Guizhitongluo Tablet inhibits atherosclerosis and foam cell formation through regulating Piezo1/NLRP3 mediated macrophage pyroptosis.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis (AS) is the main pathological basis for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Vascular inflammation is an important factor in the formation of AS, and macrophage pyroptosis plays a key role in AS due to its unique inflammatory response. Guizhitongluo Tablet (GZTLT) has shown clinically effective in treating patients with AS, but its mechanism is elusive. PURPOSE: This study was to determine the effects of GZTLT on atherosclerotic vascular inflammation and pyroptosis and to understand its underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The active constituents of GZTLT were analysed by means of UPLC-HRMS. In vivo experiments were performed using ApoE-/- mice fed a high fat diet for 8 weeks, followed by treatment with varying concentrations of GZTLT orally by gavage and GsMTx4 (GS) intraperitoneally and followed for another 8 weeks. Oil red O, Haematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining were employed to examine the lipid content, plaque size, and collagen fibre content of the mouse aorta. Immunofluorescence staining was utilised to identify macrophage infiltration, as well as the expression of Piezo1 and NLRP3 proteins in aortic plaques. The levels of aortic inflammatory factors were determined using RT-PCR and ELISA. In vitro, foam cell formation in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) was observed using Oil Red O staining. Intracellular Ca2+ measurements were performed to detect the calcium influx in BMDMs, and the expression of NLRP3 and its related proteins were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The UPLC-HRMS analysis revealed 31 major components of GZTLT. Our data showed that GZTLT inhibited aortic plaque formation in mice and increased plaque collagen fibre content to stabilise plaques. In addition, GZTLT could restrain the expression of serum lipid levels and suppress macrophage foam cell formation. Further studies found that GZTLT inhibited macrophage infiltration in aortic plaques and suppressed the expression of inflammatory factors. It is noteworthy that GZTLT can restrain Piezo1 expression and reduce Ca2+ influx in BMDMs. Additionally, we found that GZTLT could regulate NLRP3 activation and pyroptosis by inhibiting Piezo1. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that GZTLT inhibits vascular inflammation and macrophage pyroptosis through the Piezo1/NLRP3 signaling pathway, thereby delaying AS development. Our finding provides a potential target for AS treatment and drug discovery.

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody is an independent risk factor in rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the clinical relevance of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD). METHODS: Detailed clinical records of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who underwent ANCA screening tests were collected. ANCA measurements were determined by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIF) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Clinical characteristics were compared between ANCA-positive and ANCA-negative groups, and multivariable logistic models were used to evaluate the independent association of ANCA with ILD in RA patients. RESULTS: The prevalence of ANCA by IIF was significantly higher in RA-ILD patients compared to those with RA without ILD (31.7 % vs. 19.5 %, p < 0.001). RA-ILD patients positive for ANCA exhibited elevated levels of inflammatory markers and greater disease activity, and showed more severe impairment of lung function compared to ANCA-negative RA-ILD patients. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed an independent association of ANCA, especially pANCA, with RA-ILD. ANCA specificities for BPI, elastase, and cathepsin-G were found in 15.6 % of RA-ILD patients; the specificities for most others remain unknown. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest a potential role for ANCA/pANCA in stratifying the risk of RA and provide supplementary information to the existing clinically available assays. This additional information may be valuable in identifying RA patients who require further investigations for RA-ILD, such as high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). These results emphasize the potential clinical relevance of ANCA in the context of RA-ILD.

Deficiency of CAMSAP2 impairs olfaction and the morphogenesis of mitral cells.

