Regulatory Effect of Modified Banxia Shumi Decoction on Orexin and Its Receptor in Hypothalamus of Insomnia Model Rats / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To observe the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Modified Banxia Shumi Decoction on p-chlorophenylalanine(PCPA)-induced insomnia model rats.Methods Forty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into six groups,i.e.,the normal group,the model group,the low-,medium-and high-dose groups of Chinese medicine and the Diazepam group,with 8 rats in each group.For 7 consecutive days before modeling,rats in the Chinese medicine low-,medium-and high-dose groups were treated with Modified Banxia Shumi Decoction for prophylactic treatment.Except for the normal group,PCPA-induced insomnia rat model was established in all groups.After modeling on day 1,each group continued to be administered the corresponding drug for 7 days.Body mass was monitored,open-field behavioral tests were performed,serum levels of orexin A(OXA)and orexin B(OXB)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),the expression of hypothalamic orexin receptor 1(OX1R)was determined by immunohistochemistry,and hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to observe the pathologic changes in the hypothalamus of rats.Results(1)Before modeling,the growth trend of body mass of rats in each group was smooth,with no significant difference between groups;after modeling,except for the normal group,the growth rate of body mass of rats in each group slowed down or even declined;after 14 days of administration of Modified Banxia Shumi Decoction,the body mass of the Chinese medicine medium-dose group was significantly increased compared with that of the model group(P＜0.01).(2)Compared with the normal group,the model group showed an increase in the total distance of activity in the open field,the distance of activity in the central region and the number of times of entering the central region(P＜0.01),a significant increase in serum OXA and OXB contents(P＜0.01),a significant increase in the expression of hypothalamic OX1R(P＜0.01),and HE staining showed mild hyperplasia of the hypothalamic glial cells;compared with the model group,the total distance of activity in the open field,the distance of activity in the central region and the number of times entering the central region were reduced in the rats in the Chinese medicine medium-dose group and the Diazepam group(P＜0.01),the levels of serum OXA and OXB were significantly reduced(P＜0.01),the expression of hypothalamic OX1R was significantly reduced(P＜0.01),and the HE staining showed that a large number of neurons with perineurial interspace enlarged and the local glial cell hyperplasia.Conclusion Modified Banxia Shumi Decoction can improve insomnia and reduce anxiety in rats by down-regulating the levels of OXA and OXB in serum and the expression of OX1R in the hypothalamus.

Shugan Jianpi Yangxin Prescription Regulates Orexin-A and Its Receptors in Mouse Model of Insomnia / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the interventional effects of Shugan Jianpi Yangxin prescription on the expression of orexin-A （OXA）， orexin-1 receptor （OX1R）， and orexin-2 receptor （OX2R） in the mouse model of insomnia. MethodThe mouse model of insomnia was established by intraperitoneal injection of DL-4-chlorophenylalanine （PCPA）. Fifty BALB/c mice were randomized into a blank group， a model group， an eszopiclone （0.13 mg·kg-1） group， and low- and high-dose （8.4 and 33.6 g·kg-1， respectively） Shugan Jianpi Yangxin prescription groups and treated with the corresponding drugs for 14 consecutive days. The weight changes of mice were monitored， and Morris water maze and pentobarbital-induced sleep tests were conducted. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） was employed to examine the expression of OXA in the hypothalamus. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of OXA and 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT） in the hypothalamus， serum， and spleen. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed to determine the mRNA levels of OXA， OX1R， and OX2R in the hypothalamus. ResultCompared with the blank group， the model group had decreased body weight （P<0.01）， increased escape latency （P<0.01）， increased sleep latency （P<0.01）， shortened sleep duration （P<0.01）， elevated OXA level and lowered 5-HT level in the hypothalamus， serum， and spleen （P<0.05）， and up-regulated mRNA levels of OXA， OX1R， and OX2R in the hypothalamus （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the low- and high-dose groups of Shugan Jianpi Yangxin prescription showed increased body weight （P<0.05， P<0.01）， shortened escape latency （P<0.05）， shortened sleep latency and prolonged sleep duration （P<0.01）， and lowered OXA level and elevated 5-HT level in the hypothalamus， serum， and spleen （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Moreover， the two doses of Shugan Jianpi Yangxin prescription down-regulated the mRNA levels of OXA， OX1R， and OX2R in the hypothalamus （P<0.01）. ConclusionShugan Jianpi Yangxin prescription exerts sedative and hypnotic effects in mice by increasing the content of 5-HT in the brain and inhibiting the expression of OXA and its receptors in the hypothalamus.

