RESUMO
Atherosclerotic plaques develop in the inner intimal layer of arteries and can cause heart attacks and strokes1. As plaques lack innervation, the effects of neuronal control on atherosclerosis remain unclear. However, the immune system responds to plaques by forming leukocyte infiltrates in the outer connective tissue coat of arteries (the adventitia)2-6. Here, because the peripheral nervous system uses the adventitia as its principal conduit to reach distant targets7-9, we postulated that the peripheral nervous system may directly interact with diseased arteries. Unexpectedly, widespread neuroimmune cardiovascular interfaces (NICIs) arose in mouse and human atherosclerosis-diseased adventitia segments showed expanded axon networks, including growth cones at axon endings near immune cells and media smooth muscle cells. Mouse NICIs established a structural artery-brain circuit (ABC): abdominal adventitia nociceptive afferents10-14 entered the central nervous system through spinal cord T6-T13 dorsal root ganglia and were traced to higher brain regions, including the parabrachial and central amygdala neurons; and sympathetic efferent neurons projected from medullary and hypothalamic neurons to the adventitia through spinal intermediolateral neurons and both coeliac and sympathetic chain ganglia. Moreover, ABC peripheral nervous system components were activated: splenic sympathetic and coeliac vagus nerve activities increased in parallel to disease progression, whereas coeliac ganglionectomy led to the disintegration of adventitial NICIs, reduced disease progression and enhanced plaque stability. Thus, the peripheral nervous system uses NICIs to assemble a structural ABC, and therapeutic intervention in the ABC attenuates atherosclerosis.
Assuntos
Aterosclerose , Placa Aterosclerótica , Animais , Aterosclerose/prevenção & controle , Progressão da Doença , Gânglios Espinais , Gânglios Simpáticos , Camundongos , Neurônios/fisiologia , Placa Aterosclerótica/prevenção & controleRESUMO
Humoral autoimmunity paralleled by the accumulation of follicular helper T cells (T(FH) cells) is linked to mutation of the gene encoding the RNA-binding protein roquin-1. Here we found that T cells lacking roquin caused pathology in the lung and accumulated as cells of the T(H)17 subset of helper T cells in the lungs. Roquin inhibited T(H)17 cell differentiation and acted together with the endoribonuclease regnase-1 to repress target mRNA encoding the T(H)17 cell-promoting factors IL-6, ICOS, c-Rel, IRF4, IκBNS and IκBζ. This cooperation required binding of RNA by roquin and the nuclease activity of regnase-1. Upon recognition of antigen by the T cell antigen receptor (TCR), roquin and regnase-1 proteins were cleaved by the paracaspase MALT1. Thus, this pathway acts as a 'rheostat' by translating TCR signal strength via graded inactivation of post-transcriptional repressors and differential derepression of targets to enhance T(H)17 differentiation.
Assuntos
Caspases/metabolismo , Proteínas de Neoplasias/metabolismo , Receptores de Antígenos de Linfócitos T/imunologia , Ribonucleases/metabolismo , Células Th17/citologia , Ubiquitina-Proteína Ligases/metabolismo , Proteínas Adaptadoras de Transdução de Sinal/genética , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Animais , Sítios de Ligação/imunologia , Diferenciação Celular/imunologia , Linhagem Celular , Genes rel/genética , Células HEK293 , Humanos , Proteína Coestimuladora de Linfócitos T Induzíveis/genética , Fatores Reguladores de Interferon/genética , Interleucina-6/genética , Peptídeos e Proteínas de Sinalização Intracelular , Pulmão/imunologia , Pulmão/patologia , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Camundongos Endogâmicos NOD , Camundongos Knockout , Proteína de Translocação 1 do Linfoma de Tecido Linfoide Associado à Mucosa , Proteínas Nucleares/genética , Proteínas/genética , RNA Mensageiro/genética , Proteínas de Ligação a RNA/metabolismo , Alinhamento de Sequência , Células Th17/imunologia , Ubiquitina-Proteína Ligases/genéticaRESUMO
Roquin proteins preclude spontaneous T cell activation and aberrant differentiation of T follicular helper (Tfh) or T helper 17 (Th17) cells. Here we showed that deletion of Roquin-encoding alleles specifically in regulatory T (Treg) cells also caused the activation of conventional T cells. Roquin-deficient Treg cells downregulated CD25, acquired a follicular Treg (Tfr) cell phenotype, and suppressed germinal center reactions but could not protect from colitis. Roquin inhibited the PI3K-mTOR signaling pathway by upregulation of Pten through interfering with miR-17â¼92 binding to an overlapping cis-element in the Pten 3' UTR, and downregulated the Foxo1-specific E3 ubiquitin ligase Itch. Loss of Roquin enhanced Akt-mTOR signaling and protein synthesis, whereas inhibition of PI3K or mTOR in Roquin-deficient T cells corrected enhanced Tfh and Th17 or reduced iTreg cell differentiation. Thereby, Roquin-mediated control of PI3K-mTOR signaling prevents autoimmunity by restraining activation and differentiation of conventional T cells and specialization of Treg cells.
