discussed. Although the failure of conventional chemotherapy as well as involved serious side effects makes natural products ideal candidates for the treatment of prostate cancer, more investigations of preclinical and even clinical studies are necessary to make use of these medical substances reasonably. Therefore, the elucidation of structure-activity relationship and precise mechanism of action, identification of novel potential molecular targets, and optimization of drug combination are essential in natural medicine research and development.

Application of a Simulator-Based Teaching Method in the Training of the Flexible Bronchoscope-Guided Intubation.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to explore the effect of a bronchoscopic simulator-based comprehensive teaching method in the training of flexible bronchoscope-guided intubation for suspected lung cancer patients for doctors without bronchofibroscopic operation background. METHODS: We designed a prospective self-control study involved in 35 trainees from the Navy Military Medical University's affiliated hospital to evaluate flexible bronchoscope-guided intubation's training outcome. Before and after the practice training, we recorded the flexible bronchoscope passing time from nasal to visible glottis and carina, tracheal placement tube, and ventilation. RESULTS: All 35 trainees could complete flexible bronchoscope-guided intubation independently after training. CONCLUSIONS: The bronchial diagnosis for suspected lung cancer patients and treatment-based model can be widely applied in tracheal intubation training.