In developing olfactory bulb (OB), mitral cells (MCs) remodel their dendrites to establish the precise olfactory circuit, and these circuits are critical for individuals to sense odors and elicit behaviors for survival. However, how microtubules (MTs) participate in the process of dendritic remodeling remains elusive. Here, we reveal that calmodulin-regulated spectrin-associated proteins (CAMSAPs), a family of proteins that bind to the minus-end of the noncentrosomal MTs, play a crucial part in the development of MC dendrites. We observed that Camsap2 knockout (KO) males are infertile while the reproductive tract is normal. Further study showed that the infertility was due to the severe defects of mating behavior in male mice. Besides, mice with loss-of-function displayed defects in the sense of smell. Furthermore, we found that the deficiency of CAMSAP2 impairs the classical morphology of MCs, and the CAMSAP2-dependent dendritic remodeling process is responsible for this defect. Thus, our findings demonstrate that CAMSAP2 plays a vital role in regulating the development of MCs.

Identification of Curcumin Targets in the Brain of Epileptic Mice Using DARTS.

Curcumin, a compound derived from turmeric, is traditionally utilized in East Asian medicine for treating various health conditions, including epilepsy. Despite its involvement in numerous cellular signaling pathways, the specific mechanisms and targets of curcumin in epilepsy treatment have remained unclear. Our study focused on identifying the primary targets and functional pathways of curcumin in the brains of epileptic mice. Using drug affinity responsive target stabilization (DARTS) and affinity chromatography, we identified key targets in the mouse brain, revealing 232 and 70 potential curcumin targets, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis revealed a strong association of these proteins with focal adhesions and cytoskeletal components. Further experiments using DARTS, along with immunofluorescence staining and cell migration assays, confirmed curcumin's ability to regulate the dynamics of focal adhesions and influence cell migration. This study not only advances our understanding of curcumin's role in epilepsy treatment but also serves as a model for identifying therapeutic targets in neurological disorders.

Significance of immunoglobulins synthesis with central nervous system involvement in Neuro-Behçet's disease.

OBJECTIVES: Demyelination and immunocyte-infiltrated lesions have been found in neuro-Behçet's disease (NBD) pathology. Lacking satisfying laboratory biomarkers in NBD impedes standard clinical diagnostics. We aim to explore the ancillary indicators for NBD diagnosis unveiling its potential etiology. METHODS: 28 NBD with defined diagnosis, 29 patients with neuropsychiatric lupus erythematosus, 30 central nervous system idiopathic inflammatory demyelination diseases (CNS-IIDD), 30 CNS infections, 30 cerebrovascular diseases, and 30 noninflammatory neurological diseases (NIND) were retrospectively enrolled. Immunoglobulins (Ig) in serum and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) were detected by immunonephelometry and myelin basic protein (MBP) by quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: IgA index is almost twice enhanced in NBD than NIND with an accuracy of 0.8488 in differential diagnosis, the sensitivity and specificity of which were 75.00 % and 90.00 % when the cutoff was > 0.6814. The accuracy of CSF Ig and quotient of Ig all exceed 0.90 in discerning NBD with damaged and intact blood-brain barrier (BBB). Clustering analyses divided NBD into two different phenotypes: one with BBB damage has lower Ig synthesis, the other with extra-synthesis in parenchymal sites but with intact BBB. MBP index is significantly correlated with kappa (KAP) index and lambda (LAM) index (r = 0.358, 0.575, P < 0.001), hinting the NBD pathogenesis of CNS demyelination in triggering excessive intrathecal Ig productions and humoral responses. CONCLUSIONS: IgA index acts as a potential diagnostic indicator in differentiating NBD from NIND and CNS-IIDD. Excessive immunoglobulin production induced by CNS inflammation and demyelination might be latent immunopathogenesis of NBD.