Assuntos
Colite/imunologia , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinases/imunologia , Proteínas Repressoras/imunologia , Serina-Treonina Quinases TOR/imunologia , Ubiquitina-Proteína Ligases/imunologia , Animais , Linfócitos B/imunologia , Linfócitos B/patologia , Diferenciação Celular , Colite/genética , Colite/patologia , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Feminino , Proteína Forkhead Box O1/genética , Proteína Forkhead Box O1/imunologia , Regulação da Expressão Gênica , Centro Germinativo/imunologia , Centro Germinativo/patologia , Subunidade alfa de Receptor de Interleucina-2/genética , Subunidade alfa de Receptor de Interleucina-2/imunologia , Ativação Linfocitária , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Camundongos Transgênicos , MicroRNAs/genética , MicroRNAs/imunologia , PTEN Fosfo-Hidrolase/genética , PTEN Fosfo-Hidrolase/imunologia , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinases/genética , Cultura Primária de Células , Proteínas Repressoras/deficiência , Proteínas Repressoras/genética , Transdução de Sinais , Baço/imunologia , Baço/patologia , Linfócitos T Reguladores/imunologia , Linfócitos T Reguladores/patologia , Serina-Treonina Quinases TOR/genética , Células Th17/imunologia , Células Th17/patologia , Ubiquitina-Proteína Ligases/deficiência , Ubiquitina-Proteína Ligases/genéticaRESUMO
Myocardial infarction (MI) is defined as sudden ischemic death of myocardial tissue. Amphiregulin (Areg) regulates cell survival and is crucial for the healing of tissues after damage. However, the functions and mechanisms of Areg after MI remain unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate Areg's impact on myocardial remodeling. Mice model of MI was constructed and Areg-/- mice were used. Expression of Areg was analyzed using western blotting, RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence staining. Echocardiographic analysis, Masson's trichrome, and triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining were used to assess cardiac function and structure. RNA sequencing was used for unbiased analysis. Apoptosis and autophagy were determined by western blotting, TUNEL staining, electron microscopy, and mRFP-GFP-LC3 lentivirus. Lysosomal acidity was determined by Lysotracker staining. Areg was elevated in the infarct border zone after MI. It was mostly secreted by macrophages. Areg deficiency aggravated adverse ventricular remodeling, as reflected by worsening cardiac function, a lower survival rate, increased scar size, and interstitial fibrosis. RNA sequencing analyses showed that Areg related to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways, V-ATPase and lysosome pathways. Mechanistically, Areg exerts beneficial effects via increasing lysosomal acidity to promote autophagosome clearance, and activating the EGFR/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, subsequently inhibiting excessive autophagosome formation and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. This study provides a novel evidence for the role of Areg in inhibiting ventricular remodeling after MI by regulating autophagy and apoptosis and identifies Areg as a potential therapeutic target in ventricular remodeling after MI.
Assuntos
Infarto do Miocárdio , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinases , Animais , Camundongos , Anfirregulina/genética , Apoptose , Autofagia , Receptores ErbB , Mamíferos , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas c-akt , Serina-Treonina Quinases TOR , Remodelação VentricularRESUMO
Immune cell infiltration is a significant pathological process in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). T cells, particularly CD4+ T cells, are essential immune cells responsible for substantial infiltration of the aorta. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) in AAA have been identified as tissue-specific; however, the time, location, and mechanism of acquiring the tissue-specific phenotype are still unknown. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on CD4+ T cells from the AAA aorta and spleen, we discovered heterogeneity among CD4+ T cells and identified activated, proliferating and developed aorta Tregs. These Tregs originate in the peripheral tissues and acquire the tissue-specific phenotype in the aorta. The identification of precursors for Tregs in AAA provides new insight into the pathogenesis of AAA.
