A standardized herbal combination of Astragalus membranaceus and Paeonia japonica promotes skeletal muscle hypertrophy in a treadmill exercise mouse model.

Background: Maintaining a normal range of muscle mass and function is crucial not only for sustaining a healthy life but also for preventing various disorders. Numerous nutritional or natural resources are being explored for their potential muscle hypertrophic properties. Aim: We aimed to evaluate the muscle hypertrophic effects of APX, a 1:1 mixture of Astragalus membranaceus and Paeonia japonica. In addition to the myotube differentiation cell assay, we utilized a weighted exercise-based animal model and evaluated changes in muscle hypertrophy using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and histological analysis. Results: The 8-week treadmill exercise led to notable decreases in body weight and fat mass but an increase in muscle mass compared to the control group. Administration of APX significantly accelerated muscle mass gain (p < 0.05) without altering body weight or fat mass compared to the exercise-only group. This muscle hypertrophic effect of APX was consistent with the histologic size of muscle fibers in the gastrocnemius (p > 0.05) and rectus femoris (p < 0.05), as well as the regulation of myogenic transcription factors (MyoD and myogenin), respectively. Furthermore, APX demonstrated a similar action to insulin-like growth factor 1, influencing the proliferation of C2C12 myoblast cells (p < 0.01) and their differentiation into myotubes (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. Conclusion: The present study provides experimental evidence that APX has muscle hypertrophic effects, and its underlying mechanisms would involve the modulation of MyoD and myogenin.

Structural Dynamics Analysis of USP14 Activation by AKT-Mediated Phosphorylation.

Ubiquitin-specific protease 14 (USP14), one of the three major proteasome-associated deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), is known to be activated by the AKT-mediated phosphorylation at Ser432. Thereby, AKT can regulate global protein degradation by controlling the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). However, the exact molecular mechanism of USP14 activation by AKT phosphorylation at the atomic level remains unknown. By performing the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of the USP14 catalytic domain at three different states (inactive, active, and USP14-ubiquitin complex), we characterized the change in structural dynamics by phosphorylation. We observed that the Ser432 phosphorylation induced substantial conformational changes of USP14 in the blocking loop (BL) region to fold it from an open loop into a ß-sheet, which is critical for USP14 activation. Furthermore, phosphorylation also increased the frequency of critical hydrogen bonding and salt bridge interactions between USP14 and ubiquitin, which is essential for DUB activity. Structural dynamics insights from this study pinpoint the important local conformational landscape of USP14 by the phosphorylation event, which would be critical for understanding USP14-mediated proteasome regulation and designing future therapeutics.

A comparison study of pathological features and drug efficacy between Drosophila models of C9orf72 ALS/FTD.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a devastating neurodegenerative disease with a complex genetic basis, presenting both in familial and sporadic forms. The hexanucleotide (G4C2) repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene, which triggers distinct pathogenic mechanisms, has been identified as a major contributor to familial and sporadic Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases. Animal models have proven pivotal in understanding these mechanisms; however, discrepancies between models due to variable transgene sequence, expression levels, and toxicity profiles complicate the translation of findings. Herein, we provide a systematic comparison of 7 publicly available Drosophila transgenes modeling the G4C2 expansion under uniform conditions, evaluating variations in their toxicity profiles. Further, we tested 3 previously characterized disease-modifying drugs in selected lines to uncover discrepancies among the tested strains. Our study not only deepens our understanding of the C9orf72 G4C2 mutations but also presents a framework for comparing constructs with minute structural differences. This work may be used to inform experimental designs to better model disease mechanisms and help guide the development of targeted interventions for neurodegenerative diseases, thus bridging the gap between model-based research and therapeutic application.

Baf-mediated transcriptional regulation of teashirt is essential for the development of neural progenitor cell lineages.

