Pub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-08-01DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104989
Noha A. Gouda , Assem Zhakupova , Ahmed M. Abdelaal , Firdos Ahmad , Ahmed Elkamhawy
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are extremely reactive molecules produced during cellular metabolism, which play important roles in signaling and immune responses. Excessive ROS accumulation results in oxidative stress and cellular damage. As a result, autophagy (a cellular recycling process) is induced to overcome oxidative stress conditions by eliminating impaired cellular components. By selectively targeting and degrading dysfunctional mitochondria and peroxisomes through mitophagy and pexophagy, respectively, cells can effectively reduce ROS accumulation. Conversely, oxidative stress can disrupt autophagy, impairing protein aggregate clearance and thereby exacerbating ROS accumulation. In this review, we discuss the complex correlation between oxidative stress and autophagy, highlighting the mechanisms of regulation and their pathological implications. Additionally, we discuss the latest advances and challenges in developing autophagy-modulating therapies.
{"title":"The interplay involving oxidative stress and autophagy: Mechanisms, implications, and therapeutic opportunities","authors":"Noha A. Gouda , Assem Zhakupova , Ahmed M. Abdelaal , Firdos Ahmad , Ahmed Elkamhawy","doi":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104989","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104989","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are extremely reactive molecules produced during cellular metabolism, which play important roles in signaling and immune responses. Excessive ROS accumulation results in oxidative stress and cellular damage. As a result, autophagy (a cellular recycling process) is induced to overcome oxidative stress conditions by eliminating impaired cellular components. By selectively targeting and degrading dysfunctional mitochondria and peroxisomes through mitophagy and pexophagy, respectively, cells can effectively reduce ROS accumulation. Conversely, oxidative stress can disrupt autophagy, impairing protein aggregate clearance and thereby exacerbating ROS accumulation. In this review, we discuss the complex correlation between oxidative stress and autophagy, highlighting the mechanisms of regulation and their pathological implications. Additionally, we discuss the latest advances and challenges in developing autophagy-modulating therapies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12176,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and molecular pathology","volume":"143 ","pages":"Article 104989"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144757616","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-05-20DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104971
Amina Belboul , Jason Ashworth , Abdulmannan Fadel , Jessica Mcloughlin , Ayman Mahmoud , Mohamed El Mohtadi
Age-related impaired wounds represent a major health burden resulting in considerable morbidity and mortality in the elderly. When injury occurs, monocytes migrate to the damaged site and undergo differentiation into tissue-resident macrophages, which are crucial for wound repair. For proper resolution of the inflammatory response, macrophages differentiate into two distinct phenotypes classified as classically-activatedpro-inflammatory and alternatively-activatedanti-inflammatory macrophages. Pro-inflammatory macrophages are commonly linked with pro-inflammatory events, while anti-inflammatory macrophages are known to be pro-regenerative. The age-related delay in wound repair is often attributed to the age-related decrease in local and systemic estrogen levels in both genders. However, despite its well-documented anti-inflammatory effect in wound healing, the role of estrogen and involvement of Estrogen Receptors (ERs) in macrophage polarization has gained little attention to date. To investigate the impact of estrogen and ERs on the polarization of macrophages, monocyte-derived macrophages were pre-treated with estrogen, ER-alpha agonist/antagonist or ER-beta agonist/antagonist prior to stimulation with LPS/IFN-γ or IL-4/IL-13 to produce pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory macrophages. Our findings confirm that estrogen promotes the alternative activation of macrophages via possible ER-α signalling. Selective targeting of ER-α with agents like PPT could potentially lead to the development of novel therapies to treat excessive inflammation in impaired wounds.
