The effect and mechanism of patchouli alcohol on cognitive dysfunction in AD mice induced by Aß1-42 oligomers through AMPK/mTOR pathway.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that progressively impairs long-term and working memory. The function and mechanism of PA(Patchouli alcohol) in improving AD in the external treatment of encephalopathy remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of PA on AD using an Aß1-42 induced AD mouse model with LPS(Lipopolysaccharide) stimulation of BV2 microglial cells. Additionally, we aimed to explore the potential mechanism of PA in enhancing autophagy and reducing neuroinflammation through the AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase)/mTOR (Mammaliam target of rapamycin) signaling pathway. The Morris water maze was used to assess cognitive function, and cortical and hippocampal tissues were collected for further analysis of the corresponding signaling pathways and inflammatory changes through biological experiments. Our research findings demonstrate that PA has a significant positive impact on cognitive and memory impairments in mice that have been induced with Aß1-42-induced AD. Additionally, PA was also found to revert the activation of microglia induced by LPS. These effects may be attributed to the reduction of neuroinflammation and enhancement of the AMPK/mTOR autophagy pathway. Therefore, PA may serve as an effective therapeutic option to prevent or delay the progression of AD-associated memory dysfunction.

Discovery of a Ni2+-dependent heterohexameric metformin hydrolase.

The biguanide drug metformin is a first-line blood glucose-lowering medication for type 2 diabetes, leading to its presence in the global environment. However, little is known about the fate of metformin by microbial catabolism. Here, we characterize a Ni2+-dependent heterohexameric enzyme (MetCaCb) from the ureohydrolase superfamily, catalyzing the hydrolysis of metformin into guanylurea and dimethylamine. Either subunit alone is catalytically inactive, but together they work as an active enzyme highly specific for metformin. The crystal structure of the MetCaCb complex shows the coordination of the binuclear metal cluster only in MetCa, with MetCb as a protein binder of its active cognate. An in-silico search and functional assay discover a group of MetCaCb-like protein pairs exhibiting metformin hydrolase activity in the environment. Our findings not only establish the genetic and biochemical foundation for metformin catabolism but also provide additional insights into the adaption of the ancient enzymes toward newly occurred substrate.

A Gas Therapy Strategy for Intestinal Flora Regulation and Colitis Treatment by Nanogel-Based Multistage NO Delivery Microcapsules.

Current approaches to treating inflammatory bowel disease focus on the suppression of overactive immune responses, the removal of reactive intestinal oxygen species, and regulation of the intestinal flora. However, owing to the complex structure of the gastrointestinal tract and the influence of mucus, current small-molecule and biologic-based drugs for treating colitis cannot effectively act at the site of colon inflammation, and as a result, they tend to exhibit low efficacies and toxic side effects. In this study, nanogel-based multistage NO delivery microcapsules are developed to achieve NO release at the inflammation site by targeting the inflammatory tissues using the nanogel. Surprisingly, oral administration of the microcapsules suppresses the growth of pathogenic bacteria and increases the abundance of probiotic bacteria. Metabolomics further show that an increased abundance of intestinal probiotics promotes the production of metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids and indole derivatives, which modulate the intestinal immunity and restore the intestinal barrier via the interleukin-17 and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. This work reveals that the developed gas therapy strategy based on multistage NO delivery microcapsules modulates the intestinal microbial balance, thereby reducing inflammation and promoting intestinal barrier repair, ultimately providing a new therapeutic approach for the clinical management of colitis.

The unique salt bridge network in GlacPETase: a key to its stability.