Accumulating evidence hints heterochromatin anchoring to the inner nuclear membrane as an upstream regulatory process of gene expression. Given that the formation of neural progenitor cell lineages and the subsequent maintenance of postmitotic neuronal cell identity critically rely on transcriptional regulation, it seems possible that the development of neuronal cells is influenced by cell type-specific and/or context-dependent programmed regulation of heterochromatin anchoring. Here, we explored this possibility by genetically disrupting the evolutionarily conserved barrier-to-autointegration factor (Baf) in the Drosophila nervous system. Through single-cell RNA sequencing, we demonstrated that Baf knockdown induces prominent transcriptomic changes, particularly in type I neuroblasts. Among the differentially expressed genes, our genetic analyses identified teashirt (tsh), a transcription factor that interacts with beta-catenin, to be closely associated with Baf knockdown-induced phenotypes that were suppressed by the overexpression of tsh or beta-catenin. We also found that Baf and tsh colocalized in a region adjacent to heterochromatin in type I NBs. Notably, the subnuclear localization pattern remained unchanged when one of these two proteins was knocked down, indicating that both proteins contribute to the anchoring of heterochromatin to the inner nuclear membrane. Overall, this study reveals that the Baf-mediated transcriptional regulation of teashirt is a novel molecular mechanism that regulates the development of neural progenitor cell lineages.

Monitoring lipid alterations in Drosophila heads in an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis model with time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry.

Lipid alterations in the brain are well-documented in disease and aging, but our understanding of their pathogenic implications remains incomplete. Recent technological advances in assessing lipid profiles have enabled us to intricately examine the spatiotemporal variations in lipid compositions within the complex brain characterized by diverse cell types and intricate neural networks. In this study, we coupled time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) to an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Drosophila model, for the first time, to elucidate changes in the lipid landscape and investigate their potential role in the disease process, serving as a methodological and analytical complement to our prior approach that utilized matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. The expansion of G4C2 repeats in the C9orf72 gene is the most prevalent genetic factor in ALS. Our findings indicate that expressing these repeats in fly brains elevates the levels of fatty acids, diacylglycerols, and ceramides during the early stages (day 5) of disease progression, preceding motor dysfunction. Using RNAi-based genetic screening targeting lipid regulators, we found that reducing fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1) and Acyl-CoA-binding protein (ACBP) alleviates the retinal degeneration caused by G4C2 repeat expression and also markedly restores the G4C2-dependent alterations in lipid profiles. Significantly, the expression of FATP1 and ACBP is upregulated in G4C2-expressing flies, suggesting their contribution to lipid dysregulation. Collectively, our novel use of ToF-SIMS with the ALS Drosophila model, alongside methodological and analytical improvements, successfully identifies crucial lipids and related genetic factors in ALS pathogenesis.

CGX, a standardized herbal syrup, inhibits colon-liver metastasis by regulating the hepatic microenvironments in a splenic injection mouse model.

Background: Colon-liver metastasis is observed in approximately 50% of patients with colorectal cancer and is a critical risk factor for a low survival rate. Several clinical studies have reported that colon-liver metastasis is accelerated by pathological hepatic microenvironments such as hepatic steatosis or fibrosis. Chunggan syrup (CGX), a standardized 13-herbal mixture, has been prescribed to patients with chronic liver diseases, including fatty liver, inflammation and fibrotic change, based on preclinical and clinical evidence. Aim of the study: In the present study, we investigated anti-liver metastatic the effects of CGX in a murine colon carcinoma (MC38)-splenic injection mouse model. Materials and methods: C57BL/6N mice were administered with CGX (100, 200 or 400 mg/kg) for 14 days before or after MC38-splenic injection under normal and high-fat diet (HFD) fed conditions. Also, above experiment was repeated without MC38-splenic injection to explore underlying mechanism. Results: The number of tumor nodules and liver weight with tumors were sup-pressed by preadministration of CGX in both normal and HFD fed mice. Regarding its mechanisms, we found that CGX administration significantly activated epithelial-cadherin (E-cadherin), but decreased vascular endothelial-cadherin (VE-cadherin) in hepatic tissues under MC38-free conditions. In addition, CGX administration significantly reduced hepatic steatosis, via modulation of lipolytic and lipogenic molecules, including activated adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-alpha (PPARα). Conclusion: The present data indicate that CGX exerts an anti-colon-liver metastatic property via modulation of hepatic lipid related microenvironments.

CBP-Mediated Acetylation of Importin α Mediates Calcium-Dependent Nucleocytoplasmic Transport of Selective Proteins in Drosophila Neurons.

