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1.
J Neurotrauma ; 41(13-14): e1761-e1779, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38588130

ABSTRACT

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients frequently experience chronic pain that can enhance their suffering and significantly impair rehabilitative efforts. Clinical studies suggest that damage to the periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) following TBI, a principal center involved in endogenous pain control, may underlie the development of chronic pain. We hypothesized that TBI would diminish the usual pain control functions of the PAG, but that directly stimulating this center using a chemogenetic approach would restore descending pain modulation. We used a well-characterized lateral fluid percussion model (1.3 ± 0.1 atm) of TBI in male rats (n = 271) and measured hindpaw mechanical nociceptive withdrawal thresholds using von Frey filaments. To investigate the role of the PAG in pain both before and after TBI, we activated the neurons of the PAG using a Designer Receptor Exclusively Activated by Designer Drug (DREADD) viral construct. Immunohistochemical analysis of brain tissue was used to assess the location and confirm the appropriate expression of the viral constructs in the PAG. Activation of the PAG DREADD using clozapine N-oxide (CNO) caused hindpaw analgesia that could be blocked using opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone, in uninjured but not TBI rats. Due to the importance of descending serotonergic signaling in modulating nociception, we ablated spinal serotonin signaling using 5,7-DHT. This treatment strongly reduced CNO-mediated anti-nociceptive effects in TBI but not uninjured rats. To define the serotonergic receptor(s) required for the CNO-stimulated effects in TBI rats, we administered 5-HT7 (SB-269970) and 5-HT1A (WAY-100635) receptor antagonists but observed no effects. The selective 5-HT2A receptor antagonist ketanserin, however, blocked CNO's effects in the DREADD expressing TBI but not DREADD expressing sham TBI animals. Blockade of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors with prazosin also had no effect after TBI. Descending pain control originating in the PAG is mediated through opioid receptors in uninjured rats. TBI, however, fundamentally alters the descending nociceptive control circuitry such that serotonergic influences predominate, and those are mediated by the 5-HT2A receptor. These results provide further evidence that the PAG is a key target for anti-nociception after TBI.


Subject(s)
Brain Injuries, Traumatic , Designer Drugs , Periaqueductal Gray , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Animals , Periaqueductal Gray/drug effects , Periaqueductal Gray/metabolism , Rats , Male , Brain Injuries, Traumatic/metabolism , Brain Injuries, Traumatic/drug therapy , Designer Drugs/pharmacology , Nociception/drug effects
2.
Expert Opin Drug Discov ; 19(2): 239-251, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37978948

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Vinyl sulfones are a special sulfur-containing structural unit that have attracted considerable attention, owing to their important role in serving as key structural motifs of various biologically active compounds as well as serving as versatile building blocks for organic transformations. The synthetic strategy of vinyl sulfone derivatives has been substantially upgraded over the past 30 years, and the wide application of this functional group in drug design and discovery has been promoted. AREA COVERED: In this review, the authors review the application of vinyl sulfones in drug discovery and select optimized compounds which might have significant impact or potential inspiration for drug design. EXPERT OPINION: Vinyl sulfones have been reported to target various macromolecular targets via non-covalent or covalent interactions, including multiple kinases, tubulin, cysteine protease, transcription factor, and so on. Thus, it has been significantly applied as a privileged scaffold in the design of anticancer, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective agents. However, much work remains to be done to improve the drug-like properties, such as chemical and metabolic stability, ADME, and toxicity. Besides, the chemical space of vinyl sulfones needs to be expanded, including but not limited to the design of constrained endocyclic and exocyclic vinyl sulfones.


