Effect of MCH1, a fatty-acid amide hydrolase inhibitor, on the depressive-like behavior and gene expression of endocannabinoid and dopaminergic-signaling system in the mouse nucleus accumbens

Abstract MCH1 is a synthetic macamide that has shown in vitro inhibitory activity on fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), an enzyme responsible for endocannabinoid metabolism. This inhibition can modulate endocannabinoid and dopamine signaling in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), potentially having an antidepressant-like effect. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the in vivo administration of MCH1 (3, 10, and 30 mg/kg, ip) in 2-month-old BALB/c male mice (n=97) on forced swimming test (FST), light-dark box (LDB), and open field test (OFT) and on early gene expression changes 2 h after drug injection related to the endocannabinoid system (Cnr1 and Faah) and dopaminergic signaling (Drd1 and Drd2) in the NAc core. We found that the 10 mg/kg MCH1 dose reduced the immobility time compared to the vehicle group in the FST with no effect on anxiety-like behaviors measured in the LDB or OFT. However, a 10 mg/kg MCH1 dose increased locomotor activity in the OFT compared to the vehicle. Moreover, RT-qPCR results showed that the 30 mg/kg MCH1 dose increased Faah gene expression by 2.8-fold, and 10 mg/kg MCH1 increased the Cnr1 gene expression by 4.3-fold compared to the vehicle. No changes were observed in the expression of the Drd1 and Drd2 genes in the NAc at either MCH1 dose. These results indicated that MCH1 might have an antidepressant-like effect without an anxiogenic effect and induces significant changes in endocannabinoid-related genes but not in genes of the dopaminergic signaling system in the NAc of mice.

Mecanismo y diseño de vacunas para el sars-cov-2, revisión narrativa / Mechanism and design of vaccines against sars-cov-2, narrative review / Mecanismo e desenho de vacinas para sars-cov-2, revisão narrativa

La infección por el virus SARS-CoV-2, conocida como COVID-19, ha causado alta morbilidad y mortalidad en el mundo. Después de haber descifrado el código genético del virus y haber desarrollado un gran trabajo investigativo en la creación de vacunas, con diversas estrategias de acción, se ha logrado disminuir la morbi mortalidad. Fue necesario acelerar el proceso de producción de vacunas, lo cual estuvo facilitado por el avanzado conocimiento científico en el campo de la genética y la virología, para brindar a la especie humana una protección eficaz y segura contra la agresiva y progresiva infección. Las vacunas se clasifican de acuerdo con su mecanismo de acción, existen vacunas basadas en vectores virales que no se replican, vacunas recombinantes, otras basadas en virus atenuados y virus inactivos, y (la gran novedad de la ciencia actual) las vacunas basadas en ARN mensajero y ADN. Estas últimas han demostrado una gran eficacia y seguridad en la prevención de la infección por el SARS-CoV-2, también han impactado de manera fuerte, por lo que han reducido la infección y la mortalidad en la población. En consecuencia, cada día que pasa desde que se inició el periodo de vacunación mundial, se evidencia una reducción en la curva de contagio y mortalidad por COVID-19.

The infection produced by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, known as COVID-19, has caused high morbidity and mortality across the world. After having deciphered the virus's genoma and carried out investigative endeavors that led to the creation of a variety of vaccines with different mechanisms of action, it has been possible to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with the virus. It was necessary to accelerate the vaccine production process, which was facilitated by advanced scientific knowledge within the disciplines of genetics and virology, in order to provide the human species with a safe and effective form of protection against the aggressive and progressive infection. Vaccines are classified differently depending on their action mechanisms: there are some based on non-replicating viral vectors, recombinant vaccines, ones that are based on attenuated or inactivated viruses, and (the greatest novelty of current scientific developments) vaccines based on DNA and messenger RNA. The latter has demonstrated significant efficacy and safety in the prevention of the SARS-CoV-2 infection as observed in preliminary studies, and they have meaningfully impacted the population by reducing the rates of infection and mortality. As a result, decreased levels of spread of and mortality from COVID-19 have been evidenced across the globe following the beginning of the vaccine distribution period.

