Brown Adipocyte ADRB3 Mediates Cardioprotection via Suppressing Exosomal iNOS.

BACKGROUND: The ADRB3 (ß3-adrenergic receptors), which is predominantly expressed in brown adipose tissue (BAT), can activate BAT and improve metabolic health. Previous studies indicate that the endocrine function of BAT is associated with cardiac homeostasis and diseases. Here, we investigate the role of ADRB3 activation-mediated BAT function in cardiac remodeling. METHODS: BKO (brown adipocyte-specific ADRB3 knockout) and littermate control mice were subjected to Ang II (angiotensin II) for 28 days. Exosomes from ADRB3 antagonist SR59230A (SR-exo) or agonist mirabegron (MR-exo) treated brown adipocytes were intravenously injected to Ang II-infused mice. RESULTS: BKO markedly accelerated cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis compared with control mice after Ang II infusion. In vitro, ADRB3 KO rather than control brown adipocytes aggravated expression of fibrotic genes in cardiac fibroblasts, and this difference was not detected after exosome inhibitor treatment. Consistently, BKO brown adipocyte-derived exosomes accelerated Ang II-induced cardiac fibroblast dysfunction compared with control exosomes. Furthermore, SR-exo significantly aggravated Ang II-induced cardiac remodeling, whereas MR-exo attenuated cardiac dysfunction. Mechanistically, ADRB3 KO or SR59230A treatment in brown adipocytes resulted an increase of iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) in exosomes. Knockdown of iNOS in brown adipocytes reversed SR-exo-aggravated cardiac remodeling. CONCLUSIONS: Our data illustrated a new endocrine pattern of BAT in regulating cardiac remodeling, suggesting that activation of ADRB3 in brown adipocytes offers cardiac protection through suppressing exosomal iNOS.

Screening of candidate genes related to differences in growth and development between Chinese indigenous and Western pig breeds.

Neijiang (NJ) and Yacha (YC) are two indigenous pig breeds in the Sichuan basin of China, displaying higher resistance to diseases, lower lean ratio, and slower growth rate than the commercial Western pig breed Yorkshire (YS). The molecular mechanisms underlying the differences in growth and development between these pig breeds are still unknown. In the present study, five pigs from NJ, YC, and YS breeds were subjected to the whole genome resequencing, and then the differential single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were screened using a 10-kb window sliding in 1-kb step using the Fst method. Finally, 48,924, 48,543, and 46,228 nonsynonymous single-nucleotide polymorphism loci (nsSNPs) were identified between NJ and YS, NJ and YC, and YC and YS, which highly or moderately affected 2,490, 800, and 444 genes, respectively. Moreover, three nsSNPs were detected in the genes of acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase 1 (ACAT1) insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R), insulin-like growth factor 2 and mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3), which potentially affected the transformation of acetyl-CoA to acetoacetyl-CoA and the normal functions of the insulin signaling pathways. Moreover, serous determinations revealed significantly lower acetyl-CoA content in YC than in YS, supporting that ACAT1 might be a reason explaining the differences in growth and development between YC and YS breeds. Contents of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidic acid (PA) significantly differed between the pig breeds, suggesting that glycerophospholipid metabolism might be another reason for the differences between Chinese and Western pig breeds. Overall, these results might contribute basic information to understand the genetic differences determining the phenotypical traits in pigs.

Paenibacillus mangrovi sp. nov., a novel endophytic bacterium isolated from bark of Kandelia candel.

A endospore-forming bacterium, designated strain KQZ6P-2T, was isolated from surface-sterilized bark of the mangrove plant Kandelia candel, collected from Maowei Sea Mangrove Nature Reserve in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Strain KQZ6P-2T was able to grow at NaCl concentrations in the range of 0-3 % (w/v) with optimum growth at 0-1 % (w/v) NaCl. Growth occurred at 20-42 °C (optimal growth at 30-37 °C) and pH 5.5-6.5 (optimal growth at pH 6.5). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain KQZ6P-2T and its closest phylogenetic neighbour Paenibacillus chibensis JCM 9905T was 98.2 %. Phylogenetic analyses using 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain KQZ6P-2T formed a distinct lineage with Paenibacillus chibensis JCM 9905T. The draft genome of strain KQZ6P-2T was 5 937 633 bp in size and its DNA G+C content was 47.2mol%. Comparative genome analysis revealed that the average nucleotide identity, digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average amino acid identity values among strain KQZ6P-2T and its related species were below the cut-off levels of 95, 70 and 95.5%, respec-tively. The cell-wall peptidoglycan of strain KQZ6P-2T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. Major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0 and C16:0. The polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminophospholipids, four unidentified phospholipids, an unidentified aminolipid and five unidentified lipids. Based on phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data, strain KQZ6P-2T represents a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus mangrovi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KQZ6P-2T (=MCCC 1K07172T =JCM 34931T).