Effects of overexpression of carbapenem OXA-48 on drug resistance,adaptability of bacterial strain and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway of host cell / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To investigate the effects of overexpression of OXA-48 on drug resistance,adaptability of bacterial strain and Toll-like receptor(TLR)signaling pathway of host cells. Methods The recombinant plasmid pET32a(+)-OXA-48was transformed into E.coli BL21(DE3),and the recombinant strain pET32a(+)-OXA-48-BL21(DE3)was identified by colony PCR and sequencing. Taking A_(600)(0. 3,0. 5 and 0. 7),IPTG final concentration(0. 4,0. 6 and 0. 8mmol/L)and induction time(2,4 and 6 h)as variables and mRNA transcription level as response value,an orthogonal experiment with three factors and three levels was designed to optimize the induced expression conditions of the plasmid. The drug resistance of recombinant strain pET32a(+)-OXA-48-BL21(DE3)to Imipenem(IPM),Meropenem(MEM),Ceftriaxone(CRO)and Cefepime(FEP)was detected by disk diffusion method;The adaptability was detected by biofilm formation test and serum resistance test. Mouse alveolar macrophages(MH-S)were infected with pET32a(+)-OXA-48-BL21(DE3),pET32a(+)-BL21(DE3)and E.coli BL21(DE3)strains,respectively. The mRNA transcription levels of TLR2,TLR4 and NF-кB(p65)genes were detected by qRT-PCR method,and the expressions of Interleukin-6(IL-6),IL-10,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)were detected by ELISA. Results The recombinant strain pET32a(+)-OXA-48-BL21(DE3)was constructed correctly as identified by colony PCR and sequencing. The optimum induction conditions were as follows:A_(600)of 0. 3,IPTG final concentration of 0. 6 mmol/L and induction time of 2 h. Compared with pET32a(+)-BL21(DE3)strain,the resistance of recombinant strain pET32a(+)-OXA-48-BL21(DE3)to IPM,MEM,CRO and FEP significantly decreased(t = 7. 14～22. 32,P < 0. 05),the biofilm formed significantly increased(t = 15. 69,P < 0. 05),and the survival rate in serum significantly increased(t = 10. 60,P < 0. 05);The mRNA transcription level of TLR2 gene in MH-S cells infected with pET32a(+)-OXA-48-BL21(DE3)significantly increased 24 h after infection(t = 5. 77,P < 0. 05),while the mRNA transcription level of TLR4 and NF-кB(p65)genes(t = 3. 71～10. 06,P < 0. 05)and the expression level of IL-6 significantly increased 12 and 24 h after infection. Compared with the normal group,the expression of IL-6and TNF-α in MH-S cells infected with pET32a(+)-OXA-48-BL21(DE3)increased significantly at 6,12 and 24 h after infection(t = 7. 90 ～ 13. 44 and 5. 40～6. 32 respectively,each P < 0. 01),while the expression of IL-10 decreased significantly(t = 3. 15～4. 08,each P < 0. 05). There was no significant difference in the expression of TGF-β(t = 0. 013～1. 41,each P > 0. 05). The expression of IL-6 was significantly higher than that in pET32a(+)-BL21(DE3)group at 12 and 24 h after infection(t = 2. 92 and 3. 79 respectively,each P < 0.05) Conclusion Overexpression of OXA-48 can reduce bacterial drug resistance,improve bacterial adaptability and the transcription level of factors related to TLR signaling pathway in host cells,and affect the expression level of downstream cytokines in host cells.

Caracterización fenotípica y molecular de cepas de Klebsiella pneumoniae productores de carbapenemasas tipo OXA-48 circulantes en Chile / Phenotypic and molecular characterization of OXA-48 like producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in Chile

