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Acta Crystallographica. Section E,... Nov 2023The crystal structure of the title salt, bis-(3-carb-oxy-1-methyl-pyridinium) octa-bromide, 2CHNO ·Br , consists of 3-carb-oxy-1-methyl-pyridinium (-methyl-nicotinic...
The crystal structure of the title salt, bis-(3-carb-oxy-1-methyl-pyridinium) octa-bromide, 2CHNO ·Br , consists of 3-carb-oxy-1-methyl-pyridinium (-methyl-nicotinic acid) cations, which are stacked between relatively rare [Br] anions. The polybromide [Br] anion has point group symmetry and can be described as being composed of two [Br] anions connected with a Br mol-ecule in a -shaped manner. Contacts between neighboring octa-bromide anions ensure the creation of pseudo-polymeric chains propagating along [111]. The organic cations are located between anionic chains and are connected to each other through O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds and to the [Br] anions through π⋯Br inter-actions that induce the creation of a supra-molecular tri-periodic network. In addition, the presence of weak C-H⋯Br contacts leads to the creation of layers, which align parallel to (11).
PubMed: 37936849
DOI: 10.1107/S2056989023008460 -
Heliyon Jan 2024To investigate the role of Interleukin-34 (IL-34) in acute T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) following renal transplantation.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the role of Interleukin-34 (IL-34) in acute T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) following renal transplantation.
METHODS
The mice acute TCMR model of renal transplantation was established and identified by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. Then, IHC staining of IL-34 was also performed to determine the expression of IL-34 in allografts. Recipients were infected with IL-34 overexpression adeno-associated virus, infection efficiency of which was estimated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot, and immunofluorescence. HE and IHC staining were used to estimate the grades of TCMR. Flow cytometry was performed on lymphocytes in spleens of recipients including regulatory T cells (Tregs) and M2 macrophages. The expression of cytokines in vivo was analyzed by Mouse Cytokine Grp I Panel. Finally, Tregs and M2 macrophages were cultured and treated with IL-34 to observe the effects of IL-34 on the differentiation of the cells.
RESULTS
The mouse TCMR model was successfully established by HE, periodic acid shiff (PAS), CD4 and CD8 IHC staining. The expression of IL-34 was significantly decreased in allografts with TCMR. BALB/c mice were successfully infected with IL-34 overexpression adeno-associated virus. Subsequently, the grade of rejection in mice TCMR model was evaluated by HE and IHC staining according to Banff criteria. It is suggested that the grade of TCMR in IL-34 overexpressed mice was significantly decreased. IHC staining and Flow cytometry showed that the proportion of Tregs and M2 macrophages in the spleens and allografts were significantly increased in IL-34 overexpressed mice. Serum levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), IL-17 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were downregulated in IL-34 overexpressed mice. Moreover, IL-34 could promote macrophage M2 polarization, while failed to promote differentiation of naïve T cells into Tregs .
CONCLUSION
Overexpression of IL-34 may attenuate the progression of TCMR episodes in allografts by increasing the polarization of M2 macrophages in the spleens and allografts, which may become a potential therapeutic strategy for TCMR.
PubMed: 38230243
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24028 -
Zebrafish Aug 2023Stromal interaction molecules (STIMs) are endoplasmic reticulum-resident proteins that regulate Ca homeostasis and signaling by store-operated calcium entry (SOCE). The...