For proper function of proteins, their subcellular localization needs to be monitored and regulated in response to the changes in cellular demands. In this regard, dysregulation in the nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT) of proteins is closely associated with the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases. However, it remains unclear whether there exists an intrinsic regulatory pathway(s) that controls NCT of proteins either in a commonly shared manner or in a target-selectively different manner. To dissect between these possibilities, in the current study, we investigated the molecular mechanism regulating NCT of truncated ataxin-3 (ATXN3) proteins of which genetic mutation leads to a type of polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases, in comparison with that of TDP-43. In Drosophila dendritic arborization (da) neurons, we observed dynamic changes in the subcellular localization of truncated ATXN3 proteins between the nucleus and the cytosol during development. Moreover, ectopic neuronal toxicity was induced by truncated ATXN3 proteins upon their nuclear accumulation. Consistent with a previous study showing intracellular calcium-dependent NCT of TDP-43, NCT of ATXN3 was also regulated by intracellular calcium level and involves Importin α3 (Imp α3). Interestingly, NCT of ATXN3, but not TDP-43, was primarily mediated by CBP. We further showed that acetyltransferase activity of CBP is important for NCT of ATXN3, which may acetylate Imp α3 to regulate NCT of ATXN3. These findings demonstrate that CBP-dependent acetylation of Imp α3 is crucial for intracellular calcium-dependent NCT of ATXN3 proteins, different from that of TDP-43, in Drosophila neurons.

Long-term outcomes after peri-implantitis treatment and their influencing factors: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the long-term outcomes after peri-implantitis treatment and the factors affecting these outcomes. METHODS: This study included 92 implants in 45 patients who had been treated for peri-implantitis. Clinical data on the characteristics of patients and their implants were collected retrospectively. The change in the marginal bone level was calculated by comparing the baseline and the most recently obtained (≥3 years after treatment) radiographs. The primary outcome variable was progression of the disease after the treatment at the implant level, which was defined as further bone loss of >1.0 mm or implant removal. A 2-level binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the effects of possible factors on the primary outcome. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 58.7 years (range, 22-79 years). Progression of peri-implantitis was observed in 64.4% of patients and 63.0% of implants during an observation period of 6.4±2.7 years (mean±standard deviation). Multivariable regression analysis revealed that full compliance to recall visits (P=0.019), smoking (P=0.023), placement of 4 or more implants (P=0.022), and marginal bone loss ≥4 mm at baseline (P=0.027) significantly influenced the treatment outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term results of peri-implantitis treatment can be improved by full compliance on the part of patients, whereas it is impaired by smoking, placement of multiple implants, and severe bone loss at baseline. Encouraging patients to stop smoking and to receive supportive care is recommended before treatment.

Brain Endothelial Cells Utilize Glycolysis for the Maintenance of the Transcellular Permeability.

Among the components of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), endothelial cells (ECs) play an important role in supplying limited materials, especially glucose, to the brain. However, the mechanism by which glucose is metabolized in brain ECs is still elusive. To address this topic, we assessed the metabolic signature of glucose utilization using live-cell metabolic assays and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry metabolomic analysis. We found that brain ECs are highly dependent on aerobic glycolysis, generating lactate as its final product with minimal consumption of glucose. Glucose treatment decreased the oxygen consumption rate in a dose-dependent manner, indicating the Crabtree effect. Moreover, when glycolysis was inhibited, brain ECs showed impaired permeability to molecules utilizing transcellular pathway. In addition, we found that the blockade of glycolysis in mouse brain with 2-deoxyglucose administration resulted in decreased transcellular permeability of the BBB. In conclusion, utilizing glycolysis in brain ECs has critical roles in the maintenance and permeability of the BBB. Overall, we could conclude that brain ECs are highly glycolytic, and their energy can be used to maintain the transcellular permeability of the BBB.

Peroxiredoxin 3 deficiency induces cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction by impaired mitochondrial quality control.