{"title":"Estrogen induces the alternative activation of macrophages through binding to estrogen receptor-alpha","authors":"Amina Belboul , Jason Ashworth , Abdulmannan Fadel , Jessica Mcloughlin , Ayman Mahmoud , Mohamed El Mohtadi","doi":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104971","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104971","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Age-related impaired wounds represent a major health burden resulting in considerable morbidity and mortality in the elderly. When injury occurs, monocytes migrate to the damaged site and undergo differentiation into tissue-resident macrophages, which are crucial for wound repair. For proper resolution of the inflammatory response, macrophages differentiate into two distinct phenotypes classified as classically-activatedpro-inflammatory and alternatively-activatedanti-inflammatory macrophages. Pro-inflammatory macrophages are commonly linked with pro-inflammatory events, while anti-inflammatory macrophages are known to be pro-regenerative. The age-related delay in wound repair is often attributed to the age-related decrease in local and systemic estrogen levels in both genders. However, despite its well-documented anti-inflammatory effect in wound healing, the role of estrogen and involvement of Estrogen Receptors (ERs) in macrophage polarization has gained little attention to date. To investigate the impact of estrogen and ERs on the polarization of macrophages, monocyte-derived macrophages were pre-treated with estrogen, ER-alpha agonist/antagonist or ER-beta agonist/antagonist prior to stimulation with LPS/IFN-γ or IL-4/IL-13 to produce pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory macrophages. Our findings confirm that estrogen promotes the alternative activation of macrophages <em>via</em> possible ER-α signalling. Selective targeting of ER-α with agents like PPT could potentially lead to the development of novel therapies to treat excessive inflammation in impaired wounds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12176,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and molecular pathology","volume":"143 ","pages":"Article 104971"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144098790","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-08-28DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104994
Ina V. Martin , Christian Dippel , Eva M. Buhl , Robert Göllinger , Katja Ermert , Jürgen Floege , Eleni Stamellou , Ute Raffetseder , Rafael Kramann , Tammo Ostendorf
Background and aims
Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF)-C plays a significant role in kidney fibrosis, angiogenesis, and hypertension. While its involvement in the healing of damaged glomerular capillaries is well recognized, its function in kidney peritubular capillaries (PTCs) remains less understood. Therefore, this study investigates the role of PDGF-C in PTCs under both homeostatic conditions and experimentally angiotensin II (AngII)-induced hypertension.
Materials and methods
We utilized mice with systemic PDGF-C antagonism or conditional deletion of endothelial-derived PDGF-C (Cdh5-cre::Pdgfcflox/flox) in an AngII-induced hypertension model. The PTC network, glycocalyx, and inflammatory parameters in the kidneys were analyzed and quantified using qPCR, electron microscopy, and fluorescence microscopy.
Results
Systemic antagonism of PDGF-C in the AngII model reduced peritubular accumulation of PDGF receptor-expressing mesenchymal cells and the expression of Ccl2, Plat and Nos3, while PTC density and glycocalyx-regulating genes remained unaffected. Conditional deletion of endothelial cell-derived PDGF-C did not affect peritubular accumulation of mesenchymal cells, blood pressure or genes associated with angiogenesis; it also had no impact on the PTC network or glycocalyx. Notably, a reduction in inflammatory infiltrates was observed in the hypertensive Cdh5-cre::Pdgfcflox/flox -mice.
Conclusion
Despite influencing certain parameters critical for endothelial homeostasis, such as PDGFR+ pericyte recruitment following systemic PDGF-C antagonism during hypertension, PDGF-C has minimal effects on the PTC network. Conversely, both systemic and endothelial cell-derived PDGF-C modulate the inflammatory response associated with hypertension in the kidney. Our findings help mitigate safety concerns about pharmacological PDGF-C targeting and its impact on peritubular capillaries.
