Novel therapeutic regimens against Helicobacter pylori: an updated systematic review.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a strict microaerophilic bacterial species that exists in the stomach, and H. pylori infection is one of the most common chronic bacterial infections affecting humans. Eradicating H. pylori is the preferred method for the long-term prevention of complications such as chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, and gastric cancer. However, first-line treatment with triple therapy and quadruple therapy has been unable to cope with increasing antibacterial resistance. To provide an updated review of H. pylori infections and antibacterial resistance, as well as related treatment options, we searched PubMed for articles published until March 2024. The key search terms were "H. pylori", "H. pylori infection", "H. pylori diseases", "H. pylori eradication", and "H. pylori antibacterial resistance." Despite the use of antimicrobial agents, the annual decline in the eradication rate of H. pylori continues. Emerging eradication therapies, such as the development of the new strong acid blocker vonoprazan, probiotic adjuvant therapy, and H. pylori vaccine therapy, are exciting. However, the effectiveness of these treatments needs to be further evaluated. It is worth mentioning that the idea of altering the oxygen environment in gastric juice for H. pylori to not be able to survive is a hot topic that should be considered in new eradication plans. Various strategies for eradicating H. pylori, including antibacterials, vaccines, probiotics, and biomaterials, are continuously evolving. A novel approach involving the alteration of the oxygen concentration within the growth environment of H. pylori has emerged as a promising eradication strategy.

Identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Resistance to Common Antibiotics: An Overview of Current Methods and Techniques.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is an essential cause of tuberculosis treatment failure and death of tuberculosis patients. The rapid and reliable profiling of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) drug resistance in the early stage is a critical research area for public health. Then, most traditional approaches for detecting MTB are time-consuming and costly, leading to the inappropriate therapeutic schedule resting on the ambiguous information of MTB drug resistance, increasing patient economic burden, morbidity, and mortality. Therefore, novel diagnosis methods are frequently required to meet the emerging challenges of MTB drug resistance distinguish. Considering the difficulty in treating MDR-TB, it is urgently required for the development of rapid and accurate methods in the identification of drug resistance profiles of MTB in clinical diagnosis. This review discussed recent advances in MTB drug resistance detection, focusing on developing emerging approaches and their applications in tangled clinical situations. In particular, a brief overview of antibiotic resistance to MTB was present, referred to as intrinsic bacterial resistance, consisting of cell wall barriers and efflux pumping action and acquired resistance caused by genetic mutations. Then, different drug susceptibility test (DST) methods were described, including phenotype DST, genotype DST and novel DST methods. The phenotype DST includes nitrate reductase assay, RocheTM solid ratio method, and liquid culture method and genotype DST includes fluorescent PCR, GeneXpert, PCR reverse dot hybridization, ddPCR, next-generation sequencing and gene chips. Then, novel DST methods were described, including metabolism testing, cell-free DNA probe, CRISPR assay, and spectral analysis technique. The limitations, challenges, and perspectives of different techniques for drug resistance are also discussed. These methods significantly improve the detection sensitivity and accuracy of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MRT) and can effectively curb the incidence of drug-resistant tuberculosis and accelerate the process of tuberculosis eradication.

Sodium sulfite-driven Helicobacter pylori eradication: Unraveling oxygen dynamics through multi-omics investigation.

Due to the emergence and spread of multidrug resistance in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), its eradication has become difficult. Sodium sulfite (SS), a widely used food additive for ensuring food safety and storage, has been recognized as an effective nonbactericidal agent for H. pylori eradication. However, the mechanism by which H. pylori adapts and eventually succumbs under low- or no-oxygen conditions remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the anti-H. pylori effect of SS and investigated the multiomics mechanism by which SS kills H. pylori. The results demonstrated that SS effectively eradicated H. pylori both in vitro and in vivo. H. pylori responds to the oxygen changes regulated by SS, downregulates the HcpE gene, which is responsible for redox homeostasis in bacteria, decreases the activities of enzymes related to oxidative stress, and disrupts the outer membrane structure, increasing susceptibility to oxidative stress. Furthermore, SS downregulates the content of cytochrome C in the microaerobic respiratory chain, leading to a sharp decrease in ATP synthesis. Consequently, the accumulation of triglycerides (TGs) in bacteria due to oxidative stress supports anaerobic respiration, meeting their energy requirements. The multifaceted death of H. pylori caused by SS does not result in drug resistance. Thus, screening of the redox homeostasis of HcpE as a new target for H. pylori infection treatment could lead to the development of a novel approach for H. pylori eradication therapy.