The extensive accumulation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has become a critical environmental issue. PET hydrolases can break down PET into its building blocks. Recently, we identified a glacial PET hydrolase GlacPETase sharing less than 31% amino acid identity with any known PET hydrolases. In this study, the crystal structure of GlacPETase was determined at 1.8 Å resolution, revealing unique structural features including a distinctive N-terminal disulfide bond and a specific salt bridge network. Site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated that the disruption of the N-terminal disulfide bond did not reduce GlacPETase's thermostability or its catalytic activity on PET. However, mutations in the salt bridges resulted in changes in melting temperature ranging from -8°C to +2°C and the activity on PET ranging from 17.5% to 145.5% compared to the wild type. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that these salt bridges stabilized the GlacPETase's structure by maintaining their surrounding structure. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that GlacPETase represented a distinct branch within PET hydrolases-like proteins, with the salt bridges and disulfide bonds in this branch being relatively conserved. This research contributed to the improvement of our comprehension of the structural mechanisms that dictate the thermostability of PET hydrolases, highlighting the diverse characteristics and adaptability observed within PET hydrolases.IMPORTANCEThe pervasive problem of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) pollution in various terrestrial and marine environments is widely acknowledged and continues to escalate. PET hydrolases, such as GlacPETase in this study, offered a solution for breaking down PET. Its unique origin and less than 31% identity with any known PET hydrolases have driven us to resolve its structure. Here, we report the correlation between its unique structure and biochemical properties, focusing on an N-terminal disulfide bond and specific salt bridges. Through site-directed mutagenesis experiments and molecular dynamics simulations, the roles of the N-terminal disulfide bond and salt bridges were elucidated in GlacPETase. This research enhanced our understanding of the role of salt bridges in the thermostability of PET hydrolases, providing a valuable reference for the future engineering of PET hydrolases.

Photocatalytic Umpolung Strategy for the Synthesis of α-Amino Phosphine Oxides and Deuterated Derivatives.

Direct, economical, and green synthesis of deuterated α-amino phosphine oxides remains an elusive challenge in synthetic chemistry. Herein, we report a visible-light-driven umpolung strategy for synthesizing deuterated α-amino phosphine oxides from isocyanide using 1,2,3,5-tetrakis(carbazol-9-yl)-4,6-dicyanobenzene as the photocatalyst and D2O as the deuterium source. Moreover, the streamlined and sustainable methodology can be applied in the modification of amino acids, natural products, and drugs. The strong antiproliferative activity of the desired products indicates that the method could provide a novel privileged scaffold for antitumor drug development.

Polymorphisms in the promoter regions of RHD and RHCE genes in the Chinese Han population.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Rh blood group system is the most polymorphic human blood group system. Previous studies have investigated variants in the RHD and RHCE promoter. The relevance of these variants to the Chinese Han population is further clarified in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 317 donors (223 Rh D-positive [D+], including 20 Del and 94 Rh D-negative [D-]) were randomly selected. The promoter regions and exon 1 of RHD and RHCE were amplified through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) whose products were directly sequenced using forward and reverse primers. RESULTS: Expected PCR products of the RHD promoter and exon 1 were amplified in 223 D+ individuals, including 20 Del individuals, and were absent in 81 of 94 D- individuals. Expected PCR products of RHCE were observed in all donors. Two single nucleotide variants (SNVs) were observed in the RHD promoter region. Moreover, 11 SNVs were observed in the promoter and exon 1 of RHCE. rs4649082, rs2375313, rs2281179, rs2072933, rs2072932, rs2072931 and rs586178 with strong linkage disequilibria were significantly different between the D+ and D- groups. [A;C] was the most common haplotype in the RHD promoter (NC_000001.11:g.[-1033A>G;-831C>T]). [G;T;T;A;T;A;C;G;A;C;G] was the most predominant haplotype in both total and D- groups. In D+ individuals, [A;C;T;G;C;G;C;G;C;C;C] was the most frequent haplotype in the RHCE promoter (NC_000001.11:g.[-1080A>G;-958C>T;-390T>C;-378G>A;-369C>T;-296G>A;-144C>G;-132G>A;-122C>A;28C>T;48C>G]). CONCLUSION: We speculate that the SNVs/haplotypes found in this article cannot significantly affect gene expression. The present study findings should help elucidate the molecular basis of the polymorphic expression of RHD and RHCE promoter regions.

