Revisiting the Ultraviolet Absorption Cross Section of Gaseous Nitrous Acid (HONO): New Insights for Atmospheric HONO Budget.

Nitrous acid (HONO) is an important source of hydroxyl radicals (OH) in the atmosphere. Precise determination of the absolute ultraviolet (UV) absorption cross section of gaseous HONO lays the basis for the accurate measurement of its concentration by optical methods and the estimation of HONO loss rate through photolysis. In this study, we performed a series of laboratory and field intercomparison experiments for HONO measurement between striping coil-liquid waveguide capillary cell (SC-LWCC) photometry and incoherent broadband cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy (IBBCEAS). Specified HONO concentrations prepared by an ultrapure standard HONO source were utilized for laboratory intercomparisons. Results show a consistent ∼22% negative bias in measurements of the IBBCEAS compared with a SC-LWCC photometer. It is confirmed that the discrepancies occurring between these techniques are associated with the overestimation of the absolute UV absorption cross sections through careful analysis of possible uncertainties. We quantified the absorption cross section of gaseous HONO (360-390 nm) utilizing a custom-built IBBCEAS instrument, and the results were found to be 22-34% lower than the previously published absorption cross sections widely used in HONO concentration retrieval and atmospheric chemical transport models (CTMs). This suggests that the HONO concentrations retrieved by optical methods based on absolute absorption cross sections may have been underestimated by over 20%. Plus, the daytime loss rate and unidentified sources of HONO may also have evidently been overestimated in pre-existing studies. In summary, our findings underscore the significance of revisiting the absolute absorption cross section of HONO and the re-evaluation of the previously reported HONO budgets.

LFZ-4-46, a tetrahydroisoquinoline derivative, induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest via induction of DNA damage and activation of MAPKs pathway in cancer cells.

LFZ-4-46, that is [2-hydroxy-1-phenyl-1,5,6,10b-tetrahydropyrazolo(5,1-a) isoquinolin-3(2H)-yl](phenyl) methanone, a tetrahydroisoquinoline derivative with a pyrazolidine moiety, was synthetically prepared. The anti-cancer mechanism of the compound has not been clarified yet. In this study, the anticancer effects and potential mechanisms of LFZ-4-46 on human breast and prostate cancer cells were explored. (a) 3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazoliumbromide assay was first performed to detect the effects of LFZ-4-46 on the viability of human cancer cells. (b) Comet assay was utilized to evaluate DNA damage. (c) Cell cycle, apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential were detected by flow cytometry. (d) The expression of relative proteins was detected by western blotting assay. LFZ-4-46 significantly inhibited the viability of cancer cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner and had no obviously inhibitory effect on the viability of mammary epithelial MCF-10A cells. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that LFZ-4-46-induced cell apoptosis and cycle arrest were mediated by DNA damage. It caused DNA damage through activating γ-H2AX and breaking DNA strands. Further studies showed that mitogen-activated protein kinasess pathway was involved in these activated several key molecular events. Finally, LFZ-4-46 showed a potent antitumor effect in vivo. These results suggest that LFZ-4-46 may be a potential lead compound for the treatment of breast and prostate cancer.

[Study on effect of gypenosides on insulin sensitivity of rats with diabetes mellitus via regulating NF-κB signaling pathway].