Subject(s)
Neuroprotective Agents , Sulfones , Humans , Sulfones/chemistry , Transcription Factors , Drug Design
3.
J Pain ; : 104422, 2023 Nov 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37951284

ABSTRACT

Both autonomic nervous system dysfunction and immune system activation are characteristic of chronic pain after limb injuries. Cholinergic agonists reduce immune system activation in many settings. We hypothesized, therefore, that alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) agonist administration would reduce nociceptive and immune changes after tibia fracture and cast immobilization in mice. Fracture mice were treated with either vehicle, a low (.2 mg/kg) dose, or a high (1 mg/kg) dose of the selective α7nAChR agonist PNU-282987 for 4 weeks. We assessed hindpaw allodynia and weight bearing as behavioral outcomes. The assessment of adaptive immune responses included regional lymph node hypertrophy, germinal center formation, α7nAChR expression, and IgM deposition. Assessment of innate immune system activation focused on IL-1ß and IL-6 generation in fractured hindlimb skin. We observed that mechanical allodynia and unweighting were alleviated by PNU-282987 treatment. Drug treatment also reduced popliteal lymph node hypertrophy and germinal center formation. Immunohistochemical studies localized α7nAChR to germinal center B lymphocytes, and this expression increased after fracture. Analysis of fracture limb hindpaw skin demonstrated increased inflammatory mediator (IL-1ß and IL-6) levels and IgM deposition, which were abrogated by PNU-282987. Serum analyses demonstrated fracture-induced IgM reactivity against keratin 16, histone 3.2, GFAP, and NMDAR-2B. Administration of PNU-282987 reduced the enhancement of IgM reactivity. Collectively, these data suggest that the α7nAChR is involved in regulating posttraumatic innate and adaptive immune responses and the associated nociceptive sensitization. PERSPECTIVE: These studies evaluate the effects of a selective α7nAChR agonist in a tibial fracture/cast immobilization model of limb pain. Administration of the drug reduced nociceptive and functional changes 4 weeks after injury. These novel findings suggest that well-tolerated α7nAChR agonists may be viable analgesics for chronic pain after limb injuries.

4.
BMC Public Health ; 23(1): 2117, 2023 10 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37891525

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: As the HIV epidemic among MSM in China continues, Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) face various mental health difficulties, including suicide ideation, depression, and stigma. The current study aims to assess the mechanisms between HIV-related stigma, depression, and suicidal ideation among MSM in China. METHODS: This national cross-sectional study was completed on the geosocial networking application (GSN) app, Blued, from December 2020 to March 2021. We used the HIV Stigma Scale and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D10) to measure HIV stigma and depression, respectively. Suicidal ideation was measured by the suicidal ideation-related item. Descriptive analyses, logistic regression, and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used for data analysis. RESULTS: A total of 244 HIV-positive MSM were included in the analysis. The mediation model revealed that the direct pathway of perceived HIV-related stigma on suicidal ideation was significant (standardized pathway coefficient = 0.07), and the indirect pathway of perceived HIV-related stigma on suicidal ideation via depression was also significant (standardized pathway coefficient = 0.04). There was a partial mediating effect of depression in the association between perceived HIV-related stigma and suicidal ideation. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that both perceived HIV-related stigma and depression were associated with suicidal ideation among HIV-positive MSM in China, and that depression could serve as a mediator between HIV-related stigma and suicidal ideation. Targeted interventions regarding HIV-related stigma and depression should be taken into account to reduce suicidal ideation among HIV-positive MSM in China.


Subject(s)
HIV Infections , Sexual and Gender Minorities , Male , Humans , Suicidal Ideation , Homosexuality, Male/psychology , Depression/epidemiology , Depression/psychology , HIV Infections/epidemiology , HIV Infections/psychology , Cross-Sectional Studies , China/epidemiology , Social Stigma
5.
Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue ; 29(2): 106-112, 2023 Feb.
Article in Chinese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37847081