Factors influencing spiritual wellbeing among pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients receiving chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Spiritual wellbeing emphasizes optimistic and positive attitudes while self-regulating negative emotions when coping with stress. However, there have only been a few small studies of spiritual wellbeing of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients undergoing chemotherapy. The core factors influencing spiritual wellbeing in this clinical population are still unclear. AIM: To identify factors influencing spiritual wellbeing among patients with PDAC receiving chemotherapy. METHODS: A total of 143 PDAC patients receiving chemotherapy were enrolled from January to December 2022. Patients completed general information questionnaires including: Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being 12 Item Scale (FACIT-Sp-12), European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and Zung's Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). Independent sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were adopted for statistical analyses. P < 0.05 (two-tailed) was considered statistically significant for all tests. RESULTS: Total spiritual wellbeing (FACIT-Sp-12) score was 32.16 ± 10.06 points, while dimension sub-scores were 10.85 ± 3.76 for faith, 10.55 ± 3.42 for meaning, and 10.76 ± 4.00 for peace. Total spiritual wellbeing score was negatively correlated with SAS score for anxiety and with the symptom domain of EORTC QLC-C30. Conversely, spiritual wellbeing score was positively correlated with global health status and EORTC QLQ-C30 role functioning domain score. Multivariate regression analysis identified educational level, health insurance category, symptom domain, functional role domain, and global health status as significant independent factors influencing spiritual wellbeing among PDAC patients undergoing chemotherapy (R2 = 0.502, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Individualized spiritual support is needed for PDAC patients. Health, daily functioning, emotional, cognitive, and social function status should be taken into account to promote implementation of spirituality in nursing practice.

A cytochrome P450 system initiates 4-nitroanisole degradation in Rhodococcus sp. strain JS3073.

Nitroanisoles are used widely as synthetic intermediates and explosives. Although bacteria have been reported to degrade 4-nitroanisole (4NA) under aerobic conditions, the key enzymes and the catalytic mechanism have remained elusive. Rhodococcus sp. strain JS3073 was isolated for its ability to grow on 4NA as the sole carbon and energy source. In this study, whole cell biotransformation experiments indicated that 4NA degradation is initiated by O-demethylation to form 4-nitrophenol (PNP), which undergoes subsequent degradation by a previously established pathway involving formation of 1,2,4-benzenetriol and release of nitrite. Based on comparative transcriptomics and heterologous expression, a novel three-component cytochrome P450 system encoded by pnaABC initiates the O-demethylation of 4NA to yield formaldehyde and PNP. The pnaABC genes encode a phthalate dioxygenase type reductase (PnaA), a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (PnaB), and an EthD family protein (PnaC) with putative function similar to ferredoxins. This unusual P450 system also has a broad substrate specificity for nitroanisole derivatives. Sequence analysis of PnaAB revealed high identity with multiple self-sufficient P450s of the CYP116B subfamily. The findings revealed the molecular basis of the catabolic pathway for 4NA initiated by an unusual O-demethylase PnaABC and extends the understanding of the diversity among P450s and their electron transport chains.

All-Natural Immunomodulatory Bioadhesive Hydrogel Promotes Angiogenesis and Diabetic Wound Healing by Regulating Macrophage Heterogeneity.

Macrophages are highly heterogeneous and exhibit a diversity of functions and phenotypes. They can be divided into pro-inflammatory macrophages (M1) and anti-inflammatory macrophages (M2). Diabetic wounds are characterized by a prolonged inflammatory phase and difficulty in healing due to the accumulation of pro-inflammatory (M1) macrophages in the wound. Therefore, hydrogel dressings with macrophage heterogeneity regulation function hold great promise in promoting diabetic wound healing in clinical applications. However, the precise conversion of pro-inflammatory M1 to anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages by simple and biosafe approaches is still a great challenge. Here, an all-natural hydrogel with the ability to regulate macrophage heterogeneity is developed to promote angiogenesis and diabetic wound healing. The protocatechuic aldehyde hybridized collagen-based all-natural hydrogel exhibits good bioadhesive and antibacterial properties as well as reactive oxygen species scavenging ability. More importantly, the hydrogel is able to convert M1 macrophages into M2 macrophages without the need for any additional ingredients or external intervention. This simple and safe immunomodulatory approach shows great application potential for shortening the inflammatory phase of diabetic wound repair and accelerating wound healing.

Electro-microenvironment modulated inhibition of endogenous biofilms by piezo implants for ultrasound-localized intestinal perforation disinfection.

