Telmisartan (TLM), a highly selective angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker (ARB) and partial PPAR-Îł agonist, has versatile beneficial effects against oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammatory respon Show more
Telmisartan (TLM), a highly selective angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker (ARB) and partial PPAR-γ agonist, has versatile beneficial effects against oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammatory responses and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, its underlying mechanism of inhibiting oxalate and calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal-induced EMT by activating the PPAR-γ pathway remains unclear. CCK-8 assays were used to evaluate the effects of TLM on cell viability. In addition, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured by the cell-permeable fluorogenic probe 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA). Wound-healing and Transwell assays were used to evaluate the migration ability of HK2 cells exposed to oxalate. Moreover, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to examine the expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin and α-SMA and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms in HK2 cells and a stone-forming rat model. Our results showed that TLM treatment could protect HK2 cells from oxalate-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress injury. Additionally, TLM prevented EMT induction by oxalate and CaOx crystals via the PPAR-γ-AKT/STAT3/p38 MAPK-Snail pathway in vitro and in vivo. However, knockdown of PPAR-γ with small interfering RNA or the PPAR-γ-specific antagonist GW9662 abrogated these protective effects of TLM. As a PPAR-γ agonist, TLM can ameliorate oxalate and CaOx crystal-induced EMT by exerting an antioxidant effect through the PPAR-γ-AKT/STAT3/p38 MAPK-Snail signaling pathway. Therefore, TLM can block EMT progression and could be a potential therapeutic agent for preventing and treating calcium oxalate urolithiasis formation and recurrence. Show less
T lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia (T-LBL/ALL) is a highly malignant hematological tumor common in young males. Most T-LBL/ALL patients usually initially seek medical treatment for clinical manifestati Show more
T lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia (T-LBL/ALL) is a highly malignant hematological tumor common in young males. Most T-LBL/ALL patients usually initially seek medical treatment for clinical manifestations of non-hematological diseases. Presently, T-ALL chemotherapy is often used for the treatment of T-LBL/ALL internationally. With the application of high-intensity standard chemotherapy, the efficacy and prognosis of T-LBL/ALL are still not optimistic. The authors present a young male patient with facial and neck edema as the initial symptoms. This young patient of T-LBL/ALL was found to have a mediastinal mass after CT examination and he was finally diagnosed as highly malignant T-LBL/ALL. Unfortunately, after undergoing three standard courses of high-intensity chemotherapy, the young male patient eventually died of white blood cell stasis and severe infection caused by hyperleukocytosis. To this end, we find that the prognosis of T-LBL/ALL with multiple gene mutations or fusions and hyperleukocytosis, is extremely poor, and probably becomes a medical problem worthy of continuing resolution in the field of hematology and oncology. Show less
Neuroplasticity and connectivity in the central nervous system (CNS) are easily damaged after hypoxia. Long-term exposure to an anoxic environment can lead to neuropsychiatric symptoms and increases t Show more
Neuroplasticity and connectivity in the central nervous system (CNS) are easily damaged after hypoxia. Long-term exposure to an anoxic environment can lead to neuropsychiatric symptoms and increases the likelihood of depression. Demyelination is an important lesion of CNS injury that may occur in depression. Previous studies have found that the RhoA/ROCK pathway is upregulated in neuropsychiatric disorders such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, the chief aim of this study is to explore the regulatory role of the RhoA/ROCK pathway in the development of depression after hypoxia by behavioral tests, Western blotting, immunostaining as well as electron microscopy. Results showed that HIF-1α, S100β, RhoA/ROCK, and immobility time in FST were increased, sucrose water preference ratio in SPT was decreased, and the aberrant activity of neurocyte and demyelination occurred after hypoxia. After the administration of Y-27632 and fluoxetine in hypoxia, these alterations were improved. Lingo1, a negative regulatory