Interferon-α2a induces CD4+ T cell apoptosis and suppresses Th1/Th17 responses via upregulating IRF1-mediated PDL1 expression in dendritic cells from Behcet's uveitis.

Recombinant interferon-α2a (IFNα2a) has been widely used in the treatment of Behcet's uveitis (BU). However, the mechanism underlying its effects remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated its effect on dendritic cells (DCs) and CD4+ T cells, which are essential for the development of BU. Our results showed that the expression of PDL1 and IRF1 was significantly decreased in DCs from active BU patients, and IFNα2a could significantly upregulate PDL1 expression in an IRF1-dependent manner. IFNα2a-treated DCs induced CD4+ T cells apoptosis and inhibited the Th1/Th17 immune response in association with reduced secretion of IFN-γ and IL-17. We also found that IFNα2a promoted Th1 cell differentiation and IL-10 secretion by CD4+ T cells. Finally, a comparison of patients before and after IFNα2a therapy revealed that the frequencies of Th1/Th17 cells significantly decreased in association with remission of uveitis after IFNα2a therapy. Collectively, these results show that IFNα2a could exert its effects by modulating the function of DCs and CD4+ T cells in BU.

Mass Spectrometry-Based Multi-omics Integration with a Single Set of C. elegans Samples.

Mass spectrometry-based large-scale multi-omics research has proven to be powerful in answering biological questions; nonetheless, it faces many challenges from sample preparation to downstream data integration. To efficiently extract biomolecules of different physicochemical properties, preparation of various sample type needs specific tailoring, especially of difficult ones, such as Caenorhabditis elegans. In this study, we sought to develop a multi-omics sample preparation method starting with a single set ofC. elegans samples to save time, minimize variability, expand biomolecule coverage, and promote multi-omics integration. We investigated tissue disruption methods to effectively release biomolecules and optimized extraction strategies to achieve broader and more reproducible biomolecule coverage in proteomics, lipidomics, and metabolomics workflows. In our assessment, we also considered speediness and usability of the approaches. The developed method was validated through a study of 16C. elegans samples designed to shine light on mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt), induced by three unique stressors─knocking down electron transfer chain element cco-1, mitochondrial ribosome protein S5 mrps-5, and antibiotic treatment Doxycycline. Our findings suggested that the method achieved great coverage of proteome, lipidome, and metabolome with high reproducibility and validated that all stressors triggered UPRmt in C. elegans, although generating unique molecular signatures. Innate immune response was activated, and triglycerides were decreased under all three stressor conditions. Additionally, Doxycycline treatment elicited more distinct proteomic, lipidomic, and metabolomic response than the other two treatments. This method has been successfully used to process Saccharomyces cerevisiae (data not shown) and can likely be applied to other organisms for multi-omics research.

Rapid Multi-Omics Sample Preparation for Mass Spectrometry.

Multi-omics analysis is a powerful and increasingly utilized approach to gain insight into complex biological systems. One major hindrance with multi-omics, however, is the lengthy and wasteful sample preparation process. Preparing samples for mass spectrometry (MS)-based multi-omics involves extraction of metabolites and lipids with organic solvents, precipitation of proteins, and overnight digestion of proteins. These existing workflows are disparate and laborious. Here, we present a simple, efficient, and unified approach to prepare lipids, metabolites, and proteins for MS analysis. Our approach, termed the Bead-enabled Accelerated Monophasic Multi-omics (BAMM) method, combines an n-butanol-based monophasic extraction with unmodified magnetic beads and accelerated protein digestion. We demonstrate that the BAMM method affords comparable depth, quantitative reproducibility, and recovery of biomolecules as state-of-the-art multi-omics methods (e.g., Matyash extraction and overnight protein digestion). However, the BAMM method only requires about 3 h to perform, which saves 11 steps and 19 h on average compared to published multi-omics methods. Furthermore, we validate the BAMM method for multiple sample types and formats (biofluid, culture plate, and pellet) and show that in all cases, it produces high biomolecular coverage and data quality.

