Cancer-Thylakoid Hybrid Membrane Camouflaged Thulium Oxide Nanoparticles with Oxygen Self-Supply Capability for Tumor-Homing Phototherapy.

Nanomaterials that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon light irradiation have significant applications in various fields, including photodynamic therapy (PDT) that is widely recognized as a highly momentous strategy for the eradication of cancer cells. However, the ROS production rate of photosensitizers, as well as the tumor hypoxia environment, are two major challenges that restrict the widespread application of PDT. In this study, a cancer-thylakoid hybrid membrane-camouflaged thulium oxide nanoparticles (Tm2O3) for tumor-homing phototherapy through dual-stage-light-guided ROS generation and oxygen self-supply is developed. Tm2O3 as a type II photosensitizer are viable for NIR-stimulated ROS generation due to the unique energy levels, large absorption cross section, and long lifetime of the 3H4 state of Tm ions. The thylakoid membrane (TK) plays a catalase-like role in converting hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and also acts as a natural photosensitizer that can generate lethal ROS through electron transfer when exposed to light. In addition, fluorescence dye DiR is embedded in the hybrid membrane for in vivo tracing as well as photothermal therapy. Results show that tumors in Tm2O3@TK-M/DiR group are effectively ablated following dual-stage-light irradiation, highlighting the promising potential of rare-earth element-based type II photosensitizers in various applications.

Correlation analysis and clinical significance of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound semi-quantitative grading with bone salt metabolism, Rheumatoid factor and Erythrocyte Sedimentation rate in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Objective: To determine the correlation and clinical significance of musculoskeletal ultrasound semi-quantitative grading with bone salt metabolism, rheumatoid factor and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: This is a clinical comparative study. A total of 240 patients with rheumatoid arthritis admitted to Baoding NO.1 Central Hospital were selected according to the DAS28 score of rheumatoid arthritis, and were divided into four groups, with 60 cases in each group from May 2020 to May 2022. The differences and correlation of musculoskeletal ultrasound semi-quantitative grading, bone metabolism indicators, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and rheumatoid factor among the four groups were statistically analyzed. Results: The scores of bone erosion, synovial hyperplasia, joint effusion and intrasynovial blood flow in Group-H were significantly higher than those in Group-R, L and M, with statistically significant differences(p=0.00). The procollagen Type-1 N-terminal propeptide(P1NP), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase(BALP) and osteoprotegerin(OPG) in Group-H were significantly lower than those in Group-R, L and M, with statistically significant differences(p=0.00); The tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase(TRAC) in Group-H was significantly higher than that in Group-R, L and M, with a statistically significant difference(p=0.00). The levels of RF and ESR in Group-H were significantly higher than those in Group-R, L and M, with statistically significant differences(p=0.00). Conclusion: Musculoskeletal ultrasound semi-quantitative grading is correlated with the level of bone salt metabolism, rheumatoid factor and ESR in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It can be combined with laboratory examination to objectively judge the severity of the course of rheumatoid arthritis.

LRRC8A critically regulates myofibroblast phenotypes and fibrotic remodeling following myocardial infarction.

Rationale: The transformation of fibroblasts into activated myofibroblasts is a critical step that results in cardiac fibrosis upon myocardial infarction (MI). Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein-8A (LRRC8A) is a multi-functional protein involved in cell survival, growth, and proliferation, whereas its role in regulating myofibroblast phenotypes and myocardial fibrosis remains unknown. Methods: Conditional myofibroblast-specific Lrrc8a knockout mouse models were established by crossing the Lrrc8aflox/flox mice with the tamoxifen-inducible periostin-Cre transgenic mice. The involvement of LRRC8A in regulating cardiac fibrosis post-MI and myofibroblast phenotypes induced by transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) was comprehensively evaluated. The mechanisms underlying LRRC8A regulation of myofibroblast phenotypes were determined by RNA sequencing-driven analysis followed by cause-effect experiments. Results: LRRC8A expression was significantly elevated in the fibrotic tissues and the fibroblasts isolated from the post-MI hearts. Compared with the wild-type (WT) littermates, the specific knockout of LRRC8A in myofibroblasts greatly attenuated myofibroblast transformation, fibrotic remodeling, and ventricular dysfunction after MI. Silencing of LRRC8A expression suppressed, whereas overexpression of LRRC8A enhanced, the pro-fibrotic myofibroblast phenotypes in isolated cardiac fibroblasts upon stimulation with TGF-ß1. LRRC8A participated in TGF-ß1-induced myofibroblast transformation via activating JAK2-STAT3 signaling. Furthermore, LRRC8A activated the JAK2-STAT3 pathway via its C-terminal leucine-rich repeat-domain (LRRD), directly interacting with growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (GRB2), an adaptor protein associated with and necessary for tyrosine-phosphorylated JAK2. Conclusions: LRRC8A regulates myofibroblast transformation and cardiac fibrosis following MI. LRRC8A inhibition might be a promising strategy for cardiac fibrosis and heart failure.