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the inhibitory effect of oxalis on prostate tumor in the mouse model of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and its action mechanism. METHODS: We established a CRPC model in 40 male C57/BL mice aged 6-8 weeks, divided them randomly into four groups of an equal number, and treated them intragastrically with normal saline (control), low-dose oxalis (5 mg/kg/d), medium-dose oxalis (10 mg/kg/d), and high-dose oxalis (15 mg/kg/d), respectively. After 28 days of treatment, we measured the tumor volume and body weight of the mice in different groups, calculated the tumor-inhibition rate, examined the histomorphological changes of the prostate tumors by HE staining, and detected the expressions of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway and its downstream proteins in the tumor tissue by immunofluorescence assay. RESULTS: In comparison with the controls, the mice in the low-, medium- and high-dose oxalis groups showed a gradual decrease in tumor cell concentration and cell degeneration, and a gradually increased number of necrotic tumor cells. The volume and mean weight of prostate tumors were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), the expressions of NF-κB p65 and Ki67 proteins remarkably down-regulated (P < 0.05), and that of the Bax protein markedly up-regulated (P < 0.05) in the oxalis groups compared with the controls. CONCLUSION: Oxalis can inhibit the growth of prostate tumor in CRPC mice possibly by down-regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway and the expressions of p65 and Ki67 and up-regulating the expression of Bax, and thereby promoting the degeneration and necrosis of tumor cells.


Subject(s)
NF-kappa B , Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant , Humans , Male , Mice , Animals , NF-kappa B/metabolism , Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/drug therapy , Ki-67 Antigen/metabolism , Cell Line, Tumor , Signal Transduction
6.
Opt Express ; 31(19): 30650-30657, 2023 Sep 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37710604

ABSTRACT

We developed a mobile superconducting strip photon detector (SSPD) system operated in a liquid-helium Dewar. By adopting highly disordered NbTiN thin films, we successfully enhanced the detection performance of superconducting strips at higher operation temperatures and realized SSPDs with nearly saturated detection efficiency at 4.2 K. Then we customized a compact liquid-helium Dewar and a battery-based electronic module to minimize the SSPD system. A mobile SSPD system was integrated, which showed a system detection efficiency of 72% for a 1550 nm wavelength with a dark count rate of 200 cps and a timing jitter of 67.2 ps. The system has a weight of 40 kg and a power consumption of 500 mW, which can work continuously for 20 hours. The metrics can be further optimized in accordance with the various practical application platforms, such as aircraft, drones, etc.

7.
iScience ; 26(6): 106932, 2023 Jun 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37378335

ABSTRACT

Chemotherapy remains controversial for stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma because of its considerable prognostic heterogeneity. We aimed to develop an MRI-based deep learning model for predicting distant metastasis and assessing chemotherapy efficacy in stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma. This multicenter retrospective study enrolled 1072 patients from three Chinese centers for training (Center 1, n = 575) and external validation (Centers 2 and 3, n = 497). The deep learning model significantly predicted the risk of distant metastases for stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma and was validated in the external validation cohort. In addition, the deep learning model outperformed the clinical and radiomics models in terms of predictive performance. Furthermore, the deep learning model facilitates the identification of high-risk patients who could benefit from chemotherapy, providing useful additional information for individualized treatment decisions.

8.
Environ Toxicol ; 38(8): 1925-1938, 2023 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37186336

ABSTRACT

MoS2 nanosheets (NSs) are novel 2D nanomaterials (NMs) being used in many important fields. Recently, we proposed the need to evaluate the influences of NMs on Kruppel-like factors (KLFs) even if these materials are relatively biocompatible. In this study, we investigated the influences of MoS2 NSs or bulk on KLF4 signaling pathway in 3D Caco-2 spheroids in vitro and mouse intestines in vivo. Through the analysis of our previous RNA-sequencing data, we found that exposure to MoS2 NSs or bulk activated KLF4 expression in 3D Caco-2 spheroids. Consistently, these materials also activated KLF4-related gene ontology (GO) terms and down-regulated a panel of KLF4-downstream genes. To verify these findings, we repeatedly exposed mice to MoS2 NSs or bulk materials via intragastrical administration (1 mg/kg bodyweight, once a day, for 4 days). It was shown that oral exposure to these materials decreased bodyweight, leading to relatively higher organ coefficients. As expected, exposure to both types of materials increased Mo elements as well as other trace elements, such as Zn, Fe, and Mn in mouse intestines. The exposure also induced morphological changes of intestines, such as shortening of intestinal villi and decreased crypt depth, which may result in decreased intestinal lipid staining. Consistent with RNA-sequencing data, we found that material exposure increased KLF4 protein staining in mouse intestines and decreased two KLF4 downstream proteins, namely extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and serine/threonine kinase (AKT). We concluded that MoS2 materials were capable to activate KLF4-signaling pathway in intestines both in vivo and in vitro.