A infecção pelo vírus SARS-CoV-2, conhecido como COVID-19, tem causado elevada morbidade e mortalidade no mundo. Depois de ter decifrado o código genético do virus e de ter realizado um grande trabalho de investigação na criação de vacinas, com diversas estratégias de ação, a morbilidade e a mortalidade foram reduzidas. Foi necessário acelerar o processo de produção de vacinas, facilitado por conhecimentos científicos avançados no domínio da genética e da virologia, para proporcionar à espécie humana uma proteção eficaz e segura contra a infecção agressiva e progressiva. As vacinas são classificadas de acordo com seu mecanismo de ação, existem vacinas baseadas em vetores virais que não se replicam, vacinas recombinantes, outras baseadas em virus atenuados e vírus inativos, e (a grande novidade da ciência atual) vacinas baseadas em RNA mensageiro e ADN. Estas últimas demonstraram grande eficácia e segurança na prevenção da infecção por SARS-CoV-2, mas também tiveram um forte impacto, razão pela qual reduziram a infecção e a mortalidade na população. Consequentemente, a cada dia que passa desde o início do período global de vacinação, fica evidente uma redução na curva de contágio e mortalidade por COVID-19.

Evaluation of the participation of ABCA1 transporter in epicardial and mediastinal adipose tissue from patients with coronary artery disease

ABSTRACT Objective: Recent studies have shown a relationship between adipose tissue and coronary artery disease (CAD). The ABCA1 transporter regulates cellular cholesterol content and reverses cholesterol transport. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) R230C, C-17G, and C-69T and their expression in epicardial and mediastinal adipose tissue in Mexican patients with CAD. Subjects and methods: The study included 71 patients with CAD and a control group consisting of 64 patients who underwent heart valve replacement. SNPs were determined using TaqMan probes. mRNA was extracted using TriPure Isolation from epicardial and mediastinal adipose tissue. Quantification and expression analyses were done using RT-qPCR. Results: R230C showed a higher frequency of the GG genotype in the CAD group (70.4%) than the control group (57.8%) [OR 0.34, 95% CI (0.14-0.82) p = 0.014]. Similarly, C-17G (rs2740483) showed a statistically significant difference in the CC genotype in the CAD group (63.3%) in comparison to the controls (28.1%) [OR 4.42, 95% CI (2.13-9.16), p = 0.001]. mRNA expression in SNP R230C showed statistically significant overexpression in the AA genotype compared to the GG genotype in CAD patients [11.01 (4.31-15.24) vs. 3.86 (2.47-12.50), p = 0.015]. Conclusion: The results suggest that the GG genotype of R230C and CC genotype of C-17G are strongly associated with the development of CAD in Mexican patients. In addition, under-expression of mRNA in the GG genotype in R230C is associated with patients undergoing revascularization.

Macular perfusion changes in people administered two types of COVID-19 vaccines: optical coherence tomography angiography study

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate macular chorioretinal flow changes on optical coherence tomography angiography, in participants who received inactivated and messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: In this prospective cohort study, healthy participants who received two doses of an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine (CoronaVac) and then one dose of an mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2) were examined before and after each vaccination. Ophthalmologic examination and imaging with optical coherence tomography angiography were performed during each visit. We evaluated vascular densities in the superficial and deep capillary plexuses in foveal, parafoveal, and perifoveal areas; the foveal avascular zone; and choriocapillaris flows (in 1- and 6-mm-diameter areas). Results: One eye in each of the 24 participants was assessed. Superficial capillary plexus vascular densities in the parafoveal area were significantly lower after the second dose of the CoronaVac vaccine than after the first dose. In the deep capillary plexus, vascular attenuation was observed only in the parafoveal region after the first CoronaVac dose. However, in all regions, the deep capillary plexus vascular densities and subfoveal choriocapillaris flow were significantly decreased after the second CoronaVac dose. After the BNT162b2 dose, the superficial capillary plexus vascular densities, the deep capillary plexus vascular densities, and subfoveal choriocapillaris flow of most regions were significantly lower than those before vaccinations. Conclusion: Vascular attenuation, observed particularly after the second dose of the CoronaVac vaccine, may explain the pathogenesis of postvaccine ocular ischemic disorders reported in the literature. However, these disorders are extremely rare, and the incidence of thrombotic events caused by COVID-19 itself is higher.