Mitochondrial quality control (MQC) consists of multiple processes: the prevention of mitochondrial oxidative damage, the elimination of damaged mitochondria via mitophagy and mitochondrial fusion and fission. Several studies proved that MQC impairment causes a plethora of pathological conditions including cardiovascular diseases. However, the precise molecular mechanism by which MQC reverses mitochondrial dysfunction, especially in the heart, is unclear. The mitochondria-specific peroxidase Peroxiredoxin 3 (Prdx3) plays a protective role against mitochondrial dysfunction by removing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. Therefore, we investigated whether Prdx3-deficiency directly leads to heart failure via mitochondrial dysfunction. Fifty-two-week-old Prdx3-deficient mice exhibited cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction with giant and damaged mitochondria. Mitophagy was markedly suppressed in the hearts of Prdx3-deficient mice compared to the findings in wild-type and Pink1-deficient mice despite the increased mitochondrial damage induced by Prdx3 deficiency. Under conditions inducing mitophagy, we identified that the damaged mitochondrial accumulation of PINK1 was completely inhibited by the ablation of Prdx3. We propose that Prdx3 interacts with the N-terminus of PINK1, thereby protecting PINK1 from proteolytic cleavage in damaged mitochondria undergoing mitophagy. Our results provide evidence of a direct association between MQC dysfunction and cardiac function. The dual function of Prdx3 in mitophagy regulation and mitochondrial oxidative stress elimination further clarifies the mechanism of MQC in vivo and thereby provides new insights into developing a therapeutic strategy for mitochondria-related cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure.

The Perspectives of Early Diagnosis of Schizophrenia Through the Detection of Epigenomics-Based Biomarkers in iPSC-Derived Neurons.

The lack of early diagnostic biomarkers for schizophrenia greatly limits treatment options that deliver therapeutic agents to affected cells at a timely manner. While previous schizophrenia biomarker research has identified various biological signals that are correlated with certain diseases, their reliability and practicality as an early diagnostic tool remains unclear. In this article, we discuss the use of atypical epigenetic and/or consequent transcriptional alterations (ETAs) as biomarkers of early-stage schizophrenia. Furthermore, we review the viability of discovering and applying these biomarkers through the use of cutting-edge technologies such as human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons, brain models, and single-cell level analyses.

Social isolation-related depression accelerates ethanol intake via microglia-derived neuroinflammation.

Social isolation is common in modern society and is a contributor to depressive disorders. People with depression are highly vulnerable to alcohol use, and abusive alcohol consumption is a well-known obstacle to treating depressive disorders. Using a mouse model involving isolation stress (IS) and/or ethanol intake, we investigated the mutual influence between IS-derived depressive and ethanol-seeking behaviors along with the underlying mechanisms. IS increased ethanol craving, which robustly exacerbated depressive-like behaviors. Ethanol intake activated the mesolimbic dopaminergic system, as evidenced by dopamine/tyrosine hydroxylase double-positive signals in the ventral tegmental area and c-Fos activity in the nucleus accumbens. IS-induced ethanol intake also reduced serotonergic activity, via microglial hyperactivation in raphe nuclei, that was notably attenuated by a microglial inhibitor (minocycline). Our study demonstrated that microglial activation is a key mediator in the vicious cycle between depression and alcohol consumption. We also propose that dopaminergic reward might be involved in this pathogenicity.

Correction: PINK1 alleviates thermal hypersensitivity in a paclitaxel-induced Drosophila model of peripheral neuropathy.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239126.].

Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Phospholipid Changes in a Drosophila Model of Early Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative disease caused by motor neuron damage in the central nervous system, and it is difficult to diagnose early. Drosophila melanogaster is widely used to investigate disease mechanisms and discover biomarkers because it is easy to induce disease in Drosophila through genetic engineering. We performed matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) to investigate changes in phospholipid distribution in the brain tissue of an ALS-induced Drosophila model. Fly brain tissues of several hundred micrometers or less were sampled using a fly collar to obtain reproducible tissue sections of similar sizes. MSI of brain tissues of Drosophila cultured for 1 or 10 days showed that the distribution of phospholipids, including phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidic acid (PA), phosphatidylserine (PS), and phosphatidylinositol (PI), was significantly different between the control group and the ALS group. In addition, the lipid profile according to phospholipids differed as the culture time increased from 1 to 10 days. These results suggest that disease indicators based on lipid metabolites can be discovered by performing MALDI-MSI on very small brain tissue samples from the Drosophila disease model to ultimately assess the phospholipid changes that occur in early-stage ALS.

Small-Molecule Inhibitors Targeting Proteasome-Associated Deubiquitinases.

