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Blood Advances Jun 2024Low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) are used to prevent or treat thromboembolic events during pregnancy. While studies suggest an overall protective effect of LMWH in...
Low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) are used to prevent or treat thromboembolic events during pregnancy. While studies suggest an overall protective effect of LMWH in preeclampsia (PE), their use in preeclampsia remains controversial. LMWH may convey beneficial effects in preeclampsia independent of their anti-coagulant activity, possibly by inhibiting inflammation. Here we evaluated whether LMWH inhibit placental thrombo-inflammation and trophoblast NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Using an established procoagulant extracellular vesicle (EV)-induced and platelet-dependent preeclampsia-like mouse model, we show that LMWH reduces pregnancy loss and trophoblast inflammasome activation, restores altered trophoblast differentiation and improves trophoblast proliferation in-vivo and in-vitro. Moreover, LMWH inhibits platelet independent trophoblast NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Mechanistically, LWMH activates via Heparin binding epidermal growth factor (HBEGF) signaling the PI3-Kinase-AKT pathway in trophoblasts thus preventing inflammasome activation. In human preeclampsia placental explants, inflammasome activation and PI3-Kinase-AKT signaling events were reduced with LMWH treatment compared to those without LMWH treatment. Thus, LMWH inhibits sterile inflammation via the HBEGF signaling pathway in trophoblasts and ameliorates preeclampsia-associated complications. These findings suggest that drugs targeting the inflammasome may be evaluated in preeclampsia and identify a signaling mechanism through which LMWH ameliorates preeclampsia, thus providing a rationale for the use of LMWH in preeclampsia.
PubMed: 38941535
DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023011895 -
Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine Jun 2024To observe the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanism of baicalin against colon cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To observe the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanism of baicalin against colon cancer.
METHODS
The effects of baicalin on the proliferation and growth of colon cancer cells MC38 and CT26. WT were observed and predicted potential molecular targets of baicalin for colon cancer therapy were studied by network pharmacology. Furthermore, molecular docking and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) analysis were performed to confirm the interaction between potential targets and baicalin. Finally, the mechanisms predicted by in silico analyses were experimentally verified in-vitro and in-vivo.
RESULTS
Baicalin significantly inhibited proliferation, invasion, migration, and induced apoptosis in MC38 and CT26 cells (all P<0.01). Additionally, baicalin caused cell cycle arrest at the S phase, while the G/G phase was detected in the tiny portion of the cells. Subsequent network pharmacology analysis identified 6 therapeutic targets associated with baicalin, which potentially affect various pathways including 39 biological processes and 99 signaling pathways. In addition, molecular docking and DARTS predicted the potential binding of baicalin with cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A), protein kinase B (AKT), caspase 3, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). In vitro, the expressions of CDKN2A, MAPK, and p-AKT were suppressed by baicalin in MC38 and CT26 cells. In vivo, baicalin significantly reduced the tumor size and weight (all P<0.01) in the colon cancer mouse model via inactivating p-AKT, CDKN2A, cyclin dependent kinase 4, cyclin dependent kinase 2, interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor α, and activating caspase 3 and mouse double minute 2 homolog signaling (all P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Baicalin suppressed the CDKN2A protein level to prevent colon cancer and could be used as a therapeutic target for colon cancer.
PubMed: 38941045
DOI: 10.1007/s11655-024-4109-6 -
Stem Cell Reviews and Reports Jun 2024Intravenous infusion has been used as the method of cell delivery in many preclinical studies as well as in some early clinical trials. Among its advantages are broad...
