Reciprocal conversion between annual and polycarpic perennial flowering behavior in the Brassicaceae.

The development of perennial crops holds great promise for sustainable agriculture and food security. However, the evolution of the transition between perenniality and annuality is poorly understood. Here, using two Brassicaceae species, Crucihimalaya himalaica and Erysimum nevadense, as polycarpic perennial models, we reveal that the transition from polycarpic perennial to biennial and annual flowering behavior is a continuum determined by the dosage of three closely related MADS-box genes. Diversification of the expression patterns, functional strengths, and combinations of these genes endows species with the potential to adopt various life-history strategies. Remarkably, we find that a single gene among these three is sufficient to convert winter-annual or annual Brassicaceae plants into polycarpic perennial flowering plants. Our work delineates a genetic basis for the evolution of diverse life-history strategies in plants and lays the groundwork for the generation of diverse perennial Brassicaceae crops in the future.

AGK2 pre-treatment protects against thioacetamide-induced acute liver failure via regulating the MFN2-PERK axis and ferroptosis signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Acute liver failure (ALF) is an unpredictable and life-threatening critical illness. The pathological characteristic of ALF is massive necrosis of hepatocytes and lots of inflammatory cells infiltration which may lead to multiple organ failure. METHODS: Animals were divided into 3 groups, normal, thioacetamide (TAA, ALF model) and TAA + AGK2. Cultured L02 cells were divided into 5 groups, normal, TAA, TAA + mitofusin 2 (MFN2)-siRNA, TAA + AGK2, and TAA + AGK2 + MFN2-siRNA groups. The liver histology was evaluated with hematoxylin and eosin staining, inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1), activating transcription factor 6ß (ATF6ß), protein kinase R (PKR)-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and phosphorylated-PERK (p-PERK). C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), MFN2 and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were measured with Western blotting, and cell viability and liver chemistry were also measured. Mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs) were measured by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: The liver tissue in the ALF group had massive inflammatory cell infiltration and hepatocytes necrosis, which were reduced by AGK2 pre-treatment. In comparison to the normal group, apoptosis rate and levels of IRE1, ATF6ß, p-PERK, CHOP, ROS and Fe2+ in the TAA-induced ALF model group were significantly increased, which were decreased by AGK2 pre-treatment. The levels of MFN2 and GPX4 were decreased in TAA-induced mice compared with the normal group, which were enhanced by AGK2 pre-treatment. Compared with the TAA-induced L02 cell, apoptosis rate and levels of IRE1, ATF6ß, p-PERK, CHOP, ROS and Fe2+ were further increased and levels of MFN2 and GPX4 were decreased in the MFN2-siRNA group. AGK2 pre-treatment decreased the apoptosis rate and levels of IRE1, ATF6ß, p-PERK, CHOP, ROS and Fe2+ and enhanced the protein expression of MFN2 and GPX4 in MFN2-siRNA treated L02 cell. Immunofluorescence observation showed that level of MAMs was promoted in the AGK2 pre-treatment group when compared with the TAA-induced group in both mice and L02 cells. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggested that AGK2 pre-treatment had hepatoprotective role in TAA-induced ALF via upregulating the expression of MFN2 and then inhibiting PERK and ferroptosis pathway in ALF.

Sulforaphane, an NRF2 agonist, alleviates ferroptosis in acute liver failure by regulating HDAC6 activity.