Stromal interaction molecules (STIMs) are endoplasmic reticulum-resident proteins that regulate Ca homeostasis and signaling by store-operated calcium entry (SOCE). The different properties and functions of STIM1 and STIM2 have been described mostly based on work . knockout mice do not survive until adulthood. Therefore, we generated and characterized and double-knockout zebrafish. The () zebrafish did not have any apparent morphological phenotype. However, RNA sequencing revealed 1424 differentially expressed genes. One of the most upregulated genes was , which is a marker of activated microglia. This corresponded well to an increase in Neutral Red staining in the imaging of the () zebrafish brain. The lack of Stim2 decreased zebrafish survival under low oxygen conditions. Behavioral tests, such as the visual-motor response test and dark-light preference test, indicated that () larvae might have problems with vision. This was consistent with the downregulation of many genes that are related to light perception. The periodic acid-Schiff staining of retina sections from adult zebrafish revealed alterations of the stratum pigmentosum, suggesting the involvement of a Stim2-dependent process in visual perception. Altogether, these data reveal new functions for Stim2 in the nervous system.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Zebrafish; Hypoxia; Brain; Homeostasis; Larva; Stromal Interaction Molecule 2
PubMed: 37590563
DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2022.0068 -
Journal of Traditional and... Sep 2023In traditional medicine, Hayata bark (MZ) is used in combination with other medicines to treat gastric cancer, gastric ulcer (GU), and liver and cardiovascular...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
In traditional medicine, Hayata bark (MZ) is used in combination with other medicines to treat gastric cancer, gastric ulcer (GU), and liver and cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to evaluate the gastroprotective effects and possible mechanism(s) of MZ powder against acidic ethanol (AE)-induced GU and its toxicity in mice.
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
The gastroprotective effect of MZ powder was analyzed by orally administering MZ for 14 consecutive days before AE-inducing GU. Ulcer index (UI) and protection percentage were calculated, hematoxylin and eosin staining and periodic acid-Schiff staining were performed, and gastric mucus weights were measured. The antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms, and possible signaling pathway(s) were studied.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION
Pretreatment with MZ (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly decreased 10 μL/g AE-induced mucosal hemorrhage, edema, inflammation, and UI, resulted in protection percentages of 88.9% and 93.4%, respectively. MZ pretreatment reduced AE-induced oxidative stress by decreasing malondialdehyde level and restoring superoxide dismutase activity. MZ pretreatment demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by reducing both serum and gastric tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β levels. Furthermore, MZ pretreatment exhibited anti-apoptotic effect by decreasing Bcl-2 associated X protein/B-cell lymphoma 2 ratio. The gastroprotective mechanisms of MZ involved inactivations of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Otherwise, 200 mg/kg MZ didn't induce liver or kidney toxicity. In conclusion, MZ protects AE-induced GU through mucus secreting, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms, and inhibitions of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.
PubMed: 37693097
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2023.05.006 -
Ocular Immunology and Inflammation Nov 2023To describe ocular involvement in subjects with Whipple's disease (WD).
PURPOSE
To describe ocular involvement in subjects with Whipple's disease (WD).
METHODS
Retrospective review of documented WD cases seen at Mayo Clinic between 1980 and 2021 with ocular involvement.
RESULTS
Of 217 patients with WD, 30 had eye exams and four (two female, median age 58.5 years) had ocular involvement. Findings included anterior/intermediate uveitis ( = 2), intermediate uveitis and phlebitis ( = 1), and chorioretinitis with vitritis ( = 1). The diagnosis was confirmed by vitreous biopsy in three of four cases. In two cases, WD diagnosis was unconfirmed prior to the ocular diagnosis. Systemic manifestations included gastrointestinal symptoms in all patients, synovitis ( = 3), weight loss ( = 2), and pericarditis ( = 1). Mean time from onset of ocular symptoms to ocular diagnosis was 11 months (range 2-28 months). Prior systemic symptoms were present as long as 3 years.
CONCLUSIONS
WD is uncommon and ocular involvement is even more rare. However, WD should be considered in the differential for all patients with chronic recalcitrant uveitis, especially in the setting of polyarthralgias and/or gastrointestinal symptoms. Vitreous biopsy is a reliable method to diagnose ocular WD. Whipple's disease (WD), intestinal lipodystrophy (IL), polymerase-chain reaction (PCR), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX).
PubMed: 37917881
DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2023.2271995 -
Journal of Cellular Biochemistry Nov 2023In this study, we investigated the effects of sweroside on podocyte injury in diabetic nephropathy (DN) mice and elucidated its molecular mechanisms. We conducted in...