{"title":"Platelet-derived growth factor-C contributes to kidney inflammation in experimental hypertension with little effect on the peritubular capillary network","authors":"Ina V. Martin , Christian Dippel , Eva M. Buhl , Robert Göllinger , Katja Ermert , Jürgen Floege , Eleni Stamellou , Ute Raffetseder , Rafael Kramann , Tammo Ostendorf","doi":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104994","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104994","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and aims</h3><div>Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF)-C plays a significant role in kidney fibrosis, angiogenesis, and hypertension. While its involvement in the healing of damaged glomerular capillaries is well recognized, its function in kidney peritubular capillaries (PTCs) remains less understood. Therefore, this study investigates the role of PDGF-C in PTCs under both homeostatic conditions and experimentally angiotensin II (AngII)-induced hypertension.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>We utilized mice with systemic PDGF-C antagonism or conditional deletion of endothelial-derived PDGF-C (<em>Cdh5-cre::Pdgfc</em><sup><em>flox/flox</em></sup>) in an AngII-induced hypertension model. The PTC network, glycocalyx, and inflammatory parameters in the kidneys were analyzed and quantified using qPCR, electron microscopy, and fluorescence microscopy.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Systemic antagonism of PDGF-C in the AngII model reduced peritubular accumulation of PDGF receptor-expressing mesenchymal cells and the expression of <em>Ccl2</em>, <em>Plat</em> and <em>Nos3</em>, while PTC density and glycocalyx-regulating genes remained unaffected. Conditional deletion of endothelial cell-derived PDGF-C did not affect peritubular accumulation of mesenchymal cells, blood pressure or genes associated with angiogenesis; it also had no impact on the PTC network or glycocalyx. Notably, a reduction in inflammatory infiltrates was observed in the hypertensive <em>Cdh5-cre::Pdgfc</em><sup><em>flox/flox</em></sup> -mice.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Despite influencing certain parameters critical for endothelial homeostasis, such as PDGFR<sup>+</sup> pericyte recruitment following systemic PDGF-C antagonism during hypertension, PDGF-C has minimal effects on the PTC network. Conversely, both systemic and endothelial cell-derived PDGF-C modulate the inflammatory response associated with hypertension in the kidney. Our findings help mitigate safety concerns about pharmacological PDGF-C targeting and its impact on peritubular capillaries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12176,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and molecular pathology","volume":"143 ","pages":"Article 104994"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144907621","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Small intestinal mucosal injuries are observed during treatment with enteric-coated, low-dose aspirin (LDA) through uncertain mechanism(s). Because aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) is an acetylated form of the highly cytotoxic salicylic acid (SA), we hypothesized that SA deacetylated by esterases in the small intestine directly causes mucosal injuries. This study explored the mechanism(s) of ASA deacetylation to SA in the small intestinal environment.
Methods
ASA was added to the x, and deacetylation of added ASA and cell damage were evaluated. To explore the ASA deacetylation mechanism(s) in the intestinal environment, ASA was incubated with different pH phosphate buffers (4.01–9.10), pancreatic enzymes, homogenates of pancreas and IEC-6 cell, and caecum bacterial suspension (CBS). ASA and CBS were co-injected into the murine duodenum, and small intestinal damage was evaluated after an hour by histological observation.
Results
Intestinal cell damage was caused dependently on the deacetylation rate of added ASA to SA in the cell and culture media. In vitro, almost ASA was not deacetylated by incubation with different pH buffer, pancreatic enzymes, or IEC-6 cell homogenate, but deacetylation of ASA was significantly promoted with CBS. ASA deacetylation by bacterial esterases(s) was confirmed by adding an esterase-specific inhibitor, potassium fluoride. Furthermore, severe injuries throughout the entire murine small intestine were found after co-injection of ASA and CBS, but not after ASA alone.
Conclusions
Enteric-coated, LDA-induced mucosal injuries in the small intestine are mainly caused by direct cytotoxicity of SA deacetylated by enterobacterial esterase in the small intestine.