INTRODUCCIÓN: La aparición y diseminación de Enterobacterales resistentes a carbapenémicos ha generado un gran impacto en las infecciones asociadas a la atención de salud en el mundo. Recientemente, en Chile se detectó un brote por Klebsiella pneumoniae productora de carbapenemasas tipo oxacilinasas (OXA) de la subfamilia tipo OXA-48, reportándose los primeros casos en pacientes hospitalizados mayoritariamente en la zona norte del país. OBJETIVO: Determinar los perfiles fenotípicos, genotípicos y de susceptibilidad antimicrobiana de 16 cepas referidas durante mayo del año 2021 desde las regiones de Antofagasta y Metropolitana al Laboratorio de Referencia del Instituto de Salud Pública. METODOLOGÍA: Las cepas provenientes de muestras clínicas fueron analizadas mediante técnicas tradicionales (Kirby-Bauer y epsilometría) y automatizadas, además de técnicas colorimétricas, inmunocromatográficas y moleculares (RPC y PFGE). Resultados: Se detectó la presencia de los genes blaoxa-48 y blaoxa-232 con una resistencia inusual, tanto a carbapenémicos (ertapenem, imipenem y meropenem) como a cefalosporinas (cefepime, cefotaxima y ceftazidima), además de piperacilina/tazobactam y temocilina. Se detectaron dos subtipos por PFGE, siendo predominante el clon CL-Kpn-Spe-329 (93,8%) con dos mecanismos de resistencia identificados: carbapenemasa y β-lactamasa de espectro extendido (BLEE). CONCLUSIÓN: Ante esta alerta epidemiológica es necesario unificar criterios existentes en la red asistencial nacional para la oportuna detección, vigilancia y control de posibles brotes de cepas productores de oxacilinasa tipo OXA-48.

BACKGROUND: The appearance and spread of carbapenems-resistant Enterobacterales have generated a major impact on health care-associated infections worldwide. Recently, a Klebsiella pneumoniae outbreak expressing OXA-48 like-carbapenemases was detected in Chile, the first reported cases corresponded to hospitalized patients mainly from northern Chile. AIM: To characterize the phenotypic and genotypic profiles of antimicrobial susceptibility of 16 clinical isolates referred during May 2021 from Antofagasta and Metropolitan regions to the Reference Laboratory of Instituto de Salud Publica. METHODS: Antimicrobial susceptibility of all strains was analyzed using traditional (Kirby-Bauer and epsilometry) and automated methods, and complemented with colorimetric, immunochromatographic and molecular (PCR and PFGE) techniques. RESULTS: As a result of the genetic characterization, blaoxa-48 and blaoxa-232 genes were detected, showing the isolates an unusual resistance profile to both carbapenems (ertapenem, imipenem, and meropenem) and cephalosporins (cefepime, cefotaxime, and ceftazidine), as well as piperacillin/ tazobactam and temocillin. Two subtypes were detected by PFGE, with a predominant clone CL-Kpn-Spe-329 (93.8%), with two resistance mechanisms identified: carbapenemase and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL). CONCLUSION: Due to this epidemiological alert, it is essential the establishment of national guidelines for early detection, surveillance, and control of future outbreaks of OXA-48 like carbapenemases isolates.

Susceptibility testing for aztreonam plus ceftazidime/avibactam combination: A general guidance for clinical microbiology laboratories in India

Metallo beta-lactamases-producing Gram-negative infection is often challenging and there is no defined treatment option. In recent years, the combination of aztreonam with ceftazidime-avibactam has gained much clinical attention mainly for MBL-producing Enterobacterales, while MBL-producing P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii are likely to be resistant. A consensus susceptibility testing method for this triple combination has yet to be recommended. Various methods such as broth disk elution, disk stacking, gradient strip stacking, and strip crossing have been proposed for testing this combination. Among them, broth disk elution and strip based testing methods showed good correlation with the broth micro-dilution method.

Targeting glutamine utilization to block metabolic adaptation of tumor cells under the stress of carboxyamidotriazole-induced nutrients unavailability

Tumor cells have unique metabolic programming that is biologically distinct from that of corresponding normal cells. Resetting tumor metabolic programming is a promising strategy to ameliorate drug resistance and improve the tumor microenvironment. Here, we show that carboxyamidotriazole (CAI), an anticancer drug, can function as a metabolic modulator that decreases glucose and lipid metabolism and increases the dependency of colon cancer cells on glutamine metabolism. CAI suppressed glucose and lipid metabolism utilization, causing inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I, thus producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). In parallel, activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) increased glutamine uptake via the transporter SLC1A5, which could activate the ROS-scavenging enzyme glutathione peroxidase. As a result, combined use of inhibitors of GLS/GDH1, CAI could effectively restrict colorectal cancer (CRC) energy metabolism. These data illuminate a new antitumor mechanism of CAI, suggesting a new strategy for CRC metabolic reprogramming treatment.