POCl3/Sulfoxide and AcCl/Sulfoxide Mediated Chlorination of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines.

We have developed an efficient chlorination of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives using POCl3 as the chlorine source and tetramethylene sulfoxide as a promoter. A series of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines, polysubstituted pyrroles, and naphthols have been readily chlorinated under mild reaction conditions (26 examples, up to >99% yield). AcCl can also act as the chlorine source competently in this chlorination reaction.

AcBr/DMSO Mediated Sulfenylation of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines.

We have developed a mild sulfenylation of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines with acetyl bromide and dimethyl sulfoxide. A wide range of functionalized pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines could be prepared efficiently through the formation of a C-S bond with thiophenols (27 examples, 36-94% yields). The current strategy can also be utilized for functionalization of pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinolines and indole.

NH4OAc/DMSO-Promoted Benzylation of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines.

Benzylation of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives has been realized with various phenols by the use of ammonium acetate as a promoter (20 examples, up to 84% yield). DMSO served as the source of methylene and solvent. The employment of iron chloride as a catalyst can also afford the desired benzylated products in moderate to good yields (11 examples, up to a 74% yield).

POCl3/Sulfoxide-Promoted Synthesis of Indolizino[8,7-b]indoles.

A mild chlorocyclization of pyrrole-tethered indoles has been realized using POCl3 as the chlorine source and tetramethylene sulfoxide as the promoter. A variety of chlorinated indolizino[8,7-b]indole derivatives have been constructed efficiently under this reaction system in moderate to good yields (19 examples, up to 93% yield).

Nitration of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines.

We have successfully modified a series of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines via direct nitration under mild reaction conditions. Easily accessible nitrates including CAN, Cu(NO3)2·H2O, and Fe(NO3)3·9H2O all can serve as effective nitrating reagents for functionalizing pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines. Various nitro-bearing pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines have been efficiently prepared in acceptable to good yields.

Engineered Superhydrophilic/Superaerophobic Catalyst: Two-Dimensional Co(OH)2-CeO2 Nanosheets Supported on Three-Dimensional Co Dendrites for Overall Water Splitting.

Efficient electrocatalysts require not only a tunable electronic structure but also great active site accessibility and favorable mass transfer. Here, a two-dimensional/three-dimensional (2D/3D) hierarchical electrocatalyst consisting of Co(OH)2-CeO2 nanosheet-decorated Co dendrites is proposed, named as Co(OH)2-CeO2/Co. Based on the strong electronic interaction of the Co(OH)2-CeO2 heterojunction, the electronic structure of the Co site is optimized, which facilitates the adsorption of intermediates and the dissociation of H2O. Moreover, the open 2D/3D structure formed by introducing the Co substrate further reduces the accumulation of heterogeneous nanosheets and promotes the radial diffusion of the electrolyte, significantly improving the utilization of active sites and shortening the electron transfer pathway. In addition, the superhydrophilic/superaerophobic interface achieved by constructing the hierarchical micro-nanostructure is beneficial to electrolyte infiltration and bubble desorption, thus ensuring favorable mass transfer. Therefore, Co(OH)2-CeO2/Co exhibits an excellent overall water-splitting activity in alkaline solution.

The role of the allantoin in promoting fracture healing in osteoclast-deficient zebrafish.