Intravenous infusion has been used as the method of cell delivery in many preclinical studies as well as in some early clinical trials. Among its advantages are broad distribution, ability to handle a large-volume infusion, and ease of access. Progenitor cells used in cell-based therapy act through their secretomes, rather than their ability to differentiate into lineage-specific cell type. Since not all progenitor cells have similar secretome potency, the innate abilities of the secretome of cells used in clinical trials will obviously dictate their effectiveness. We previously found that cardiac neonatal mesenchymal stromal cells (nMSCs) are more effective in repairing the infarcted myocardium compared to adult mesenchymal stromal cells (aMSCs) due to their robust secretome (Sharma et al Circulation Research 120:816-834, 2017). In this study, we explored the efficacy of intravenous (IV) delivery of nMSCs for myocardial recovery. Six-week-old male Brown Norway rats underwent acute MI by ligation of the left anterior descending artery, followed by IV infusion of cell dose 5 × 10 nMSCs/rat body weight (kg) or saline on days 0 and 5. We found that cardiac parameters in the rodent ischemia model improved 1 month after nMSCs infusion, and the result is comparable with the intramyocardial injection of nMSCs. Tracking the infused cells in target organ revealed that their movement after IV delivery was mediated by the cell surface receptor CD44. Systemic injection of nMSCs stimulated immunomodulatory responses specifically by increasing FoxP3 T-regulatory cell influenced anti-inflammatory macrophages (M2) in heart. These data demonstrate that nMSCs promote immunogenic tolerance via CD44-driven T-reg/M2 stimulation that helps nMSCs for longer viability in the injured myocardium for better functional recovery. Our data also demonstrate a rationale for a clinical trial of IV infusion of nMSCs to promote cardiac function improvement in the ischemic patients.
PubMed: 38941039
DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10750-2 -
Neotropical Entomology Jun 2024Granuloviruses (GVs) Betabaculovirus associated with the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), especially those of the type...
Granuloviruses (GVs) Betabaculovirus associated with the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), especially those of the type I, have scarcely been studied. These GVs might be an effective alternative for the biocontrol of this insect. In this study, the native GVs SfGV-CH13 and SfGV-CH28 were isolated from FAW larvae and characterized for morphology, molecular traits, and insecticidal activity. The elapsed time between symptomatic infection of larvae and stop feeding as well as the weight of larvae before death or prior to pupation were also evaluated. Both GVs had ovoid shape and a length of 0.4 µm. They had the same DNA restriction profiles and their genome sizes were about 126 kb. The symptomatic infection with the tested GVs mainly caused flaccidity of larva body and discoloration of integument. The integument lysis was only observed in 8% of infected larvae. Infected larvae gradually stopped feeding. Overall, these symptoms are characteristic of infections caused by type I GVs, which are known as monoorganotropic or slow-killing GVs. The median lethal dose (LD) values for SfGV-CH13 and SfGV-CH28 isolates were 5.4 × 10 and 1.1 × 10 OBs/larva, respectively. The median lethal time (LT) ranged from 17 to 24 days. LT values decreased as the viral dose was increased. The elapsed time from symptomatic infection until pupation and body weight of larvae (third instar) were higher with SfGV-CH28 than SfGV-CH13. Both granulovirus isolates were able to kill the FAW larvae from the 12th day.
PubMed: 38940947
DOI: 10.1007/s13744-024-01172-3 -
Applied and Environmental Microbiology Jun 2024Enterotoxigenic (ETEC) is a diverse and poorly characterized pathotype that causes diarrhea in humans and animals. Phages have been proposed for the veterinary...
Enterotoxigenic (ETEC) is a diverse and poorly characterized pathotype that causes diarrhea in humans and animals. Phages have been proposed for the veterinary biocontrol of ETEC, but effective solutions require understanding of porcine ETEC diversity that affects phage infection. Here, we sequenced and analyzed the genomes of the PHAGEBio ETEC collection, gathering 79 diverse ETEC strains isolated from European pigs with post-weaning diarrhea (PWD). We identified the virulence factors characterizing the pathotype and several antibiotic resistance genes on plasmids, while phage resistance genes and other virulence factors were mostly chromosome encoded. We experienced that ETEC strains were highly resistant to phage infection. It was only by enrichment of numerous diverse samples with different media and conditions, using the 41 ETEC strains of our collection as hosts, that we could isolate two lytic phages that could infect a large part of our diverse ETEC collection: vB_EcoP_ETEP21B and vB_EcoS_ETEP102. Based on genome and host range analyses, we discussed the infection strategies of the two phages and identified components of lipopolysaccharides ( LPS) as receptors for the two phages. Our detailed computational structural analysis highlights several loops and pockets in the tail fibers that may allow recognition and binding of ETEC strains, also in the presence of O-antigens. Despite the importance of receptor recognition, the diversity of the ETEC strains remains a significant challenge for isolating ETEC phages and developing sustainable phage-based products to address ETEC-induced PWD.IMPORTANCEEnterotoxigenic (ETEC)-induced post-weaning diarrhea is a severe disease in piglets that leads to weight loss and potentially death, with high economic and animal welfare costs worldwide. Phage-based approaches have been proposed, but available data are insufficient to ensure efficacy. Genome analysis of an extensive collection of ETEC strains revealed that phage defense mechanisms were mostly chromosome encoded, suggesting a lower chance of spread and selection by phage exposure. The difficulty in isolating lytic phages and the molecular and structural analyses of two ETEC phages point toward a multifactorial resistance of ETEC to phage infection and the importance of extensive phage screenings specifically against clinically relevant strains. The PHAGEBio ETEC collection and these two phages are valuable tools for the scientific community to expand our knowledge on the most studied, but still enigmatic, bacterial species-.