Influencing factors of inter-nursing lateral violence: A qualitative systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Lateral violence is a global social problem that has attracted considerable attention in the field of public health. This has seriously affected the quality of care, the safety of patients' lives and the career development of nurses. OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the factors influencing of nursing lateral violence and provide evidence for preventing and reducing inter-nursing lateral violence. METHODS: A systematic review of qualitative study was performed in accordance with the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) guidelines. We collected qualitative studies on the factors influencing of inter-nursing lateral violence by searching PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, Science Direct, WanFang Data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP) and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM). Data from inception to September 2023. Literature screening and data extraction were independently conducted by two reviewers. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) scale was employed to assess the quality of the studies, including objectives, methodologies, designs, results and contributions. RESULTS: A total of 25 studies involving 882 participants were included. The results of the thematic analysis indicated that inter-nursing lateral violence was influenced by hospital management, perpetrators, victims and sociodemographic factors. CONCLUSION: Inter-nursing lateral violence was influenced by multidimensional factors. To reduce the occurrence of horizontal violence among nurses, hospitals need to explore the establishment and improvement of a horizontal violence resolution mechanism, and schools should pay attention to the joint support and education of nursing students, create a good working environment and harmonious nursing culture, and promote mutual respect among nurses. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This review emphasises the importance of the influencing factors of horizontal violence among nurses, analyses the importance of influencing factors from different perspectives, and proposes corresponding measures to reduce inter-nursing lateral violence. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This study was mostly a literature review; neither patients nor pertinent staff were involved in either the design or conduct of the investigation.

Danggui Shaoyao San protects cyclophosphamide-induced premature ovarian failure by inhibiting apoptosis and oxidative stress through the regulation of the SIRT1/p53 signaling pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: It has been reported that apoptosis and oxidative stress are related to cyclophosphamide (CYC)-induced premature ovarian failure (POF). Therefore, anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative stress treatments exhibit therapeutic efficacy in CYC-induced POF. Danggui Shaoyao San (DSS), which has been extensively used to treat gynecologic diseases, is found to inhibit apoptosis and reduce oxidative stress. However, the roles of DSS in regulating apoptosis and oxidative stress during CYC-induced POF, and its associated mechanisms are still unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY: This work aimed to investigate the roles and mechanisms of DSS in inhibiting apoptosis and oxidative stress in CYC-induced POF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CYC (75 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected in mice to construct the POF mouse model for in vivo study. Thereafter, alterations of body weight, ovary morphology and estrous cycle were monitored to assess the ovarian protective properties of DSS. Serum LH and E2 levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was employed for examining ovarian pathological morphology and quantifying follicles in various stages. Meanwhile, TUNEL staining and apoptosis-related proteins were adopted for evaluating apoptosis. Oxidative stress was measured by the levels of ROS, MDA, and 4-HNE. Western blot (WB) assay was performed to detect proteins related to the SIRT1/p53 pathway. KGN cells were used for in vitro experiment. TBHP stimulation was carried out for establishing the oxidative stress-induced apoptosis cell model. Furthermore, MTT assay was employed for evaluating the protection of DSS from TBHP-induced oxidative stress. The anti-apoptotic ability of DSS was evaluated by hoechst/PI staining, JC-1 staining, and apoptosis-related proteins. Additionally, the anti-oxidative stress ability of DSS was measured by detecting the levels of ROS, MDA, and 4-HNE. Proteins related to SIRT1/p53 signaling pathway were also measured using WB and immunofluorescence (IF) staining. Besides, SIRT1 expression was suppressed by EX527 to further investigate the role of SIRT1 in the effects of DSS against apoptosis and oxidative stress. RESULTS: In the in vivo experiment, DSS dose-dependently exerted its anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidative stress, and ovarian protective effects. In addition, apoptosis, apoptosis-related protein and oxidative stress levels were inhibited by DSS treatment. DSS treatment up-regulated SIRT1 and down-regulated p53 expression. From in vitro experiment, it was found that DSS treatment protected KGN cells from TBHP-induced oxidative stress injury. Besides, DSS administration suppressed the apoptosis ratio, apoptosis-related protein levels, mitochondrial membrane potential damage, and oxidative stress. SIRT1 suppression by EX527 abolished the anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidative stress, and ovarian protective effects, as discovered from in vivo and in vitro experiments. CONCLUSIONS: DSS exerts the anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidative stress, and ovarian protective effects in POF mice, and suppresses the apoptosis and oxidative stress of KGN cells through activating SIRT1 and suppressing p53 pathway.