This study focused on the ameliorative effects of gypenosides(GPS) on insulin sensitivity and inflammatory factors in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2 DM) and explored their possible molecular mechanisms. After the successful establishment of T2 DM model, diabetic rats were randomly divided into four groups, including model group, GPS groups(200, 100 mg·kg~(-1)) and metformin group(100 mg·kg~(-1)), with healthy rats serving as the control. After 6-week intragastric administration, fasting blood glucose(FBG) and oral glucose tolerance were examined. The levels of insulin, C-peptide, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1ß(IL-1ß), interleukin-6(IL-6) and C-reactive protein(CRP) in serum were examined. Then the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR) and insulin sensitivity index(ISI) were calculated. The protein expression levels of phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate-1(p-IRS-1) and phosphorylated protein kinase B(p-Akt) in skeletal muscle were measured by Western blot, as well as those of phosphorylated inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) kinase ß(p-IKKß), phosphorylated alpha inhibitor of NF-κB(p-IκBα) and phosphorylated p65 subunit of NF-κB(p-p65) in adipose tissue. The relative expression levels of glucose transporter 4(GLUT4) mRNA in skeletal muscle and NF-κB mRNA in adipose tissue were measured by qRT-PCR, and the morphological changes of pancreatic tissue were observed. Compared with the model group, the GPS groups witnessed significant decrease in FBG, marked amelioration of impaired oral glucose tolerance and significant increase in ISI. Further, the high-dose GPS group saw significantly reduced HOMA-IR, TNF-α, IL-1ß and CRP, significantly increased expression levels of p-IRS-1(Tyr), p-Akt and GLUT4, and markedly inhibited p-IRS-1(Ser), p-IKKß, p-IκBα, p-p65 and NF-κB. The concentration of CRP and the expression levels of p-IRS-1(Ser), p-IKKß, p-IκBα and NF-κB were remarkably reduced in the low-dose GPS group. However, GPS was found less effective in the regulation of serum insulin, C-peptide and IL-6 levels and the alleviation of pancreatic islet injury. The results indicated that GPS can reduce FBG and improve insulin sensitivity in diabetic rats possibly by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway, inhibiting inflammation, and thereby regulating the expression of key proteins in the insulin signaling pathway.

Gastrodin Inhibits H2O2-Induced Ferroptosis through Its Antioxidative Effect in Rat Glioma Cell Line C6.

Ferroptosis is a form of necrosis caused by iron-induced accumulation of lipid hydroperoxide, involving several molecular events, and has been implicated in Parkinson's disease. Gastrodin is a component of Gastrodia elata Blume with strong antioxidant activity. We examined whether gastrodin can prevent H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in rat glioma cell line C6. For this purpose, C6 cells were pretreated with gastrodin (1, 5, 25 µM) and then exposed to 100 µM H2O2. Results showed that pretreatment of C6 cells with gastrodin decreased H2O2-induced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and cell death. Moreover, gastrodin decreased intracellular malondialdehyde (MDA) level, whereas increased glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity and glutathione (GSH) level after H2O2 treatment. In addition, treatment of deferoxamine (DFO), ferrostatin-1, and liproxstatin-1 abolished ferroptosis induced by H2O2 or erastin pretreatment. Treatment with gastrodin attenuated H2O2-induced ferroptosis and decreased lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) (C11-BODIPY) production in C6 cells. Moreover, gastrodin increased the protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), GPX4, ferroportin-1 (FPN1), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in C6 cells treated with H2O2. RSL3, a GPX4 inhibitor, inhibited GPX4 protein level in cells co-treated with gastrodin and 100 µM H2O2. These findings indicate that gastrodin can inhibit H2O2-induced ferroptosis through its antioxidative effect in C6 cells.

[Textual research on Zhuru Tang].

Zhuru Tang( from the Effective Prescriptions for Universal Relief) listed in the Catalogue of Ancient Classical Formulas( The First Batch) by the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine,is usually used to treat stomach fever and vomiting. The first step of the research and development of the classic formula compound preparations is to follow the principle of the ancient method,comb through the literature of all dynasties,and then investigate the historical evolution of the prescription,the evolution of formula significance and the clinical application. Based on this principle,we searched the Chinese Medical Classics Database and relevant literature materials to conduct textual research on the history,evolution of formula significance,clinical application,decocting method,as well as the basis and processing of traditional Chinese medicine from the perspectives of " recipe" and " medicine",in order to provide reference for the development and research of Zhuru Tang.

F1012-2 inhibits the growth of triple negative breast cancer through induction of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy.

Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) are plant-derived constituents that have been proved to have potential antitumour activity. However, the intracellular molecular targets of SLs and the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been well elucidated. Here, we report that F1012-2, a novel SL active fraction, isolated from Eupatorium lindleyanum DC., can significantly inhibit the growth of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468) but has no obvious inhibitory effect on the growth of human mammary epithelial cells (MCF-10A). The related mechanisms on cell growth inhibition of F1012-2 were demonstrated by inducing apoptosis in a caspase-dependent manner through the intrinsic pathway and extrinsic pathway. F1012-2 could also activate autophagy in TNBC cells. Simultaneously, we found that F1012-2-induced apoptosis was enhanced by inhibition of autophagy. Furthermore, F1012-2 could induce cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase with decreasing expression of cyclin B1, cdc2, and upregulating p21, p-cdc2. Also, F1012-2 activated Akt and p38 signalling pathways. In vivo, F1012-2 exhibited a potential antitumour effect in MDA-MB-231 xenografts without apparent toxicity. Taken together, our results identified that F1012-2 inhibited cell growth via multiple signalling pathways in vitro and in vivo. These data suggest that F1012-2 may be a potential natural active fraction for the treatment of TNBC.

ZFP403, a novel tumor suppressor, inhibits the proliferation and metastasis in ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Zinc finger protein 403 (ZFP403) is located on human chromosome 17q12-21, the most common loss of heterozygosity regions for some oncogenes. However, the biological function of ZFP403 on tumor is controversial and its role in ovarian cancer remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate its biological function in ovarian cancer. METHODS: qRT-PCR and western blotting were first performed to detect the expression level of ZFP403 in ovarian cancer tissues and cells, respectively. The effect of ZFP403 on cell proliferation was determined by colony formation assays. Its effects on cell cycle were analyzed by flow cytometry and western blotting. Wound healing, Boyden chamber, western blotting and gelatin zymography assays were utilized to assess migration and invasion abilities of cells overexpressed with ZFP403. The xenograft model in nude mice was used to elucidate the role of ZFP403 on tumorigenesis in vivo. RESULTS: Compared with normal ovarian tissues and cells, significantly lower expression levels of ZFP403 were observed in ovarian cancer tissues and cells. Ectopic overexpression of ZFP403 in ovarian cancer cells dramatically suppressed cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase. Moreover, overexpression of ZFP403 in SK-OV3 cells inhibited cell migration and invasion. Xenograft study also demonstrated that overexpression of ZFP403 suppressed the tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSION: The effects of ZFP403 on cell proliferation and metastasis suggest that it may serve as a tumor suppressor in ovarian cancer.

A Living Microecological Hydrogel with Microbiota Remodeling and Immune Reinstatement for Diabetic Wound Healing.

Dysregulated skin microbiota and compromised immune responses are the major etiological factors for non-healing diabetic wounds. Current antibacterial strategies fail to orchestrate immune responses and indiscriminately eradicate bacteria at the wound site, exacerbating the imbalance of microbiota. Drawing inspiration from the beneficial impacts that probiotics possess on microbiota, a living microecological hydrogel containing Lactobacillus plantarum and fructooligosaccharide (LP/FOS@Gel) is formulated to remodel dysregulated skin microbiota and reinstate compromised immune responses, cultivating a conducive environment for optimal wound healing. LP/FOS@Gel acts as an "evocator," skillfully integrating the skin microecology, promoting the proliferation of Lactobacillus, Ralstonia, Muribaculum, Bacillus, and Allobaculum, while eradicating colonized pathogenic bacteria. Concurrently, LP/FOS@Gel continuously generates lactic acid to elicit a reparative macrophage response and impede the activation of the nuclear factor kappa-B pathway, effectively alleviating inflammation. As an intelligent microecological system, LP/FOS@Gel reinstates the skin's sovereignty during the healing process and effectively orchestrates the harmonious dialogue between the host immune system and microorganisms, thereby fostering the healing of diabetic infectious wounds. These remarkable attributes render LP/FOS@Gel highly advantageous for pragmatic clinical applications.

PDK4-mediated Nrf2 inactivation contributes to oxidative stress and diabetic kidney injury.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is often featured with redox dyshomeostatis. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) is the hub for DKD development. However, the mechanism by which PDK4 mediates DKD is poorly understood. The current work aimed to elucidate the relationship between PDK4 and DKD from the perspective of redox manipulation. Oxidative stress was observed in the human proximal tubular cell line (HK-2 cells) treated with a high concentration of glucose and palmitic acid (HGL). The mechanistic study showed that PDK4 could upregulate Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) in HGL-treated HK-2 cells through the suppression of autophagy, resulting in the depletion of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), the master regulator of redox homeostasis. At the cellular level, pharmacological inhibition or genetic knockdown of PDK4 could boost Nrf2, followed by the increase of a plethora of antioxidant enzymes and ferroptosis-suppression enzymes. Meanwhile, the inhibition or knockdown of PDK4 remodeled iron metabolism, further mitigating oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. The same trend was observed in the DKD mice model. The current work highlighted the role of PDK4 in the development of DKD and suggested that PDK4 might be a promising target for the management of DKD.