Primer reporte de Enterobacterales dobles productores de carbapenemasas en hospitales de Paraguay. Año 2021

RESUMEN Las carbapenemasas se encuentran ampliamente distribuidas en nuestro país, tanto en bacilos gramnegativos fermentadores como no fermentadores. Durante 2021, se ha reportado incremento de cepas con estas enzimas. Con el objetivo de evaluar la doble producción de carbapenemasas en Enterobacterales y comunicar su circulación, fue puesta a punto una PCR convencional múltiple. Estudio retrospectivo en 128 aislamientos provenientes de 20 centros colaboradores de la Red Nacional de Vigilancia de la RAM (Capital, Central e interior del país), remitidos al LCSP entre febrero y setiembre de 2021, para confirmación y genotipificación de carbapenemasas. Se realizaron pruebas fenotípicas y colorimétricas con sustratos específicos, y pruebas genotípicas (PCR convencional múltiple) para la detección simultánea de varios genes de resistencia (bla NDM, bla KPC, bla OXA-48-like, bla IMP y bla VIM). De los 128 aislamientos estudiados, 107 correspondieron a Klebsiella pneumoniae, 14 a Enterobacter cloacae complex, entre otros; aislados en mayor frecuencia de muestras de orina (30%), respiratorias (30%), sangre y catéter (24%). Los genes de resistencia a los carbapenemes detectados fueron: bla NDM (77,3%), bla KPC (17,2%); siendo confirmada la doble producción de carbapenemasas en 7 aislamientos (5,5%) provenientes de 4 centros diferentes de la capital de país y uno de Central; 6 de ellas (K. pneumoniae) con bla NDM+bla KPC y 1 (E. cloacae complex) con bla NDM+bla OXA-48-like; confirmando circulación de Enterobacterales dobles productores de carbapenemasas en el país (KPC+NDM y OXA+NDM); hallazgos que obligan a proveer de capacidades de detección, de manera a que se puedan tomar medidas oportunas y eficaces de contención y control.

ABSTRACT Carbapenemases are widely distributed in our country, both in fermenting and non-fermenting gram-negative bacilli. During 2021, an increase in strains with these enzymes has been reported. In order to evaluate the double production of carbapenemases in Enterobacterales and communicate their circulation, a multiple conventional PCR was set up. Retrospective study carried out in 128 isolates from 20 collaborating centers of the National AMR Surveillance Network (Capital, Central and interior of the country), sent to the LCSP between February and September 2021, for confirmation and genotyping of carbapenemases. Phenotypic and colorimetric tests were performed with specific substrates, as well as genotypic tests (multiple conventional PCR) for the simultaneous detection of several resistance genes (blaNDM, blaKPC, blaOXA-48-like, blaIMP and blaVIM). Of the 128 isolates studied, 107 corresponded to Klebsiella pneumoniae, 14 to Enterobacter cloacae complex, among others; isolated in higher frequency from urine (30%), respiratory (30%), blood and catheter (24%) samples. The genes for resistance to carbapenems detected were: blaNDM (77.3%), blaKPC (17.2%); the double production of carbapenemases was confirmed in 7 isolates (5.5%) from 4 different centers in the capital of the country and one in Central; 6 of them (K. pneumoniae) with blaNDM + blaKPC and 1 (E. cloacae complex) with blaNDM + blaOXA-48-like; confirming circulation of double Enterobacterales producers of carbapenemases in the country (KPC + NDM and OXA + NDM); findings that require the provision of detection capabilities, so that timely and effective containment and control measures can be taken.

First Clinical Cases of OXA-48-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Peru / Primeros casos clínicos de infecciones por Klebsiella pneumoniae productora de OXA-48 en Perú

Background: Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae(CPE) represents a global public health concern and systemic infectionsassociatedwithOXA-48 carbapenemase are increasingly being reported in Latin America. Here, we present the first 2 cases of systemic infections by OXA-48-ProducingKlebsiellapneumoniaein Peru. A favorable clinical response was observed after targeted treatment with colistin as a backbone.

