Cellular and molecular biology最新文献

Pulpal inflammation remains a significant endodontic challenge requiring improved molecular understanding for effective diagnosis and treatment. Current diagnostic methods largely depend on clinical assessments, necessitating molecular-level insights. This study aimed to analyze comprehensive gene expression profiles in pulpitis to identify potential diagnostic markers and understand underlying molecular mechanisms. We analyzed the GSE77459 dataset from Gene Expression Omnibus, comprising twelve pulpal tissue samples (six irreversible pulpitis and six normal controls). Gene expression profiling was performed using Affymetrix GeneTitan Multichannel Instrument. Pain assessment utilized visual analog scale (VAS) readings, with values >30mm indicating moderate to severe pain. Differential gene expression analysis was conducted using GEO2R, implementing a false discovery rate of 5%. Statistical significance was evaluated through adjusted p-values, log2 fold changes, and comprehensive visualization techniques including Volcano plots, Mean-Difference plots, and UMAP analysis. The analysis identified significant expression changes between inflamed and normal pulp tissues. Three genes showed notable upregulation: SNORD113-3 (log2FC: +0.71), RN5S290 (log2FC: +0.70), and SH3GL2 (log2FC: +0.67). Key downregulated genes included IGHV3-72 (log2FC: -1.66), IGKV1-5 (log2FC: -1.57), and IGHD (log2FC: -1.57). UMAP analysis revealed distinct clustering patterns between disease and control samples, while maintaining proximal positioning, indicating subtle yet consistent transcriptional differences. Statistical analysis showed that 62% of differentially expressed genes had significant adjusted p-values (<1e-8), with 25% exhibiting absolute log2FC values >1.2. This study reveals specific molecular signatures associated with pulpal inflammation, particularly highlighting the downregulation of immunoglobulin-related genes and upregulation of RNA processing factors. These findings provide potential molecular markers for pulpitis diagnosis and suggest new directions for therapeutic interventions in endodontic treatment.

This study highlights the potential of plant extracts as sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to traditional anti-inflammatory drugs, owing to their rich bioactive compounds. The chemical composition and biological activities of ethanolic extracts from Artemisia campestris, Haloxylon articulatum, and Retama raetam were investigated. Extraction yields ranged from 2.94% to 6.84%, with A. campestris showing the highest phenolic content (85.59 ± 2.4 mg GAE/g) and R. raetam having the highest flavonoid concentration (34.77 ± 3.09 mg CE/g). HPLC analysis identified therapeutic phenolic and flavonoid compounds, including sinapic, quinic, and caffeic acids in A. campestris, p-coumaric acid in H. articulatum, and salicylic acid in R. raetam. Antimicrobial tests revealed that Gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus were sensitive to the extracts, though Gram-negative strains were unaffected. Antifungal activity was limited, with only H. articulatum showing inhibition of Rhizoctonia solani. Strong antioxidant activities were noted, particularly in H. articulatum and R. raetam extracts (IC50 = 130 µg/mL). In anti-inflammatory assays, all extracts exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of enzymes linked to inflammation, including COX-1, COX-2, 5-LOX, and sPLA2. A. campestris demonstrated the most potent inhibition, reaching 100% inhibition of sPLA2 at 200 μg/mL, while A. campestris and R. raetam provided significant protection in human red blood cell membrane stabilization assays. These results suggest that these plant extracts have considerable biological potential, especially in enzyme inhibition related to inflammation, making them promising candidates for future therapeutic use.

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite that evades the host immune system using its surface proteins. These proteins, including SAGs, MICs, and GRA, regulate host immune responses by interacting with immune receptors, modifying immune signaling pathways, and suppressing inflammatory responses. This modulation allows the parasite to survive and replicate within host cells. The study employed various biochemical and immunological methods, such as ELISA, flow cytometry, RT-PCR, Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), to assess the effects of these surface proteins on immune responses. Results showed that Toxoplasma surface proteins reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α) and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-10). SPR analyses confirmed direct interactions between parasite proteins and host immune receptors, altering immune-related signaling pathways. These findings emphasize the significant role of Toxoplasma surface proteins in suppressing the immune system and promoting parasite survival and replication. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms could aid in developing new therapeutic strategies and vaccines against toxoplasmosis. Future research could focus on identifying additional signaling pathways and creating targeted interventions.