Immune cells and related cytokines in dilated cardiomyopathy.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a non-ischemic cardiomyopathy involving one or more underlying etiologies. It is characterized by structural and functional dysfunction of the myocardium, potentially leading to fibrosis and ventricular remodeling, and an elevated risk of heart failure (HF). Although the pathogenesis of DCM remains unknown, compelling evidence suggests that DCM-triggered immune cells and inflammatory cascades play a crucial role in the occurrence and development of DCM. Various factors are linked to myocardial damage, inducing aberrant activation of the immune system and sustained inflammatory responses in DCM. The investigation of the immunopathogenesis of DCM also contributes to discovering new biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This review examines the roles of immune cells and related cytokines in DCM pathogenesis and explores immunotherapy strategies in DCM.

ChIP-seq analysis found IL21R, a target gene of GTF2I-the susceptibility gene for primary biliary cholangitis in Chinese Han.

AIMS: Aimed to identify a new susceptibility gene associated with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in Chinese Han and investigate the possible mechanism of that gene in PBC. METHODS: A total of 466 PBC and 694 healthy controls (HC) were included in our study, and genotyping GTF2I gene variants by Sequenom. CD19 + B cells were isolated for Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq). Additionally, MEME-ChIP was utilized to perform searches for known motifs and de novo motif discovery. The GTF2I ChIP-seq of hematopoietic cell line (K562) results were obtained from ENCODE (GSE176987, GSE177691). The Genomic HyperBrowser was used to determine overlap and hierarchal clustering between ours and ENCODE datasets. RESULTS: The frequency of the rs117026326 variant T allele was significantly higher in PBC patients than that in HC (20.26% compared with 13.89%, Pc = 1.09E-04). Furthermore, we observed an elevated proportion of GTF2I binding site located in the upstream and 5' UTR of genes in PBC in comparison with HC. Additionally, an in-depth analysis of IL21R region revealed that GTF2I might bind to the IL21R promoter to regulate the expression of the IL21R, with four peaks of GTF2I binding sites, including three increased binding sites in upstream, one increased binding site in 5' UTR. Motif analysis by MEME-ChIP uncovered five significant motifs. A significant overlap between our ChIP and GSE176987, GSE17769 were found by the Genomic HyperBroswer. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirmed that GTF2I was associated with PBC in Chinese Han. Furthermore, our gene function analysis indicated that IL21R may be the target gene regulated by GTF2I.

20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3 exerts anti-fibrotic effect after myocardial infarction by alleviation of fibroblasts proliferation and collagen deposition through TGFBR1 signaling pathways.

Background: Myocardial fibrosis post-myocardial infarction (MI) can induce maladaptive cardiac remodeling as well as heart failure. Although 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) has been applied to cardiovascular diseases, its efficacy and specific molecular mechanism in myocardial fibrosis are largely unknown. Herein, we aimed to explore whether TGFBR1 signaling was involved in Rg3's anti-fibrotic effect post-MI. Methods: Left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation-induced MI mice and TGF-ß1-stimulated primary cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) were adopted. Echocardiography, hematoxlin-eosin and Masson staining, Western-blot and immunohistochemistry, CCK8 and Edu were used to study the effects of Rg3 on myocardial fibrosis and TGFBR1 signaling. The combination mechanism of Rg3 and TGFBR1 was explored by surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi). Moreover, myocardial Tgfbr1-deficient mice and TGFBR1 adenovirus were adopted to confirm the pharmacological mechanism of Rg3. Results: In vivo experiments, Rg3 ameliorated myocardial fibrosis and hypertrophy and enhanced cardiac function. Rg3-TGFBR1 had the 1.78 × 10-7 M equilibrium dissociation constant based on SPRi analysis, and Rg3 inhibited the activation of TGFBR1/Smads signaling dose-dependently. Cardiac-specific Tgfbr1 knockdown abolished Rg3's protection against myocardial fibrosis post-MI. In addition, Rg3 down-regulated the TGF-ß1-mediated CFs growth together with collagen production in vitro through TGFBR1 signaling. Moreover, TGFBR1 adenovirus partially blocked the inhibitory effect of Rg3. Conclusion: Rg3 improves myocardial fibrosis and cardiac function through suppressing CFs proliferation along with collagen deposition by inactivation of TGFBR1 pathway.

