Obesity is a global epidemic elevating the risk of various metabolic disorders. As there is a lack of effective drugs to treat obesity, we combined bioinformatics and reverse network pharmacology in t Show more
Obesity is a global epidemic elevating the risk of various metabolic disorders. As there is a lack of effective drugs to treat obesity, we combined bioinformatics and reverse network pharmacology in this study to identify effective herbs to treat obesity. We identified 1011 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of adipose tissue after weight loss by analyzing five expression profiles (GSE103766, GSE35411, GSE112307, GSE43471, and GSE35710) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We identified 27 hub genes from the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network by performing MCODE using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses revealed that these hub genes have roles in the extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, cholesterol metabolism, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, etc. Ten herbs (Aloe, Portulacae Herba, Mori Follum, Silybum Marianum, Phyllanthi Fructus, Pollen Typhae, Ginkgo Semen, Leonuri Herba, Eriobotryae Folium, and Litseae Fructus) targeting the nine hub genes (COL1A1, MMP2, MMP9, SPP1, DNMT3B, MMP7, CETP, COL1A2, and MUC1) using six ingredients were identified as the key herbs. Quercetin and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate were determined to be the key ingredients. Lastly, Ingredients-Targets, Herbs-Ingredients-Targets, and Herbs-Taste-Meridian Tropism networks were constructed using Cytoscape to elucidate this complex relationship. This study could help identify promising therapeutic targets and drugs to treat obesity. Show less
To investigate the treating effect of Yiqi-Bushen-Tiaozhi (YBT) recipe on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) mice, determine whether the outcome was associated with gut microbiota, and clarify the re Show more
To investigate the treating effect of Yiqi-Bushen-Tiaozhi (YBT) recipe on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) mice, determine whether the outcome was associated with gut microbiota, and clarify the regulating mechanism. NASH mice were induced by high-fat and high-fructose diets (HFFD). In the fifth week, mice in the YBT group were orally administrated YBT (22.12g·kg Results of the pathological and biochemical index showed that YBT could improve NASH mice. Compared with improving inflammation and hepatocyte damage, YBT may be more focused on enhancing metabolic disorders in mice, such as increasing HDL-c level. The diversity and richness of the gut microbiota of NASH mice induced by HFFD are significantly different from the normal control (NC) group. After YBT treatment, the diversity and richness of the mice microbiota will be increased to similar NC mice. YBT could treat NASH mice by improving the diversity and richness of gut microbiota and further the improvement of ALA metabolism. Show less
Circulating monocytes are functionally heterogeneous and can be divided into classical (CMo), intermediate (IMo), and non-CMo/patrolling monocyte (PMo) subsets. CMo can differentiate into PMo through Show more
Circulating monocytes are functionally heterogeneous and can be divided into classical (CMo), intermediate (IMo), and non-CMo/patrolling monocyte (PMo) subsets. CMo can differentiate into PMo through IMo. PMos have been shown to inhibit cancer metastasis but the role of IMo is unclear. To date, no strategy has been developed to inhibit cancer metastasis through enhancing PMo/IMo differentiation. We screened multiple inflammatory cytokines/chemokines activity of modulating PMo/IMo associated cell markers expression using human monocyte in vitro culture system. We tested our candidate cytokine activity in vivo using multiple mice models. We identified critical key factors and cytokines for our candidate cytokine activity by using gene-knockout mice and neutralization antibodies. We identified IFN-γ as a candidate inflammatory cytokine in the regulation of human IMo/PMo marker expression. Our in vivo data demonstrated that IMo expansion was induced by short-term (3 days) IFN-γ treatment through increasing CMo-IMo differentiation and blocking IMo-PMo differentiation. The IMo induced by IFN-γ (IFN-IMo), but not IFN-γ activated CMo (IFN-CMo), inhibited cancer metastasis by 90%. Surprizing, the effect of IFN-γ is greater in PMo deficiency mice, indicating the effect of IFN-IMo is not mediated through further differentiation into PMo. We also found that IFN-IMos induced by short-term IFN-γ treatment robustly boosted NK cell expansion for threefold and promoted NK differentiation and function through IL-27 and CXCL9. Furthermore, we identified that FOXO1, a key molecule controlling cellular energy metabolism, mediated the effect of IFN-γ induced IL-27 expression, and that NR4A1, a key molecule controlling PMo differentiation and inhibiting cancer metastasis, inhibited the pro-NK cell and anti-metastasis activity of IFN-IMo by suppressing CXCL9 expression. We have discovered the antimetastasis and pro-NK cell activity of IFN-IMo, identified FOXO1 as a key molecule for IFN-γ driven monocyte differentiation and function, and found NR4A1 as an inhibitory molecule for IFN-IMo activity. Our study has not only shown novel mechanisms for a classical antitumor cytokine but also provided potential target for developing superior monocytic cell therapy against cancer metastasis. Show less