factor, was also overexpressed after hypoxia and its expression was decreased when the pathway blocked. However, fluoxetine had no effect on the expression of Lingo1. Then, we demonstrated that demyelination was associated with failures of oligodendrocyte precursor cell proliferation and differentiation and increased apoptosis of oligodendrocytes. Collectively, our data indicate that the RhoA/ROCK pathway plays a vital role in the initial depression during hypoxia. Blocking this pathway in the early stage of hypoxia can enhance the effectiveness of antidepressants, rescue myelin damage, and reduce the expression of the negative regulatory protein of myelination. The findings provide new insight into the prophylaxis and treatment of depression. Show less
Macrophages differentiated into a classically activated (M1) or alternatively activated phenotype (M2) in infection and tumor, but the precise effects of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPH Show more
Macrophages differentiated into a classically activated (M1) or alternatively activated phenotype (M2) in infection and tumor, but the precise effects of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) metabolic pathway remain unclear. Herein, the effects of glycolysis or OXPHOS on macrophage polarizations were investigated using a pharmacological approach in mice. 2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) treatments, which blocks the key enzyme hexokinase of glycolysis, efficiently inhibits a specific switch to M1 lineage, decreasing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and expressions of co-stimulatory molecules associated with relieving infectious inflammation Show less
De novo lipogenesis is tightly regulated by insulin and nutritional signals to maintain metabolic homeostasis. Excessive lipogenesis induces lipotoxicity, leading to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease ( Show more
De novo lipogenesis is tightly regulated by insulin and nutritional signals to maintain metabolic homeostasis. Excessive lipogenesis induces lipotoxicity, leading to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes. Genetic lipogenic programs have been extensively investigated, but epigenetic regulation of lipogenesis is poorly understood. Here, we identified Slug as an important epigenetic regulator of lipogenesis. Hepatic Slug levels were markedly upregulated in mice by either feeding or insulin treatment. In primary hepatocytes, insulin stimulation increased Slug expression, stability, and interactions with epigenetic enzyme lysine-specific demethylase-1 (Lsd1). Slug bound to the fatty acid synthase (Fasn) promoter where Slug-associated Lsd1 catalyzed H3K9 demethylation, thereby stimulating Fasn expression and lipogenesis. Ablation of Slug blunted insulin-stimulated lipogenesis. Conversely, overexpression of Slug, but not a Lsd1 binding-defective Slug mutant, stimulated Fasn expression and lipogenesis. Lsd1 inhibitor treatment also blocked Slug-stimulated lipogenesis. Remarkably, hepatocyte-specific deletion of Slug inhibited the hepatic lipogenic program and protected against obesity-associated NAFLD, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance in mice. Conversely, liver-restricted overexpression of Slug, but not the Lsd1 binding-defective Slug mutant, had the opposite effects. These results unveil an insulin/Slug/Lsd1/H3K9 demethylation lipogenic pathway that promotes NAFLD and type 2 diabetes. Show less
The aim of the present study was to analyze the expression levels of angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) in breast cancer to investigate the association between ANGPTL4 and breast cancer. Immunohistochemist Show more
The aim of the present study was to analyze the expression levels of angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) in breast cancer to investigate the association between ANGPTL4 and breast cancer. Immunohistochemistry was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues, including 205 invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) of no special type, 40 normal breast, 40 atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) and 40 ductal carcinomas Show less
Scabies is a neglected tropical disease of global significance. Our understanding of host-parasite interactions has been limited, particularly in crusted scabies (CS), a severe clinical manifestation Show more
