Lupus mesenteric vasculitis with gastrointestinal bleeding as the primary manifestation: a case report.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease where the body loses tolerance to its own antigens, particularly nuclear antigens. Abnormal responses from T and B cells lead to the production of autoantibodies and the formation of immune complexes in tissues, triggering complement activation, inflammation, and irreversible organ damage. SLE can affect any part of the body, resulting in diverse clinical symptoms. One rare manifestation of SLE is lupus mesenteric vasculitis (LMV), which presents with vague symptoms, abnormal laboratory findings, and specific imaging features. LMV, although uncommon, can progress to severe complications such as bowel perforation, haemorrhage, and even mortality. Here, we report a case of LMV with the involvement of multiple organ systems (including mucocutaneous, musculoskeletal, serosal cavities, and haematological systems), presenting initially with life-threatening intractable gastrointestinal bleeding, and complicated by severe pulmonary infection. By sharing this case, we aim to enhance clinicians' confidence in managing critical SLE cases and raise awareness about disease surveillance.

Efficacy and safety of telitacicept therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus with hematological involvement.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of telitacicept in SLE patients specifically with hematological involvement. METHOD: A total of 22 patients with SLE and hematological involvement were included in this study. These patients received telitacicept in addition to standard therapy. We compared their demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, and laboratory indicators before and after the administration of telitacicept. RESULTS: A total of 22 patients received telitacicept treatment for a median duration of 10.4 months (ranging from 6 to 19 months). Following telitacicept therapy, significant improvements were observed in various parameters compared to baseline. Specifically, white blood cell count increased from (3.98 ± 1.80) 109/L to (6.70 ± 2.47) 109/L, (P = 0.002), hemoglobin levels increased from (100 ± 19) g/L to (125 ± 22) g/L, (P < 0.001), and platelet count increased from (83 ± 60) 109/L to (161 ± 81) 109/L, (P = 0.004). SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores decreased from 12(5,15) to 0(0,4), (P < 0.001). Additionally, C3 and C4 levels showed improvement. Telitacicept treatment also resulted in a significant reduction in serum IgG levels and daily prednisone dosage. Only one adverse event (4.5%) was reported during the treatment, which was a urinary tract infection. CONCLUSION: The combination of telitacicept and standard treatment demonstrated significant improvements in anemia, as well as increased leukocyte and platelet levels in patients with SLE and hematological involvement. Importantly, the observed adverse events were manageable and controllable. Key Points • Telitacicept effectively improves anemia, clinical outcomes, and increases leukocyte and platelet counts. • Treatment with telitacicept leads to decreased levels of lgG, IgA, anti-dsDNA, and SLEDAI scores, while serum complement C3 and C4 returned to normal. • During the follow-up period there were observed changes in individual parameters, clinical symptoms, and organ involvement, all without significant adverse events.

Pulse pressure variation guided goal-direct fluid therapy decreases postoperative complications in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The use of goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) has been shown to reduce complications and improve prognosis in high-risk abdominal surgery patients. However, the utilization of pulse pressure variation (PPV) guided GDFT in laparoscopic surgery remains a subject of debate. We hypothesized that utilizing PPV guidance for GDFT would optimize short-term prognosis in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection for colorectal cancer compared to conventional fluid therapy. METHODS: Elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer were randomized to receive either PPV guided GDFT or conventional fluid therapy and explore whether PPV guided GDFT can optimize the short-term prognosis of elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer compared with conventional fluid therapy. RESULTS: The incidence of complications was significantly lower in the PPV group compared to the control group (32.8% vs. 57.1%, P = .009). Additionally, the PPV group had a lower occurrence of gastrointestinal dysfunction (19.0% vs. 39.3%, P = .017) and postoperative pneumonia (8.6% vs. 23.2%, P = .033) than the control group. CONCLUSION: Utilizing PPV as a monitoring index for GDFT can improve short-term prognosis in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer. REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2300067361; date of registration: January 5, 2023.