This review aimed to summarize the evidence of elevated remnant cholesterol and the risks of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and to search for further guidance in clinical therapy. The Show more
This review aimed to summarize the evidence of elevated remnant cholesterol and the risks of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and to search for further guidance in clinical therapy. The lipids-lowering treatments such as statins and ezetimibe targeted on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) have always been the first-line therapy for ASCVD. However, even after statins or new lipid-lowering drugs lowered LDL-C to recommended concentrations, and with other risk factors well-controlled, such as high blood pressure, the risks of developing ASCVD remained. Remnant cholesterol (RC) referred to the cholesterol contained in all remnant lipoprotein particles, which was the cholesterol in the hydrolyzed very-low-density lipoprotein and intermediate-density lipoprotein in the fasting state, and the cholesterol in the chylomicron remnants in the postprandial state. Evidence from Show less
Methazolamide (MTZ), a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, has been shown to inhibit cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and exert a hypoglycemic effect in patients with type 2 diabetes and diabetic db/db mice. Howev Show more
Methazolamide (MTZ), a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, has been shown to inhibit cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and exert a hypoglycemic effect in patients with type 2 diabetes and diabetic db/db mice. However, whether MTZ has a cardioprotective effect in the setting of diabetic cardiomyopathy is not clear. We investigated the effects of MTZ in a mouse model of streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Diabetic mice received MTZ by intragastric gavage (10, 25, or 50 mg/kg, daily for 16 weeks). In the diabetic group, MTZ significantly reduced both random and fasting blood glucose levels and improved glucose tolerance in a dose-dependent manner. MTZ ameliorated T1DM-induced changes in cardiac morphology and dysfunction. Mechanistic analysis revealed that MTZ blunted T1DM-induced enhanced expression of β-catenin. Similar results were observed in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) and adult mouse cardiomyocytes treated with high glucose or Wnt3a (a β-catenin activator). There was no significant change in β-catenin mRNA levels in cardiac tissues or NRCMs. MTZ-mediated β-catenin downregulation was recovered by MG132, a proteasome inhibitor. Immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence analyses showed augmentation of AXIN1-β-catenin interaction by MTZ in T1DM hearts and in NRCMs treated with Wnt3a; thus, MTZ may potentiate AXIN1-β-catenin linkage to increase β-catenin degradation. Overall, MTZ may alleviate cardiac hypertrophy by mediating AXIN1-β-catenin interaction to promote degradation and inhibition of β-catenin activity. These findings may help inform novel therapeutic strategy to prevent heart failure in patients with diabetes. Show less
A new label-free method was developed for SERS detection of human apolipoprotein A4. Rolling circle amplification (RCA) was used, which could induce the production of AuNPs (poly adenine and adsorptio Show more
A new label-free method was developed for SERS detection of human apolipoprotein A4. Rolling circle amplification (RCA) was used, which could induce the production of AuNPs (poly adenine and adsorption gold nanoparticles). When there were two DNA labeled antibodies and target protein, MB1 (molecular beacon 1) was unfolded and the substrate was modified in the homogeneous solution, and the proximate complex was formed. The unfolded molecular beacon worked as a primer in the hybridization with the RCA template to start RCA, which could produce many long sequences of DNA containing amounts of adenines. The AuNPs were bound with the long-repeated adenine in the RCA product, causing accumulation of AuNPs on the surface of the electrode. It was indicated that the spectral characteristics of adenine at 736 cm Show less
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), composed of leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are important essential amino acids in human physiology. Decades of studies have revealed their roles in protein synthe Show more
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), composed of leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are important essential amino acids in human physiology. Decades of studies have revealed their roles in protein synthesis, regulating neurotransmitter synthesis, and the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). BCAAs are found to be related to many metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance, obesity, and heart failure. Also, many diseases are related to the alteration of the BCAA catabolism enzyme branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase kinase (BCKDK), including maple syrup urine disease, human autism with epilepsy, and so on. In this review, diseases and the corresponding therapies are discussed after the introduction of the catabolism and detection methods of BCAAs and BCKDK. Also, the interaction between microbiota and BCAAs is highlighted. Show less
