New mechanism of LncRNA: In addition to act as a ceRNA.

Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are a class of RNA molecules with nucleic acid lengths ranging from 200 bp to 100 kb that cannot code for proteins, which are diverse and widely expressed in both animals and plants. Scholars have found that lncRNAs can regulate human physiological processes at the gene and protein levels, mainly through the regulation of epigenetic, transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels of genes and proteins, as well as in the immune response by regulating the expression of immune cells and inflammatory factors, and thus participate in the occurrence and development of a variety of diseases. From the downstream targets of lncRNAs, we summarize the new research progress of lncRNA mechanisms other than miRNA sponges in recent years, aiming to provide new ideas and directions for the study of lncRNA mechanisms.

Dihydroartemisinin modulated arachidonic acid metabolism and mitigated liver inflammation by inhibiting the activation of 5-LOX and COX-2.

Background: Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a derivative of Artemisia annua, has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties. Besides, Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) plays a crucial role in maintaining liver homeostasis. Methods: This study used Yap1 Flox/Flox, Albumin-Cre mice with hepatocyte-specific Yap1 knockout (referred to as Yap1 LKO) and their control mice (Yap1 Flox/Flox, referred to as Yap1 Flox). The effect of Yap1 on lipid metabolism homeostasis was investigated through non-targeted metabolomic analysis of mouse liver. Subsequently, DHA was administered to Yap1 LKO mice to assess its potential as a treatment. Liver pathology was evaluated via H&E staining, and the levels of AST, ALT, and TG were quantified using biochemical assays. The contents of arachidonic acid (AA), prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), and leukotrienes (LT) in the liver were measured using ELISA, while the protein expressions of PLIN2, 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were analyzed through IHC staining. Results: Hepatocyte-specific Yap1 knockout activated the AA metabolic pathway, resulting in increased elevated levels of AA, PGE1, and LT levels, along with inflammatory cytokine infiltration. DHA mitigated the elevation of metabolites such as PGE1 and LT caused by the AA metabolic pathway activation by down-regulating the levels of COX-2 and 5-LOX in the liver of Yap1 LKO mice. Moreover, it alleviated the accumulation of lipid vacuoles and reduced triglyceride (TG) and perilipin-2 (PLIN2) levels in the liver of Yap1 LKO mice. Conclusions: Excessively low YAP1 expression induces liver inflammation and disturbances in lipid metabolism, whereas DHA modulated AA metabolism and mitigated liver inflammation by inhibiting the activation of 5-LOX and COX-2.

Unveiling the Structural and Dynamic Characteristics of Concentrated LiNO3 Aqueous Solutions through Ultrafast Infrared Spectroscopy and Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

Highly concentrated aqueous electrolytes have attracted a significant amount of attention for their potential applications in lithium-ion batteries. Nevertheless, a comprehensive understanding of the Li+ solvation structure and its migration within electrolyte solutions remains elusive. This study employs linear vibrational spectroscopy, ultrafast infrared spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to elucidate the structural dynamics in LiNO3 solutions by using intrinsic and extrinsic vibrational probes. The N-O stretching vibrations of NO3- exhibit a distinct spectral splitting, attributed to its asymmetric interaction with the surrounding solvation structure. Analysis of the vibrational relaxation dynamics of intrinsic and extrinsic probes, in combination with MD simulations, reveals cage-like networks formed through electrostatic interactions between Li+ and NO3-. This microscopic heterogeneity is reflected in the intertwined arrangement of ions and water molecules. Furthermore, both vehicular transport and structural diffusion assisted by solvent rearrangement for Li+ were analyzed, which are closely linked with the bulk concentration.

Cooling rate uncovers epimer-dependent supramolecular organization of carbohydrate amphiphiles.

We show distinct CH-π interactions and assembly pathways for the amphiphile N-(fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)-galactosamine and its epimer N-(fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)-glucosamine. These differences result in the formation of supramolecular nanofibrous systems with opposite chirality. Our results showcase the importance of the carbohydrates structural diversity for their specific biointeractions and the opportunity that their ample interactome offers for synthesis of versatile and tunable supramolecular (bio) materials.