Inmunización con vacunas ARN mensajero contra la COVID-19 en pacientes adolescentes con antecedente de síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico: serie de casos / Immunization with messenger RNA vaccines against COVID-19 in adolescents with a history of multisystem inflammatory

Los niños cursan mayormente la infección por el virus SARS-CoV-2 en forma leve. Sin embargo, de forma muy infrecuente algunos pueden desarrollar una patología con marcada gravedad denominada síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico en niños relacionado temporalmente con COVID-19 (SIM-C). Dado su reciente surgimiento, aún hay aspectos de su fisiopatología que se desconocen. La posibilidad de recidiva en caso de reinfección o ante la vacunación contra SARS-CoV-2 son nuevos interrogantes a los que nos enfrentamos. Reportamos una serie de casos de 4 pacientes adolescentes que cursaron SIM-C y meses después han sido vacunados contra SARS-CoV-2 con plataformas ARN mensajero (ARNm) sin presentar recurrencia de la enfermedad ni efectos adversos cardiológicos

In most cases, children with SARS-CoV-2 have a mild infection. However, very rarely, some children may develop a severe disease called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children temporally associated with COVID-19 (MIS-C). Given its recent emergence, some aspects of its pathophysiology are still unknown. The possibility of recurrence in case of reinfection or SARS-CoV-2 vaccination are new questions we are facing. Here we report a case series of 4 adolescent patients who developed MIS-C and, months later, received the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine with messenger RNA (mRNA) platforms without disease recurrence or cardiac adverse events.

Analysis of Mechanism of Yishen Huashi Granules for Improving Diabetic Nephropathy Based on Metabonomics and Transcriptomics / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveIn this study， based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry（UHPLC-MS/MS） and high-throughput transcriptome sequencing technology（RNA-seq）， we investigated the mechanism of Yishen Huashi granules in regulating serum metabolites and renal messenger ribonucleic acid（mRNA） expression to improve diabetic kidney disease（DKD）. MethodSD rats were randomly divided into normal group ， model group and Yishen Huashi granules group， with 8 rats in each group. The rat model of DKD was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Yishen Huashi granules group was given 5.54 g·kg-1·d-1 of Yishen Huashi granules by gavage， and the normal group and the model group were given the same amount of normal saline for 6 weeks. During the experiment， the body weight and blood glucose of rats were monitored， and the rats were anesthetized 24 hours after the last administration， blood was collected from the inferior vena cava， serum was separated， and renal function， blood lipid， and inflammatory indicators were detected. Kidney tissue of rats was fixed in neutral paraformaldehyde， and stained with hematoxylin-eosin（HE）， Masson and periodic acid-Schiff（PAS） to observe the renal pathological changes. UHPLC-MS/MS and RNA-seq were used to identify the changes of serum metabolism and the differences of renal mRNA expression， and real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR） and Western blot were used to detect the differential mRNA and protein expression in renal tissue to explore the common expression mechanism. ResultCompared with the normal group， rats in the model group showed a decrease in body weight， a significant increase in blood glucose， urinary microalbumin to urinary creatinine ratio（UACR）， blood urea nitrogen（BUN）， cystatin-C（Cys-C）， β2-microglobulin（β2-MG）， interleukin-6（IL-6）， triglyceride（TG） and total cholesterol（TC）， and a significant decrease in total superoxide dismutase（T-SOD）（P<0.01）. After the intervention of Yishen Huashi granules， all the indexes were improved to different degrees in rats（P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the normal group， the model group showed renal mesangial stromal hyperplasia， fibrous tissue hyperplasia and tubular vacuolar degeneration. Compared with the model group， the renal pathology of rats in Yishen Huashi granules group was improved to a certain extent. A total of 14 target metabolites and 96 target mRNAs were identified， the target metabolites were mainly enriched in 20 metabolic pathways， including sphingolipid metabolism， glycerophospholipid metabolism， and the biosynthesis of phenylalanine， tyrosine and tryptophan. The target mRNAs were enriched to obtain a total of 21 differential mRNAs involved in the TOP20 pathways closely related to glycolipid metabolism. A total of 6 pathways， glycerophospholipid metabolism， arachidonic acid metabolism， purine metabolism， primary bile acid biosynthesis， ascorbic acid and uronic acid metabolism， and galactose metabolism， were enriched by serum differential metabolites and renal differential mRNAs， among them， there were 7 differential metabolites such as phosphatidylethanolamine（PE） and 7 differential mRNAs such as recombinant adenylate cyclase 3（ADCY3）. Seven differential metabolites had high predictive accuracy as verified by receiver operating characteristic（ROC） curve， and the results of Real-time PCR and Western blot were highly consistent with the sequencing results. ConclusionYishen Huashi granules can reduce UACR， BUN and other biochemical indexes， correct the disorder of glucose and lipid metabolism， and improve renal function of DKD rats. And its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the level of PE and other blood metabolites， and expression of Phospho1 and other mRNAs in the kidney， of which six pathways， including glycerophospholipid metabolism， may play an important role.

