The Effect of Gua Sha Therapy on Pain in Parkinson's Disease: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose: Pain is a common yet undertreated symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD). This study investigated the effect of Gua Sha therapy on pain in patients with PD. Patients and Methods: A total of 56 PD patients with pain were randomized into either the experimental group (n=28), receiving 12 sessions of Gua Sha therapy, or the control group (n=28) without additional treatment. Participants underwent assessment at baseline, after the twelfth invention, and at the 2-month follow-up timepoints. The primary outcome was KPPS and VAS. Secondary outcomes included UPDRS I-III, PDSS-2, HADS, PDQ-39, and blood biomarkers (5-HT, IL-8, IL-10). Results: The experimental group reported a significant improvement in pain severity, motor functions, affective disorder, and sleep quality (P < 0.05). Furthermore, increasing trends in both 5-HT and IL-10, as well as decreasing trends in IL-8 were observed. No serious adverse events occurred. Conclusion: The preliminary findings suggest that Gua Sha therapy may be effective and safe for alleviating pain and improving other disease-related symptoms in PD patients.

The role of Foxo3a in neuron-mediated cognitive impairment.

Cognitive impairment (COI) is a prevalent complication across a spectrum of brain disorders, underpinned by intricate mechanisms yet to be fully elucidated. Neurons, the principal cell population of the nervous system, orchestrate cognitive processes and govern cognitive balance. Extensive inquiry has spotlighted the involvement of Foxo3a in COI. The regulatory cascade of Foxo3a transactivation implicates multiple downstream signaling pathways encompassing mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, autophagy, and apoptosis, collectively affecting neuronal activity. Notably, the expression and activity profile of neuronal Foxo3a are subject to modulation via various modalities, including methylation of promoter, phosphorylation and acetylation of protein. Furthermore, upstream pathways such as PI3K/AKT, the SIRT family, and diverse micro-RNAs intricately interface with Foxo3a, engendering alterations in neuronal function. Through several downstream routes, Foxo3a regulates neuronal dynamics, thereby modulating the onset or amelioration of COI in Alzheimer's disease, stroke, ischemic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, and traumatic brain injury. Foxo3a is a potential therapeutic cognitive target, and clinical drugs or multiple small molecules have been preliminarily shown to have cognitive-enhancing effects that indirectly affect Foxo3a. Particularly noteworthy are multiple randomized, controlled, placebo clinical trials illustrating the significant cognitive enhancement achievable through autophagy modulation. Here, we discussed the role of Foxo3a in neuron-mediated COI and common cognitively impaired diseases.

A new fossil species of Meliolinites Selkirk associated with Rhodoleia leaves from the Upper Pliocene of southwestern China.

Fossil epifoliar fungi are valuable indicators of paleoenvironment and paleoecology. The Meliolaceae, members of which typically inhabit the surface of living plants as biotrophs or pathogens, is one of the largest groups of epifoliar fungi. In this study, we report a novel fossil species of Meliolinites Selkirk (fossil Meliolaceae), Meliolinites tengchongensis, on the lower epidermis of compressed fossil Rhodoleia (Hamamelidaceae) leaves from the Upper Pliocene Mangbang Formation of Tengchong, Yunnan, southwestern China. Meliolinites tengchongensis is characterized by web-like, superficial, brown to dark brown, septate, and branching mycelia bearing 2-celled appressoria and unicellular phialides. The fungal colonies also include ellipsoidal, 5-celled, 4-septate ascospores and dark brown perithecia with suborbicular outline and verrucose surface. The well-preserved vegetative and reproductive organs help us to explore the potential disease process of the new fossil species. Besides, the presence of fungal remains indicates that the fungal taxon might have maintained its host preference since at least the Late Pliocene. Furthermore, the occurrence of both fossil fungi and their host plants in Tengchong indicate a subtropical-tropical, warm, and humid climate during the Late Pliocene, whereas the distribution pattern of the fungi on the host leaves suggests that Rhodoleia may have been a part of the middle-upper canopies in the Tengchong Late Pliocene multilayered forest.

Anti-tumor effect of dandelion flavone on multiple myeloma cells and its mechanism.