Assuntos
Aneurisma da Aorta Abdominal , Análise de Célula Única , Linfócitos T Reguladores , Aneurisma da Aorta Abdominal/imunologia , Aneurisma da Aorta Abdominal/patologia , Linfócitos T Reguladores/imunologia , Humanos , Animais , Masculino , Linfócitos T CD4-Positivos/imunologia , Camundongos , Análise de Sequência de RNA , Baço/imunologia , Ativação Linfocitária , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BLRESUMO
BACKGROUND: CRC is a common but serious complication or sequela of tumor treatment, and new coping strategies are urgently needed. SV is a classic clinical cardiovascular protective drug, which has been widely used in the treatment of heart failure, hypertension and other diseases. It has good therapeutic effect in other cardiovascular diseases such as diabetes cardiomyopathy, ischemic cardiomyopathy and vascular disease, but it has not been proved by research that SV can prevent and treat CRC. METHOD: In this study, DOX was used to induce a rat CRC model and evaluate the therapeutic effect of SV on it. Subsequently, R software was applied to analyze the control group, SV group, and DOX group in databases GSE207283 and GSE22369, and to screen for common differentially expressed genes. Use the DAVID website for enrichment analysis and visualization. Use STRING website to analyze and visualize protein interaction networks of key genes. Finally, experimental verification was conducted on key genes. RESULT: Our research results show that SV has a protective effect on DOX induced myocardial injury by alleviating Weight loss, increasing Ejection fraction, and reducing the level of biomarkers of myocardial injury. Meanwhile, SV can effectively alleviate the above abnormalities. Bioinformatics and KEGG pathway analysis showed significant enrichment of metabolic and MAPK signaling pathways, suggesting that they may be the main regulatory pathway for SV treatment of CRC. Subsequent studies have also confirmed that SV can inhibit DOX induced myocardial injury through the MAPK signaling pathway, and alleviate DOX induced oxidative stress and inflammatory states. CONCLUSION: Our research indicates that SV is a potential drug for treating CRC and preliminarily elucidates its molecular mechanism of regulating the MAPK pathway to improve oxidative stress and inflammation.
Assuntos
Cardiomiopatias , Traumatismos Cardíacos , Ratos , Animais , Cardiotoxicidade/tratamento farmacológico , Cardiotoxicidade/etiologia , Cardiotoxicidade/prevenção & controle , Doxorrubicina/farmacologia , Apoptose , Estresse Oxidativo , Transdução de Sinais , Traumatismos Cardíacos/metabolismo , Valsartana/uso terapêutico , Valsartana/metabolismo , Valsartana/farmacologia , Cardiomiopatias/patologia , Inflamação/patologia , Biologia Computacional , Miócitos Cardíacos/metabolismoRESUMO
Endosperm cell number is critical in determining grain size in maize (Zea mays). Here, zma-miR159 overexpression led to enlarged grains in independent transgenic lines, suggesting that zma-miR159 contributes positively to maize grain size. Targeting of ZmMYB74 and ZmMYB138 transcription factor genes by zma-miR159 was validated using 5' RACE and dual-luciferase assay. Lines in which ZmMYB74 was knocked out using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) presented a similar enlarged grain phenotype as those with zma-miR159 overexpression. Downstream genes regulating cell division were identified through DNA affinity purification sequencing using ZmMYB74 and ZmMYB138. Our results suggest that zma-miR159-ZmMYB modules act as an endosperm development hub, participating in the division and proliferation of endosperm cells.