Subject(s)
Kruppel-Like Factor 4 , Molybdenum , Humans , Mice , Animals , Molybdenum/toxicity , Caco-2 Cells , Intestines , RNA
9.
Acta Biomater ; 164: 626-640, 2023 07 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37086827

ABSTRACT

Macrophages represent the most prevalent immune cells in the tumor micro-environment, making them an appealing target for tumor immunotherapy. One of our previous studies showed that hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HANPs) enhanced Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signal transduction in macrophages. This study was proposed to investigate how HANPs manipulated the phenotype and function of macrophage against 4T1 breast tumors in the presence or absence of MPLA, a low toxic Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonist. The results demonstrated that the addition of HANPs to MPLA significantly promoted cytokine secretion and macrophage polarization toward a tumoricidal M1 phenotype. Further, the resulting supernatant from HANPs/MPLA co-stimulated macrophages enhanced 4T1 tumor cells apoptosis compared to that from macrophages treated with a single component or PBS control. In particular, we found HANPs elicited immunogenic cell death (ICD) indicated by the increased expression of "danger signals", including HMGB1, CRT and ATP in 4T1 cells. Subsequently, the ICD derivatives-containing supernatant from HANPs-treated 4T1 cells activated macrophage and shifted the phenotype of the cells toward M1 type. Moreover, in a tumor-bearing mice model, HANPs and MPLA synergistically delayed tumor growth compared to PBS control, which was positively associated with the promoted macrophage polarization and ICD induction. Therefore, our findings demonstrated a potential platform to modulate the function of macrophages, and shed a new insight into the mechanism involving the immunomodulatory effect of HANPs for tumor therapy. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Polarizing macrophage toward tumoricidal phenotype by harnessing Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists has been proven effective for tumor immunotherapy. However, the immunomodulatory potency of TLR agonists is limited due to immune suppression or tolerance associated with TLR activation in immune cells. Herein, we introduced hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HANPs) to MPLA, a TLR4 agonist. The results demonstrated that the addition of HANPs to MPLA promoted macrophage shift toward tumoricidal M1 phenotype, supported a "hot" tumor transformation, and delayed 4T1 tumor growth. Moreover, we found that HANPs elicited immunogenic cell death that produced "danger" signals from cancer cells thereby further facilitated macrophage polarization. This work is significant to direct the rational design of HANPs coupled with or without TLR agonists for tumor immunotherapy.


Subject(s)
Nanoparticles , Toll-Like Receptor 4 , Animals , Mice , Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism , Durapatite/pharmacology , Durapatite/metabolism , Macrophages/metabolism , Adjuvants, Immunologic/pharmacology , Macrophage Activation
10.
J Org Chem ; 88(6): 3802-3807, 2023 Mar 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36822154

ABSTRACT

The organocatalytic asymmetric Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) reaction of isatin derivatives with various vinyl sulfones is disclosed. Chiral sulfone-containing 3-hydroxyoxindoles were produced in good to high yields and with good to high ee's. This report displays an unprecedented example to apply activated alkenes with sulfone moiety other than carbonyl groups in asymmetric MBH reactions and provides an efficient strategy to incorporate the sulfone functional group for the synthesis of chiral 3-hydroxyoxindoles.