Molecular diagnostic yield for Blau syndrome in previously diagnosed juvenile idiopathic arthritis with uveitis or cutaneous lesions.

OBJECTIVE: Diagnostic pitfalls often arise in the community because of potentially misleading similarities between juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and Blau syndrome, an immune-related disorder caused by NOD2 gene mutations. It remains unclear in which population and to which extent next-generation sequencing techniques can aid in diagnosis. METHODS: We evaluated clinical usefulness of targeted next-generation sequencing in previously diagnosed JIA. Participants were required to have symptoms and signs suspected of Blau syndrome, including at least uveitis or cutaneous lesions in addition to arthritis. Targeted sequencing was conducted on NOD2 gene to detect diagnostic variants classified as pathogenic or likely pathogenic for Blau syndrome. We assessed the molecular diagnostic yield and clinical implications on patient care. RESULTS: Between May 1, 2008, and June 1, 2021, sequencing data were accrued from 123 previously diagnosed JIA (median age: 5 years; female: 62.6%). Targeted NOD2 sequencing yielded a positive molecular diagnosis of Blau syndrome in 21.1% (95% CI, 14.9%-29.2%), encompassing six heterozygous missense mutations classified as pathogenic variants. Among those receiving a molecular diagnosis, changes in clinical management and treatment were considered as having occurred in 38.5%. Nine predictors were identified to be associated with a higher diagnostic yield, providing clinical clues to suspect the possibility of Blau syndrome. CONCLUSION: Among some patients with pediatric-onset arthritis complicated with uveitis or cutaneous lesions, reassessing their diagnosis of JIA may be warranted. Targeted NOD2 sequencing established the molecular diagnosis of Blau syndrome in nearly one fifth of these cases and provided clinically relevant information for patient-care decisions.

In vitro assessment of the pathogenicity of the LDLR c.2160delC variant in familial hypercholesterolemia.

BACKGROUND: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited disorder with markedly elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Although many mutations have been reported in FH, only a few have been identified as pathogenic mutations. This study aimed to confirm the pathogenicity of the LDL receptor (LDLR) c.2160delC variant in FH. METHODS: In this study, the proband and her family members were systematically investigated, and a pedigree map was drawn. High-throughput whole-exome sequencing was used to explore the variants in this family. Next, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), western blot (WB) assays, and flow cytometry were conducted to detect the effect of the LDLR c.2160delC variant on its expression. The LDL uptake capacity and cell localization of LDLR variants were analyzed by confocal microscopy. RESULTS: According to Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) diagnostic criteria, three FH patients were identified with the LDLR c.2160delC variant in this family. An in-silico analysis suggested that the deletion mutation at the 2160 site of LDLR causes a termination mutation. The results of qPCR and WB verified that the LDLR c.2160delC variant led to early termination of LDLR gene transcription. Furthermore, the LDLR c.2160delC variant caused LDLR to accumulate in the endoplasmic reticulum, preventing it from reaching the cell surface and internalizing LDL. CONCLUSIONS: The LDLR c.2160delC variant is a terminating mutation that plays a pathogenic role in FH.

[Anti-inflammatory material basis and mechanism of Artemisia stolonifera based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS combined with network pharmacology and molecular docking].