Endogenous bacterial infections from damaged gastrointestinal (GI) organs have high potential to cause systemic inflammatory responses and life-threatening sepsis. Current treatments, including systemic antibiotic administration and surgical suturing, are difficult in preventing bacterial translocation and further infection. Here, we report a wireless localized stimulator composed of a piezo implant with high piezoelectric output serving as an anti-infective therapy patch, which aims at modulating the electro-microenvironment of biofilm around GI wounds for effective inhibition of bacterial infection if combined with ultrasound (US) treatment from outside the body. The pulsed charges generated by the piezo implant in response to US stimulation transfer into bacterial biofilms, effectively destroying their macromolecular components (e.g., membrane proteins), disrupting the electron transport chain of biofilms, and inhibiting bacterial proliferation, as proven by experimental studies and theoretical calculations. The piezo implant, in combination with US stimulation, also exhibits successful in vivo anti-infection efficacy in a rat cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model. The proposed strategy, combining piezo implants with controllable US activation, creates a promising pathway for inhibiting endogenous bacterial infection caused by GI perforation.

Integrated strategy of RNA-sequencing and network pharmacology for exploring the protective mechanism of Shen-Shi-Jiang-Zhuo formula in rat with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

CONTEXT: Shen-Shi-Jiang-Zhuo formula (SSJZF) exhibits a definite curative effect in the clinical treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of SSJZF on NAFLD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, NAFLD, positive drug (12 mg/kg/day), SSJZF high-dose (200 mg/kg/day), SSJZF middle-dose (100 mg/kg/day), and SSJZF low-dose (50 mg/kg/day) groups. After daily intragastric administration of NAFLD rats for 8 weeks, lipid metabolism and hepatic fibrosis were evaluated by biochemical indices and histopathology. Then we uncovered the main active compounds and mechanism of SSJZF against NAFLD by integrating RNA-sequencing and network pharmacology, and PI3K/AKT pathway activity was verified by western blot. RESULTS: High dose SSJZF had the best inhibitory effect on hepatic lipid accumulation and fibrosis in rats with NAFLD, which significantly down-regulated total triglycerides (58%), cholesterol (62%), aspartate aminotransferase (57%), alanine aminotransferase (41%) andγ-glutamyl transpeptidase (36%), as well as the expression of ACC (5.3-fold), FAS (12.1-fold), SREBP1C (2.3-fold), and CD36 (4.4-fold), and significantly reduced collagen deposition (67%). Then we identified 23 compounds of SSJZF that acted on 25 key therapeutic targets of NAFLD by integrating RNA-sequencing and network pharmacology. Finally, we also confirmed that high dose SSJZF increased p-PI3K/PI3K (1.6-fold) and p-AKT/AKT (1.6-fold) in NAFLD rats. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: We found for first time that SSJZF improved NAFLD in rats by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway. These findings provide scientific support for SSJZF in the clinical treatment of NAFLD and contribute to the development of new NAFLD drugs.

Physicochemical Characterization of a Fern Polysaccharide from Alsophila spinulosa Leaf and Its Anti-Aging Activity in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Alsophila spinulosa, as a rare tree fern with potential medicinal value, has attracted extensive attention. Herein, the physicochemical properties, antioxidant and anti-aging activities of polysaccharide from A. spinulosa leaf (ALP) were investigated. ALP was composed of galactose, arabinose, glucose, rhamnose, galacturonic acid, mannose, and fucose. (1→), (1→6), and (1→2) bond types were the primary glycosidic bond in ALP. Surprisingly, ALP displayed the wonderful activity of antioxidant and anti-aging, including excellent scavenging ability against DPPH and ABTS radicals in vitro; prolonging the life span, improving activity of antioxidative enzymes (SOD and CAT), and decreasing the level of ROS, MDA in Caenorhabditis elegans. Meanwhile, ALP promoted DAF-16 to move into the nuclear. Overall, our results illustrated that ALP could be further developed as a functional food ingredient.

Thrombin induces ACSL4-dependent ferroptosis during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion.