Synergistic antitumor effects of Peiminine and Doxorubicin on breast cancer through enhancing DNA damage via ZEB1.

Peiminine, the primary biologically active compound from Fritillaria thunbergii Miq., has demonstrated significant pharmacological activities. Doxorubicin is one of the most potent chemotherapeutic agents for breast cancer (BC). This study was designed to investigate the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of Peiminine combined with Doxorubicin in treating BC. Our results demonstrated that the combination of Peiminine and 1 mg/kg Doxorubicin exhibited more significant suppression of tumor growth compared with the monotherapy in MDA-MB-231 xenograft nude mice model, which is comparable to the effect of 3 mg/kg Doxorubicin in vivo. Notably, the 3 mg/kg Doxorubicin monotherapy resulted in organ toxicity, specifically in the liver and heart, whereas no toxicity was observed in the combination group. In vitro, this combined treatment exhibited a synergistic reduction on the viability of BC cells. Peiminine enhanced the cell cycle arrest and DNA damage induced by Doxorubicin. Furthermore, the combination treatment effectively blocked DNA repair by inhibiting the MAPKs signaling pathways. And ZEB1 knockdown attenuated the combined effect of Peiminine and Doxorubicin on cell viability and DNA damage. In conclusion, our study found that the combination of Peiminine and Doxorubicin showed synergistic inhibitory effects on BC both in vivo and in vitro through enhancing Doxorubicin-induced DNA damage. These findings support that their combination is a novel and promising therapeutic strategy for treating BC.

Total flavonoids from the aerial parts of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum prevent LPS-induced ALI by modulating the TLR4/NF-κB pathway in mice.

BACKGROUND: The traditional Chinese medicine Tetrastigma Hemsleyanum (TH) is employed in treating respiratory diseases; however, the aerial parts by which its total flavonoids alleviate acute lung injury (ALI) are still unknown. This study investigated the protective effect and mechanism of Tetrastigma Hemsleyanum flavonoids (THF) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI in mice. METHODS: Firstly, the total flavonoids from the above-ground part of TH were extracted. Subsequently, the composition of THF was analyzed using LC-MS. In vivo, the impact of THF on ALI mice was assessed through lung histopathology and the evaluation of various inflammatory factors' expression in mice. After treating RAW264.7 cells with THF in vitro, changes in inflammatory markers were examined upon LPS stimulation, and mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors were detected using RT-qPCR. Finally, Western blot analysis was performed to determine TLR4/NF-κB pathway-associated proteins expression. RESULTS: In summary, a total of 24 flavonoids have been identified in THF. In vivo and vitro results show that THF effectively reduces the damage caused by LPS inflammation by blocking the expression and release of inflammatory factors. THF alleviates inflammatory injury by modulating the TLR4/NF-KB pathway. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that flavonoids exhibit a potent anti-inflammatory effect and effectively mitigate LPS-induced injury both in vivo and in vitro. We suggested that these flavonoids exert their therapeutic effects by modulating the TLR4/NF-KB pathway. In conclusion, the development of THF is anticipated to represent a promising new pharmaceutical for treatingALI.

Tetrastigma hemsleyanum polysaccharide ameliorates cytokine storm syndrome via the IFN-γ-JAK2/STAT pathway.

Acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an disease characterized by pulmonary edema and widespread inflammation, leading to a notably high mortality rate. The dysregulation of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory systems, results in cytokine storm (CS), is intricately associated with the development of ALI/ARDS. Tetrastigma hemsleyanum polysaccharide (THP) exerts remarkable anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects against the disease, although its precise role in pathogenesis remains unclear. In the present study, an ALI/ARDS model was established using bacterial lipopolysaccharides. THP administration via aerosol inhalation significantly mitigated lung injury, reduced the number of inflammatory cells, and ameliorated glycerophospholipid metabolism. Furthermore, specific CS-related pathways were investigated by examining the synergy between tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ used to establish CS models. The results indicated that THP effectively decreased inflammatory damage and cell death. The RNA sequencing revealed the involvement of the Janus kinase (JAK) 2-signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway in exerting the mentioned effects. Additionally, THP inhibited the activation of the JAK-STAT pathway, thereby alleviating the CS both in vivo and in vitro. Overall, THP exhibited marked therapeutic potential against ALI/ARDS and CS, primarily by targeting the IFN-γ-JAK2/STAT signaling pathway.

Canagliflozin alleviates high glucose-induced peritoneal fibrosis via HIF-1α inhibition.

The cardioprotective effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been demonstrated in many studies. However, their benefits for end-stage kidney disease patients, particularly those on peritoneal dialysis, remain unclear. SGLT2 inhibition has shown peritoneal protective effects in some studies, but the mechanisms are still unknown. Herein, we investigated the peritoneal protective mechanisms of Canagliflozin in vitro by simulating hypoxia with CoCl2 in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) and rats by intraperitoneal injection of 4.25% peritoneal dialysate simulating chronic high glucose exposure. CoCl2 hypoxic intervention significantly increased HIF-1α abundance in HPMCs, activated TGF-ß/p-Smad3 signaling, and promoted the production of fibrotic proteins (Fibronectin, COL1A2, and α-SMA). Meanwhile, Canagliflozin significantly improved the hypoxia of HPMCs, decreased HIF-1α abundance, inhibited TGF-ß/p-Smad3 signaling, and decreased the expression of fibrotic proteins. Five-week intraperitoneal injection of 4.25% peritoneal dialysate remarkably increased peritoneal HIF-1α/TGF-ß/p-Smad3 signaling and promoted peritoneal fibrosis and peritoneal thickening. At the same time, Canagliflozin significantly inhibited the HIF-1α/TGF-ß/p-Smad3 signaling, prevented peritoneal fibrosis and peritoneal thickening, and improved peritoneal transportation and ultrafiltration. High glucose peritoneal dialysate increased the expression of peritoneal GLUT1, GLUT3 and SGLT2, all of which were inhibited by Canagliflozin. In conclusion, we showed that Canagliflozin could improve peritoneal fibrosis and function by ameliorating peritoneal hypoxia and inhibiting the HIF-1α/TGF-ß/p-Smad3 signaling pathway, providing theoretical support for the clinical use of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients on peritoneal dialysis.

[Rapid propagation of Bletilla striata by synthetic seeds technology].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a new manufacturing method for Bletilla striata synthetic seeds, and provided a new way for rapid propagation of B. striata, the correlated influential factors were studied. METHOD: The synthetic seeds were manufactured by taking seeds of B. striata as materials which were beforehand germinated in 1/2 MS medium for 10 days, and the influential factors such as artificial endosperm components, episperm substances, storage conditions and germination groundmass impact on the germination rate and seedling rate of the synthetic seeds were evaluated. RESULT: Compound 4.0% sodium alginate + 0.2 mol x L(-1) CaCl2 + 0.4 mg x L(-1) penicillin + 0.3% carbendazim powder + 0.2% sodium benzoate served as the best episperm substances while MS + 1.0 mg x L(-1) NAA + 2.0 mg x L(-1) KT as the best endosperm components, in which, high germination rate and seedling rate were obtained. The synthetic seeds storing in the 4 degrees C for a long time was able to have still high vitality. CONCLUSION: The B. striata synthetic seeds manufacturing system was established successfully, while efforts should be taken to improve the sowing technique of the synthetic seeds in non-sterile conditions.

