Manifestaciones hepáticas en niños con fibrosis quística y uso de moduladores CFTR. ¿Qué debemos monitorizar? / Hepatic manifestations in children with cystic fibrosis and use of CFTR modulators. What should we monitor?

La enfermedad hepática relacionada con fibrosis quística se observa en el 10% de las personas portadoras de la enfermedad. La terapia con moduladores ha mejorado la morbimortalidad, pero teniendo en cuenta que presentan efectos secundarios infrecuentes es necesario monitorizar. Se analiza el algoritmo propuesto por Eldredge et al, que sugiere las decisiones a tomar basado en el resultado de perfil hepático y su aplicación en la práctica clínica.

Cystic fibrosis-related liver disease is seen in 10% of people with the disease. Therapy with modulators has improved morbidity and mortality, but taking into account that they present infrequent side effects, monitoring is necessary. The algorithm proposed by Eldredge et al is analyzed, which suggests the decisions to be made based on the liver profile result and its application in clinical practice.

Effect of Baihe Yuzi Prescription on CFTR， AQP， and ZIP Ion Channels and Oxidative Stress in Epididymis of Oligoasthenozoospermia Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Baihe Yuzi prescription （BYP） on the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator （CFTR）， aquaporin （AQP）， zinc/iron-regulated transporter-like protein （ZIP） and local oxidative stress in epididymis of oligoasthenozoospermia （OAS） rats， and to explore the mechanism of its intervention in OAS. MethodAfter 35 rats were acclimatized for 1 week， 7 rats were randomly selected as the normal group， and the remaining 28 rats were given tripterygium glycosides （TG） 30 mg·kg-1. After 4 weeks of modeling， they were randomly divided into 4 groups： model group， BYP low-dose group （LBYP）， BYP high-dose group （HBYP） and levocarnitine group， with 7 rats in each group. The rats in the normal group and model group were given normal saline at the same dosage. The levocarnitine group rats were given L-carnitine oral liquid （100 mg·kg-1） by gavage. The LBYP group rats were given BYP 6.3 g·kg-1， and the HBYP group rats were given BYP 12.6 g·kg-1 by gavage once a day for consecutive 4 weeks. After the end of the intervention， sperm count and motility of all rats were detected， the histopathological structure of epididymis was observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining， and the expressions of CFTR， AQP9， AQP3， ZIP8， ZIP12 and other proteins were detected by Western blot. The contents of α-glycosidase （α-GC）， sialic acid （SA）， carnitine， superoxide dismutase （SOD）， glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） and malondialdehyde （MDA） were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Total zinc content was measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Free zinc ion content was detected by zinc ion probes. ResultCompared with those in the normal group， the sperm count and motility of rats were decreased and the epididymal structure was disordered in the model group. The contents of α-GC and carnitine were decreased in epididymis （P<0.05）. MDA levels were increased， while SOD， GSH-Px and zinc levels were decreased （P<0.05）. The expressions of CFTR and ZIP12 in the head and cauda of the epididymis were down-regulated， and AQP3 expression was up-regulated. The expression of ZIP8 in the cauda epididymis was up-regulated （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， BYP can significantly improve the sperm count and motility， the epididymal structure of OAS rats and the levels of α-GC and carnitine （P<0.05）. The expressions of CFTR and ZIP12 in the head and cauda of the epididymis were up-regulated， while the expressions of ZIP8 in the cauda epididymis and AQP3 in the head of the epididymis were decreased （P<0.05）. The SOD and GSH-Px levels and total zinc content in epididymis were increased， and the MDA levels were decreased （P<0.05）. ConclusionBYP may improve the sperm quality and repair epididymal tissue structure and function of OAS rats， by regulating the expressions of CFTR， AQP3， and ZIP12 ion channels and local antioxidant mechanism.

Enfermedad hepática en la fibrosis quística pediátrica. Una revisión de los conocimientos actuales / Cystic fibrosis liver disease in children ­ A review of our current understanding

La fibrosis quística, la segunda enfermedad genética más frecuente, es el resultado de una proteína de canal mutada, la CFTR, que secreta iones de cloro que fluidifican las secreciones. La esperanza de vida en los pacientes ha aumentado en años recientes gracias a mejoras en el tratamiento. No obstante, las complicaciones hepáticas son la tercera causa de muerte y la comprensión de su fisiopatología es aún deficiente. Se considera que la obstrucción biliar secundaria a la presencia de secreciones espesas conduce a la cirrosis. Sin embargo, el ácido ursodesoxicólico no ha modificado la historia natural. Además, la presencia de hipertensión portal en ausencia de cirrosis no puede ser explicada. Se ha propuesto el rol de la CFTR como modulador de tolerancia inmune, que explica la presencia de una inflamación portal persistente que culmina en fibrosis. El eje intestino-hígado tendría un rol importante en la presentación y la progresión de esta enfermedad