Fracture healing is a rigorous and orderly process with multiple steps that are mediated by multiple cells. During this process, osteoclast-mediated bone remodeling plays a critical role, and its abnormal activity leads not only to fracture susceptibility but also to impaired fracture healing. However, few studies have focused on impaired healing caused by osteoclast defects, and clinical drugs for this type of impaired fracture healing are still lacking. The cell types and regulatory pathways in the zebrafish skeletal system are highly similar to those of mammals, making the zebrafish skeletal system being widely used for skeletal-related studies. To study the process of fracture healing disorders caused by osteoclast defects and discover potential therapeutic drugs, we established an in vivo osteoclast-deficient fracture model using a previously generated fms gene mutant zebrafish (fmsj4e1). The results showed that reduced functional osteoclasts could affect fracture repair in the early stages of fracture. Then we applied an in vitro scale culture system to screen for osteoclast-activating drugs. We found the small molecule compound allantoin (ALL) being able to activate osteoclasts. Subsequently, we verified the activation role of ALL on osteoclasts and the promotion of fracture repair in an in vivo fmsj4e1 fracture defect model. Finally, by examining the osteoclastogenesis and maturation process, we found that ALL may promote osteoclast maturation by regulating RANKL/OPG, thus promoting fmsj4e1 fracture healing. Our study provides a potential new approach for the future improvement of fracture healing disorders caused by osteoclast defects.

Research Progress on Microbial Community Succession in the Postmortem Interval Estimation.

The postmortem interval (PMI) estimation is a key and difficult point in the practice of forensic medicine, and forensic scientists at home and abroad have been searching for objective, quantifiable and accurate methods of PMI estimation. With the development and combination of high-throughput sequencing technology and artificial intelligence technology, the establishment of PMI model based on the succession of the microbial community on corpses has become a research focus in the field of forensic medicine. This paper reviews the technical methods, research applications and influencing factors of microbial community in PMI estimation explored by using high-throughput sequencing technology, to provide a reference for the related research on the use of microbial community to estimate PMI.

Stakelama flava sp. nov., a novel endophytic bacterium isolated from a branch of Kandelia candel.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile, non-spore-forming, short-rod-shaped strain that did not produce diffusible pigment, designated CBK3Z-3T, was isolated from a branch of Kandelia candel, collected from the Beilun Estuary National Nature Reserve in Guangxi Zhang Autonomous Region, PR China, and investigated by a polyphasic approach to determine its taxonomic position. Strain CBK3Z-3T grew at pH 5.0-10.0 (optimum, pH 8.0), 20-37 °C (optimum, 25-30 °C) and with 0-10 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2-3 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain CBK3Z-3T was closely related to species of genus Stakelama and had the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 98.7 % to Stakelama pacifica CGMCC 1.7294T. The DNA G+C content value of strain CBK3Z-3T was 62.6 mol%. The diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid and the polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, sphingoglycolipid, an unidentified aminolipid and an unidentified lipid. The major fatty acids were C18 : 1 ω7c and C16 : 0. The average nucleotide identity, estimated digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average amino acid identity values between strain CBK3Z-3T and the type strain of Stakelama pacifica CGMCC 1.7294T were 80.4, 23.1 and 81.5 %, respectively. Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data, strain CBK3Z-3T should be designated as a novel species of the genus Stakelama, for which the name Stakelama flava sp.nov. is proposed. The type strain is CBK3Z-3T (=JCM 34534T=CGMCC 1.18972T).

Nocardioides mangrovi sp. nov., a novel endophytic actinobacterium isolated from root of Kandelia candel.

A novel species of endophytic actinobacterium, designated strain GBK3QG-3T, was isolated from surface-sterilized root of Kandelia candel collected from Beilun Estuary, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, PR China. Cells of strain GBK3QG-3T were Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, non-spore-forming and rod-shaped. Growth of GBK3QG-3T was observed at 10-40 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 5.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and in the presence of 0-3 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0 %). The G+C content of genomic DNA was determined to be 72.2 mol%. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain GBK3QG-3T was most related to the type strain of Nocardioides agrisoli CCTCC AB 2017058T (97.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), followed by Nocardioides ginkgobilobae SYP-A7303T (97.0 %) and Nocardioides aquiterrae GW-9T (96.9 %). Average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain GBK3QG-3T and some strains of the genus Nocardioides with publicly available genomes were below 84.3 and 30.0 %, respectively. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained ll-diaminopimelic acid. The polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, an unknown phospholipid and an unknown lipid. The major menaquinone was identified as MK-8(H4), and the major fatty acids were identified as iso-C16 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. Based on evidence collected from the phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic analyses, we propose a novel species named Nocardioides mangrovi sp. nov. The type strain is GBK3QG-3T (=CGMCC 4.7708T=JCM 34553T).