Macroscale preparation of CoS2 nanoparticles for ultra-high fast-charging performance in sodium-ion batteries.

Improving the fast-charging capabilities and energy storage capacity of electric vehicles presents a feasible strategy for mitigating the prevalent concern of range anxiety in the market. Nanostructure electrode materials play a crucial role in this process. However, the current method of preparation is arduous and yields restricted quantities. In view of this, we have devised an innovative approach that provides convenience and efficacy, facilitating the large-scale synthesis of CoS2 nanoparticles, which exhibited exceptional performance. When the current density was 1000 mA g-1, the discharging capacity reached 760 mAh g-1 after 400 cycles. Remarkably, even at an increased current density of 5000 mA g-1, the discharging capacity of CoS2 remained at 685.5 mAh g-1. The ultra-high performance could be attributed to the specific surface area, which minimized the diffusion distance of sodium-ions during the charging and discharging processes and mitigated the extent of structural damage. Our straightforward preparation techniques facilitate the mass production and present a novel approach for the development of cost-effective and high-performing anode materials for sodium-ion batteries.

Characterization of CM-Dil-labeled Muse cells in culture and in skin wounds in rats.

To investigate the characteristics of multilineage-differentiating stress-enduring (Muse) cells labeled with chloromethyl dialkylcarbocyanine (CM-Dil) in culture and in skin wounds of rats. Normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) were obtained from foreskins and were confirmed by immunocytochemistry with vimentin. Muse cells were derived from NHDFs using long-term trypsinization (LTT), were confirmed using immunocytochemistry with antibodies against stage specific embryonic antigen-3 (SSEA-3) and CD105 and were expanded in suspension cultures. The Muse cells were labeled with CM-Dil and were further evaluated with respect to their biological properties using CCK-8 assays and scratch tests. One hundred µl CM-Dil-labeled Muse cells at a concentration of 5 × 103/µl were injected subcutaneously at the edges of skin wounds in adult male SD rats. At weeks 1, 3 and 5 after the injection, the distribution of CM-Dil-labeled Muse cells in skin tissues was observed using immunofluorescence microscopy. Muse cells were double-positive for CD105 and SSEA-3. ALP staining of the M-clusters were positive and they displayed orange-red fluorescence after labelling with CM-Dil, which had no adverse effects on their viability, migration or differentiation capacity. One week after the subcutaneous injection of CM-Dil-labeled Muse cells, many cells with orange-red fluorescence were observed at the edges of the skin injuries; those fluorescent spots gradually decreased over time, and only a few Muse cells with fluorescence could be detected by week 5. CM-Dil can be used to label Muse cells without affecting their proliferation, migration or differentiation, and can be used for short-term tracking of Muse cells for the treatment of skin wounds in a rat model.

Anticancer effect of covalent purine-containing EGFR TKI, ZZC4 and its mechanism of action through network pharmacology.