Sensory and motor nerve damage is a common complication of maxillofacial surgery and trauma. Procedures such as orthognathic surgery, tumor resection, and salivary gland interventions can damage peripheral nerves when the surrounding soft tissue or the nerve itself is manipulated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the histological changes in the sciatic and median nerves of albino rabbits following traction-induced nerve injury. Nine albino rabbits were included in the study and divided equally into three groups, with three rabbits per group. In each rabbit, four peripheral nerves were exposed: the right and left sciatic nerves and the right and left median nerves. In Group A, varying traction forces (0.5 N, 1 N, 1.5 N, and a control of 0 N) were applied to each nerve for 5 minutes. The same traction forces used in Group A were applied to Groups B and C for 10 minutes and 15 minutes, respectively. Nerve fiber abnormalities, as well as damage to the axons, myelin sheath, and connective tissue layers, were assessed through histological examination. Histopathological evaluation of the injured nerves revealed Grade I and Grade II nerve injuries in Group A, while Grade IV and Grade V nerve injuries were noted in Groups B and C, respectively, based on the criteria established by the histopathologist.

Gastric cancer is a prevalent malignant tumor, characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates globally. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a class of transcripts exceeding 200 nucleotides in length, are non-protein-coding molecules that exert crucial regulatory functions in cellular biology. Investigating the regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs in gastric cancer is essential. This study aimed to elucidate the functional role and molecular mechanisms of LINC00520 in gastric cancer. Initially, the GEO database was screened for differentially expressed genes associated with the malignant progression of gastric cancer. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was utilized to ascertain the LINC00520 expression in gastric cancer tissues. Subsequently, cellular functional assays were conducted to investigate the potential effects of LINC00520 on cellular behavior. The interaction between LINC00520, miR-519b-3p, and HIF1A was examined through bioinformatics analysis, and their binding interactions were confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter gene assays and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. Our findings revealed a marked increase in the LINC00520 expression in gastric cancer tissues. Overexpression of LINC00520 was observed to enhance the malignant progression of gastric cancer cells. Through bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assays, and RIP assays, we demonstrated that LINC00520 upregulated HIF1A expression by competitively binding to miR-519b-3p, thereby acting as a molecular sponge. In conclusion, this study indicates that LINC00520, which is highly expressed in gastric cancer, exerts its effects by targeting the miR-519b-3p/HIF1A axis. These insights provide a foundation for developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for gastric cancer.

Nile tilapia has become one the most significant species in global aquaculture due to its exceptional adaptability, rapid growth and high reproductive capacity. Role of Sox genes in reproduction and development made attention to further investigate the role of these genes. Based on N. tilapia importance in aquaculture industry and role of Sox genes in the development of tissues and organs during embryogenesis, this study systematically analyzed Sox genes functionality in N. tilapia by using computational tools. In our study, phylogenetic analysis revealed that N. tilapia is most closely related to blue tilapia compared to other species. Sox genes are conserved in nature and share both acidic and basic properties as well as thermostable and hydrophobic in nature. The subcellular localization in N. tilapia indicated that majority of the Sox proteins are expressed in the Nucleus and Cytoplasm. Enrichment analysis explains the Sox genes' role in cell differentiation, and biosynthesis process and acts as a molecular functional regulator. Significant differences in transcription binding sites were observed, highlighting the potential role of these regulatory regions in the regulation of Sox genes in N. tilapia. First time it is reported that Sox genes in N. tilapia have four major recombinant breakpoints that revealed phylogenetic segregation across several recombination fragments. In this primer, we aim to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of Sox gene family in N. tilapia and to provide the functional properties of Sox genes for better follow-up in upcoming experiments for futuristic research.

Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) plays a crucial role in resistance to mycobacterial infections, as it is a regulatory cytokine that acts as a pro-inflammatory mediator. Consequently, variants in the gene encoding this cytokine may be associated with a high risk of contracting pulmonary tuberculosis. The present study aimed to investigate the genetic susceptibility of polymorphisms in the gene coding for IFN-γ to infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Burkina Faso. This cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2023 to January 2024. Venous blood was collected from suspected cases. Tuberculosis was confirmed by GeneXpert (CEPHEID). Human genomic DNA was extracted using the salting-out extraction technique, followed by the amplification and genotyping of IFN-γ gene polymorphisms,through the conventional PCR. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS and Epi info software. A total of 168 participants were included in the study, with an average age of 38.58 ±14.88, the majority of whom were men (76.19%). In our study population, 73.2% (123/168) were confirmed positive for tuberculosis. Some 46.4% (78/168) of the previous cases were contacts. Of these contact cases, 82.05% (64/78) were GeneXpert positive. The genotypic frequencies of the IFN-γ gene were distributed as follows: 73.3% (AA), 21.8% (AT) and 4.9% (TT), with a frequency of 84.2% for the A allele versus 15.8% for the mutated T allele. No statistically significant association was found between IFN-γ gene polymorphisms and M. tuberculosis infection in Burkina Faso. IFN-γ gene polymorphisms (IFN +874T/A) do not appear to be associated with M. tuberculosis infection in Burkina Faso.