OBJECTIVE: Acute liver failure (ALF) is characterized by severe liver dysfunction, rapid progression and high mortality and is difficult to treat. Studies have found that sulforaphane (SFN), a nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) agonist, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer effects, and has certain protective effects on neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and liver fibrosis. This paper aimed to explore the protective effect of SFN in ALF and it possible mechanisms of action. METHODS: Lipopolysaccharide and D-galactosamine were used to induce liver injury in vitro and in vivo. NRF2 agonist SFN and histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) inhibitor ACY1215 were used to observe the protective effect and possible mechanisms of SFN in ALF, respectively. Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Fe2+, glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected. The expression of HDAC6, NRF2, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) were detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Our results show that NRF2 was activated by SFN. LDH, Fe2+, MDA and ACSL4 were downregulated, while GSH, GPX4 and SLC7A11 were upregulated by SFN in vitro and in vivo, indicating the inhibitory effect of SFN on ferroptosis. Additionally, HDAC6 expression was decreased in the SFN group, indicating that SFN could downregulate the expression of HDAC6 in ALF. After using the HDAC6 inhibitor, ACY1215, SFN further reduced HDAC6 expression and inhibited ferroptosis, indicating that SFN may inhibit ferroptosis by regulating HDAC6 activity. CONCLUSION: SFN has a protective effect on ALF, and the mechanism may include reduction of ferroptosis through the regulation of HDAC6. Please cite this article as: Zhang YQ, Shi CX, Zhang DM, Zhang LY, Wang LW, Gong ZJ. Sulforaphane, an NRF2 agonist, alleviates ferroptosis in acute liver failure by regulating HDAC6 activity. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(5): 464-473.

Common evolutionary trajectory of short life-cycle in Brassicaceae ruderal weeds.

Weed species are detrimental to crop yield. An understanding of how weeds originate and adapt to field environments is needed for successful crop management and reduction of herbicide use. Although early flowering is one of the weed trait syndromes that enable ruderal weeds to overcome frequent disturbances, the underlying genetic basis is poorly understood. Here, we establish Cardamine occulta as a model to study weed ruderality. By genome assembly and QTL mapping, we identify impairment of the vernalization response regulator gene FLC and a subsequent dominant mutation in the blue-light receptor gene CRY2 as genetic drivers for the establishment of short life cycle in ruderal weeds. Population genomics study further suggests that the mutations in these two genes enable individuals to overcome human disturbances through early deposition of seeds into the soil seed bank and quickly dominate local populations, thereby facilitating their spread in East China. Notably, functionally equivalent dominant mutations in CRY2 are shared by another weed species, Rorippa palustris, suggesting a common evolutionary trajectory of early flowering in ruderal weeds in Brassicaceae.

Interventions for non-alcoholic liver disease: a gut microbial metabolites perspective.

Over the past two decades, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a leading burden of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver transplantation. Although the exact pathogenesis of NAFLD has not been fully elucidated, recent hypotheses placed more emphasis on the crucial role of the gut microbiome and its derivatives. Reportedly, microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, amino acid metabolites (indole and its derivatives), bile acids (BAs), trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), and endogenous ethanol exhibit sophisticated bioactive properties. These molecules regulate host lipid, glucose, and BAs metabolic homeostasis via modulating nutrient absorption, energy expenditure, inflammation, and the neuroendocrine axis. Consequently, a broad range of research has studied the therapeutic effects of microbiota-derived metabolites. In this review, we explore the interaction of microbial products and NAFLD. We also discuss the regulatory role of existing NAFLD therapies on metabolite levels and investigate the potential of targeting those metabolites to relieve NAFLD.

Epigenetic Regulation of Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Macrophage in Chronic Liver Inflammation.

Chronic liver inflammation is a complex pathological process under different stress conditions, and the roles of stellate cells and macrophages in chronic liver inflammation have been widely reported. Moderate liver inflammation can protect the liver from damage and facilitate the recovery of liver injury. However, an inflammatory response that is too intense can result in massive death of hepatocytes, which leads to irreversible damage to the liver parenchyma. Epigenetic regulation plays a key part in liver inflammation. This study reviews the regulation of epigenetics on stellate cells and macrophages to explore the new mechanisms of epigenetics on liver inflammation and provide new ideas for the treatment of liver disease.