Scabies is a neglected tropical disease of global significance. Our understanding of host-parasite interactions has been limited, particularly in crusted scabies (CS), a severe clinical manifestation involving hyper-infestation of Sarcoptes scabiei mites. Susceptibility to CS may be associated with immunosuppressive conditions but CS has also been seen in cases with no identifiable risk factor or immune deficit. Due to ethical and logistical difficulties with undertaking research on clinical patients with CS, we adopted a porcine model which parallels human clinical manifestations. Transcriptomic analysis using microarrays was used to explore scabies pathogenesis, and to identify early events differentiating pigs with ordinary (OS) and crusted scabies. Pigs with OS (n = 4), CS (n = 4) and non-infested controls (n = 4) were compared at pre-infestation, weeks 1, 2, 4 and 8 post-infestation. In CS relative to OS, there were numerous differentially expressed genes including pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL17A, IL8, IL19, IL20 and OSM) and chemokines involved in immune cell activation and recruitment (CCL20, CCL27 and CXCL6). The influence of genes associated with immune regulation (CD274/PD-L1 and IL27), immune signalling (TLR2, TLR8) and antigen presentation (RFX5, HLA-5 and HLA-DOB) were highlighted in the early host response to CS. We observed similarities with gene expression profiles associated with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis and confirmed previous observations of Th2/17 pronounced responses in CS. This is the first comprehensive study describing transcriptional changes associated with the development of CS and significantly, the distinction between OS and CS. This provides a basis for clinical follow-up studies, potentially identifying new control strategies for this severely debilitating disease. Show less
Interleukin-27 (IL-27) has been reported to inhibit type 2 T helper cell (Th2) response in allergic rhinitis (AR). However, its effects on group II innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) in AR are not fully und Show more
Interleukin-27 (IL-27) has been reported to inhibit type 2 T helper cell (Th2) response in allergic rhinitis (AR). However, its effects on group II innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) in AR are not fully understood. Nineteen patients with AR and nineteen controls were enrolled in this study. The effects of IL-27 on ILC2 differentiation and function as well as the regulation of the IL-27 receptor (IL-27R) were analyzed by tritiated thymidine incorporation, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. AR mice were used to confirm the role of IL-27 The serum IL-27 protein expression in AR patients was significantly lower compared with controls. IL-27 decreased the ILC2 proliferation and type II cytokine secretion through the interaction with IL-27R. IL-27 also inhibited systemic and nasal ILC2 response of AR mice. IL-27 inhibited the proliferation and function of ILC2 in AR, implying that IL-27 may be used as new treatment target in AR. Show less
Aim of this study was to identify biomarkers between different grades of bladder cancer (BLCA) and its prognostic value. mRNA expression data from GSE32549 and GSE71576 were extracted for further anal Show more
Aim of this study was to identify biomarkers between different grades of bladder cancer (BLCA) and its prognostic value. mRNA expression data from GSE32549 and GSE71576 were extracted for further analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using GEO2R web tool. Gene ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were conducted to explore the function and relationship of DEGs. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used for external validation and Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) analysis was used to further identify FADS1 pathways. Bladder cancer cells and patient specimens were used to further demonstrate the function of FADS1. Datasets from GEO identified a panel of DEGs. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted that DEGs were associated with nuclear division, spindle, cell cycle and p53 signaling pathway. External validation from TCGA demonstrated that FADS1 was an independent prognostic marker in BLCA patients. In cell lines and tumor specimen analysis, FADS1 was overexpressed in the tumor specimen, compared with adjacent tissues, and positively correlated with tumor grade of BLCA. Moreover, FADS1 could enhance the proliferation ability and influence cell cycle of bladder cancer cells. FADS1 was an independent prognostic biomarker for BLCA and could confer the bladder cancer cells increased proliferation ability. Show less
This study investigates the antifibrotic activities and potential mechanisms of costunolide (COS), a natural sesquiterpene compound. Rats subjected to bile duct ligation and mice challenged with CCl I Show more