PubMed: 38940562
DOI: 10.1128/aem.00807-24 -
MBio Jun 2024Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) are small DNA viruses that generally cause mild disease. Certain strains, particularly those belonging to species B HAdVs, can cause severe...
Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) are small DNA viruses that generally cause mild disease. Certain strains, particularly those belonging to species B HAdVs, can cause severe pneumonia and have a relatively high mortality rate. Little is known about the molecular aspects of how these highly pathogenic species affect the infected cell and how they suppress innate immunity. The present study provides molecular insights into how species B adenoviruses suppress the interferon signaling pathway. Our study shows that these viruses, unlike HAdV-C2, are resistant to type I interferon. This resistance likely arises due to the highly efficient suppression of interferon-stimulated gene expression. Unlike in HAdV-C2, HAdV-B7 and B14 sequester STAT2 and RNA polymerase II from interferon-stimulated gene promoters in infected cells. This results in suppressed interferon- stimulated gene activation. In addition, we show that RuvBL1 and RuvBL2, cofactors important for RNA polymerase II recruitment to promoters and interferon-stimulated gene activation, are redirected to the cytoplasm forming high molecular weight complexes that, likely, are unable to associate with chromatin. Proteomic analysis also identified key differences in the way these viruses affect the host cell, providing insights into species B-associated high pathogenicity. Curiously, we observed that at the level of protein expression changes to the infected cell, HAdV-C2 and B7 were more similar than those of the same species, B7 and B14. Collectively, our study represents the first such study of innate immune suppression by the highly pathogenic HAdV-B7 and B14, laying an important foundation for future investigations.IMPORTANCEHuman adenoviruses form a large family of double-stranded DNA viruses known for a variety of usually mild diseases. Certain strains of human adenovirus cause severe pneumonia leading to much higher mortality and morbidity than most other strains. The reasons for this enhanced pathogenicity are unknown. Our study provides a molecular investigation of how these highly pathogenic strains might inactivate the interferon signaling pathway, highlighting the lack of sensitivity of these viruses to type I interferon in general while providing a global picture of how viral changes in cellular proteins drive worse disease outcomes.
PubMed: 38940561
DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01038-24 -
ChemPlusChem Jun 2024Mechanochemistry constitutes a burgeoning field that investigates the chemical and physicochemical alterations of substances under mechanical force. It enables the...
Mechanochemistry constitutes a burgeoning field that investigates the chemical and physicochemical alterations of substances under mechanical force. It enables the synthesis of materials which was challenging to access via conventional thermal, optical, and electrical activation methods. In addition, it diminishes reliance on organic solvents and provides a novel route for green chemistry. Today, as a distinct branch alongside electrochemistry, photochemistry, and thermochemistry, mechanochemistry has emerged as an intersected research field with chemistry and material science. In recent years, the combination of mechanochemistry with controlled radical polymerization has witnessed rapid advancement, providing new sights to polymer science. The mechanochemically controlled radical polymerization (mechano-CRP) not only facilitate the synthesis of polymers with high molecular weight but also enable precise control over polymer chain length and structure. To diminish the side reactions by the strong mechanical force, transitioning from harsh to mild conditions in mechanochemical routes has been recognized as one of the primary advancements. From this perspective, we introduce the progress of mechanochemistry in controlled radical polymerization in recent years, aim to clarify the development trend of this research direction and stimulate senior researchers or newcomers to contemplate the future direction of this field.
PubMed: 38940320
DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202400287 -
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach,... Jun 2024Sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) has recently emerged as a promising cathode for high-energy Li metal batteries owing to its high capacity, extended cycle life, and...
Sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) has recently emerged as a promising cathode for high-energy Li metal batteries owing to its high capacity, extended cycle life, and liberty from costly transition metals. As the high capacities of both Li metal and SPAN lead to relatively small electrode weights, the weight and specific energy density of Li/SPAN batteries are particularly sensitive to electrolyte weight, highlighting the importance of minimizing electrolyte density. In addition, the large volume changes of Li metal anode and SPAN cathode require inorganic-rich interphases that can guarantee intactness and protectivity throughout long cycles. This work addresses these crucial aspects with an electrolyte design in which lightweight dibutyl ether (DBE) is used as diluent for concentrated LiFSI-triethyl phosphate (TEP) solution. The designed electrolyte (d = 1.04 g mL) is 40-50% lighter than conventional localized high-concentration electrolytes (LHCEs), leading to 12-20% extra energy density at the cell level. Besides, the use of DBE introduces substantial solvent-diluent affinity, resulting in a unique solvation structure with strengthened capability to form favorable anion-derived inorganic-rich interphases, minimize electrolyte consumption, and improve cell cyclability. Our electrolyte also exhibits lower volatility than carbonate electrolytes and offers enhanced protection to both Li metal anode and SPAN cathode under thermal abuse. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
PubMed: 38940263
DOI: 10.1002/adma.202406594 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark... Jun 2024This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism through which C1q/tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related protein 9 (CTRP9) acts in the formation and differentiation...
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism through which C1q/tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related protein 9 (CTRP9) acts in the formation and differentiation of brown adipose tissue (BAT).
METHODS
Adenovirus particles encoding CTRP9 and green fluorescent protein were inoculated into the scapula of C57BL/6J mice and fed a high-fat diet for 8 weeks; the body weight, lipid droplet morphology, glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance, and protein expression levels were analyzed. In addition, CTRP9 adenovirus was transfected into brown preadipocytes, and differentiation was induced to identify the effect of CTRP9 overexpression on adipocyte differentiation.
RESULTS
CTRP9 overexpression significantly increased the weight gain of mice. Additionally, the CTRP9 overexpression group exhibited significantly increased adipose tissue weight and glucose clearance rates and decreased insulin sensitivity and serum triglyceride levels compared to the control group. Furthermore, CTRP9 overexpression significantly upregulated the adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and perilipin 1 protein expression levels in BAT. The cell experiment results confirmed that CTRP9 overexpression significantly inhibited the adipogenesis of brown adipocytes as evidenced by the downregulation of uncoupling protein 1, beta-3 adrenergic receptor, ATGL, and hormone-sensitive lipase mRNA levels and the significant suppression of uncoupling protein 1, ATGL, and perilipin 1 protein levels in brown adipocytes.
CONCLUSIONS
The finding of this study demonstrated that CTRP9 promotes lipolysis by upregulating ATGL expression and inhibits the differentiation of brown preadipocytes .
Topics: Animals; Lipolysis; Diet, High-Fat; Adipose Tissue, Brown; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Male; Mice; Adiponectin; Insulin Resistance; Lipase; Cell Differentiation; Adipogenesis; Perilipin-1; Acyltransferases; Glycoproteins
PubMed: 38940054
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2906236 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Elite Edition) Jun 2024Dextran is an exopolysaccharide synthesized in reactions catalyzed by enzymes obtained from microbial agents of specific species and strains. Products of dextran... (Review)
Review
Dextran is an exopolysaccharide synthesized in reactions catalyzed by enzymes obtained from microbial agents of specific species and strains. Products of dextran polysaccharides with different molecular weights are suitable for diverse pharmaceutical and clinical uses. Dextran solutions have multiple characteristics, including viscosity, solubility, rheological, and thermal properties; hence, dextran has been studied for its commercial applications in several sectors. Certain bacteria can produce extracellular polysaccharide dextran of different molecular weights and configurations. Dextran products of diverse molecular weights have been used in several industries, including medicine, cosmetics, and food. This article aims to provide an overview of the reports on dextran applications in blood transfusion and clinical studies and its biosynthesis. Information has been summarized on enzyme-catalyzed reactions for dextran biosynthesis from sucrose and on the bio-transformation process of high molecular weight dextran molecules to obtain preparations of diverse molecular weights and configurations.
Topics: Dextrans; Humans; Blood Transfusion; Molecular Weight
PubMed: 38939916
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbe1602017