BACKGROUND: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a prevalent hematologic malignancy characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of monoclonal plasma cells in the bone marrow and excessive monoclonal immunoglobulin production, leading to organ damage. Despite therapeutic advancements, recurrence and drug resistance remain significant challenges. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the effects of dandelion flavone (DF) on MM cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, aiming to elucidate the mechanisms involved in MM metastasis and to explore the potential of traditional Chinese medicine in MM therapy. METHODS: DF's impact on myeloma cell viability was evaluated using the CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Cell mobility and invasiveness were assessed through wound healing and transwell assays, respectively. RT-PCR was employed to quantify mRNA levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2. Apoptotic rates and molecular markers were analyzed via flow cytometry and RT-PCR. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was studied using Western blot and ELISA, with IGF-1 and the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 used to validate the findings. RESULTS: DF demonstrated dose-dependent inhibitory effects on MM cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. It reduced mRNA levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 while increasing those of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. Furthermore, DF enhanced the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins and inhibited M2 macrophage polarization by targeting key molecules and enzymes. The anti-myeloma activity of DF was mediated through the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway, as evidenced by diminished phosphorylation and differential effects in the presence of IGF-1 and LY294002. CONCLUSION: By modulating the PI3K/AKT pathway, DF effectively inhibits MM cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induces apoptosis, establishing a novel therapeutic strategy for MM based on traditional Chinese medicine.

Talaesthanes A-C, three new meroterpenoids from the endophytic fungus Talaromyces primulinus H21.

Three new meroterpenoids (1-3) and ten known ones (4-13) were obtained from the endophytic fungus Talaromyces primulinus H21 isolated from the plant of Euphorbia sikkimensis. Their structures including their absolute configurations were elucidated by extensive analysis of spectroscopic data such as HR-ESI-MS, 1D/2D NMR, and X-ray diffraction of single crystal together with comparison of experimental ECD with calculated ECD. All compounds were examined for their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW264.7 cells, and compounds 3, 9, 12, and 13 exhibited certain inhibition on NO production, with IC50 values of 27.19, 41.55, 25.23, and 24.71 µM, respectively.

Evaluation of combined epiretinal membrane removal with intravitreal triamcinolone injection utilizing ectopic inner foveal layer staging scheme.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the macular morphological and visual outcomes of combined idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) removal with triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injection based on consideration of the ectopic inner foveal layer (EIFL) staging scheme. METHODS: Retrospective case-control study. The clinical data of 84 eyes of 84 patients who underwent vitrectomy for iERM between 2018 and 2022 were reviewed. The enrolled subjects were divided into the TA and non-TA groups. Fifty-one eyes received intravitreal TA injection following vitrectomy and ERM peeling (TA group), and 33 were only treated by standard vitrectomy and ERM peeling (non-TA group). Preoperative and postoperative EIFL stages, central foveal thickness (CFT), and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were compared between both groups. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 7.69 ± 3.68 months, both groups exhibited significant improvement in EIFL stages (P < 0.01), with no discernible advantage observed in the TA group. The TA and non-TA groups demonstrated improvement in the EIFL stages in 56.86 and 63.64% of eyes, respectively (P = 0.43). The CFT and BCVA significantly improved in both groups at the final visit (P < 0.01). However, CFT in the non-TA group displayed a more significant reduction during the follow-up (P < 0.03). Subgroup analysis revealed no significant differences in postoperative CFT and BCVA between the two groups in cases with or without continuous EIFL (P > 0.10). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that combined intravitreal TA injection following ERM removal conferred no significant benefits in alleviating macular thickening or improving visual acuity in iERM.

Roxadustat on Renal Anemia with Macroinflammation: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Introduction: Roxadustat, the first-in-class drug for the treatment of renal anemia, has demonstrated efficacy in renal anemia with microinflammation. Additional data are needed regarding the efficacy of roxadustat on renal anemia with systemic macroinflammation. Methods: Three cohorts of renal anemia based on the basic level of high-sensitivity CRP were included. Patients with hsCRP ≤2 mg/L were selected as non-inflammation (NI) group; 2< hsCRP ≤10 mg/L as microinflammation (MI) group; hsCRP≥10 mg/L as macroinflammation (MA) group. Patients received oral roxadustat three times per week for 52 weeks. The primary end point was the hemoglobin level over weeks 12-52. The second end point was the cumulative proportion of patients achieving hemoglobin response by the end of week 12. Results: A total of 107 patients with chronic kidney diseases (CKDs) were enrolled. Overall, the baseline hemoglobin level of patients was 79.99 ± 11.20 g/L. Roxadustat could significantly increase the hemoglobin level in all of the three groups and did not show any significant difference (p > 0.05, respectively). Meanwhile, compared with that of the NI group, there was no significant difference in hemoglobin response rate in the MA group both at week 12 (p = 0.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.9531-13.75) and week 52 (p = 0.37; 95% CI, 0.5080-7.937). Moreover, the hemoglobin response was independent of baseline hsCRP level (p = 0.72, 95% CI, -0.1139 to 0.0794). More importantly, roxadustat significantly reduced ferritin and serum iron levels and increased total iron-binding capacity in the three groups, which showed no significant differences among the three groups (p > 0.05, respectively). Conclusion: Roxadustat significantly improves anemia in CKD patients with systemic macroinflammation.