Dissection of the structure-function relationship of Nav channels.

Voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav) undergo conformational shifts in response to membrane potential changes, a mechanism known as the electromechanical coupling. To delineate the structure-function relationship of human Nav channels, we have performed systematic structural analysis using human Nav1.7 as a prototype. Guided by the structural differences between wild-type (WT) Nav1.7 and an eleven mutation-containing variant, designated Nav1.7-M11, we generated three additional intermediate mutants and solved their structures at overall resolutions of 2.9-3.4 Å. The mutant with nine-point mutations in the pore domain (PD), named Nav1.7-M9, has a reduced cavity volume and a sealed gate, with all voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) remaining up. Structural comparison of WT and Nav1.7-M9 pinpoints two residues that may be critical to the tightening of the PD. However, the variant containing these two mutations, Nav1.7-M2, or even in combination with two additional mutations in the VSDs, named Nav1.7-M4, failed to tighten the PD. Our structural analysis reveals a tendency of PD contraction correlated with the right shift of the static inactivation I-V curves. We predict that the channel in the resting state should have a "tight" PD with down VSDs.

Efficacy and safety of intratonsillar immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: A lower adherence rate existed in patients receiving allergen-specific immunotherapy due to its lengthy period and adverse effects even though it is the only curative treatment for IgE-mediated allergies. Therefore, exploring innovative allergen-specific immunotherapy routes is necessary. OBJECTIVE: To explore the efficacy and safety of the intratonsillar injection of house dust mite (HDM) extract in patients with HDM-induced allergic rhinitis (AR). METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 80 patients with HDM-induced AR were randomized to receive 6 intratonsillar injections with HDM extract or placebo in 3 months. The total nasal symptom score (TNSS), visual analogue scale of nasal symptoms, combined symptom and medication score, mini rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire, and serum allergen-specific IgG4 to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus were all monitored at baseline and 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after the treatment was finished. The intent-to-treat and per-protocol set (PPS) are both analyzed. RESULTS: The primary end points TNSS and ΔTNSS were improved significantly at 3 months after the patients with AR finished a 3-month 6-injection intratonsillar immunotherapy compared with those in the placebo treatment in both intent-to-treat and PPS. Results of visual analogue scale, combined symptom and medication score, and mini rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire were also improved significantly at 3 months after the treatment in PPS. However, the improvement effect of intratonsillar immunotherapy at 6 and 12 months was limited and uncertain based on the data. The increase of serum Der p IgG4 in the active group was significantly higher than that in the placebo group at 3, 6, and 12 months after the treatment was finished. Adverse events were monitored, and no systemic adverse reactions were observed. CONCLUSION: The clinical trial revealed that intratonsillar injection with HDM extract was safe and effective in patients with AR. Optimizing the protocol and allergen formulations is expected to increase and maintain the efficacy of this novel approach. TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.html, identifier: ChiCTR-TRC-13003600.

A structural atlas of druggable sites on Nav channels.

Voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels govern membrane excitability by initiating and propagating action potentials. Consistent with their physiological significance, dysfunction, or mutations in these channels are associated with various channelopathies. Nav channels are thereby major targets for various clinical and investigational drugs. In addition, a large number of natural toxins, both small molecules and peptides, can bind to Nav channels and modulate their functions. Technological breakthrough in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has enabled the determination of high-resolution structures of eukaryotic and eventually human Nav channels, alone or in complex with auxiliary subunits, toxins, and drugs. These studies have not only advanced our comprehension of channel architecture and working mechanisms but also afforded unprecedented clarity to the molecular basis for the binding and mechanism of action (MOA) of prototypical drugs and toxins. In this review, we will provide an overview of the recent advances in structural pharmacology of Nav channels, encompassing the structural map for ligand binding on Nav channels. These findings have established a vital groundwork for future drug development.

Discovery of X10g as a selective PROTAC degrader of Hsp90α protein for treating breast cancer.

