DKK2 Promotes the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the impact of Dickkopf 2 (DKK2) on the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and explore its role in the PI3K/AKT signaling transduction pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study initially examined the expression of the DKK2 gene in OSCC tissues and normal tissues. Simultaneously, the expression of DKK2 in HOK cells and OSCC cells was verified, and changes in DKK2 expression under hypoxic conditions were detected. DKK2 overexpression and knockdown were performed in SCC-15 and CAL-27 cells. Subsequently, the effects of DKK2 on the proliferation, migration and invasion of OSCC were detected. Western blotting was employed to detect the expression of key proteins in the DKK2/PI3K/AKT signaling axis before and after transfection, and further explore the relevant molecular mechanisms. RESULTS: Compared to normal tissues, DKK2 expression was elevated in OSCC tissues. The expression of DKK2 in the SCC-15 and CAL-27 cell lines was higher than that in HOK cells, and hypoxic conditions could promote DKK2 expression. DKK2 overexpression promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while DKK2 knockdown inhibited these processes. DKK2 overexpression activated the PI3K/AKT pathway, while DKK2 knockdown suppressed this pathway. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that hypoxic conditions enhance the expression of DKK2 in OSCC. DKK2 regulates the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Computer-aided cognitive training combined with tDCS can improve post-stroke cognitive impairment and cerebral vasomotor function: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is the focus and difficulty of poststroke rehabilitation intervention with an incidence of up to 61%, which may be related to the deterioration of cerebrovascular function. Computer-aided cognitive training (CACT) can improve cognitive function through scientific training targeting activated brain regions, becoming a popular training method in recent years. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, can regulate the cerebral vascular nerve function, and has an effect on the rehabilitation of cognitive dysfunction after stroke. This study examined the effectiveness of both CACT and tDCS on cognitive and cerebrovascular function after stroke, and explored whether CACT combined with tDCS was more effective. METHODS: A total of 72 patients with PSCI were randomly divided into the conventional cognitive training (CCT) group (n = 18), tDCS group (n = 18), CACT group (n = 18), and CACT combined with tDCS group (n = 18). Patients in each group received corresponding 20-minute treatment 15 times a week for 3 consecutive weeks. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IADL) were used to assess patients' cognitive function and the activities of daily living ability. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) was used to assess cerebrovascular function, including cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV), pulse index (PI), and breath holding index (BHI). These outcome measures were measured before and after treatment. RESULTS: Compared with those at baseline, both the MoCA and IADL scores significantly increased after treatment (P < 0.01) in each group. There was no significantly difference in efficacy among CCT, CACT and tDCS groups. The CACT combined with tDCS group showed greater improvement in MoCA scores compared with the other three groups (P < 0.05), especially in the terms of visuospatial and executive. BHI significantly improved only in CACT combined with tDCS group after treatment (p ≤ 0.05) but not in the other groups. Besides, no significant difference in CBFV or PI was found before and after the treatments in all groups. CONCLUSION: Both CACT and tDCS could be used as an alternative to CCT therapy to improve cognitive function and activities of daily living ability after stroke. CACT combined with tDCS may be more effective improving cognitive function and activities of daily living ability in PSCI patients, especially visuospatial and executive abilities, which may be related to improved cerebral vasomotor function reflected by the BHI. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: The study was registered in the Chinese Registry of Clinical Trials (ChiCTR2100054063). Registration date: 12/08/2021.

Scutellarein Ameliorated Chondrocyte Inflammation and Osteoarthritis in Rats.