Assuntos
Fatores de Transcrição , Zea mays , Fatores de Transcrição/genética , Fatores de Transcrição/metabolismo , Zea mays/genética , Zea mays/metabolismo , Endosperma/genética , Endosperma/metabolismo , Grão Comestível/genética , Grão Comestível/metabolismo , Sequência de BasesRESUMO
The development of anti-tumor drugs has notably enhanced the survival rates and quality of life for patients with malignant tumors. However, the side effects of these drugs, especially cardiotoxicity, significantly limit their clinical application. The cardiotoxicity associated with anti-tumor drugs has been a subject of extensive attention and research. Traditional to mitigate these side effects have included reducing drug dosages, shortening treatment duration, modifying administration methods, and opting for drugs with lower toxicity. However, either approach may potentially compromise the anti-tumor efficacy of the medications. Therefore, exploring other effective methods for anti-cardiotoxicity will be the focus of future research. The potential of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in managing cardiovascular diseases and cancer treatment has gained widespread recognition. TCM is valued for its minimal side effects, affordability, and accessibility, offering promising avenues in the prevention and treatment of cardiotoxicity caused by anti-tumor drugs. Among its constituents, flavonoids, which are present in many TCMs, are particularly notable. These monomeric compounds with distinct structural components have been shown to possess both cardiovascular protective properties and anti-tumor capabilities. In this discussion, we will delve into the classification of anti-tumor drugs and explore the underlying mechanisms of their associated cardiotoxicity. Additionally, we will examine flavonoids found in TCM and investigate their mechanisms of cardiovascular protection. This will include an analysis of how these natural compounds can mitigate the cardiac side effects of anti-tumor therapies while potentially enhancing overall patient health and treatment outcomes.
RESUMO
Tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs) emerge during nonresolving peripheral inflammation, but their impact on disease progression remains unknown. We have found in aged Apoe(-/-) mice that artery TLOs (ATLOs) controlled highly territorialized aorta T cell responses. ATLOs promoted T cell recruitment, primed CD4(+) T cells, generated CD4(+), CD8(+), T regulatory (Treg) effector and central memory cells, converted naive CD4(+) T cells into induced Treg cells, and presented antigen by an unusual set of dendritic cells and B cells. Meanwhile, vascular smooth muscle cell lymphotoxin ß receptors (VSMC-LTßRs) protected against atherosclerosis by maintaining structure, cellularity, and size of ATLOs though VSMC-LTßRs did not affect secondary lymphoid organs: Atherosclerosis was markedly exacerbated in Apoe(-/-)Ltbr(-/-) and to a similar extent in aged Apoe(-/-)Ltbr(fl/fl)Tagln-cre mice. These data support the conclusion that the immune system employs ATLOs to organize aorta T cell homeostasis during aging and that VSMC-LTßRs participate in atherosclerosis protection via ATLOs.
Assuntos
Envelhecimento/imunologia , Aterosclerose/imunologia , Receptor beta de Linfotoxina/metabolismo , Miócitos de Músculo Liso/fisiologia , Subpopulações de Linfócitos T/imunologia , Linfócitos T Reguladores/imunologia , Túnica Adventícia/imunologia , Envelhecimento/genética , Animais , Aorta/patologia , Apolipoproteínas E/genética , Aterosclerose/genética , Diferenciação Celular/genética , Movimento Celular/genética , Células Cultivadas , Coristoma/imunologia , Memória Imunológica , Ativação Linfocitária/genética , Tecido Linfoide/imunologia , Receptor beta de Linfotoxina/genética , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Camundongos Knockout , Camundongos Transgênicos , Proteínas dos Microfilamentos/genética , Proteínas Musculares/genéticaRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Brain metastases (BMs) are commonly categorized into cystic and solid. However, the difference in the prognosis of patients with either cystic or solid BMs following radiotherapy remains poorly understood. We used a retrospective design to elucidate the disparities in survival between these two patient groups undergoing radiotherapy and to identify factors influencing the overall survival (OS) of patients with BMs. METHODS: This retrospective study encompasses 212 patients diagnosed with BMs. We meticulously analyzed the clinical characteristics, radiation therapy modalities, and risk factors influencing the OS among these patients, categorized by BMs type, post-brain radiation therapy. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference in mOS was observed between the two cohorts (Solid vs Cystic: 23.1 vs 14.6 months). Subgroup analysis unveiled distinctions in mOS, particularly in patients with EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma (Solid vs Cystic: 23.1 vs 6.43 months). The volume of BMs and the biological effective dose (BED) emerged as significantly prognostic factors for patients with cystic BMs. For patients with solid BMs, fraction dose, BED, and the number of BMs were identified as independent prognostic factors for survival. CONCLUSION: Brain radiotherapy shows superior survival benefits for lung cancer patients with solid BMs compared to those with cystic BMs, particularly in EGFR-mutant lung cancer. In particular, patients receiving BED ≥60 Gy have a more favorable prognosis than those receiving BED <60 Gy, regardless of the type of BM (solid or cystic) in lung cancer.