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), a highly conserved and widely expressed molecular chaperone, is mainly responsible for maintaining the correct folding of client proteins and is closely related to the stability and activation of tumour-related proteins. Hsp90α, the major isoform of Hsp90, can promote tumour cell migration and metastasis, and is abundantly secreted in highly invasive tumours. To date, most pan-Hsp90 inhibitors have been limited in their applications due to high toxicity. Herein, we described the candidate compound X10g based on a proteolysis-targeting chimaera (PROTAC) strategy that potently and selectively degraded Hsp90α. The results showed that X10g inhibited tumours better with lower toxicity in vivo. These findings demonstrate that synthesized selective Hsp90α degrader X10g provides a new strategy for breast cancer therapy.

Structural mapping of Nav1.7 antagonists.

Voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels are targeted by a number of widely used and investigational drugs for the treatment of epilepsy, arrhythmia, pain, and other disorders. Despite recent advances in structural elucidation of Nav channels, the binding mode of most Nav-targeting drugs remains unknown. Here we report high-resolution cryo-EM structures of human Nav1.7 treated with drugs and lead compounds with representative chemical backbones at resolutions of 2.6-3.2 Å. A binding site beneath the intracellular gate (site BIG) accommodates carbamazepine, bupivacaine, and lacosamide. Unexpectedly, a second molecule of lacosamide plugs into the selectivity filter from the central cavity. Fenestrations are popular sites for various state-dependent drugs. We show that vinpocetine, a synthetic derivative of a vinca alkaloid, and hardwickiic acid, a natural product with antinociceptive effect, bind to the III-IV fenestration, while vixotrigine, an analgesic candidate, penetrates the IV-I fenestration of the pore domain. Our results permit building a 3D structural map for known drug-binding sites on Nav channels summarized from the present and previous structures.

Unwinding and spiral sliding of S4 and domain rotation of VSD during the electromechanical coupling in Nav1.7.

Voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channel Nav1.7 has been targeted for the development of nonaddictive pain killers. Structures of Nav1.7 in distinct functional states will offer an advanced mechanistic understanding and aid drug discovery. Here we report the cryoelectron microscopy analysis of a human Nav1.7 variant that, with 11 rationally introduced point mutations, has a markedly right-shifted activation voltage curve with V1/2 reaching 69 mV. The voltage-sensing domain in the first repeat (VSDI) in a 2.7-Å resolution structure displays a completely down (deactivated) conformation. Compared to the structure of WT Nav1.7, three gating charge (GC) residues in VSDI are transferred to the cytosolic side through a combination of helix unwinding and spiral sliding of S4I and ∼20° domain rotation. A conserved WNФФD motif on the cytoplasmic end of S3I stabilizes the down conformation of VSDI. One GC residue is transferred in VSDII mainly through helix sliding. Accompanying GC transfer in VSDI and VSDII, rearrangement and contraction of the intracellular gate is achieved through concerted movements of adjacent segments, including S4-5I, S4-5II, S5II, and all S6 segments. Our studies provide important insight into the electromechanical coupling mechanism of the single-chain voltage-gated ion channels and afford molecular interpretations for a number of pain-associated mutations whose pathogenic mechanism cannot be revealed from previously reported Nav structures.

High-resolution structures of human Nav1.7 reveal gating modulation through α-π helical transition of S6IV.

Nav1.7 represents a preeminent target for next-generation analgesics for its critical role in pain sensation. Here we report a 2.2-Å resolution cryo-EM structure of wild-type (WT) Nav1.7 complexed with the ß1 and ß2 subunits that reveals several previously indiscernible cytosolic segments. Reprocessing of the cryo-EM data for our reported structures of Nav1.7(E406K) bound to various toxins identifies two distinct conformations of S6IV, one composed of α helical turns only and the other containing a π helical turn in the middle. The structure of ligand-free Nav1.7(E406K), determined at 3.5-Å resolution, is identical to the WT channel, confirming that binding of Huwentoxin IV or Protoxin II to VSDII allosterically induces the α → π transition of S6IV. The local secondary structural shift leads to contraction of the intracellular gate, closure of the fenestration on the interface of repeats I and IV, and rearrangement of the binding site for the fast inactivation motif.