OBJECTIVE: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disorder characterized by the gradual degradation of joint cartilage and local inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the anti-OA effect of scutellarein (SCU), a single-unit flavonoid compound obtained from Scutellaria barbata D. Don, in rats. METHODS: The extracted rat chondrocytes were treated with SCU and IL-1ß. The chondrocytes were divided into control group, IL-1ß group, IL-1ß+SCU 50 µmol/L group, and IL-1ß+SCU 100 µmol/L group. Morphology of rat chondrocytes was observed by toluidine blue and safranin O staining. CCK-8 method was used to detect the cytotoxicity of SCU. ELISA, qRT-PCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, SAß-gal staining, flow cytometry, and bioinformatics analysis were applied to evaluate the effect of SCU on rat chondrocytes under IL-1ß intervention. Additionally, anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACL-T) was used to establish a rat OA model. Histological changes were detected by safranin O/fast green, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: SCU protected cartilage and exhibited anti-inflammatory effects via multiple mechanisms. Specifically, it could enhance the synthesis of extracellular matrix in cartilage cells and inhibit its degradation. In addition, SCU partially inhibited the nuclear factor kappa-B/mitogen-activated protein kinase (NF-κB/MAPK) pathway, thereby reducing inflammatory cytokine production in the joint cartilage. Furthermore, SCU significantly reduced IL-1ß-induced apoptosis and senescence in rat chondrocytes, further highlighting its potential role in OA treatment. In vivo experiments revealed that SCU (at a dose of 50 mg/kg) administered for 2 months could significantly delay the progression of cartilage damage, which was reflected in a lower Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) score, and reduced expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) in cartilage. CONCLUSION: SCU is effective in the therapeutic management of OA and could serve as a potential candidate for future clinical drug therapy for OA.

Novel subtype of obesity influencing the outcomes of sleeve gastrectomy: Familial aggregation of obesity.

BACKGROUND: Differences in the preoperative characteristics and weight loss outcomes after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) between patients with familial aggregation of obesity (FAO) and patients with sporadic obesity (SO) have not been elucidated. AIM: To explore the impact of SG on weight loss and the alleviation of obesity-related comorbidities in individuals with FAO. METHODS: A total of 193 patients with obesity who underwent SG were selected. Patients with FAO/SO were matched 1:1 by propensity score matching and were categorized into 4 groups based on the number of first-degree relatives with obesity (1SO vs 1FAO, 2SO vs 2FAO). The baseline characteristics, weight loss outcomes, prevalence of obesity-related comorbidities and incidence of major surgery-related complications were compared between groups. RESULTS: We defined FAO as the presence of two or more first-degree relatives with obesity. Patients with FAO did not initially show significant differences in baseline data, short-term postoperative weight loss, or obesity-related comorbidities when compared to patients with SO preoperatively. However, distinctions between the two groups became evident at the two-year mark, with statistically significant differences in both percentage of total weight loss (P = 0.006) and percentage of excess weight loss (P < 0.001). The FAO group exhibited weaker remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (P = 0.031), hyperlipidemia (P = 0.012), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (P = 0.003) as well as a lower incidence of acid reflux (P = 0.038). CONCLUSION: FAO patients is associated with decreased mid-to-long-term weight loss outcomes; the alleviation of T2DM, hyperlipidemia and NAFLD; and decreased incidence of acid reflux postoperatively.

Effects of scapular treatment on chronic neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Chronic neck pain (CNP) is a common public health problem that affects daily living activities and quality of life. There is biomechanical interdependence between the neck and scapula. Studies have shown that shoulder blade function might be related to chronic neck pain. We therefore evaluated the effects of scapular targeted therapy on neck pain and function in patients with CNP. METHODS: Databases, including MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE (via Ovid), Ovid, Web of Science, and Scopus, were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials published in English investigating treatment of the scapula for CNP before July 16, 2023. RESULTS: A total of 313 participants were included from 8 RCTs. Compared with those in the control group, the intervention in the scapular treatment group exhibited greater improvement in pain intensity (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 2.55; 95% CI = 0.97 to 4.13; P = 0.002), with moderate evidence. Subgroup analysis for pain intensity revealed a significant difference between the sexes, with only the female population (SMD = 6.23, 95% CI = 4.80 to 7.65) showing better outcomes than those with both sexes (SMD = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.57 to 1.56) (p < 0.00001). However, moderate evidence demonstrated no improvement in neck disability after scapular treatment (SMD of 0.24[-0.14, 0.62] of Neck Disability Index or Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire). No effect of scapular treatment was shown on the pressure pain threshold (PPT). The cervical range of motion (CROM) and electromyographic activity of neck muscles could not be conclusively evaluated due to limited support in the articles, and further study was needed. However, the patient's head forward posture appeared to be corrected after scapular treatment. CONCLUSION: Scapular therapy was beneficial for relieving pain intensity in patients with CNP, especially in women. Head forward posture might also be corrected with scapular therapy. However, scapular therapy may have no effect on the PPT or neck disability. However, whether scapular therapy could improve CROM and cervical muscle activation in patients with CNPs had not been determined and needed further study.

Artificial Vascular with Pressure-Responsive Property based on Deformable Microfluidic Channels.