Assuntos
Neoplasias Encefálicas , Humanos , Neoplasias Encefálicas/secundário , Neoplasias Encefálicas/radioterapia , Neoplasias Encefálicas/mortalidade , Masculino , Feminino , Estudos Retrospectivos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Prognóstico , Idoso , Neoplasias Pulmonares/radioterapia , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patologia , Neoplasias Pulmonares/mortalidade , AdultoRESUMO
The potential of fulvic acid (FA) to improve plant growth has been acknowledged, but its effect on plant growth and nutrient uptake under nutrient stress remains unclear. This study investigated the effects of different FA application rates on maize growth and nitrogen utilization under low nitrogen stress. The results showed that under low nitrogen stress, FA significantly stimulated maize growth, particularly root development, biomass, and nitrogen content. The enhanced activity levels of key enzymes in nitrogen metabolism were observed, along with differential gene expression in maize, which enriched nitrogen metabolism, amino acid metabolism and plant hormone metabolism. The application of FA regulated the hormones' level, reduced abscisic acid content in leaves and Me-JA content in roots, and increased auxin and zeatin ribose content in leaves. This study concludes that, by promoting root development, nitrogen metabolism, and hormone metabolism, an appropriate concentration of FA can enhance plant tolerance to low nitrogen conditions and improve nitrogen use efficiency.
Assuntos
Benzopiranos , Nitrogênio , Zea mays , Nitrogênio/metabolismo , Zea mays/metabolismo , Reguladores de Crescimento de Plantas/metabolismo , Ácido Abscísico/metabolismo , Raízes de Plantas/metabolismoRESUMO
RATIONALE: A persistent autoimmune and inflammatory response plays a critical role in the progression of atherosclerosis. The transcription factor forkhead box P3 (Foxp3)+CD4+ regulatory T cells (Foxp3+ Tregs) attenuate atherosclerosis. Latency-associated peptide (LAP)+CD4+ T cells are a new class of Tregs whose role in atherosclerosis is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the function of CD4+LAP+ Tregs in inhibiting inflammation and preventing atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Depletion of CD4+LAP+ Tregs results in aggravated inflammation and atherosclerotic lesions. Mechanistically, CD4+LAP+ Treg depletion was associated with decreased M2-like macrophages and increased Th1 and Th17 cells, characterized by increased unstable plaque promotion and decreased expression of inflammation-resolving factors in both arteries and immune organs. In contrast, adoptive transfer of CD4+LAP+ Tregs to ApoE-/- mice or CD4-/-ApoE-/- mice led to decreased atherosclerotic lesions. Compared with control animals, adoptive transfer of CD4+LAP+ Tregs induced M2-like macrophage differentiation within the atherosclerotic lesion and spleen, associated with increased collagen and α-SMA in plaques and decreased expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Mechanistic studies reveal that isolated CD4+LAP+ Tregs exhibit a tolerance phenotype, with increased expression of inhibitory cytokines and coinhibitory molecules. After coculture with CD4+LAP+ Tregs, monocytes/macrophages display typical features of M2 macrophages, including upregulated expression of CD206 and Arg-1 and decreased production of MCP-1, IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α, which was almost abrogated by transwell and partially TGF-ß1 neutralization. RNA-seq analysis showed different gene expression profiles between CD4+LAP+ Tregs and LAP-CD4+ T cells and between CD4+LAP+ Tregs of ApoE-/- mice and CD4+LAP+ Tregs of C57BL/6 mice, of which Fancd2 and IL4i1 may contribute to the powerful inhibitory properties of CD4+LAP+ Tregs. Furthermore, the number and the suppressive properties of CD4+LAP+ Tregs were impaired by oxLDL. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that the remaining CD4+LAP+ Tregs play a protective role in atherosclerosis by modulating monocyte/macrophage differentiation and regulatory factors, which may partly explain the protective effect of T cells tolerance in atherosclerosis. Moreover, adoptive transfer of CD4+LAP+ Tregs constitutes a novel approach to treat atherosclerosis.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Current radiotherapy guidelines and consensus statements uniformly recommend elective region irradiation (ERI) as the standard strategy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, given the scarcity of skip-metastasis, the improved assessment accuracy of nodal involvement, and the striking advancements in chemotherapy for NPC, a one-fits-all delineation scheme for clinical target volumes of the nodal region (CTVn) may not be appropriate anymore, and modifications of the CTVn delineation strategy may be warranted. Involved site irradiation (ISI) covering merely the initially involved nodal site and potential extranodal extension has been confirmed to be as effective as ERI with decreased radiation-related toxicities in some malignancies, but has not yet been investigated in NPC. This study aims to compare the regional control, survival outcomes, radiation-related toxicities, and quality of life (QoL) of ISI with conventional ERI in NPC patients with a limited nodal burden. METHODS: ISRT-NPC is a prospective, multicenter, open-label, noninferiority, phase III randomized controlled trial. A total of 414 patients will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive ISI or ERI. Randomization will be stratified by institution scale and N stage. Generally, in the ISI group, the high-risk CTV1 (dose: 60 Gy) includes a 1-cm expansion of the positive LN as well as the VIIa and the retrostyloid space above the bilateral transverse process of the atlantoaxial spine (C1), regardless of N status. The low-risk CTV2 (dose: 50 Gy) covers the cervical nodal region with a 3-cm caudal expansion below the transverse process of C1 for N0 disease and a 3-cm expansion below the positive LN for positive LNs. DISCUSSION: The results of this trial are expected to confirm that ISI is a non-inferior strategy to ERI in stage I-III patients with low LN burden, enabling the minimization of treatment-related toxicity and improvement of long-term QoL without compromising regional control. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrails.gov, NCT05145660. Registered December 6, 2021.