Cystic fibrosis is the second most common genetic disease in infancy. It is the result of a mutated channel protein, the CFTR, which secretes chloride ions, fluidifying secretions. Recent improvements in the treatment have increased life expectancy in these patients. Nevertheless, liver involvement remains the third cause of death. Unfortunately, our understating of the physiopathology is still deficient. Biliary obstruction secondary to the presence of thick secretions is considered to lead to cirrhosis. However, treatment with ursodeoxycolic acid has not changed the natural history. Furthermore, the presence of portal hypertension in the absence of cirrhosis cannot be explained. Recently, the role of CFTR as modulator of immune tolerance has been proposed, which could explain the presence of a persistent portal inflammation leading to fibrosis, and the gut-liver axis would also have a role in disease presentation and progression.

Terapia de extinción y estimulación magnética transcraneal para el tratamiento de trastornos de ansiedad / Extinction therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of anxiety disorders

Resumen Objetivo: Describir los factores que pueden determinar la reducción de los síntomas en el trastorno de ansiedad generalizada y trastorno por estrés postraumático, mediante estimulación magnética transcraneal en combinación con terapia de extinción. Material y Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda en bases de datos (Cochrane, EBSCO, Pubmed, Sciencedirect y Wiley), con las palabras clave "transcranial magnetic stimulation", "human", "fear extinction". Los criterios de selección incluyen estudios en humanos, tratamientos con terapia de extinción y EMT, en donde se registre la conductancia de la piel como variable de respuesta. Resultados: Existe poca investigación que cumpla con los criterios de la presente revisión bibliográfica. Se obtuvieron 5 artículos enfocados en el tratamiento de síntomas como el miedo y la recurrencia de recuerdos traumáticos. Los protocolos de estimulación son heterogéneos, la frecuencia de estimulación va de 1 Hz a 30 Hz. La estimulación de alta frecuencia fue la más utilizada. La duración máxima de los efectos reportados fue de 1 mes. Conclusiones: La EMT junto con la terapia de extinción como tratamiento para TEPT y TAG es un campo de estudio que requiere de más investigación. Los resultados sobre su eficacia no son concluyentes, el tamaño de muestra es pequeño y es necesario identificar qué protocolos son eficaces a largo plazo. Los estudios clínicos con pacientes que presenten estos trastornos son relevantes para conocer los efectos de aquellos protocolos que han sido exitosos en pacientes sanos (condicionados al miedo).

Abstract Objective: To describe the factors that can determine the reduction of symptoms in generalized anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorders by transcranial magnetic stimulation in combination with extinction therapy. Material and methods: A bibliographic review was conducted in databases (Cochrane, EBSCO, PubMed, ScienceDirect y Wiley), using the keywords: "transcranial magnetic stimulation", "human" and "fear extinction". A selection of clinical trials that used extinction therapy plus TMS and the skin conductance as variable quantified was made. Results: Five articles focused on the treatment of symptoms, like fear and recurrence of traumatic memories were obtained. There is little research on the topic. Stimulation protocols are heterogeneous between studies (stimulation frequency ranges from 1 to 30 Hz). Most of the studies reviewed reported the use of high-frequency stimulation. The maximum duration of therapeutic effects reported was one month. Conclusions: TMS and extinction therapy as a treatment for PTSD and GAD has a growing research field. Effectiveness results are not conclusive, sample sizes are small, and studies do not focus on which protocols are effective in the long-term. New studies that include patients with diagnosed PTSD and GAD are relevant to assess the protocols that have already been successful in healthy patients (fear-conditioned).

Identification of risk genes in Chinese nonobstructive azoospermia patients based on whole-exome sequencing / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a severe condition in infertile men, and increasing numbers of causative genes have been identified during the last few decades. Although certain causative genes can explain the presence of NOA in some patients, a proportion of NOA patients remain to be addressed. This study aimed to investigate potential high-risk genes associated with spermatogenesis in idiopathic NOA patients by whole-exome sequencing. Whole-exome sequencing was performed in 46 male patients diagnosed with NOA. First, screening was performed for 119 genes known to be related to male infertility. Next, further screening was performed to determine potential high-risk causative genes for NOA by comparisons with 68 healthy male controls. Finally, risk genes with high/specific expression in the testes were selected and their expression fluctuations during spermatogenesis were graphed. The frequency of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene pathogenic variant carriers was higher in the NOA patients compared with the healthy controls. Potential risk genes that may be causes of NOA were identified, including seven genes that were highly/specifically expressed in the testes. Four risk genes previously reported to be involved in spermatogenesis (MutS homolog 5 [MSH5], cilia- and flagella-associated protein 54 [CFAP54], MAP7 domain containing 3 [MAP7D3], and coiled-coil domain containing 33 [CCDC33]) and three novel risk genes (coiled-coil domain containing 168 [CCDC168], chromosome 16 open reading frame 96 [C16orf96], and serine protease 48 [PRSS48]) were identified to be highly or specifically expressed in the testes and significantly different in the 46 NOA patients compared with 68 healthy controls. This study on clinical NOA patients provides further evidence for the four previously reported risk genes. The present findings pave the way for further functional investigations and provide candidate risk genes for genetic diagnosis of NOA.