Piezo1 specific deletion in macrophage protects the progression of liver fibrosis in mice.

Background and Aims: Liver fibrosis is the common pathological pathway of chronic liver diseases and its mechanisms of which have not been fully declared. Macrophages play essential roles in progression of liver fibrosis partially by sensing abnormal mechanical signals. The aim of the study is to investigate the functions of macrophage Piezo1, a mechano-sensitive ion channel, in liver fibrosis. Approach and Results: Immunofluorescence in human and murine fibrotic liver samples revealed that expression of macrophage Piezo1 was increased. Myeloid-specific Piezo1 knockout (Piezo1ΔLysM) attenuated liver fibrosis by decreased collagen deposition and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In Piezo1ΔLysM mice, less inflammation during development of liver fibrosis was observed by lessened macrophage infiltration, decreased M1 polarization and expression of inflammatory cytokines. RNA-seq data showed macrophage Piezo1 regulated transcription of cathepsin S (CTSS). Piezo1ΔLysM inhibited expression and activity of CTSS in vitro and in vivo and regulated T cell activity. Furthermore, inhibition of CTSS reversed macrophage inflammatory response driven by Piezo1 activation and LPS. Macrophage Piezo1 activation promoted CTSS secretion due to increased activity of Ca2+-dependent calpain protease induced by Ca2+ influx to cleave lysosome-associated membrane protein-1 (LAMP1). Pharmacological inhibition of calpain activity partially blocked Piezo1 mediated CTSS secretion. Conclusions: Macrophage Piezo1 deficiency limits the progression of liver fibrosis by inhibited inflammatory response and decreased secretion of CTSS. These findings suggest that targeting Piezo1 channel may be a potential strategy for treating hepatic fibrosis.

CAMSAP1 role in orchestrating structure and dynamics of manchette microtubule minus-ends impacts male fertility during spermiogenesis.

The manchette is a crucial transient structure involved in sperm development, with its composition and regulation still not fully understood. This study focused on investigating the roles of CAMSAP1 and CAMSAP2, microtubule (MT) minus-end binding proteins, in regulating manchette MTs, spermiogenesis, and male fertility. The loss of CAMSAP1, but not CAMSAP2, disrupts the well-orchestrated process of spermiogenesis, leading to abnormal manchette elongation and delayed removal, resulting in deformed sperm nuclei and tails resembling oligoasthenozoospermia symptoms. We investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms by purifying manchette assemblies and comparing them through proteomic analysis, and results showed that the absence of CAMSAP1 disrupted the proper localization of key proteins (CEP170 and KIF2A) at the manchette minus end, compromising its structural integrity and hindering MT depolymerization. These findings highlight the significance of maintaining homeostasis in manchette MT minus-ends for shaping manchette morphology during late spermiogenesis, offering insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying infertility and sperm abnormalities.

Ferrostatin-1 suppresses cardiomyocyte ferroptosis after myocardial infarction by activating Nrf2 signaling.