Introducción: Las enterobacterias productoras de carbapenemasas (EPC) representan un problema de salud pública y cada vez hay más reportes de infecciones sistémicas asociadas con la carbapenemasa OXA-48 en America Latina. Presentamos los primeros 2 casos de infecciones sistémicas por Klebsiella pneumoniae productora de OXA-48 en Perú. Se observó una respuesta clínica favorable luego del tratamiento dirigido con colistina como base.

miR-361-5p reverses oxaliplatin resistance of gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells by targeting CCND1 / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#[Abstract] Objective: To investigate the effects of miR-361-5p on the oxaliplatin (OXA) resistance of gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells and its mechanism. Methods: The expression of miR-361-5p in gastric cancer cells (MKN-45, MGC80-3 and SGC-7901) and drug-resistant SGC-7901/OXA cells was detected by qPCR. The SGC-7901/OXA cells were transfected with miR-361-5p mimics/inhibitor or sh-CCND1 by using Liposome transfection technology. Then, cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle of SGC-7901/OXA cells were measured by CCK-8 assay and Flow cytometry, respectively. The targeting relationship between miR-361-5p and CCND1 was examined by Dual luciferase report gene assay. The expression level of CCND1 in SGC-7901/OXA cells was detected by WB. Results: miR-361-5p was down-regulated in multiple gastric cancer cells and SGC-7901/OXA cells (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Over-expression of miR-361-5p significantly promoted the apoptosis, induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and inhibited cell proliferation of SGC-7901/OXA cells (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Dual luciferase reporter gene results verified that miR-361-5p targeted CCND1 and negatively regulated its expression (P<0.01). Further experiments showed that targeted down-regulation of CCND1 induced apoptosis and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and inhibited CCND1 expression and proliferation of SGC-7901/OXA cells (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Over-expression of miR-361-5p targetedly down-regulated CCND1 and further promoted cell apoptosis, induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and inhibited cell proliferation of SGC-7901/OXA cells (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion: miR-361-5p over-expression can reverse the resistance of SGC-7901/OXA cells to OXA, and the mechanism may be related to its targeted down-regulation of CCND1 expression.

Prevalence of carbapenemase production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates causing clinical infections in Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been highly associated with carbapenem resistance in which carbapenemases has been suggested to be a major contributory factor. Hence the objective of this study was to phenotypically detect KPC-type carbapenemase, metallo-ß-lactamase and OXA-48 carbapenemase production in clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa in Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Nigeria Methodology: One hundred and seventy-one P. aeruginosa isolates consecutively recovered from clinical specimens of patients with infections at the Medical Microbiology and Parasitology laboratory of the hospital were identified using MicrobactTM 24E kit. Preliminary screening for carbapenem resistance was determined by the disc diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar using single discs of meropenem and imipenem. Phenotypic detection of carbapenemase production among carbapenem-resistant isolates was performed by the combination disc test of meropenem-phenylboronic acid (MRPBO) and meropenem-dipicolinic acid (MRPDP) as recommended by EUCAST 2013 guideline. Results: Out of the 171 P. aeruginosa isolates, 35 (20.5%) were carbapenem non-susceptible (resistant) while carbapenemase production was detected in 27 (77.1%) of these carbapenem resistant isolates, and no enzyme was detected in 8 (22.9%). Of the 27 carbapenemase producing isolates, 22 (81.5%) produced MBL, 1 (3.7%) produced KPC, while 4 (14.8%) produced both KPC and MBL enzymes. Conclusion: This study revealed that carbapenem resistance among P. aeruginosa clinical isolates in our institution is gradually increasing. The mechanism for this rise is associated with carbapenemases, with MBL being the major carbapenemase involved. There is the need to ensure strict compliance with the LUTH infection control guidelines in order to check the rising incidence of infection caused by carbapenem resistant P. aeruginosa

Molecular epidemiology and drug resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from a regional hospital in the Brazilian Amazon region

Abstract INTRODUCTION: In this study, we report a clonal dissemination of carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolates due to the acquisition of blaOXA-23 in a regional hospital located in Brazilian Amazon Region. METHODS: The isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF and the carbapenemase-encoding genes were detected by multiplex-PCR. The genetic similarity was investigated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). RESULTS: Only 10 (55.6%) isolates harbored the gene bla OXA-23. PFGE analysis revealed that these isolates belong to a single clone. CONCLUSIONS: This dissemination strategy indicates the need for surveillance, adoption of control procedures defined in guidelines, and the careful administration of antimicrobials should be reinforced.

