Olink Profiling of Aqueous Humor Identifies Novel Biomarkers for Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Metabolic dysfunction is recognized as a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD). However, the specific metabolism-related proteins implicated in wAMD remain elusive. In this study, we assessed the expression profiles of 92 metabolism-related proteins in aqueous humor (AH) samples obtained from 44 wAMD patients and 44 cataract control patients. Our findings revealed significant alterations in the expression of 60 metabolism-related proteins between the two groups. Notably, ANGPTL7 and METRNL displayed promising diagnostic potential for wAMD, as evidenced by area under the curve values of 0.88 and 0.85, respectively. Subsequent validation studies confirmed the upregulation of ANGPTL7 and METRNL in the AH of wAMD patients and in choroidal neovascularization (CNV) models. Functional assays revealed that increased ANGPTL7 and METRNL played a pro-angiogenic role in endothelial biology by promoting endothelial cell proliferation, migration, tube formation, and spouting in vitro. Moreover, in vivo studies revealed the pro-angiogenic effects of ANGPTL7 and METRNL in CNV formation. In conclusion, our findings highlight the association between elevated ANGPTL7 and METRNL levels and wAMD, suggesting their potential as novel predictive and diagnostic biomarkers for this condition. These results underscore the significance of ANGPTL7 and METRNL in the context of wAMD pathogenesis and offer new avenues for future research and therapeutic interventions.

Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) blockade mitigates osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) related bone disease.

BACKGROUND: The current treatment of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is imperfect. Our study thus delves into the potential of using Dickkopf-1 antisense (DKK1-AS) to treat OI. METHODS: We analysed serum DKK1 levels and their correlation with lumbar spine and hip T-scores in OI patients. Comparative analyses were conducted involving bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and bone tissues from wild-type mice, untreated OI mice, and OI mice treated with DKK1-ASor DKK1-sense (DKK1-S). RESULTS: Significant inverse correlations were noted between serum DKK1 levels and lumbar spine (correlation coefficient = - 0.679, p = 0.043) as well as hip T-scores (correlation coefficient = - 0.689, p = 0.042) in OI patients. DKK1-AS improved bone mineral density (p = 0.002), trabecular bone volume/total volume fraction (p < 0.001), trabecular separation (p = 0.010), trabecular thickness (p = 0.001), trabecular number (p < 0.001), and cortical thickness (p < 0.001) in OI mice. DKK1-AS enhanced the transcription of collagen 1α1, osteocalcin, runx2, and osterix in BMSC from OI mice (all p < 0.001), resulting in a higher von Kossa-stained matrix area (p < 0.001) in ex vivo osteogenesis assays. DKK1-AS also reduced osteoclast numbers (p < 0.001), increased ß-catenin and T-cell factor 4 immunostaining reactivity (both p < 0.001), enhanced mineral apposition rate and bone formation rate per bone surface (both p < 0.001), and decreased osteoclast area (p < 0.001) in OI mice. DKK1-AS upregulated osteoprotegerin and downregulated nuclear factor-kappa B ligand transcription (both p < 0.001). Bone tissues from OI mice treated with DKK1-AS exhibited significantly higher breaking force compared to untreated OI mice (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study elucidates that DKK1-AS has the capability to enhance bone mechanical properties, restore the transcription of osteogenic genes, promote osteogenesis, and inhibit osteoclastogenesis in OI mice.