Dapagliflozin regulates myocardial SK2 protein expression in diabetic rats / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effect of dapagliflozin on the small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel 2 (SK2 channel) protein in the myocardium of diabetic rats and its possible mechanism of action. Methods In vivo: type 2 diabetes model was established by high-glucose and high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of low-dose streptozotocin (35 mg

El regulador de transmembrana de fibrosis quística (CFTR) disfuncional y sus efectos extrapulmonares / The dysfunction of transmembrane regulator in cystic fibrosis (CFTR) and its extrapulmonary effects

El daño del regulador de transmembrana de fibrosis quística (CFTR) puede causar una enfermedad grave fuera de los pulmones. El canal de cloruro (Cl-) ha sido el más estudiado, sin embargo, el bicarbonato (HCO3 -) tiene un rol muy importante en el comportamiento de las secreciones y la inflamación secundaria. El hecho de que CFTR funcione no sólo como un canal de Cl- sino también de HCO3- es un campo para la investigación y el desarrollo de fármacos para pacientes con daño genético o adquirido, este último frecuente en la población general. Algunos moduladores de CFTR pueden tener un beneficio terapéutico en el tratamiento de pancreatitis en ambas situaciones. La disfunción del CFTR a nivel renal puede resultar excepcionalmente en alcalosis metabólica y reducción del impulso ventilatorio. Hasta la fecha no está claro cuales serian sus efectos en los sistemas gastrointestinal y hepatobiliar.

Transmembrane regulator in cystic fibrosis (CFTR) can cause severe disease outside of the lungs. The chloride channel (Cl-) has been the most studied, however bicarbonate (HCO3 -) has a very important role in the behavior of secretions and secondary inflammation. The fact that CFTR works not only as a Cl- channel but also as an HCO3- channel is a field for research and development of drugs for patients with genetic or acquired damage, the latter frequent in the general population. Some CFTR modulators may have a therapeutic benefit in the treatment of pancreatitis in both situations. CFTR dysfunction at the renal level can exceptionally result in metabolic alkalosis and reduced ventilatory drive. To date it is not clear what its effects on the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary systems would be.

Actualización en fibrosis quística: diabetes relacionada a fibrosis quística en la era de los moduladores del regulador de transmembrana de fibrosis quística (CFTR) / Update on cystic fibrosis/cystic fibrosis related diabete in the era of transmembrane regulator in cystic fibrosis (CFTR)

Las disglicemias, objetivadas en el test de tolerancia a la glucosa de 2 horas y en el monitoreo continuo de glicemia, son el factor de riesgo principal para el desarrollo de la diabetes relacionada a fibrosis quística (FQ) (DRFQ), la que constituiría la etapa final de un continuo de alteraciones del metabolismo de la glucosa en los pacientes con FQ. Estas disglicemias se deben tanto al daño directo de las células de los islotes pancreáticos productores de insulina, como al aumento de la resistencia a la insulina asociada al estado inflamatorio sistémico de la FQ. El uso cada vez más precoz de los moduladores del CFTR debiera contribuir a evitar el desarrollo de DRFQ y sus complicaciones. La siguiente revisión se enfoca en los efectos de los moduladores del CFTR en la tolerancia a la glucosa en pacientes con FQ.

Dysglycemia, observed in the 2-hour glucose tolerance test and in the continuous monitoring of glycemia, are the main risk factor for the development of diabetes related to cystic fibrosis (CF), which constitutes the final stage of a continuum of impaired glucose metabolism in people with CF. These dysglycemias are due both to direct damage to insulin-producing pancreatic islet cells, and to increased insulin resistance associated with the systemic inflammatory state of CF. The increasingly early use of CFTR modulators should help prevent the development of CRFD and its complications. The following review focuses on the effects of regulador de transmembrana de fibrosis quística (CFTR) modulators on glucose tolerance in people with CF.