11.
Radiother Oncol ; 178: 109436, 2023 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36464180

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This multicenter retrospective study aimed to investigated the prognostic value of unequivocal radiologic extranodal extension (rENE) and the efficacy of chemotherapy for stage T1-2 N1 nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in the IMRT era. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 1,082 patients treated in 2005-2017 from three centers. rENE was recorded as G1 (coalescent nodal mass comprising ≥ 2 inseparable nodes) or G2 (invading beyond perinodal fat to frankly infiltrate adjacent structures). Multivariable analysis (MVA) evaluated the prognostic value of rENE. The value of chemotherapy was assessed in rENE-positive (rENE + ) and rENE-negative (rENE - ) subset separately. RESULTS: Centers 1, 2, and 3 had 139/515 (27.0 %), 100/365 (27.4 %), and 43/202 (21.3 %) cN + patients with rENE, respectively. Compared to rENE-, rENE + patients had a worse distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and overall survival (OS) (all p < 0.001). MVA confirmed the prognostic of both G1-rENE and G2-rENE for distant metastasis [G1: hazard ratio (HR): 2.933, G2: HR: 6.942, all p < 0.001] and death (G1: HR: 1.587, p = 0.040; G2: HR: 6.162, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference for DMFS and OS between chemo-radiotherapy and radiotherapy alone in rENE + and rENE - groups (all p > 0.1). However, rENE + patients with a cumulative cisplatin/nedaplatin dose (CCND) of > 160 mg/m2 had an improved DMFS (p = 0.033) but no OS (p = 0.197). CONCLUSION: Unequivocal rENE is prognostic in patients with T1-2 N1 NPC. Addition of chemotherapy to radiotherapy did not affect DMFS and OS in rENE - patients. Chemotherapy with a CCND of > 160 mg/m2 improved DMFS in rENE + patients.


Subject(s)
Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms , Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated , Humans , Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/pathology , Retrospective Studies , Extranodal Extension/pathology , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/drug therapy , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/pathology , Neoplasm Staging , Prognosis , Cisplatin/therapeutic use
12.
Sci Rep ; 12(1): 16359, 2022 09 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36175479

ABSTRACT

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant public health concern, with the majority of injuries being mild. Many TBI victims experience chronic pain. Unfortunately, the mechanisms underlying pain after TBI are poorly understood. Here we examined the contribution of spinal monoamine signaling to dysfunctional descending pain modulation after TBI. For these studies we used a well-characterized concussive model of mild TBI. Measurements included mechanical allodynia, the efficacy of diffuse noxious inhibitory control (DNIC) endogenous pain control pathways and lumber norepinephrine and serotonin levels. We observed that DNIC is strongly reduced in both male and female mice after mild TBI for at least 12 weeks. In naïve mice, DNIC was mediated through α2 adrenoceptors, but sensitivity to α2 adrenoceptor agonists was reduced after TBI, and reboxetine failed to restore DNIC in these mice. The intrathecal injection of ondansetron showed that loss of DNIC was not due to excess serotonergic signaling through 5-HT3 receptors. On the other hand, the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, duloxetine and the serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor escitalopram both effectively restored DNIC after TBI in both male and female mice. Therefore, enhancing serotonergic signaling as opposed to noradrenergic signaling alone may be an effective pain treatment strategy after TBI.


Subject(s)
Brain Concussion , Brain Injuries, Traumatic , Chronic Pain , Amines , Animals , Brain Injuries, Traumatic/complications , Brain Injuries, Traumatic/drug therapy , Duloxetine Hydrochloride/pharmacology , Female , Male , Mice , Norepinephrine , Ondansetron , Reboxetine , Receptors, Adrenergic , Serotonin , Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors/pharmacology , Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors/therapeutic use
13.
Int J Biol Sci ; 18(14): 5329-5344, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36147481

ABSTRACT

It is emerging that autophagy-related proteins regulate the adaptive response to DNA damage in maintaining genome stability at multiple pathways. Here, we discuss recent insights into how autophagy-related proteins participate in DNA damage repair processes, influence chromosomal instability, and regulate the cell cycle through autophagy-dependent and independent actions. There is increasing awareness of the importance of these pathways mediated by autophagy-related proteins to DNA damage response (DDR), and disturbances in these regulatory connections may be linked to genomic instability participated in various human diseases, such as cancer and aging.