23-Gauge vitrectomy with external drainage therapy as a novel procedure to displace massive submacular hemorrhage secondary to polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

INTRODUCTION: Massive subretinal hemorrhage (SRH) due to polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) remains a challenging field and the best treatment is still not certain. In the present study, we performed a novel surgical method which combined 23-gauge vitrectomy with external drainage therapy for displace massive SRH secondary to PCV. METHODS: From April 2015 to July 2015, 4 consecutive patients with massive SRH secondary to PCV received 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy with external drainage therapy. Massive SRH was drained by scleral tunnel which was created using 30-gauge ultrathin needles during vitrectomy. We assessed the feasibility and safety of this procedure by analyzing best-corrected vision acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT), and complication. RESULTS: Four patients had a mean age of 63.8 ±â€Š6.4 years (range: 59-73 years). The average interval between onset of symptoms of SRH and surgery was 23.8 ±â€Š11.1 days (range: 10-35 days). Mean follow-up duration was 7.0 ±â€Š0.8 months. All patients completed 6 months follow-up. Mean BCVA gradually improved during the follow-up period. At 6 months after treatment, mean BCVA was significantly improved in comparison to preoperative findings (P = 0.043, paired t test). One month after treatment, mean CFT was significantly thinner than baseline (P = 0.002, paired t test). No serious ocular or systemic adverse events were observed to be associated with combination of 23-gauge vitrectomy with external drainage therapy during the 6 months follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that a combination of 23-gauge vitrectomy with external drainage therapy is a novel effective and safe procedure that may be a good alternative for massive SRH due to PCV.

Effects of ginsenoside Rh2 on growth and migration of pancreatic cancer cells.

AIM: To investigate the effects of ginsenoside Rh2 on the human pancreatic cancer cell line Bxpc-3. METHODS: The human pancreatic cancer cell line Bxpc-3 was cultured in vitro and treated with or without ginsenoside Rh2. Growth rates for Bxpc-3 cells were assessed by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) and colony formation assays. Cell cycle changes were analyzed by flow cytometry. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and Hoechst 33258 fluorescence staining. A scratch assay and a Matrigel invasion assay were used to detect cell migration and invasion. Expression of Bax, Bcl-2, survivin, cyclin D1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, cleaved caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 mRNA were determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Bax, Bcl-2, survivin, cyclin D1, cleaved caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 protein levels were examined by western blotting. Expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteins in culture supernatants were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Rh2 significantly inhibited Bxpc-3 cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner, as evaluated by the MTT (P < 0.05) and colony formation assays (P < 0.05). Compared to the control group, Rh2 significantly increased the percentage of Bxpc-3 cells in the G0/G1 phase from 43.32% ± 2.17% to 71.32% ± 1.16%, which was accompanied by a decrease in S phase (from 50.86% ± 1.29% to 28.48% ± 1.18%) and G2/M phase (from 5.81% ± 1.19% to 0.20% ± 0.05%) in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05), suggesting that Rh2 arrested cell cycle progression at the G0/G1 phase, as measured by flow cytometry. Compared to the control group, cells treated with Rh2 showed significantly higher apoptosis ratios in a dose-dependent manner (percentage of early apoptotic cells: from 5.29% ± 2.28% to 38.90% ± 3.42% (F = 56.20, P < 0.05); percentage of late apoptotic cells: from 4.58% ± 1.42% to 36.32% ± 2.73% (F = 86.70, P < 0.05). Rh2 inhibited Bxpc-3 cell migration and invasion, as detected by scratch wound healing assay and Matrigel invasion assay [percentages of scratch wound healing for 12 h, 24 h and 48 h (control vs experimental group): 37.3% ± 4.8% vs 18.30% ± 1.65%, 58.7% ± 3.5% vs 38.00% ± 4.09% and 93.83% ± 4.65% vs 65.50% ± 4.09%, respectively; t = 6.489, t = 6.656 and t = 7.926, respectively, P < 0.05; the number of cells invading at various concentrations (0 µmol/L, 35 µmol/L, 45 µmol/L and 55 µmol/L): 81.10 ± 9.55, 46.40 ± 6.95, 24.70 ± 6.88 and 8.70 ± 3.34, respectively (F = 502.713, P < 0.05)]. RT-PCR, western blotting or ELISA showed that mRNA and protein expression of Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9 were upregulated (P < 0.05), while mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2, survivin, cyclin D1, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were downregulated (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Ginsenoside Rh2 inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion and induces apoptosis of the human pancreatic cancer cell line Bxpc-3.