Use of elexacaftor+tezacaftor+ivacaftor in individuals with cystic fibrosis and at least one F508del allele: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Uso de elexacaftor + tezacaftor + ivacaftor em indivíduos com fibrose cística com pelo menos um alelo F508del: revisão sistemática e meta-análise

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effect of treatment with the combination of three cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators-elexacaftor+tezacaftor+ivacaftor (ETI)-on important clinical endpoints in individuals with cystic fibrosis. Methods: This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials that compared the use of ETI in individuals with CF and at least one F508del allele with that of placebo or with an active comparator such as other combinations of CFTR modulators, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations and the Patients of interest, Intervention to be studied, Comparison of interventions, and Outcome of interest (PICO) methodology. We searched the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov from their inception to December 26th, 2022. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, and the quality of evidence was based on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Results: We retrieved 54 studies in the primary search. Of these, 6 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed (1,127 patients; 577 and 550 in the intervention and control groups, respectively). The meta-analysis revealed that the use of ETI increased FEV1% [risk difference (RD), +10.47%; 95% CI, 6.88-14.06], reduced the number of acute pulmonary exacerbations (RD, −0.16; 95% CI, −0.28 to −0.04), and improved quality of life (RD, +14.93; 95% CI, 9.98-19.89) and BMI (RD, +1.07 kg/m2; 95% CI, 0.90-1.25). Adverse events did not differ between groups (RD, −0.03; 95% CI, −0.08 to 0.01), and none of the studies reported deaths. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that ETI treatment substantially improves clinically significant, patient-centered outcomes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do tratamento com a combinação de três moduladores da proteína cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR, reguladora de condutância transmembrana em fibrose cística) - elexacaftor + tezacaftor + ivacaftor (ETI) - sobre desfechos clínicos importantes em indivíduos com fibrose cística. Métodos: Revisão sistemática e meta-análise de ensaios clínicos randomizados que compararam o uso de ETI em indivíduos com fibrose cística com pelo menos um alelo F508del com o uso de placebo ou de um comparador ativo como outras combinações de moduladores da CFTR. O estudo foi realizado seguindo as recomendações Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) e a metodologia Patients of interest, Intervention to be studied, Comparison of interventions, and Outcome of interest (PICO). Foram realizadas buscas nos seguintes bancos de dados: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials e ClinicalTrials.gov, desde a sua criação até 26 de dezembro de 2022. O risco de viés foi avaliado por meio da ferramenta de risco de viés da Cochrane, e a qualidade das evidências foi determinada com base no sistema Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Resultados: Foram identificados 54 estudos na busca primária. Destes, 6 preencheram os critérios de inclusão e foram analisados (1.127 pacientes: 577 pacientes intervenção e 550 pacientes controle). A meta-análise revelou que o uso de ETI aumentou o VEF1 em porcentagem do previsto [diferença de risco (DR): +10,47%; IC95%: 6,88-14,06], reduziu o número de exacerbações pulmonares agudas (DR: −0,16; IC95%: −0,28 a −0,04) e melhorou a qualidade de vida (DR: +14,93; IC95%: 9,98-19,89) e o IMC (DR: +1,07 kg/m2; IC95%: 0,90-1,25). Os eventos adversos não diferiram entre os grupos (DR: −0,03; IC95%: −0,08 a 0,01), e nenhum dos estudos relatou óbitos. Conclusões: Nossos achados demonstram que o tratamento com ETI melhora substancialmente os desfechos clinicamente significativos centrados no paciente.

Association between phenotypic and genotypic characteristics and disease severity in individuals with cystic fibrosis / Associação entre as características fenotípicas, genotípicas e a gravidade da doença em indivíduos com fibrose cística