The 26S proteasome is the principal protease for regulated intracellular proteolysis. This multi-subunit complex is also pivotal for clearance of harmful proteins that are produced throughout the lifetime of eukaryotes. Recent structural and kinetic studies have revealed a multitude of conformational states of the proteasome in substrate-free and substrate-engaged forms. These conformational transitions demonstrate that proteasome is a highly dynamic machinery during substrate processing that can be also controlled by a number of proteasome-associated factors. Essentially, three distinct family of deubiquitinases-USP14, RPN11, and UCH37-are associated with the 19S regulatory particle of human proteasome. USP14 and UCH37 are capable of editing ubiquitin conjugates during the process of their dynamic engagement into the proteasome prior to the catalytic commitment. In contrast, RPN11-mediated deubiquitination is directly coupled to substrate degradation by sensing the proteasome's conformational switch into the commitment steps. Therefore, proteasome-bound deubiquitinases are likely to tailor the degradation events in accordance with substrate processing steps and for dynamic proteolysis outcomes. Recent chemical screening efforts have yielded highly selective small-molecule inhibitors for targeting proteasomal deubiquitinases, such as USP14 and RPN11. USP14 inhibitors, IU1 and its progeny, were found to promote the degradation of a subset of substrates probably by overriding USP14-imposed checkpoint on the proteasome. On the other hand, capzimin, a RPN11 inhibitor, stabilized the proteasome substrates and showed the anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells. It is highly conceivable that these specific inhibitors will aid to dissect the role of each deubiquitinase on the proteasome. Moreover, customized targeting of proteasome-associated deubiquitinases may also provide versatile therapeutic strategies for induced or repressed protein degradation depending on proteolytic demand and cellular context.

Disruption of nucleocytoplasmic trafficking as a cellular senescence driver.

Senescent cells exhibit a reduced response to intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli. This diminished reaction may be explained by the disrupted transmission of nuclear signals. However, this hypothesis requires more evidence before it can be accepted as a mechanism of cellular senescence. A proteomic analysis of the cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions obtained from young and senescent cells revealed disruption of nucleocytoplasmic trafficking (NCT) as an essential feature of replicative senescence (RS) at the global level. Blocking NCT either chemically or genetically induced the acquisition of an RS-like senescence phenotype, named nuclear barrier-induced senescence (NBIS). A transcriptome analysis revealed that, among various types of cellular senescence, NBIS exhibited a gene expression pattern most similar to that of RS. Core proteomic and transcriptomic patterns common to both RS and NBIS included upregulation of the endocytosis-lysosome network and downregulation of NCT in senescent cells, patterns also observed in an aging yeast model. These results imply coordinated aging-dependent reduction in the transmission of extrinsic signals to the nucleus and in the nucleus-to-cytoplasm supply of proteins/RNAs. We further showed that the aging-associated decrease in Sp1 transcription factor expression was critical for the downregulation of NCT. Our results suggest that NBIS is a modality of cellular senescence that may represent the nature of physiological aging in eukaryotes.

Animal Evidence for Synergistic Induction of Hepatic Injury by Dietary Fat and Alcohol Consumption and Its Potential Mechanisms.

In contrast to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) as an innovative definition can coexist with significant alcohol consumption. Massive clinical observations have indicated that high-fat/-calorie diet induced metabolic dysfunction along with alcohol intake deteriorates steatotic liver injury. To explore the potential mechanisms of fatty diet together with alcohol-induced steatohepatitis, we adopted a rat model by comparing a half-dose combination of fat diet (20%) and alcohol (10%) with their corresponding double dose of 40% fat diet and 20% alcohol for 8 weeks. The notable alterations in histopathology, acceleration in the oxidation parameters (ROS, NO and lipid peroxidation) and serum transaminase levels were shown in the concomitant group. Concomitant use of a high-fat diet and alcohol provoked hepatic endoplasmic reticulum stress, but did not activate mitochondria-mediated apoptosis parameters compared to F. In contrast, the notable activation of caspase-12 and nuclear translocation of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) homologous protein (CHOP) were observed only in the combined treatment group. The concomitant dietary fat intake and alcohol consumption lead to liver injury initially and later to steatohepatitis by the overdose of fat or alcohol, and in which the CHOP and caspase-12 might be involved in synergistic acceleration of steatohepatitis through a mitochondria-independent manner.

C9orf72-associated arginine-rich dipeptide repeats induce RNA-dependent nuclear accumulation of Staufen in neurons.