OBJECTIVES: Ferroptosis, a new regulated cell death pathway, plays a crucial part in the development of cardiovascular disease. However, the precise underlying mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate this. METHODS: Herein, an erastin-induced H9C2 cell ferroptosis in vitro model and a myocardial infarction murine model, which was created by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery, were established. Ferroptosis-related indicators, myocardial injury-related indicators, and Nrf2 signaling-related proteins expression were analyzed to explore the potential mechanism underlying cardiomyocyte ferroptosis-mediated cardiovascular disease development. RESULTS: We demonstrated that Nrf2 downregulation in myocardial tissue, accompanied by ferroptotic events and changes in xCT and GPX4 expressions, induced cardiomyocyte ferroptosis and myocardial injury after myocardial infarction. These events, including ferroptosis and changes in Nrf2, xCT, and GPX4 expressions, were improved by ferrostatin-1 in vivo and in vitro. Besides, Nrf2 deficiency or inhibition aggravated myocardial infarction-induced cardiomyocyte ferroptosis by decreasing xCT and GPX4 expressions in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, ferrostatin-1 directly targeted Nrf2, as evidenced by surface plasmon resonance analysis. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that myocardial infarction is accompanied by cardiomyocyte ferroptosis and that Nrf2 signaling plays a crucial part in regulating cardiomyocyte ferroptosis after myocardial infarction.

TPST2-mediated receptor tyrosine sulfation enhances leukocidin cytotoxicity and S. aureus infection.

Background: An essential fact underlying the severity of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection is the bicomponent leukocidins released by the pathogen to target and lyse host phagocytes through specific binding cell membrane receptors. However, little is known about the impact of post-transcriptional modification of receptors on the leukocidin binding. Method: In this study, we used small interfering RNA library (Horizon/Dharmacon) to screen potential genes that affect leukocidin binding on receptors. The cell permeability was investigated through flow cytometry measuring the internalization of 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole. Expression of C5a anaphylatoxin chemotactic receptor 1 (C5aR1), sulfated C5aR1 in, and binding of 6x-His-tagged Hemolysin C (HlgC) and Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) slow-component to THP-1 cell lines was detected and analyzed via flow cytometry. Bacterial burden and Survival analysis experiment was conducted in WT and myeloid TPST-cko C57BL/6N mice. Results: After short hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdown of TPST2 gene in THP-1, HL-60, and RAW264.7, the cytotoxicity of HlgAB, HlgCB, and Panton-Valentine leukocidin on THP-1 or HL-60 cells was decreased significantly, and the cytotoxicity of HlgAB on RAW264.7 cells was also decreased significantly. Knockdown of TPST2 did not affect the C5aR1 expression but downregulated cell surface C5aR1 tyrosine sulfation on THP-1. In addition, we found that the binding of HlgC and LukS-PV on cell surface receptor C5aR1 was impaired in C5aR1+TPST2- and C5aR1-TPST2- cells. Phagocyte knockout of TPST2 protects mice from S. aureus infection and improves the survival of mice infected with S. aureus. Conclusion: These results indicate that phagocyte TPST2 mediates the bicomponent leukocidin cytotoxicity by promoting cell membrane receptor sulfation modification that facilitates its binding to leukocidin S component.

A Transcription Factor SlNAC4 Gene of Suaeda liaotungensis Enhances Salt and Drought Tolerance through Regulating ABA Synthesis.

The NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2 and CUC2) transcription factors are ubiquitously distributed in plants and play critical roles in the construction of plant organs and abiotic stress response. In this study, we described the cloning of a Suaeda liaotungensis K. NAC transcription factor gene SlNAC4, which contained 1450 bp, coding a 331 amino acid. We found that SlNAC4 was highly expressed in stems of S. liaotungensis, and the expression of SlNAC4 was considerably up-regulated after salt, drought, and ABA treatments. Transcription analysis and subcellular localization demonstrated that the SlNAC4 protein was located both in the nucleus and cytoplasm, and contained a C-terminal transcriptional activator. The SlNAC4 overexpression Arabidopsis lines significantly enhanced the tolerance to salt and drought treatment and displayed obviously increased activity of antioxidant enzymes under salt and drought stress. Additionally, transgenic plants overexpressing SlNAC4 had a significantly higher level of physiological indices. Interestingly, SlNAC4 promoted the expression of ABA metabolism-related genes including AtABA1, AtABA3, AtNCED3, AtAAO3, but inhibited the expression of AtCYP707A3 in overexpression lines. Using a yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assay, we identified that the SlNAC4 transcription factor could bind to the promoters of those ABA metabolism-related genes. These results indicate that overexpression of SlNAC4 in plants enhances the tolerance to salt and drought stress by regulating ABA metabolism.