This study aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory material basis and molecular mechanism of Artemisia stolonifera based on the analysis of the chemical components in different extracted fractions of A. stolonifera and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in combination with network pharmacology and molecular docking. Thirty-two chemical components were identified from A. stolonifera by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Among them, there were 7, 21 and 22 compounds in water, n-butanol and ethyl acetate fractions, respectively. The antio-xidant capacity of different extracted fractions was evaluated by measuring their scavenging ability against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl) hydrazyl(DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)(ABTS) free radicals and total antioxidant capacity [ferric reducing antioxidant power(FRAP) assay]. The inflammatory model of RAW264.7 cells was induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS), and the levels of nitrite oxide(NO), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-6(IL-6) in the supernatant and the mRNA expression of related inflammatory factors in cells were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects. The results revealed that ethyl acetate fraction of A. stolonifera was the optimal antioxidant and anti-inflammatory fraction. By network pharmacology, it was found that flavonoids such as rhamnazin, eupatilin, jaceosidin, luteolin and nepetin could act on key targets such as TNF, serine/threonine protein kinase 1(AKT1), tumor protein p53(TP53), caspase-3(CASP3) and epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR), and regulate the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-protein kinase B(PI3K-AKT) and mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) signaling pathways to exert the anti-inflammatory effects. Molecular docking further indicated excellent binding properties between the above core components and core targets. This study preliminarily clarified the anti-inflammatory material basis and mechanism of ethyl acetate fraction of A. stolonifera, providing a basis for the follow-up clinical application of A. stolonifera and drug development.

Genetic and Clinical Features of Blau Syndrome among Chinese Patients with Uveitis.

PURPOSE: The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and the Association for Molecular Pathology call for cautious interpretation of variants as causative of a monogenic disorder by stringent standards. We aimed to reclassify the pathogenicity of nucleotide binding oligomerization domain containing 2 (NOD2) variants according to the ACMG guidelines and to characterize clinical features in patients whose ocular disease might actually be explained by Blau syndrome. DESIGN: Genetic analysis and descriptive study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1003 unrelated healthy individuals and 3921 sporadic patients who presented with uveitis. METHODS: Whole-exome sequencing was performed on all healthy participants and 551 patients with uveitis, and targeted NOD2 resequencing was performed on the remaining 3370 patients with uveitis. Pathogenicity for Blau syndrome was classified for NOD2 variants identified by sequencing in study participants according to the ACMG guidelines. Clinical manifestations were compared among NOD2 variants of different levels of classification. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pathogenicity of variants. RESULTS: Eight NOD2 gain-of-function mutations, p.R334W, p.R334Q, p.E383K, p.G481D, p.W490S, p.M513T, p.R587C, and p.N670K, were classified as pathogenic, and 66 patients (1.7%) with uveitis were diagnosed with Blau syndrome due to these mutations. Of 66 with Blau syndrome, anterior uveitis accounted for 39.4%, posterior uveitis for 9.1%, and panuveitis for 51.5%. A proportion of 21.2% of Blau syndrome presented as multifocal choroiditis, 48.5% had papillitis, and 74.2% showed retinal microvasculitis detected by fundus fluorescein angiography. Six NOD2 variants, p.P268S, p.R311W, p.R471C, p.A612T, p.R702W, and p.V955I, were considered nonpathogenic for Blau syndrome and were identified in 96 patients with uveitis. The incidence of bilateral uveitis (86.4%), secondary glaucoma (47.0%), epiretinal membrane (7.6%), choroidal neovascularization (4.6%), retinal atrophy (10.6%), arthritis (69.7%), joint deformity (51.5%), and skin rash (40.9%) was higher in Blau syndrome than in patients with uveitis carrying non-Blau-causing NOD2 variants. Patients with Blau syndrome permanently experienced overall poorer best-corrected visual acuity. Several rare NOD2 mutations, p.I722L (2 cases), p.T476P (1 case), p.T476del (1 case), and p.R439H (1 case), were newly identified. CONCLUSIONS: Pathogenic NOD2 variants for Blau syndrome were limited to those gain-of-function mutations and were associated with a high risk for arthritis, skin rash, permanent visual loss, and ocular complications in patients with uveitis.