Preparation and immunogenicity evaluation of mRNA vaccine against porcine epidemic diarrhea / 生物工程学报

Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) is a highly contagious disease that causes high mortality in suckling piglets. Although several licensed inactivated and live attenuated vaccines were widely used, the infection rate remains high due to unsatisfactory protective efficacy. In this study, mRNA vaccine candidates against PED were prepared, and their immunogenicity was evaluated in mice and pregnant sows. The mRNA PED vaccine based on heterodimer of viral receptor binding region (RBD) showed good immunogenicity. It elicited robust humoral and cellular immune responses in mice, and the neutralizing antibody titer reached 1:300 after a single vaccination. Furthermore, it induced neutralizing antibody level similar to that of the inactivated vaccine in pregnant sows. This study developed a new design of PED vaccine based on the mRNA-RBD strategy and demonstrated the potential for clinical application.

Mevalonate improves anti-PD-1/PD-L1 efficacy by stabilizing CD274 mRNA

Mevalonate metabolism plays an important role in regulating tumor growth and progression; however, its role in immune evasion and immune checkpoint modulation remains unclear. Here, we found that non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with higher plasma mevalonate response better to anti-PD-(L)1 therapy, as indicated by prolonged progression-free survival and overall survival. Plasma mevalonate levels were positively correlated with programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression in tumor tissues. In NSCLC cell lines and patient-derived cells, supplementation of mevalonate significantly up-regulated the expression of PD-L1, whereas deprivation of mevalonate reduced PD-L1 expression. Mevalonate increased CD274 mRNA level but did not affect CD274 transcription. Further, we confirmed that mevalonate improved CD274 mRNA stability. Mevalonate promoted the affinity of the AU-rich element-binding protein HuR to the 3'-UTR regions of CD274 mRNA and thereby stabilized CD274 mRNA. By in vivo study, we further confirmed that mevalonate addition enhanced the anti-tumor effect of anti-PD-L1, increased the infiltration of CD8+ T cells, and improved cytotoxic function of T cells. Collectively, our findings discovered plasma mevalonate levels positively correlated with the therapeutic efficacy of anti-PD-(L)1 antibody, and provided the evidence that mevalonate supplementation could be an immunosensitizer in NSCLC.

mRNA delivery in cancer immunotherapy

Messenger RNA (mRNA) has drawn much attention in the medical field. Through various treatment approaches including protein replacement therapies, gene editing, and cell engineering, mRNA is becoming a potential therapeutic strategy for cancers. However, delivery of mRNA into targeted organs and cells can be challenging due to the unstable nature of its naked form and the low cellular uptake. Therefore, in addition to mRNA modification, efforts have been devoted to developing nanoparticles for mRNA delivery. In this review, we introduce four categories of nanoparticle platform systems: lipid, polymer, lipid-polymer hybrid, and protein/peptide-mediated nanoparticles, together with their roles in facilitating mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies. We also highlight promising treatment regimens and their clinical translation.