This study investigates the antifibrotic activities and potential mechanisms of costunolide (COS), a natural sesquiterpene compound. Rats subjected to bile duct ligation and mice challenged with CCl In animals, COS administration attenuated hepatic histopathological injury and collagen accumulation and reduced the expression of fibrogenic genes. COS time- and dose-dependently suppressed the levels of fibrotic markers in LX-2 cells and mouse pHSCs. Mechanistic studies showed COS destabilized Notch3 and subsequently inhibited the Notch3-HES1 pathway, thus inhibiting HSC activation. Furthermore, COS blocked the WW domain-containing protein 2 (WWP2)/protein phosphatase 1G (PPM1G) interaction and enhanced the effect of WWP2 on Notch3 degradation. COS exerted potent antifibrotic effects in vitro and in vivo by disrupting the WWP2/PPM1G complex, promoting Notch3 degradation and inhibiting the Notch3/HES1 pathway. This indicates that COS may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Show less
This study aimed to investigate the role of circ0106714-miR-942-5p-discs large homolog 2 (DLG2), a novel interactome, in colorectal cancer (CRC). Circ0106714 was found to be the most significantly dow Show more
This study aimed to investigate the role of circ0106714-miR-942-5p-discs large homolog 2 (DLG2), a novel interactome, in colorectal cancer (CRC). Circ0106714 was found to be the most significantly downregulated circular RNA in CRC using a bioinformatics method, and we researched whether the ability of circ0106714 to sponge miR-942-5p and release DLG2 could affect CRC development via Hippo-YES-associated protein (YAP) signaling. We first employed qRT-PCR and immunoblotting to detect messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression, respectively. Live imaging of mice tumor xenografts was then conducted to study the effect of circ0106714 on tumor progression in vivo. Reporter gene assays were subsequently conducted to verify the predicted targeting relationship between circ0106714, miR-942-5p, and DLG2 mRNA in SW480 and HCT116 cell lines. As well as using flow cytometry for both apoptosis and cell cycle profile analyses, CCK-8 and clone foci formation assays were performed to assess cell survival. Wound healing assay and transwell invasion assay were later carried out to evaluate the migration and invasion of the cell lines. Findings revealed that circ0106714 and DLG2 were significantly downregulated, while miR-942-5p was significantly upregulated in human CRC tissues and cell lines. However, circ0106714 upregulation significantly suppressed tumor progression in vivo and inhibited the malignancy phenotypes of tumor cells in vitro by targeting miR-942-5p. Also discovered in this research was that miR-942-5p could directly target DLG2 mRNA, thus enhancing the malignancy phenotypes of CRC cells. We even found that DLG2 overexpression resulted in enhanced phosphorylation of YAP, a critical downstream effector of DLG2. This downstream effector was demonstrated to have a tumor-suppressive capacity in CRC cell lines. In sum, circ0106714 could suppress CRC by sponging miR-942-5p and releasing DLG2, thus promoting YAP phosphorylation. Show less
To identify genes involving in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In this study, the comprehensive analysis of GSE8157 was downloaded. Overlapping genes of differentially expressed Show more
To identify genes involving in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In this study, the comprehensive analysis of GSE8157 was downloaded. Overlapping genes of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and enrichment analysis for these genes was performed. A modular network of differentially expressed genes was constructed by weighted gene co-expression network analyses (WGCNA), and a total of 322 differentially expressed genes in 5 stable modules were screened. The correlations of genes of the stable modules in BioGRID 3.4, STRING 10.5, HPRD9 databases were screened, and the interaction network of 104 DEGs was constructed. In addition, some genes and the key words were searched in CTD. A total of 596 differentially expressed genes were screened, including 379 genes that were up-regulated in case group and down-regulated in control group and treat group, and 217 genes that were down-regulated in case group and up-regulated in control group and treat group. The differentially expressed genes were enriched in PPAR signaling pathway, Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, cAMP signaling pathway, of which pathways were involved in the cancer development. Finally, 7 important target genes were identified, such as APOC3 was interacted with pioglitazone, ADCY2 involved in cAMP signaling pathway, and the genes (C3AR1, HRH2, GRIA1, MLNR and TAAR2) involved in neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction. In addition, the important target genes were significantly differential expression. These results implied that the 7 important target genes were played an important role in the development and progression of PCOS. Our study implied that genes had played a key role in the development and progression of PCOS, the results showed that microarray can be use as a method for the discovery of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for PCOS. Show less