Severe hyperlipidemia is characterized by markedly elevated blood triglyceride levels and severe early-onset cardiovascular diseases, pancreatitis, pancreatic necrosis or persistent multiple organ fai Show more
Severe hyperlipidemia is characterized by markedly elevated blood triglyceride levels and severe early-onset cardiovascular diseases, pancreatitis, pancreatic necrosis or persistent multiple organ failure if left untreated. It is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder originated from the variants of lipoprotein lipase gene, and previous studies have demonstrated that most cases with severe hyperlipidemia are closely related to the variants of some key genes for lipolysis, such as The 29-day-old infant was diagnosed with severe hyperlipidemia, registering a plasma triglyceride level as high as 25.46 mmol/L. Whole exome sequencing was conducted to explore the possible pathogenic gene variants for this patient. The infant was put on a low-fat diet combined with pharmacological therapy, which was successful in restraining the level of serum triglyceride and total cholesterol to a low to medium range during the follow-ups. The patient was found to be a rare novel homozygous duplication variant-c.45₄₈dupGCGG (Pro17Alafs Our study expands on the spectrum of Show less
Alzheimer's disease (AD) causes progressive decline of memory and cognitive deficits. Because of its complicated pathogenesis, the prevention and therapy of AD remain an enormous challenge. It has bee Show more
Alzheimer's disease (AD) causes progressive decline of memory and cognitive deficits. Because of its complicated pathogenesis, the prevention and therapy of AD remain an enormous challenge. It has been reported that catalpol possessed neuroprotective effects against AD. However, the involved mechanism still needs to be intensively studied. Therefore, the effects of catalpol on N2a/APP695swe cells and APP/PS1 mice were identified in the current study. Catalpol could improve cytotoxicity according to CCK-8 assay and ameliorate cellular morphological changes in N2a/APP695swe cells. Neuronal structural damage in the hippocampal CA1 region of APP/PS1 AD mice was improved according to HE staining and immunohistochemistry of NeuN. Meanwhile, catalpol administration ameliorated cognitive deficits confirmed by behavior performance of APP/PS1 mice. Hoechst 33,342 staining and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining demonstrated that catalpol could reduce apoptosis in N2a/APP695swe cells. Likewise, TUNEL staining also manifested that catalpol significantly reduced apoptosis in hippocampal CA1 region of APP/PS1 mice. Catalpol administration also could improve mitochondrial functions indicated by the ameliorative mitochondrial morphology, the decreased ROS generation, and the increased MMP in N2a/APP695swe cells. Subsequently, catalpol restrained oligomerization of Aβ Show less
Cold tolerance is an important trait for sheep raised at high altitudes. Muscle tissue, comprising 30-40% of the total body mass, produces heat during cold exposure. However, little is known about the Show more
Cold tolerance is an important trait for sheep raised at high altitudes. Muscle tissue, comprising 30-40% of the total body mass, produces heat during cold exposure. However, little is known about the genetic mechanisms of this tissue and its role in thermogenesis in lambs. We examined genes in skeletal muscle tissue in a cold-adapted sheep breed, Altay, and a cold-intolerant sheep breed, Hu, when exposed to low air temperature. Three ewe-lambs of each breed were maintained at -5°C and three ewe-lambs of each breed were maintained at 20°C. After cold exposure for 25 days, the Show less
Brachial plexus avulsion (BPA) is a devastating traumatic peripheral nerve injury complicated with paralysis of the upper extremity. We previously reported that leucine-rich repeat and immunoglobulin- Show more
Brachial plexus avulsion (BPA) is a devastating traumatic peripheral nerve injury complicated with paralysis of the upper extremity. We previously reported that leucine-rich repeat and immunoglobulin-like domain-containing NOGO receptor-interacting protein 1 (LINGO-1) has a potent role in inhibiting neuron survival and axonal regeneration after the central nervous system (CNS) damage and miR-615 is a potential microRNA (miRNA) negatively regulated LINGO-1. However, the effect of miR-615 in BPA remains to be elucidated. Accumulating evidence indicates that pluronic F-127 (PF-127) hydrogel could serve as a promising vehicle for miRNA encapsulation. Thus, to further explore the potential role of hydrogel-miR-615 in BPA-reimplantation, the present study established the BPA rat model and injected miR-615 agomir encapsulated by PF-127 hydrogel into the reimplantation site using a microsyringe. In this study, results indicated that hydrogel-miR-615 agomir effectively alleviated motoneuron loss by LINGO-1 inhibition, promoted musculocutaneous nerve regeneration and myelination, reduced astrocytes activation, promoted angiogenesis and attenuated peripheral amyotrophy, leading to improved motor functional rehabilitation of the upper extremity. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that miR-615-loaded PF-127 hydrogel may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for BPA treatment. Show less
Senile osteoporosis is one of the major health problems in an aging society. Decreased bone formation due to osteoblast dysfunction may be one of the causes of aging-related bone loss. With increasing Show more
