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Genes May 2024is the primary active compound of . However, the definitive genetic mechanism governing cordycepin synthesis in fruiting body growth and development remains elusive,...
is the primary active compound of . However, the definitive genetic mechanism governing cordycepin synthesis in fruiting body growth and development remains elusive, necessitating further investigation. This study consists of 64 strains collected from northeast China. The high-yielding cordycepin strain CMS19 was selected for the analysis of cordycepin production and the genetic basis of cordycepin anabolism. First, the whole-genome sequencing of CMS19 yielded a final size of 30.96 Mb with 8 contigs and 9781 protein-coding genes. The genome component revealed the presence of four additional secondary metabolite gene clusters compared with other published genomes, suggesting the potential for the production of new natural products. The analyses of evolutionary and genetic differentiation revealed a close relationship between and . The population of strains distributed in northeast China exhibited the significant genetic variation. Finally, functional genes associated with cordycepin synthesis were identified using a combination of genomic and transcriptomic analyses. A large number of functional genes associated with energy and purine metabolism were significantly enriched, facilitating the reconstruction of a hypothetical cordycepin metabolic pathway. Therefore, our speculation of the cordycepin metabolism pathway involved 24 genes initiating from the glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathways, progressing through purine metabolism, and culminating in the core region of cordycepin synthesis. These findings could offer fundamental support for scientific utilizations of germplasm resources and standardized cultivation for cordycepin production.
Topics: Cordyceps; Deoxyadenosines; Transcriptome; Genome, Fungal; Gene Expression Profiling; Genomics; Multigene Family; Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal; Whole Genome Sequencing; Phylogeny
PubMed: 38790255
DOI: 10.3390/genes15050626 -
Genes Apr 2024Male fertility can be affected by oxidative stress (OS), which occurs when an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's ability to... (Review)
Review
Male fertility can be affected by oxidative stress (OS), which occurs when an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's ability to neutralize them arises. OS can damage cells and influence sperm production. High levels of lipid peroxidation have been linked to reduced sperm motility and decreased fertilization ability. This literature review discusses the most commonly used biomarkers to measure sperm damage caused by ROS, such as the high level of OS in seminal plasma as an indicator of imbalance in antioxidant activity. The investigated biomarkers include 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine acid (8-OHdG), a marker of DNA damage caused by ROS, and F2 isoprostanoids (8-isoprostanes) produced by lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, this review focuses on recent methodologies including the NGS polymorphisms and differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis, as well as the epigenetic mechanisms linked to ROS during spermatogenesis along with new methodologies developed to evaluate OS biomarkers. Finally, this review addresses a valuable insight into the mechanisms of male infertility provided by these advances and how they have led to new treatment possibilities. Overall, the use of biomarkers to evaluate OS in male infertility has supplied innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, enhancing our understanding of male infertility mechanisms.
Topics: Male; Humans; Infertility, Male; Oxidative Stress; Biomarkers; Reactive Oxygen Species; Lipid Peroxidation; Spermatozoa; DNA Damage; 8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine; Spermatogenesis
PubMed: 38790168
DOI: 10.3390/genes15050539 -
Nature Communications May 2024Neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy is standard of care for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) alone, and ICI in combination...
Neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy is standard of care for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) alone, and ICI in combination with chemotherapy, have demonstrated promising pathologic response (
Topics: Humans; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Deoxycytidine; Gemcitabine; Immunotherapy; Male; Cisplatin; Female; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Aged; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Interleukin-9; B7-H1 Antigen; Biomarkers, Tumor; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38789460
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48480-1 -
Translational Psychiatry May 2024Previous evidence suggests elevated levels of oxidatively-induced DNA damage, particularly 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), and abnormalities in the repair of...