Effect of protease inhibitor from Agaricus bisporus on glucose uptake and oxidative stress in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Objective: To explore the effect of the protease inhibitor from Agaricus bisporus (J.E. Lange) Imbach (AbPI) on glucose uptake and oxidative stress in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Methods: Adipocytes were differentiated and stained with Oil-Red-O staining to confirm adipogenesis. The toxic/protective effect of AbPI on the adipocytes was determined by MTT assay, intracellular reactive oxygen species generation through flow cytometry, and morphologically through confocal microscopy using propidium iodide, 4,6-diamino-2-phenylindol dihydrochloride, and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate dyes. The uptake of fluorescent glucose analog, 2-[N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl) amino]-2-deoxy-d-glucose by adipocytes was also studied through confocal microscopy. Results: MTT assay showed that the cell survival rate was (28.00±3.00)%, (92.33±2.60)%, and (71.34±2.10)% in the presence of 2 mM H

Effect of protease inhibitor from Agaricus bisporus on glucose uptake and oxidative stress in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Objective: To explore the effect of the protease inhibitor from Agaricus bisporus (J.E. Lange) Imbach (AbPI) on glucose uptake and oxidative stress in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Methods: Adipocytes were differentiated and stained with Oil-Red-O staining to confirm adipogenesis. The toxic/protective effect of AbPI on the adipocytes was determined by MTT assay, intracellular reactive oxygen species generation through flow cytometry, and morphologically through confocal microscopy using propidium iodide, 4,6-diamino-2-phenylindol dihydrochloride, and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate dyes. The uptake of fluorescent glucose analog, 2-[N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl) amino]-2-deoxy-d-glucose by adipocytes was also studied through confocal microscopy. Results: MTT assay showed that the cell survival rate was (28.00±3.00)％, (92.33±2.60)％, and (71.34±2.10)％ in the presence of 2 mM H2O2, AbPI alone, and AbPI and H2O2 both, respectively, in comparison to the control. Oil-Red-O staining indicated that AbPI enhanced adipogenesis. AbPI stimulated the glucose uptake by adipocytes similar to the drug rosiglitazone, and showed insulin-sensitizing effect in the presence of insulin, but failed to stimulate the uptake in the absence of insulin. Intracellular reactive oxygen species generation was reduced in differentiating adipocytes upon AbPI treatment. Confocal microscopy showed that the damaged cell population rose to 3.50％, 117.84％, and 261.50％ in the presence of AbPI alone, AbPI with H2O2, and H2O2 alone, respectively. Conclusions: The protease inhibitor enhances glucose uptake by adipocytes and exhibits a cytoprotective effect on them.

Bioengineered miR-328-3p modulates GLUT1-mediated glucose uptake and metabolism to exert synergistic antiproliferative effects with chemotherapeutics

MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are small noncoding RNAs derived from genome to control target gene expression. Recently we have developed a novel platform permitting high-yield production of bioengineered miRNA agents (BERA). This study is to produce and utilize novel fully-humanized BERA/miR-328-3p molecule (hBERA/miR-328) to delineate the role of miR-328-3p in controlling nutrient uptake essential for cell metabolism. We first demonstrated successful high-level expression of hBERA/miR-328 in bacteria and purification to high degree of homogeneity (>98%). Biologic miR-328-3p prodrug was selectively processed to miR-328-3p to suppress the growth of highly-proliferative human osteosarcoma (OS) cells. Besides glucose transporter protein type 1, gene symbol solute carrier family 2 member 1 (GLUT1/), we identified and verified large neutral amino acid transporter 1, gene symbol solute carrier family 7 member 5 (LAT1/) as a direct target for miR-328-3p. While reduction of LAT1 protein levels by miR-328-3p did not alter homeostasis of amino acids within OS cells, suppression of GLUT1 led to a significantly lower glucose uptake and decline in intracellular levels of glucose and glycolytic metabolite lactate. Moreover, combination treatment with hBERA/miR-328 and cisplatin or doxorubicin exerted a strong synergism in the inhibition of OS cell proliferation. These findings support the utility of novel bioengineered RNA molecules and establish an important role of miR-328-3p in the control of nutrient transport and homeostasis behind cancer metabolism.