A longitudinal study of cardiac structure and function using echocardiography in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) can be associated with abnormal cardiac structure and function and increased mortality risk. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the cardiac structure and function dynamic changes using echocardiography during the first 2 years of PD therapy. We also assessed its associations with all-cause mortality risk after 2 years of follow-up. METHODS: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients that have started PD from 2011 to 2017, and had echocardiography at baseline and years 1 and 2, were included in this study. Echocardiographic parameters were compared between baseline and year 2. Multivariable Cox models were used to estimate the association between echocardiographic parameters changes and all-cause mortality risk. RESULTS: We finally enrolled 72 PD patients in this study. The mean right ventricular diameter (RVD) increased from baseline (18.31 mm) to year 1 (18.75 mm) and year 2 (19.65 mm). We also observed a significant decrease in cardiac output (CO) between baseline and year 2. Additionally, a slight decrease trend in ejection fraction (EF) was observed. Finally, every 1 % increase in RVD was associated with a 68.2 % higher mortality risk after dialysis (HR, 1.682; 95 % CI, 1.017-2.783). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated a susceptibility for deteriorated right cardiac structure and function during the first 2 years of PD treatment. Also, higher all-cause mortality risk was observed after 2 years of PD. Altogether, these results highlighted the need for additional focus on regular echocardiographic examinations during long-term PD management. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The PD-CRISC cohort, registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( ChiCTR1900023565 ).

Comparison of Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Effects of Different Varieties of Chrysanthemum Flos in China.

Chrysanthemum Flos is the prestigious traditional Chinese medicinal material and the popular health drink. This article comprehensively evaluated the chemical constituents, antioxidant activity, and hepatoprotective effects of 25 common chrysanthemum varieties in China. Firstly, we analyzed the chemical compositions of water extracts of chrysanthemum using UPLC/Q-TOF-MS, and identified 29 chemical components. The results displayed that chrysanthemum was rich in chemical constituents, but there were significant differences in the contents of four phenolic acids and five flavonoids among different varieties, and the coefficient of variation (CVs) ranged from 35.96 % to 114.62 %. Then, the antioxidant activities of different chrysanthemums were investigated, respectively via 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assays. The spectrum-effect relationships between nine main components and antioxidant activities were investigated to identify the antioxidant constitutes in chrysanthemums. Meanwhile, H2 O2 -induced hepatocyte injury testing showed wide variation in cultivar antioxidant capacity, with Tongchengju (TCJ) producing the best effect (90.32 %), followed by Chuju (CJ; 85.78 %). In addition, the hepatoprotective effects of 8 mainstream varieties were determined by the model of acute alcoholic liver injury. They protected liver from injury by affecting relevant liver function and antioxidant indexes. Huangshangongju (HSG) could decrease aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity by 39.27 % in liver tissue; Hangju-Fubaiju (HJ-FBJ), Jinsihuangju (JSH), and Chuju (CJ) significantly decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of liver tissue, which reduced by more than 40 %; Jinsihuangju (JSH) of used for tea could double the content of glutathione (GSH) and had the similar effect on superoxide dismutase (SOD) as the positive group, showing significant antioxidant capacity. Therefore, this study confirmed that chrysanthemums are potential resources as antioxidants, functional foods, and medicinal materials. Importantly, it may provide a scientific support for further development and utilization of chrysanthemum, and screen excellent varieties for different demands.

[Active fractions of Camellia nitidissima inhibit non-small cell lung cancer via suppressing epidermal growth factor receptor].

The present study explored the effects and its underlying mechanisms of four active fractions of Camellia nitidissima(leaf polyphenols, leaf saponins, flower polyphenols, and flower saponins in C. nitidissima) in inhibiting the proliferation and migration of non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) by suppressing the epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR). MTT assay was used to detect the effect of four active fractions on the proliferation of NCI-H1975 and HCC827 cells. Wound healing assay and Transwell assay were adopted to evaluate the effect of four active fractions on the migration of NSCLC. The effect of four active fractions on the enzyme activity of EGFR was detected. Molecular docking was carried out to explore the direct action capacity and action sites between representative components of the four active fractions and EGPR. Western blot assay was employed to investigate the effect of four active fractions on the protein expression in EGFR downstream signaling pathways. The results of the MTT assay indicated that the cell viability of NCI-H1975 and HCC827 cells was significantly inhibited by four active fractions at 50, 100, 150, and 200 µg·mL~(-1) in a dose-dependent manner. Wound healing assay and Transwell assay revealed that the migration of NCI-H1975 and HCC827 cells was significantly suppressed by four active fractions. In addition, the results of the protein activity assay showed that the enzyme activity of EGFR was significantly inhibited by four active fractions. The molecular docking results confirmed that various components in four active fractions possessed strong binding activity to EGFR enzymes. Western blot assay revealed that four active fractions down-regulated the protein expression of EGFR and its downstream signaling pathways. It is concluded that the four active fractions of C. nitidissima can inhibit NSCLC. The mechanism may be related to EGFR and its downstream signaling pathways. This study provides a new scientific basis for the clinical treatment of NSCLC with active fractions of C. nitidissima, which is of reference significance for further research on the anti-tumor mechanism of C. nitidissima.

