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The Tokai Journal of Experimental and... Jul 2024Recently, effectiveness of local treatment for oncological outcomes for patients with metastatic prostate cancer (PC) has been reported. We performed hemi-ablation with...
Recently, effectiveness of local treatment for oncological outcomes for patients with metastatic prostate cancer (PC) has been reported. We performed hemi-ablation with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for a patient with a localized reducted solitary lesion in the prostate, which was diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-transrectal ultrasound fusion image-guided target biopsy with PSA level of 0.24 ng/mL, after androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSIs) and chemotherapy for metastatic PC. Prostate specific antigen levels decreased to 0.01ng/mL at 1 month after the treatment, and cancer suspicious lesion disappeared on MRI. During the follow-up of 24 months, there was no elevation of PSA level with no severe complication related to the treatment. HIFU has possibility to be an effective and minimally invasive treatment as a local treatment for the localized reducted solitary lesion in the prostate after ARSIs and chemotherapy for metastatic PC.
Topics: Humans; Male; Prostatic Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Aged; High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation; Image-Guided Biopsy; Androgen Receptor Antagonists; Prostate
PubMed: 38904239
DOI: No ID Found -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease with systemic manifestations that most commonly presents as itchy, erythematous, scaly plaques on extensor surfaces. Activation of...
Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease with systemic manifestations that most commonly presents as itchy, erythematous, scaly plaques on extensor surfaces. Activation of the IL-23/IL-17 pro-inflammatory signaling pathway is a hallmark of psoriasis and its inhibition is key to clinical management. Granzyme K (GzmK) is an immune cell-secreted serine protease elevated in inflammatory and proliferative skin conditions. In the present study, human psoriasis lesions exhibited elevated GzmK levels compared to non-lesional psoriasis and healthy control skin. In an established murine model of imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis, genetic loss of GzmK significantly reduced disease severity, as determined by delayed plaque formation, decreased erythema and desquamation, reduced epidermal thickness, and inflammatory infiltrate. Molecular characterization revealed that GzmK contributed to macrophage secretion of IL-23 as well as PAR-1-dependent keratinocyte proliferation. These findings demonstrate that GzmK enhances IL-23-driven inflammation as well as keratinocyte proliferation to exacerbate psoriasis severity.
Topics: Psoriasis; Animals; Keratinocytes; Humans; Mice; Cell Proliferation; Granzymes; Interleukin-23; Inflammation; Imiquimod; Disease Models, Animal; Mice, Knockout; Female; Male; Mice, Inbred C57BL
PubMed: 38903528
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1398120 -
European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry Jun 2024Rhomboid intramembrane serine proteases have been implicated in several pathologies, and emerge as attractive pharmacological target candidates. The most potent and...
Rhomboid intramembrane serine proteases have been implicated in several pathologies, and emerge as attractive pharmacological target candidates. The most potent and selective rhomboid inhibitors available to date are peptidyl α-ketoamides, but their selectivity for diverse rhomboid proteases and strategies to modulate it in relevant contexts are poorly understood. This gap, together with the lack of suitable in vitro models, hinders ketoamide development for relevant eukaryotic rhomboid enzymes. Here we explore the structure-activity relationship principles of rhomboid inhibiting ketoamides by medicinal chemistry and enzymatic in vitro and in-cell assays with recombinant rhomboid proteases GlpG, human mitochondrial rhomboid PARL and human RHBDL2. We use X-ray crystallography in lipidic cubic phase to understand the binding mode of one of the best ketoamide inhibitors synthesized here containing a branched terminal substituent bound to GlpG. In addition, to extend the interpretation of the co-crystal structure, we use quantum mechanical calculations and quantify the relative importance of interactions along the inhibitor molecule. These combined experimental analyses implicates that more extensive exploration of chemical space at the prime side is unexpectedly powerful for the selectivity of rhomboid inhibiting ketoamides. Together with variations in the peptide sequence at the non-prime side, or its non-peptidic alternatives, this strategy enables targeted tailoring of potent and selective ketoamides towards diverse rhomboid proteases including disease-relevant ones such as PARL and RHBDL2.