Assuntos
Neoplasias Nasofaríngeas , Qualidade de Vida , Humanos , Carcinoma Nasofaríngeo/radioterapia , Carcinoma Nasofaríngeo/patologia , Neoplasias Nasofaríngeas/patologia , Estudos Prospectivos , Metástase Linfática/radioterapia , Metástase Linfática/patologia , Linfonodos/patologia , Ensaios Clínicos Controlados Aleatórios como Assunto , Estudos Multicêntricos como Assunto , Ensaios Clínicos Fase III como AssuntoRESUMO
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) elicit massive inflammatory leukocyte recruitment to the aorta. CD4+ T cells, which include regulatory T cells (Tregs) and conventional T cells (Tconvs), are involved in the progression of AAA. Tregs have been reported to limit AAA formation. However, the function and phenotype of the Tconvs found in AAAs remain poorly understood. We characterized aortic Tconvs by bulk RNA sequencing and discovered that Tconvs in aortic aneurysm highly expressed Cxcr6 and Csf2. Herein, we determined that the CXCR6/CXCL16 signaling axis controlled the recruitment of Tconvs to aortic aneurysms. Deficiency of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), encoded by Csf2, markedly inhibited AAA formation and led to a decrease of inflammatory monocytes, due to a reduction of CCL2 expression. Conversely, the exogenous administration of GM-CSF exacerbated inflammatory monocyte infiltration by upregulating CCL2 expression, resulting in worsened AAA formation. Mechanistically, GM-CSF upregulated the expression of interferon regulatory factor 5 to promote M1-like macrophage differentiation in aortic aneurysms. Importantly, we also demonstrated that the GM-CSF produced by Tconvs enhanced the polarization of M1-like macrophages and exacerbated AAA formation. Our findings revealed that GM-CSF, which was predominantly derived from Tconvs in aortic aneurysms, played a pathogenic role in the progression of AAAs and may represent a potential target for AAA treatment.
Assuntos
Aneurisma da Aorta Abdominal/metabolismo , Fator Estimulador de Colônias de Granulócitos e Macrófagos/metabolismo , Macrófagos/imunologia , Linfócitos T/imunologia , Animais , Diferenciação Celular , Células Cultivadas , Quimiocina CCL2/genética , Quimiocina CCL2/metabolismo , Fator Estimulador de Colônias de Granulócitos e Macrófagos/genética , Fatores Reguladores de Interferon/genética , Fatores Reguladores de Interferon/metabolismo , Macrófagos/citologia , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BLRESUMO
Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the diseases with high fatality rate. Berberine (BBR) is a monomer compound with various biological functions. And some studies have confirmed that BBR plays an important role in alleviating cardiomyocyte injury after MI. However, the specific mechanism is unclear. In this study, we induced a model of MI by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery and we surprisingly found that BBR significantly improved ventricular remodeling, with a minor inflammatory and oxidative stress injury, and stronger angiogenesis. Moreover, BBR inhibited the secretion of Wnt5a/ß-catenin pathway in macrophages after MI, thus promoting the differentiation of macrophages into M2 type. In summary, BBR effectively improved cardiac function of mice after MI, and the potential protective mechanism was associated with the regulation of inflammatory responses and the inhibition of macrophage Wnt5a/ß-catenin pathway in the infarcted heart tissues. Importantly, these findings supported BBR as an effective cardioprotective drug after MI.