{"title":"Small intestinal bacteria accelerate aspirin-induced small intestinal injuries","authors":"Fumio Kakizaki , Teruo Miyazaki , Hajime Ueda , Junichi Iwamoto , Akira Honda , Tadashi Ikegami","doi":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104984","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104984","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Small intestinal mucosal injuries are observed during treatment with enteric-coated, low-dose aspirin (LDA) through uncertain mechanism(s). Because aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) is an acetylated form of the highly cytotoxic salicylic acid (SA), we hypothesized that SA deacetylated by esterases in the small intestine directly causes mucosal injuries. This study explored the mechanism(s) of ASA deacetylation to SA in the small intestinal environment.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>ASA was added to the x, and deacetylation of added ASA and cell damage were evaluated. To explore the ASA deacetylation mechanism(s) in the intestinal environment, ASA was incubated with different pH phosphate buffers (4.01–9.10), pancreatic enzymes, homogenates of pancreas and IEC-6 cell, and caecum bacterial suspension (CBS). ASA and CBS were co-injected into the murine duodenum, and small intestinal damage was evaluated after an hour by histological observation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Intestinal cell damage was caused dependently on the deacetylation rate of added ASA to SA in the cell and culture media. In vitro, almost ASA was not deacetylated by incubation with different pH buffer, pancreatic enzymes, or IEC-6 cell homogenate, but deacetylation of ASA was significantly promoted with CBS. ASA deacetylation by bacterial esterases(s) was confirmed by adding an esterase-specific inhibitor, potassium fluoride. Furthermore, severe injuries throughout the entire murine small intestine were found after co-injection of ASA and CBS, but not after ASA alone.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Enteric-coated, LDA-induced mucosal injuries in the small intestine are mainly caused by direct cytotoxicity of SA deacetylated by enterobacterial esterase in the small intestine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12176,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and molecular pathology","volume":"143 ","pages":"Article 104984"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144614742","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-07-19DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104987
Xiaolu Zhu , Zheng Wang , Yuanping Shi , Shuang Yao , Fengliang He , Xiuli Cong , Fang Teng
For mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy to be effective, the vascular system may be used to deliver and steer the cells to the target tissue. However, the expanded MSCs in petri dishes typically exhibit limited deformability and commonly excluded by the capillary networks when homing to the downstream organs via microcirculation. Here, we propose to utilize specially designed 3D dextran hydrogels and tuning the microscopic heterogeneity of hydrogel composition to make the administrated cells mechanically comply with the structure and mechanics of the capillary. The deformability of cells cultured in petri dishes, microcosmically homogeneous (HOM), and heterogeneous (HET) dextran hydrogels was investigated in vitro by measuring cell moduli through atomic force microscope (AFM), analyzing the expression of cytoskeletal protein via flow cytometry and fluorescent imaging. The in vitro experimental results demonstrate a progressive increase in cell deformability from 2D dishes, to HOM-hydrogel derived cells, and then to HET-hydrogel derived cells. The in vivo mouse experiment indicates the cells could deform accordingly and pass through easily with reduced resistance inside the mouse organs. It is suggested that the main destination of hMSC microcirculation could be selected between the spleen and liver of mice, by tuning cell mechanics that depends on the stimulus from HOM or HET hydrogel, which lays a potential foundation for the mechanically modified MSC therapy targeting organ lesions.
{"title":"Modulating cellular deformability via 3D dextran hydrogel cultivation to regulate the microcirculation of mesenchymal stem cells in murine spleen and liver","authors":"Xiaolu Zhu , Zheng Wang , Yuanping Shi , Shuang Yao , Fengliang He , Xiuli Cong , Fang Teng","doi":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104987","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104987","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>For mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy to be effective, the vascular system may be used to deliver and steer the cells to the target tissue. However, the expanded MSCs in petri dishes typically exhibit limited deformability and commonly excluded by the capillary networks when homing to the downstream organs via microcirculation. Here, we propose to utilize specially designed 3D dextran hydrogels and tuning the microscopic heterogeneity of hydrogel composition to make the administrated cells mechanically comply with the structure and mechanics of the capillary. The deformability of cells cultured in petri dishes, microcosmically homogeneous (HOM), and heterogeneous (HET) dextran hydrogels was investigated in vitro by measuring cell moduli through atomic force microscope (AFM), analyzing the expression of cytoskeletal protein via flow cytometry and fluorescent imaging. The in vitro experimental results demonstrate a progressive increase in cell deformability from 2D dishes, to HOM-hydrogel derived cells, and then to HET-hydrogel derived cells. The in vivo mouse experiment indicates the cells could deform accordingly and pass through easily with reduced resistance inside the mouse organs. It is suggested that the main destination of hMSC microcirculation could be selected between the spleen and liver of mice, by tuning cell mechanics that depends on the stimulus from HOM or HET hydrogel, which lays a potential foundation for the mechanically modified MSC therapy targeting organ lesions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12176,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and molecular pathology","volume":"143 ","pages":"Article 104987"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144662203","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-07-10DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104983
Xiaoyun Zhang , Yingyu Wang , Xinyi Guo , Yu Xiao , Weiguo Wan , Hejian Zou , Xue Yang
Fibrosis is a common pathological feature of most chronic diseases progressing to the end stage, with its specific pathogenesis still unclear and lacking effective therapeutic approaches. Mitochondria are essential organelles responsible for energy production and the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Increasing evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction is closely associated with the onset and progression of fibrotic diseases. In this review, we explore the relationship between mitophagy, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dynamics, mtDNA release, and progression of fibrosis from the perspective of mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, we summarized the latest research advances of mitochondrial dysfunction in lung, liver, kidney and skin fibrosis, and provided an overview of the potential therapeutic use of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in the treatment of fibrotic diseases by improving mitochondrial function, aiming to deepen the understanding of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases and provide new insights into targeting mitochondria in the treatment of fibrotic diseases.