Senile osteoporosis is one of the major health problems in an aging society. Decreased bone formation due to osteoblast dysfunction may be one of the causes of aging-related bone loss. With increasing evidence suggesting that multiple microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in osteoblast function, the relationship between miRNAs and senile osteoporosis has become a popular research topic. Previously, we confirmed that mechanoresponsive miR-138-5p negatively regulated bone anabolic action. In this study, the miR-138-5p level was found to be negatively correlated with BMD and osteogenic markers in bone specimens of senile osteoporotic patients by bioinformatic analysis and experimental verification. Furthermore, high miR-138-5p levels aggravated the decrease of aged osteoblast differentiation Show less
Chemotherapy is a common drug for lung cancer. Nevertheless, the development of drug resistance greatly limits their clinical efficacy. Therefore, to reduce drug resistance, we need to constantly expl Show more
Chemotherapy is a common drug for lung cancer. Nevertheless, the development of drug resistance greatly limits their clinical efficacy. Therefore, to reduce drug resistance, we need to constantly explore new treatments. This study is aimed at determining the role of rhein in the proliferation and metastasis of lung cancer cell. Our study found that rhein significantly inhibits the proliferation and migration of lung cancer cells. Additionally, the mRNA expression and protein levels of Snail, MMP2, and MMP9 are decreasing in lung cancer cells treated by rhein. Our results showed that rhein plays a vital role in proliferation and metastasis of chemosensitive and chemoresistant lung cancer cells, and the mechanism may be related to the Stat3/Snail/MMP2/MMP9 pathway. Show less
IL-27 is a member of the IL-12 family, exerting both anti- and pro-inflammatory activity in a cell-dependent and disease context-specific manner. Antigen-mediated cross-linking of IgE on mast cells tr Show more
IL-27 is a member of the IL-12 family, exerting both anti- and pro-inflammatory activity in a cell-dependent and disease context-specific manner. Antigen-mediated cross-linking of IgE on mast cells triggers a signaling cascade that results in mast cell degranulation and proinflammatory cytokine production, which are key effectors in allergic reactions. Here, we show that the activation of mast cells is negatively regulated by IL-27 signaling. We found that mice lacking IL-27Rα (WSX-1) displayed increased sensitivity to IgE-mediated skin allergic response and chronic airway inflammation. The bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) of IL-27Rα-deficient mouse showed greater high-affinity receptor Fc epsilon RI (FcεRI)-mediated activation with significantly enhanced degranulation and cytokine production. Mechanistically, the dysregulated signaling in IL-27Rα Show less
The sequential meal pattern has recently received more attention because it reflects a phycological diet style for human beings. The present study investigated the effects of the second lipid meal on Show more
The sequential meal pattern has recently received more attention because it reflects a phycological diet style for human beings. The present study investigated the effects of the second lipid meal on lymphatic lipid absorption and transport in adult rats following a previous lipid meal. Using the well-established lymph fistula model, we found that the second lipid meal significantly increased the lymphatic output of triglycerides, cholesterol, phospholipids, and non-esterified fatty acids compared with a single lipid meal. Besides that, the time reaching the peak of each lipid output was significantly faster compared with the first lipid meal. Additionally, the second lipid meal significantly increased the lymphatic output of apolipoprotein A-IV (ApoA-IV), but not apolipoprotein B-48 (ApoB-48) or apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I). Interestingly, the triglyceride/apoB-48 ratio was significantly increased after the second lipid meal, indicating the increased chylomicron size in the lymph. Finally, the second lipid meal increased the lymphatic output of rat mucosal mast cell protease II (RMCPII). No change was found in the expression of genes related to the permeability of lymphatic lacteals, including Show less
Alzheimer's disease is a global public health problem and the most common form of dementia. Due to the failure of many single therapies targeting the two hallmarks, Aβ and Tau, and the multifactorial Show more
Alzheimer's disease is a global public health problem and the most common form of dementia. Due to the failure of many single therapies targeting the two hallmarks, Aβ and Tau, and the multifactorial etiology of AD, there is now more and more interest in nutraceutical agents with multiple effects such as Show less
Cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) is important clinically and is one of the major targets in cardiovascular disease studies. With high conformational flexibility, its tunnel structure allows u Show more
Cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) is important clinically and is one of the major targets in cardiovascular disease studies. With high conformational flexibility, its tunnel structure allows unforced movement of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), VLDLs, and LDLs. Research in reverse cholesterol transports (RCT) reveals that the regulation of CETP activity can change the concentration of cholesteryl esters (CE) in HDLs, VLDLs, and LDLs. These molecular insights demonstrate the mechanisms of CETP activities and manifest the correlation between CETP and HDL. However, animal and cell experiments focused on CETP give controversial results. Inhibiting CETP is found to be beneficial to anti-atherosclerosis in terms of increasing plasma HDL-C, while it is also claimed that CETP weakens atherosclerosis formation by promoting RCT. Currently, the CETP-related drugs are still immature. Research on CETP inhibitors is targeted at improving efficacy and minimizing adverse reactions. As for CETP agonists, research has proved that they also can be used to resist atherosclerosis. Show less
To detect whether Danlou Tablet (DLT) regulates the hypoxia-induced factor (HIF)-1α-angiopoietin-like 4 (Angptl4) mRNA signaling pathway and explore the role of DLT in treating chronic intermittent hy Show more
To detect whether Danlou Tablet (DLT) regulates the hypoxia-induced factor (HIF)-1α-angiopoietin-like 4 (Angptl4) mRNA signaling pathway and explore the role of DLT in treating chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH)-induced dyslipidemia and arteriosclerosis. The mature adipocytes were obtained from 3T3-L1 cell culturation and allocated into 8 groups including control groups (Groups 1 and 5, 0.1 mL of cell culture grade water); DLT groups (Groups 2 and 6, 0.1 mL of 1,000 µg/mL DLT submicron powder solution); dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG) groups (Groups 3 and 7, DMOG and 0.1 mL of cell culture grade water); DMOG plus DLT groups (Groups 4 and 8, DMOG and 0.1 mL of 1,000 µg/mL DLT submicron powder solution). Groups 1-4 used mature adipocytes and groups 5-8 used HIF-1 α-siRNA lentivirus-transfected mature adipocytes. After 24-h treatment, real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of HIF-1 α and Angptl4. In animal experiments, the CIH model in ApoE Angptl4 expression was dependent on HIF-1 α, with a reduction in mRNA expression and no response in protein level to DMOG or DLT treatment in relation to siHIF-1 α -transfected cells. DLT inhibited HIF-1 α and Angptl4 mRNA expression (P<0.05 or P<0.01) and reduced HIF-1 α and Angptl4 protein expressions with DMOG in mature adipocytes (all P<0.01), as the effect on HIF-1 α protein also existed in the presence of siHIF-1 α (P<0.01). ApoE DLT had positive effects in improving dyslipidemia and arteriosclerosis by inhibiting Angptl4 protein level through HIF-1 α-Angptl4 mRNA signaling pathway. Show less
Colitis-associated cancer (CAC) is a subtype of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-associated colorectal cancer. Huoxiang Zhengqi (HXZQ) is a classical Chinese herbal medicine and has been used to treat Show more
Colitis-associated cancer (CAC) is a subtype of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-associated colorectal cancer. Huoxiang Zhengqi (HXZQ) is a classical Chinese herbal medicine and has been used to treat intestinal disorders, however, anti-CAC effects and underlying mechanisms of HXZQ have not been reported. An azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium-induced CAC mice model was used to investigate the anti-CAC effect of HXZQ. HXZQ significantly reduced colonic inflammation, suppressed the size and number of tumors, and reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-21, IL-23, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor, and tumor necrosis factor-α) and oxidative stress markers (reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde), and increased the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and IL-27) in CAC mice. Intestinal microbiota and serum metabolomics analyses indicated that HXZQ altered the gut microbial composition and the abundance of 29 serum metabolites in CAC mice. Additionally, HXZQ activated the nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway and increased the levels of antioxidants such as catalase (CAT), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductases-1 (NQO-1), and superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1). HXZQ inhibited the activation of the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and decreased the expression of NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) by inhibiting the phosphorylation of inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B (IκB), inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase (IKK), and NF-κB. In conclusion, HXZQ alleviated CAC in mice by modulating the intestinal microbiota and metabolism, activating Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response, and inhibiting NF-κB-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation against inflammation. The present data provide a reference for the use of HXZQ as a therapeutic or combination agent for clinical CAC treatment. Show less
Platelet activation is commonly detected after infection by multiple viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), H1N1 influenza, Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Ebola virus (EBV), and Dengue virus (D Show more