Identification of Anticancer Enzymes and Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma through Constraint-Based Modeling.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) results in the abnormal regulation of cellular metabolic pathways. Constraint-based modeling approaches can be utilized to dissect metabolic reprogramming, enabling the identification of biomarkers and anticancer targets for diagnosis and treatment. In this study, two genome-scale metabolic models (GSMMs) were reconstructed by employing RNA sequencing expression patterns of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their healthy counterparts. An anticancer target discovery (ACTD) framework was integrated with the two models to identify HCC targets for anticancer treatment. The ACTD framework encompassed four fuzzy objectives to assess both the suppression of cancer cell growth and the minimization of side effects during treatment. The composition of a nutrient may significantly affect target identification. Within the ACTD framework, ten distinct nutrient media were utilized to assess nutrient uptake for identifying potential anticancer enzymes. The findings revealed the successful identification of target enzymes within the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway using a cholesterol-free cell culture medium. Conversely, target enzymes in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway were not identified when the nutrient uptake included a cholesterol component. Moreover, the enzymes PGS1 and CRL1 were detected in all ten nutrient media. Additionally, the ACTD framework comprises dual-group representations of target combinations, pairing a single-target enzyme with an additional nutrient uptake reaction. Additionally, the enzymes PGS1 and CRL1 were identified across the ten-nutrient media. Furthermore, the ACTD framework encompasses two-group representations of target combinations involving the pairing of a single-target enzyme with an additional nutrient uptake reaction. Computational analysis unveiled that cell viability for all dual-target combinations exceeded that of their respective single-target enzymes. Consequently, integrating a target enzyme while adjusting an additional exchange reaction could efficiently mitigate cell proliferation rates and ATP production in the treated cancer cells. Nevertheless, most dual-target combinations led to lower side effects in contrast to their single-target counterparts. Additionally, differential expression of metabolites between cancer cells and their healthy counterparts were assessed via parsimonious flux variability analysis employing the GSMMs to pinpoint potential biomarkers. The variabilities of the fluxes and metabolite flow rates in cancer and healthy cells were classified into seven categories. Accordingly, two secretions and thirteen uptakes (including eight essential amino acids and two conditionally essential amino acids) were identified as potential biomarkers. The findings of this study indicated that cancer cells exhibit a higher uptake of amino acids compared with their healthy counterparts.

Fuzzy optimization for identifying antiviral targets for treating SARS-CoV-2 infection in the heart.

In this paper, a fuzzy hierarchical optimization framework is proposed for identifying potential antiviral targets for treating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in the heart. The proposed framework comprises four objectives for evaluating the elimination of viral biomass growth and the minimization of side effects during treatment. In the application of the framework, Dulbecco's modified eagle medium (DMEM) and Ham's medium were used as uptake nutrients on an antiviral target discovery platform. The prediction results from the framework reveal that most of the antiviral enzymes in the aforementioned media are involved in fatty acid metabolism and amino acid metabolism. However, six enzymes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis in Ham's medium and three enzymes involved in glycolysis in DMEM are unable to eliminate the growth of the SARS-CoV-2 biomass. Three enzymes involved in glycolysis, namely BPGM, GAPDH, and ENO1, in DMEM combine with the supplemental uptake of L-cysteine to increase the cell viability grade and metabolic deviation grade. Moreover, six enzymes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis reduce and fail to reduce viral biomass growth in a culture medium if a cholesterol uptake reaction does not occur and occurs in this medium, respectively.

Chaperonin counteracts diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by aiding sirtuin 3 in the control of fatty acid oxidation.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The mitochondrial chaperonin heat shock protein (HSP) 60 is indispensable in protein folding and the mitochondrial stress response; however, its role in nutrient metabolism remains uncertain. This study investigated the role of HSP60 in diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: We studied human biopsies from individuals with NAFLD, murine high-fat-diet (HFD; a diet with 60% energy from fat)-induced obesity (DIO), transgenic (Tg) mice overexpressing Hsp60 (Hsp60-Tg), and human HepG2 cells transfected with HSP60 cDNA or with HSP60 siRNA. Histomorphometry was used to assess hepatic steatosis, biochemistry kits were used to measure insulin resistance and glucose tolerance, and an automated home cage phenotyping system was used to assess energy expenditure. Body fat was assessed using MRI. Macrophage infiltration, the lipid oxidation marker 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) and the oxidative damage marker 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were detected using immunohistochemistry. Intracellular lipid droplets were evaluated by Nile red staining. Expression of HSP60, and markers of lipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation were quantified using RT-PCR and immunoblotting. Investigations were analysed using the two-way ANOVA test. RESULTS: Decreased HSP60 expression correlated with severe steatosis in human NAFLD biopsies and murine DIO. Hsp60-Tg mice developed less body fat, had reduced serum triglyceride levels, lower levels of insulin resistance and higher serum adiponectin levels than wild-type mice upon HFD feeding. Respiratory quotient profile indicated that fat in Hsp60-Tg mice may be metabolised to meet energy demands. Hsp60-Tg mice showed amelioration of HFD-mediated hepatic steatosis, M1/M2 macrophage dysregulation, and 4-HNE and 8-OHdG overproduction. Forced HSP60 expression reduced the mitochondrial unfolded protein response, while preserving mitochondrial respiratory complex activity and enhancing fatty acid oxidation. Furthermore, HSP60 knockdown enhanced intracellular lipid formation and loss of sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) signalling in HepG2 cells upon incubation with palmitic acid (PA). Forced HSP60 expression improved SIRT3 signalling and repressed PA-mediated intracellular lipid formation. SIRT3 inhibition compromised HSP60-induced promotion of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα levels), while also decreasing levels of fatty acid oxidation markers. CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION: Mitochondrial HSP60 promotes fatty acid oxidation while repressing mitochondrial stress and inflammation to ameliorate the development of NAFLD by preserving SIRT3 signalling. This study reveals the hepatoprotective effects of HSP60 and indicates that HSP60 could play a fundamental role in the development of therapeutics for NAFLD or type 2 diabetes.