{"title":"Mitochondrial dysfunction in fibrotic diseases: Research progress and MSC-exos therapy","authors":"Xiaoyun Zhang , Yingyu Wang , Xinyi Guo , Yu Xiao , Weiguo Wan , Hejian Zou , Xue Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104983","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104983","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fibrosis is a common pathological feature of most chronic diseases progressing to the end stage, with its specific pathogenesis still unclear and lacking effective therapeutic approaches. Mitochondria are essential organelles responsible for energy production and the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Increasing evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction is closely associated with the onset and progression of fibrotic diseases. In this review, we explore the relationship between mitophagy, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dynamics, mtDNA release, and progression of fibrosis from the perspective of mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, we summarized the latest research advances of mitochondrial dysfunction in lung, liver, kidney and skin fibrosis, and provided an overview of the potential therapeutic use of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in the treatment of fibrotic diseases by improving mitochondrial function, aiming to deepen the understanding of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases and provide new insights into targeting mitochondria in the treatment of fibrotic diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12176,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and molecular pathology","volume":"143 ","pages":"Article 104983"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144588196","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A simple suspension method, wherein tablets and capsules are disintegrated in warm water (55 °C), is increasingly used in clinical settings. Previously, we demonstrated that probiotic strains were reduced or below limit of detection in a simultaneous simple suspension of probiotic preparations and metronidazole or fidaxomicin. This study investigated its effectiveness in mice with C. difficile infection (CDI).
Methods
Clostridium butyricum products and antibiotics used in this study were the Miya-BM tablet (CBM), metronidazole (Flagyl 250-mg oral tablet), and fidaxomicin (Dafclir 200-mg tablet). Non-infected mice received a simple suspension of CBM and antibiotics simultaneously to assess probiotic viability in the feces. Additionally, C. difficile counts and cytokine production were investigated in CDI-infected mice treated with these suspensions.
Results
C. butyricum was detectable in the feces of non-infected mice receiving simultaneous suspensions of CBM and antibiotics. In CDI-infected mice, simultaneous suspensions significantly reduced C. difficile colony counts in feces compared to CBM or antibiotics alone. Furthermore, suspensions downregulated tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-10 levels, while upregulating interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels in colon tissues, indicating reduced inflammation and an enhanced immune response.
Conclusions
This study using mice demonstrates the effectiveness of simultaneous simple suspensions of CBM and antibiotics in treating CDI. This approach significantly reduces C. difficile counts, modulates cytokine levels, and maintains probiotic viability, potentially making it a viable option for administration via gastric tubes in clinical settings.