Abstract Objective: To analyze the association between phenotypic and genotypic characteristics and disease severity in individuals with cystic fibrosis treated at a reference center in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods: This is a retrospective study that collected clinical and laboratory data, respiratory and gastrointestinal manifestations, type of treatment, Shwachman-Kulczycki score, and mutations from the patients' medical records. Results: The sample included 50 participants aged one to 33 years, 50% of whom were female. Out of the one hundred alleles of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator gene, the most prevalent mutations were DeltaF508 (45%) and S4X (18%). Mutation groups were only associated with pancreatic insufficiency (p=0.013) and not with disease severity (p=0.073). The latter presented an association with colonization by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus (p=0.007) and with underweight (p=0.036). Death was associated with age at diagnosis (p=0.016), respiratory symptomatology (p=0.013), colonization (p=0.024), underweight (p=0.017), and hospitalization (p=0.003). Conclusions: We could identify the association of mutations with pancreatic insufficiency; the association of Staphylococcus aureus colonization and underweight with disease severity; and the lack of association between mutations and disease severity. Environmental factors should be investigated more thoroughly since they seem to have an important effect on disease severity.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre as características fenotípicas, genotípicas e a gravidade da doença em indivíduos com fibrose cística atendidos em um centro de referência de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo, em que os dados clínicos, laboratoriais, as manifestações respiratórias e gastrointestinais, o tipo de tratamento, o escore de Shwachman-Kulczycki e as mutações foram coletados dos prontuários de registros dos pacientes. Resultados: A amostra incluiu 50 participantes, de um a 33 anos de idade, sendo 50% do sexo feminino. Do total de cem alelos do gene Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator, as mutações mais prevalentes foram Delta F508 (45%) e S4X (18%). Os grupos de mutações apresentaram associação somente (p=0,013) com a insuficiência pancreática e não com a gravidade da doença (p=0,073). Esta última apresentou associação com a colonização por Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Staphylococcus aureus (p=0,007) e com baixo peso (p=0,036). O óbito foi associado com a idade no diagnóstico (p=0,016), a sintomatologia respiratória (p=0,013), a colonização (p=0,024), o baixo peso (p=0,017) e a ocorrência de internação (p=0,003). Conclusões: Foi possível observar associação entre as mutações e a presença de insuficiência pancreática; entre a colonização por Staphylococcus aureus e o baixo peso com a gravidade da doença; e ausência de associação entre as mutações e a gravidade da doença. Os fatores ambientais merecem ser investigados mais detalhadamente, pois parecem apresentar impacto importante na gravidade da doença.

Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor-real-world clinical effectiveness and safety. A single-center Portuguese study / Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor-efetividade clínica e segurança no mundo real. Estudo unicêntrico português

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment with elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ELX/TEZ/IVA) and to characterize its safety profile in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients in a real-world clinical setting. Methods: This was a prospective observational study carried out in a CF referral center in Portugal involving adult CF patients who started treatment with ELX/TEZ/IVA. Clinical characteristics of the patients were collected, and effectiveness and safety data were evaluated. Results: Of the 56 patients followed in the center at the time of the study, 28 were eligible for ELX/TEZ/IVA treatment in accordance with the Portuguese National Authority for Medicines and Health Products at the time of the study. Of these, 24 met the follow-up time requirement to be included in the clinical effectiveness analysis. The mean follow-up time was 167.3 ± 96.4 days. Adverse events were generally mild and self-limited. Significant improvements in lung function, BMI, sweat chloride concentration, and number of pulmonary exacerbations were observed. No significant differences in outcomes between F508del homozygous and heterozygous patients were found. The effectiveness of this new CFTR modulator combination also applied to patients with advanced lung disease. Conclusions: Treatment with ELX/TEZ/IVA showed effective improvement in real-world clinical practice, namely in lung function, BMI, sweat chloride concentration, and number of pulmonary exacerbations, with no safety concerns.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a efetividade do tratamento com elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ELX/TEZ/IVA) e caracterizar seu perfil de segurança em pacientes com fibrose cística (FC) em um cenário clínico de mundo real. Métodos: Estudo observacional prospectivo realizado em um centro de referência em FC de Portugal com pacientes adultos com FC que iniciaram o tratamento com ELX/TEZ/IVA. As características clínicas dos pacientes foram coletadas, e os dados de efetividade e segurança, avaliados. Resultados: Dos 56 pacientes acompanhados no centro na época do estudo, 28 eram elegíveis para o tratamento com ELX/TEZ/IVA de acordo com a Autoridade Nacional do Medicamento e Produtos de Saúde. Destes, 24 atenderam ao requisito de tempo de acompanhamento para inclusão na análise de efetividade clínica. O tempo médio de acompanhamento foi de 167,3 ± 96,4 dias. Os eventos adversos foram geralmente leves e autolimitados. Foram observadas melhoras significativas na função pulmonar, no IMC, na concentração de cloreto no suor e no número de exacerbações pulmonares. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas nos resultados entre os pacientes homozigotos e heterozigotos para F508del. A efetividade dessa nova combinação de moduladores da CFRT em fibrose cística também se aplica a pacientes com doença pulmonar avançada. Conclusões: O tratamento com ELX/TEZ/IVA demonstrou melhora efetiva na prática clínica real, a saber, na função pulmonar, no IMC, na concentração de cloreto no suor e no número de exacerbações pulmonares, sem preocupações de segurança.