In this study, we investigated the effects of sweroside on podocyte injury in diabetic nephropathy (DN) mice and elucidated its molecular mechanisms. We conducted in vivo experiments using a C57BL/6 mice model of DN to explore the effects of sweroside on proteinuria and podocyte injury in DN mice. In in vitro experiments, conditionally immortalized mouse podocytes were treated with high glucose and sweroside, and the protective effects of sweroside on podocyte injury were analyzed. In vitro, Akt/BAD pathways were detected using gene siRNA silencing assays and found to be involved in the protective roles of sweroside in high glucose-mediated podocyte injury. In vivo, sweroside significantly decreased albuminuria in DN mice (p < 0.01). periodic acid-Schiff staining showed that sweroside alleviated the glomerular volume and mesangium expansion in DN mice. Consistently, western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses showed that the profibrotic molecule expression in the glomeruli declined in sweroside-treated DN mice. Immunofluorescent results showed that sweroside preserved nephrin and podocin expression, and transmission electron microscopy showed that sweroside attenuated podocyte injury. In DN mice, sweroside decreased podocyte apoptosis, and increased nephrin, podocin expression and decreased desmin and HIF1α expression. These results confirmed that sweroside ameliorated albuminuria, glomerulomegaly, and glomerulosclerosis in these mice. Experiments in vitro revealed that sweroside improved HG-induced podocyte injury and apoptosis. Sweroside stimulated activation of the Akt/BAD pathway and upregulated Bcl-2-associated death promoter (BAD) and p-Akt. Overall, sweroside protected podocytes from injury and prevented the progression of DN, providing a novel strategy for the treatment of DN.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Podocytes; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Albuminuria; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Diabetic Nephropathies; Glucose; Apoptosis
PubMed: 37796169
DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30484 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023As a common emerging environmental pollutant, microplastics (MPs) have been detected in a variety of environmental media and human bodies. The potential toxic effects...
As a common emerging environmental pollutant, microplastics (MPs) have been detected in a variety of environmental media and human bodies. The potential toxic effects and mechanisms of MPs need to be revealed urgently. MPs can be deposited in the kidney, and exposure to high doses of MPs can cause nephrotoxicity in experimental animals. In this study, we investigated the effects of exposure to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) at environmentally relevant doses (0.1 and 1 mg/L) on kidney structure, function, and transcriptome in mice. We found that mice exposed to PS-MPs in drinking water for eight weeks had no change in body weight or kidney coefficient. PS-MPs administration decreased the levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in mice, while serum creatinine (CRE) and uric acid (UA) concentrations were unaffected. Through using periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Masson staining, we discovered that the glomerular tuft area increased in the PS-MP-treated mice, while the degree of renal fibrosis remained unchanged. Furthermore, renal cortex transcriptomic analysis identified 388 and 303 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the 0.1 and 1 mg/L dose groups, respectively. The DEGs were highly enriched in mitochondrial-related terms and pathways of thermogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation. Moreover, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis revealed that cytochrome b-c1 complex subunit 10 (UQCR11) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 3 (MT-CO3) were important node proteins. These findings suggest that environmental exposure to MPs can cause abnormalities in renal structure and filtration function and that long-term exposure to MPs may be a risk factor for renal disease.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Plastics; Transcriptome; Microplastics; Kidney; Kidney Glomerulus; Polystyrenes; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 37894583
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28207104 -
International Journal of Gynecological... Apr 2024Erythrasma is a prevalent superficial bacterial infection typically caused by Corynebacteria species and preferentially affecting intertriginous sites including...
Erythrasma is a prevalent superficial bacterial infection typically caused by Corynebacteria species and preferentially affecting intertriginous sites including axillary, interdigital, and inguinal skin folds. However, erythrasma of the vulva is uncommon, with only 2 cases previously reported. Although erythrasma can be diagnosed clinically using Woods lamp examination, it may not always be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with persistent vulvar pruritus. We report 12 cases of vulvar erythrasma identified by histopathology, with a review of clinical and histologic features. The mean patient age was 60.1 yr and the mean patient BMI was 30.5. Five of 12 patients presented with pruritic rash. The time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 9 mo in 1 case, >18 mo in 4 cases, and unknown in the remaining cases. The characteristic histologic features were compact orthokeratosis and mild perivascular chronic inflammation. In all 12 cases, Periodic Acid-Schiff-diastase (PAS-D) staining highlighted intracorneal filamentous rods which were not readily appreciable on H&E. After the diagnosis of erythrasma, 4 patients were treated with topical lincomycin, of whom 3 had clinical improvement in symptoms. One patient was treated with topical macrolide antibiotic and also reported improvement in symptoms. Consideration of erythrasma on the differential for patients presenting with vulvar rash and pruritus may shorten the time to diagnosis and treatment, minimize patient discomfort, and reduce the scope and cost of diagnostic testing.