Vascular lesion is the most important complication of diabetes, and vascular endothelial injury is the basis of vascular lesions. Although apelin was considered to have a positive effect on cardiovascular, the potential mechanisms remain unclear. In this work, we aimed to determine whether apelin alleviates endothelial injury through Src/Stat3 pathway. In virtue of network pharmacology, Src/Stat3 was sifted of 44 overlapping targets of diabetes and apelin. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with high glucose (HG) and oleic acid (OA) to simulate the physiological environment of endothelial injury in vitro. Cell viability and migration were promoted while apoptosis rate and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) release were reduced in the presence of apelin. Not only the protein expression of phosphorylated Src and Stat but also eNOS were raised by apelin. In conclusion, apelin dramatically improved cell status by activating Src/Stat3 pathway and increasing expression of eNOS. Apelin may provide an opportunity for the development of cardiovascular drugs.

Talaromyces marneffei is a pathogenic fungus that causes fatal health complications for patients who are infected with HIV. For the current investigation, sputum samples were collected from 19 immunosuppressed patients from two hospitals located in Baghdad, Iraq by which they were inoculated onto both Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) medium at 25 °C and BHI (brain heart infusion) agar at 36±1 °C for growth before being identified using single and nested PCR methods. The 18S rRNA gene sequence of T. marneffei was used to create two sets of oligonucleotide primers, RRF1 and RRH1 which are considered fungus-specific outer primers were employed. Both nested and solo PCRs using the T. marneffei-specific inner primers (Pm1 and Pm2) were carried out. To define the phylogenetic relatedness of this isolate, the MEGA X program was used to align the nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences of T. marneffei. Results showed that the wine-colored pigmented isolates in agar were dimorphic, exhibited bloom-like twigs and spore chains characteristic under the microscope, and were filamentous type colonies with light yellow villi. Finally, immuno-compromised patients in Iraq have T. marneffei in their blood cultures that will be induced to pathogenicity, and the PCR assay is valuable for T. marneffe identifying. Other results from nested PCR revealed that 8 human isolates, from 19, have specific fragments of about 400 bp on the agarose gel.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major nosocomial pathogen causing severe morbidity and mortality in hospitals globally.Transmission of MRSA occurs within the healthcare sector as a nosocomial infection, primarily facilitated by healthcare workers or patients admitted to medical facilities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic characterization and similarity of MRSA strains isolated from both inpatients and outpatients who visited various healthcare facilities in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A total of 200 MRSA strains were isolated from participants between March 2018 and June 2019. The recovered strains were characterized using both phenotypic and genotypic methods. All isolates (n=200) tested positive for the S. aureus 16S rRNA gene, with 92.5% also testing positive for the mecA gene, while 7.5% were identified as methicillin-susceptible. Furthermore, the typing and subtyping of the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) genetic element indicated that 61.6% of the MRSA strains were classified as type III (hospital-acquired), while 32.4% were identified as type IV and 6% remained of an unknown type. Subtyping of SCCmec type IV and the detection of the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) gene were also conducted. The genetic relatedness among MRSA isolates, assessed through Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Polymerase Chain Reaction (RAPD-PCR), revealed two primary clusters, with no discernible differentiation between outpatient and inpatient strains. Additionally, Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) fingerprinting of the examined strains identified four major clusters. The first cluster comprised three groups (16 strains), isolated from patients with respiratory and soft tissue infections. The second cluster included two groups (12 strains), all recovered from patients with respiratory, soft tissue, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). The third and fourth clusters each contained one group (6 strains and 5 strains, respectively), all isolated from outpatients. In conclusion, Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed significant resistance to ceftriaxone, ampicillin, and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, with vancomycin and gentamicin being the most susceptible. Multiplex PCR identified all positive MRSA strains within hours. Most isolates were SCCmec type III and type IV. The PVL gene was found in all S. aureus isolates, especially in type IV and methicillin-sensitive strains, but not in type III. RAPD-PCR analysis revealed distinct profiles for outpatient and inpatient strains.