Assuntos
Berberina , Infarto do Miocárdio , Camundongos , Animais , Berberina/farmacologia , beta Catenina/metabolismo , Miocárdio , Infarto do Miocárdio/tratamento farmacológico , Miócitos Cardíacos , Macrófagos/metabolismoRESUMO
Early life experiences, particularly maternal deprivation (MD), have long-lasting implications on emotional and cognitive development. Using Wistar rats as a model, this study explores the impact of MD followed by predator stress exposure (PSS) to simulate aspects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A cohort of 41 male rat pups underwent MD from postnatal days 2 to 14, followed by PSS at day 90. Female rat pups were not included in the experiment. Behavior was subsequently assessed using the Elevated Plus Maze test 14 days post-PSS. While MD led to subtle changes such as decreased activity and increased anxiety-like behavior, PSS induced pronounced anxiogenic effects. Notably, PSS after MD resulted in decreased basal corticosterone levels, mirroring conditions observed in PTSD. The findings suggest that although MD itself does not induce significant behavioral changes, it predisposes individuals to heightened sensitivity to subsequent stressors. This study underscores the utility of a two-stage PSS model for more accurately reflecting the complexities inherent in stress-related disorders, including PTSD.
Assuntos
Ansiedade , Privação Materna , Humanos , Ratos , Animais , Masculino , Feminino , Ratos Wistar , Projetos Piloto , Estresse Psicológico , Corticosterona , Comportamento AnimalRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Previous studies highlighted a high prevalence of mental health issues among students during the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is no evidence from Russia. This study was aimed to examine the prevalence of somatic and psychological distress among Russian university students. METHOD: The cross-sectional study was conducted in March-April 2021. The participants were university students from several regions of Russia (N = 1236). The Patient Health Questionnaire-15 and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales-21 were used to measure the somatic and psychological distress. RESULTS: The prevalence of somatic burden, depression, anxiety, and stress was 72.2%, 54.7%, 63.4%, and 55.4%, respectively. Somatic burden, anxiety, and stress were more frequently observed in females and students with experience of COVID-19 disease compared to males and students without experience of COVID-19 disease. CONCLUSIONS: These data illuminate the high prevalence and potential risk factors for somatic and psychological distress among Russian university students and determine the importance of psychoeducation and preventive measures in the Russian university environment.
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COVID-19 , Angústia Psicológica , Masculino , Feminino , Humanos , COVID-19/epidemiologia , Estudos Transversais , Universidades , Pandemias , Depressão/psicologia , Estresse Psicológico/epidemiologia , Estresse Psicológico/psicologia , Ansiedade/epidemiologia , Ansiedade/psicologia , EstudantesRESUMO
Nitrate is the primary form of nitrogen uptake in plants, mainly transported by nitrate transporters (NRTs), including NPF (NITRATE TRANSPORTER 1/PEPTIDE TRANSPORTER FAMILY), NRT2 and NRT3. In this study, we identified a total of 78 NPF, seven NRT2, and two NRT3 genes in maize. Phylogenetic analysis divided the NPF family into eight subgroups (NPF1-NPF8), consistent with the results in Arabidopsis thaliana and rice. The NRT2 family appears to have evolved more conservatively than the NPF family, as NRT2 genes contain fewer introns. The promoters of all NRTs are rich in cis-acting elements responding to biotic and abiotic stresses. The expression of NRTs varies in different tissues and developmental stages, with some NRTs only expressed in specific tissues or developmental stages. RNA-seq analysis using Xu178 revealed differential expression of NRTs in response to nitrogen starvation and nitrate resupply. Moreover, the expression patterns of six key NRTs genes (NPF6.6, NPF6.8, NRT2.1, NRT2.5 and NRT3.1A/B) varied in response to alterations in nitrogen levels across distinct maize inbred lines with different nitrogen uptake rates. This work enhances our understanding of the structure and expression of NRTs genes, and their roles in nitrate response, paving the way for improving maize nitrogen efficiency through molecular breeding.