Jiella sonneratiae sp. nov., a novel endophytic bacterium isolated from bark of Sonneratia apetala.

A new endophytic bacterium, designated strain MQZ13P-4T was isolated from Sonneratia apetala collected from Maowei sea Mangrove Nature Reserve in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, PR China. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain MQZ13P-4T and its closest phylogenetic neighbour Jiella endophytica CBS5Q-3T was 97.9 %. Phylogenetic analyses using 16S rRNA gene sequences and whole-genome sequences showed that strain MQZ13P-4T formed a distinct lineage with Jiella endophytica CBS5Q-3T, Jiella pacifica 40Bstr34T and Jiella aquimaris JCM 30119T. The draft genome of strain MQZ13P-4T was 5 153 243 bp in size and its DNA G+C content was 68.1 mol%. Comparative genome analysis revealed that the average nucleotide identity, digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average amino acid identity values among strain MQZ13P-4T and other related species were below the cut-off levels of 95, 70 and 95.5 %, respectively. The cell-wall peptidoglycan of strain MQZ13P-4T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. The respiratory quinone was Q-10. The major cellular fatty acid was C18 : 1 ω7c. The polar lipids comprised phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified aminolipids and two unidentified lipids. Strain MQZ13P-4T had a typical chemical compositions of fatty acids, lipids, quinones and diagnostic diamino acid for Jiella species, but could be distinguished from known species of the genus Jiella. Based on polyphasic evidence, strain MQZ13P-4T represents novel species of the genus Jiella, for which the name Jiella sonneratiae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MQZ13P-4T (=CGMCC 1.18727T=JCM 34333T).

Synthesis of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines through Cu-Catalyzed Condensation/Addition/Oxidation/Cyclization Cascade.

We have developed a copper-catalyzed synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines with terminal alkynes, aldehydes, and tetrahydroisoquinolines. A variety of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines have been prepared in 17-69% yield via a condensation/Mannich-type addition/oxidation/cyclization cascade sequence. Modifications through simple chemical transformations provided highly functionalized molecules containing a privileged framework.

Modification of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines and Pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinolines with Ammonium Acetate and Dimethyl Sulfoxide via Methylthiomethylation.

An efficient methylthiomethylation of pyrroloisoquinolines and pyrroloquinolines has been reached by the use of ammonium acetate and dimethyl sulfoxide. Methylthiomethylated heterocycles can be obtained in moderate to good yields in most cases, while trace amounts to good yields of methylene-bridged products can be observed. Choice of DMSO activator and its amount have a great influence on the chemoselectivity of this process. It is worth noting that this process can also be scalable. Another feature of this process is that the product can be transformed to sulfone and sulfoxide easily.

Modification of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines and Polysubstituted Pyrroles via Methylenation with Acetyl Chloride and Dimethylsulfoxide.

A convenient synthesis of methylene-bridged pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines has been developed. Treatment of pyrroloisoquinolines with acetyl chloride and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) at ambient temperature afforded bispyrroloisoquinolylmethanes in 17-85% yields. This reaction system can also be expanded to the synthesis of bispyrrolylmethanes (34-94% yields). Easy chemical transformation of methylene-bridged pyrroloisoquinoline provided an unsymmetric acid and amide possessing a privileged framework.

Culture and in situ H2O2-mediated electrochemical study of cancer cells using three-dimensional scaffold based on graphene foam coated with Fe3O4 nanozyme.