Subject(s)
DNA Repair , Genomic Instability , Autophagy/genetics , Autophagy-Related Proteins , DNA Damage/genetics , DNA Repair/genetics , Genomic Instability/genetics , Humans
14.
Nano Res ; 15(10): 9286-9297, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35911480

ABSTRACT

The potency of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist to drive innate immune response was limited due to immune suppression or tolerance during TLR9 signaling activation in immune cells. Herein we addressed this problem by introducing hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HANPs) to CpG ODN (CpG), a TLR9 agonist. The study revealed that HANPs concentration and duration-dependently reprogramed the immune response by enhancing the secretion of immunostimulatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) or IL-6) while reducing the production of immunosuppressive cytokine (IL-10) in macrophages in response to CpG. Next, the enhanced immune response benefited from increased intracellular Ca2+ in macrophage by the addition of HANPs. Further, we found exposure to HANPs impacted the mitochondrial function of macrophages in support of the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the production of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the presence or absence of CpG. In vaccinated mice model, only one vaccination with a mixture of CpG, HANPs, and OVA, a model antigen, allowed the development of a long-lasting balanced humoral immunity in mice without any histopathological change in the local injection site. Therefore, this study revealed that HANPs could modulate the intracellular calcium level, mitochondrial function, and immune response in immune cells, and suggested a potential combination adjuvant of HANPs and TLR9 agonist for vaccine development. Electronic Supplementary Material: Supplementary material (TEM image, LDH activity, the Ca2+ release in PBS, qRT-PCR analysis, H&E staining, and IL-6 level in the injection site and serum) is available in the online version of this article at 10.1007/s12274-022-4683-x.

15.
Antioxidants (Basel) ; 11(6)2022 Jun 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35740063

ABSTRACT

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) act as a signaling intermediate to promote cellular adaptation to maintain homeostasis by regulating autophagy during pathophysiological stress. However, the mechanism by which ROS promotes autophagy is still largely unknown. Here, we show that the ATM/CHK2/ULK1 axis initiates autophagy to maintain cellular homeostasis by sensing ROS signaling under metabolic stress. We report that ULK1 is a physiological substrate of CHK2, and that the binding of CHK2 to ULK1 depends on the ROS signal and the phosphorylation of threonine 68 of CHK2 under metabolic stress. Further, CHK2 phosphorylates ULK1 on serine 556, and this phosphorylation is dependent on the ATM/CHK2 signaling pathway. CHK2-mediated phosphorylation of ULK1 promotes autophagic flux and inhibits apoptosis induced by metabolic stress. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the ATM/CHK2/ULK1 axis initiates an autophagic adaptive response by sensing ROS, and it protects cells from metabolic stress-induced cellular damage.

16.
J Control Release ; 348: 825-840, 2022 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35752255

ABSTRACT

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease with no currently approved treatment. The natural compound silybin (SLN) has versatile hepatoprotective efficacy with negligible adverse effects; however, poor absorption limits its clinical applications. Gut microbiota has been proposed to play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of NAFLD and targeted for disease control. Cyclodextrins, the cyclic oligosaccharides, were documented to have various health benefits with potential prebiotic properties. This study aimed to develop a silybin-2-hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin inclusion (SHßCD) to improve the therapeutic efficacy of SLN and elucidate the mechanisms of improvement. The results showed that SLN formed a 1:1 stoichiometric inclusion complex with HP-ß-CD. The solubility of SLN was increased by generating SHßCD, resulting in improved drug permeability and bioavailability. In high-fat diet (HFD)-fed hamsters, SHßCD modulated gut health by restoring the gut microbiota and intestinal integrity. SHßCD showed superior anti-lipid accumulation, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects compared with SLN alone. Transcriptome analysis in the liver tissue implied that the improved inflammation and/or energy homeostasis was the potential mechanism. Therefore, SHßCD may be a promising alternative for the treatment of NAFLD, attributing to the dual functions of HßCD on drug absorption and gut microbial homeostasis.