Progresses on RNA-based therapeutics for genetic diseases / 浙江大学学报·医学版

RNA therapeutics inhibit the expression of specific proteins/RNAs by targeting complementary sequences of corresponding genes, or synthesize proteins encoded by the desired genes to treat genetic diseases. RNA-based therapeutics are categorized as oligonucleotide drugs (antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNA, RNA aptamers), and mRNA drugs. The antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNA for treatment of genetic diseases have been approved by the FDA in the United State, while RNA aptamers and mRNA drugs are still in clinical trials. Chemical modifications are applied to RNA drugs, such as pseudouridine modification of mRNA, to reduce immunogenicity and improve the efficacy. The secure and effective delivery systems like lipid-based nanoparticles, extracellular vesicles, and virus-like particles are under development to address stability, specificity, and safety issues of RNA drugs. This article provides an overview of the specific molecular mechanisms of 11 RNA drugs currently used for treating genetic diseases, and discusses the research progress of chemical modifications and delivery systems of RNA drugs.

Assessment of the diagnostic value and prognosis of different detection markers in endocervical adenocarcinoma / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To study the diagnostic value of different detection markers in histological categories of endocervical adenocarcinoma (ECA), and their assessment of patient prognosis. Methods: A retrospective study of 54 patients with ECA in the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from 2005-2010 were performed. The cases of ECA were classified into two categories, namely human papillomavirus-associated adenocarcinoma (HPVA) and non-human papillomavirus-associated adenocarcinoma (NHPVA), based on the 2018 international endocervical adenocarcinoma criteria and classification (IECC). To detect HR-HPV DNA and HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA in all patients, we used whole tissue section PCR (WTS-PCR) and HPV E6/E7 mRNA in situ hybridization (ISH) techniques, respectively. Additionally, we performed Laser microdissection PCR (LCM-PCR) on 15 randomly selected HR-HPV DNA-positive cases to confirm the accuracy of the above two assays in identifying ECA lesions. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyze the efficacy of markers to identify HPVA and NHPVA. Univariate and multifactorial Cox proportional risk model regression analyses were performed for factors influencing ECA patients' prognoses. Results: Of the 54 patients with ECA, 30 were HPVA and 24 were NHPVA. A total of 96.7% (29/30) of HPVA patients were positive for HR-HPV DNA and 63.3% (19/30) for HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA, and 33.3% (8/24) of NHPVA patients were positive for HR-HPV DNA and HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA was not detected (0/24), and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). LCM-PCR showed that five patients were positive for HR-HPV DNA in the area of glandular epithelial lesions and others were negative, which was in good agreement with the E6/E7 mRNA ISH assay (Kappa=0.842, P=0.001). Analysis of the ROC results showed that the AUC of HR-HPV DNA, HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA, and p16 to identify HPVA and NHPVA were 0.817, 0.817, and 0.692, respectively, with sensitivities of 96.7%, 63.3%, and 80.0% and specificities of 66.7%, 100.0%, and 58.3%, respectively. HR-HPV DNA identified HPVA and NHPVA with higher AUC than p16 (P=0.044). The difference in survival rates between HR-HPV DNA (WTS-PCR assay) positive and negative patients was not statistically significant (P=0.156), while the difference in survival rates between HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA positive and negative patients, and p16 positive and negative patients were statistically significant (both P<0.05). Multifactorial Cox regression analysis showed that International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO) staging (HR=19.875, 95% CI: 1.526-258.833) and parametrial involvement (HR=14.032, 95% CI: 1.281-153.761) were independent factors influencing the prognosis of patients with ECA. Conclusions: HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA is more reflective of HPV infection in ECA tissue. The efficacy of HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA and HR-HPV DNA (WTS-PCR assay) in identifying HPVA and NHPVA is similar, with higher sensitivity of HR-HPV DNA and higher specificity of HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA. HR-HPV DNA is more effective than p16 in identifying HPVA and NHPVA. HPV E6/E7 mRNA and p16 positive ECA patients have better survival rates than negative.

miRNA-143 expression is associated with inflammation and time of exposure to amniotic fluid in experimental gastroschisis