Previous evidence suggests elevated levels of oxidatively-induced DNA damage, particularly 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), and abnormalities in the repair of 8-OH-dG by the base excision repair (BER) in bipolar disorder (BD). However, the genetic disposition of these abnormalities remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the levels of oxidatively-induced DNA damage and BER mechanisms in individuals with BD and their siblings, as compared to healthy controls (HCs). 46 individuals with BD, 41 siblings of individuals with BD, and 51 HCs were included in the study. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was employed to evaluate the levels of 8-OH-dG in urine, which were then normalized based on urine creatinine levels. The real-time-polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the expression levels of 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1), apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1), poly ADP-ribose polymerase 1 (PARP1), and DNA polymerase beta (POLβ). The levels of 8-OH-dG were found to be elevated in both individuals with BD and their siblings when compared to the HCs. The OGG1 and APE1 expressions were downregulated, while POLβ expressions were upregulated in both the patient and sibling groups compared to the HCs. Age, smoking status, and the number of depressive episodes had an impact on APE1 expression levels in the patient group while body mass index, smoking status, and past psychiatric history had an impact on 8-OH-dG levels in siblings. Both individuals with BD and unaffected siblings presented similar abnormalities regarding oxidatively-induced DNA damage and BER, suggesting a link between abnormalities in DNA damage/BER mechanisms and familial susceptibility to BD. Our findings suggest that targeting the oxidatively-induced DNA damage and BER pathway could offer promising therapeutic strategies for reducing the risk of age-related diseases and comorbidities in individuals with a genetic predisposition to BD.
Topics: Humans; Bipolar Disorder; Female; Male; Adult; DNA Repair; Siblings; DNA Damage; DNA Glycosylases; 8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine; Oxidative Stress; Middle Aged; DNA Polymerase beta; DNA-(Apurinic or Apyrimidinic Site) Lyase; Case-Control Studies; Young Adult; Deoxyguanosine; Excision Repair
PubMed: 38789433
DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02901-3 -
Tislelizumab combined with GT chemotherapy for intimal sarcoma of inferior vena cava: A case report.Medicine May 2024Intimal sarcoma of inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare soft tissue sarcoma with no typical symptoms and specific imaging features in the early stage, and there is a lack...
RATIONALE
Intimal sarcoma of inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare soft tissue sarcoma with no typical symptoms and specific imaging features in the early stage, and there is a lack of standardized treatment and methods.
PATIENT CONCERNS
A 54-year-old female patient presented to Fenghua District People's Hospital with a post-active cough and hemoptysis and was subsequently referred to our hospital.
DIAGNOSES
The patient was pathologically diagnosed as intimal sarcoma of IVC complicating multiple intrapulmonary metastases. Chest CT revealed left lung malignant tumor with multiple intrapulmonary metastases; while enhanced upper abdominal CT showed cancer embolus of IVC with extension to right atrium and bilateral renal veins. Besides, hematoxylin and eosin staining suggested intimal sarcoma of veins. Immunohistochemical staining showed positivity for PD-L1, Ki-67, CD31, Desmin and ERG.
INTERVENTIONS
The patient initially received GT chemotherapy (gemcitabine injection + docetaxel). Then, immunotherapy (tislelizumab) was added based on the results of genetic testing (TP53 gene mutation).
OUTCOMES
The disease was stabilized after receiving the treatment.
LESSONS
Given the lack of characteristic clinical manifestations in patients with intimal sarcoma of IVC, imaging examination combined with immunohistochemical index were helpful for diagnosis of intimal sarcoma of IVC. Furthermore, the combination of tislelizumab and GT chemotherapy was feasible in such patients with positive PD-L1 expression and TP53 mutation.
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Vena Cava, Inferior; Sarcoma; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Vascular Neoplasms; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Gemcitabine; Deoxycytidine; Lung Neoplasms
PubMed: 38788046
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038056 -
Cells May 2024HIV infection is an ongoing global health issue, despite increased access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). People living with HIV (PLWH) who are virally suppressed...
HIV infection is an ongoing global health issue, despite increased access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). People living with HIV (PLWH) who are virally suppressed through ART still experience negative health outcomes, including neurocognitive impairment. It is increasingly evident that ART may act independently or in combination with HIV infection to alter the immune state, though this is difficult to disentangle in the clinical population. Thus, these experiments used multiplexed chemokine/cytokine arrays to assess peripheral (plasma) and brain (nucleus accumbens; NAc) expression of immune targets in the presence and absence of ART treatment in the EcoHIV mouse model. The findings identify the effects of EcoHIV infection and of treatment with bictegravir (B), emtricitabine (F), and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) on the expression of numerous immune targets. In the NAc, this included EcoHIV-induced increases in IL-1α and IL-13 expression and B/F/TAF-induced reductions in KC/CXCL1. In the periphery, EcoHIV suppressed IL-6 and LIF expression, while B/F/TAF reduced IL-12p40 expression. In the absence of ART, IBA-1 expression was negatively correlated with CX3CL1 expression in the NAc of EcoHIV-infected mice. These findings identify distinct effects of ART and EcoHIV infection on peripheral and central immune factors and emphasize the need to consider ART effects on neural and immune outcomes.