Exposure to volatile organic compounds may be associated with oxidative DNA damage-mediated childhood asthma.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are important and ubiquitous air pollutants, which may lead to a significant increase in the prevalence of respiratory diseases. To investigate the relationships between VOCs exposure and childhood asthma, 252 asthmatic children and 69 healthy children were recruited. Urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG, a biomarker of oxidative DNA damage), trans-3'-hydroxycotinine (OH-Cot, a biomarker of passive smoking) and 27 VOC metabolites were simultaneously determined by an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer. Results showed that levels of 8-OHdG and most VOC metabolites in asthmatic children were significantly higher than those in healthy children. More than half of the VOC metabolites were significantly and positively associated with OH-Cot with maximal ß coefficient of 0.169, suggesting that second-hand smoking is one important source of VOCs exposure for children in Guangzhou. Significant dose-response relationships between most VOC metabolites and 8-OHdG were observed. Each unit increase in ln-transformed VOC metabolite levels was significantly associated with 5.5-32% increase in ln-transformed 8-OHdG level. Moreover, each unit increase in ln-transformed 8-OHdG level was associated with an 896% increased odd ratios (OR) of asthma in children (OR = 9.96, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 4.75, 20.9), indicating that oxidative stress induced by VOCs exposure may have a significant impact on childhood asthma. Urinary 3-&4-Methylhippuric acid (3-&4-MHA, OR: 5.78, 95% CI: 3.50, 9.54), rac 2-Aminothiazoline-4-carboxylic acid (ATCA, OR: 2.90, 95% CI: 1.69, 4.99) and N-Acetyl-S-(3,4-dihydroxybutyl)-L-cysteine (DHBMA, OR: 2.76, 95% CI: 1.73, 4.43) which may derive from m/p-xylene, cyanide and 1,3-butadiene exposure, respectively, could significantly and maximally increase the odds of asthma. Interestingly, they also had the strongest associations with 8-OHdG among all investigated VOC metabolites. Moreover, DHBMA strongly correlated with most VOC metabolites. Hence, DHBMA is a suitable biomarker to indicate not only VOCs exposure profile, but also the DNA damage-mediated asthma induced by VOCs.

A mitochondria-targeted fluorescent probe for the detection of endogenous SO2 derivatives in living cells.

A unique fluorescent probe (ZACA) for the monitoring of SO2 derivatives was developed from coumarin and benzoindoles based on FRET and ICT. ZACA exhibited an active emission signal, large Stokes shift, wide emission window distance, and high photostability. It also possessed many advantages in the ratiometric detection of HSO3-/SO32- including low detection limit and high selectivity and sensitivity. Importantly, ZACA was successfully applied in the ratiometric detection of endogenous HSO3-/SO32- in living cells with excellent cellular imaging capability (1 µM) and mitochondria-targeting ability (co-localization coefficient: 0.91).

Cryo-EM structures of apo and antagonist-bound human Cav3.1.

Among the ten subtypes of mammalian voltage-gated calcium (Cav) channels, Cav3.1-Cav3.3 constitute the T-type, or the low-voltage-activated, subfamily, the abnormal activities of which are associated with epilepsy, psychiatric disorders and pain1-5. Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy structures of human Cav3.1 alone and in complex with a highly Cav3-selective blocker, Z9446,7, at resolutions of 3.3 Å and 3.1 Å, respectively. The arch-shaped Z944 molecule reclines in the central cavity of the pore domain, with the wide end inserting into the fenestration on the interface between repeats II and III, and the narrow end hanging above the intracellular gate like a plug. The structures provide the framework for comparative investigation of the distinct channel properties of different Cav subfamilies.

Molecular Basis for Ligand Modulation of a Mammalian Voltage-Gated Ca2+ Channel.