MicroRNA-29a Mitigates Laminectomy-Induced Spinal Epidural Fibrosis and Gait Dysregulation by Repressing TGF-ß1 and IL-6.

Spinal epidural fibrosis is one of the typical features attributable to failed back surgery syndrome, with excessive scar development in the dura and nerve roots. The microRNA-29 family (miR-29s) has been found to act as a fibrogenesis-inhibitory factor that reduces fibrotic matrix overproduction in various tissues. However, the mechanistic basis of miRNA-29a underlying the overabundant fibrotic matrix synthesis in spinal epidural scars post-laminectomy remained elusive. This study revealed that miR-29a attenuated lumbar laminectomy-induced fibrogenic activity, and epidural fibrotic matrix formation was significantly lessened in the transgenic mice (miR-29aTg) as compared with wild-type mice (WT). Moreover, miR-29aTg limits laminectomy-induced damage and has also been demonstrated to detect walking patterns, footprint distribution, and moving activity. Immunohistochemistry staining of epidural tissue showed that miR-29aTg was a remarkably weak signal of IL-6, TGF-ß1, and DNA methyltransferase marker, Dnmt3b, compared to the wild-type mice. Taken together, these results have further strengthened the evidence that miR-29a epigenetic regulation reduces fibrotic matrix formation and spinal epidural fibrotic activity in surgery scars to preserve the integrity of the spinal cord core. This study elucidates and highlights the molecular mechanisms that reduce the incidence of spinal epidural fibrosis, eliminating the risk of gait abnormalities and pain associated with laminectomy.

BMX, a specific HDAC8 inhibitor, with TMZ for advanced CRC therapy: a novel synergic effect to elicit p53-, ß-catenin- and MGMT-dependent apoptotic cell death.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in treatment, patients with refractory colorectal cancer (CRC) still have poor long-term survival, so there is a need for more effective therapeutic options. METHODS: To evaluate the HDAC8 inhibition efficacy as a CRC treatment, we examined the effects of various HDAC8 inhibitors (HDAC8i), including BMX (NBM-T-L-BMX-OS01) in combination with temozolomide (TMZ) or other standard CRC drugs on p53 mutated HT29 cells, as well as wild-type p53 HCT116 and RKO cells. RESULTS: We showed that HDAC8i with TMZ cotreatment resulted in HT29 arrest in the S and G2/M phase, whereas HCT116 and RKO arrest in the G0/G1 phase was accompanied by high sub-G1. Subsequently, this combination approach upregulated p53-mediated MGMT inhibition, leading to apoptosis. Furthermore, we observed the cotreatment also enabled triggering of cell senescence and decreased expression of stem cell biomarkers. Mechanistically, we found down-expression levels of ß-catenin, cyclin D1 and c-Myc via GSK3ß/ß-catenin signaling. Intriguingly, autophagy also contributes to cell death under the opposite status of ß-catenin/p62 axis, suggesting that there exists a negative feedback regulation between Wnt/ß-catenin and autophagy. Consistently, the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) indicated both apoptotic and autophagy biomarkers in HT29 and RKO were upregulated after treating with BMX. CONCLUSIONS: BMX may act as a HDAC8 eraser and in combination with reframed-TMZ generates a remarkable synergic effect, providing a novel therapeutic target for various CRCs. Video Abstract.