PubMed: 38901105
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116606 -
Journal of Insect Physiology Jun 2024Like other lepidopteran insects, males of the tobacco cutworm moth, Spodoptera litura produce two kinds of spermatozoa, eupyrene (nucleate) and apyrene (anucleate)...
A sperm-activating trypsin-like protease from the male reproductive tract of Spodoptera litura: Proteomic identification, sequence characterization, gene expression profile, RNAi and the effects of ionizing radiation.
Like other lepidopteran insects, males of the tobacco cutworm moth, Spodoptera litura produce two kinds of spermatozoa, eupyrene (nucleate) and apyrene (anucleate) sperm. Formed in the testis, both kinds of sperm are released into the male reproductive tract in an immature form and are stored in the duplex region of the tract. Neither type of sperm is motile at this stage. When stored apyrene sperm from the duplex are treated in vitro with an extract of the prostatic region of the male tract, or with mammalian trypsin, they become motile; activation is greater and achieved more rapidly with increasing concentration of extract or enzyme. The activating effect of prostatic extract is blocked by soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI), also in a dose-dependent way. These results suggest that the normal sperm-activating process is due to an endogenous trypsin-like protease produced in the prostatic region. Proteomic analysis of S. litura prostatic extracts revealed a Trypsin-Like Serine Protease, TLSP, molecular weight 27 kDa, whose 199-residue amino acid sequence is identical to that of a predicted protein from the S. litura genome and is highly similar to predicted proteins encoded by genes in the genomes of several other noctuid moth species. Surprisingly, TLSP is only distantly related to Serine Protease 2 (initiatorin) of the silkmoth, Bombyx mori, the only identified lepidopteran protein so far shown to activate sperm. TLSP has features typical of secreted proteins, probably being synthesized as an inactive precursor zymogen, which is later activated by proteolytic cleavage. cDNA was synthesized from total RNA extracted from the prostatic region and was used to examine TLSP expression using qPCR. tlsp mRNA was expressed in both the prostatic region and the accessory glands of the male tract. Injection of TLSP-specific dsRNA into adult males caused a significant reduction after 24 h in tlsp mRNA levels in both locations. The number of eggs laid by females mated to adult males that were given TLSP dsRNA in 10 % honey solution, and the fertility (% hatched) of the eggs were reduced. Injecting pupae with TLSP dsRNA caused the later activation of apyrene sperm motility by adult male prostatic extracts to be significantly reduced compared to controls. Exposure of S. litura pupae to ionizing radiation significantly reduced expression of tlsp mRNA in the prostatic part and accessory gland of irradiated males in both the irradiated generation and also in their (unirradiated) F1 progeny. The implications of these findings for the use of the inherited sterility technique for the control of S. litura and other pest Lepidoptera are discussed.
PubMed: 38897288
DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2024.104664 -
Cell Reports. Medicine Jun 2024Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) binds to the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and mediates its internalization and degradation, resulting in...
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) binds to the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and mediates its internalization and degradation, resulting in an increase in LDL cholesterol levels. Recently, PCSK9 emerged as a therapeutic target for hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. In this study, we develop a PCSK9 nanoparticle (NP) vaccine by covalently conjugating the catalytic domain (aa 153-aa 454, D374Y) of PCSK9 to self-assembled 24-mer ferritin NPs. We demonstrate that the PCSK9 NP vaccine effectively induces interfering antibodies against PCSK9 and reduces serum lipids levels in both a high-fat diet-induced hypercholesterolemia model and an adeno-associated virus-hPCSK9-induced hypercholesterolemia model. Additionally, the vaccine significantly reduces plaque lesion areas in the aorta and macrophages infiltration in an atherosclerosis mouse model. Furthermore, we discover that the vaccine's efficacy relied on T follicular help cells and LDLR. Overall, these findings suggest that the PCSK9 NP vaccine holds promise as an effective treatment for hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.
Topics: Proprotein Convertase 9; Animals; Hypercholesterolemia; Nanoparticles; Vaccines; Mice; Receptors, LDL; Disease Models, Animal; Atherosclerosis; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Humans; Diet, High-Fat; Male; Nanovaccines
PubMed: 38897173
DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101614 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disease with skin barrier defects and a misdirected type 2 immune response against harmless antigens....