AIMS: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been documented in many malignancies as participating in the progression of cancer cells. Here, we present a novel EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, ZZC4, and examine its effect on cancer cell proliferation, migration, and tumor-bearing xenograft models. MAIN METHODS: The antiproliferative effect of ZZC4 was assessed in vitro by MTT assay, colony formation, and wound healing assay and in vivo with tumor-bearing xenograft nude mice. Further, Western blotting analysis and computational network pharmacology were used to explore and understand the mechanism of ZZC4. KEY FINDINGS: The results showed that ZZC4 potently inhibited the proliferation of lung, breast, and melanoma cells, and was more sensitive to lung cancer cells HCC827, H1975, and breast cancer cell T47D. In vitro findings were corroborated in vivo as results showed the suppressive effect of ZZC4 on HCC827 and H1975 tumor growth. Western blotting analysis confirmed that ZZC4 is an effective inhibitor of the EGFR pathways as it down-regulated p-EGFR, p-Akt, and p-MAPK. Computational molecular docking confirmed the strong binding affinity between ZZC4 and EGFR. Moreover, network pharmacology suggested that ZZC4 might play a suppressive role in the progression of malignancies with EGFR/PI-3K/Akt axis dysregulation or in cancer-related drug resistance. SIGNIFICANCE: Our study showed that ZZC4 is an anticancer drug candidate.

ITRAQ-based proteomics analysis of human ectopic endometrial stromal cells treated by Maqian essential oil.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is a common and complex syndrome characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. Chinese medicine has been recently found to show good efficacy in treating endometriosis. Our previous results revealed that Maqian fruit essential oil (MQEO) could inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of ectopic endometrial stromal cells (EESCs), but the mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we aim to explore the molecular mechanism of MQEO's specific effects in EESCs. METHODS: We conducted a quantitative proteomics analysis by iTRAQ on EESCs treated with MQEO or DMSO. Then deep analysis was performed based on differentially expressed proteins, including Gene Ontology enrichment analysis, pathway enrichment analysis and protein interaction analysis. Candidate protein targets were subsequently verified by western blotting. RESULTS: Among 6575 identified proteins, 435 proteins exhibited altered expression levels in MQEO-treated EESCs. Of these proteins, most were distributed in signal transduction as well as immune system and the most significantly altered pathway was complement and coagulation cascades. Moreover, two differentially expressed proteins (Heme oxygenase 1 and Acyl-CoA 6-desaturase) were verified and they can be potential biomarkers for endometriosis treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our proteomic analysis revealed distinct protein expression patterns induced by MQEO treatment in EESCs, highlighting the potential of MQEO for endometriosis treatment and biomarker discovery.

The gut microbiota metabolite butyrate mitigates MPTP/MPP+ -induced Parkinson's disease by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Butyrate (BU), a gut microbiota-derived metabolite, has been reported to play a neuroprotective role in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the specific molecular mechanism of BU has not been fully interpreted. This work aimed to verify the protective effects of BU against MPTP/MPP+ -induced neurotoxicity and explore the mechanisms involved. The results showed that BU protected against MPTP-induced motor dysfunction and decreased tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine transporter (DAT) levels. Additionally, BU pretreatment improved PC12 cell viability and reduced MPP+ -induced PC12 cell apoptosis. BU treatment also attenuated MPP+ -stimulated oxidative stress and inflammatory response in PC12 cells. Furthermore, BU inhibited MPTP/MPP+ -induced hyperactivation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling in mice and PC12 cells. Besides, a JAK2 agonist, Coumermycin A1 (C-A1), substantially reversed BU-mediated inhibition on JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation in MPP+ -challenged PC12 cells and abated BU-induced repression on MPP+ -triggered apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response in PC12 cells. To sum up, BU might exert neuroprotective effects against MPP+ /MPTP-induced neurotoxicity by inactivating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling.

De novo mutation of NAXE (APOAIBP)-related early-onset progressive encephalopathy with brain edema and/or leukoencephalopathy-1: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Early-onset progressive encephalopathy with brain edema and/or leukoencephalopathy-1 (PEBEL1) is a rare autosomal recessive severe neurometabolic disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and genetic pathogenicity of PEBEL1 caused by rare NAXE (or APOA1BP)-related defects. CASE SUMMARY: The patient was a girl aged 2 years and 10 mo. She was hospitalized due to walking disorder for > 40 d. The clinical manifestations were ataxia, motor function regression, hypotonia, and eyelid ptosis. Within 1 mo of hospitalization, she developed sigh breathing, respiratory failure, cerebellar edema and brain hernia, and finally she died. Changes were found in cranial imaging, including cerebellar edema accompanied by symmetrical myelopathy. Through whole exome sequencing, we detected NAXE compound heterozygous variation (NM 144772.3) c.733A>C (p. Lys245Gln, dbSNP: rs770023429) and novel variation c.370G>T (p.Gly124Cys) in the germline gene. The clinical features and core phenotypes of this case were consistent with 18 previously reported cases of PEBEL1. CONCLUSION: This is the first case of NAXE-related PEBEL1 with severe clinical phenotype in Mainland China. The p.Gly124Cys mutation discovered in this case has enriched the pathogenic variation spectrum of NAXE.