Physosmotic Induction of Chondrogenic Maturation Is TGF-ß Dependent and Enhanced by Calcineurin Inhibitor FK506.

Increasing extracellular osmolarity 100 mOsm/kg above plasma level to the physiological levels for cartilage induces chondrogenic marker expression and the differentiation of chondroprogenitor cells. The calcineurin inhibitor FK506 has been reported to modulate the hypertrophic differentiation of primary chondrocytes under such conditions, but the molecular mechanism has remained unclear. We aimed at clarifying its role. Chondrocyte cell lines and primary cells were cultured under plasma osmolarity and chondrocyte-specific in situ osmolarity (+100 mOsm, physosmolarity) was increased to compare the activation of nuclear factor of activated T-cells 5 (NFAT5). The effects of osmolarity and FK506 on calcineurin activity, cell proliferation, extracellular matrix quality, and BMP- and TGF-ß signaling were analyzed using biochemical, gene, and protein expression, as well as reporter and bio-assays. NFAT5 translocation was similar in chondrocyte cell lines and primary cells. High supraphysiological osmolarity compromised cell proliferation, while physosmolarity or FK506 did not, but in combination increased proteoglycan and collagen expression in chondrocytes in vitro and in situ. The expression of the TGF-ß-inducible protein TGFBI, as well as chondrogenic (SOX9, Col2) and terminal differentiation markers (e.g., Col10) were affected by osmolarity. Particularly, the expression of minor collagens (e.g., Col9, Col11) was affected. The inhibition of the FK506-binding protein suggests modulation at the TGF-ß receptor level, rather than calcineurin-mediated signaling, as a cause. Physiological osmolarity promotes terminal chondrogenic differentiation of progenitor cells through the sensitization of the TGF-ß superfamily signaling at the type I receptor. While hyperosmolarity alone facilitates TGF-ß superfamily signaling, FK506 further enhances signaling by releasing the FKBP12 break from the type I receptor to improve collagenous marker expression. Our results help explain earlier findings and potentially benefit future cell-based cartilage repair strategies.

Heat Shock Protein 60 Restricts Release of Mitochondrial dsRNA to Suppress Hepatic Inflammation and Ameliorate Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common cause of chronic liver disease, consists of fat deposited (steatosis) in the liver due to causes besides excessive alcohol use. The folding activity of heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) has been shown to protect mitochondria from proteotoxicity under various types of stress. In this study, we investigated whether HSP60 could ameliorate experimental high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and hepatitis and explored the potential mechanism in mice. The results uncovered that HSP60 gain not only alleviated HFD-induced body weight gain, fat accumulation, and hepatocellular steatosis, but also glucose tolerance and insulin resistance according to intraperitoneal glucose tolerance testing and insulin tolerance testing in HSP60 transgenic (HSP60Tg) compared to wild-type (WT) mice by HFD. Furthermore, overexpression of HSP60 in the HFD group resulted in inhibited release of mitochondrial dsRNA (mt-dsRNA) compared to WT mice. In addition, overexpression of HSP60 also inhibited the activation of toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5), and phosphorylated-interferon regulatory factor 3 (p-IRF3), as well as inflammatory biomarkers such as mRNA of il-1ß and il-6 expression in the liver in response to HFD. The in vitro study also confirmed that the addition of HSP-60 mimics in HepG2 cells led to upregulated expression level of HSP60 and restricted release of mt-dsRNA, as well as downregulated expression levels of TLR3, MDA5, and pIRF3. This study provides novel insight into a hepatoprotective effect, whereby HSP60 inhibits the release of dsRNA to repress the TLR3/MDA5/pIRF3 pathway in the context of NAFLD or hepatic inflammation. Therefore, HSP60 may serve as a possible therapeutic target for improving NAFLD.

MiR-29a Curbs Hepatocellular Carcinoma Incidence via Targeting of HIF-1α and ANGPT2.