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the severe complications of diabetes. Nowadays, effective treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients is still limited. HK-2 cells were stimulated with se Show more
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the severe complications of diabetes. Nowadays, effective treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients is still limited. HK-2 cells were stimulated with serum from phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or Jiawei Shuilu Erxiandan (JSE)-treated DN mice, then long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) CLYBL-AS2 was discovered by RNA sequence, following the comparison of the serum from normal patients with DN patients to confirm the role of lncCLYBL-AS2. Next, we performed Show less
Vitamin D has a potential anticarcinogenic role, possibly through regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation, stimulation of apoptosis, immune modulation and regulation of estrogen receptor Show more
Vitamin D has a potential anticarcinogenic role, possibly through regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation, stimulation of apoptosis, immune modulation and regulation of estrogen receptor levels. Because breast cancer (BC) risk varies among individuals exposed to similar risk factors, we hypothesize that genetic variants in the vitamin D pathway genes are associated with BC risk. To test this hypothesis, we performed a larger meta-analysis using 14 published GWAS datasets in the Discovery, Biology, and Risk of Inherited Variants in Breast Cancer (DRIVE) Study. We assessed associations between 2,994 (237 genotyped in the DRIVE study and 2,757 imputed from the 1000 Genomes Project) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 33 vitamin D pathway genes and BC risk. In unconditional logistic regression analysis, we found 11 noteworthy SNPs to be associated with BC risk after multiple comparison correction by the Bayesian false-discovery probability method (<0.80). In stepwise logistic regression analysis, with adjustment for age, principal components and previously published SNPs in the same study populations, we identified three independent SNPs ( Show less
Interleukin-27 (IL-27) has shown promise in halting tumor growth and mediating tumor regression in several models, including prostate cancer. We describe our findings on the effects of IL-27 on the ge Show more
Interleukin-27 (IL-27) has shown promise in halting tumor growth and mediating tumor regression in several models, including prostate cancer. We describe our findings on the effects of IL-27 on the gene expression changes of TC2R prostate adenocarcinoma cells. We utilized RNAseq to assess profile differences between empty vector control, vector delivering IL-27 modified at its C-terminus with a non-specific peptide, and IL-27 modified at the C-terminus with a peptide targeting the IL-6-Rα. The targeted IL-27 had higher bioactivity and activity in vivo in a recent study by our group, but the mechanisms underlying this effect had not been characterized in detail at the gene expression level on tumor cells. In the present work, we sought to examine potential mechanisms for targeted IL-27 enhanced activity directly on tumor cells. The targeted IL-27 appeared to modulate several changes that would be consistent with an anti-tumor effect, including upregulation in the Interferon (IFN) and Interferon regulatory factor (IRF), oxidative phosphorylation, Janus kinase/Signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT), and eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (EIF2) signaling. Of these signaling changes predicted by ingenuity pathway analyses (IPA), the novel form also with the highest significance (-log(Benjamini-Hochberg (B-H)) Show less
Previous studies have indicated that chronic inflammation linked to To identify the key molecules and TFs involved in GO and KEGG analysis revealed that the DEGs of Hp The current study identified key Show more
Previous studies have indicated that chronic inflammation linked to To identify the key molecules and TFs involved in GO and KEGG analysis revealed that the DEGs of Hp The current study identified key DEGs and their transcriptional regulatory networks involved in Show less
Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPLT4) regulates lipid metabolism by inhibiting lipoprotein lipase. Abnormal ANGTPL4 levels are associated with metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, inflammation, and cancer. We Show more
Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPLT4) regulates lipid metabolism by inhibiting lipoprotein lipase. Abnormal ANGTPL4 levels are associated with metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, inflammation, and cancer. We show here that ANGPTL4-deficient mice have abnormally large numbers of macrophages in the spleen, and that these macrophages produce large amounts of TNF-α, CD86, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. However, recombinant ANGPTL4 protein did not inhibit macrophage function Show less
Interleukin 17D (IL‑17D) plays an important role in host defense against inflammation and infection. In the present study, the role of nuclear factor erythroid 2‑related factor 2 (Nrf2) in regulating Show more
Interleukin 17D (IL‑17D) plays an important role in host defense against inflammation and infection. In the present study, the role of nuclear factor erythroid 2‑related factor 2 (Nrf2) in regulating the production of IL‑17D was investigated under hyperoxia. For this purpose, neonatal rats were randomized into two groups; the model group was exposed to hyperoxia (80‑85% O2), while the control group was maintained under normoxic conditions (21% O2). Small intestine tissue was collected on postnatal days 3, 7, 10 and 14. IL‑17D expression was detected by immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and western blotting. The levels of Nrf2 and kelch‑like ECH‑associated protein 1 (keap1) were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Results showed that IL‑17D expression in intestine epithelial cells increased steadily, reaching a peak on day 7, and decreased gradually on days 10 and 14 under hyperoxia. Nrf2 expression was consistent with IL‑17D, and it was positively correlated with IL‑17D. However, on postnatal days 10 and 14, the number of CD4+ T cells and CD19+ B cells expressing IL‑17D was increased, and positive cells of the model group were significantly more than that of the control group. Keap1 levels were lower at the early stage. In conclusion, the expression levels of intestinal IL‑17D and Nrf2 were altered simultaneously following neonatal rat development in hyperoxia, indicating that Nrf2 may be involved in regulating the expression of IL‑17D in intestinal epithelial cells. Moreover, IL‑17D in intestinal epithelial cells may play a unique immunological role during hyperoxia. Show less
We aimed to identify potential differentially expressed proteins that play roles in the spinal cord injury. The mouse model of spinal cord injury was firstly built, followed by grip strength evaluatio Show more
We aimed to identify potential differentially expressed proteins that play roles in the spinal cord injury. The mouse model of spinal cord injury was firstly built, followed by grip strength evaluation. Then, isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantization (iTRAQ) analysis was used to identify differentially expressed proteins at 1, 2, 3 and 8Â weeks after spinal cord injury. Finally, analysis of spinal cord injury repair related differentially expressed proteins in the early and middle-late stage of injury was performed followed by the functional analysis. The result of grip strength evaluation showed that the motor function of the forelimbs of the mouse was significantly impaired after spinal cord injury. In the iTRAQ analysis, a total of 29 common differentially expressed proteins (such as Hbb-bs, Hba, S100a6, Ca1, Apoa4, Hspb1, Hist1h1c, Hist1h1e, Hbb-b1, Apoa1 and S100a10) were obtained at 1, 2, 3 and 8Â weeks after spinal cord injury. A total of 70 and 180 common differentially expressed proteins were identified in the early and middle-late stage of injury, respectively. PPAR signaling pathway (involved Apoa1) and VEGF signaling pathway (involved Hspb1) were identified in the middle-late stage of spinal cord injury repair. Identified differentially expressed proteins and related signaling pathways may be associated with spinal cord injury. Show less
The FTO (fat mass- and obesity-associated) gene variant is an established obesity-susceptibility locus. FTO protein is a nucleic acid demethylase and FTO genetic variants form long-range functional co Show more