{"title":"Effect of Clostridium butyricum and antibiotics using simultaneous simple suspension in mice with Clostridioides difficile infection","authors":"Hideo Kato , Mao Hagihara , Chihiro Shiraishi , Yuki Asai , Hiroshige Mikamo , Takuya Iwamoto","doi":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104979","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104979","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>A simple suspension method, wherein tablets and capsules are disintegrated in warm water (55 °C), is increasingly used in clinical settings. Previously, we demonstrated that probiotic strains were reduced or below limit of detection in a simultaneous simple suspension of probiotic preparations and metronidazole or fidaxomicin. This study investigated its effectiveness in mice with <em>C. difficile</em> infection (CDI).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div><em>Clostridium butyricum</em> products and antibiotics used in this study were the Miya-BM tablet (CBM), metronidazole (Flagyl 250-mg oral tablet), and fidaxomicin (Dafclir 200-mg tablet). Non-infected mice received a simple suspension of CBM and antibiotics simultaneously to assess probiotic viability in the feces. Additionally, <em>C. difficile</em> counts and cytokine production were investigated in CDI-infected mice treated with these suspensions.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div><em>C. butyricum</em> was detectable in the feces of non-infected mice receiving simultaneous suspensions of CBM and antibiotics. In CDI-infected mice, simultaneous suspensions significantly reduced <em>C. difficile</em> colony counts in feces compared to CBM or antibiotics alone. Furthermore, suspensions downregulated tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-10 levels, while upregulating interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels in colon tissues, indicating reduced inflammation and an enhanced immune response.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study using mice demonstrates the effectiveness of simultaneous simple suspensions of CBM and antibiotics in treating CDI. This approach significantly reduces <em>C. difficile</em> counts, modulates cytokine levels, and maintains probiotic viability, potentially making it a viable option for administration via gastric tubes in clinical settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12176,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and molecular pathology","volume":"143 ","pages":"Article 104979"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144501079","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-05-26DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104972
Rahul Sharma , Vaibhav K. Tamrakar , Rob E. Carpenter , Aditya Sharma , Kamalpreet Suri , Salima Karki , Katelyn Kyser , Randy Sronce , Sadia Almas
This study evaluates the performance of the Direct-to-PCR (D2P) method as a streamlined, extraction-independent alternative to conventional nucleic acid extraction techniques for diagnosing urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, and respiratory tract infections. The D2P approach employs proprietary antimicrobial peptide-based lysis buffers tailored for bacterial, fungal, and viral targets, enabling direct amplification from clinical and contrived specimens without column- or bead-based purification. Comparative analyses were conducted against silica column-based (QIAGEN) and magnetic bead-based (KingFisher) extraction methods using both microbial reference isolates and 116 residual clinical samples. Results demonstrate that the D2P method yields comparable sensitivity and specificity to conventional extraction workflows across a diverse panel of pathogens—including Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, Candida species, ssRNA viruses (e.g., CoV-229E, Parainfluenza Virus 1 and 2), and dsDNA viruses (e.g., HSV, HAdV). Notably, D2P outperformed both QIAGEN and KingFisher in extracting nucleic acids from Candida auris, a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen. Limit of detection and amplification efficiency remained within acceptable ranges across all platforms, with R2 values between 0.92 and 0.99, and slopes consistent with MIQE standards. The D2P protocol reduced total sample processing time from ∼120 min to ∼45 min, minimized hands-on steps, and demonstrated effective performance in turbid or hemolyzed samples—making it suitable for high-throughput and resource-limited settings. However, limitations were observed in samples with high PCR-inhibitor content or low target yield, and broader validation across additional matrices is recommended. These findings support D2P as a reliable, efficient, and scalable molecular diagnostic alternative with broad clinical utility. Integration of D2P into diagnostic workflows could enhance access to rapid, cost-effective pathogen detection in both centralized laboratories and decentralized or point-of-care environments.