A high-fat diet is responsible for hepatic fat accumulation that sustains chronic liver damage and increases the risks of steatosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MicroRNA-29a (miR-29a), a key regulator of cellular behaviors, is present in anti-fibrosis and modulator tumorigenesis. However, the increased transparency of the correlation between miR-29a and the progression of human HCC is still further investigated. In this study, we predicted HIF-1α and ANGPT2 as regulators of HCC by the OncoMir cancer database and showed a strong positive correlation with HIF-1α and ANGPT2 gene expression in HCC patients. Mice fed the western diet (WD) while administered CCl4 for 25 weeks induced chronic liver damage and higher HCC incidence than without fed WD mice. HCC section staining revealed signaling upregulation in ki67, severe fibrosis, and steatosis in WD and CCl4 mice and detected Col3a1 gene expressions. HCC tissues significantly attenuated miR-29a but increased in HIF-1α, ANGPT2, Lox, Loxl2, and VEGFA expression. Luciferase activity analysis confirms that miR-29a specific binding 3'UTR of HIF-1α and ANGPT2 to repress expression. In summary, miR-29a control HIF-1α and ANGPT2 signaling in HCC formation. This study insight into a novel molecular pathway by which miR-29a targeting HIF-1α and ANGPT2 counteracts the incidence of HCC development.

Presume Why Probiotics May Not Provide Protection in Inflammatory Bowel Disease through an Azoxymethane and Dextran Sodium Sulfate Murine Model.

Recent studies have shown dysbiosis is associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, trying to restore microbial diversity via fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) or probiotic intervention fails to achieve clinical benefit in IBD patients. We performed a probiotic intervention on a simulated IBD murine model to clarify their relationship. IBD was simulated by the protocol of azoxymethane and dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS) to set up a colitis and colitis-associated neoplasm model on BALB/c mice. A single probiotic intervention using Clostridium butyricum Miyairi (CBM) on AOM/DSS mice to clarify the role of probiotic in colitis, colitis-associated neoplasm, gut microbiota, and immune cytokines was performed. We found dysbiosis occurred in AOM/DSS mice. The CBM intervention on AOM/DSS mice failed to improve colitis and colitis-associated neoplasms but changed microbial composition and unexpectedly increased expression of proinflammatory IL-17A in rectal tissue. We hypothesized that the probiotic intervention caused dysbiosis. To clarify the result, we performed inverse FMT using feces from AOM/DSS mice to normal recipients to validate the pathogenic effect of dysbiosis from AOM/DSS mice and found mice on inverse FMT did develop colitis and colon neoplasms. We presumed the probiotic intervention to some extent caused dysbiosis as inverse FMT. The role of probiotics in IBD requires further elucidation.

MicroRNA-29a in Osteoblasts Represses High-Fat Diet-Mediated Osteoporosis and Body Adiposis through Targeting Leptin.

Skeletal tissue involves systemic adipose tissue metabolism and energy expenditure. MicroRNA signaling controls high-fat diet (HFD)-induced bone and fat homeostasis dysregulation remains uncertain. This study revealed that transgenic overexpression of miR-29a under control of osteocalcin promoter in osteoblasts (miR-29aTg) attenuated HFD-mediated body overweight, hyperglycemia, and hypercholesterolemia. HFD-fed miR-29aTg mice showed less bone mass loss, fatty marrow, and visceral fat mass together with increased subscapular brown fat mass than HFD-fed wild-type mice. HFD-induced O2 underconsumption, respiratory quotient repression, and heat underproduction were attenuated in miR-29aTg mice. In vitro, miR-29a overexpression repressed transcriptomic landscapes of the adipocytokine signaling pathway, fatty acid metabolism, and lipid transport, etc., of bone marrow mesenchymal progenitor cells. Forced miR-29a expression promoted osteogenic differentiation but inhibited adipocyte formation. miR-29a signaling promoted brown/beige adipocyte markers Ucp-1, Pgc-1α, P2rx5, and Pat2 expression and inhibited white adipocyte markers Tcf21 and Hoxc9 expression. The microRNA also reduced peroxisome formation and leptin expression during adipocyte formation and downregulated HFD-induced leptin expression in bone tissue. Taken together, miR-29a controlled leptin signaling and brown/beige adipocyte formation of osteogenic progenitor cells to preserve bone anabolism, which reversed HFD-induced energy underutilization and visceral fat overproduction. This study sheds light on a new molecular mechanism by which bone integrity counteracts HFD-induced whole-body fat overproduction.

Music-Based Intervention Ameliorates Mecp2-Loss-Mediated Sociability Repression in Mice through the Prefrontal Cortex FNDC5/BDNF Pathway.