Rejuvenation of peripheral immune cells attenuates Alzheimer's disease-like pathologies and behavioral deficits in a mouse model.

Immunosenescence contributes to systematic aging and plays a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the potential of immune rejuvenation as a therapeutic strategy for AD. To achieve this, the immune systems of aged APP/PS1 mice were rejuvenated through young bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that young BMT restored the expression of aging- and AD-related genes in multiple cell types within blood immune cells. The level of circulating senescence-associated secretory phenotype proteins was decreased following young BMT. Notably, young BMT resulted in a significant reduction in cerebral Aß plaque burden, neuronal degeneration, neuroinflammation, and improvement of behavioral deficits in aged APP/PS1 mice. The ameliorated cerebral amyloidosis was associated with an enhanced Aß clearance of peripheral monocytes. In conclusion, our study provides evidence that immune system rejuvenation represents a promising therapeutic approach for AD.

Right ventricular volume and function by three-dimensional echocardiography: results of the echocardiographic measurements in normal Chinese adults (EMINCA) II.

Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography is an emerging technique for assessing right ventricular (RV) volume and function, but 3D-RV normal values from a large Chinese population are still lacking. The aim of the present study was to establish normal values of 3D-RV volume and function in healthy Chinese volunteers. A total of 1117 Han Chinese volunteers from 28 laboratories in 20 provinces of China were enrolled, and 3D-RV images of 747 volunteers with optimal image quality were ultimately analyzed by a core laboratory. Both vendor-dependent and vendor-independent software platforms were used to analyze the 3D-RV images. We found that men had larger RV volumes than women did in the whole population, even after indexing to body surface area, and older individuals had smaller RV volumes. The normal RV volume was significantly smaller than that recommended by the American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging guidelines in both sexes. There were significant differences in 3D-RV measurements between the two vendor ultrasound systems and the different software platforms. The echocardiographic measurements in normal Chinese adults II study revealed normal 3D-RV volume and function in a large Chinese population, and there were significant differences between the sexes, ages, races, and vendor groups. Thus, normal 3D-RV values should be stratified by sex, age, race, and vendor.

Ursolic acid molecules dock MAPK1 to modulate gut microbiota diversity to reduce neuropathic pain.

To investigate the efficacy of Ursolic acid in alleviating neuropathic pain in rats with spinal nerve ligation (SNL), the SNL rat model was surgically induced. Different concentrations of Ursolic acid and manipulated target mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) were administered to the SNL rats. Fecal samples were collected from each group of rats for 16S rDNA analysis to examine the impact of gut microbiota. Molecular docking experiments were conducted to assess the binding energy between Ursolic acid and MAPK1. In vivo studies were carried out to evaluate the expression of inflammatory factors and signaling pathways in spinal cord and colon tissues. Ursolic acid was found to have a beneficial effect on pain reduction in rats by increasing plantar withdrawal latency (PWL) and paw withdrawal threshold (PWT). Comparing the Ursolic acid group with the control group revealed notable differences in the distribution of Staphylococcus, Allobaculum, Clostridium, Blautia, Bifidobacterium, and Prevotella species. Network pharmacology analysis identified MAPK1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1) as common targets for Ursolic acid, SNL, and neuropathic pain. Binding sites between Ursolic acid and these targets were identified. Additionally, immunofluorescent staining showed a decrease in GFAP and IBA1 intensity in the spinal cord along with an increase in NeuN following Ursolic acid treatment. Overexpression of MAPK1 in SNL rats led to an increase in inflammatory factors and a decrease in PWL and PWT. Furthermore, MAPK1 counteracted the pain-relieving effects of Ursolic acid in SNL rats. Ursolic acid was found to alleviate neuropathic pain in SNL rats by targeting MAPK1 and influencing gut microbiota homeostasis.