The effects of sodium sulfite on Helicobacter pylori by establishing a hypoxic environment.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is an obligate microaerobion and does not survive in low oxygen. Sodium sulfite (SS) reacts and consume oxygen in solutions. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of SS on H. pylori. The effects of SS on oxygen concentrations in solutions and on H. pylori in vivo and in vitro were examined, and the mechanisms involved were explored. The results showed that SS decreased the oxygen concentration in water and artificial gastric juice. In Columbia blood agar and special peptone broth, SS concentration-dependently inhibited the proliferation of H. pylori ATCC43504 and Sydney strain-1 in Columbia blood agar or special peptone broth, and dose-dependently decreased the number of H. pylori in Mongolian gerbils and Kunming mouse infection models. The H. pylori was relapsed in 2 weeks withdrawal and the recurrence in the SS group was lower than that in the positive triple drug group. These effects were superior to positive triple drugs. After SS treatments, the cell membrane and cytoplasm structure of H. pylori were disrupted. SS-induced oxygen-free environment initially blocked aerobic respiration, triggered oxidative stress, disturbed energy production. In conclusion, SS consumes oxygen and creates an oxygen-free environment in which H. pylori does not survive. The present study provides a new strategy and perspective for the clinical treatment of H. pylori infectious disease.

Identification of 1q21.1 microduplication in a family: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Copy number variation (CNV) has become widely recognized in recent years due to the extensive use of gene screening in developmental disorders and epilepsy research. 1q21.1 microduplication syndrome is a rare CNV disease that can manifest as multiple congenital developmental disorders, autism spectrum disorders, congenital malformations, and congenital heart defects with genetic heterogeneity. CASE SUMMARY: We reported a pediatric patient with 1q21.1 microduplication syndrome, and carried out a literature review to determine the correlation between 1q21.1 microduplication and its phenotypes. We summarized the patient's medical history and clinical symptoms, and extracted genomic DNA from the patient, her parents, elder brother, and sister. The patient was an 8-mo-old girl who was hospitalized for recurrent convulsions over a 2-mo period. Whole exon sequencing and whole genome low-depth sequencing (CNV-seq) were then performed. Whole exon sequencing detected a 1.58-Mb duplication in the CHR1:145883867-147465312 region, which was located in the 1q21.1 region. Family analysis showed that the pathogenetic duplication fragment, which was also detected in her elder brother's DNA originated from the mother. CONCLUSION: Whole exon sequencing combined with quantitative polymerase chain reaction can provide an accurate molecular diagnosis in children with 1q21.1 microduplication syndrome, which is of great significance for genetic counseling and early intervention.

Childhood maltreatment influences suicidal behavior: Rumination mediates and regulatory emotional self-efficacy moderates.

To investigate the mediating role of rumination in the association between childhood maltreatment and suicidal behavior, and the moderating role of regulatory emotional self-efficacy, university students (N = 1,458) from 5 universities in China completed questionnaires in classrooms. Path analyses showed emotional maltreatment had the greatest positive association with suicidal behavior and rumination compared with other types of childhood maltreatment. Rumination partly mediated the relationship between childhood maltreatment and suicidal behavior. High regulatory emotional self-efficacy moderated the relation between ruminating childhood maltreatment and suicidal behavior.

In Vitro Inhibitory Effects of Maqian Essential Oil against Ectopic Endometrial Stromal Cells and LPS-Induced Endometrial Epithelial Cells.