The clinical value of rapidly detecting urinary exosomal lncRNA RMRP in bladder cancer with an RT-RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a method.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Bladder cancer (BCa) is a highly aggressive malignancy of the urinary system. Timely detection is imperative for enhancing BCa patient prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study introduces a novel approach for detecting long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) Mitochondrial RNA Processing Endoribonuclease (RMRP) in urine exosomes from BCa patients using the reverse transcription recombinase-aided amplification (RT-RAA) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and associated Cas12a proteins (CRISPR/Cas12a) technique. Various statistical methods were used to evaluate its diagnostic value for BCa. RESULTS: The specificity of urine exosomal RMRP detection for BCa diagnosis was enhanced by using RT-RAA combined with CRISPR/Cas12a. The testing process duration was reduced to 30 min, which supports rapid detection. Moreover, this approach allows the identification of target signals in real-time using blue light, facilitating immediate detection. In clinical sample analysis, this methodology exhibited a high level of diagnostic efficacy. This was evidenced by larger area under the curve values with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis compared with using traditional RT-qPCR methods, indicating superior diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity. Furthermore, the combined analysis of RMRP expression in urine exosomes detected by RT-RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a and NMP-22 expression may further enhance diagnostic accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: The RT-RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a technology is a swift, sensitive, and uncomplicated method for nucleic acid detection. Because of its convenient and non-invasive sampling approach, user-friendly operation, and reproducibility, this technology is very promising for automated detection and holds favorable application possibilities within clinical environments.

A case report of AQP4-IgG-seropositive refractory neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patient with Sjögren's syndrome and pancytopenia treated with inebilizumab.

Patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) coexisting with both Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and pancytopenia are exceptionally rare. There is no study on the treatment of such patients. We presented a case of AQP4-IgG seropositive refractory NMOSD patient combined with SS and pancytopenia with significant response to inebilizumab. In 2017 the 49-year-old female patient was diagnosed with SS and pancytopenia without any treatment. In August 2022, she had a sudden onset of lower limbs weakness, manifested as inability to walk, accompanied by urinary incontinence. After receiving methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide, she regained the ability to walk. In February 2023, she suffered from weakness of both lower limbs again and paralyzed in bed, accompanied by retention of urine and stool, and loss of vision in both eyes. After receiving methylprednisolone and three plasmapheresis, the condition did not further worsen, but there was no remission. In March 2023, the patient was admitted to our hospital and was formally diagnosed with AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD combined with SS and pancytopenia. After receiving two 300 mg injections of inebilizumab, not only the symptoms of NMOSD improved significantly, but also the symptoms of concurrent SS and pancytopenia. In the cases of AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD who have recurrent episodes and are comorbid with other autoimmune disorders, inebilizumab may be a good choice.

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells promoted tumor cell growth associated with increased interleukin-18 in hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is experiencing a concerning rise in both incidence and mortality rates. Current therapeutic strategies are limited in their effectiveness, largely due to the complex causes of the disease and significant levels of drug resistance. Given the latest developments in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) research, there is a debate over the continued use of stem cell transplantation for treating tumors. Consequently, this study seeks to explore the role of hUC-MSCs in the management of HCC. METHODS AND RESULTS: HUC-MSCs increased the number (10.75 ± 1.50) in the DEN/TCPOBOP-induced mice hepatoma model, compared with DMSO group (7.25 ± 1.71). Moreover, the liver index in hUC-MSCs group (0.21 ± 0.06) was greater than that in DMSO group (0.09 ± 0.01). Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis revealed that while hUC-MSCs did not alter Foxp3 expression, they significantly stimulated Ki67 expression, indicative of increased tumor cellular proliferation. Additionally, immunofluorescence (IF) studies showed that hUC-MSCs increased CD8+ T cell counts without affecting macrophage numbers. Notably, granzyme B expression remained nearly undetectable. We observed that serum IL-18 levels were higher in the hUC-MSCs group (109.66 ± 0.38 pg/ml) compared to the DMSO group (91.14 ± 4.37 pg/ml). Conversely, IL-1ß levels decreased in the hUC-MSCs group (63.00 ± 0.53 pg/ml) relative to the DMSO group (97.38 ± 9.08 pg/ml). CONCLUSIONS: According to this study, hUC-MSCs promoted the growth of liver tumors. Therefore, we proposed that hUC-MSCs are not suitable for treating HCC, as they exhibit clinically prohibited abnormalities.