In vitro blood vessel models are significant for disease modeling, drug assays, and therapeutic development. Microfluidic technologies allow to create physiologically relevant culture models reproducing the features of the in vivo vascular microenvironment. However, current microfluidic technologies are limited by impractical rectangular cross-sections and single or nonsynchronous compound mechanical stimuli. This study proposes a new strategy for creating round-shaped deformable soft microfluidic channels to serve as artificial in vitro vasculature for developing in vitro models with vascular physio-mechanical microenvironments. Endothelial cells seeded into vascular models are used to assess the effects of a remodeled in vivo mechanical environment. Furthermore, a 3D stenosis model is constructed to recapitulate the flow disturbances in atherosclerosis. Soft microchannels can also be integrated into traditional microfluidics to realize multifunctional composite systems. This technology provides new insights into applying microfluidic chips and a prospective approach for constructing in vitro blood vessel models.

Fraxin Ameliorates Ulcerative Colitis by Modulating Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and TLR4/NF-κB and MAPK Signaling Pathways.

Objective: UC is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder of uncertain etiology. However, effective therapeutic drug options for UC are relatively limited. Fraxin represents a principal active constituent within the traditional Chinese medicinal herb known as Cortex Fraxini or Qinpi. Nevertheless, the impact of Fraxin on UC remains uncharted. This study aims to explore the potential of Fraxin, a key component of Cortex Fraxini, in inhibiting DSS-induced intestinal inflammation in mice and to unravel the underlying mechanisms. Methods: In vitro experiment,the RAW264. 7 cells were induced by LPS as the model.In vivo experiment,the mice were induced by DSS as the animal model for a ten day experiment.The ELISA, western blots, measurement of oxidative stress markers and other relevant methods were used to discuss the effect of Fraxin on LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells and the inhibitory effect of Fraxin on intestinal inflammation induced by DSS in mice and underlying mechanisms. Results: Our findings indicated that Fraxin significantly reduced symptoms of UC, such as body weight loss, colonic length shortening, and histological damage. At the molecular level, it inhibited ROS generation, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, and regulated key pathways including TLR4/NF-κB and MAPK.The findings indicated that Fraxin diminished the expression of p-NF-κB and p-IκB, downregulated iNOS and COX-2 expression, and lessened p38, JNK and ERK phosphorylation. Conclusion: Taken together, Fraxin ameliorates UC by regulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and TLR4/NF-κB and MAPK pathways, and Fraxin may be a new treatment for UC. Our findings suggest that Fraxin could offer a novel therapeutic approach for UC, targeting oxidative stress and key inflammatory pathways.

Efficacy and safety of transcranial direct current stimulation in the treatment of fibromyalgia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To update a systematic review of the efficacy and safety of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for analgesia, for antidepressant effects, and to reduce the impact of fibromyalgia (FM), looking for optimal areas of stimulation. METHODS: We searched five databases to identify randomized controlled trials comparing active and sham tDCS for FM. The primary outcome was pain intensity, and secondary outcome measures included FM Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and depression score. Meta-analysis was conducted using standardized mean difference (SMD). Subgroup analysis was performed to determine the effects of different regional stimulation, over the primary motor cortex (M1), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), opercular-insular cortex (OIC), and occipital nerve (ON) regions. We analyzed the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) by the value of the mean difference (MD) for an 11-point scale for pain, the Beck Depressive Inventory-II (BDI-II), and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) score. We described the certainty of the evidence (COE) using the tool GRADE profile. RESULTS: Twenty studies were included in the analysis. Active tDCS had a positive effect on pain (SMD= -1.04; 95 % CI -1.38 to -0.69), depression (SMD= -0.46; 95 % CI -0.64 to -0.29), FIQ (SMD= -0.73; 95 % CI -1.09 to -0.36), COE is moderate. Only group M1 (SD=-1.57) and DLPFC (SD=-1.44) could achieve MCID for analgesia; For BDI-II, only group DLPFC (SD=-5.36) could achieve an MCID change. Adverse events were mild. CONCLUSION: tDCS is a safe intervention that relieves pain intensity, reduces depression, and reduces the impact of FM on life. Achieving an MCID is related to the stimulation site and the target symptom.

Copper-crosslinked carbon dot hydrogel nanozyme for colorimetric - tert-butylhydroquinone biosensing and smartphone-assisted visual ratiometric assay.