Subject(s)
Cyclodextrins , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease , Animals , Cricetinae , Cyclodextrins/pharmacology , Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects , Homeostasis , Humans , Liver , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/drug therapy , Prebiotics , Silybin
17.
Biology (Basel) ; 11(5)2022 May 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35625518

ABSTRACT

Germ cells, as opposed to somatic cells, can transmit heredity information between generations. Cryopreservation and in vitro culture of germ cells are key techniques for genetic resource preservation and cellular engineering breeding. In this study, two types of cryopreserved samples, namely testis pieces and testicular cells of American shad, were comparatively analyzed for cell viability. The results showed that the cell viability of the cryopreserved testis pieces was much higher than that of the cryopreserved testicular cells. The viability of cells from the cryopreserved testis pieces ranged from 65.2 ± 2.2 (%) to 93.8 ± 0.6 (%), whereas the viability of the dissociated cells after cryopreservation was 38.5 ± 0.8 (%) to 87.1 ± 2.6 (%). Intriguingly, the testicular cells from the post-thaw testicular tissue could be cultured in vitro. Likewise, most of the cultured cells exhibited germ cell properties and highly expressed Vasa and PCNA protein. This study is the first attempt to effectively preserve and culture the male germ cells through freezing tissues in the American shad. The findings of this study would benefit further investigations on genetic resource preservation and other manipulations of germ cells in a commercially and ecologically important fish species.

18.
Hum Vaccin Immunother ; 18(5): 2076523, 2022 11 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35583502

ABSTRACT

Vaccine uptake rate is crucial for herd immunity. Medical care workers (MCWs) can serve as ambassadors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. This study aimed to assess MCWs' willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and to explore the factors affecting COVID-19 vaccination acceptance. A multicenter study among medical care workers was conducted in seven selected hospitals from seven geographical territories of China, and data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, vaccine hesitancy, and health beliefs on COVID-19 vaccination among participants. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were performed to explore the correlations between individual factors and the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine. Among the 2681 subjects, 82.5% of the participants were willing to accept the COVID-19 vaccination. Multivariate regression analyses revealed that individuals with more cues to action about the vaccination, higher level of confidence about the vaccine, and higher level of trust in the recommendations of COVID-19 vaccine from the government and the healthcare system were more likely to get the COVID-19 vaccine. In contrast, subjects with higher level of perceived barriers and complacency were less likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. Overall, MCWs in China showed a high willingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The governmental recommendation is an important driver and lead of vaccination. Relevant institutions could increase MCWs' willingness to COVID-19 vaccines by increasing MCWs' perception of confidence about COVID-19 vaccines and cues to action through various strategies and channels. Meanwhile, it can also provide evidence in similar circumstances in the future to develop vaccine promotion strategies.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Influenza Vaccines , Influenza, Human , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19 Vaccines , China , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Influenza, Human/prevention & control , Patient Acceptance of Health Care , Surveys and Questionnaires , Vaccination
19.
Zhongguo Yi Xue Ke Xue Yuan Xue Bao ; 44(2): 221-226, 2022 Apr.
Article in Chinese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35538756