CAMSAP2 and CAMSAP3 localize at microtubule intersections to regulate the spatial distribution of microtubules.

Microtubule networks support many cellular processes and have a highly ordered architecture. However, due to the limited axial resolution of conventional light microscopy, the structural features of these networks cannot be resolved in three-dimensional (3D) space. Here, we use customized ultra-high resolution interferometric single-molecule localization microscopy to characterize the microtubule networks in Caco2 cells. We find that the microtubule minus-ends associated protein CAMSAPs localize at a portion of microtubule intersections. Further investigation shows that depletion of CAMSAP2 and CAMSAP3 leads to the narrowing of the inter-microtubule distance. We find that CAMSAPs recognize microtubule defects, which are often associated with microtubule intersections, and then recruit katanin to remove the damaged microtubules. Therefore, the CAMSAP-katanin complex is a regulating module for the distance between microtubules. Taken together, our results characterize the architecture of the cellular microtubule networks in high resolution and provide molecular insights into how the 3D structure of microtubule networks is controlled.

Tetrahydroberberrubine prevents peritoneal adhesion by suppressing inflammation and extracellular matrix accumulation.

Peritoneal adhesion is a common abdominal surgical complication that induces abdominal haemorrhage, intestinal obstruction, infertility, and so forth. The high morbidity and recurrence rate of this disease indicate the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Here, we revealed the protective roles of tetrahydroberberrubine (THBru), a novel derivative of berberine (BBR), in preventing peritoneal adhesion and identified its underlying mechanism in vivo and in vitro. Abrasive surgery was used to create a peritoneal adhesion rat model. We found that THBru administration markedly ameliorated peritoneal adhesion, as indicated by a lowered adhesion score and ameliorated caecal tissue damage. By comparison, THBru exhibited more potent anti-adhesion effects than BBR at the same dose. Mechanistically, THBru inhibited inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation in the microenvironment of adhesion tissue. THBru suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-6, transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), by regulating the transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and TAK1/nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways. However, THBru promoted the activation of MMP-3 by directly blocking the TIMP-1 activation core and subsequently decreased collagen deposition. Taken together, this study identifies THBru as an effective anti-adhesion agent that regulates diverse mechanisms, thereby outlining its potential therapeutic implications for the treatment of peritoneal adhesion.

Wenqingyin suppresses ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of sepsis-induced liver injury by activating the Nrf2-mediated signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Wenqingyin (WQY) is a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula used to treat various inflammatory diseases. However, its protective activity against ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of sepsis-induced liver injury and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the therapeutic efficacy and potential mechanism of action of WQY in sepsis-induced liver injury both in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: In vivo: Lipopolysaccharide was intraperitoneally injected into nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) knockout (Nrf2-/-) and wild-type mice to construct a septic liver injury mouse model. Experimental mice were intraperitoneally injected with ferroptosis-1 and intragastrically administered WQY. In vitro: LO2 hepatocytes were stimulated with erastin to activate ferroptosis and later treated with varying concentrations of WQY and an Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385). Pathological damage was evaluated following hematoxylin and eosin staining. Lipid peroxidation levels were assessed using malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione, as well as reactive oxygen species fluorescent probes. JC-1 staining was performed to evaluate the mitochondrial membrane potential damage. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot assay were performed to detect the related gene and protein levels. The levels of inflammatory factors were measured using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay kits. RESULTS: In vivo, sepsis-induced liver injury activated ferroptosis in mouse liver tissue. Fer-1 and WQY attenuated septic liver injury, which was associated with increased Nrf2 expression. Deletion of the Nrf2 gene led to aggravation of septic liver injury. The effect of WQY on the attenuation of septic liver injury was partially abolished by the knockdown of Nrf2. In vitro, erastin-induced ferroptosis resulted in decreased hepatocyte viability, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial membrane potential damage. WQY protected hepatocytes from erastin-induced ferroptosis by activating Nrf2. The attenuation effect of ferroptosis in hepatocytes by WQY was partially abolished by the inhibition of Nrf2. CONCLUSION: Ferroptosis has a critical role in the development of sepsis-mediated liver injury. Inhibition of ferroptosis is a possible novel treatment strategy for alleviating septic liver injury. WQY attenuates sepsis-mediated liver injury by suppressing ferroptosis in hepatocytes, which is related to its ability to activate Nrf2.

