Exploring blood lipids-immunity associations following HBV vaccination: evidence from a large cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Serological responses following hepatitis B vaccination are crucial for preventing hepatitis B (HBV). However, the potential relationship between serum lipid levels and immunity from HBV vaccination remains poorly understood. Methods: In this study, we conducted an analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data spanning from 2003 to 2016. Multivariable weighted logistic regression models, generalized linear analysis, stratified models, smooth curve fitting, segmentation effect analysis and sensitivity analysis were utilized to assess the relationships. Results: After adjusting for relevant covariates, we observed that low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) were independently linked to a significantly lower seroprotective rate. Compared to HDL levels of ≥ 60 mg/dL, the odds ratios (ORs) for individuals with borderline levels (40-59 mg/dL for men, 50-59 mg/dL for women) and low levels (< 40 mg/dL for men, < 50 mg/dL for women) were 0.83 (95% CI 0.69-0.99) and 0.65 (95% CI 0.56-0.78), respectively. This association was particularly pronounced in individuals aged 40 or older. Conversely, higher levels of the triglyceride to HDL (TG/HDL) ratio (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.84-0.98), total cholesterol to HDL (Chol/HDL) ratio (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.64-0.92), and low-density lipoprotein to HDL (LDL/HDL) ratio (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.76-0.96) were associated with a decreased likelihood of seroprotection. Conclusion: This study suggests that lipid levels may play a role in modulating the immune response following HBV vaccination.

Acetylation-dependent deubiquitinase USP26 stabilizes BAG3 to promote breast cancer progression.

Deubiquitylases (DUBs) have emerged as promising targets for cancer therapy due to their role in stabilizing substrate proteins within the ubiquitin machinery. Here, we identified ubiquitin-specific protease 26 (USP26) as an oncogene via screening prognostic DUBs in breast cancer. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, we found that depletion of USP26 inhibited breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion, and suppressed tumor growth and metastasis in nude mice. Further investigation identified co-chaperone Bcl-2-associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) as the direct substrate of USP26, and ectopic expression of BAG3 partially reversed antitumor effect induced by USP26 knockdown. Mechanistically, the lysine acetyltransferase Tip60 targeted USP26 at K134 for acetylation, which enhanced USP26 binding affinity to BAG3, leading to BAG3 deubiquitination and increased protein stability. Importantly, we employed a structure-based virtual screening and discovered a drug-like molecule called 5813669 that targets USP26, destabilizing BAG3 and effectively mitigating tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Clinically, high expression levels of USP26 were correlated with elevated BAG3 levels and poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. Overall, our findings highlight the critical role of USP26 in BAG3 protein stabilization and provide a promising therapeutic target for breast cancer.

[Effect and Mechanism of Radiosensitization of Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Inhibitor n Lewis Cells and Xenografts].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The DNA damage of the irradiated tumor cells is mainly single strand breaks (SSBs) and double strand breaks (DSBs), in which the frequency of occurrence of SSBs is dozens of times than DSBs. However, most of the SSBs could be repaired by the Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase (PARP) and other related factors. Recently listed drug-Olaparib (PARP1/PARP2/PARP3 inhibitor) could target the repair pathways of single strand breaks, and recent clinical trials of PARP inhibitors combined with chemotherapy obtained encouraging results. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect and potential mechanism of radiosensitization of Poly (ADP-Ribose) polymerase inhibitor-Olaparib on lewis cells and xenografts. METHODS: The inhibition concentration 10% inhibitory concentration (IC10) of Olaparib to Lewis cells was detected by methyl thiazolyltetrazolium (MTT) assay. The radiosensitization effect of Olaparib on Lewis cells was determined by classical colony forming assay. Lewis xenografts models were established, and the mice were randomly divided into four groups: Control group, Olaparib group, Radiotherapy group (RT, 2 Gy × 5 d), Olaparib combined with RT group. Xenograft volume was measured during the treatment. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the apoptosis rate of the Lewis cells in each group, and the apoptosis of xenograft tissues was observed by TUNEL stain. The ralative protein levels of γH2AX (associated with DNA strand breaks repair), Bax/Bcl-2, Caspase-3 (apoptosis-associated protein) were detected by Western blot in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: The IC10 value of Olaparib was 4.4 µmol/L. The radio-sensitivity enhancement ratio (SER) of Olaparib combined with RT was 1.211 in vitro. Compared with RT (2 Gy × 5 d) alone, the combination of Olaparib with fractionated radiotherapy significantly increased the growth delay of Lewis xenografts (P<0.001). Flow cytometry and TUNEL analysis indicated that the apoptosis rate in the combination group was significantly higher than in RT group in vitro and in vivo (P<0.05). Furthermore, Western blot results confirmed that in the combination group the expression levels of γH2AX, Bax, Caspase-3 were increased, while that of Bcl-2 was decreased as opposed to RT group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The combination of Olaprib and fractionated radiotherapy can markedly improve the radiobiological effects on lewis cells and xenografts, which may be induced by promoting the formation of DNA double strand break and upregulating the expression of Bax/Bcl-2 pro-apoptotic proteins.