Abstract Objective Gastroschisis (GS) is a congenital anomaly in the abdominal wall with the intestinal loops exiting laterally to the umbilicus. The contact of the loops with Amniotic Fluid (AF) causes an inflammatory process in the exposed part, leading to an extended hospital stay and an increased risk of morbidity due to alterations related to intestinal motility. The authors aimed to evaluate the time of exposure to the AF in the experimental GS and to search for potential biomarkers of intestinal inflammation by measuring microRNAs. Methods Rat fetuses were divided into three groups: a) CONTROL, b) GS reared on day 18 (GS = 18), and c) GS reared on day 19.5 (GS = 19) (term = 22 days). On day 21.5, the fetuses were removed for biometric parameters and biochemical analyses: 1) Biometrics: Body and Intestinal Weight (BW, IW), and intestinal-body weight ratio (IW/BW); 2) Descriptive histopathology and 3) miR-143 quantification by real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Results BW was higher in CONTROL than GS 18 and G19 (p < 0.05). IW, IW/BW, intestinal water, and mRNA-143 were higher in GS 18 and GS 19 than in CONTROL, and GS 18 was higher than GS 19 (p < 0.05). The average of the inflammation score from the intestinal wall with mucosal inflammation and intra-epithelial lymphocytes shows worst in GS 18 and GS 19 vs. CONTROL (p < 0.05). Conclusions The tissue expression of mRNA-143 and the morphological changes in the intestine of GS worsened according to the time of exposure to AF, which could be a possible marker of fetal intestinal damage.

Prevalence and factors associated with flares following COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and spondyloarthritis: a national cohort study

Abstract Objective To determine prevalence and factors associated with flares post Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccination in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA). Methods A retrospective multi-centre study was conducted (January 2021 to February 2022). Data were collected during index visit, defined as first post-vaccine visit in which the patient had a physician-defined flare, or if at least 3 months had elapsed since first vaccine dose, whichever came first. Factors associated with flares were identified using mixed effects Cox regression and expressed as hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Total of 2377 patients were included (1563 RA, 415 PsA and 399 SpA). Among patients with RA, PsA and SpA, 21.3%, 24.1% and 21.8% experienced a flare respectively. Of those who experienced a flare, only 10.2%, 11.0% and 14.9% were severe in patients with RA, PsA and SpA respectively. Patients with low or moderate/high disease were more likely to flare compared to those in remission in patients with RA only (HR: 1.68, 95% CI 1.22-2.31; HR: 2.28, 95% CI 1.50-3.48, respectively). Receiving the Moderna vaccine was associated with a higher HR of flare compared to the Pfizer vaccine in patients with PsA only (HR: 2.21, 95% CI 1.20-4.08). Patients who had two vaccine doses were found to be less likely to flare (HR: 0.08, 95% CI 0.06-0.10). HRs of flares were not significantly different among RA, PsA and SpA. Conclusion About one-fifth of patients experienced a disease flare post COVID-19 mRNA vaccination, but most flares were non-severe. Patients with active disease prior to vaccination should be monitored closely for disease flares, especially in patients with RA.

Screening crucial lncRNAs and genes in osteoarthritis by integrated analysis

Abstract Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most frequent chronic diseases with high morbidity worldwide, marked by degradation of the cartilage and bone, joint instability, stiffness, joint space stenosis and subchondral sclerosis. Due to the elusive mechanism of osteoarthritis (OA), we aimed to identify potential markers for OA and explore the molecular mechanisms underlying OA. Methods Expression profiles data of OA were collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus database to identify differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) and differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) in OA. Functional annotation and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were performed. Then, nearby DEmRNAs of DElncRNAs was obtained. Moreover, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of nearby DEmRNAs of DElncRNAs was performed. Finally, expression validation of selected mRNAs and lncRNAs was performed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Results In total, 2080 DEmRNAs and 664 DElncRNAs were determined in OA. PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Endocytosis and Rap1 signaling pathway were significantly enriched KEGG pathways in OA. YWHAB, HSPA8, NEDD4L and SH3KBP1 were four hub proteins in PPI network. The AC093484.4/TRPV2 interact pair may be involved in the occurrence and development of OA. Conclusion Our study identified several DEmRNAs and DElncRNAs associated with OA. The molecular characters could provide more information for further study on OA.