Platelet activation is commonly detected after infection by multiple viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), H1N1 influenza, Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Ebola virus (EBV), and Dengue virus (DENV). Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) constitute the majority of the human transcribed genome, but the biology of platelet ncRNAs is largely unexplored. In this study, we performed microarray profiling to characterize the expression profile of human platelets infected with EBV in vitro after 2 h. A total of 187 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) displayed differences, of which 114 were upregulated and 73 were downregulated; 78 microRNAs (miRNAs) showed differences, including 73 upregulated and 5 downregulated; 808 mRNAs displayed differences, among which 367 were upregulated and 441 were downregulated. Gene ontology (GO) analysis mostly related to G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway, detection of chemical stimulus involved in sensory perception of smell and regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II. Pathway analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in cell metabolism and immune-related response. A ceRNA network was established based on predicting regulatory pairs in differentially expressed genes, in which hsa-miR-6877-3p had the highest regulatory capability (degree = 31), FAM230A was the lncRNA with the highest regulatory capability (degree = 28). According to the EBV related miRNA regulation network, it revealed that ebv-miR-BART19-3p had the most target genes and BRWD1, FAM126B, TFRC and JMY were the genes most regulated by EBV-related miRNAs. After overlapping the three networks, we found that the EIFAK2 gene was strongly correlated with autologous ncRNAs, including hsa-miR-1972, hsa-miR-504-3p and hsa-miR-6825-5p, as well as with EBV ncRNAs, including EBER1, EBER2, miR-BART7-3p and miR-BART16. The present study contributes to a better understanding of the expression profiling of ncRNAs and their functions in platelets activated by EBV in vitro, and paves the way to further study on platelet function. Show less
Mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) T10 is a relatively rare partner for the KMT2A lysine (K)-specific methyltransferase 2A gene. The common features and coexisting mutations of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) Show more
Mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) T10 is a relatively rare partner for the KMT2A lysine (K)-specific methyltransferase 2A gene. The common features and coexisting mutations of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with KMT2A-MLLT10 remain unknown. In this study, 10 adult AML patients with KMT2A-MLLT10 fusions were picked up from 496 AML patients by using RT-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization, and then screened for mutations in the 49 genes panel with next-generation sequencing and PCR, followed by direct Sanger sequencing. Of the 10 unique individuals identified, 6 were male and 4 were female (M:F ratio, 1.5:1) with ages ranging from 19 to 52 years (median 39.5 years). Most (90%, 9/10) patients with KMT2A-MLLT10 were accompanied by additional mutations. Twelve mutated genes were detected, averaging 2.1 mutations per patient (range, 0-4). The most frequently mutated gene was NRAS (n = 5). Clinical and laboratory data pointed to common features: French American British-M5 subtype (n = 7), a high rate of relapse, and biomarkers CD33 (n = 10), CD117 (n = 9), CD13 (n = 8), and CD64 (n = 8). Overall, most patients harbored at least one mutation. A high incidence of mutations affecting the RAS signaling pathway or RAS regulating components was found in 50% (5/10) patients. The overall survival is about 12.0 months. Allogeneic-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation trends to improve survival in selected patients. Show less
Worldwide, Human adenoviruses (ADV) cause a significant portion of childhood mortality. The severity of ADV Community-acquired Pneumonia (CAP) can be assessed by clinical features, but the rapid and a Show more
Worldwide, Human adenoviruses (ADV) cause a significant portion of childhood mortality. The severity of ADV Community-acquired Pneumonia (CAP) can be assessed by clinical features, but the rapid and accurate diagnostic biomarkers are still lacking. Candidate biomarkers for severe ADV CAP are to be screened and the different protein expression levels associated with pediatric ADV CAP may help assess the severity of ADV CAP for the pediatricians to make early intervention. In our study, serum samples from healthy controls, patients with ADV CAP, streptococcus pneumonia (SP) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection were collected. Differently expressed proteins (DEPs) were detected by iTRAQ-based mass spectrometry. Gene Ontology and Pathway Enrichment analysis of DEPs were performed by Cytoscape. The protein interaction network for the identified proteins was constructed by String. The results showed that 119 DEPs in mild ADV CAP and 148 DEPs in severe ADV CAP were identified, compared with healthy children. Four proteins (Protein S100-A9 (S100A9), Protein S100-A8 (S100A8), Leucine aminopeptidase III (LAP3), and Apolipoprotein A-IV(APOA4)) were validated by Western blot, and results indicated that the expression levels of these four proteins were consistent with the proteomic analysis. LAP3 was the most significantly up-regulated protein in severe ADV CAP compared to mild group. In addition, LAP3 was the most significantly up-regulated protein in severe ADV CAP comparing with SP CAP infection and RSV CAP infection. Our findings identified LAP3 protein as a potential diagnostic biomarker which can assess the severity of ADV CAP. Show less