Previous studies revealed that MQEO (Maqian fruits essential oil), which is extracted from the fruit of Maqian (Zanthoxylum myriacanthum var. Pubescens), had a good anti-inflammatory effect, but the effect on endometriosis in vitro remains unknown. In the present study, the inhibitory effects of MQEO against the EESCs (ectopic endometrial stromal cells) were investigated. Cells were treated with a concentration gradient (from 0.025 % to 0.15 %) of MQEO for 24 h and cell viability was detected by CCK-8. In addition, apoptotic rates were investigated using flow cytometry. The effect of MQEO on cell migration was determined by wound-healing and transwell assay. The expression of apoptosis-associated and cell adhesion-related proteins was assessed by western blotting. The transcriptional levels of IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α were determined by Real-time qPCR. RNA-seq was used to identify the DEGs (differentially expressed genes) in MQEO-pretreated EESCs. We found that the MQEO condition dosage-dependently reduced the cell viability of EESCs. Based on flow cytometry results, the number of apoptotic cells increased significantly with dosage. The wound-healing and transwell results showed that MQEO group exhibited a significantly decreased cell motility and migration ability in comparison with the normal group. Western blotting results showed that MQEO down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2, ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1) and CD44, but up-regulated the cleaved caspase-3 expression in EESCs. What's more, MQEO also inhibited the LPS-induced inflammation in human EECs (endometrial epithelial cells). RNA-seq revealed that 221 DEGs were up-regulated genes and 284 DEGs were down-regulated in MQEO-pretreated EESCs. Our data uncovered the beneficial effects of MQEO in endometriosis and provided new insights into the mechanism of the effect of MQEO on EESCs, suggesting MQEO could be a promising new therapeutic agent for endometriosis.

Role of Cell-Cell Junctions in Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Cell-cell junctions comprise various structures, including adherens junctions, tight junctions, desmosomes, and gap junctions. They link cells to each other in tissues and regulate tissue homeostasis in critical cellular processes. Recent advances in cell-cell junction research have led to critical discoveries. Cell-cell adhesion components are important for the invasion and metastasis of tumour cells, which are not only related to cell-cell adhesion changes, but they are also involved in critical molecular signal pathways. They are of great significance, especially given that relevant molecular mechanisms are being discovered, there are an increasing number of emerging biomarkers, targeted therapies are becoming a future therapeutic concern, and there is an increased number of therapeutic agents undergoing clinical trials. Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), the most common histological subtype of oesophageal cancer, is one of the most common cancers to affect epithelial tissue. ESCC progression is accompanied by the abnormal expression or localisation of components at cell-cell junctions. This review will discuss the recent scientific developments related to the molecules at cell-cell junctions and their role in ESCC to offer valuable insights for readers, provide a global view of the relationships between position, construction, and function, and give a reference for future mechanistic studies, diagnoses, and therapeutic developments.

Unconventional tonicity-regulated nuclear trafficking of NFAT5 mediated by KPNB1, XPOT and RUVBL2.

NFAT5 is the only known mammalian tonicity-responsive transcription factor with an essential role in cellular adaptation to hypertonic stress. It is also implicated in diverse physiological and pathological processes. NFAT5 activity is tightly regulated by extracellular tonicity, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that NFAT5 enters the nucleus via the nuclear pore complex. We found that NFAT5 utilizes a unique nuclear localization signal (NFAT5-NLS) for nuclear import. siRNA screening revealed that only karyopherin ß1 (KPNB1), but not karyopherin α, is responsible for the nuclear import of NFAT5 via direct interaction with the NFAT5-NLS. Proteomics analysis and siRNA screening further revealed that nuclear export of NFAT5 under hypotonicity is driven by exportin-T (XPOT), where the process requires RuvB-like AAA-type ATPase 2 (RUVBL2) as an indispensable chaperone. Our findings have identified an unconventional tonicity-dependent nucleocytoplasmic trafficking pathway for NFAT5 that represents a critical step in orchestrating rapid cellular adaptation to change in extracellular tonicity. These findings offer an opportunity for the development of novel NFAT5 targeting strategies that are potentially useful for the treatment of diseases associated with NFAT5 dysregulation.