Ischemic stroke represents a significant danger to human beings, especially the elderly. Interventions are only available to remove the clot, and the mechanism of neuronal death during ischemic stroke is still in debate. Ferroptosis is increasingly appreciated as a mechanism of cell death after ischemia in various organs. Here we report that the serine protease, thrombin, instigates ferroptotic signaling by promoting arachidonic acid mobilization and subsequent esterification by the ferroptotic gene, acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4). An unbiased multi-omics approach identified thrombin and ACSL4 genes/proteins, and their pro-ferroptotic phosphatidylethanolamine lipid products, as prominently altered upon the middle cerebral artery occlusion in rodents. Genetically or pharmacologically inhibiting multiple points in this pathway attenuated outcomes of models of ischemia in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, the thrombin-ACSL4 axis may be a key therapeutic target to ameliorate ferroptotic neuronal injury during ischemic stroke.

Mechanisms of neuronal cell death in ischemic stroke and their therapeutic implications.

Ischemic stroke caused by arterial occlusion is the most common type of stroke, which is among the most frequent causes of disability and death worldwide. Current treatment approaches involve achieving rapid reperfusion either pharmacologically or surgically, both of which are time-sensitive; moreover, blood flow recanalization often causes ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, even though neuroprotective intervention is urgently needed in the event of stroke, the exact mechanisms of neuronal death during ischemic stroke are still unclear, and consequently, the capacity for drug development has remained limited. Multiple cell death pathways are implicated in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. Here, we have reviewed these potential neuronal death pathways, including intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, parthanatos, phagoptosis, and pyroptosis. We have also reviewed the latest results of pharmacological studies on ischemic stroke and summarized emerging drug targets with a focus on clinical trials. These observations may help to further understand the pathological events in ischemic stroke and bridge the gap between basic and translational research to reveal novel neuroprotective interventions.

Association between the Genetic Polymorphisms of CCL2, CCL5, CCL8, CCR2, and CCR5 with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the Chinese Han Population.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global public health burden. Chronic HCV infection leads to the development of fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure over time. A total of 250 patients with chronic HCV infection and 299 healthy blood donors were recruited. Sixteen candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), CCL5, CCL8, C-C chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2), and CCR5 were genotyped in all participants. The rs1024610 AA genotype was significantly associated with decreased susceptibility to chronic HCV infection. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, AST/platelet ratio index, and the fibrosis 4 score were significantly lower in the CCL2 rs1024610 T allele and haplotype ATGC carriers. Moreover, expression levels of collagen IV (C-IV) and laminin (LN) were significantly higher in patients with the CCL5 rs2280788 C allele compared to the non-carriers. Similarly, the expression levels of C-IV, LN, and hyaluronic acid were significantly higher in patients with the CCL5 haplotype, TGCT. No significant differences were identified between the SNPs/haplotypes and plasma levels of CCL2, CCL5, CCL8, CCR2, and CCR5 in the healthy controls, and the rs1024610 allele alteration had no effect on CCL2 promoter activity. This is the first study to report an association between CCL2 rs1024610 and the risk of chronic HCV infection in the Chinese Han population. rs1024610 and ATGC haplotype in CCL2 were reasonable candidate markers of liver abnormalities. rs2280788 and TGCT haplotype in CCL5 are likely to play a significant role in liver fibrosis during chronic HCV infection.

Cognitive impairment in two subtypes of a single subcortical infarction.

BACKGROUND: Single subcortical infarction (SSI) is caused by two main etiological subtypes, which are branch atheromatous disease (BAD) and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD)-related SSI. We applied the Beijing version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-BJ), the Shape Trail Test (STT), and the Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT) to investigate the differences in cognitive performance between these two subtypes of SSI. METHODS: Patients with acute SSIs were prospectively enrolled. The differences of MoCA-BJ, STT, and SCWT between the BAD group and CSVD-related SSI group were analyzed. A generalized linear model was used to analyze the associations between SSI patients with different etiological mechanisms and cognitive function. We investigated the correlations between MoCA-BJ, STT, and SCWT using Spearman's correlation analysis and established cut-off scores for Shape Trail Test A (STT-A) and STT-B to identify cognitive impairment in patients with SSI. RESULTS: This study enrolled a total of 106 patients, including 49 and 57 patients with BAD and CSVD-related SSI, respectively. The BAD group performances were worse than those of the CSVD-related SSI group for STT-A (83 [60.5-120.0] vs. 68 [49.0-86.5], P = 0.01), STT-B (204 [151.5-294.5] vs. 153 [126.5-212.5], P = 0.015), and the number of correct answers on Stroop-C (46 [41-49] vs. 49 [45-50], P = 0.035). After adjusting for age, years of education, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and lesion location, the performance of SSI patients with different etiological mechanisms still differed significantly for STT-A and STT-B. CONCLUSIONS: BAD patients were more likely to perform worse than CSVD-related SSI patients in the domains of language, attention, executive function, and memory. The mechanism of cognitive impairment after BAD remains unclear.