Physiochemical response of papaya genotypes exposed to low temperature regimes

Susceptibility to low temperature stress is the major threat to papaya cultivation. Here, we studied a low temperature stress tolerance in papaya plant. We have investigated the effect of different low temperature regimes, 28°/18°C (day/night) to 16°/06°C (day/night) with a gradual decrease of 2°C on every two days and one set with direct exposure to the low temperature of 18°/08°C (day/night), called the acclimatized plant, in five diverse papaya genotypes (Pusa Nanha, Red Lady P-7-2, P-7-9, and P-7-14) and cold tolerant wild relative of cultivated papaya genotype (Vasconcellea cundinamarcensis V.M. Badillo) under controlled regulated conditions. It was observed that there were significant variations in the physiological and biochemical parameters like photosynthetic gas exchange parameters, chlorophyll content, fluorescence parameters, relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI), total sugars content, total soluble proteins content, lipid peroxidation, and proline accumulation in leaf tissues. Maximum stomatal conductance, chlorophyll fluorescence, RWC, MSI, total sugars, total soluble proteins, proline and lowest MDA contents were observed in Vasconcellea cundinamarcensis followed by inbred P-7-9 as compared to other genotypes under low temperature stress. Among all the papaya genotypes, P-7-9 showed more adaptability to low temperature stress and it further give new insights for developing low temperature tolerant papaya genotypes, especially under changing climate situations.

Comparative physiological and histological investigations on resistant and susceptible pomegranate genotypes infected with Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. Punicae

Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae (Xap) is a bacterial pathogen wreaking havoc in pomegranate cultivation. It causes bacterial blight disease dwindling yield and making fruit unfit for consumption. Physiological and histological investigations during host-pathogen interaction are prerequisite to assess the onset of defense mechanism in plants. Therefore, we tried to compare the pomegranate resistant (IC 318734) and highly susceptible (Ruby) genotypes challenged with Xap. The bacterial suspension containing Xap cells of 0.3 OD600 (~106 to 107CFU mL?1) was used for challenge inoculation. Uniformly grown resistant and highly susceptible plants were selected, the surface of leaves was pricked and spray-inoculated with bacterial suspension using native strain IIHR1 (NCBI Gen Bank ID: KT 222897). Simultaneously, the control plants were also sprayed with only distilled water and observed. A total of three replications with five plants per replication were maintained and evaluated under completely randomized design. Physiological investigations were recorded using Portable photosynthesis system (LCpro+, ADC BioScientific limited, UK) for one cycle of disease progression viz., 0, 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 days after bacterial spray inoculation (DAI). Significant changes in gas exchange parameters were witnessed on pathogen inoculation. Higher reduction in mean percent change of photosynthetic and transpiration rate, instantaneous water use efficiency, internal CO2 content, stomatal conductance and relative water content were noticed in highly susceptible genotype than resistant one. On contrary, an increased percent mean change of intrinsic water use efficiency, carboxylation capacity and lignin was documented in resistant genotype. Relative injury caused due to bacterial infection was found high in highly susceptible genotype than resistant one. Histological investigations in highly susceptible and resistant genotype were studied on 20th day of Xap inoculation using Scanning Electron Microscopy. Highly susceptible genotype exhibited maximum deformed cells, tissues and other visible abnormalities upon Xap inoculation. Thus, this study forms a basis for effective disease management and breeding programmes in pomegranate.

Research progress of cystic fibrosis and its therapies / 药学学报

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common and life-threatening autosomal recessive disorder in Caucasians populations. The disease is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. The absence of mature CFTR at the correct cellular location or dysfunction of CFTR proteins has been observed in CF patients. CF is frequently accompanied by a variety of complex complications, such as impairments in pulmonary functions, which may lead to successive infections and respiratory failure. Recently, with the understanding of the pathogenesis of CF, a wide array of therapeutic strategies for the treatment of CF has been designed. This review summarizes pathogenic mechanisms of CF, mechanisms of action of drugs, routes of administration, and new drug development as well as provides insights into the advanced treatment strategies for CF.