Simultaneous bilateral femoral neck fractures in a dialysis-dependent patient: case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Simultaneous bilateral femoral neck fractures are extremely rare without obvious injury. Herein, we report the case of a patient on dialysis presenting with bilateral femoral neck fractures, which is a condition with high complication and mortality rates according to a review of the pertinent literature. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case a 47-year-old female with a history of 8 years of haemodialysis due to polycystic kidney disease who presented with bilateral hip pain during walking. The clinical history and results of physical and radiographic examinations of this patient are shown. Single-stage bilateral hemiarthroplasty was performed after a multidisciplinary team consultation. Three days after the operation, she could ambulate with a walker. The woman gradually regained her previous ability to walk over 6 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary team consultation for perioperative management is necessary and effective in patients on dialysis. Early diagnosis with prompt surgical treatment could lead to favourable recovery.

A possible environmental-friendly removal of Microcystis aeruginosa by using pyroligneous acid.

Cyanobacteria blooms are crucial environmental issues by threatening both aquatic ecosystem and human health. A biomass by-product with antimicrobial activity, pyroligneous acid (PA) was tested for its suitability for removal of the cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) in this work. Results show that the removal efficiency could reach up to 90% in the presence of 0.45% of PA and the inhibition to M. aeruginosa growth could extend to at least 40 days. The removal mechanism was studied. Both organic acids and phenols are functional content in M. aeruginosa removal and acetic acid is the most important one. Zeta potential analysis and morphology study show that the damage of cells dominates the flocculation and sedimentation of M. aeruginosa under low PA concentration (<0.7%), and increasing PA (≥0.7%) resulted in a trend of zeta potential to zero, thus removing any "shield" and triggering flocculation. Finally, study on the phenols residual after M. aeruginosa treatment shows that it could be close to 0 in 70 h. Therefore, this work proposes a possible method for world-wide treatment of cyanobacteria bloom and a new way for further utilization of PA.

Epigenome-wide association study identifies Behçet's disease-associated methylation loci in Han Chinese.

OBJECTIVE: The aetiology of Behçet's disease (BD), known as a systemic vasculitis, is not completely understood. Increasing evidence suggests that aberrant DNA methylation may contribute to the pathogenesis of BD. The aim of this epigenome-wide association study was to identify BD-associated methylation loci in Han Chinese. METHODS: Genome-wide DNA methylation profiles were compared between 60 BD patients and 60 healthy controls using the Infinium Human Methylation 450 K Beadchip. BD-associated methylation loci were validated in 100 BD patients and 100 healthy controls by pyrosequencing. Gene expression and cytokine production was quantified by real-time PCR and ELISA. RESULTS: A total of 4332 differentially methylated CpG sites were associated with BD. Five differentially methylated CpG sites (cg03546163, cg25114611, cg20228731, cg23261343 and cg14290576) revealed a significant hypomethylation status across four different genes (FKBP5, FLJ43663, RUNX2 and NFIL3) and were validated by pyrosequencing. Validation results showed that the most significant locus was located in the 5'UTR of FKBP5 (cg03546163, P = 3.81E-13). Four CpG sites with an aberrant methylation status, including cg03546163, cg25114611, cg23261343 and cg14290576, may serve as a diagnostic marker for BD (area under the receiver operating curve curve = 83.95%, 95% CI 78.20, 89.70%). A significantly inverse correlation was found between the degree of methylation at cg03546163 as well as cg25114611 and FKBP5 mRNA expression. Treatment with a demethylation agent, 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine resulted in an increase of FKBP5 mRNA expression and a stimulated IL-1ß production. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that aberrant DNA methylation, independently of previously known genetic variants, plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of BD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR-CCC-12002184.