BACKGROUND
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disease with skin barrier defects and a misdirected type 2 immune response against harmless antigens. The skin microbiome in AD is characterized by a reduction in microbial diversity with a dominance of staphylococci, including ().
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether antigens play a role in AD, we screened for candidate allergens and studied the T cell and humoral immune response against the extracellular serine protease (Esp).
METHODS
To identify candidate allergens, we analyzed the binding of human serum IgG4, as a surrogate of IgE, to extracellular proteins using 2-dimensional immunoblotting and mass spectrometry. We then measured serum IgE and IgG1 binding to recombinant Esp by ELISA in healthy and AD individuals. We also stimulated T cells from AD patients and control subjects with Esp and measured the secreted cytokines. Finally, we analyzed the proteolytic activity of Esp against IL-33 and determined the cleavage sites by mass spectrometry.
RESULTS
We identified Esp as the dominant candidate allergen of . Esp-specific IgE was present in human serum; AD patients had higher concentrations than controls. T cells reacting to Esp were detectable in both AD patients and healthy controls. The T cell response in healthy adults was characterized by IL-17, IL-22, IFN-γ, and IL-10, whereas the AD patients' T cells lacked IL-17 production and released only low amounts of IL-22, IFN-γ, and IL-10. In contrast, Th2 cytokine release was higher in T cells from AD patients than from healthy controls. Mature Esp cleaved and activated the alarmin IL-33.
CONCLUSION
The extracellular serine protease Esp of can activate IL-33. As an antigen, Esp elicits a type 2-biased antibody and T cell response in AD patients. This suggests that can aggravate AD through the allergenic properties of Esp.
Topics: Humans; Staphylococcus epidermidis; Dermatitis, Atopic; Serine Proteases; Adult; Male; Female; Immunoglobulin E; Bacterial Proteins; Immunoglobulin G; Cytokines; T-Lymphocytes; Allergens; Interleukin-33; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38895118
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1352704 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Reproductive failure in dogs is often due to unknown causes, and correct diagnosis and treatment are not always achieved. This condition is associated with various...
Reproductive failure in dogs is often due to unknown causes, and correct diagnosis and treatment are not always achieved. This condition is associated with various congenital and acquired etiologies that develop inflammatory processes, causing an increase in the number of leukocytes within the female reproductive tract (FRT). An encounter between polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and infectious agents or inflammation in the FRT could trigger neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which are associated with significantly decreased motility and damage to sperm functional parameters in other species, including humans. This study describes the interaction between canine PMNs and spermatozoa and characterizes the release of NETs, in addition to evaluating the consequences of these structures on canine sperm function. To identify and visualize NETs, May-Grünwald Giemsa staining and immunofluorescence for neutrophil elastase (NE) were performed on canine semen samples and sperm/PMN co-cultures. Sperm viability was assessed using SYBR/PI and acrosome integrity was assessed using PNA-FITC/PI by flow cytometry. The results demonstrate NETs release in native semen samples and PMN/sperm co-cultures. In addition, NETs negatively affect canine sperm function parameters. This is the first report on the ability of NETs to efficiently entrap canine spermatozoa, and to provide additional data on the adverse effects of NETs on male gametes. Therefore, NETs formation should be considered in future studies of canine reproductive failure, as these extracellular fibers and NET-derived pro-inflammatory capacities will impede proper oocyte fertilization and embryo implantation. These data will serve as a basis to explain certain reproductive failures of dogs and provide new information about triggers and molecules involved in adverse effects of NETosis for domestic pet animals.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Extracellular Traps; Male; Spermatozoa; Neutrophils; Sperm Motility; Female; Leukocyte Elastase; Coculture Techniques; Acrosome
PubMed: 38892404
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116216 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic. Known as COVID-19, it has affected billions of people worldwide, claiming...