LRRC8A contributes to angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy by interacting with NADPH oxidases via the C-terminal leucine-rich repeat domain.

Cardiac hypertrophy, an important cause of heart failure, is characterized by an increase in heart weight, the ventricular wall, and cardiomyocyte volume. The volume regulatory anion channel (VRAC) is an important regulator of cell volume. However, its role in cardiac hypertrophy remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of leucine-rich repeat-containing 8A (LRRC8A), an essential component of the VRAC, on angiotensin II (AngII)-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Our results showed that LRRC8A expression, NADPH oxidase activity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were increased in AngII-induced hypertrophic neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes and the myocardium of C57/BL/6 mice. In addition, AngII activated VRAC currents in cardiomyocytes. The delivery of adeno-associated viral (AAV9) bearing siRNA against mouse LRRC8A into the left ventricular wall inhibited AngII-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Accordingly, the knockdown of LRRC8A attenuated AngII-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and VRAC currents in vitro. Furthermore, knockdown of LRRC8A suppressed AngII-induced ROS production, NADPH oxidase activity, the expression of NADPH oxidase membrane-bound subunits Nox2, Nox4, and p22phox, and the translocation of NADPH oxidase cytosolic subunits p47phox and p67phox. Immunofluorescent staining showed that LRRC8A co-localized with NADPH oxidase membrane subunits Nox2, Nox4, and p22phox. Co-immunoprecipitation and analysis of a C-terminal leucine-rich repeat domain (LRRD) mutant showed that LRRC8A physically interacts with Nox2, Nox4, and p22phox via the LRRD. Taken together, the results of this study suggested that LRRC8A might play an important role in promoting AngII-induced cardiac hypertrophy by interacting with NADPH oxidases via the LRRD.

Prospects for intelligent rehabilitation techniques to treat motor dysfunction.

More than half of stroke patients live with different levels of motor dysfunction after receiving routine rehabilitation treatments. Therefore, new rehabilitation technologies are urgently needed as auxiliary treatments for motor rehabilitation. Based on routine rehabilitation treatments, a new intelligent rehabilitation platform has been developed for accurate evaluation of function and rehabilitation training. The emerging intelligent rehabilitation techniques can promote the development of motor function rehabilitation in terms of informatization, standardization, and intelligence. Traditional assessment methods are mostly subjective, depending on the experience and expertise of clinicians, and lack standardization and precision. It is therefore difficult to track functional changes during the rehabilitation process. Emerging intelligent rehabilitation techniques provide objective and accurate functional assessment for stroke patients that can promote improvement of clinical guidance for treatment. Artificial intelligence and neural networks play a critical role in intelligent rehabilitation. Multiple novel techniques, such as brain-computer interfaces, virtual reality, neural circuit-magnetic stimulation, and robot-assisted therapy, have been widely used in the clinic. This review summarizes the emerging intelligent rehabilitation techniques for the evaluation and treatment of motor dysfunction caused by nervous system diseases.

Changes and Risk Factors of Skeletal Muscle Mass and Strength in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes over 60 Years Old: A Cross-Sectional Study from China.

OBJECTIVE: The accelerate loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function, named sarcopenia, is a progressive and generalised skeletal muscle disorder, and it is always associated with increased outcomes including falls, frailty, and disability. Diabetes mellitus is associated with significant muscle and physical complications. We aimed at clarifying the changes and risk factors of skeletal muscle mass and strength in elderly with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: The study consisted of patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 120) and an older general population (n = 126). The skeletal muscle mass and muscle strength, as well as the serum levels of chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, homocysteine, and insulin-like factor-1 were assessed, and the correlation and regression analysis were conducted to evaluate outcomes. RESULTS: T2DM patients exhibited lower muscle strength compared with the non-T2DM subjects (P < 0.01). Among T2DM patients, serum IGF-1 levels were positively correlated with muscle strength (r = 0.255, P < 0.01) and muscle mass (r = 0.209, P < 0.05), levels of 8-OHdG were inversely correlated with muscle strength (r = -0.252, P < 0.01), and there was a negative association between HCY and muscle mass (r = -0.185, P < 0.05). Muscle mass and strength of patients with higher education level were significantly higher than those with lower education level (P < 0.05), in male patients, muscle mass and muscle strength were significantly lower in smokers (P < 0.01), and muscle mass was lower in chronic drinkers (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that diabetic patients may be more susceptible to sarcopenia at an older age. And it also provides evidences that among elderly with diabetes mellitus, oxidative damage and HCY as well as IGF-1 are important predictors of age-dependent sarcopenia.