Patients with Rett syndrome (RTT) show severe difficulties with communication, social withdrawl, and learning. Music-based interventions improve social interaction, communication skills, eye contact, and physical skills and reduce seizure frequency in patients with RTT. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which music-based interventions compromise sociability impairments in mecp2 null/y mice as an experimental RTT model. Male mecp2 null/y mice and wild-type mice (24 days old) were randomly divided into control, noise, and music-based intervention groups. Mice were exposed to music or noise for 6 h/day for 3 consecutive weeks. Behavioral patterns, including anxiety, spontaneous exploration, and sociability, were characterized using open-field and three-chamber tests. BDNF, TrkB receptor motif, and FNDC5 expression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus, basal ganglia, and amygdala were probed using RT-PCR or immunoblotting. mecp2 null/y mice showed less locomotion in an open field than wild-type mice. The social novelty rather than the sociability of these animals increased following a music-based intervention, suggesting that music influenced the mecp2-deletion-induced social interaction repression rather than motor deficit. Mechanically, the loss of BDNF signaling in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampal regions, but not in the basal ganglia and amygdala, was compromised following the music-based intervention in mecp2 null/y mice, whereas TrkB signaling was not significantly changed in either region. FNDC5 expression in the prefrontal cortex region in mecp2 null/y mice also increased following the music-based intervention. Collective evidence reveals that music-based interventions improve mecp2-loss-induced social dysfunction. BDNF and FNDC5 signaling in the prefrontal cortex region mediates the music-based-intervention promotion of social interactions. This study gives new insight into the mechanisms underlying the improvement of social behaviors in mice suffering from experimental Rett syndrome following a music-based intervention.

Piezoelectric Microvibration Mitigates Estrogen Loss-Induced Osteoporosis and Promotes Piezo1, MicroRNA-29a, and Wnt3a Signaling in Osteoblasts.

Biophysical stimulation alters bone-forming cell activity, bone formation and remodeling. The effect of piezoelectric microvibration stimulation (PMVS) intervention on osteoporosis development remains uncertain. We investigated whether 60 Hz, 120 Hz, and 180 Hz PMVS (0.05 g, 20 min/stimulation, 3 stimulations/week for 4 consecutive weeks) intervention affected bone integrity in ovariectomized (OVX) mice or osteoblastic activity. PMVS (120 Hz)-treated OVX mice developed fewer osteoporosis conditions, including bone mineral density loss and trabecular microstructure deterioration together with decreased serum resorption marker CTX-1 levels, as compared to control OVX animals. The biomechanical strength of skeletal tissue was improved upon 120 Hz PMVS intervention. This intervention compromised OVX-induced sparse trabecular bone morphology, osteoblast loss, osteoclast overburden, and osteoclast-promoting cytokine RANKL immunostaining and reversed osteoclast inhibitor OPG immunoreactivity. Osteoblasts in OVX mice upon PMVS intervention showed strong Wnt3a immunoreaction and weak Wnt inhibitor Dkk1 immunostaining. In vitro, PMVS reversed OVX-induced loss in von Kossa-stained mineralized nodule formation, Runx2, and osteocalcin expression in primary bone-marrow stromal cells. PMVS also promoted mechanoreceptor Piezo1 expression together with increased microRNA-29a and Wnt3a expression, whereas Dkk1 rather than SOST expression was repressed in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. Taken together, PMVS intervention promoted Piezo1, miR-29a, and Wnt signaling to upregulate osteogenic activity and repressed osteoclastic bone resorption, delaying estrogen deficiency-induced loss in bone mass and microstructure. This study highlights a new biophysical remedy for osteoporosis.

Exogenous Therapeutics of Microrna-29a Attenuates Development of Hepatic Fibrosis in Cholestatic Animal Model through Regulation of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase p85 Alpha.