Development of microsatellite markers for the dove tree, Davidia involucrata (Nyssaceae), a rare endemic from China.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Microsatellite primers were developed for the endangered Davidia involucrata to assess the population genetics and infer its evolutionary history. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using both the modified magnetic bead hybridization method and the dual-suppression PCR method, we isolated and characterized 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci using 134 individuals from five populations in southwestern China. The number of alleles per locus ranged from six to 21 (mean = 10.8). The expected heterozygosity per locus ranged from 0.404 to 0.918 and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.015 to 0.821. CONCLUSIONS: All of the 12 microsatellite markers developed for D. involucrata are polymorphic, and lay a solid foundation for further studies of the population genetics of this famous tree.

Activation of the central histaminergic system is involved in hypoxia-induced stroke tolerance in adult mice.

We hypothesized that activation of the central histaminergic system is required for neuroprotection induced by hypoxic preconditioning. Wild-type (WT) and histidine decarboxylase knockout (HDC-KO) mice were preconditioned by 3 hours of hypoxia (8% O(2)) and, 48 hours later, subjected to 30 minutes of middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion, followed by 24 hours of reperfusion. Hypoxic preconditioning improved neurologic function and decreased infarct volume in WT or HDC-KO mice treated with histamine, but not in HDC-KO or WT mice treated with α-fluoromethylhistidine (α-FMH, an inhibitor of HDC). Laser-Doppler flowmetry analysis showed that hypoxic preconditioning ameliorated cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the periphery of the MCA territory during ischemia in WT mice but not in HDC-KO mice. Histamine decreased in the cortex of WT mice after 2, 3, and 4 hours of hypoxia, and HDC activity increased after 3 hours of hypoxia. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA and protein expressions showed a greater increase after hypoxia than those in HDC-KO or α-FMH-treated WT mice. In addition, the VEGF receptor-2 antagonist SU1498 prevented the protective effect of hypoxic preconditioning in infarct volume and reversed increased peripheral CBF in WT mice. Therefore, endogenous histamine is an essential mediator of hypoxic preconditioning. It may function by enhancing hypoxia-induced VEGF expression.

[Effect of endogenous histamine on ischemic preconditioning induced cerebral ischemic tolerance].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of endogenous histamine on ischemic preconditioning induced cerebral ischemic tolerance in rats. METHODS: Wild-type (WT) mice and histidine decarboxylase knock-out (HDC-KO) mice were preconditioned by bilateral carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) for 6, 10,or 14 min and reperfused for 48 h,then subjected to permanent BCCAO and the survival time of WT and HDC-KO mice subjected to permanent BCCAO was observed. Histamine levels in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, striatum and cortex at 0.5 h,5 h or 48 h after 10 min BCCAO were determined with high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULT: Ten minutes ischemic preconditioning significantly prolonged the survival time of WT mice subjected to permanent BCCAO. However,in HDC-KO mice, the ischemic tolerance was not induced with 10 min preconditioning. The histamine levels at 0.5 h or 48 h increased after 10 min preconditioning, but not at 5 h. CONCLUSION: Endogenous histamine in brain may be an essential mediator in ischemic preconditioning induced cerebral ischemic tolerance.

[VEGF and central nervous system diseases].

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF or VEGF-A) is a hypoxia induced angiogenic growth factor that is potent in neurotrophy,neuroprotection, anti-apoptosis and cell proliferation. Recent reports suggest that VEGF is related to many central nervous system diseases, such as cerebral ischemic disease, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Further study of the relationship between VEGF and central nervous system diseases,and investigation of VEGF related drugs will shed light on a new way for treatment of central nervous system diseases.