Novel compound heterozygous GPR56 gene mutation in a twin with lissencephaly: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Lissencephaly (LIS) is a malformation of cortical development with broad gyri, shallow sulci and thickened cortex characterized by developmental delays and seizures. Currently, 20 genes have been implicated in LIS. However, GRP56-related LIS has never been reported. GRP56 is considered one of the causative genes for bilateral frontoparietal polymicrogyria. Here, we report a twin infant with LIS and review the relevant literature. The twins both carried the novel compound heterozygous GPR56 mutations. CASE SUMMARY: A 5-mo-old female infant was hospitalized due to repeated convulsions for 1 d. The patient had a flat head deformity that manifested as developmental delays and a sudden onset of generalized tonic-clonic seizures at 5 mo without any causes. The electroencephalography was normal. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a simple brain structure with widened and thickened gyri and shallow sulci. The white matter of the brain was significantly reduced. Patchy long T1 and T2 signals could be seen around the ventricles, which were expanded, and the extracerebral space was widened. Genetic testing confirmed that the patient carried the GPR56 gene compound heterozygous mutations c.228delC (p.F76fs) and c.1820_1821delAT (p.H607fs). The unaffected father carried a heterozygous c.1820_1821delAT mutation, and the unaffected mother carried a heterozygous c.228delC mutation. The twin sister carried the same mutations as the proband. The patient was diagnosed with LIS. CONCLUSION: This is the first case report of LIS that is likely caused by mutations of the GPR56 gene.

Circ_0017639 facilitates proliferative, migratory, and invasive potential of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has increased morbidity and mortality rate worldwide. The current NSCLS therapies are associated with poor outcomes and need further improvement. CircRNAs were shown to regulate NSCLC progression. However, little is known re garding the functions and mechanisms of circ_0017639 in NSCLC, which requires further extensive studies. The circ_0017639 expression in NSCLC tissues and cell lines was evaluated via qRT-RCR. Moreover, using ectopic plasmid incorporation and shRNA assays, we analyzed the circ_0017639-mediated cellular proliferative, migratory and invasive processes in NSCLC cell lines, using CCK-8, EdU, and transwell assays. Furthermore, the core proteins (p-PI3K, PI3K, p-AKT, and AKT) levels of the PI3K/AKT signaling cascade were investigated via immunoblotting. Finally, we tested the functional role of circ_0017639 by examining its regulation of xenograft tumor growths in nude mice in vivo. Circ_0017639 expression was remarkably high in the NSCLC tissues and cell lines. The transfection experiments showed that circ_0017639 overexpression was able to promote proliferative, migratory, and invasive properties of NSCLC cells, while sh-circ_0017639 showed opposing effects. We further showed that circ_0017639 knockdown suppressed the cellular development via PI3K/AKT cascade inactivation. Additionally, in-vivo experiment in nude mice demonstrated that sh-circ_0017639 could reduce the tumor growth of NSCLC. Circ_0017639 may promote the development of NSCLC by accelerating NSCLC metastasis through stimulating the PI3K/AKT cascade.

A role for neutrophils in early enthesitis in spondyloarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Neutrophils are present in the early phases of spondyloarthritis-related uveitis, skin and intestinal disease, but their role in enthesitis, a cardinal musculoskeletal lesion in spondyloarthritis, remains unknown. We considered the role of neutrophils in the experimental SKG mouse model of SpA and in human axial entheses. METHODS: Early inflammatory infiltrates in the axial and peripheral entheseal sites in SKG mice were evaluated using immunohistochemistry and laser capture microdissection of entheseal tissue. Whole transcriptome analysis was carried out using Affymetrix gene array MTA 1.0, and data was analyzed via IPA. We further isolated neutrophils from human peri-entheseal bone and fibroblasts from entheseal soft tissue obtained from the axial skeleton of healthy patients and determined the response of these cells to fungal adjuvant. RESULTS: Following fungal adjuvant administration, early axial and peripheral inflammation in SKG mice was characterized by prominent neutrophilic entheseal inflammation. Expression of transcripts arising from neutrophils include abundant mRNA for the alarmins S100A8 and S100A9. In normal human axial entheses, neutrophils were present in the peri-entheseal bone. Upon fungal stimulation in vitro, human neutrophils produced IL-23 protein, while isolated human entheseal fibroblasts produced chemokines, including IL-8, important in the recruitment of neutrophils. CONCLUSION: Neutrophils with inducible IL-23 production are present in uninflamed human entheseal sites, and neutrophils are prominent in early murine spondyloarthritis-related enthesitis. We propose a role for neutrophils in the early development of enthesitis.

