Biomolecules & biomedicine最新文献

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) exhibits promising anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential therapeutic agent for inflammatory conditions and allergic rhinitis (AR). This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of CGA on inflammation in RAW264.7 macrophage cells and on AR in mice. RAW264.7 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammation and cultured with varying concentrations of CGA, a Tlr4-silenced gene (shTlr4) transfection, and the MAPK/NF-κB pathway activator diprovocim. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK8 assay, while levels of nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α, and IL-6 were measured by Griess colorimetry, immunofluorescence, and ELISA. Expression and phosphorylation levels of the MAPK/NF-κB pathway were evaluated using qPCR and western blotting. Additionally, ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR mice received different doses of CGA, and Toll-like receptor-4 (Tlr4) overexpression was induced. In vitro, CGA treatment significantly reduced LPS-induced cell activity, NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 secretion, and downregulated Tlr4, p-p38, p-p65, and p-IκB expression. Tlr4 inhibition suppressed cell activity and inflammation by blocking MAPK/NF-κB pathway activation. Conversely, Tlr4 overexpression counteracted the effects of CGA, increasing cell activity and inflammatory factor concentration. In OVA-induced AR mice, CGA effectively alleviated allergic symptoms, reduced inflammatory factor secretion, and inhibited TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB pathway activity. These findings suggest CGA's potential as an anti-inflammatory agent in RAW264.7 cells and AR models through modulation of the TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB pathway.

Human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) play a critical role in the regeneration of periodontal tissue. Forkhead box protein A1 (FOXA1) has been implicated in the inflammatory mechanisms of various diseases. However, the role of FOXA1 in periodontal inflammation and its effect on the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs remains unclear. In this study, healthy tooth root-derived hPDLSCs were isolated, and flow cytometry was used to detect cell surface markers. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses were performed to assess FOXA1 levels in different tissues. The levels of inflammatory factors were measured using Western blot and ELISA kits. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, alizarin red S staining, and Western blot were employed to evaluate the impact of FOXA1 silencing on the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs. Finally, the protein levels in the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/Myeloid differentiation factor-88 (MyD88)/NF-κB pathway were analyzed using Western blot. Results showed that periodontal membrane tissues from patients with periodontitis exhibited a marked increase in FOXA1 levels. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment significantly upregulated FOXA1 expression in hPDLSCs, elevated inflammatory factor levels, and inhibited osteogenic differentiation. However, silencing FOXA1 mitigated the effects of LPS. Furthermore, LPS treatment activated the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway, while FOXA1 silencing impeded this activation. Notably, the application of the TLR4 agonist CRX-527 reversed the inhibitory effects of FOXA1 silencing on LPS-induced responses. In summary, silencing FOXA1 reduced cellular inflammation by inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and alleviated the suppressive effects of LPS on the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs.

The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) is a novel biomarker that reflects the balance between the host immune response and inflammation, two key pathophysiological processes involved in sepsis. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the relationship between SII at admission and short-term mortality in patients with sepsis. Literature searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang up to August 30, 2024, using relevant search terms. Observational studies that reported the association between SII and short-term mortality in sepsis patients were included. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) comparing the incidence of mortality within 90 days in patients with sepsis with a high versus low SII were calculated. Nine cohort studies, with a total of 25,626 patients, were included. A high SII at admission was significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause short-term mortality in sepsis patients (RR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.31-1.67, P < 0.001), with moderate heterogeneity (I² = 43%). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings. Subgroup analyses suggested a stronger association in patients younger than 67 years compared to those aged 67 years or older (P = 0.04), but no significant differences were observed based on sex, SII cutoff values, or follow-up duration. In conclusion, this meta-analysis demonstrates that elevated SII at admission is associated with an increased risk of short-term mortality in sepsis patients, particularly in younger individuals. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore their clinical implications.

Hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBD) is a major cause of neonatal mortality and long-term neurological deficits, with limited treatment options. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSC-EVs) have shown promise in neuroprotection, but the mechanisms remain unclear. This study explores how hUC-MSC-EVs protect neonatal rats from HIBD. hUC-MSC-EVs were isolated, characterized, and administered to neonatal rats subjected to HIBD. Behavioral reflexes and brain infarction were assessed, along with cellular and molecular analyses of hippocampal tissue. An in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model was used to simulate ischemic conditions in rat primary microglia. Results demonstrated that hUC-MSC-EVs significantly improved neurological outcomes, reduced brain infarction, and decreased microglial activation and pyroptosis. These effects were linked to the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and enhanced ubiquitination via the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway. Blocking PKA partially reversed these protective effects. Here we highlight that hUC-MSC-EVs provide neuroprotection by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for HIBD. These findings expand the understanding of EV-mediated neuroprotection and suggest broader applications for ischemia-related conditions, with potential for clinical translation.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent liver disorder that has emerged as a significant public health concern. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms by which Y-box binding protein-1 (YB1) knockdown influences lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in palmitic acid (PA)-induced NAFLD LO2 cells. The expression of YB1 was analyzed using the GSE89632 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. RNA sequencing was performed, followed by Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR), Western blotting, flow cytometry, and various biochemical assays were used to evaluate gene expression, lipid accumulation, and oxidative stress. Our results demonstrated that YB1 is highly expressed in NAFLD. RNA sequencing revealed 798 DEGs between the shCtrl and shYB1 groups, with 190 genes upregulated and 608 genes downregulated. Notably, we observed an increase in Inhibin beta E (INHBE) expression, while EGR1, GDF15, NUPR1, and FOSB were decreased in NAFLD LO2 cells. YB1 knockdown, particularly when combined with INHBE suppression, significantly enhanced cell viability, improved lipid metabolism, and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. The downstream mechanism was primarily associated with TNF-β signaling. Specifically, we observed decreased levels of TGF-β1, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3 following YB1 and INHBE knockdown. Furthermore, INHBE overexpression reversed the beneficial effects induced by YB1 knockdown. In conclusion, YB1 knockdown improves lipid metabolism and reduces oxidative stress in NAFLD LO2 cells, largely through the INHBE/TNF-β signaling pathway. These findings provide valuable insights into novel therapeutic strategies for managing NAFLD.

Endometriosis (EMS) is a chronic inflammatory disease frequently associated with infertility. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation, the most common form of methylation in eukaryotic mRNAs, has gained attention in the study of female reproductive diseases, including EMS and infertility. This study aimed to investigate the role of m6A regulators in EMS-related infertility. To begin, specific m6A regulators were identified by analyzing the GSE120103 dataset, followed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. A nomogram model was then constructed, and unsupervised clustering of m6A regulators was performed to identify distinct m6A molecular clusters. Functional enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between these clusters, along with immune cell infiltration analysis, was subsequently conducted. In addition, the single-cell dataset GSE214411 was analyzed to explore the role of m6A regulators in various cell types. Finally, clinical samples were collected, and immunohistochemistry analysis was performed. The study identified seven key m6A regulators with significant diagnostic value for EMS-related infertility and two distinct m6A molecular clusters. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses of DEGs between the clusters revealed that m6A clustering was strongly associated with immune pathways. Immune cell infiltration analysis further demonstrated that the expression levels of m6A regulators had a notable impact on immune cell infiltration. Single-cell analysis revealed that HNRNPA2B1 and HNRNPC were significantly elevated in endometrial immune cells from infertile EMS patients but notably decreased in stromal cells. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed that HNRNPA2B1 and HNRNPC expression levels were significantly higher in the eutopic endometrium of fertile women compared to ovarian EMS patients. These findings suggest that m6A regulators play critical roles in the development and progression of EMS-related infertility. Notably, HNRNPA2B1 and HNRNPC may serve as potential biomarkers for this condition.

Breast cancer (BC) is a prevalent malignant tumor that poses a significant health risk to women. The complexity of basic BC research and clinical treatment is influenced by multiple factors, including age, fertility, hormone metabolism, molecular subtypes, and tumor grading and staging. Traditional in vitro models often fall short of meeting modern research demands, whereas organoids-an emerging 3D primary culture technology-offer a unique platform that better replicates the tumor microenvironment (TME). Coupled with advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies, organoids have become increasingly valuable in biological and chemical research. Currently, the most widely used organoid model in BC research is the patient-derived organoid (PDO) model, which is generated directly from original tumor tissues. This paper aims to summarize the current status of PDO models across various BC subtypes, highlighting recent advances in genetics, mechanisms of drug resistance, identification of new therapeutic targets, and approaches to personalized treatment. In conclusion, the development of clinical precision medicine urgently requires in vitro models capable of accurately simulating the unique molecular subtypes of patients. This review will examine the challenges and future prospects of organoid models in BC research, offering new insights into the fundamental mechanisms of BC and paving the way for more effective personalized therapies.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that primarily affects the elderly worldwide. It is characterized by local inflammation, which can be targeted therapeutically using natural anti-inflammatory compounds such as curcumin. This scoping review explores the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of curcumin in OA management. A total of 50 relevant original studies published in English were selected from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus using specific search strings, regardless of study type. These studies demonstrated curcumin's anti-inflammatory, protective, and anti-apoptotic effects on chondrocytes. Curcumin has been shown to stimulate chondrocyte proliferation and collagen production while inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase activity. These mechanisms contribute to curcumin's ability to alleviate pain and improve joint function in OA patients. While the findings highlight curcumin's potential in OA management, further research is needed to enhance its bioavailability and determine optimal formulations, dosages, and administration routes.