Loading dynamics of one SARS-CoV-2-derived peptide into MHC-II revealed by kinetic models.

Major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) plays an indispensable role in activating CD4+ T cell immune responses by presenting antigenic peptides on the cell surface for recognition by T cell receptors. The assembly of MHC-II and antigenic peptide is therefore a prerequisite for the antigen presentation. To date, however, the atomic-level mechanism underlying the peptide-loading dynamics for MHC-II is still elusive. Here, by constructing Markov state models based on extensive all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, we reveal the complete peptide-loading dynamics into MHC-II for one SARS-CoV-2 S-protein-derived antigenic peptide (235ITRFQTLLALHRSYL249). Our Markov state model identifies six metastable states (S1-S6) during the peptide-loading process and determines two dominant loading pathways. The peptide could potentially approach the antigen-binding groove via either its N- or C-terminus. Then, the consecutive insertion of several anchor residues into the binding pockets profoundly dictates the peptide-loading dynamics. Notably, the MHC-II αA52-E55 motif could guide the peptide loading into the antigen-binding groove via forming ß-sheets conformation with the incoming peptide. The rate-limiting step, namely S5→S6, is mainly attributed to a considerable desolvation penalty triggered by the binding of the peptide C-terminus. Moreover, we further examined the conformational changes associated with the peptide exchange process catalyzed by the chaperon protein HLA-DM. A flipped-out conformation of MHC-II αW43 captured in S1-S3 is considered a critical anchor point for HLA-DM to modulate the structural dynamics. Our work provides deep structural insights into the key regulatory factors in MHC-II responsible for peptide recognition and guides future design for peptide vaccines against SARS-CoV-2.

Fu Fang Gang Liu aqueous extract inhibits the proliferation of HeLa cells by causing deoxyribonucleic acid damage.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Fu Fang Gang Liu (FFGL) is an effective formula for treating wart proliferation caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and has the potential to treat HPV-related cancers. However, scientific evidence of its anti-tumor activity against cervical cancer, the most common cancer caused by HPV, is lacking. AIM OF THE STUDY: To clarify the anti-tumor effect of an FFGL aqueous extract on human cervical cancer and its possible mechanism of cell cycle arrest in HeLa cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anti-proliferative effect of FFGL on cervical cancer cells was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 assay. The proportion of apoptotic cells, cell cycle distribution, and cell division rate were determined using flow cytometry. Quantitative proteomics was used to identify differentially expressed proteins after FFGL treatment, and bioinformatics analysis was used to identify key nodal proteins affected by FFGL. Immunofluorescence and western blot analyses were used to explore changes in the expression of related proteins in the cell cycle and DNA damage pathways to elucidate the potential mechanism of action of FFGL against HeLa cell proliferation. RESULTS: FFGL inhibited cervical cancer cell proliferation and caused cell cycle arrest. According to quantitative proteomics, CyclinB1 may play an important role in the anti-proliferative effect of FFGL on HeLa cells. Additional experiments showed that FFGL aqueous extract caused ATM-mediated DNA damage, further phosphorylated CHK2, led to the inactivation of Cdc25C, inhibited the activity of the CDK1/CyclinB1 complex, and resulted in cell cycle arrest. CONCLUSIONS: FFGL can inhibit cervical cancer cell proliferation. Furthermore, it can increase CDK1 phosphorylation, block the cell cycle by causing DNA damage, and inhibit HeLa cell proliferation.