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play essential roles in diverse cellular processes through post-transcriptional regulation of RNAs. The subcellular localization of RBPs is thus under tight control, the breakdown of which is associated with aberrant cytoplasmic accumulation of nuclear RBPs such as TDP-43 and FUS, well-known pathological markers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD). Here, we report in Drosophila model for ALS/FTD that nuclear accumulation of a cytoplasmic RBP Staufen may be a new pathological feature. We found that in Drosophila C4da neurons expressing PR36, one of the arginine-rich dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs), Staufen accumulated in the nucleus in Importin- and RNA-dependent manner. Notably, expressing Staufen with exogenous NLS-but not with mutated endogenous NLS-potentiated PR-induced dendritic defect, suggesting that nuclear-accumulated Staufen can enhance PR toxicity. PR36 expression increased Fibrillarin staining in the nucleolus, which was enhanced by heterozygous mutation of stau (stau+/-), a gene that codes Staufen. Furthermore, knockdown of fib, which codes Fibrillarin, exacerbated retinal degeneration mediated by PR toxicity, suggesting that increased amount of Fibrillarin by stau+/- is protective. stau+/- also reduced the amount of PR-induced nuclear-accumulated Staufen and mitigated retinal degeneration and rescued viability of flies expressing PR36. Taken together, our data show that nuclear accumulation of Staufen in neurons may be an important pathological feature contributing to the pathogenesis of ALS/FTD.

Genotoxicity of Water Extract from Bark-Removed Rhus verniciflua Stokes.

Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) has been traditionally used as an herbal remedy to support the digestive functions in traditional Korean medicine. Additionally, the pharmacological effects of RVS, including antioxidative, antimicrobial and anticancer activities, have been well-reported. The genotoxicity of RVS, however, is elusive; thus, we evaluated the genotoxicity of RVS without bark (RVX) for safe application as a resource of functional food or a medical drug. To evaluate the genotoxicity of RVX, we used a bacterial reverse mutation test, chromosomal aberration test and comet assay, according to the "Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development" (OECD) guidelines. Briefly, for the reverse mutation test, samples (5000, 1667, 556, 185, 62 and 0 µg/plate of RVX or the positive control) were treated with a precultured strain (TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537 or WP2µvrA) with or without the S9 mix, in which RVX partially induced a reverse mutation in four bacterial strains. From the chromosomal aberration test and comet assay, the RVX samples (556, 185, 62, 20 and 0 µg/mL of RVX or the positive control) were treated in a Chinese hamster ovary cell line (CHO-K1 cells) in the conditions of the S9 mix absent or S9 mix present and in Chang liver cells and C2C12 myoblasts, respectively. No chromosomal aberrations in CHO-K1 or DNA damage in Chang liver cells and C2C12 myoblasts was observed. In conclusion, our results suggest the non-genotoxicity of RVX, which would be helpful as a reference for the safe application of bark-removed Rhus verniciflua Stokes as functional raw materials in the food, cosmetics or pharmaceutical fields.

Total Antioxidant Capacity in HBV Carriers, a Promising Biomarker for Evaluating Hepatic Fibrosis: A Pilot Study.

Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the progression of chronic hepatitis B; however, it is unclear whether the status of blood oxidative stress and antioxidant components differs depending on the degree of hepatic fibrosis. To explore the relationship between oxidative stress/antioxidant capacity and the extent of hepatic fibrosis, fifty-four subjects with liver fibrosis (5.5 ≤ liver stiffness measurement (LSM) score ≤ 16.0 kPa) by chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) were analyzed. From the analysis of eight kinds of serum oxidative stress/antioxidant profiles and liver fibrosis degrees, the level of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) reflected a negative correlation with the severity of hepatic fibrosis (Pearson correlation, r = -0.35, p = 0.01). Moreover, TAC showed higher sensitivity (73.91%) than the aspartate transaminase (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI, 56.52%) in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Interestingly, the TAC level finely reflected the fibrosis degree in inactive carriers (HBV DNA < 2000 IU/mL), while the APRI did in active carriers (HBV DNA > 2000 IU/mL). In conclusion, TAC is a promising biomarker for evaluating the progression of liver fibrosis in patients with HBV, and this finding may indicate the involvement of TAC-composing factors in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis in chronic HBV carriers.