A Recently Assembled Degradation Pathway for 2,3-Dichloronitrobenzene in Diaphorobacter sp. Strain JS3051.

Diaphorobacter sp. strain JS3051 utilizes 2,3-dichloronitrobenzene (23DCNB), a toxic anthropogenic compound, as the sole carbon, nitrogen, and energy source for growth, but the metabolic pathway and its origins are unknown. Here, we establish that a gene cluster (dcb), encoding a Nag-like dioxygenase, is responsible for the initial oxidation of the 23DCNB molecule. The 2,3-dichloronitrobenzene dioxygenase system (DcbAaAbAcAd) catalyzes conversion of 23DCNB to 3,4-dichlorocatechol (34DCC). Site-directed mutagenesis studies indicated that residue 204 of DcbAc is crucial for the substrate specificity of 23DCNB dioxygenase. The presence of glutamic acid at position 204 of 23DCNB dioxygenase is unique among Nag-like dioxygenases. Genetic, biochemical, and structural evidence indicate that the 23DCNB dioxygenase is more closely related to 2-nitrotoluene dioxygenase from Acidovorax sp. strain JS42 than to the 34DCNB dioxygenase from Diaphorobacter sp. strain JS3050, which was isolated from the same site as strain JS3051. A gene cluster (dcc) encoding the enzymes for 34DCC catabolism, homologous to a clc operon in Pseudomonas knackmussii strain B13, is also on the chromosome at a distance of 2.5 Mb from the dcb genes. Heterologously expressed DccA catalyzed ring cleavage of 34DCC with high affinity and catalytic efficiency. This work not only establishes the molecular mechanism for 23DCNB mineralization, but also enhances the understanding of the recent evolution of the catabolic pathways for nitroarenes. IMPORTANCE Because anthropogenic nitroaromatic compounds have entered the biosphere relatively recently, exploration of the recently evolved catabolic pathways can provide clues for adaptive evolutionary mechanisms in bacteria. The concept that nitroarene dioxygenases shared a common ancestor with naphthalene dioxygenase is well established. But their phylogeny and how they evolved in response to novel nitroaromatic compounds are largely unknown. Elucidation of the molecular basis for 23DCNB degradation revealed that the catabolic pathways of two DCNB isomers in different isolates from the same site were derived from different recent origins. Integrating structural models of catalytic subunits and enzymatic activities data provided new insight about how recently modified enzymes were selected depending on the structure of new substrates. This study enhances understanding and prediction of adaptive evolution of catabolic pathways in bacteria in response to new chemicals.

Red nucleus IL-33 facilitates the early development of mononeuropathic pain in male rats by inducing TNF-α through activating ERK, p38 MAPK, and JAK2/STAT3.