Mixed computational-experimental study to reveal the anti-metastasis and anti-angiogenesis effects of Astragalin in human breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most aggressive malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality. Astragalin, a flavonoid widely found in a variety of edible and medicinal plants, is recorded to possess multiple biological and pharmacological activities. However, its effect of anti-breast cancer has been unknown. METHODS: Computational pharmacology was employed to explore the potential mechanism of anti-metastasis and anti-angiogenesis effects of Astragalin on breast cancer. The targets of Astragalin were obtained from TCMSP, Swiss Target Prediction, SEA, BATMAN-TCM, ChemMapper and STITCH databases, and targets of breast cancer were got from OMIM, GeneCards, and DisGeNET databases. Protein-protein interaction network (PPI), Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed to elucidate the interactions of these two groups of targets. Moreover, the anti-metastasis and anti-angiogenesis effects of Astragalin were validated by in vitro and in vivo experiments using wound healing assay, transwell migration and invasion assay, gelatin zymography assay, tube formation assay, and chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane model. RESULTS: Computational pharmacology analysis indicated that the effects of Astragalin against breast cancer were mainly related to the regulation of the cell movement, migration, and angiogenesis, and taking AKT, ZEB1, VEGF, and MMP9 as the promising targets. Further experimental pharmacology indicated that Astragalin exerted anti-metastasis and anti-angiogenesis activities on breast cancer, and verified AKT, ZEB1, VEGF, and MMP9 as the key targets. CONCLUSION: Astragalin suppresses the metastasis and angiogenesis of breast cancer, and AKT, ZEB1, VEGF, and MMP9 are the promising targets for Astragalin against breast cancer. Thus, Astragalin is a potential therapeutic agent for breast cancer.

Hydnocarpin D attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury via MAPK/NF-κB and Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Acute lung injury (ALI) is a complex pulmonary destructive disease with limited therapeutic approaches. Hydnocarpin D (HD) is a flavonolignan isolated from Hydnocarpus wightiana which possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, whether HD has beneficial effects on ALI as well as its underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. PURPOSE: This study evaluated the protective effect of HD in ALI and the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: In vivo, the role of HD on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI in mice was tested by determination of neutrophil infiltration, levels of inflammatory cytokines, lung histology and edema, vascular and alveolar barrier disruption. In vitro, murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells were used to investigate the molecular mechanisms RESULTS: Administration of HD protected mice against LPS-induced ALI, including ameliorating the histological alterations in the lung tissues, and decreasing lung edema, protein content of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, infiltration of inflammatory cell and secretion of cytokines. Moreover, HD blocked the phosphorylation of TLR-4, NF-κB, and ERK in LPS-induced lung injury. In vitro, HD inhibited LPS-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells, which largely depend upon the upregulation of antioxidant defensive Nrf2 pathway, thereby suppressing LPS-activated proinflammatory mediator secretion, NLRP3 inflammasome, and MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: HD attenuates oxidative stress and inflammation against LPS-induced ALI via MAPK/NF-κB and Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, and is a promising novel therapeutic candidate for ALI.

Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing protein-4 promotes renal inflammatory injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

INTRODUCTION: Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing protein-4 (RasGRP4) is an activator of Ras protein, which plays significant roles in both the inflammatory response and immune activation. This study determined the role of RasGRP4 in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) progression. METHODS: CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to establish RasGRP4 knockout (KO) mice. Diabetes was induced by a high-fat diet combined with five consecutive daily intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) in C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) mice and RasGRP4 KO mice. Hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, and Masson's trichrome staining were used to observe the histology of pathological injury. Immunohistochemical staining was used to analyze inflammatory cell infiltration. Quantitative PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of inflammatory mediators and the activation of signaling pathways in renal tissues. In vitro cell co-culture experiments were performed to explore the interactions between peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and glomerular endothelial cells (GEnCs). RESULTS: RasGRP4 KO mice developed less severe diabetic kidney injury compared to WT mice, exhibiting lower proteinuria, reduced CD3+ T lymphocyte and F4/80+ macrophage infiltration, less inflammatory mediator expression including interleukin 6, tumor necrosis alpha, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and lower expression levels of critical signal transduction molecules in the NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 inflammasome and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways in the diabetic kidney. In vitro experiments showed that the adhesion function of PBMCs of RasGRP4 KO mice was reduced compared to that of WT mice. Moreover, the expression of adhesion molecules and critical signal transduction molecules in the NLRP3 inflammasome and MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways in GEnCs was stimulated by the supernatant of PBMCs, which were derived from RasGRP4 KO mice treated with high glucose and were also significantly reduced compared to those derived from WT mice. CONCLUSION: RasGRP4 promotes the inflammatory injury mediated by PBMCs in diabetes, probably by regulating the interaction between PBMCs and GEnCs and further activating the NLRP3 inflammasome and MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways.