Bisdemethoxycurcumin Protection of Cardiomyocyte Mainly Depends on Nrf2/HO-1 Activation Mediated by the PI3K/AKT Pathway.

Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) is one of three curcuminoids extracted from turmeric. Unlike the dominant ingredient curcumin with some intensive investigations, BDMC was recently reported to possess potent antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiatherosclerosis, antiobesity, and antiaging effects. Considering its pharmacological effects in inflammation, atherosclerosis, and obesity, this study was designed to examine if BDMC displays cardioprotective properties. In this study, staurosporine (STS) was used to establish the cardiomyocyte injury model. Our data revealed that BDMC significantly inhibited myocardial apoptosis, improved cell survival, reduced caspase-3 activity, and diminished reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. BDMC enhanced phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and up-regulated the expression of HO-1. Inhibition of HO-1 activity by using tin-protoporphyrin (SnPPIX) can restrain the antiapoptotic effect of BDMC. Furthermore, translocation of Nrf2 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus was ablated by LY294002, although only partially by PD98059. Up-regulation of HO-1 was weakly suppressed by PD98059 but strongly inhibited by LY294002. Unlike PD98059, LY294002 negated the protective effect of BDMC. These findings indicated that BDMC possessed favorable cardioprotection in a Nrf2/HO-1-dependent manner. Activation of Nrf2/HO-1 mainly depended on PI3K/AKT but not MEK/ERK signaling.

Astragalus polysaccharide alleviates H2O2-triggered oxidative injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells via promoting KLF2.

The damage of vascular endothelial cells has become an indispensable factor in the occurrence and advancement of cardiovascular diseases. In the current study, we investigated the effect of Astragalus Polysacharin (APS) on H2O2-evoked oxidative injury in HUVECs. HUVECs cells were treated by H2O2 to induce oxidative damage. Cells viability, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level were detected through CCK8 assay and flow cytometry. The cell growth-related proteins and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) and KLF2 expression were evaluated via Western blot assay. The functions of KLF2 in APS and H2O2 co-disposed HUVECs were explored after si-KLF2 transfection. MEK/ERK pathway was finally measured through Western blot. We found that H2O2 stimulation-evoked HUVECs oxidative damage meanwhile impeded HO-1 expression. APS treatment effectively suppressed H2O2-induced oxidative injury in HUVECs. KLF2 and Nrf2 expression were elevated by APS and KLF2 repression abolished the protective action of APS in H2O2-triggered cell injury. MEK/ERK pathway was activated by APS treatment. Furthermore, the MEK/ERK pathway inhibitor weakened the promoting effect of APS on the expression of KLF2. In conclusion, our study reveals that APS alleviates H2O2-triggered oxidative injury in HUVECs via elevating the expression of KLF2 via the MEK/ERK pathway.

Fluorescence-Based High Throughput Screening Technologies for Natural Chloride Ion Channel Blockers.

Chloride channels represent a group of potential drug targets; their blockers showed significant protecting effect on impaired cells by modulating apoptosis, autophagy, and other cell signals. However, clinical drugs with chloride channel inhibitory properties have not yet been developed. Natural product extract becomes an underlying candidate satisfied the clinical requirements for its low toxicity, low cost, and abundant sources. Here, a fluorescence-based EYFP-H148Q/I153L-HeLa cell line model was constructed by molecular cloning and verified by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting assay. By using this chloride channel blocker screening model, seven hit compounds chosen from 6988 natural compounds showed the channel blocking activity. Then the hit compounds were further validated by electrophysiological patch-clamp analysis. Our study preliminarily identified PC-4 as a new chloride channel inhibitor and demonstrated the reliability and sensitivity of fluorescence-based high throughput screening technologies for discovery of biologically active compounds from natural herbal compounds.

Base-controlled chemoselectivity reaction of vinylanilines with isothiocyanates for synthesis of quinolino-2-thione and 2-aminoquinoline derivatives.