Cd2+-Doped Amorphous TiO2 Hollow Spheres for Robust and Ultrasensitive Photoelectrochemical Sensing of Hydrogen Sulfide.

Hydrogen sulfide is a highly toxic molecule to human health, but high-performance detection of it remains a challenge. Herein, we report an ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor for H2S by modifying indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes with Cd2+-doped amorphous TiO2 hollow spheres, which are prepared by templating against colloidal silica particles followed by a cadmium-sodium cation exchange reaction. The amorphous TiO2 hollow spheres act as both the probing cation carrier and the photoelectric beacon. Upon exposure to sulfide ions, the photocurrent of the functionalized photoanode proportionately decreases in response to the formation of CdS nanoparticles. The decreased photocurrent could be attributed to the mismatching bandgap between the amorphous TiO2 and CdS nanoparticles: the photoexcited electrons and holes from amorphous TiO2 are transferred to the conduction band and valence band of CdS, respectively, and then recombined. The decrease in photocurrent is linear with the concentration of sulfide ions in the range from 1 to 10 000 pmol L-1 with a detection limit of 0.36 pmol L-1. Enabled by a unique sensitization mechanism, this PEC sensor features excellent performance in a wide linear range, high selectivity and sensitivity, high stability, and low fabrication cost.

Dynamic DNA Methylation Changes of Tbx21 and Rorc during Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis in Mice.

The key transcription factors of T helper cell subpopulations, including T-bet, GATA3, RORγt, and Foxp3 are involved in various autoimmune diseases. Whether methylation of these master transcription factors is associated with the development of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) and the possible epigenetic regulatory mechanisms involved has however not yet been addressed. In our study, significant methylation changes in both Tbx21 and Rorc were observed in one CpG site in the retinas of EAU mice. Two CpG sites of Tbx21 and one CpG site of Rorc showed significant dynamic methylation changes in the RPE-choroid complex during EAU. The mRNA expressions of Tbx21 and Rorc in both the retinas and RPE-choroid complexes correlated with the methylation changes at the various time points during EAU development. The methylation changes were associated with the production of the Th1/Th17 cells' signature cytokines, IFN-γ and IL-17. Dynamic changes in mRNA expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1) were also noted, which may be related to the observed methylation changes of these genes. The present study provides evidence that DNA methylation of Tbx21 and Rorc may be associated with the development of EAU. DNMT1 activation may have an important effect on regulating DNA methylation dynamics.

Identification of susceptibility SNPs in IL10 and IL23R-IL12RB2 for Behçet's disease in Han Chinese.

BACKGROUND: Although previous genome-wide association studies in various cohorts have identified several susceptibility loci underlying Behçet's disease (BD), this has not yet led to a breakthrough in the management of BD. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to further investigate the association of 26 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms with previous genome-wide association studies-identified nearly positive P values (5.0 × 10-8 < P < 1.0 × 10-5) in Chinese Han patients with BD. METHODS: A case-control association study was performed in 1206 patients with BD and 2475 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed using iPLEX Gold genotyping assay. Gene expression and cytokine production was quantified by real-time PCR and ELISA. RESULTS: The results showed that significantly higher frequencies of the IL23R-IL12RB2/rs924080 TT genotype (P = 2.03 × 10-8; odds ratio [OR] = 1.50), IL23R-IL12RB2/rs12141431 CC genotype (P = 2.18 × 10-8; OR = 1.53), IL10/rs1800871 TT genotype (P = 5.88 × 10-8; OR = 1.47), and IL10/rs3024490 TT genotype (P = 2.80 × 10-5; OR = 1.34) were found in BD. Functional experiments showed an increased IL23R expression and IL-17 production in rs12141431/CC genotype carriers compared with GG genotype carriers. A decreased IL10 expression and IL-10 production was observed in rs3024490/TT genotype carriers as compared with GG genotype carriers. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings not only confirmed the association of IL10/rs1800871 and IL23R-IL12RB2/rs924080 with BD but also identified 2 susceptibility single nucleotide polymorphisms in IL10 and IL23R-IL12RB2 (rs3024490 and rs12141431) with BD in Han Chinese.