Establishment of a CFTR-based detection method for the second messenger cAMP in the cytoplasm / 中国应用生理学杂志

Objective: To establish a detection method based on Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) that can sensitively detect the second messenger cyclic AMP (cAMP) in the cytoplasm. Methods: The eukaryotic expression vectors of CFTR and YFP-H148Q / I152L were constructed respectively. FRT cells co-expressing CFTR and YFP-H148Q / I152L were obtained by liposome transfection. The expression of CFTR and YFP-H148Q / I152L in FRT cells was observed by an inverted fluorescence microscopy, and flow cytometry was used to detect the purity of cells; The cell model was identified by the fluorescence quenching kinetics test. The validation of the cell model which could screen CFTR modulators was verified by the fluorescence quenching kinetics experiments. The radioimmunoassay was used to detect the cAMP concentration in cytoplasm after adding CFTR activator. Results: The results of the inverted fluorescence microscope showed that CFTR was expressed in the cell membrane and YFP-H148Q / I152L was expressed in the cytoplasm of FRT cells. The FRT cell model stably co-expressing ANO1 and YFP-H148Q / I152L was successfully constructed. The model could screen CFTR modulators, and the slope of fluorescence change and the concentration of CFTR modulators were in a dose-dependent manner. The slope of the fluorescence could reflect the cAMP concentration in the cytoplasm. The cell model could sensitively detect the intracellular cAMP concentration. Conclusion: The cell model could efficiently and sensitively detect the second messenger cAMP concentration in the cytoplasm, and it provided a simple and efficient method for the study of other targets associated cAMP signal.

Advances in the pathogenesis and molecular regulatory therapy of cystic fibrosis / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive monogenetic disease caused by homozygous and double-heterozygous mutations of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator ( CFTR)gene.The CFTR gene encodes a chloride ion channel protein, which is distributed in the airway, pancreatic duct epithelium and other body parts.CFTR dysfunction will give rise to a series of clinical manifestations.Remarkable achievements have been made in specific molecular regulatory therapy targeting CFTR dysfunction over the past 10 years.CF has thus become a model disease, which provides new approaches for the research on genetics, molecular and cellular pathogenesis, and drug discovery of other rare genetic diseases.In this article, the latest research progress on the pathogenesis and molecular regulatory therapy of CF in recent years was reviewed to improve clinical understanding of the disease mechanism and molecular regulatory therapy.

Research progress of cystic fibrosis associated Pseudo-Bartter syndrome / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive inherited disease affecting multiple body systems.Pseudo-Bartter syndrome (PBS) is a common manifestation of CF, with such clinical features as hypochloremia, hyponatremia, hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis.However, PBS patients do not have renal tubulopathy.Children with CF are prone to develop electrolyte abnormalities due to fluid and electrolyte loss.In this article, the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of CF associated PBS were reviewed in order to enhance clinical understan-ding of this disease.

Mechanism of Xiaoqinglong Decoction and Qingqi Huatan Pills in improving pathological airway mucus based on nuclear factor-κB/microRNA-494 signaling regulation of mucin 5AC and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To observe the effects of Xiaoqinglong Decoction and Qingqi Huatan Pills on interleukin-1β(IL-1β)-induced mucushypersecretion model of human airway epithelial H292 cellsand related molecules of nuclear factor-κB/microRNA-494 (NF-κB/miR-494) signaling pathway, and to explore the mechanism of the two medicines in improving pathological airway mucus.Methods:Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) colorimetric method was used to detect the effects of different concentrations of Xiaoqinglong Decoction and Qingqi Huatan Pills on the activity of H292 cellsinduced by IL-1β, and the appropriate concentration was selected for subsequent experiments. Cells were randomly divided into blank group, IL-1β model group (5 μg/L IL-1β), NF-κB inhibitor pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC) group (5 μg/L IL-1β+100 μmol/L PDTC), Xiaoqinglong Decoction (5 μg/L IL-1β+1 000 mg/L Xiaoqinglong Decoction) and Qingqi Huatan Pill group (5 μg/L IL-1β+1 000 mg/L Qingqi Huatan Pills). 5 μg/L IL-1β was used to induce H292 cells for 24 hours to establish a model of airway epithelial mucus hypersecretion. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to detect the levels of mucin 5AC (MUC5AC), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-8 and the synthesis of intracellular MUC5AC and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression levels of MUC5AC mRNA, CFTR mRNA, miR-494. Western blotting was used to detect protein expression of key proteins (p65) and NF-κB inhibitors (IκB) in NF-κB signaling pathway.Results:Xiaoqinglong Decoction and Qingqi Huatan Pills with the concentration of 1 000 mg/L were selected for the follow-up experiment. Compared with the blank group, the levels of MUC5AC, TNF-α and IL-8 were significantly increased in the model group, intracellular MUC5AC protein content and mRNA expression were also significantly increased, intracellular CFTR protein content and mRNA expression were significantly decreased, and intracellular p65 protein expression was significantly up-regulated, the expression of IκB protein was significantly down-regulated, and the expression of miR-494 was significantly increased. Compared with the model group, the levels of MUC5AC, TNF-α and IL-8 were significantly reduced in PDTC group, Xiaoqinglong Decoction group and Qingqi Huatan Pill group, intracellular MUC5AC protein content and mRNA expression were also significantly decreased, and intracellular p65 protein expression was significantly down-regulated, and IκB protein expression was significantly up-regulated, miR-494 expression was significantly reduced. Intracellular CFTR protein content and mRNA expression were significantly increased in both PDTC group and Qingqi Huatan Pill group. Compared with the PDTC group, the level of TNF-α in the Xiaoqinglong Decoction group was significantly increased (ng/L: 22.77±3.14 vs. 11.09±3.37, P < 0.05), the content and mRNA expression of CFTR and IκB protein expression was significantly decreased [CFTR protein (ng/L): 97.38±6.62 vs. 227.04±19.48, CFTR mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 0.99±0.08 vs. 1.21±0.08, IκB/β-actin: 1.69±0.11 vs. 2.00±0.18, all P < 0.05], the level of TNF-α in Qingqi Huatan Pill group was significantly higher (ng/L: 19.08±3.71 vs. 11.09±3.37, P < 0.05). Compared with Xiaoqinglong Decoction group, the protein content and mRNA expression of CFTR and IκB protein expression in Qingqi Huatan Pill group were significantly increased [CFTR protein (ng/L) : 235.01±22.71 vs. 97.38±6.62, CFTR mRNA(2 -ΔΔCt): 1.32±0.15 vs. 0.99±0.08, IκB/β-actin: 1.94±0.16 vs. 1.69±0.11, all P < 0.05]. Conclusions:The effect of Xiaoqinglong Decoctionin improving the hypersecretion of mucus in the airway epithelium may be related to the inhibition of NF-κB/miR-494 inflammatory signal-mediated MUC5AC hypersecretion, while the effect of Qingqi Huatan Pills may be related to the inhibition of NF-κB/miR-494 inflammatory signal-mediated MUC5AC hypersecretion and CFTR dysfunction. Therefore, the difference in the mechanism of the two treatments of airway pathological mucus is mainly in the regulation of CFTR mRNA and protein.