Acute kidney injury and renal replacement therapy in COVID-19 patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Reported rates of acute kidney injury (AKI) have varied significantly among studies of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) published to date. The present meta-analysis was conducted to gain clarity regarding AKI incidence and renal replacement therapy (RRT) use in COVID-19 patients. METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, medRxiv, and bioRxiv databases were systematically searched for COVID-19-related case reports published through 25 July 2020. Pooled analyses were conducted using R. RESULTS: The pooled incidence of AKI in 51 studies including 21,531 patients was 12.3% (95% CI 9.5-15.6%), with higher rates of 38.9% in 290 transplant patients (95% CI 27.3-51.9%), 39.0% in 565 ICU patients (95% CI 23.2-57.6%) and 42.0% among 1745 deceased patients (95% CI 30.3-54.7%). RRT usage was reported in 39 studies of 17,664 patients, with an overall pooled use of 5.4% (95% CI 4.0-7.1%), with higher rates of 15.6% in 117 transplant patients (95%CI 9.9-23.8%) and 16.3% in 776 ICU patients (95% CI 11.1-23.3%). CONCLUSION: AKI and RRT use among COVID-19 patients represent a major public health concern, and early and appropriate intervention should be called upon to improve the prognosis of patients suffering from AKI.

1,25-(OH)2D3 ameliorates renal interstitial fibrosis in UUO rats through the AMPKα/mTOR pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 on renal fibrosis associated with the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)α/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway in a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). METHODS: A total of 54 male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham-operation group, UUO group, and UUO plus calcitriol (3 ng/100 g) group. Renal tissue was excised for histological examination by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, and for gene expression analysis using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: 1,25(OH)2D3 enhanced AMPKα levels, inhibited mTOR levels and slowed the development of interstitial fibrosis in kidney tissue. Compared with the UUO plus calcitriol group, UUO rats demonstrated more severe renal damage characterized by marked tubular atrophy, interstitial fibrosis and significant induction of fibrogenic transforming growth factor-ß1 and increased extra-cellular matrix proteins (α-smooth muscle actin and collagen type III), and decreased E-cadherin. CONCLUSION: Treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 altered the AMPKα/mTOR signalling pathway to suppress excessive fibroblast activation observed in UUO rats. This may serve as a novel mechanism to ameliorate renal dysfunction and fibrotic lesions.

F1012-2 Induced ROS-Mediated DNA Damage Response through Activation of MAPK Pathway in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

We have previously reported that F1012-2, a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from the Chinese herbal medicine Eupatorium lindleyanum DC., exhibits strong effects against Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). In this study, we found F1012-2 effectively inhibited cell migration and invasion detected by wound healing and transwell assays. In order to elucidate the potential mechanisms of F1012-2, we further studied its effect on DNA damage in TNBC cell lines. Using single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay), immunofluorescence, and western blotting assays, we found that F1012-2 treatment induced significant DNA strand breaks and γ-H2AX activation. Moreover, exposure to F1012-2 led to overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). NAC treatment completely eliminated ROS, which may be due to the interaction between NAC and F1012-2. A further study of the molecular mechanisms demonstrated that the MAPK signaling pathway participated in the anti-TNBC effect of F1012-2. Pretreatment with specific inhibitors targeting JNK (SP600125) and ERK (PD98059) could rescue the decrease in cell viability and inhibit expressions of JNK and ERK phosphorylation, but SB203580 had no effects. Finally, in the acute toxicity experiment, there were no obvious symptoms of poisoning in the F1012-2 treatment group. An in vivo study demonstrated that F1012-2 significantly suppressed the tumor growth and induced DNA damage. In conclusion, the activity of F1012-2-induced DNA damage in TNBC was found in vivo and in vitro, which might trigger the MAPK pathway through ROS accumulation. These results indicate that F1012-2 may be an effective anti-TNBC therapeutic agent.