ABCB1 C3435T polymorphism and the lipid-lowering response in hypercholesterolemic patients on statins: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A number of researches have evaluated the association between the ABCB1 polymorphism and the lipid-lowering response of statins, but the results have been inconclusive. To examine the lipid-lowering efficacy and safety associated with the ABCB1 C3435T polymorphism in hypercholesterolemic patients receiving statin, all available studies were included in this meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic search for eligible studies in the Cochrane library database, Scopus and PubMed was performed. Articles meeting the inclusion criteria were comprehensively reviewed, and the available data were accumulated by the meta-analysis. RESULTS: The results indicated that the comparisons of CC+CT vs. TT were associated with a significant elevation of the serum HDL-C levels after statin treatment (CC+CT vs. TT: MD, 2.46; 95 % CI, 0.36 to 4.55; P = 0.02), and the ABCB1 C3435T variant in homozygotes was correlated with decreases in LDL-C (CC vs. TT: MD, 2.29; 95 % CI, 0.37 to 4.20; P = 0.02) as well as TC (CC vs. TT: MD, 3.05; 95 % CI, 0.58 to 5.53; P = 0.02) in patients treated with statin. However, we did not observe a significant association in the TG group or an association between other genetic models serum lipid parameters. In addition, statin treatment more than 5 months led to a higher risk of muscle toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence from the meta-analysis demonstrated that the ABCB1 C3435T polymorphism may represent a pharmacogenomic biomarker for predicting treatment outcomes in patients on statins and that statin treatment for more than 5 months can increase the risk of myopathy.

Two new alkaloids from the bulbs of Lycoris sprengeri.

Two new alkaloids, lycosprenine (1) and 2α-methoxy-6-O-methyllycorenine (2), along with 22 known alkaloids (3-23b), were isolated from the bulb of Lycoris sprengeri. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis and by comparison of the spectroscopic data with those of known compounds. Selected compounds (1-3 and 6-9) were tested for their neuroprotective activities against H2O2-, CoCl2- and Aß25-35-induced SH-SY5Y cell injury, most of which exhibited neuroprotective effects of different degrees.

Artemisia argyi extract subfraction exerts an antifungal effect against dermatophytes by disrupting mitochondrial morphology and function.

Artemisia argyi (A. argyi), a plant with a longstanding history as a raw material for traditional medicine and functional diets in Asia, has been used traditionally to bathe and soak feet for its disinfectant and itch-relieving properties. Despite its widespread use, scientific evidence validating the antifungal efficacy of A. argyi water extract (AAWE) against dermatophytes, particularly Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Microsporum gypseum, remains limited. This study aimed to substantiate the scientific basis of the folkloric use of A. argyi by evaluating the antifungal effects and the underlying molecular mechanisms of its active subfraction against dermatophytes. The results indicated that AAWE exhibited excellent antifungal effects against the three aforementioned dermatophyte species. The subfraction AAWE6, isolated using D101 macroporous resin, emerged as the most potent subfraction. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of AAWE6 against T. rubrum, M. gypseum, and T. mentagrophytes were 312.5, 312.5, and 625 µg·mL-1, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results and assays of enzymes linked to cell wall integrity and cell membrane function indicated that AAWE6 could penetrate the external protective barrier of T. rubrum, creating breaches ("small holes"), and disrupt the internal mitochondrial structure ("granary"). Furthermore, transcriptome data, quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), and biochemical assays corroborated the severe disruption of mitochondrial function, evidenced by inhibited tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and energy metabolism. Additionally, chemical characterization and molecular docking analyses identified flavonoids, primarily eupatilin (131.16 ± 4.52 mg·g-1) and jaceosidin (4.17 ± 0.18 mg·g-1), as the active components of AAWE6. In conclusion, the subfraction AAWE6 from A. argyi exerts antifungal effects against dermatophytes by disrupting mitochondrial morphology and function. This research validates the traditional use of A. argyi and provides scientific support for its anti-dermatophytic applications, as recognized in the Chinese patent (No. ZL202111161301.9).