Allergic reactions of COVID-19 vaccine based on mRNA-LNP and its pharmacokinetics in vivo / 药学学报

Vaccination has been proved to be the most effective strategy to prevent the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The mRNA vaccine based on nano drug delivery system (NDDS) - lipid nanoparticles (LNP) has been widely used because of its high effectiveness and safety. Although there have been reports of severe allergic reactions caused by mRNA-LNP vaccines, the mechanism and components of anaphylaxis have not been completely clarified yet. This review focuses on two mRNA-LNP vaccines, BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273. After summarizing the structural characteristics, potential allergens, possible allergic reaction mechanism, and pharmacokinetics of mRNA and LNP in vivo, this article then reviews the evaluation methods for patients with allergic history, as well as the regulations of different countries and regions on people who should not be vaccinated, in order to promote more safe injection of vaccines. LNP has become a recognized highly customizable nucleic acid delivery vector, which not only shows its value in mRNA vaccines, but also has great potential in treating rare diseases, cancers and other broad fields in the future. At the moment when mRNA-LNP vaccines open a new era of nano medicine, it is expected to provide some inspiration for safety research in the process of research, development and evaluation of more nano delivery drugs, and promote more nano drugs successfully to market.

Study on mechanism of interfering with LncRNA expressing to reduce paclitaxel resistance in non-small cell lung cancer cells / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To study the mechanism of interfering with long non-coding RNA nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase-antisense RNA1 （LncRNA NNT-AS1） expressing to reduce paclitaxel （TAX） resistance in non-small cell lung cancer （NSCLC） cells. METHODS NSCLC TAX-resistant cell line （A549/TAX） was constructed， and the expressions of LncRNA NNT-AS1 in normal， parental， and drug-resistant cells were observed. The targeting relationship of microRNA-582-5p （miR-582- 5p） with LncRNA NNT-AS1 and high mobility group box2 （HMGB2） was verified. A549/TAX cells were cultured in vitro to observe the effects of interfering with LncRNA NNT-AS1 alone or interfering with LncRNA NNT-AS1 and miR-582-5p on the expressions of LncRNA NNT-AS1 and miR-582-5p， the mRNA and protein expressions of HMGB2， cell viability， clone formation and apoptosis. The effects of interfering with LncRNA NNT-AS1 on tumor growth and the expression of miR-582-5p and the mRNA and protein expressions of HMGB2 in tumor tissue were observed in nude mice. RESULTS Compared with normal cells， LncRNA NNT-AS1 was highly expressed in parental and drug-resistant cells （P＜0.05）， showing an increasing trend. It was validated that miR-582-5p had a targeting relationship with LncRNA NNT-AS1 and HMGB2. After interfering with the expression of LncRNA NNT-AS1， the expression of LncRNA NNT-AS1 and the mRNA and protein expressions of HMGB2， cell viability and the number of cloned cells in A549/TAX cell， decreased significantly， while the expression of miR-582-5p and the apoptotic rate increased significantly （P＜0.05）； simultaneously interfering with the expression of miR-582-5p could reverse above changes （P＜ 0.05）. Interfering with the expression of LncRNA NNT-AS1 in tumor cell could significantly reduce tumor volume and tumor weight of nude mice bearing tumors； at the same time， the expression of miR-582-5p was up-regulated significantly and the mRNA and protein expressions of HMGB2 were down-regulated significantly （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Interfering with the expression of LncRNA NNT-AS1 may alleviate TAX chemotherapy resistance in NSCLC through targeted up-regulation of miR-582-5p and down-regulation of HMGB2.

Research progress in correlation between insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 2 gene and type 2 diabetes mellitus / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)was a chronic,non-communicable disease with a combination of multiple genetic and environmental factors,of which the main characteristics included insufficient insulin secretion and insulin resistance.Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 2(IGF2BP2/IMP2),an important insulin secretion-related protein in human body,is mainly expressed in tissues and cells such as pancreas,fat and intestine.It has been confirmed that IGF2BP2 can down-regulate the expression of IGF2 and the function damage of the related islet β cell is an important cause of T2DM and vascular complications.Therefore,IGF2BP2 gene can be used as an important predictor for diabetes mellitus risk.This paper reviews the correlation between IGF2BP2 gene and T2DM.