Physicochemical characteristics of grease-trap wastewater with different potential mechanisms of FOG solid formation, separation, and accumulation inside grease traps.

This work investigates the physicochemical characteristics of grease-trap wastewater discharged from a large community market. It proposes potential mechanisms of fat, oil, and grease (FOG) solid formation, separation, and accumulation inside grease traps. Sixty-four samples, i.e., the floated scum, suspended solid-liquid wastewater, and settled sludge, were collected from the grease-trap inlet and outlet chambers. A lower pH of 5-6 at 25-29 °C inside the grease trap than those reported under the sewer conditions (pH 6-7) was revealed. A significant difference in solid and dissolved constituents was also discovered between the inlet and outlet chambers, indicating that the baffle wall could affect the separation mechanism. The sludge samples had 1.5 times higher total solids (TS) than the scum samples, i.e., 0.225 vs. 0.149 g g-1 TS, revealing that the sludge amount impacted more significantly the grease trap capacity and operation and maintenance. In contrast, the scum samples had 1.4 times higher volatile solids (VS) than the sludge samples, i.e., 0.134 vs. 0.096 g g-1 VS, matching with the 64.2 vs. 29.7% of carbon content from CHN analysis. About 2/3 of the free fatty acids (FFAs) with palmitic acids were the primary saturated FFAs, while the remaining 1/3 of unsaturated FFAs were found in the solid and liquid samples. Although up to 0.511 g g-1 FOG can be extracted from the scum samples, none from the sludge samples. More diverse minerals/metals other than Na, Cl, and Ca were found in the sludge samples than in the scum samples. Grease-trap FOG solids and open drain samples exhibited similar physicochemical properties to those reported in the literature. Four potential mechanisms (crystallization, emulsification, saponification, and baffling) were presented. This work offers insights into the physicochemical properties of grease-trap wastewater that can help explore its FOG solid formation, separation, and accumulation mechanisms inside a grease trap.

Chemical constituents of Penicillium ferraniaense GE-7 and their cytotoxicities.

Phytochemical investigation on the plant endophytic fungus Penicillium ferraniaense GE-7 led to the isolation of 18 compounds including one new α-pyrone derivative, peniferranige A (1). The structure including the absolute configuration of compound 1 was elucidated by NMR, HRMS, and ECD data. Demethoxyfumitremorgin C (16) and meleagrin (17) possessed moderate activities against the human lung cancer cell line H1975 with IC50 values of 28.52 ± 1.07 and 13.94 ± 1.92 µM, respectively.

Roxadustat Versus Erythropoietin: The Comparison of Efficacy in Reversing Ventricular Remodeling in Dialysis Patients with Anaemia.

Background: Renal anaemia and left ventricular hypertrophy are the main complications of chronic kidney disease and are shared among dialysis patients. This retrospective study aimed to compare the efficacies of the hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor roxadustat and recombinant human erythropoietin in reversing ventricular remodeling in dialysis patients with renal anaemia. Methods: A total of 204 participants underwent baseline examinations, including echocardiograms and laboratory tests, before being administered either treatment for at least 24 weeks from January 2018 to October 2021, after which follow-up examinations were conducted at 6 months. Propensity score matching based on key variables included age, gender, cardiovascular diseases, cardiovascular medications, dialysis course and the vascular access at baseline was performed to include populations with similar characteristics between groups. Results: In total, 136 patients were included with roxadustat or recombinant human erythropoietin. The left ventricular mass index after treatment with roxadustat and recombinant human erythropoietin both significantly decreased after 6 months, but there was no significant difference in the change in left ventricular mass index between the two groups. In addition, the left ventricular end-diastolic diameters and left ventricular wall thickness, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased in the roxadustat group. Roxadustat and recombinant human erythropoietin also increased haemoglobin significantly, but there was no significant difference in the change in haemoglobin between the two groups. The results of multiple linear regression showed that the change in haemoglobin was independent factor affecting the improvement of left ventricular mass index. Conclusions: The increase of haemoglobin was associated with improving left ventricular hypertrophy in dialysis patients. However, the beneficial effects between roxadustat and recombinant human erythropoietin on left ventricular mass index did not show clear superiority or inferiority in six months.