Dihydroartemisinin breaks the immunosuppressive tumor niche during cisplatin treatment in Hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Hepatocellular carcinoma, characterized by high mortality rates, often exhibits limited responsiveness to conventional treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Therefore, identifying a sensitizer for cisplatin has become crucial. Dihydroartemisinin, known for its potent role of tumor treatment, arises as a prospective candidate for cisplatin sensitization in clinical settings. METHODS: A mouse model of liver tumor was established through chemical induction of DEN/TCPOBOP. Upon successful model establishment, ultrasound was employed to detect tumors, Hematoxylin and eosin staining was conducted for observation of liver tissue pathology, and ELISA was utilized to assess cytokine changes (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, TGF-ß, IL-1ß, CCL2, and CCL21) in peripheral blood, para-tumor tissues, and tumor tissues. The infiltration of CD8+T cells and macrophages in tumor tissue sections was detected by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Dihydroartemisinin combined with cisplatin obviously restrained the growth of liver tumors in mice and improved the weight and spleen loss caused by cisplatin. Cisplatin treatment of liver tumor mice increased the content of CCL2 and the number of macrophages in tumor tissues and promoted the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. The combination therapy decreased the content of TGF-ß in tumor tissues while increasing CCL2 levels in para-tumor tissues. Both combination therapy and cisplatin alone increased the number of CD8+T cells in tumor tissue, but there was no difference between them. CONCLUSION: Dihydroartemisinin combined with cisplatin obviously prevented the deterioration of liver tumor in hepatocellular carcinoma mice and improve the therapeutic effect of cisplatin by improving the immunosuppressive microenvironment induced by cisplatin. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for considering dihydroartemisinin as an adjuvant drug for cisplatin in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in the future.

Dihydroartemisinin breaks the positive feedback loop of YAP1 and GLUT1-mediated aerobic glycolysis to boost the CD8+ effector T cells in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Aerobic glycolysis is a hallmark of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) exhibits antitumor activity towards liver cancer. Our previous studies have shown that DHA inhibits the Warburg effect in HCC cells. However, the mechanism still needs to be clarified. Our study aimed to elucidate the interaction between YAP1 and GLUT1-mediated aerobic glycolysis in HCC cells and focused on the underlying mechanisms of DHA inhibiting aerobic glycolysis in HCC cells. In this study, we confirmed that inhibition of YAP1 expression lowers GLUT1-mediated aerobic glycolysis in HCC cells and enhances the activity of CD8+T cells in the tumor niche. Then, we found that DHA was bound to cellular YAP1 in HCC cells. YAP1 knockdown inhibited GLUT1-mediated aerobic glycolysis, whereas YAP1 overexpression promoted GLUT1-mediated aerobic glycolysis in HCC cells. Notably, liver-specific Yap1 knockout by AAV8-TBG-Cre suppressed HIF-1α and GLUT1 expression in tumors but not para-tumors in DEN/TCPOBOP-induced HCC mice. Even more crucial is that YAP1 forms a positive feedback loop with GLUT1-mediated aerobic glycolysis, which is associated with HIF-1α in HCC cells. Finally, DHA reduced GLUT1-aerobic glycolysis in HCC cells through YAP1 and prevented the binding of YAP1 and HIF-1α. Collectively, our study revealed the mechanism of DHA inhibiting glycolysis in HCC cells from a perspective of a positive feedback loop involving YAP1 and GLUT1 mediated-aerobic glycolysis and provided a feasible therapeutic strategy for targeting enhanced aerobic glycolysis in HCC.

Bioinspired Robust Gas-Permeable On-Skin Electronics: Armor-Designed Nanoporous Flash Graphene Assembly Enhancing Mechanical Resilience.

Soft on-skin electrodes play an important role in wearable technologies, requiring attributes such as wearing comfort, high conductivity, and gas permeability. However, conventional fabrication methods often compromise simplicity, cost-effectiveness, or mechanical resilience. In this study, a mechanically robust and gas-permeable on-skin electrode is presented that incorporates Flash Graphene (FG) integrated with a bioinspired armor design. FG, synthesized through Flash Joule Heating process, offers a small-sized and turbostratic arrangement that is ideal for the assembly of a conductive network with nanopore structures. Screen-printing is used to embed the FG assembly into the framework of polypropylene melt-blown nonwoven fabrics (PPMF), forming a soft on-skin electrode with low sheet resistance (125.2 ± 4.7 Ω/□) and high gas permeability (≈10.08 mg cm⁻2 h⁻¹). The "armor" framework ensures enduring mechanical stability through adhesion, washability, and 10,000 cycles of mechanical contact friction tests. Demonstrating capabilities in electrocardiogram (ECG) and electromyogram (EMG) monitoring, along with serving as a self-powered triboelectric sensor, the FG/PPMF electrode holds promise for scalable, high-performance flexible sensing applications, thereby enriching the landscape of integrated wearable technologies.