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the rate and correlates of receiving human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) serostatus disclosure from their most recent male sexual partners among men who have sex with men(MSM) aged 50 and above. Methods With a geosocial networking application,we recruited participants through online convenience sampling to collect the demographic variables,behavioral information,receiving HIV serostatus disclosure,etc.Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to interpret the associated factors of receiving HIV serostatus disclosure. Results Overall,38.4%(398/1037) of participants received HIV serostatus disclosure from their most recent male sexual partners.The multivariable analysis demonstrated that the following populations were less likely to receive HIV serostatus disclosure from their most recent male sexual partners:participants with junior high school degree or below(OR=0.660,95%CI=0.473-0.922, P=0.015) compared to those with senior high school degree or above;participants unemployed(OR=0.537,95%CI=0.322-0.896, P=0.017) and employed(OR=0.663,95%CI=0.466-0.944, P=0.022) compared to those retired;participants without knowledge about HIV or acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS) compared to those with knowledge about HIV/AIDS(OR=0.636,95%CI=0.466-0.868, P=0.004);participants having ≥2 male sexual partners in the last year(OR=0.433,95%CI=0.320-0.586, P<0.001) compared to those having none or one male sexual partner;participants never been tested for HIV(OR=0.544,95%CI=0.403-0.734, P<0.001) compared to those ever been tested for HIV;participants ever been diagnosed to have sexually transmitted infection(STI)(OR=0.472,95%CI=0.349-0.637, P<0.001) compared to those never diagnosed to have STI;and participants with higher level of HIV stigma(OR=0.742,95%CI=0.604-0.912, P=0.005). Conclusions Our findings indicated that the MSM aged 50 and above had low possibility of receiving HIV serostatus disclosure from the most recent male sexual partners.Education,employment status,number of sexual partners,HIV/AIDS-related knowledge,HIV testing behaviors,STI infection history,and HIV stigma contributed to this result.


Subject(s)
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome , HIV Infections , Sexual and Gender Minorities , Sexually Transmitted Diseases , Disclosure , Female , HIV , Homosexuality, Male , Humans , Male , Sexual Behavior , Sexual Partners , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/diagnosis
20.
Zhongguo Yi Xue Ke Xue Yuan Xue Bao ; 44(1): 30-39, 2022 Feb.
Article in Chinese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35300762

ABSTRACT

Objective To measure the prevalence of mental health symptoms and identify the associated factors among college students at the beginning of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)outbreak in China. Methods We carried out a multi-center cross-sectional study via snowball sampling and convenience sampling of the college students in different areas of China.The rates of self-reported depression,anxiety,and stress and post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)were assessed via the 21-item Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale(DASS-21)and the 6-item Impact of Event Scale-Revised(IES-6),respectively.Covariates included sociodemographic characteristics,health-related data,and information of the social environment.Data pertaining to mental health service seeking were also collected.Multivariate Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors. Results A total of 3641 valid questionnaires were collected from college students.At the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak,535(14.69%)students had negative emotions,among which 402(11.04%),381(10.49%),and 171(4.90%)students had the symptoms of depression,anxiety,and stress,respectively.Meanwhile,1245(34.19%)college students had PTSD.Among the risk factors identified,male gender was associated with a lower likelihood of reporting depression symptoms(AOR=0.755,P=0.037],and medical students were at higher risk of depression and stress symptoms than liberal arts students(AOR=1.497,P=0.003;AOR=1.494,P=0.045).Family support was associated with lower risks of negative emotions and PTSD in college students(AOR=0.918,P<0.001;AOR=0.913,P<0.001;AOR=0.899,P<0.001;AOR=0.971,P=0.021). Conclusions College students were more sensitive to public health emergencies,and the incidence of negative emotions and PTSD was significantly higher than that before the outbreak of COVID-19.More attention should be paid to female college students who were more likely to develop negative emotions.We should strengthen positive and proper propaganda via mass media and help college students understand the situation and impact of COVID-19.Furthermore,we should enhance family support for college students.The government and relevant agencies need to provide appropriate mental health services to the students under similar circumstances to avoid the deterioration of their mental well-being.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , COVID-19/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Health Status , Humans , Male , Students/psychology , Universities
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