Piperine, as a TAS2R14 agonist, stimulates the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 in the human enteroendocrine cell line Caco-2.

Piperine is reported to ameliorate common metabolic diseases, however, its molecular mechanism is still unclear. In the present study, we examined whether piperine could stimulate glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion in a human enteroendocrine cell line, Caco-2, and explored the potential mechanisms from the activation of human bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs). It was found that TAS2R14 was highly expressed in Caco-2 cells, far more than TAS2R4 and TAS2R10. Piperine and flufenamic acid (FA, a known TAS2R14 agonist) markedly increased intracellular calcium mobilization and significantly enhanced the GLP-1 secretion, accompanied by elevated levels of proglucagon mRNA in Caco-2 cells compared with the control. Moreover, piperine and FA activated TAS2R14 signaling as evidenced by the increased mRNA and protein levels of TAS2R14, and the protein expression of its downstream key molecules including phospholipase C ß2 (PLCß2) and a transient receptor potential channel melastatin 5 (TRPM5). On the other hand, a G protein ßγ subunit inhibitor Gallein or a PLC inhibitor U73122 alleviated piperine-stimulated GLP-1 secretion in Caco-2 cells. In the meantime, a flavanone hesperetin significantly attenuated piperine and FA induced the intracellular calcium mobilization and GLP-1 secretion. Furthermore, TAS2R14 knockdown reversed the piperine-triggered up-regulation of PLCß2 and TRPM5 as well as increased the GLP-1 secretion in Caco-2 cells by TAS2R14 shRNA transfection. In summary, our findings demonstrated that piperine promoted the GLP-1 secretion from enteroendocrine cells through the activation of TAS2R14 signaling. Moreover, TAS2R14 was likely a target of piperine in the alleviation of metabolic diseases.

p66Shc-mediated oxidative stress is involved in gestational diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with a heightened level of oxidative stress, which is characterized by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from mitochondria. Previous studies showed that mitochondrial dysfunction is regulated by dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) and p66Shc in GDM. AIM: The aim was to investigate the expression of Drp1 and p66Shc and their possible mechanisms in the pathogenesis of GDM. METHODS: A total of 30 pregnant women, 15 with GDM and 15 without GDM, were enrolled. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells and placental tissue were collected. The human JEG3 trophoblast cell line was cultivated in 5.5 mmol/L or 30 mmol/L glucose and transfected with wild-type (wt)-p66Shc and p66Shc siRNA. P66Shc and Drp1 mRNA levels were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The expression of p66Shc and Drp1 was assayed by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. ROS was assayed by dihydroethidium staining. RESULTS: The p66Shc mRNA level was increased in the serum (P < 0.01) and placentas (P < 0.01) of women with GDM, and the expression of Drp1 mRNA and protein were also increased in placentas (P < 0.05). In JEG3 cells treated with 30 mmol/L glucose, the mRNA and protein expression of p66Shc and Drp1 were increased at 24 h (both P < 0.05), 48 h (both P < 0.01) and 72 h (both P < 0.001). ROS expression was also increased. High levels of Drp1 and ROS expression were detected in JEG3 cells transfected with wt-p66Shc (P < 0.01), and low levels were detected in JEG3 cells transfected with p66Shc siRNA (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The upregulated expression of Drp1 and p66shc may contribute to the occurrence and development of GDM. Regulation of the mitochondrial fusion-fission balance could be a novel strategy for GDM treatment.