Aberrant auditory metabolite levels and topological properties are associated with cognitive decline in presbycusis patients.

Presbycusis has been reported as related to cognitive decline, but its underlying neurophysiological mechanism is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between metabolite levels, cognitive function, and node characteristics in presbycusis based on graph theory methods. Eighty-four elderly individuals with presbycusis and 63 age-matched normal hearing controls underwent magnetic resonance spectroscopy, functional magnetic resonance imaging scans, audiological assessment, and cognitive assessment. Compared with the normal hearing group, presbycusis patients exhibited reduced gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate levels in the auditory region, increased nodal characteristics in the temporal lobe and precuneus, as well as decreased nodal characteristics in the superior occipital gyrus and medial orbital. The right gamma-aminobutyric acid levels were negatively correlated with the degree centrality in the right precuneus and the executive function. Degree centrality in the right precuneus exhibited significant correlations with information processing speed and executive function, while degree centrality in the left medial orbital demonstrated a negative association with speech recognition ability. The degree centrality and node efficiency in the superior occipital gyrus exhibited a negative association with hearing loss and speech recognition ability, respectively. These observed changes indicate alterations in metabolite levels and reorganization patterns at the brain network level after auditory deprivation.

Research Progress of Warburg Effect in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

The Warburg effect, also called aerobic glycolysis, refers to tumor cells that metabolize glucose through glycolysis even in the presence of oxygen. This rapid breakdown of glucose fuels the fast development, growth, and migration of tumor cells. Lactate, the final product of aerobic glycolysis, contributes to an acidic environment within the tumor, promoting the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment and accelerating tumor progression by impeding anti-tumor immunity. Numerous studies have confirmed the critical role of aerobic glycolysis in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma by influencing tumor cells proliferation, invasion, metastasis, apoptosis, immune escape, angiogenesis, and more. Clinical trials have shown that inhibitors of rate-limiting enzymes in the glycolysis pathway can enhance the effectiveness of sorafenib, a targeted drug for hepatocellular carcinoma, by reducing drug resistance. Additionally, active components of traditional Chinese medicine and specific compound prescriptions are gaining attention for their potential to target and regulate aerobic glycolysis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, inhibiting the aerobic glycolysis pathway holds promise as a therapeutic strategy for treating liver tumors. This manuscript aims to review the role, research directions, and clinical studies of aerobic glycolysis in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Metformin-induced changes of the gut microbiota in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: results from a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The influence of the microbiota on hypoglycemic agents is becoming more apparent. The effects of metformin, a primary anti-diabetes drug, on gut microbiota are still not fully understood. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study aims to investigate the longitudinal effects of metformin on the gut microbiota of 25 treatment-naïve diabetes patients, each receiving a daily dose of 1500 mg. Microbiota compositions were analyzed at baseline, and at 1, 3, and 6 months of medication using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. RESULTS: Prior to the 3-month period of metformin treatment, significant improvements were noted in body mass index (BMI) and glycemic-related parameters, such as fasting blood glucose (FPG) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), alongside homeostasis model assessment indices of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). At the 3-month mark of medication, a significant reduction in the α-diversity of the gut microbiota was noted, while ß-diversity exhibited no marked variances throughout the treatment duration. The Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio. markedly decreased. Metformin treatment consistently increased Escherichia-Shigella and decreased Romboutsia, while Pseudomonas decreased at 3 months. Fuzzy c-means clustering identified three longitudinal trajectory clusters for microbial fluctuations: (i) genera temporarily changing, (ii) genera continuing to decrease (Bacteroides), and (iii) genera continuing to increase(Lachnospiraceae ND3007 group, [Eubacterium] xylanophilum group, Romboutsia, Faecalibacterium and Ruminococcaceae UCG-014). The correlation matrix revealed associations between specific fecal taxa and metformin-related clinical parameters HbA1c, FPG, Uric Acid (UA), high-density lipoproteincholesterol (HDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), triglyceride (TG) (P < 0.05). Metacyc database showed that metformin significantly altered 17 functional pathways. Amino acid metabolism pathways such as isoleucine biosynthesis predominated in the post-treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: Metformin's role in glucose metabolism regulation may primarily involve specific alterations in certain gut microbial species rather than an overall increase in microbial species diversity. This may suggest gut microbiota targets in future studies on metabolic abnormalities caused by metformin.