Recent studies have found that microRNA-29a (miR-29a) levels are significantly lower in fibrotic livers, as shown with human liver cirrhosis. Such downregulation influences the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Phosphoinositide 3-kinase p85 alpha (PI3KP85α) is implicated in the regulation of proteostasis mitochondrial integrity and unfolded protein response (UPR) and apoptosis in hepatocytes. This study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic role of miR-29a in a murine bile duct ligation (BDL)-cholestatic injury and liver fibrosis model. Mice were assigned to four groups: sham, BDL, BDL + scramble miRs, and BDL + miR-29a-mimic. Liver fibrosis and inflammation were assessed by histological staining and mRNA/protein expression of representative markers. Exogenous therapeutics of miR-29a in BDL-stressed mice significantly attenuated glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT)/glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) and liver fibrosis, and caused a significant downregulation in markers related to inflammation (IL-1ß), fibrogenesis (TGF-ß1, α-SMA, and COL1α1), autophagy (p62 and LC3B II), mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt; C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), and Lon protease-1 (LONP1, a mitochondrial protease), and PI3KP85α within the liver tissue. An in vitro luciferase reporter assay further confirmed that miR-29a mimic directly targets mRNA 3' untranslated region (UTR) of PI3KP85α to suppress its expression in HepG2 cell line. Our data provide new insights that therapeutic miR-29a improves cholestasis-induced hepatic inflammation and fibrosis and proteotstasis via blocking PI3KP85α, highlighting the potential of miR-29a targeted therapy for liver injury.

miR-29a Modulates GSK3ß/SIRT1-Linked Mitochondrial Proteostatic Stress to Ameliorate Mouse Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis.

MicroRNA-29a (miR-29a) has been shown to ameliorate hepatocellular damage, such as in the context of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), steatohepatitis (NASH), and cholestatic injury. However, the mechanism mediating the hepatoprotective effect of miR-29a in diet-induced NASH remains elusive. In the present study, C57BL/6 mice of wild-type (WT) or miR-29a overexpression were fed with methionine-choline sufficient (MCS) or methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet for four weeks. The C57BL/6 mice harboring miR-29a overexpression presented reduced plasma AST, hepatic CD36, steatosis, and fibrosis induced by MCD. The TargetScan Release7.2-based bioinformatic analysis, KEGG pathway analysis, and luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-29a targets 3'UTR of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (Gsk3b) mRNA in the HepG2 hepatocyte cell line. Furthermore, miR-29a overexpression in the MCD-fed group resulted in inhibition of Gsk3b mRNA and GSK3ß protein levels in the liver. GSK3ß was notably expressed jointly with the extent of aggregated protein, which was then identified to be associated with mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt), but not with endoplasmic reticulum UPR (UPRER). Additionally, in silico analysis of protein-protein interaction, in vivo, and in vitro correlation analyses of protein expression demonstrated that GSK3ß closely associated with sirtuin 1(SIRT1). Finally, the implication of SIRT1-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis in the perturbation of proteostasis was observed. We herein provide novel insight into a hepatoprotective pathway, whereby miR-29a inhibits GSK3ß to repress SIRT1-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis, leading to alleviation of mitochondrial proteostatic stress and UPRmt in the context of NASH. miR-29a, GSK3ß, and SIRT1 could thus serve as possible therapeutic targets to improve the treatment of NAFLD/NASH.

Constant Light Dysregulates Cochlear Circadian Clock and Exacerbates Noise-Induced Hearing Loss.

Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the major causes of acquired sensorineural hearing loss in modern society. While people with excessive exposure to noise are frequently the population with a lifestyle of irregular circadian rhythms, the effects of circadian dysregulation on the auditory system are still little known. Here, we disturbed the circadian clock in the cochlea of male CBA/CaJ mice by constant light (LL) or constant dark. LL significantly repressed circadian rhythmicity of circadian clock genes Per1, Per2, Rev-erbα, Bmal1, and Clock in the cochlea, whereas the auditory brainstem response thresholds were unaffected. After exposure to low-intensity (92 dB) noise, mice under LL condition initially showed similar temporary threshold shifts to mice under normal light-dark cycle, and mice under both conditions returned to normal thresholds after 3 weeks. However, LL augmented high-intensity (106 dB) noise-induced permanent threshold shifts, particularly at 32 kHz. The loss of outer hair cells (OHCs) and the reduction of synaptic ribbons were also higher in mice under LL after noise exposure. Additionally, LL enhanced high-intensity noise-induced 4-hydroxynonenal in the OHCs. Our findings convey new insight into the deleterious effect of an irregular biological clock on the auditory system.