Chemical constituents of Wikstroemia alternifolia and their neuroprotective activities.

Phytochemical investigation on the plant of Wikstroemia alternifolia led to the isolation of 26 compounds including two new ones, wikstralternifols A and B (1 and 7). Their structures including the absolute configuration were elucidated by spectroscopic data together with analysis of experimental and calculated ECD data. All compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time, and their main structural types were lignans, sesquiterpenoids, and flavonoids. In the sodium nitroprusside-induced rat pheochromocytoma PC-12 cell model, the neuroprotective activities of the selected sesquiterpenoids (1 and 4) and lignans (7 - 14) were screened at the concentration of 10 µM, and 7 - 14 displayed better activities than the positive control edaravone.

Acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 promotes diabetic renal tubular injury in mice by rewiring fatty acid metabolism through SIRT1/ChREBP pathway.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is characterized by chronic low-grade renal inflammatory responses, which greatly contribute to disease progression. Abnormal glucose metabolism disrupts renal lipid metabolism, leading to lipid accumulation, nephrotoxicity, and subsequent aseptic renal interstitial inflammation. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the renal inflammation in diabetes, driven by glucose-lipid metabolic rearrangement with a focus on the role of acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2) in lipid accumulation and renal tubular injury. Diabetic models were established in mice by the injection of streptozotocin and in human renal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells cultured under a high glucose (HG, 30 mmol/L) condition. We showed that the expression levels of ACSS2 were significantly increased in renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) from the diabetic mice and human diabetic kidney biopsy samples, and ACSS2 was co-localized with the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1ß in RTECs. Diabetic ACSS2-deficient mice exhibited reduced renal tubular injury and inflammatory responses. Similarly, ACSS2 knockdown or inhibition of ACSS2 by ACSS2i (10 µmol/L) in HK-2 cells significantly ameliorated HG-induced inflammation, mitochondrial stress, and fatty acid synthesis. Molecular docking revealed that ACSS2 interacted with Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). In HG-treated HK-2 cells, we demonstrated that ACSS2 suppressed SIRT1 expression and activated fatty acid synthesis by modulating SIRT1-carbohydrate responsive element binding protein (ChREBP) activity, leading to mitochondrial oxidative stress and inflammation. We conclude that ACSS2 promotes mitochondrial oxidative stress and renal tubular inflammation in DN by regulating the SIRT1-ChREBP pathway. This highlights the potential therapeutic value of pharmacological inhibition of ACSS2 for alleviating renal inflammation and dysregulation of fatty acid metabolic homeostasis in DN. Metabolic inflammation in the renal region, driven by lipid metabolism disorder, is a key factor in renal injury in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2) is abundantly expressed in renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) and highly upregulated in diabetic kidneys. Deleting ACSS2 reduces renal fatty acid accumulation and markers of renal tubular injury in diabetic mice. We demonstrate that ACSS2 deletion inhibits ChREBP-mediated fatty acid lipogenesis, mitochondrial oxidative stress, and inflammatory response in RTECs, which play a major role in the progression of diabetic renal tubular injury in the kidney. These findings support the potential use of ACSS2 inhibitors in treating patients with DN.

The ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes effectively predicts clinical outcomes in idiopathic membranous nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: Systemic inflammatory indicators are important in the prognoses of various diseases. Such indicators, including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), can be meaningful in predicting the clinical outcome in patients diagnosed with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 112 IMN patients diagnosed by renal biopsy were recruited retrospectively. The endpoint was defined as a combination of partial and complete remission. Statistical analysis determined the independent factors associated with clinical remission and the predictive utility of NLR. RESULTS: Within the 12-month follow-up period, 72 patients achieved clinical remission after treatment. Univariate analysis identified significant differences in serum albumin, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), proteinuria, neutrophil count, and NLR between the remission group and the non-remission group (all p < 0.05). Cox proportional hazards indicated that elevated eGFR (HR 1.022, 95% CI (1.009 - 1.035), p = 0.001), lower NLR (HR 0.345, 95% CI (0.237 - 0.501), p = 0.0001), and decreased proteinuria (HR 0.826, 95% CI (0.693 - 0.984), p = 0.032) were protective elements for remission. With an optimal cut-off value of 2.61, the pre-treatment NLR had an excellent ability to identify the remission (area under the curve (AUC), 0.785). Participants were separated into low- and high-NLR groups by using 2.61. Kaplan-Meier survival curves revealed significantly higher remission rates in the lower group (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The NLR is an effective indicator for predicting clinical remission in patients with IMN.