Increasing evidence implicates endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Nitric oxide (NO) derived from endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) is essential in maintaining cerebr Show more
Increasing evidence implicates endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Nitric oxide (NO) derived from endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) is essential in maintaining cerebrovascular function and can modulate the production and clearance of amyloid beta (Aβ). APPswe/PSdE1 (APP/PS1) mice display age-related Aβ accumulation and memory deficits. In order to make the model more clinically relevant with an element of endothelial dysfunction, we generated APP/PS1/eNOS Show less
Body mass index was intimately associated with islet function, which was affected by various confounding factors. Among all methods of statistical analysis, Mendelian randomization best ruled out bias Show more
Body mass index was intimately associated with islet function, which was affected by various confounding factors. Among all methods of statistical analysis, Mendelian randomization best ruled out bias to find the causal relationship. In the present study, we explored the relationship between 13 East Asian body mass index-related genes reported previously and islet function using the Mendelian randomization method. A total of 2892 participants residing in northern China were enrolled. Anthropological information, such as sex, age, drinking status, smoking status, weight, height and blood pressure, was recorded for all participants. Fasting glucose and insulin were detected, and the insulin sensitivity index was calculated. 13 single nucleotide polymorphismss in East Asian body mass index -related genes were analysed with the ABI7900HT system. Five genetic locus mutations, CDKAL1, MAP2K5, BDNF, FTO and SEC16B, were found to be associated with body mass index and were used to estimate the genetic risk score. We found that the genetic risk score was negatively associated with the insulin sensitivity index. Even after adjusted of confounding factors, the relationship showed statistical significance. A subsequent interaction effect analysis suggested that the negative relationship between the genetic risk score and insulin sensitivity index no longer existed in the nondrinking population, and smokers had a stronger negative relationship than nonsmokers. We found a negative causal relationship between body mass index-related genetic locus mutations and insulin resistance, which might be increased by acquired lifestyle factors, such as drinking and smoking status. Show less
The deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ) in the brain plays a major role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ is generated via amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleavage through the amyloidogenic Show more
The deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ) in the brain plays a major role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ is generated via amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleavage through the amyloidogenic pathway. In this pathway, β-secretase (BACE1) is the first and rate-limiting enzyme. Its expression increases through an unknown mechanism in patients with AD. Thus, the key regulatory mechanism of BACE1 in the AD process should be revealed to understand the pathogenesis of AD and explore the key treatment targets of AD. Here, APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice were employed to observe the Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) and BACE1 levels in the serum and brain tissues. HT22 cells were used to explore the relationship between KLF5 and BACE1. In this study, KLF5 was found to be a novel transcription factor that positively regulated BACE1 by binding to the BACE1 promoter. The KLF5 levels significantly increased not only in the CSF and serum of patients with AD but also in the brain tissue of APP/PS1 mice. They were closely related to cognitive capacity. KLF5 accelerated APP amyloidogenic metabolism and promoted Aβ synthesis through BACE1. Silencing BACE1 could block the KLF5-induced amyloidogenic process of APP. ML264 ameliorated the cognitive deficits and slowed down APP amyloidogenic cleavage in APP/PS1 mice. The findings above suggest that upregulation of KLF5 might be a critical element in AD progression by accelerating BACE1-mediated APP amyloidogenic cleavage. The inhibition of KLF5 or the combined inhibitory effect of KLF5 and the BACE1 promoter might be a potential strategy to prevent AD pathogenesis. Show less
Genome-wide association study (GWAS) of Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) suffers from low power due to limited sample size and the interpretation challenge due to most signals located in non-coding Show more
Genome-wide association study (GWAS) of Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) suffers from low power due to limited sample size and the interpretation challenge due to most signals located in non-coding regions. Gene-level analysis could alleviate these issues. Using GWAS summary statistics, we performed two typical gene-level analysis of JIA, transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) using FUnctional Summary-based ImputatiON (FUSION) and gene-based analysis using eQTL Multi-marker Analysis of GenoMic Annotation (eMAGMA), followed by comprehensive enrichment analysis. Among 33 overlapped significant genes from these two methods, 11 were previously reported, including TYK2 ( Show less