Will ceftazidime/avibactam plus aztreonam be effective for NDM and OXA-48-Like producing organisms: Lessons learnt from In vitro study

Introduction: Carbapenem resistance (CR) in Klebsiella pneumoniae is mainly mediated by bla NDM and bla OXA-48 carbapenemases. Newer Food and Drug Administration-approved antimicrobial ceftazidime/avibactam (C/A) has a potent activity against bla OXA-48-like producers. However, its activity is limited in organisms co-producing bla NDM and bla OXA-48-like. Addition of aztreonam (ATM) to C/A potentially expands the spectrum of coverage for carbapenemase co-producers. With this, we aimed to determine the synergistic activity of combination of C/A plus ATM against bla NDM, bla OXA-48-like and co-producers of bla NDM + bla OXA-48-like producing CR Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKp). Materials and Methods: A total of 12 isolates of CRKp-harbouring genes encoding bla NDM and bla OXA-48-like were tested. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined for several antimicrobial agents, including C/A (0.5�?g/ml) by broth microdilution method. Checkerboard assay was performed for the combination of C/A plus ATM at varying concentrations. Fold differences in the MIC of C/A with and without addition of ATM were determined to infer synergistic effects. Results: MIC of C/A and ATM ranged from 0.5 to >8 ?g/ml and 64 to 2048 ?g/ml, respectively. Two isolates were susceptible to C/A with MIC of 0.5 and 1 ?g/ml, while others were resistant with MIC of >8 ?g/ml. Synergistic effects of >8-fold MIC difference in C/A MIC were noted with addition of ATM at 4 ?g/ml. This was observed for all CRKp with profiles of bla NDM, bla OXA-48-like and co-producers of bla NDM + bla OXA-48-like genes, which was a promising effect. Notably, all five of the colistin-resistant CRKp were inhibited with >8-fold MIC difference in the combination of C/A plus ATM at 4 ?g/ml. Conclusion: With the increasing burden of CRKp, the use of C/A with ATM combination seems to be very promising, especially for bla NDM, bla OXA-48-like and co-producers of bla NDM + bla OXA-48like carbapenemases.

Colistin-sparing approaches with newer antimicrobials to treat carbapenem-resistant organisms: Current evidence and future prospects

Antimicrobial resistance is on the rise across the globe. Increasing incidence of infections due to carbapenem resistance organisms is becoming difficult to treat, due to the limited availability of therapeutic agents. Very few agents such as colistin, fosfomycin, tigecycline and minocycline are widely used, despite its toxicity. However, with the availability of novel antimicrobials, beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor-based and non-beta-lactam-based agents could be of great relief. This review covers three important aspects which include (i) current management of carbapenem-resistant infections, (ii) determination of specific types of carbapenemases produced by multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens and (iii) the currently available novel beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitors and non-beta-lactam-based agents' laboratory findings, clinical outcome and implications.

Molecular detection of Enterobacteriaceae isolates producing blaOXA-48 and blaOXA-181 genes: A single centre study

@#Introduction: OXA-48, a carbapenem-hydrolysing class D β-lactamase, and its variant, OXA-181, are increasingly reported worldwide. This study aimed to describe the prevalence and distribution of OXA-48 and OXA-181 carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in a tertiary medical centre in Malaysia. Materials & Methods: A total of 13,098 Enterobacteriaceae isolates from various clinical samples were sent to our laboratory between January 2011 and December 2012. Of these, 90 demonstrated reduced susceptibility to at least one carbapenem and were included in this study. Only 88 isolates were successfully subcultured on blood agar (BA). Another 2 isolates failed to grow and were excluded. Of the 88, 2 isolates had the same identification number (repetitive isolates); therefore, 1 isolate was excluded from further analyses. Only 87 isolates were subjected to molecular detection of the blaOXA-48 and blaOXA-181 genes by polymerase chain reaction. Results: Eighty-seven non-repetitive isolates grew following subculture on BA. Of these, 9 (10.34%) were positive for OXA-48 (7 Klebsiella pneumoniae, 2 Escherichia coli). Each isolate originated from different patients. All patients had a history of treatment with at least one cephalosporin and/or carbapenem prior to the isolation of OXA-48 CRE. OXA-181 was detected in one (1.15%) out of the 87 isolates; Conclusions: The prevalence of OXA-48 and OXA-181 CRE among all Enterobacteriaceae isolates in our institution is 0.069% and 0.008%, respectively. Nevertheless, our findings suggest that OXA48 and OXA-181 carbapenemases appear to be important and possibly under-recognised causes of carbapenem resistance in Malaysia.