Construction and in vitro evaluation of an LNP system for mRNA delivery / 药学实践杂志

Objective To construct lipid nanoparticles DLin-LNP for mRNA delivery. Methods DLin-LNP was prepared by thin film hydration method, and DLin-LNP/mRNA was further constructed by using EGFP-mRNA as model drug. The particle size, zeta potential, and appearance morphology were measured. Furthermore, the intracellular distribution and transfection of DLin-LNP/mRNA in RM-1 cells was investigated by laser scanning confocal microscope. Results DLin-LNP was successfully prepared. The average particle size was about (151.1±2.1) nm, the no-load potential was (23.7±0.5) mV. The cytotoxicity of DLin-LNP was far lower than that of the commercially available liposomal Lipo8000. The results of transfection experiment indicated that DLin-LNP has high transfection efficiency for mRNA delivery with low cytotoxicity and good stability. Conclusion DLin-LNP could become a potential mRNA vector for gene therapy.

Comparison of methods for detection of antibody level in serum immunized with SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To compare three methods for detection of antibody level in serum immunized with SARS-CoV-2mRNA vaccine. Methods Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),pseudo virus-based neutralization assay(PBNA)and micro-cytopathic effect neutralization test(MCPENT)were used to detect the antibody levels of a total of 120 serum samples(40 before immunization and 80 after immunization)before and after 2 doses of mRNA vaccine immunization,and the consistency and correlation of the three methods were analyzed. Results The consistency rates of the three methods detecting 120 serum samples were all over 90%,the Kappa coefficients were all more than 0. 7,and each P was less than0. 01. The correlation coefficient(r)between the antibody potency results of positive serum samples detected by the three methods was 0. 825～0. 902,and each P was less than 0. 01. Conclusion The three methods have good consistency and correlation in detecting antibody level of serum immunized with SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine.

Analysis of gene expression profile and construction of ceRNA regulatory network after DENV-2 infection with HUVECs / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To establish a co-expression lncRNA-mRNA ceRNA network and explore the potential molecular mechanism of lncRNA in dengue fever. 【Methods】 DENV-2-infected and normal pHUVEC were sequenced and screened for differentially expressed lncRNA and mRNA by gene microarray technology. Differentially expressed mRNA was analyzed by protein-protein interaction (PPI), and significantly related co-expressed lncRNA-mRNA was screened by Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The microRNA (miRNA) that bound to co-expressed lncRNA-mRNA was predicted by the database. The ceRNA network of co-expressed lncRNA-mRNA was constructed by Cytoscape software. Finally differentially expressed mRNAs and co-expressed lncRNA-mRNA were analyzed by GO and KEGG enrichment, and co-expressed lncRNA-mRNA was verified by RT-qPCR. 【Results】 At 48 h and 72 h after infection, 105 and 51 differentially expressed mRNAs were obtained, respectively, while 59 and 29 differentially expressed lncRNAs were obtained, respectively. Furthermore, at the two time intervals, there were 10 differential mRNAs and 5 differential lncRNAs, respectively. PPI analysis of differential mRNAs showed that isocratic values of interleukin 6 (IL6), interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 2 (IFIT2), and 2’-5’-oligoadenylate synthetase 2 (OAS2) were relatively high. The pairing results of lncRNA-mRNA co-expression analysis with the highest correlation coefficients at 48 h and 72 h after infection were XLOC_001966-SMTNL1 and XLOC_001966-ESR2, respectively. According to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, the functions of differentially expressed mRNA and co-expressed lncRNA-mRNA were mainly involved in virus epidemic prevention response, immune response, and signal transduction, as well as the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway, type I interferon, and cytokine receptor interaction. RT-qPCR revealed that lncRNA XLOC-I2-8991 was upregulated in the co-expressed lncRNA-mRNA, whereas all the other lncRNA and mRNA were downregulated. 【Conclusion】 This study initially revealed the potential lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network during dengue virus infection, and found that co-expressed lncRNA-mRNA was mainly enriched in the immune regulation and signal transduction pathways during virus infection. The findings will help further exploration into the infection mechanism of DENV-2.