Epigenetic-based combination therapy and liposomal codelivery overcomes osimertinib-resistant NSCLC via repolarizing tumor-associated macrophages.

Osimertinib (Osi) is widely used as a first-line treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutations. However, the majority of patients treated with Osi eventually relapse within a year. The mechanisms of Osi resistance remain largely unexplored, and efficient strategies to reverse the resistance are urgently needed. Here, we developed a lactoferrin-modified liposomal codelivery system for the combination therapy of Osi and panobinostat (Pan), an epigenetic regulator of histone acetylation. We demonstrated that the codelivery liposomes could efficiently repolarize tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) from the M2 to M1 phenotype and reverse the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated drug resistance in the tumor cells, as well as suppress glycolysis, lactic acid production, and angiogenesis. Our results suggested that the combination therapy of Osi and Pan mediated by liposomal codelivery is a promising strategy for overcoming Osi resistance in NSCLC.

Discovery of a highly potent and orally available importin-ß1 inhibitor that overcomes enzalutamide-resistance in advanced prostate cancer.

Nuclear transporter importin-ß1 is emerging as an attractive target by virtue of its prevalence in many cancers. However, the lack of druggable inhibitors restricts its therapeutic proof of concept. In the present work, we optimized a natural importin-ß1 inhibitor DD1 to afford an improved analog DD1-Br with better tolerability (>25 folds) and oral bioavailability. DD1-Br inhibited the survival of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) cells with sub-nanomolar potency and completely prevented tumor growth in resistant CRPC models both in monotherapy (0.5 mg/kg) and in enzalutamide-combination therapy. Mechanistic study revealed that by targeting importin-ß1, DD1-Br markedly inhibited the nuclear accumulation of multiple CRPC drivers, particularly AR-V7, a main contributor to enzalutamide resistance, leading to the integral suppression of downstream oncogenic signaling. This study provides a promising lead for CRPC and demonstrates the potential of overcoming drug resistance in advanced CRPC via targeting importin-ß1.

Discovery of Ingenane Diterpenoids from Euphorbia hylonoma as Antiadipogenic Agents.

Thirteen new Euphorbia diterpenoids, euphylonanes A-M (1-13), and eight known ones were isolated from the whole plants of Euphorbia hylonoma. Compounds 1 and 2 are two rearranged ingenanes bearing a rare 6/6/7/3-fused ring system. Compound 3 represents the first example of a 9,10-epoxy tigliane, while 4-21 are typical ingenanes varying with substituents. Structures were elucidated using a combination of spectroscopic, computational, and chemical methods. Most ingenanes exerted a significant antiadipogenic effect in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, among which 4 was the most active with an EC50 value of 0.60 ± 0.27 µM. Mechanistic study revealed that 4 inhibited the adipogenesis and lipogenesis in adipocytes via activation of the AMPK signaling pathway.

Activation of acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 mediates kidney injury in diabetic nephropathy.

Albuminuria and podocyte injury are the key cellular events in the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2) is a nucleocytosolic enzyme responsible for the regulation of metabolic homeostasis in mammalian cells. This study aimed to investigate the possible roles of ACSS2 in kidney injury in DN. We constructed an ACSS2-deleted mouse model to investigate the role of ACSS2 in podocyte dysfunction and kidney injury in diabetic mouse models. In vitro, podocytes were chosen and transfected with ACSS2 siRNA and ACSS2 inhibitor and treated with high glucose. We found that ACSS2 expression was significantly elevated in the podocytes of patients with DN and diabetic mice. ACSS2 upregulation promoted phenotype transformation and inflammatory cytokine expression while inhibiting podocytes' autophagy. Conversely, ACSS2 inhibition improved autophagy and alleviated podocyte injury. Furthermore, ACSS2 epigenetically activated raptor expression by histone H3K9 acetylation, promoting activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway. Pharmacological inhibition or genetic depletion of ACSS2 in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model greatly ameliorated kidney injury and podocyte dysfunction. To conclude, ACSS2 activation promoted podocyte injury in DN by raptor/mTORC1-mediated autophagy inhibition.