Silibinin ameliorates hepatic lipid accumulation and oxidative stress in mice with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by regulating CFLAR-JNK pathway

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic metabolic syndrome and the CFLAR-JNK pathway can reverse the process of NASH. Although silibinin is used for the treatment of NASH in clinical, its effect on CFLAR-JNK pathway in NASH remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of silibinin on CFLAR-JNK pathway in NASH models both and . The study was performed using male C57BL/6 mice fed with methionine- choline-deficient diet and simultaneously treated with silibinin for 6 weeks. The study was performed by using mouse NCTC-1469 cells which were respectively pretreated with oleic acid plus palmitic acid, and adenovirus-down for 24 h, then treated with silibinin for 24 h. After the drug treatment, the key indicators involved in CFLAR-JNK pathway including hepatic injury, lipid metabolism and oxidative stress were determined. Silibinin significantly activated CFLAR and inhibited the phosphorylation of JNK, up-regulated the mRNA expression of and , reduced the activities of serum ALT and AST and the contents of hepatic TG, TC and MDA, increased the expression of NRF2 and the activities of CAT, GSH-Px and HO-1, and decreased the activities and expression of CYP2E1 and CYP4A . These effects were confirmed by the experiments. Silibinin prevented NASH by regulating CFLAR-JNK pathway, and thereby on one hand promoting the -oxidation and efflux of fatty acids in liver to relieve lipid accumulation, and on the other hand inducing antioxidase activity (CAT, GSH-Px and HO-1) and inhibiting pro-oxidase activity (CYP2E1 and CYP4A) to relieve oxidative stress.

High rate of detection of OXA-23-producing Acinetobacter from two general hospitals in Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION In recent decades, the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter isolates has increased, and the production of oxacillinase (OXA)-type carbapenemases is the main mechanism underlying resistance. We evaluated OXA production from 114 Acinetobacter isolates collected between March and December 2013 from different clinical specimens of patients in two hospitals (Hospital 1 [n = 61] and Hospital 2 [n = 53]) located in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We also evaluated the genetic diversity of OXA-producing isolates. METHODS All the isolates were identified through the automated system Vitek II and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry MALDI-TOF MS as belonging to the A. baumannii-A. calcoaceticuscomplex. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were verified through agar diffusion tests. The presence of OXA-encoding genes was confirmed by PCR. The genetic diversity of isolates positive for carbapenemase production was analyzed through pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. RESULTS There was a high rate of resistance to carbapenems in the isolates (imipenem: 96%; meropenem: 92%) from both hospitals. Moreover, a high percentage (95.6%) of OXA-23-positive isolates was observed for both hospitals, indicating that this was the main mechanism of carbapenem-resistance among the studied population. In addition, most isolates (96.5%) were positive for bla OXA-51. A high genetic diversity and a few major genotypes were found among the OXA-23-positive isolates analyzed. Only intra-hospital dissemination was observed. CONCLUSIONS The elevated dissemination of bla OXA-23-like observed among Acinetobacter isolates from both the studied hospitals highlights the need for continuous epidemiological surveillance in these institutions.

Performance of "RESIST-3 O.K.N. K-SeT" immunochromatographic assay for the detection of OXA-48 like, KPC, and NDM carbapenemases in Klebsiella pneumoniae in Turkey

ABSTRACT In this study, the performance of the "RESIST-3 O.K.N. K-SeT" (Coris BioConcept, Gembloux, Belgium) immunochromatographic assay was evaluated in 132 Klebsiella pneumoniae comprising 102 carbapenem resistant and 30 carbapenem susceptible isolates. Genotypically known isolates of Gram negative bacteria (n = 22) including various species were also tested by the assay as controls. The isolates tested by the immunochromatographic assay and also were run PCR for bla KPC, bla IMP, bla VIM, bla NDM, and bla OXA-48. The rates of bla NDM, bla OXA-48, and bla KPC in carbapenem resistant isolates were found at 52.9%, 39.2%, and 2.0%, respectively. Both bla NDM and bla OXA-48 were found in six (5.9%) isolates. The results of the assay showed 100% concordance with those obtained by PCR in 132 K. pneumoniae. The agreement between the two methods was found to be identical at the isolate level. The assay also correctly detected all genotypically known isolates of Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter cloacae, K. pneumoniae carrying bla KPC, bla NDM, and/or bla OXA-48. On the other hand, the assay did not exhibit any cross-reaction in control isolates harboring bla IMP and bla VIM. We conclude that the RESIST-3 O.K.N. K-SeT is a reliable, rapid, and user friendly test and we recommend it for routine diagnostic laboratories.