Due to the potential environment and health risks of tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), rapid, portable, selective and sensitive quantification of TBHQ in food and the environment are strictly essential. With this in mind, a selective, sensitive and rapid colorimetric TBHQ biosensor was developed using rationally designed copper-crosslinked carbon dot hydrogel nanozyme (BC-CDs@Cu). The BC-CDs@Cu had a high peroxidase-like activity toward the chromogenic reaction of hydrogen peroxide with dopamine via the generation of hydroxyl radicals and electron transfer process. The Michaelis-Menten constants of BC-CDs@Cu for dopamine and hydrogen peroxide were determined to be 0.86 and 0.91 mM. The added TBHQ markedly inhibited the BC-CDs@Cu-catalyzed dopamine oxidation by hydrogen peroxide, ascribing to the highly effective and rapid scavenging of hydroxyl radicals and the suppression of electron transfer. The inhibitory extent was applied for well quantifying TBHQ in the range of 0.5 - 20.0 µM with a detection limit of 70 nM. The proposed biosensor had a negligible response to various interfering substances. Moreover, a smartphone-assisted visual ratiometric biosensor was fabricated, and used to accomplish portable quantification of TBHQ in edible oils and water samples. This work reveals the enormous potential of hydrogel nanozyme, which will open a new situation for the detection of hazardous substances.

Signaling via a CD28/CD40 chimeric costimulatory antigen receptor (CoStAR™), targeting folate receptor alpha, enhances T cell activity and augments tumor reactivity of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes.

Transfer of autologous tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) to patients with refractory melanoma has shown clinical efficacy in a number of trials. However, extending the clinical benefit to patients with other cancers poses a challenge. Inefficient costimulation in the tumor microenvironment can lead to T cell anergy and exhaustion resulting in poor anti-tumor activity. Here, we describe a chimeric costimulatory antigen receptor (CoStAR) comprised of FRα-specific scFv linked to CD28 and CD40 intracellular signaling domains. CoStAR signaling alone does not activate T cells, while the combination of TCR and CoStAR signaling enhances T cell activity resulting in less differentiated T cells, and augmentation of T cell effector functions, including cytokine secretion and cytotoxicity. CoStAR activity resulted in superior T cell proliferation, even in the absence of exogenous IL-2. Using an in vivo transplantable tumor model, CoStAR was shown to improve T cell survival after transfer, enhanced control of tumor growth, and improved host survival. CoStAR could be reliably engineered into TIL from multiple tumor indications and augmented TIL activity against autologous tumor targets both in vitro and in vivo. CoStAR thus represents a general approach to improving TIL therapy with synthetic costimulation.

ALDH2 activation attenuates oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation-induced cell apoptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis and autophagy

Purpose It is previously reported that aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 family member (ALDH2) shows neuroprotective effects in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, whether the protective effects are through mediating the programmed cell death is yet to be fully elucidated. Methods In vitro oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model was established in HT22 cells and mouse cortical neurons. Subsequently, ALDH2 expression were assessed by qRT-PCR and western blot. The methylation status was examined by methylation-specific PCR (MS-PCR). Then, ALDH2 expression was promoted and suppressed to explore the role of ALDH2 in OGD/R-treated cells. CCK-8 assay was applied to detect cell viability, and flow cytometry was applied to evaluate cell apoptosis. Western blot was applied to detect the apoptosis-related proteins (Caspase 3, Bcl-2 and Bax), necroptosis-related proteins (RIP3 and MLKL), pyroptosis-related proteins (NLRP3 and GSDMD), ferroptosis-related protein (ACSL4 and GPX4), and autophagy-related proteins (LC3B, and p62). IL-1β and IL-18 production was evaluated by ELISA assay. Reactive oxygen species production and Fe2+ content were evaluated by the corresponding detection kit. Results In OGD/R-treated cells, ALDH2 expression was decreased, which was due to the hypermethylation of ALDH2 in the promoter region. ALDH2 overexpression improved cell viability and ALDH2 knockdown suppressed cell viability in OGD/R-treated cells. We also found that ALDH2 overexpression attenuated OGD/R-induced cell apoptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis and autophagy, while ALDH2 knockdown facilitated the OGD/R-induced cell apoptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis and autophagy. Conclusions Collectively, our results implied that ALDH2 attenuated OGD/R-induced cell apoptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis and autophagy to promote cell viability in HT22 cells and mouse cortical neurons (AU)

Transcutaneous Cervical Vagus Nerve Magnetic Stimulation in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Feasibility Study.