The aim of the current research was to investigate the association between plasma endocan levels and metabolic control parameters, as well as to evaluate its predictive value for clinical complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DMT2). A total of 100 DMT2 patients participated in this prospective observational study. Plasma endocan levels were significantly elevated in DMT2 patients with HbA1c > 7% (1.38 ± 0.33 vs 0.68 ± 0.23 ng/mL; P < 0.0001), compared to patients with HbA1c ≤ 7%. Patients with plasma endocan concentrations >1.10 ng/mL (median value of 1.10 ng/mL) demonstrated significantly higher levels of metabolic parameters: body mass index (BMI), HbA1c (%), fasting glucose level, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, along with significantly lower HDL cholesterol levels. Furthermore, patients with plasma endocan levels >1.10 ng/mL were found to have an increased risk for the following complications: retinopathy (relative risk [RR]: 2.7500; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2150-6.2244; P = 0.0152, nephropathy (RR: 2.0952; 95% CI: 1.2294-3.5710; P = 0.0065), neuropathy (RR: 1.9945; 95% CI: 1.2025-3.3081; P = 0.0075), angina pectoris (RR: 2.4881; 95% CI: 1.0865-5.6979; P = 0.0311, hypertension (RR: 1.1372; 95% CI: 1.0060-1.2856; P = 0.0398), cardiomyopathy (RR: 2.6190; 95% CI: 1.1507-5.9612; P = 0.0218), myocardial infarction (RR: 9.4286; 95% CI: 1.2742-69.7697; P = 0.0280) and stroke (RR: 4.4638; 95% CI: 1.3765-14.4758; P = 0.0127). Correlation analysis revealed that plasma endocan levels were positively correlated with HbA1c (%) (r = 0.856, P < 0.0001), fasting glucose level (r = 0.631, P < 0.0001), LDL (r = 0.347, P = 0.0004), cholesterol (r = 0.282, P = 0.0045), and triglycerides (r = 0.366, P = 0.0002). Conversely, plasma endocan levels were negatively correlated with HDL cholesterol (r = -0.429, P < 0.0001). In conclusion, higher plasma endocan levels were strongly associated with poor metabolic control in DMT2 patients and exhibited significant predictive value for both microvascular and macrovascular complications.

Severe maternal morbidity is a major global health concern, and early identification of at-risk postpartum women is essential to improving outcomes. We aimed to compare the predictive values of the Modified Early Obstetric Warning System (MEOWS) versus the non-obstetric general Early Warning System (EWS) for predicting severe maternal morbidity in postpartum women. We retrospectively reviewed hospital documentation of 723 postpartum women admitted to the obstetric high dependency unit between October 2020 and March 2021. Severe maternal morbidity was defined using the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' criteria. We assessed the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, as well as positive and negative likelihood ratios, of the MEOWS and the EWS for predicting severe postpartum maternal morbidity. Twenty-four (3.3%) women included in the study met the criteria for severe maternal morbidity. Hypertensive complications and obstetric haemorrhage were the most prevalent causes of maternal morbidity. The sensitivity of the MEOWS was 92%, specificity 62%, positive predictive value 8%, and negative predictive value 100%. The positive likelihood ratio was 2.4, while the negative likelihood ratio was 0.1. In comparison, the EWS had a sensitivity of 63%, specificity of 66%, positive predictive value of 6%, and negative predictive value of 98%. The positive likelihood ratio for the EWS was 1.8, and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.6. The obstetric-specific early warning system proved to be superior for the early prediction of severe postpartum maternal morbidity compared to the general non-obstetric warning system.