The L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ (Cav) channels are modulated by various compounds exemplified by 1,4-dihydropyridines (DHP), benzothiazepines (BTZ), and phenylalkylamines (PAA), many of which have been used for characterizing channel properties and for treatment of hypertension and other disorders. Here, we report the cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of Cav1.1 in complex with archetypal antagonistic drugs, nifedipine, diltiazem, and verapamil, at resolutions of 2.9 Å, 3.0 Å, and 2.7 Å, respectively, and with a DHP agonist Bay K 8644 at 2.8 Å. Diltiazem and verapamil traverse the central cavity of the pore domain, directly blocking ion permeation. Although nifedipine and Bay K 8644 occupy the same fenestration site at the interface of repeats III and IV, the coordination details support previous functional observations that Bay K 8644 is less favored in the inactivated state. These structures elucidate the modes of action of different Cav ligands and establish a framework for structure-guided drug discovery.

A NBD-based simple but effective fluorescent pH probe for imaging of lysosomes in living cells.

NBDlyso with lysosome-locating morpholine moiety has been developed as a high selective and sensitive fluorescent pH probe. This probe can respond to acidic pH (2.0-7.0) in a short time (less than 1 min) and not almost change after continuously illuminated for an extended period by ultraviolet light. The fluorescence intensity of NBDlyso enhanced 100-fold in acidic solution, with very good linear relationship (R(2) = 0.996). The pKa of probe NBDlyso is 4.10. Therefore, NBDlyso was used to detect lysosomal pH changes successfully. Besides, X-ray crystallography was used to verify the structure of NBDlyso, and the recognition mechanism involving photo-induced electron transfer was interpreted theoretically by means of DFT and TDDFT calculations skillfully when NBDlyso comes into play under the acidic condition. This probe showed good ability to sense pH change in living cell image.

Efficacy of Sublingual Immunotherapy with Dermatophagoides farinae Extract in Monosensitized and Polysensitized Patients with Allergic Rhinitis: Clinical Observation and Analysis.

AIM: To investigate differences in the efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy with Dermatophagoides farinae drops in monosensitized and polysensitized allergic rhinitis patients. METHODS: The patients enrolled in the study were treated for more than one year by sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) using Dermatophagoides farinae drops and were divided into a monosensitized group (n = 20) and a polysensitized group (n = 30). Total nasal symptom scores of patients before and after SLIT were analyzed to evaluate the curative effect. The phylogenetic tree of dust mite allergens as well as other allergens that were tested by skin prick test was constructed to help the analysis. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the efficacy of SLIT between dust mite monosensitized and polysensitized patients. CONCLUSIONS: Both dust mite monosensitized and polysensitized patients could be cured by SLIT using Dermatophagoides farinae drops. This study provides a reference for the selection of allergens to be used in immunotherapy for polysensitized AR patients.

Reduction of the number of major representative allergens: from clinical testing to 3-dimensional structures.

Vast amounts of allergen sequence data have been accumulated, thus complicating the identification of specific allergenic proteins when performing diagnostic allergy tests and immunotherapy. This study aims to rank the importance/potency of the allergens so as to logically reduce the number of allergens and/or allergenic sources. Meta-analysis of 62 allergenic sources used for intradermal testing on 3,335 allergic patients demonstrated that in southern China, mite, sesame, spiny amaranth, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and house dust account for 88.0% to 100% of the observed positive reactions to the 62 types of allergenic sources tested. The Kolmogorov-Smironov Test results of the website-obtained allergen data and allergen family featured peptides suggested that allergen research in laboratories worldwide has been conducted in parallel on many of the same species. The major allergens were reduced to 21 representative allergens, which were further divided into seven structural classes, each of which contains similar structural components. This study therefore has condensed numerous allergenic sources and major allergens into fewer major representative ones, thus allowing for the use of a smaller number of allergens when conducting comprehensive allergen testing and immunotherapy treatments.