Fatty acid composition contributes greatly to the nutritional value of meat, and breeds/strains are important factors affecting the composition of fatty acid. Recently, few studies have focused on the Show more
Fatty acid composition contributes greatly to the nutritional value of meat, and breeds/strains are important factors affecting the composition of fatty acid. Recently, few studies have focused on the fatty acid composition in breast muscle of different duck breeds. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to compare the fatty acid composition and lipid metabolism-related genes expression in breast muscle of Jianchang duck (J), Cherry Verry duck (CV) and 3 crossbred strains (BH1, BH2 and MC♂ × (BGF2♂ × GF2♀)♀ (MBG)). Our results showed that the breast muscle of J had the highest contents of C22:1(n-9) but the lowest ratios of Ʃ-omega 6 (Ʃn-6)/Ʃ-omega 3 (Ʃn-3), Ʃ-mono-unsaturated fatty acid (ƩMUFA)/Ʃ-saturated fatty acid (ƩSFA) and Ʃ-polyunsaturated fatty acid (ƩPUFA)/ƩSFA. The ƩPUFA/ƩSFA ratio was higher in breast muscle of MBG than in that of BH2 and CV, and the contents of C22:1(n-9), ƩMUFA and ƩPUFA were higher in BH1 than in BH2 and CV. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of SCD1, FADS2, ELOVL2, and ELOVL5 were significantly higher in MBG (P < 0.05), while those of FASD1 and ACACA were significantly higher in BH1 than in BH2 and CV (P < 0.05). Principal component analysis showed that fatty acids variation exhibited extensive positive loading on principal components (PCs). Correlation analysis showed that PC1 and PC3 of BH1, as well as PC1 of MBG were correlated with the mRNA levels of ACACA and FABP3, respectively. Thus, it could be concluded that the breast muscles of MBG and BH1 have better fatty acid composition, which was closely related to the increased expression levels of SCD1, FADS2, ELOVL2, and ELOVL5 genes in MBG but FADS1 and ACACA in BH1. Moreover, these results also showed that crossbreeding could optimize the composition of fatty acid in breast muscle of ducks. Show less
ApoC3 plays a central role in the hydrolysis process of triglyceride (TG)-rich lipoproteins mediated by lipoprotein lipase (LPL), which levels are positively associated with the incidence of cardiovas Show more
ApoC3 plays a central role in the hydrolysis process of triglyceride (TG)-rich lipoproteins mediated by lipoprotein lipase (LPL), which levels are positively associated with the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although targeting ApoC3 by antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), Volanesorsen markedly reduces plasma TG level and increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in patients with hypertriglyceridemia (HTG), the cholesterol-lowering effect of ApoC3 inhibition and then the consequential outcome of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) have not been reported in patients of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) with severe refractory hypercholesterolemia yet. To investigate the precise effects of depleting ApoC3 on refractory hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis, we crossed ApoC3-deficient hamsters with a background of LDLR deficiency to generate a double knockout (DKO) hamster model (LDLR On the standard laboratory diet, DKO hamsters had reduced levels of plasma TG and total cholesterol (TC) relative to LDLR In this study, our novel findings provide new insight into the application of ApoC3 inhibition for severe refractory hypercholesterolemia and ASCVD. Show less
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a common autoimmune disease in the peripheral nervous system. This study aimed to elucidate the role of IL-27 gene polymorphisms in elderly people with GBS. A total of Show more
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a common autoimmune disease in the peripheral nervous system. This study aimed to elucidate the role of IL-27 gene polymorphisms in elderly people with GBS. A total of 395 healthy subjects and 422 GBS patients with an average age of 63 years old were included in this study. Peripheral blood samples were collected. The 2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL-27, namely, rs153109 and rs785575, of GBS patients were analyzed using the PCR method and compared with those of the healthy controls. The correlations of IL-27 SNPs with disease severity, disease outcome, level of anti-GM1 antibodies, and Campylobacter jejuni infection were assessed. Serum levels of IL-27 of healthy subjects and GBS patients were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. No significant differences in the frequencies of rs785575 SNPs between GBS and healthy subjects were observed. In analyzing rs153109 SNPs, the G allele was found to be more prevalent in the GBS patients (p = 0.012). More alleles show GG genotype in GBS patients (p = 0.023). The -964A>G allele has a higher prevalence in severely affected and anti-GM1-Ab-positive GBS patients. GBS patients with the rs153109 SNP showed a poor clinical outcome than those without rs153109 SNP (p = 0.012). GBS patients showed higher serum IL-27 levels than healthy subjects (p < 0.001). The levels of IL-27 were also higher in GBS patients with genotypes of AG and GG, and those with GG genotypes showed the highest IL-27 levels. The rs153109 SNP is more prevalent in GBS patients with the GG and G allele and is associated with severer GBS, poorer clinical outcomes, and higher IL-27 levels. Show less