Epigenetic Regulation of Skeletal Tissue Integrity and Osteoporosis Development.

Bone turnover is sophisticatedly balanced by a dynamic coupling of bone formation and resorption at various rates. The orchestration of this continuous remodeling of the skeleton further affects other skeletal tissues through organ crosstalk. Chronic excessive bone resorption compromises bone mass and its porous microstructure as well as proper biomechanics. This accelerates the development of osteoporotic disorders, a leading cause of skeletal degeneration-associated disability and premature death. Bone-forming cells play important roles in maintaining bone deposit and osteoclastic resorption. A poor organelle machinery, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and defective autophagy, etc., dysregulates growth factor secretion, mineralization matrix production, or osteoclast-regulatory capacity in osteoblastic cells. A plethora of epigenetic pathways regulate bone formation, skeletal integrity, and the development of osteoporosis. MicroRNAs inhibit protein translation by binding the 3'-untranslated region of mRNAs or promote translation through post-transcriptional pathways. DNA methylation and post-translational modification of histones alter the chromatin structure, hindering histone enrichment in promoter regions. MicroRNA-processing enzymes and DNA as well as histone modification enzymes catalyze these modifying reactions. Gain and loss of these epigenetic modifiers in bone-forming cells affect their epigenetic landscapes, influencing bone homeostasis, microarchitectural integrity, and osteoporotic changes. This article conveys productive insights into biological roles of DNA methylation, microRNA, and histone modification and highlights their interactions during skeletal development and bone loss under physiological and pathological conditions.

Upregulation of miR-941 in Circulating CD14+ Monocytes Enhances Osteoclast Activation via WNT16 Inhibition in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a destructive joint disease mediated by osteoclasts. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate several important pathways in osteoclastogenesis. We profiled the expression of miRNAs in CD14+ monocytes from PsA patients and investigated how candidate microRNAs regulate the pathophysiology in osteoclastogenesis. The RNA from circulatory CD14+ monocytes was isolated from PsA patients, psoriasis patients without arthritis (PsO), and healthy controls (HCs). The miRNAs were initially profiled by next-generation sequencing (NGS). The candidate miRNAs revealed by NGS were validated by PCR in 40 PsA patients, 40 PsO patients, and 40 HCs. The osteoclast differentiation and its functional resorption activity were measured with or without RNA interference against the candidate miRNA. The microRNA-941 was selectively upregulated in CD14+ monocytes from PsA patients. Osteoclast development and resorption ability were increased in CD14+ monocytes from PsA patients. Inhibition of miR-941 abrogated the osteoclast development and function while increased the expression of WNT16. After successful treatment, the increased miR-941 expression in CD14+ monocytes from PsA patients was revoked. The expression of miR-941 in CD14+ monocytes is associated with PsA disease activity. MiR-941 enhances osteoclastogenesis in PsA via WNT16 repression. The miR-941 could be a potential biomarker and treatment target for PsA.

Effects of computer-assisted navigation versus the conventional technique for total knee arthroplasty on levels of plasma thrombotic markers: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major sequela after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We prospectively compared the differences in the perioperative plasma D-dimer and fibrinogen levels between the individuals undergoing TKA via computer-assisted navigation and via a conventional method as the surrogate comparison for VTE. There were 174 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria and providing valid informed consent between September 2011 and November 2013. There were 69 females and 20 males in the navigation-assisted group (median age: 71.00 years), while the conventional group was composed of 59 females and 26 males (median age: 69.00 years). Blood samples were obtained prior to and at 24 and 72 h after surgery for measurement of the levels of plasma D-dimer and fibrinogen. RESULTS: A significantly lower plasma D-dimer level 24 h after TKA (p = 0.001) and a milder postoperative surge 24 h after TKA (p = 0.002) were observed in patients undergoing navigation-assisted TKA. The proportions of subjects exceeding the plasma D-dimer cut-off values of 7.5, 8.6 and 10 mg/L 24 h after TKA were all significantly higher in the conventional group than in the navigation-assisted group (p = 0.024, 0.004, and 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A lower plasma D-dimer level and a milder surge in the plasma D-dimer level were observed in patients undergoing navigation-assisted TKA in comparison with patients undergoing conventional TKA 24 h after surgery. These findings may supplement the known advantages of navigation-assisted TKA.