The FTO (fat mass- and obesity-associated) gene variant is an established obesity-susceptibility locus. FTO protein is a nucleic acid demethylase and FTO genetic variants form long-range functional connections with IRX3, which regulates fat mass and metabolism in humans. From our previous results, we found FTO regulates the metabolism of triglyceride in adipocytes through demethylating Angptl4 (angiopoietin-like protein 4) mRNA in mice. We hypothesized that the FTO genetic variants regulate ANGPTL4 abundances in human adipose tissues and affect the outcome after bariatric surgery. We recruited 188 obesity subjects with body mass indices (BMI)>35kg/m Adipose ANGPTL4 abundances were affected by the presence of FTO obesity risk haplotype and correlated with excess weight loss percentage after bariatric surgery. These data signify the critical role of FTO variants and adipose ANGPTL4 in fatty acid metabolism and bariatric outcomes in humans. Show less
Neuroinflammation has been recognized as an important factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). One of the most recognized pathways in mediating neuroinflammation is the prostaglandin E2 Show more
Neuroinflammation has been recognized as an important factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). One of the most recognized pathways in mediating neuroinflammation is the prostaglandin E2-EP1 receptor pathway. Here, we examined the efficacy of the selective EP1 antagonist ONO-8713 in limiting amyloid-β (Aβ), lesion volumes, and behavioral indexes in AD mouse models after ischemic stroke. Transgenic APP/PS1, 3xTgAD, and wildtype (WT) mice were subjected to permanent distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (pdMCAO) and sham surgeries. Functional outcomes, memory, anatomical outcomes, and Aβ concentrations were assessed 14 days after surgery. pdMCAO resulted in significant deterioration in functional and anatomical outcomes in the transgenic mice compared with the WT mice. No relevant differences were observed in the behavioral tests when comparing the ONO-8713 and vehicle-treated groups. Significantly lower cavitation (p = 0.0373) and percent tissue loss (p = 0.0247) were observed in APP/PS1 + ONO-8713 mice compared with the WT + ONO-8713 mice. However, the percent tissue injury was significantly higher in APP/PS1 + ONO-8713 mice compared with the WT + ONO-8713 group (p = 0.0373). Percent tissue loss was also significantly lower in the 3xTgAD + ONO-8713 mice than in the WT + ONO-8713 mice (p = 0.0185). ONO-8713 treatment also attenuated cortical microgliosis in APP/PS1 mice as compared with the vehicle (p = 0.0079); however, no differences were observed in astrogliosis across the groups. Finally, APP/PS1 mice presented with characteristic Aβ load in the cortex while 3xTgAD mice exhibited very low Aβ levels. In conclusion, under the experimental conditions, EP1 receptor antagonist ONO-8713 showed modest benefits in anatomical outcomes after stroke, mainly in APP/PS1 mice. Show less
The Salmonella enterica effector SteD depletes mature MHC class II (mMHCII) molecules from the surface of infected antigen-presenting cells through ubiquitination of the cytoplasmic tail of the mMHCII Show more
The Salmonella enterica effector SteD depletes mature MHC class II (mMHCII) molecules from the surface of infected antigen-presenting cells through ubiquitination of the cytoplasmic tail of the mMHCII β chain. Here, through a genome-wide mutant screen of human antigen-presenting cells, we show that the NEDD4 family HECT E3 ubiquitin ligase WWP2 and a tumor-suppressing transmembrane protein of unknown biochemical function, TMEM127, are required for SteD-dependent ubiquitination of mMHCII. Although evidently not involved in normal regulation of mMHCII, TMEM127 was essential for SteD to suppress both mMHCII antigen presentation in mouse dendritic cells and MHCII-dependent CD4 Show less
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified common variants for quantitative traits (insulin resistance and impaired insulin release) of type 2 diabetes (T2D) across different ethnics inclu Show more
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified common variants for quantitative traits (insulin resistance and impaired insulin release) of type 2 diabetes (T2D) across different ethnics including China, but results were inconsistent. The study included 1654 subjects who were selected from the 2010-2012 China National Nutrition and Health Surveillance (CNNHS). Insulin resistance and impaired insulin release were assessed by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). The study included 64 diabetes-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which were done using Mass ARRAY. A logistic regression model was employed to explore the associations of SNPs with insulin resistance and impaired insulin release by correcting for the confounders. The 5q11.2-rs4432842, RASGRP1-rs7403531, and SEC16B-rs574367 increased the risk of insulin resistance with OR = 1.23 (95% CI: 1.04-1.45, OR = 1.35 (95% CI: 1.13-1.62), OR = 1.34 (95% CI: 1.07-1.67), respectively, while MAEA-rs6815464 decreased the risk of insulin resistance (OR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.71-1.00). CENTD2-rs1552224, TSPAN8-rs7961581 and ANK1-rs516946 was associated with increased risk of impaired insulin release with OR = 1.47 (95% CI: 1.09-1.99), OR = 1.25 (95% CI: 1.03-1.51), OR = 1.39 (95% CI: 1.07-1.81), respectively. Our findings would provide insight into the pathogenesis of individual SNPs and T2D. Show less