The Interaction Between CAL and mGluR1 Alleviates Cytotoxicity Induced by mGluR1 Overactivation / 中国生物化学与分子生物学报

Glutamate excitotoxicity mediated by metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1) overexpression or overactivation plays an important role in the development of Parkinson's disease (PD). Although clinical trials support the therapeutic potential of certain mGluR negative allosteric modulators (NAMs), there are still some limitations of precise modulation of mGluR using NAMs. Thus, the identification of small molecules or endogenous genes that facilitate mGluR1 modulation might be potentially beneficial for PD treatment. We determined the role of interacting partner cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator-associated ligand (CAL) in overactivated mGluR1-mediated cell apoptosis and signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. HEK293 cells were used as an experimental tool to directly examine the interaction between CAL and mGluR1. We found that agonist of mGluR1 significantly enhanced the interaction between CAL and mGluR1 (P< 0. 05). Furthermore, CAL suppressed overactivated mGluR1-induced cell apoptosis and the activation of mGluR1 downstream signaling pathways. CAL overexpression relieved rotenone-induced neuron death (P< 0. 001) by inhibiting the activation of mGluR1-mediated signaling pathways in rotenone-induced rat model of PD. This study may reveal a new mechanism of mGluR1 activity regulation, and hopefully provide a novel molecular mechanism for the nervous system related diseases.

Gas exchanges and chlorophyll content in green pepper plants under bio-fertilization and times of application

This study aimed to determine the gas exchange and the chlorophyll content of green pepper plants under doses and times of application of bio-fertilizers based on manure and enriched organic compost. Two experiments were carried out simultaneously with applications of bio-fertilizers prepared from manure and enriched organic compost, one using cattle manure (CBF) and the other sheep manure (SBF). For these, four doses of biological fertilizers (100, 200, 300 and 400 dm³ ha-1), three application times (0, 30 and 60 days after transplantation - DAT) and absolute control, referring to the absence of fertilization, were used. treatments. were arranged in a randomized block design, totaling 13 treatments. The variables evaluated were: the relative chlorophyll a, b and total content; liquid photosynthesis (A); stomatal conductance (gs); internal CO2 concentration (Ci); instant carboxylation efficiency (iCE - A/Ci); transpiration rate (T); intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE - A/gs); and water use efficiency (WUE - A/E). Gs, A and T, showed significant effect at 60 DAT with the application of SBF and Ci at 30 DAT with CBF. The dose of 400 dm³ ha-1 of SBF provided greater gas results, and the doses of 200 and 300 dm³ ha-1 of CBF promoted a greater Ci, greater stomatal conductance, greater liquid photosynthesis and better water use efficiency, which results in a greater plant fresh weight at the time of flowering induction.