For real-time evaluation of the cell behavior and function under in vivo-like 3D environment, the 3D functionalized scaffolds simultaneously integrate the function of 3D cell culture, and electrochemical sensing is a convincing candidate. Herein, Fe3O4 nanoparticles as the nanozyme (peroxide oxidase mimics) were modified on graphene foam scaffold to construct a 3D integrated platform. The platform displayed a wide linear range of 100 nM to 20 µM and a high sensitivity of 53.2 nA µM-1 toward detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) under the working potential of + 0.6 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The obtained 3D scaffold also displayed satisfactory selectivity toward the possible interferents that appeared in the cell culture environment. Furthermore, the cells still maintained high cell viability (almost 100%) after their growth and proliferation on the scaffold for 7 days. With the superior performance on cell culture and electrochemical monitoring, the functions on the 3D culture of MCF-7 or HeLa cells and in situ monitoring of cell-released H2O2 was easily achieved on this 3D platform, which show its great application prospects on further cancer-related disease diagnosis or drug screening. A nanozyme-based three-dimensional graphene scaffold was successfully constructed for cell culture and identification of cancer cells through in situ electrochemical monitoring of the cell-released H2O2.

Artemisinin improves neurocognitive deficits associated with sepsis by activating the AMPK axis in microglia.

Sepsis is life-threatening organ dysfunction due to dysregulated systemic inflammatory and immune response to infection, often leading to cognitive impairments. Growing evidence shows that artemisinin, an antimalarial drug, possesses potent anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory activities. In this study we investigated whether artemisinin exerted protective effect against neurocognitive deficits associated with sepsis and explored the underlying mechanisms. Mice were injected with LPS (750 µg · kg-1 · d-1, ip, for 7 days) to establish an animal model of sepsis. Artemisinin (30 mg · kg-1 · d-1, ip) was administered starting 4 days prior LPS injection and lasting to the end of LPS injection. We showed that artemisinin administration significantly improved LPS-induced cognitive impairments assessed in Morris water maze and Y maze tests, attenuated neuronal damage and microglial activation in the hippocampus. In BV2 microglial cells treated with LPS (100 ng/mL), pre-application of artemisinin (40 µΜ) significantly reduced the production of proinflammatory cytokines (i.e., TNF-α, IL-6) and suppressed microglial migration. Furthermore, we revealed that artemisinin significantly suppressed the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines by activating the AMPKα1 pathway; knockdown of AMPKα1 markedly abolished the anti-inflammatory effects of artemisinin in BV2 microglial cells. In conclusion, atemisinin is a potential therapeutic agent for sepsis-associated neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment, and its effect is probably mediated by activation of the AMPKα1 signaling pathway in microglia.

Puerarin ameliorated pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy in ovariectomized rats through activation of the PPARα/PGC-1 pathway.

Estrogen deficiency induces cardiac dysfunction and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women and in those who underwent bilateral oophorectomy. Previous evidence suggests that puerarin, a phytoestrogen, exerts beneficial effects on cardiac function in patients with cardiac hypertrophy. In this study, we investigated whether puerarin could prevent cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling in ovariectomized, aortic-banded rats. Female SD rats subjected to bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) plus abdominal aortic constriction (AAC). The rats were treated with puerarin (50 mg·kg-1 ·d-1, ip) for 8 weeks. Then echocardiography was assessed, and the rats were sacrificed, their heart tissues were extracted and allocated for further experiments. We showed that puerarin administration significantly attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling in AAC-treated OVX rats, which could be attributed to activation of PPARα/PPARγ coactivator-1 (PGC-1) pathway. Puerarin administration significantly increased the expression of estrogen-related receptor α, nuclear respiratory factor 1, and mitochondrial transcription factor A in hearts. Moreover, puerarin administration regulated the expression of metabolic genes in AAC-treated OVX rats. Hypertrophic changes could be induced in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCM) in vitro by treatment with angiotensin II (Ang II, 1 µM), which was attenuated by co-treatemnt with puerarin (100 µM). We further showed that puerarin decreased Ang II-induced accumulation of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) and deletion of ATP, attenuated the Ang II-induced dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential, and improved the mitochondrial dysfunction in NRCM. Furthermore, addition of PPARα antagonist GW6471 (10 µM) partially abolished the anti-hypertrophic effects and metabolic effects of puerarin in NRCM. In conclusion, puerarin prevents cardiac hypertrophy in AAC-treated OVX rats through activation of PPARα/PGC-1 pathway and regulation of energy metabolism remodeling. This may provide a new approach to prevent the development of heart failure in postmenopausal women.