{"title":"Evaluation of direct-to-PCR (D2P) method for molecular diagnosis of infectious diseases","authors":"Rahul Sharma , Vaibhav K. Tamrakar , Rob E. Carpenter , Aditya Sharma , Kamalpreet Suri , Salima Karki , Katelyn Kyser , Randy Sronce , Sadia Almas","doi":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104972","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104972","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluates the performance of the Direct-to-PCR (D2P) method as a streamlined, extraction-independent alternative to conventional nucleic acid extraction techniques for diagnosing urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, and respiratory tract infections. The D2P approach employs proprietary antimicrobial peptide-based lysis buffers tailored for bacterial, fungal, and viral targets, enabling direct amplification from clinical and contrived specimens without column- or bead-based purification. Comparative analyses were conducted against silica column-based (QIAGEN) and magnetic bead-based (KingFisher) extraction methods using both microbial reference isolates and 116 residual clinical samples. Results demonstrate that the D2P method yields comparable sensitivity and specificity to conventional extraction workflows across a diverse panel of pathogens—including Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, <em>Candida</em> species, ssRNA viruses (e.g., CoV-229E, Parainfluenza Virus 1 and 2), and dsDNA viruses (e.g., HSV, HAdV). Notably, D2P outperformed both QIAGEN and KingFisher in extracting nucleic acids from <em>Candida auris</em>, a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen. Limit of detection and amplification efficiency remained within acceptable ranges across all platforms, with R<sup>2</sup> values between 0.92 and 0.99, and slopes consistent with MIQE standards. The D2P protocol reduced total sample processing time from ∼120 min to ∼45 min, minimized hands-on steps, and demonstrated effective performance in turbid or hemolyzed samples—making it suitable for high-throughput and resource-limited settings. However, limitations were observed in samples with high PCR-inhibitor content or low target yield, and broader validation across additional matrices is recommended. These findings support D2P as a reliable, efficient, and scalable molecular diagnostic alternative with broad clinical utility. Integration of D2P into diagnostic workflows could enhance access to rapid, cost-effective pathogen detection in both centralized laboratories and decentralized or point-of-care environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12176,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and molecular pathology","volume":"143 ","pages":"Article 104972"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144134740","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-05-20DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104973
Diletta Rosati , Bianca Giulia Maurizi , Viola Bianca Serio , Debora Maffeo , Angela Rina , Francesca Mari , Maria Palmieri , Antonio Giordano , Elisa Frullanti
Background
The incidence of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) has surged due to widespread asbestos exposure, particularly since the mid-20th century. Despite significant advancements in cancer treatment, an effective cure for MPM remains elusive, largely due to a limited understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying asbestos-related carcinogenesis. This exploratory study aims to uncover gene expression patterns uniquely altered in mesothelioma patients with documented asbestos exposure, providing a solid foundation for future research focused on identifying novel prognostic and predictive biomarkers.
Methods
Publicly available RNA sequencing data were analyzed through a bioinformatics pipeline to perform differential gene expression analysis. Additionally, functional enrichment analysis was applied to highlight significantly enriched Gene Ontology (GO) terms related to biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components, offering insights into the molecular pathways involved in MPM development.
Results
The analysis uncovered a set of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in MPM patients with documented asbestos exposure, as well as key GO terms. These enriched biological terms reflect processes such as ion homeostasis and oxidative stress response, providing crucial information on the cellular alterations driven by asbestos exposure.
Conclusion
This study's findings deepen our understanding of the molecular landscape underlying asbestos-induced carcinogenesis in MPM. The identification of specific DEGs and enriched GO terms lays the foundation for future investigations, including the development of biomarkers, with potential implications for the diagnostic and prognostic assessment of MPM.
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Pub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-07-14DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2025.104982
Qingqing Wang , Wenxue Ma
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are key regulators of the tumor microenvironment (TME), significantly influencing cancer progression and therapeutic responses. TAMs polarize into M1 or M2 phenotypes, exerting distinct functional roles. M1-type macrophages promote inflammation and tumor cell destruction, whereas M2-type macrophages facilitate immune suppression, angiogenesis, and metastasis. However, inconsistencies and mischaracterizations in the literature regarding TAM classification have led to confusion in the field, potentially impeding the development of effective macrophage-targeted immunotherapies. This commentary highlights the need for clear and standardized nomenclature, clarifies the functional distinctions between M1- and M2- type TAMs, and explores the signaling pathways and environmental factors driving their polarization. We also discuss emerging TAM subtypes and the therapeutic significance of accurate classification, including macrophage reprogramming strategies. Standardizing terminology and addressing misconceptions will be critical to advancing macrophage-based immunotherapies and improving clinical outcomes in cancer treatment.
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