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic. Known as COVID-19, it has affected billions of people worldwide, claiming millions of lives and posing a continuing threat to humanity. This is considered one of the most extensive pandemics ever recorded in human history, causing significant losses to both life and economies globally. However, the available evidence is currently insufficient to establish the effectiveness and safety of antiviral drugs or vaccines. The entry of the virus into host cells involves binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a cell surface receptor, via its spike protein. Meanwhile, transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), a host surface protease, cleaves and activates the virus's S protein, thus promoting viral infection. Plant protease inhibitors play a crucial role in protecting plants against insects and/or microorganisms. The major storage proteins in sweet potato roots include sweet potato trypsin inhibitor (SWTI), which accounts for approximately 60% of the total water-soluble protein and has been found to possess a variety of health-promoting properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, ACE-inhibitory, and anticancer functions. Our study found that SWTI caused a significant reduction in the expression of the ACE2 and TMPRSS2 proteins, without any adverse effects on cells. Therefore, our findings suggest that the ACE2 and TMPRSS2 axis can be targeted via SWTI to potentially inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Topics: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2; Humans; SARS-CoV-2; Animals; Serine Endopeptidases; Ipomoea batatas; Antiviral Agents; COVID-19 Drug Treatment; COVID-19; Trypsin Inhibitors; Virus Internalization; Chlorocebus aethiops; Vero Cells; Down-Regulation; Mice
PubMed: 38892254
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116067 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024The role of the gut microbiota and its interplay with host metabolic health, particularly in the context of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management, is garnering... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
The role of the gut microbiota and its interplay with host metabolic health, particularly in the context of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management, is garnering increasing attention. Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitors, commonly known as gliptins, constitute a class of drugs extensively used in T2DM treatment. However, their potential interactions with gut microbiota remain poorly understood. In this study, we employed computational methodologies to investigate the binding affinities of various gliptins to DPP4-like homologs produced by intestinal bacteria. The 3D structures of DPP4 homologs from gut microbiota species, including , , , , and sp., were predicted using computational modeling techniques. Subsequently, molecular dynamics simulations were conducted for 200 ns to ensure the stability of the predicted structures. Stable structures were then utilized to predict the binding interactions with known gliptins through molecular docking algorithms. Our results revealed binding similarities of gliptins toward bacterial DPP4 homologs compared to human DPP4. Specifically, certain gliptins exhibited similar binding scores to bacterial DPP4 homologs as they did with human DPP4, suggesting a potential interaction of these drugs with gut microbiota. These findings could help in understanding the interplay between gliptins and gut microbiota DPP4 homologs, considering the intricate relationship between the host metabolism and microbial communities in the gut.
Topics: Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Humans; Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors; Molecular Dynamics Simulation; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Molecular Docking Simulation; Protein Binding; Bacteria; Bacterial Proteins; Binding Sites
PubMed: 38891933
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115744 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024Serine peptidases (SPs) of the chymotrypsin S1A subfamily are an extensive group of enzymes found in all animal organisms, including insects. Here, we provide analysis...
Serine peptidases (SPs) of the chymotrypsin S1A subfamily are an extensive group of enzymes found in all animal organisms, including insects. Here, we provide analysis of SPs in the yellow mealworm transcriptomes and genomes datasets and profile their expression patterns at various stages of ontogeny. A total of 269 SPs were identified, including 137 with conserved catalytic triad residues, while 125 others lacking conservation were proposed as non-active serine peptidase homologs (SPHs). Seven deduced sequences exhibit a complex domain organization with two or three peptidase units (domains), predicted both as active or non-active. The largest group of 84 SPs and 102 SPHs had no regulatory domains in the propeptide, and the majority of them were expressed only in the feeding life stages, larvae and adults, presumably playing an important role in digestion. The remaining 53 SPs and 23 SPHs had different regulatory domains, showed constitutive or upregulated expression at eggs or/and pupae stages, participating in regulation of various physiological processes. The majority of polypeptidases were mainly expressed at the pupal and adult stages. The data obtained expand our knowledge on SPs/SPHs and provide the basis for further studies of the functions of proteins from the S1A subfamily in .
Topics: Animals; Tenebrio; Gene Expression Profiling; Insect Proteins; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Transcriptome; Phylogeny; Serine Proteases; Larva; Amino Acid Sequence
PubMed: 38891931
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115743