Assuntos
Transportadores de Nitrato , Proteínas de Plantas , Zea mays , Arabidopsis/genética , Transportadores de Nitrato/genética , Nitratos , Nitrogênio , Filogenia , Zea mays/genética , Proteínas de Plantas/genéticaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: A substantial proportion of patients with unresectable stage III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cannot either tolerate or access concurrent chemoradiotherapy, so sequential chemoradiotherapy is commonly used. We assessed the efficacy and safety of sugemalimab, an anti-PD-L1 antibody, in patients with stage III NSCLC whose disease had not progressed after concurrent or sequential chemoradiotherapy. METHODS: GEMSTONE-301 is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial in patients with locally advanced, unresectable, stage III NSCLC, done at 50 hospitals or academic research centres in China. Eligible patients were aged 18 years or older with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 or 1 who had not progressed after concurrent or sequential chemoradiotherapy. We randomly assigned patients (2:1, using an interactive voice-web response system) to receive sugemalimab 1200 mg or matching placebo, intravenously every 3 weeks for up to 24 months. Stratification factors were ECOG performance status, previous chemoradiotherapy, and total radiotherapy dose. The investigators, trial coordination staff, patients, and study sponsor were masked to treatment allocation. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival as assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR) in the intention-to-treat population. Safety was assessed in all participants who received at least one dose of assigned study treatment. The study has completed enrolment and the results of a preplanned analysis of the primary endpoint are reported here. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03728556. FINDINGS: Between Aug 30, 2018 and Dec 30, 2020, we screened 564 patients of whom 381 were eligible. Study treatment was received by all patients randomly assigned to sugemalimab (n=255) and to placebo (n=126). At data cutoff (March 8, 2021), median follow-up was 14·3 months (IQR 6·4-19·4) for patients in the sugemalimab group and 13·7 months (7·1-18·4) for patients in the placebo group. Progression-free survival assessed by BICR was significantly longer with sugemalimab than with placebo (median 9·0 months [95% CI 8·1-14·1] vs 5·8 months [95% CI 4·2-6·6]; stratified hazard ratio 0·64 [95% CI 0·48-0·85], p=0·0026). Grade 3 or 4 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 22 (9%) of 255 patients in the sugemalimab group versus seven (6%) of 126 patients in the placebo group, the most common being pneumonitis or immune-mediated pneumonitis (seven [3%] of 255 patients in the sugemalimab group vs one [<1%] of 126 in the placebo group). Treatment-related serious adverse events occurred in 38 (15%) patients in the sugemalimab group and 12 (10%) in the placebo group. Treatment-related deaths were reported in four (2%) of 255 patients (pneumonia in two patients, pneumonia with immune-mediated pneumonitis in one patient, and acute hepatic failure in one patient) in the sugemalimab group and none in the placebo group. INTERPRETATION: Sugemalimab after definitive concurrent or sequential chemoradiotherapy could be an effective consolidation therapy for patients with stage III NSCLC whose disease has not progressed after sequential or concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Longer follow-up is needed to confirm this conclusion. FUNDING: CStone Pharmaceuticals and the National Key Research and Development Program of China. TRANSLATION: For the Chinese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
Assuntos
Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas , Quimiorradioterapia , Inibidores de Checkpoint Imunológico , Neoplasias Pulmonares , Idoso , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/tratamento farmacológico , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/mortalidade , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/patologia , Método Duplo-Cego , Inibidores de Checkpoint Imunológico/uso terapêutico , Neoplasias Pulmonares/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias Pulmonares/mortalidade , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patologia , Estadiamento de NeoplasiasRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Heterosis has been extensively utilized in plant breeding, however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains largely elusive. Maize (Zea mays), which exhibits strong heterosis, is an ideal material for studying heterosis. RESULTS: In this study, there is faster imbibition and development in reciprocal crossing Zhengdan958 hybrids than in their parent lines during seed germination. To investigate the mechanism of heterosis of maize germination, comparative transcriptomic analyses were conducted. The gene expression patterns showed that 1324 (47.27%) and 1592 (66.44%) of the differential expression genes between hybrids and either parental line display parental dominance up or higher levels in the reciprocal cross of Zhengdan958, respectively. Notably, these genes were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways, including carbon metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, etc. CONCLUSION: Our results provide evidence for the higher expression level genes in hybrid involved in metabolic pathways acting as main contributors to maize seed germinating heterosis. These findings provide new insights into the gene expression variation of maize embryos and improve the understanding of maize seed germination heterosis.