Topics: Animals; Mice; HIV Infections; Emtricitabine; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Disease Models, Animal; Male; Tenofovir; Cytokines; Heterocyclic Compounds, 3-Ring; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Immunity; Alanine; Piperazines; Amides; Pyridones
PubMed: 38786105
DOI: 10.3390/cells13100882 -
Journal of the International AIDS... May 2024HPTN 083 demonstrated the superiority of long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA) versus daily oral emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF/FTC) as pre-exposure...
INTRODUCTION
HPTN 083 demonstrated the superiority of long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA) versus daily oral emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF/FTC) as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among cisgender men and transgender women who have sex with men (MSM/TGW). HPTN 083 provided the first opportunity to understand experiences with injectable PrEP in a clinical trial.
METHODS
Participants from two US sites (Chicago, IL and Atlanta, GA) and one international site (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) were purposively sampled for individual qualitative interviews (N = 40), between November 2019 and March 2020, to explore trial experiences, barriers to adherence and other factors that may have impacted study implementation or outcomes. The blinded phase ended early due to efficacy; this analysis includes interviews conducted prior to unblinding with three groups defined by adherence (i.e. injection visit attendance): adherent (n = 27), non-adherent (n = 12) and early discontinuers (n = 1). Data were organized using NVivo software and analysed using content analysis.
RESULTS
Participants (mean age: 27) were primarily cisgender MSM (90%) and Black/African American (60%). Reasons for trial enrolment and PrEP use included a preference for using HIV prevention medication versus treatment in the event of HIV acquisition; the ability to enhance health via study-related education and services; access to a novel, convenient HIV prevention product at no cost; and contributing to MSM/TGW communities through research. Participants contrasted positive experiences with study staff with their routine clinical care, and emphasized increased scheduling flexibility, thorough communication, non-judgemental counselling and open, affirming environments (e.g. compassion, less stigma) as adherence facilitators. Injection experiences were positive overall; some described early injection-related anxiety, which abated with time and when given some measure of control (e.g. pre-injection countdown), and minimal injection site discomfort. Some concerns and misperceptions about injectable PrEP were reported. Barriers to adherence, across all adherence categories, included structural factors (e.g. financial constraints, travel) and competing demands (e.g. work schedules).
CONCLUSIONS
Respondents viewed injectable PrEP trial participation as a positive experience and a means of enhancing wellbeing. Study site flexibility and affirming clinic environments, inclusive of non-judgemental counselling, were key facilitators of adherence. To support injection persistence, interventions that address structural barriers and promote flexible means of injection delivery may be most effective.
Topics: Humans; Male; Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis; Medication Adherence; HIV Infections; Female; Anti-HIV Agents; Adult; Transgender Persons; Homosexuality, Male; Young Adult; Pyridones; Brazil; Injections; Pyridines; Interviews as Topic; Tenofovir; Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Drug Combination; Middle Aged; Diketopiperazines
PubMed: 38783534
DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26252 -
BMC Cancer May 2024Adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater (AoV) is one of the rare periampullary cancers, and due to its anatomical location, it is categorized into various histologic...
BACKGROUND
Adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater (AoV) is one of the rare periampullary cancers, and due to its anatomical location, it is categorized into various histologic subtypes. Its rarity and diversity pose challenges in treatment decision-making for patients with advanced AoV carcinoma. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of the combined regimen of capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX) in a real-world clinical setting.
METHODS
This investigation encompassed patients with advanced AoV carcinoma who underwent CAPOX treatment. Histologic phenotypes were identified through a combination of histopathological analysis and protein expression markers, including MUC1, CDX2, CK20, and MUC2. The correlation between histopathological determinants and survival outcomes was explored, in addition to an evaluation of the safety profile of CAPOX therapy.