OBJECTIVES: Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation has shown promising results in improving cognitive and motor function after stroke. However, to our knowledge, there have been no studies in the modulation of the cervical vagus nerve using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) with cognitive dysfunction. Thus, we conducted a single-arm feasibility trial to assess the safety and effectiveness of rTMS of the vagus nerve in patients with TBI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled ten patients with TBI and administered half-hour vagus nerve magnetic stimulation (VNMS) sessions for ten days to evaluate the feasibility of the treatment. The Montreal cognitive assessment-Beijing (MoCA-B), the Digit Span Test, and the Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) were used to measure cognitive function before and after the VNMS treatment. Physiological parameters of all subjects were assessed by electrocardiogram. RESULTS: The findings showed that daily half-hour VNMS for ten days was feasible in patients with TBI, with minimal side effects and no clinically significant effects on physiological parameters. Eight patients showed improvement in MoCA-B, and five patients showed improvement in immediate memory as measured by AVLT. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that VNMS is a safe and feasible treatment option for patients with TBI with cognitive dysfunction. However, further controlled studies are necessary to establish the efficacy of VNMS in promoting cognitive recovery after TBI. SIGNIFICANCE: This study is, to our knowledge, the first study to investigate the feasibility of VNMS for cognitive dysfunction in patients with TBI. Our findings offer the possibility of rTMS applied to the vagus nerve in clinical practice.

The effectiveness and safety of botulinum toxin injections for the treatment of sialorrhea with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin (BoNT) injection is an important adjunctive method to treat sialorrhea. The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the effect and safety of BoNT injections in the intervention of sialorrhea with Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: We searched PubMed, Web Of Science (WOS), Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Embase from inception until April 2022. Randomized controlled trials or randomized crossover trials comparing BoNT with placebo in sialorrhea with PD were eligible. PRISMA guidelines were used to carry out the meta-analysis. The Drooling Severity Frequency Scale (DSFS) score and the number of adverse events (AEs) were the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and risk differences (RDs) are used to express continuous and categorical outcomes, respectively. Heterogeneity among these studies was evaluated using I2 tests. We used the GRADE tool to assess the certainty of evidence (COE). RESULTS: Eight articles involving 259 patients compared BoNT injections with a placebo for PD with sialorrhea. This meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in DSFS scores between BoNT injections and placebo (SMD=-0.98; 95% CI, -1.27 to 0.70, p<0.001; COE: high). This meta-analysis showed a significant difference in AEs between BoNT injections and placebo (RD=0.15; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.24, p=0.002; COE: low). CONCLUSIONS: The pooled results suggest that BoNT injections have some effect on DSFS scores with sialorrhea caused by PD. There are also mild adverse events, which generally recover within a week or so. The results indicate that BoNT injection is one of the treatments for sialorrhea caused by PD, but we need to pay attention to adverse events. In addition, the follow-up time was extended to observe oral hygiene, ulceration or dental caries, and digestive function. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Our review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (42021288334).

Systematic Mendelian randomization study of the effect of gut microbiome and plasma metabolome on severe COVID-19.

Background: COVID-19 could develop severe respiratory symptoms in certain infected patients, especially in the patients with immune disorders. Gut microbiome and plasma metabolome act important immunological modulators in the human body and could contribute to the immune responses impacting the progression of COVID-19. However, the causal relationship between specific intestinal bacteria, metabolites and severe COVID-19 remains not clear. Methods: Based on two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) framework, the causal effects of 131 intestinal taxa and 452 plasma metabolites on severe COVID-19 were evaluated. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) strongly associated with the abundance of intestinal taxa and the concentration of plasma metabolites had been utilized as the instrument variables to infer whether they were causal factors of severe COVID-19. In addition, mediation analysis was conducted to find the potential association between the taxon and metabolite, and further colocalization analysis had been performed to validate the causal relationships. Results: MR analysis identified 13 taxa and 53 metabolites, which were significantly associated with severe COVID-19 as causal factors. Mediation analysis revealed 11 mediated relationships. Myo-inositol, 2-stearoylglycerophosphocholine, and alpha-glutamyltyrosine, potentially contributed to the association of Howardella and Ruminiclostridium 6 with severe COVID-19, respectively. Butyrivibrio and Ruminococcus gnavus could mediate the association of myo-inositol and N-acetylalanine, respectively. In addition, Ruminococcus torques abundance was colocalized with severe COVID-19 (PP.H4 = 0.77) and the colon expression of permeability related protein RASIP1 (PP.H4 = 0.95). Conclusions: Our study highlights the potential causal relationships between gut microbiome, plasma metabolome and severe COVID-19, which potentially serve as clinical biomarkers for risk stratification and prognostication and benefit the mechanism mechanistic investigation of severe COVID-19.