Construction of an Escherichia coli chassis for efficient biosynthesis of human-like N-linked glycoproteins.

The production of N-linked glycoproteins in genetically engineered Escherichia coli holds significant potential for reducing costs, streamlining bioprocesses, and enhancing customization. However, the construction of a stable and low-cost microbial cell factory for the efficient production of humanized N-glycosylated recombinant proteins remains a formidable challenge. In this study, we developed a glyco-engineered E. coli chassis to produce N-glycosylated proteins with the human-like glycan Gal-ß-1,4-GlcNAc-ß-1,3-Gal-ß-1,3-GlcNAc-, containing the human glycoform Gal-ß-1,4-GlcNAc-ß-1,3-. Our initial efforts were to replace various loci in the genome of the E. coli XL1-Blue strain with oligosaccharyltransferase PglB and the glycosyltransferases LsgCDEF to construct the E. coli chassis. In addition, we systematically optimized the promoter regions in the genome to regulate transcription levels. Subsequently, utilizing a plasmid carrying the target protein, we have successfully obtained N-glycosylated proteins with 100% tetrasaccharide modification at a yield of approximately 320 mg/L. Furthermore, we constructed the metabolic pathway for sialylation using a plasmid containing a dual-expression cassette of the target protein and CMP-sialic acid synthesis in the tetrasaccharide chassis cell, resulting in a 40% efficiency of terminal α-2,3- sialylation and a production of 65 mg/L of homogeneously sialylated glycoproteins in flasks. Our findings pave the way for further exploration of producing different linkages (α-2,3/α-2,6/α-2,8) of sialylated human-like N-glycoproteins in the periplasm of the plug-and-play E. coli chassis, laying a strong foundation for industrial-scale production.

Long-Chain Hydrocarbons from Nonthermal Plasma-Driven Biogas Upcycling.

The burgeoning necessity to discover new methodologies for the synthesis of long-chain hydrocarbons and oxygenates, independent of traditional reliance on high-temperature, high-pressure, and fossil fuel-based carbon, is increasingly urgent. In this context, we introduce a nonthermal plasma-based strategy for the initiation and propagation of long-chain carbon growth from biogas constituents (CO2 and CH4). Utilizing a plasma reactor operating at atmospheric room temperature, our approach facilitates hydrocarbon chain growth up to C40 in the solid state (including oxygenated products), predominantly when CH4 exceeds CO2 in the feedstock. This synthesis is driven by the hydrogenation of CO2 and/or amalgamation of CHx radicals. Global plasma chemistry modeling underscores the pivotal role of electron temperature and CHx radical genesis, contingent upon varying CO2/CH4 ratios in the plasma system. Concomitant with long-chain hydrocarbon production, the system also yields gaseous products, primarily syngas (H2 and CO), as well as liquid-phase alcohols and acids. Our finding demonstrates the feasibility of atmospheric room-temperature synthesis of long-chain hydrocarbons, with the potential for tuning the chain length based on the feed gas composition.

Role of LncRNA H19 in tumor progression and treatment.

As one of the earliest discovered lncRNA molecules, lncRNA H19 is usually expressed in large quantities during embryonic development and is involved in cell differentiation and tissue formation. In recent years, the role of lncRNA H19 in tumors has been gradually recognized. Increasing evidence suggests that its aberrant expression is closely related to cancer development. LncRNA H19 as an oncogene not only promotes the growth, proliferation, invasion and metastasis of many tumors, but also develops resistance to treatment, affecting patients' prognosis and survival. Therefore, in this review, we summarise the extensive research on the involvement of lncRNA H19 in tumor progression and discuss how lncRNA H19, as a key target gene, affects tumor sensitivity to radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy by participating in multiple cellular processes and regulating multiple signaling pathways, which provides a promising prospect for further research into the treatment of cancer.

Elevated liver enzymes in the first trimester are associated with gestational diabetes mellitus: A prospective cohort study.