BACKGROUND: Our recent studies have identified that the red nucleus (RN) dual-directionally modulates the development and maintenance of mononeuropathic pain through secreting proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Here, we further explored the action of red nucleus IL-33 in the early development of mononeuropathic pain. METHODS: In this study, male rats with spared nerve injury (SNI) were used as mononeuropathic pain model. Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and behavioral testing were used to assess the expressions, cellular distributions, and actions of red nucleus IL-33 and its related downstream signaling molecules. RESULTS: IL-33 and its receptor ST2 were constitutively expressed in the RN in naive rats. After SNI, both IL-33 and ST2 were upregulated significantly at 3 days and peaked at 1 week post-injury, especially in RN neurons, oligodendrocytes, and microglia. Blockade of red nucleus IL-33 with anti-IL-33 neutralizing antibody attenuated SNI-induced mononeuropathic pain, while intrarubral administration of exogenous IL-33 evoked mechanical hypersensitivity in naive rats. Red nucleus IL-33 generated an algesic effect in the early development of SNI-induced mononeuropathic pain through activating NF-κB, ERK, p38 MAPK, and JAK2/STAT3, suppression of NF-κB, ERK, p38 MAPK, and JAK2/STAT3 with corresponding inhibitors markedly attenuated SNI-induced mononeuropathic pain or IL-33-evoked mechanical hypersensitivity in naive rats. Red nucleus IL-33 contributed to SNI-induced mononeuropathic pain by stimulating TNF-α expression, which could be abolished by administration of inhibitors against ERK, p38 MAPK, and JAK2/STAT3, but not NF-κB. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that red nucleus IL-33 facilitates the early development of mononeuropathic pain through activating NF-κB, ERK, p38 MAPK, and JAK2/STAT3. IL-33 mediates algesic effect partly by inducing TNF-α through activating ERK, p38 MAPK and JAK2/STAT3.

PGC-1α activates SIRT3 to modulate cell proliferation and glycolytic metabolism in breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women. PGC-1α plays an important role in the regulation of metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells. SIRT3 has significant implications for tumor growth. In this study, we explored the roles of PGC-1α and SIRT3 in cell proliferation and mitochondrial energy metabolism alterations in breast cancer cells. The expression patterns of PGC-1α and SIRT3 were examined using qRT-PCR and western blotting analysis. MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were infected with adenovirus to overexpress or knock down the expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3. Cell viability and apoptosis were analyzed by CCK-8 and flow cytometry, respectively. Hexokinase 2, pyruvate kinase activities, as well as NAD+/NADH ratio and ATP concentration, were assessed by commercial kits. Glucose consumption was measured using the glucose oxidase method and lactic acid concentration was detected by lactate dehydrogenase kit. Expression levels of PGC-1 and SIRT3 were much lower in breast cancer patients, compared with the normal controls. Overexpression of PGC-1α or SIRT3 both significantly promoted the apoptosis and inhibited the proliferation in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Additionally, PGC-1α or SIRT3 also induced the inhibition of glycolysis metabolism. Moreover, the expression of SIRT3 was positively regulated by PGC-1α. Silencing SIRT3 partly reversed the negative effects of PGC-1α on glycolytic metabolism. These findings demonstrated that PGC-1α/SIRT3 regulated cell proliferation and apoptosis of breast cancer through altering glycolysis, which may provide novel therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.

CYT387, a Novel JAK2 Inhibitor, Suppresses IL-13-Induced Epidermal Barrier Dysfunction Via miR-143 Targeting IL-13Rα1 and STAT3.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease influencing not only children but also adults. It is well-known that AD has a complex pathogenesis without effective therapy. Herein, we explored the function and mechanism of CYT387, a novel JAK2 inhibitor, on epidermal barrier damage. HaCaT cells exposed with high-concentration Ca2+ (1.8 mM) for 14 days were recruited for the model of keratinocytes (KC). The cell model of skin barrier damage was induced by IL-13, and KC markers such as filaggrin (FLG), loricrin (LOR), and involucrin (IVL) were detected to judge the success of the model. In this study, we found that miR-143 was lowly expressed whereas IL-13Rα1 was highly expressed in blood cells of patients with AD, indicating their negative correlation. Moreover, IL-13 treatment down-regulated miR-143 and up-regulated activated JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation, which was reversed by CYT387 administration. The dual-luciferase reporter assay verified that miR-143 could directly bind to 3'-UTR of IL-13Rα1, as well as STAT3. Furthermore, the function of CYT387 in the skin barrier damage induced by IL-13 was abolished by miR-143 inhibitor. Thus, CYT387 might alleviate IL-13-induced epidermal barrier damage via targeting IL-13Rα1 and STAT3 by miR-143 to repress inflammation. These findings revealed that the protective effects and the underlying mechanisms of CYT387 in AD, which provided evidence that miR-143 may be a novel therapeutic target for AD.