Investigating protein-membrane interactions using native reverse micelles constructed from naturally sourced lipids.

Advancing the study of membrane associated proteins and their interactions is dependent on accurate membrane models. While a variety of membrane models for high-resolution membrane protein study exist, most do not reflect the diversity of lipids found within biological membranes. In this work, we have developed native reverse micelles (nRMs) formulated with lipids from multiple eukaryotic sources, which encapsulate proteins and enable them to interact as they would with a biological membrane. Diverse formulations of nRMs using soy lecithin, porcine brain lipids, or bovine heart lipids combined with n-dodecylphosphocholine were developed and characterized by dynamic light scattering and 31 P-NMR. To optimize protein encapsulation, ubiquitin was used as a standard and protein NMR verified minimal changes to its structure. Peripheral membrane proteins, which bind reversibly to membranes, were encapsulated and include glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4), phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein 1 (PEBP1), and fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4). All three proteins showed anticipated interactions with the membrane-like inner surface of the nRMs as assessed by protein NMR. The nRM formulations developed here allow for efficient, high-resolution study of membrane interacting proteins up to and beyond ~21 kDa, in a more biologically relevant context compared to other non-native membrane models. The approach outlined here may be applied to a wide range of lipid extracts, allowing study of a variety of membrane associated proteins in their specific biological context.

A Multidrug Delivery Microrobot for the Synergistic Treatment of Cancer.

Multidrug combination therapy provides an effective strategy for malignant tumor treatment. This paper presents the development of a biodegradable microrobot for on-demand multidrug delivery. By combining magnetic targeting transportation with tumor therapy, it is hypothesized that loading multiple drugs on different regions of a single magnetic microrobot can enhance a synergistic effect for cancer treatment. The synergistic effect of using two drugs together is greater than that of using each drug separately. Here, a 3D-printed microrobot inspired by the fish structure with three hydrogel components: skeleton, head, and body structures is demonstrated. Made of iron oxide (Fe3 O4 ) nanoparticles embedded in poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), the skeleton can respond to magnetic fields for microrobot actuation and drug-targeted delivery. The drug storage structures, head, and body, made by biodegradable gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) exhibit enzyme-responsive cargo release. The multidrug delivery microrobots carrying acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and doxorubicin (DOX) in drug storage structures, respectively, exhibit the excellent synergistic effects of ASA and DOX by accelerating HeLa cell apoptosis and inhibiting HeLa cell metastasis. In vivo studies indicate that the microrobots improve the efficiency of tumor inhibition and induce a response to anti-angiogenesis. The versatile multidrug delivery microrobot conceptualized here provides a way for developing effective combination therapy for cancer.

Biodegradable Microrobots for DNA Vaccine Delivery.

The delivery of nucleic acid vaccine to stimulate host immune responses against Coronavirus disease 2019 shows promise. However, nucleic acid vaccines have drawbacks, including rapid clearance and poor cellular uptake, that limit their therapeutic potential. Microrobots can be engineered to sustain vaccine release and further control the interactions with immune cells that are vital for robust vaccination. Here, the 3D fabrication of biocompatible and biodegradable microrobots via the two-photon polymerization of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and their proof-of-concept application for DNA vaccine delivery is reported. Programmed degradation and drug release by varying the local exposure dose in 3D laser lithography and further functionalized the GelMA microspheres with polyethyleneimine for DNA vaccine delivery to dendritic cell and primary cells is demonstrated. In mice, the DNA vaccine delivered by functionalized microspheres elicited fast, enhanced, and durable antigen expression, which may lead to prolonged protection. Furthermore, we demonstrate the maneuverability of microrobots by fabricating GelMA microspheres on magnetic skeletons. In conclusion, GelMA microrobots may provide an efficient vaccination strategy by controlling the expression duration of DNA vaccines.