AIMS: Previous studies have found that a single liver enzyme may predict gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but the results have been inconsistent. This study aimed to explore the associations of liver enzymes in early pregnancy with risk of GDM, as well as to independently rank risk factors. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 1295 women who underwent liver enzyme measurements during early pregnancy and completed GDM assessment in mid-pregnancy. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between liver enzymes and risk of GDM. Back-propagation artificial neural network was performed to rank independently risk factors of GDM. RESULTS: Women diagnosed with GDM exhibited significantly higher levels of liver enzymes than those without GDM (all p < 0.05). The highest quartile of liver enzymes was associated with higher risk of GDM compared with the lowest quartile, with adjusted odds ratio (ORs) ranging from 2.76 to 8.11 (all p < 0.05). Moreover, the ORs of GDM increased linearly with liver enzymes level (all P for overall association <0.001). Furthermore, Back-propagation artificial neural network identified γ-gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) as accounting for the highest proportion in the ranking of GDM risk prediction weights (up to 20.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Single or total elevations of liver enzymes in early pregnancy could predict the GDM occurrence, in which GGT, alkaline Phosphatase, and aspartate aminotransferase were the three most important independent risk factors.

Lycium barbarum L. Balanced intestinal flora with YAP1/FXR activation in drug-induced liver injury.

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a common and severe adverse drug reaction that can result in acute liver failure. Previously, we have shown that Lycium barbarum L. (wolfberry) ameliorated liver damage in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced DILI. Nevertheless, the mechanism needs further clarification. Herein, we utilized APAP-induced DILI mice to investigate how wolfberry impacts the gut-liver axis to mitigate liver damage. We showed that the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) was decreased, and intestinal microbiota was disrupted, while the expression levels of YAP1 and FXR-mediated CYP7A1 were reduced in the liver of DILI mice. Furthermore, wolfberry increased the abundance of A. muciniphila and the number of goblet cells in the intestines, while decreasing AST, ALT, and total bile acids (TBA) levels in the serum. Interestingly, A. muciniphila promoted YAP1 and FXR expression in hepatocytes, leading to the inhibition of CYP7A1 expression and a decrease in TBA content. Notably, wolfberry did not exert the beneficial effects mentioned above after the removal of intestinal bacteria by antibiotics (ATB)-containing water. Additionally, Yap1 knockout downregulated FXR expression and enhanced CYP7A1 expression in the liver of hepatocyte-specific Yap1 knockout mice. Therefore, wolfberry stimulated YAP1/FXR activation and reduced CYP7A1 expression by promoting the balance of intestinal microbiota, thereby suppressing the overproduction of bile acids.

Killing two birds with one stone: Abscopal effect mechanism and its application prospect in radiotherapy.

Abscopal effects are characterized by the emergence of neoplasms in regions unrelated to the primary radiation therapy site, displaying a gradual attenuation or regression throughout the progression of radiation therapy, which have been of interest to scientists since Mole's proposal in 1953. The incidence of abscopal effects in radiation therapy is intricately linked to the immune system, with both innate and adaptive immune responses playing crucial roles. Biological factors impacting abscopal effects ultimately exert their influence on the intricate workings of the immune system. Although abscopal effects are rarely observed in clinical cases, the underlying mechanism remains uncertain. This article examines the biological and physical factors influencing abscopal effects of radiotherapy. Through a review of preclinical and clinical studies, this article aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of abscopal effects and proposes new avenues for future research in this field. The findings presented in this article serve as a valuable reference for researchers seeking to explore this topic in greater depth.

Targeting YAP1 to improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in liver cancer: mechanism and strategy.

Liver cancer is the third leading of tumor death, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are yielding much for sufferers to hope for patients, but only some patients with advanced liver tumor respond. Recent research showed that tumor microenvironment (TME) is critical for the effectiveness of ICIs in advanced liver tumor. Meanwhile, metabolic reprogramming of liver tumor leads to immunosuppression in TME. These suggest that regulating the abnormal metabolism of liver tumor cells and firing up TME to turn "cold tumor" into "hot tumor" are potential strategies to improve the therapeutic effect of ICIs in liver tumor. Previous studies have found that YAP1 is a potential target to improve the efficacy of anti-PD-1 in HCC. Here, we review that YAP1 promotes immunosuppression of TME, mainly due to the overstimulation of cytokines in TME by YAP1. Subsequently, we studied the effects of YAP1 on metabolic reprogramming in liver tumor cells, including glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, lipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. Lastly, we summarized the existing drugs targeting YAP1 in the treatment of liver tumor, including some medicines from natural sources, which have the potential to improve the efficacy of ICIs in the treatment of liver tumor. This review contributed to the application of targeted YAP1 for combined therapy with ICIs in liver tumor patients.