PubMed: 38661555
DOI: 10.1097/PGP.0000000000001031 -
The American Journal of Dermatopathology Jun 2024A 53-year-old woman presented with a pruritic plaque on the left upper arm that appeared following an egg-free flu vaccine due to a history of reaction to the standard...
A 53-year-old woman presented with a pruritic plaque on the left upper arm that appeared following an egg-free flu vaccine due to a history of reaction to the standard vaccine. The affected area enlarged over a several month period immediately following vaccine administration. Physical examination revealed an 8 × 4 cm coalescent pink plaque on the left upper arm. A shave biopsy of the lesion showed dermal "naked" granulomas, or granulomas with sparse lymphocytic infiltrate at the margins, as typically seen in sarcoidosis. No foreign material was seen in the granulomatous reaction, including with polarization. Special stains, including acid fast bacilli, Grocott methenamine silver, periodic acid-Schiff, and Gram, were negative for organisms. The diagnosis of granulomatous dermatitis was made. Subsequent imaging demonstrated no findings suggestive of sarcoidosis. While vaccine-associated hypersensitivity reactions occur frequently, these reactions are typically due to individual vaccine components, such as egg protein, and do not normally result in the formulation of granulomas. Vaccination-induced granulomas are more often associated with the use of aluminum as an adjuvant; however, this is not present in the egg-free influenza vaccine. Thus, a granulomatous reaction to the egg-free influenza vaccine is very unusual and, to our knowledge, not previously reported.
PubMed: 38842398
DOI: 10.1097/DAD.0000000000002751 -
Medical Molecular Morphology Mar 2024This study elucidated the etiology of C3 glomerulonephritis (C3GN) and non-C3GN with primary membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) using transmission electron...
Morphological and etiological analyses of C3 and non-C3 glomerulonephritis in primary membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis using periodic acid-methenamine silver stain electron microscopy: a retrospective multicentered study.
This study elucidated the etiology of C3 glomerulonephritis (C3GN) and non-C3GN with primary membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and periodic acid-methenamine silver stain (PAM-EM). Thirty-one primary MPGN cases were analyzed by TEM and PAM-EM to distinguish among MPGN I, MPGN II, MPGN III Burkholder subtype (MPGN IIIB), and Anders and Strife subtype (MPGN IIIA/S). Each case was also classified into C3GN or non-C3GN according to the standard C3GN definition using immunostaining. Four cases of MPGN II met C3 glomerulopathy; whereas, four cases of MPGN IIIB did not meet C3 glomerulopathy. Seven of 11 cases (64%) of MPGN I without GBM disruption and 7 of 12 cases (58%) of MPGN IIIA/S with GBM disruption met the non-C3GN criteria with significant immunoglobulins' deposition. Regardless of the C3GN or non-C3GN diagnosis, the deposits in primary MPGN I and MPGN IIIA/S exhibited ill-defined, amorphous, and foggy characteristics similar to those found in postinfectious GN but were different from immune complex (IC) deposits seen in MPGN IIIB. Not only C3GN but also non-C3GN was due to mechanisms other than IC deposition as found in postinfectious GN. Consequently, GBM disruption of MPGN IIIA/S was not due to IC deposition.
Topics: Humans; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative; Methenamine; Periodic Acid; Retrospective Studies; Complement C3; Glomerulonephritis; Microscopy, Electron
PubMed: 37823929
DOI: 10.1007/s00795-023-00370-z