ALDH2 activation attenuates oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation-induced cell apoptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis and autophagy.

PURPOSE: It is previously reported that aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 family member (ALDH2) shows neuroprotective effects in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, whether the protective effects are through mediating the programmed cell death is yet to be fully elucidated. METHODS: In vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model was established in HT22 cells and mouse cortical neurons. Subsequently, ALDH2 expression were assessed by qRT-PCR and western blot. The methylation status was examined by methylation-specific PCR (MS-PCR). Then, ALDH2 expression was promoted and suppressed to explore the role of ALDH2 in OGD/R-treated cells. CCK-8 assay was applied to detect cell viability, and flow cytometry was applied to evaluate cell apoptosis. Western blot was applied to detect the apoptosis-related proteins (Caspase 3, Bcl-2 and Bax), necroptosis-related proteins (RIP3 and MLKL), pyroptosis-related proteins (NLRP3 and GSDMD), ferroptosis-related protein (ACSL4 and GPX4), and autophagy-related proteins (LC3B, and p62). IL-1ß and IL-18 production was evaluated by ELISA assay. Reactive oxygen species production and Fe2+ content were evaluated by the corresponding detection kit. RESULTS: In OGD/R-treated cells, ALDH2 expression was decreased, which was due to the hypermethylation of ALDH2 in the promoter region. ALDH2 overexpression improved cell viability and ALDH2 knockdown suppressed cell viability in OGD/R-treated cells. We also found that ALDH2 overexpression attenuated OGD/R-induced cell apoptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis and autophagy, while ALDH2 knockdown facilitated the OGD/R-induced cell apoptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis and autophagy. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our results implied that ALDH2 attenuated OGD/R-induced cell apoptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis and autophagy to promote cell viability in HT22 cells and mouse cortical neurons.

Gliotransmission and adenosine signaling promote axon regeneration.

How glia control axon regeneration remains incompletely understood. Here, we investigate glial regulation of regenerative ability differences of closely related Drosophila larval sensory neuron subtypes. Axotomy elicits Ca2+ signals in ensheathing glia, which activates regenerative neurons through the gliotransmitter adenosine and mounts axon regenerative programs. However, non-regenerative neurons do not respond to glial stimulation or adenosine. Such neuronal subtype-specific responses result from specific expressions of adenosine receptors in regenerative neurons. Disrupting gliotransmission impedes axon regeneration of regenerative neurons, and ectopic adenosine receptor expression in non-regenerative neurons suffices to activate regenerative programs and induce axon regeneration. Furthermore, stimulating gliotransmission or activating the mammalian ortholog of Drosophila adenosine receptors in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) promotes axon regrowth after optic nerve crush in adult mice. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that gliotransmission orchestrates neuronal subtype-specific axon regeneration in Drosophila and suggest that targeting gliotransmission or adenosine signaling is a strategy for mammalian central nervous system repair.

BMP7 ameliorates intervertebral disc degeneration in type 1 diabetic rats by inhibiting pyroptosis of nucleus pulposus cells and NLRP3 inflammasome activity.

BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence indicates that intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is associated with diabetes mellitus (DM), while the underlying mechanisms still remain elusive. Herein, the current study sought to explore the potential molecular mechanism of IDD in diabetic rats based on transcriptome sequencing data. METHODS: Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1DM) rats were used to obtain the nucleus pulposus tissues for transcriptome sequencing. Next, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in transcriptome sequencing data and GSE34000 microarray dataset were obtained and intersected to acquire the candidate genes. Moreover, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed to analyze the cellular functions and molecular signaling pathways primarily regulated by candidate DEGs. RESULTS: A total of 35 key genes involved in IDD of T1DM rats were mainly enriched in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and cytokine adhesion binding-related pathways. NLRP3 inflammasome activation promoted the pyroptosis of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). Besides, BMP7 could affect the IDD of T1DM rats by regulating the inflammatory responses. Additionally, NPCs were isolated from STZ-induced T1DM rats to illustrate the effects of BMP7 on IDD of T1DM rats using the ectopic expression method. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments validated that BMP7 alleviated IDD of T1DM rats by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis of NPCs. CONCLUSION: Collectively, our findings provided novel mechanistic insights for understanding of the role of BMP7 in IDD of T1DM, and further highlighted BMP7 as a potential therapeutic target for preventing IDD in T1DM.