The water-soluble subfraction from Artemisia argyi alleviates LPS-induced inflammatory responses via multiple pathways and targets in vitro and in vivo.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: As a traditional Chinese medicine, Artemisia argyi has been used medicinally and eaten for more than 2000 years in China. It is widely reported in treating inflammatory diseases such as eczema, dermatitis, arthritis, allergic asthma and colitis. Although several studies claim that its volatile oil and organic reagent extracts have certain anti-inflammatory effects, the water-soluble fractions and molecular mechanisms have not been studied. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of A. argyi water extract (AAWE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses and to identify the most effective water-soluble subfractions. Moreover, the relevant pharmacological and molecular mechanisms by which the active subfraction mitigates inflammation were further investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Firstly, RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with LPS were treated with AAWE (50, 100, and 200 µg/mL) or the water-soluble subfractions separated by D101 macroporous resin (AAWE1-AAWE4, 100 µg/mL), and NO production and mRNA levels of inflammatory genes were evaluated to determine the most effective water-soluble subfractions. Secondly, the chemical components of the active subfraction (AAWE4) were analyzed by UPLC-QTOF-MS. Thirdly, transcriptome and network pharmacology analysis, RT-qPCR and Western blotting assays were conducted to explore the underlying anti-inflammatory mechanism and active compounds of AAWE4. Subsequently, the binding ability of the potential active components in AAWE4 to the core targets was further determined by molecular docking. Eventually, the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of AAWE4 (1.17, 2.34 and 4.68 g/kg, administered per day for 7 d) was evaluated in mice with LPS-induced systemic inflammation. RESULTS: In this study, AAWE showed excellent anti-inflammatory effects, and its water-soluble subfraction AAWE4 exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on NO concentration and inflammatory gene mRNA expression after LPS stimulation, indicating that it was the most effective subfraction. Thereafter, four main compounds in AAWE4 were confirmed or tentatively identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS, including three flavonoid glycosides and one phenolic acid. Furthermore, the transcriptome and network pharmacology analysis showed that AAWE4 inhibited inflammation via multiple pathways and multiple targets. Based on the RT-qPCR and Western blotting results, AAWE4 downregulated not only the p38, PI3K, CCL5, MMP9, AP-1, and BCL3 mRNA expression levels activated by LPS but also their upstream and downstream protein expression levels and protein phosphorylation (p-AKT/AKT, p-p38/p38, p-ERK/ERK, p-JNK/JNK). Moreover, four identified compounds (isochlorogenic acid A, vicenin-2, schaftoside and isoschaftoside) could significantly inhibit NO content and the overexpression of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1ß, iNOS and COX-2 mRNA induced by LPS, and the molecular docking confirmed the high binding activity of four active compounds with selected core targets (p38, AKT1, MMP9, and CCL5). In addition, the mRNA expression and immunohistochemical analysis showed that AAWE44 could inhibit lung inflammation via multiple pathways and multiple targets in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that the water-soluble subfraction AAWE4 from A. argyi ameliorated the inflammation caused by LPS through multiple pathways and multiple targets in vitro and in vivo, providing scientific support for the medicinal use of A. argyi. Importantly, it shows that the A. argyi subfraction AAWE4 can be developed as an anti-inflammatory drug.