Here, we report a base-controlled chemo-selective reaction of vinylanilines with alkyl/aryl isothiocyanates to afford quinolino-2-thione and 2-aminoquinoline derivatives. The quinolino-2-thiones could be obtained in high yields in the presence of Et3N. Particularly interesting is that the reaction could produce the 2-aminoquinolines in the presence of K3PO4 with high selectivity.

Base-catalyzed thio-lactamization of 2-(1-arylvinyl)anilines with CS2 for the synthesis of quinoline-2-thiones.

Here we show that the base-catalyzed thio-lactamization of 2-(1-arylvinyl)anilines with CS2 is a powerful methodology to synthesize quinoline-2-thiones. This thio-lactamization uses inexpensive and versatile 2-(1-arylvinyl)anilines, which are easily available from the reaction of amines and alkynes. Compared to the known strategy in the literature, this method features the advantages like a short synthesis step and easily available starting materials.

Dynamin-related protein 1-mediated mitochondrial fission contributes to post-traumatic cardiac dysfunction in rats and the protective effect of melatonin.

Mechanical trauma (MT) causes myocardial injury and cardiac dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanism remains largely unclear. This study investigated the role of mitochondrial dynamics in post-traumatic cardiac dysfunction and the protective effects of melatonin. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to 5-minute rotations (200 revolutions at a rate of 40 rpm) to induce MT model. Melatonin was administrated intraperitoneally 5 minute after MT. Mitochondrial morphology, myocardial injury, and cardiac function were determined in vivo. There was smaller size of mitochondria and increased number of mitochondria per µm2 in the hearts after MT when the secondary myocardial injury was induced. Melatonin treatment at the dose of 30 mg/kg reduced serine 616 phosphorylation of Drp1 and inhibited mitochondrial Drp1 translocation and mitochondrial fission in the hearts of rats subjected to MT, which contributed to the reduction of myocardial injury and the improvement of cardiac function. In vitro, H9c2 cells cultured in 20% traumatic plasma (TP) for 12 hour showed enhanced mitochondrial fission, mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψm) loss, mitochondrial cytochrome c release, and decreased mitochondrial complex I-IV activities. Pretreatment with melatonin (100 µmol/L) efficiently inhibited TP-induced mitochondrial fission, ∆Ψm loss, cytochrome c release, and improved mitochondrial function. Melatonin's protective effects were attributed to its role in suppressing plasma TNF-α overproduction, which was responsible for Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission. Taken together, our results demonstrate for the first time that abnormal mitochondrial dynamics is involved in post-traumatic cardiac dysfunction. Melatonin has significant pharmacological potential in protecting against MT-induced cardiac dysfunction by preventing excessive mitochondrial fission.

Inhibition of dynamin-related protein 1 protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in diabetic mice.

BACKGROUND: Many cardioprotective pharmacological agents failed to exert their protective effects in diabetic hearts subjected to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R). Identify the molecular basis linking diabetes with MI/R injury is scientifically important and may provide effective therapeutic approaches. Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)-mediated mitochondrial fission plays an important role in MI/R injury under non-diabetic conditions. Importantly, recent studies indicated that Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission is enhanced in the myocardium of diabetic mice. The above evidences suggested that Drp1 may be one critical molecule linking diabetes with MI/R injury. We hypothesized that inhibition of Drp1 may be effective to reduce MI/R injury in diabetic hearts. METHODS: High-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice were subjected to MI/R or sham operation. Mdivi-1 (1.2 mg/kg), a small molecule inhibitor of Drp1 or vehicle was administrated 15 min before the onset of reperfusion. Outcome measures included mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial function, myocardial injury, cardiac function and oxidative stress. RESULTS: Mitochondrial fission was significantly increased following MI/R as evidenced by enhanced translocation of Drp1 to mitochondria and decreased mitochondrial size. Delivery of Mdivi-1 into diabetic mice markedly inhibited Drp1 translocation to the mitochondria and reduced mitochondrial fission following MI/R. Inhibition of Drp1 in diabetic hearts improved mitochondrial function and cardiac function following MI/R. Moreover, inhibition of Drp1 reduced myocardial infarct size and serum cardiac troponin I and lactate dehydrogenase activities. These cardioprotective effects were associated with decreased cardiomyocyte apoptosis and malondialdehyde production and increased activities of antioxidant enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacological inhibition of Drp1 prevents mitochondrial fission and reduces MI/R injury in diabetic mice. The findings suggest Drp1 may be a potential novel therapeutic target for diabetic cardiac complications.

Punicalagin Pretreatment Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via Activation of AMPK.