RESULTS
From January 2010 to June 2023, 42 patients received CAPOX. Of these, 14 patients (33.3%) had not received any prior palliative chemotherapy, while 28 patients (66.7%) had undergone one prior line of chemotherapy. At a median follow up of 9.0 months, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.38 months (95% CI, 2.78-5.69) and the median overall survival (OS) was 9.57 months (95% CI 7.56-11.6). The objective response and disease control rates were 38.1% and 61.9%, respectively. Patients who received CAPOX as a second-line treatment had poorer PFS (HR = 2.62; 95% CI, 1.49-4.90, p = 0.003) and OS (HR = 2.82, 95% CI, 1.47-5.38, p = 0.001) compared to those who received CAPOX as a first-line chemotherapy. There were no statistically significant differences in PFS (p = 0.185) and OS (p = 0.097) between groups based on histologic subtypes. Neutropenia (14.3%) emerged as the predominant grade 3-4 toxicity. Notably, treatment cessation occurred in select instances owing to grade 3 fatigue (9.5%) and peripheral neuropathy (9.5%).
CONCLUSIONS
This study confirmed the therapeutic efficacy and safety of CAPOX in a real-world setting, consistent with prior phase II trial results. While CAPOX proved feasible for advanced AoV carcinoma regardless of histologic subtype, its reduced effectiveness in second-line settings necessitates further research to determine its optimal palliative use.
Topics: Humans; Capecitabine; Male; Oxaliplatin; Ampulla of Vater; Female; Middle Aged; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Aged; Adenocarcinoma; Adult; Common Bile Duct Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies; Progression-Free Survival; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38783256
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12398-0 -
Redox Biology Jul 2024Currently, chemotherapy remains occupying a pivotal place in the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Nonetheless, the emergence of drug resistance in...
Currently, chemotherapy remains occupying a pivotal place in the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Nonetheless, the emergence of drug resistance in recent years has limited the clinical efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents, especially gemcitabine (GEM). Through bioinformatics analysis, AT-rich Interactive Domain-containing Protein 3A (ARID3A), one of transcription factors, is discovered to possibly participate in this progress. This study thoroughly investigates the potential role of ARID3A in the malignant progression and GEM chemoresistance of PDAC and explores the underlying mechanisms. The results indicate that ARID3A knockdown suppresses tumor development and enhances the sensitivity of PDAC cells to GEM in vitro and vivo. Mechanically, CUT&Tag profiling sequencing, RNA-sequencing and functional studies demonstrates that decreased ARID3A expression alleviates the transcriptional inhibition of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), consequently leading to glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) depletion and increased lipid peroxidation levels. Activated ferroptosis induced by the inhibition of GPX4 subsequently restricts tumor progression and reduces GEM resistance in PDAC. This research identifies the ferroptosis regulatory pathway of ARID3A-PTEN-GPX4 axis and reveals its critical role in driving the progression and chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer. Notably, both inhibition of ARID3A and enhancement of ferroptosis can increase chemosensitivity to GEM, which offers a promising opportunity for developing therapeutic strategies to combat acquired chemotherapy resistance in pancreatic cancer.
Topics: Ferroptosis; Humans; PTEN Phosphohydrolase; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Mice; DNA-Binding Proteins; Transcription Factors; Animals; Cell Line, Tumor; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Gemcitabine; Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal; Deoxycytidine; Cell Proliferation; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays; Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase
PubMed: 38781729
DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103200 -
International Journal of Colorectal... May 2024Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE) is a slowly developing cutaneous reaction commonly experienced by patients treated with fluoropyrimidines. While...
BACKGROUND
Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE) is a slowly developing cutaneous reaction commonly experienced by patients treated with fluoropyrimidines. While erythrodysesthesia normally presents in a palmar-plantar distribution, it can also present with genital involvement, but this presentation is likely underreported and incorrectly attributed to an acute reaction from radiation therapy. This article aims to define erythrodysesthesia of the penis and scrotum as a rare but significant side effect of capecitabine.
CASE PRESENTATION
We identified five cases of moderate to severe penis and scrotal erythrodysesthesia over a 2-year period at a large tertiary cancer center, representing an estimated incidence of 3.6% among male patients with rectal cancer who were treated with fluoropyrimidine-based chemoradiation within our institution.
CONCLUSIONS
Improved understanding of erythrodysesthesia involving the penis and scrotum can facilitate early identification and treatment of symptoms, and possibly prevent the discontinuation or delay of cancer treatment in patients treated with capecitabine and similar drugs. These clinical advances would improve and prolong patient quality of life during cancer treatment and prevent complications that result in hospitalization.
Topics: Humans; Male; Rectal Neoplasms; Middle Aged; Scrotum; Aged; Chemoradiotherapy; Capecitabine; Penis
PubMed: 38780794
DOI: 10.1007/s00384-024-04647-2