Benzo [a]pyrene (BaP) is a well-known endocrine disruptor. Exposure to BaP is known to impair embryo implantation. The corpus luteum (CL), the primary source of progesterone during early pregnancy, pl Show more
Benzo [a]pyrene (BaP) is a well-known endocrine disruptor. Exposure to BaP is known to impair embryo implantation. The corpus luteum (CL), the primary source of progesterone during early pregnancy, plays a pivotal role in embryo implantation and pregnancy maintenance. The inappropriate luteal function may result in implantation failure and spontaneous abortions. However, the effect of BaP on CL remains unknown. This study investigated the deleterious effects of BaP on the structure and function of CL during early pregnancy. Pregnant rats were dosed with BaP at 0.2 mg.kg-1. d from day 1 (D1) to day 9 (D9) of gestation. We found that BaP reduced the number of CLs, disturbed the secretion of steroid and impacted the luteal vascular networks. BaP significantly decreased the angiogenesis factor (VEGFR, Ang-1 and Tie2) and increased the anti-angiogenic factor THBS1. Inhibited THBS1 function by LSKL partially rescued the angiogenesis defect caused by BaP. In vitro, BaP metabolite BPDE also interfered the expression levels of angiogenesis-related factors in HUVECs and impaired the angiogenesis, whereas supplemented with rAng-1 can alleviate the anti-angiogenic effect of BPDE. Furthermore, Notch signaling molecules, including Notch1, Dll4, Jag1 and Hey2, which are essential for the establishment and maturation of vascular networks, were affected by BaP exposure. Collectively, BaP broke the molecular regulatory balance between luteal angiogenesis and vascular maturation, impaired the construction of luteal vascular networks, and further affected luteal formation and endocrine function during early pregnancy. Our findings might provide new insight into the relationship between BaP and luteal insufficiency in early pregnancy. These data also give a new line of evidence for curtailing BaP emissions and protecting the women of childbearing age from occupational exposure. Show less
Type 2 diabetes mellitus plagues many people in China and the world, and its nephritis complication is the leading cause of death for patients. Paecilomyces hepiali contained various functional compon Show more
Type 2 diabetes mellitus plagues many people in China and the world, and its nephritis complication is the leading cause of death for patients. Paecilomyces hepiali contained various functional components, especially polysaccharides, which possesses well pharmacological activities. In this study, polysaccharide purified from Paecilomyces hepiali fermented mycelium entitled PHEA was obtained, and its structure was systemically characterized using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). In C57BL/KsJ (BKS).Cg-Dock7 Show less
Erythrocyte membrane protein band 4.1-like 3 (EPB41L3) is an important membrane skeletal protein that may interact with numerous membrane proteins. Loss of EPB41L3 is reported in multiple cancer types Show more
Erythrocyte membrane protein band 4.1-like 3 (EPB41L3) is an important membrane skeletal protein that may interact with numerous membrane proteins. Loss of EPB41L3 is reported in multiple cancer types, and it is originally identified as a tumor suppressor. In this study, through analyzing expression profiling retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset, we find that EPB41L3 is upregulated in primary osteosarcoma (OS) and osteosarcoma cell lines. Importantly, EPB41L3 may promote osteosarcoma cell proliferation and suppress osteosarcoma cell migration and invasion. Reduced EPB41L3 leads to a decrease of E-cadherin as well as an increase of N-cadherin and Vimentin, implying a prominent epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, we demonstrate that EPB41L3 inhibits the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition through destabilizing the Snai1 protein, one of the most important transcription factors of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition process. Collectively, our study has first established the complex and vital roles of EPB41L3 and implicated EPB41L3 as a potential biomarker in osteosarcoma. Show less