Punicalagin (PUN), a major bioactive component in pomegranate juice, has been proven to exert neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) insult via anti-oxidant properties. This study aims to investigate whether PUN provides cardioprotection against myocardial I/R (MI/R) injury and the underlying mechanisms. PUN (30[Formula: see text]mg/kg/d) or vehicle was intragastrically administered to Sprague-Dawley rats for one week before the operation. MI/R was induced by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery for 30[Formula: see text]min and subsequent reperfusion for 3[Formula: see text]h. PUN pretreatment conferred cardioprotective effects against MI/R injury by improving cardiac function, limiting infarct size, reducing serum creatine kinase-MB and lactate dehydrogenase activities, and suppressing cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Moreover, PUN pretreatment inhibited I/R-induced myocardial oxidative stress as evidenced by decreased generation of superoxide content and malonaldialdehyde formation and increased antioxidant capability. Furthermore, PUN pretreatment increased adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) phosphorylation in I/R hearts. AMPK inhibitor compound c inhibited PUN-enhanced AMPK phosphorylation, and blunted PUN-mediated anti-oxidative effects and cardioprotection. These results indicate for the first time that PUN pretreatment protect against I/R-induced oxidative stress and myocardial injury via activation of AMPK.

Activation of volume-sensitive Cl- channel mediates autophagy-related cell death in myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury.

Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays an important role in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, which triggers not only myocardial cellular apoptosis but also autophagy-related cell death, in which volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying (VSOR) Cl- channel-activated by ROS contributes to cell apoptotic volume decrease, playing an incipient incident of cellular apoptosis. However, whether VSOR Cl- channel concurrently participates in autophagy-related cell death regulation remains unclear. To illuminate the issue, studies underwent in myocardial vitro and vivo I/R model. Rats were performed to ischemia 30 minutes and subsequent reperfusion 24-96 hours, ROS scavenger (NAC), VSOR Cl- channel blocker (DCPIB) and autophagy inhibitor (3MA) were administered respectively. Results showed that oxidative stress, LC3-II stain and inflammation in myocardial tissue were markedly increased, lysosome associated membrane protein-2 (LAMP2) were significantly reduced with I/R group as compared with sham group, reperfusion significantly led to damage in myocardial tissue and heart function, whereas the disorder could be rescued through these agents. Moreover, primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes hypoxia/reoxygenation model were administered, results showed that VSOR Cl- channel-activated by reoxygenation could cause both cell volume decrease and intracellular acidification, which further increased LC3 and depleted of LAMP2, resulting in autophagy-related cell death. Interestingly, VSOR Cl- channel-blocked by DCPIB could stably maintain the cell volume, intracellular pH, abundant LAMP2 and autophagic intensity regardless of ROS intension derived from reoxygenation injury or adding H2O2. These results first demonstrate that VSOR Cl- channel-activated is a pivotal event to trigger autophagy-related death, which reveals a novel therapeutic target to decrease myocardial I/R injury.

A novel endoplasmic reticulum stress­induced apoptosis model using tunicamycin in primary cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is key in the development of cardiovascular diseases. However, there is a lack of a systemic ER stress­induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis model. In the present study, primary cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were exposed to tunicamycin. Cell viability was determined by an MTT assay, and cell damage was detected by a lactose dehydrogenase assay. Flow cytometry was used and the activity of caspase­3 was analyzed in order to measure apoptosis. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to examine the expression of glucose­regulated protein 78­kDa (GRP78) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). As a result, tunicamycin significantly increased cardiomyocyte injury, which occurred in a time- and concentration­dependent manner. In addition, tunicamycin treatment resulted in apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. Molecularly, tunicamycin (100 ng/ml) increased the levels of GRP78 and CHOP 6 h after administration. In addition, GRP78 and CHOP reached maximum mRNA and protein levels 24 h after administration. In conclusion, the results implicate that the tunicamycin­induced ER stress­induced apoptotic model was successfully constructed in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. A 100 ng/ml concentration of tunicamycin was selected, and MTT, LDH release and flow cytometry assay was at 72 h. In addition, GRP78 and GRP94 were detected 24 h following administration. The results of the present study indicate a novel experimental basis for the investigation of ERS-induced cardiac apoptosis.

Synthesis of beta-aminoketones and construction of highly substituted 4-piperidones by mannich reaction induced by persistent radical cation salts.

A Mannich reaction of imines and ketones induced by persistent radical cation salts was investigated, and a series of Mannich bases, beta-aminoketones, were synthesized. A novel cyclization to form the 4-piperidone skeleton was achieved in a tandem process. The reaction can be rationalized as a radical cation process supported by various evidence.